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W H E R E B O A T E R S G O F O R N E W S

June 2012

GLB’s 30th ANNIVERSARY

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CORSAIR 36

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04 GLB | May/June 12

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GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) ©2012 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating

Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610. p 312.266.8400 or e [email protected]

Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution centers and newsstands in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine, 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

All manuscripts should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Great Lakes Boating

Magazine is not responsible and will not be liable for non-solicited manuscripts, including photographs. Great Lakes Boating Magazine does not assume liability or ensure accuracy of the content contained in its articles, editorials, new product releases and advertising. Inquiries may be directed to the authors through the editorial offi ce. Products, services and advertisements appearing in Great Lakes Boating

Magazine do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of their safety by Great Lakes Boating

Magazine. Material in the publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Great Lakes Boating Magazine editorial and executive staff. Past copies may be purchased by sending a written request to the offi ces of Great Lakes Boating

Magazine. For reprints contact: FosteReprints, p 800.382.0808 or f 219.879.8366.

Advertising | Sales Inquiries Neil Dikmenp 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470e [email protected]

Michigan | Ohio M2Media CompanyMark Moyer • p 248.840.0749e [email protected]

In this collector’s issue, you will be greeted with a story about the 30th anniversary of Great Lakes Boating. Throughout the years, the magazine has grown, evolved and transformed itself into the premier boating publication for those who cruise freshwater seas and inland waterways. Publishing a magazine that serves the needs of recreational boaters and anglers on the Great Lakes and beyond is no small task. Doing so for three decades is a major accomplishment.

For all the time and effort that has gone into publishing magazines for three decades, I can honestly say it has been a labor of love that I would not exchange for anything. Over the years, you, the readers, have taught me what is readable and worth putting into GLB. The 4.3 million boaters that navigate the Great Lakes have provided me with a boatload of subject matter. Publishing this magazine has not made me rich in terms of dollars and cents, but my life has been enriched by the boaters I meet, greet and reach through this communications vehicle.

In this issue, we have a story on clean marinas. All marinas have a special responsibility to keep our waters clean and our fi sh and wildlife plentiful, but certain marinas will also undertake best management practices and implement policies and procedures to be environmentally

friendly facilities. They are certifi ed and designated as Clean Marinas. Although not every marina is a Clean Marina, boaters should work with and support those marinas that achieve this designation.

Our boating feature this issue focuses on Chris-Craft, a trademark company of crafted boats whose origins can be traced back to the Great Lakes. The long history of this boat manufacturer is highlighted by elegant boats that provide comfort, durability and fi ne aesthetic lines for the proud owner, and the new models continue this tradition.

We also have a story on boaters with disabilities. There are a number of organizations around the country that seek to introduce disabled people to the joys of sailing. The programs offered range from taking people for boat rides to those that teach the disabled how to sail and partake in competitive racing.

Great Lakes boaters are a varied lot, but they share certain common traits. There are many businesses designed to meet the specifi c needs, but there’s one boating business on the Great Lakes that is truly a one-stop shop for all your boating needs—SkipperBud’s. If you are in the market to buy a new or used boat, looking for a place to dock it in the summer, store it in the winter, and add any boating accessory, then stop by any of the SkipperBud’s businesses on the Great Lakes.

And as you fi nish reading this issue, pick up a libation and join me in celebrating our 30th anniversary. Happy Birthday Great Lakes Boating!

F. Ned Dikmen

Karen Malonis

Jerome A. Koncel

Mike BaronKerry Gruson

Mila RykAndrea Vasata

Trent Tomanich

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Managing Editor

Associate Editor

Contributing Writers

Graphic Design

Web Master

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS

GREATLAKESBOATING.COM

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS READY

visit us at


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DEPARTMENTS

16FEATURESFEATURES

• CHRIS CRAFT 12 • CLEAN MARINAS 16• ADAPTIVE SAILING 24• SKIPPERBUD’S 28

IN THE NEWSIN THE NEWS

• GREAT LAKES 36• FISHING 40• MARINAS 42• CRUISING 44• NATIONAL 46• SAILING 48

DEPARTMENTS

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE 04• EDITORIALS 08• NEW PRODUCTS 50• MARINE MART 52• ADVERTISER INDEX 52• EVENTS CALENDAR 53

24

2832

The all-new Corsair builds upon Chris-

Craft’s reputation for crafting boats that

make a statement and get noticed. The

Corsair 36 is equipped for all seasons

and is ready to take on offshore waters.

It features a new skylight that runs the

entire length of the forward deck and is

fl anked by teak appointments to allow

the maximum natural light to shine in the

forward salon. The vessel has a generous

aft seating area with an electric table that

rises from the fl oor to cocktail height at

the push of a button. Push another button,

and the table will extend to full dining

height. When boaters are fi nished using

the table, it lowers electronically into the

fl oor where it is virtually undetectable.

Key features of this model include an

extended fi berglass swim platform with

a three-step stainless steel swim ladder,

a custom stainless steel windshield

with walk-thru to the foredeck and an

entertainment center with wet bar, cutting

board and storage. There’s also a custom-

designed bimini top with concealed

storage below the aft hatch.

Based in Sarasota, Fla., Chris-Craft is a

leading manufacturer of premium quality

boats and motor yachts. With a tradition

of excellence dating back to 1874, the

Chris-Craft name represents quality

craftsmanship, classic design elegance,

total reliability and performance.

Chris-Craft8161-15th Street EastSarasota, Florida 34243(941) 351-4900(800) 395-8858

chriscraft.com

SPOTLIGHTSSPOTLIGHTS

• GLB 30TH ANNIVERSARY 20• SUMMER BOATING 32

38’2” 12’6”

19,500 lbs.

286 gal.

20 degrees

31”/20”

LOA w/ swim platform :

BEAM:

WEIGHT:

FUEL CAPACITY:

DEADRISE:

DRAFT:

OTC CORSAIR 36CORSAIR 36

Fo

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Cover Photo Forest Johnson Photography

8 GLB | May/June 12

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It wasn’t that long ago that buying a boat was an enjoyable task.

Aft er seeing a particular boat in ads and at boat shows, it was

relatively easy to make the dream come true.

In those days, the economy hummed. Financial statements

could not have looked any better—they were swollen with

net values of owned assets. If your last year of income was not

sterling, your accountant could help put your banker’s worries

to rest. Your present and future commissions, bonuses and

stock market investments and assets had projected healthy

yields. Adding an extra cushion of collateral to ease the

banker’s concern was no problem. Finding ways and means

to fi nance the boat was always within reach. Th ose were the

happy days. In that strong economy we trusted.

No one ever imagined that this eternal good fortune would

come to an end one day. Warnings did not come over PA loud

speakers; swinging baseball bats did not crash down on those

who would not listen. Th e happy music kept humming and

boats kept selling.

Th en one day, suddenly and unexpectedly, the music stopped

and the happy days of life we had come to rely on came to an

end. A new dawn, dubbed Th e Recession, had descended on

our nation and imprisoned us in a hellish dungeon.

The end of the Recession is in sight, but now comes

skyrocketing fuel prices and worries about how you’re going

to deal with them. How will this affect your next boating

season? If you have been a boater for some time, which most

folks are, the answer is clear and simple: You must adapt to

high prices. You must give your boat a new life. One of the best

ways is by improving the interior, the living quarters of your

boat, so you can truly enjoy the luxury of a second home as a

live aboard.

Marine experts and boat show afi cionados report that even

though new boat sales are slow, boating products are selling.

From marine electronics to navigation guide upgrades to

engine tuning, these are the things you need to give your boat

a new life.

Th ose pessimists that don’t see a recovery remain shortsighted,

not recognizing the positive aspects of the situation. Boating

in America remains strong with some 12 million boat owners,

most of whom own their boats free and clear, who could

revitalize their vessels through quality upgrades.

Hiring professionals to give your boat a new paint job or a

full interior rehab can rekindle that romance with your prized

possession. Moreover, by refreshing these vessels, the boating

community, with its millions of registered boaters, will be

making a difference in the broad economy by creating

new jobs.

Revamping the interior of your boat to give it a bright new

look might not be as diffi cult or as expensive as one might

imagine. One interior design expert we called on stated that

reupholstering cushions and furniture throughout the entire

boat can make a world of diff erence.

Curtains around portholes could be another addition that can

alter the entire look of your boat. And if you have a slip situated

at the lakefront of an exciting coastal city, you have it made.

Living aboard your boat does not have to come at a heft y price.

For $3,500, a boater can secure dockage at one of Chicago’s

magnificent harbors for a six-month duration. Even if your

boating excursions are fewer this season than those in the past,

there’s a spruced up lakefront condo you can run to in order to

get away from the hustles and bustles of everyday chores.

As we start our next boating season, let’s make a diff erence.

Don’t let skyrocketing gas prices get you down. Love the boat

you’re with and you’ll be helping yourself enjoy the boating

lifestyle, while at the same time helping the economy create

new jobs.

ED

ITO

RIA

LS

LOVE THE BOAT YOU’RE WITH

Agree? Disagree? Want to Comment?Email your thoughts to lett [email protected]

greatlakesboating.com | 09

When the federal government’s National Ocean Council

submitt ed its Draft Implementation Plan proposing policies

and joint actions for our nation’s oceans, coasts and the Great

Lakes for public comment, little did interested parties and

stakeholders realize that the council had failed to make any

mention of recreational boaters and sportsfi shermen. Such a

serious omission of major users of oceans, coasts and the Great

Lakes prompted the Great Lakes Boating Federation to make

comments on the Plan.

While pointing out that any proposed plan that does not

include recreational boaters and sportsfi shermen in its

discussion is totally unacceptable, our comments also

made some serious recommendations on things the federal

government can do to aid boaters and sportsfi shermen,

a “boaters’ wish list.”

At the top of the wish list is accurate data and factual

information about recreational boating and sportsfi shing,

two major users of our nation’s oceans and freshwater lakes.

If the federal government is to develop policies and programs

for our country’s coastlines, it must do so using factual

information, not estimates and guesses. Th us, we recommend

that the federal government undertake a national feasibility

study that reveals accurate information about the economic

and societal value of recreational boating and fi shing on our

nation’s oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.

The second wish is for the federal government is to

acknowledge the close relationship between boating and

fi shing, and then develop programs that promote, grow and

create a sustainable future for these sectors. Th is may sound

like a major undertaking, but the federal government needs

to look no further than the Dept. of the Interior’s Fish and

Wildlife Services (FWS) if it wants to fi nd a good model

of a government agency that is ensuring that fi shing and

boating are sustainable activities. FWS is doing a great job

of coordinating activities on our nation’s waterways and

implementing boaters’ pay and benefi t programs.

When it comes to specifi c recommendations, GLBF believes

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can no longer overlook

recreational boating harbors in its harbor dredging and

maintenance eff orts. Th e Corps must include more funds for

recreational boating harbors in its annual budget proposals.

Moreover, it must work to make boating access to our nation’s

oceans, coasts and waterways a top priority.

While noting the significant problems that algae blooms,

plastics and other debris f loating in our oceans and along

our coasts pose to the well-being of these natural resources,

the NOC Draft Implementation Plan says nothing about the

invasive species problem, specifi cally the pressing issue of the

Asian carp. Th e federal government must do something to

solve this problem, and it must do so immediately.

At a time of record high gas prices and the search for renewable

energy sources, the Draft Implementation Plan makes no

mention of how renewable energy sources can be used for

the growth and development of recreational boating and

sportsfi shing. Recreational boaters have depended on the

Wallop-Breaux Amendments to the Highway Infrastructure

Act to provide funds for the growth of boating. As the demand

for fossil fuel dries up at marine fuel docks, the federal

government must look at ways to make taxes on new energy

resources be used to benefi t boaters and sportsfi shermen.

The final wish is for the federal government to add a

representative or two from the Great Lakes boating and

sportsfi shing community to its National Ocean Council.

Th ese members can provide the practical knowledge and

experience needed to make the NOC Draft Implementation

Plan one that is benefi cial to all interested parties.

Boaters’ Wish List To The National Ocean Council


JOIN GREAT LAKES BOATING FEDERATION TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT BOATING

To get your voice heard amidst the din and clatt er of a dysfunctional government, boaters on the Great Lakes should join the Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF).

Here’s a checklist of reasons on why you should join GLBF:

• Th ere is only one recognized leader when it comes to advancing the rights, needs and interests of recreational boaters and sportsfi shermen.

• In the face of harsh and undue regulations on the federal, state, and local levels, GLBF is the face of Great Lakes boaters.

• GLBF has been at the forefront of organizations calling for the reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act so that fi shermen and boaters can gain more access to the waters.

• GLBF stopped the Coast Guard’s proposed live fi re zones on the Great Lakes. When others did nothing to stop this dangerous activity, GLBF stepped up to stop it from happening.

• It has worked tirelessly to improve the dredging of small harbors and gain greater access to boat ramps at all harbors.

• It has sought to increase maintenance of navigational aids and breakwaters.

• It has sought to improve the fi sh populations of freshwater lakes and inland waterways.

• It has sought to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from spreading into the Great Lakes.

• It has been the most vocal advocate for recreational boaters in securing the fair use of fees and taxes levied on boaters.

GLBF is the voice for the 4.3 million boaters on the Great Lakes. It is the organization that boaters depend on in advocating and defending the rights of Great Lakes boaters.

For more information or to join the Great Lakes Boating Federation,

visit www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com, email: [email protected]

or call 312-266-8408.


LOA w/swim platform

BeamMax Weight

Fuel CapacityDeadrise

Draft

38’2”

12’6”

19,500 lbs

286 gal.

20 degrees

31”/20”

The Corsair 36 is equipped for all seasons and built to

take on offshore waters. It features a new skylight that runs

the entire length of the forward deck that allow the maximum

natural light to shine in the forward salon. The vessel has

a generous aft seating area with an electric table that rises

from the fl oor to cocktail or dining height at the push of a

CORSAIR 36

F rom its founding in 1874 to its inception in 1922 as Smith & Sons Boat Co. to its incorporation as Chris-Craft Boats in 1930, the Chris-Craft

name has stood for design excellence, high-quality workmanship and craftsmanship, and aesthetically pleasing interiors. The two latest additions to the company’s boat line, the Launch 32 and the Corsair 36, continue the company’s long history and tradition of premium boats.


All interior Corsair 36 photos by Dick Dickinson Photography. All

other photos by Forest Johnson Photography

button. When boaters are fi nished using the table, it lowers

electronically into the fl oor where it is virtually undetectable.

The aft stateroom is equipped with a double bed, full-function

lighting, a carbon monoxide monitor, cedar-lined hanging

locker and a privacy door and frame. The forward v-berth

has built-in storage compartments, a cedar-lined hanging

locker, stereo speakers, and hull-side storage cabinets.

Other notable features include an extended fi berglass swim

platform with a three-step stainless steel swim ladder, a

custom stainless steel windshield with Solex glass and walk-

thru to foredeck, and an entertainment center with wet

bar, cutting board and storage.

Powered by Twin Mercury 8.2L (430 hp) DTS engines, the

Corsair 36 can reach top speeds of approximately 46 to 48

mph@5,000 rpm.


The Launch 32 is the newest and largest in the Launch series of boats. It is the logical next

step for the active boater who wants a bowrider, but also wants the option to overnight at a

moment’s notice, according to Steve Heese, Christ-Craft’s president. The open bow boat offers

an ample aft sunbed and even sleeping accommodations, along with a convenient enclosed

head in the forward cabin. The vessel is powered by twin Volvo Penta 5.7L Gxi (320 hp) EVC

engines with joystick steering.

Noteworthy features include a forward seating area, entertainment consoles with wet bar and

storage, a cockpit refrigerator, and a pressure freshwater system with hot and cold water in the

head as well as hot and cold water on demand in the transom shower. Factory options include

snap-in carpet, bow LED docking lights, windlass with stainless steel anchor and line, and an

electric driver’s helm seat.

The ease of use, sleek proportions, and practical confi gurations make the Launch 32 well-suited

to long excursions as well as sunset cruises.

chriscraf t.com

LOA w/swim platform

BeamMax Weight

Fuel CapacityDeadrise

Draft

34’3”

10’

11,350 lbs

160 gal.

20 degrees

35”/22”

CHRIS-CRAFT LAUNCH 32


All Launch 32 photos by Forest Johnson Photography


Throughout the Great Lakes and across the United

States, the number of marinas being certifi ed as Clean

Marinas is growing in both numbers and popularity

and for good reason. There are currently 26 states that

certify Clean Marinas, three (New York, Massachusetts, and

Pennsylvania), including two on the Great Lakes, that provide

Clean Marina handbooks, but do not offi cially certify facilities,

and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which certifi es marinas in

certain areas of certain states (46 reservoirs in 7 states).

Clean Marinas is a voluntary program that encourages and

calls on marinas, boatyards, and recreational boaters to

adopt measures that reduce pollution and keep waters clean,

while protecting fi sh, wildlife, and plants. Clean Marinas is

generally a statewide program and is usually a collaborative

effort that involves government agencies, businesses,

and individuals.

Clean Marina Programs provide information, guidance,

and technical assistance to marinas/boatyards on how

to minimize their impacts on water quality and coastal

resources. As part of the program, the states identify and

promote best management practices (BMPs) to assist

marinas in reaching their goals.

For the Great Lakes, home to more than 4.3 million boaters,

Clean Marinas is a guiding light that tells boaters which

marinas are undertaking efforts to promote operational

and maintenance practices that will prevent pollution from

entering the waterways. A Clean Marina certifi cation serves

as a guidepost alerting boaters to businesses and facilities

that take environmental stewardship to a new level, one that

employs in some cases 100 BMPs to ensure clean water and

clean facilities.

A JOINT PROGRAMAlthough the Clean Marinas program is a nationwide

effort, it grew out of public concern about marinas and

boatyards and their impact on our nation’s waterways. Public

perception viewed marinas and boatyards as polluters of

the environment. Although this impression was false and

misleading, the industry needed to do something to change

the public’s point of view.

Over the years, marinas have asked their boating customers

what they expect from their marinas and the top two factors

usually are cleanliness and safety/security. Beyond that,

customers are looking to put their boats into a harbor with

By Jerome A. Koncel

Associate Editor

Venetian Marina in Sandusky, Ohio, is one of Ohio’s Clean Marinas

A Badge of HonorCLEAN MARINA:


clean waters. All of these characteristics are the hallmarks

of the state Clean Marina Programs.

In the Great Lakes area, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and

Wisconsin are Clean Marina states, but this does not mean

that the other states are not working to make their marinas

clean and green. For example, In Illinois, the Illinois Coastal

Management Program (ICMP) is collaborating with the

Chicago Park District, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Friends of

the Parks, Westrec Marinas, Chicago Yacht Club, Crowley’s

Yacht Yard, and Lincoln Park Advisory Council to build a

Clean Marina Program.

Although the Lake Michigan coastline is only 63 miles long

in Illinois, a fraction of the total 1,640 miles of total Lake

Michigan shoreline, the area is home to more than half of the

state’s total population and the lake is the largest drinking

water supply in the state, serving nearly 8.5 million people.

For these two reasons alone, it is important to keep the waters

of Lake Michigan clean. And, although marinas and harbors

and boatyards are not the leading source of pollution runoff

into the lake, pollution from marinas and boatyards can have

a signifi cant impact on local water quality.

Rachel Sudimack, the state’s Green Marina Program

Coordinator, said the ICMP works with its partners to

introduce Green Marina Initiatives to Chicago’s harbors

and boatyards. The emphasis on Chicago’s harbors and

marinas is clearly understandable as the city has 9 harbors,

offers more than 5,100 slips to boaters, with an additional

1,000 more coming online with the startup of the 31st Street

Harbor on May 30, and creates an annual economic impact

of around $32 billion per year.

Designed to improve Chicago’s harbors, boatyards, and boats

by minimizing their impact on the waters, Sudimack said the

Green Marina Initiatives are very specifi c, encouraging

and asking both operators and boaters to follow operational

and maintenance practices that will prevent pollution from

entering the coastal waterways.

“CLEAN MARINA PROGRAMS PROVIDE INFORMATION, GUIDANCE, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MARINAS/BOATYARDS ON HOW TO MINIMIZE THEIR IMPACTS ON WATER QUALITY AND COASTAL RESOURCES.”

Building on the Green Marina Initiatives, the ICMP and its

partners are working to develop the state’s Clean Marina

Program by currently developing a handbook of BMPs that

it plans to send to every marina and boatyard in Northeast

Illinois. In addition, they are looking to expand their outreach

and education efforts to marina industry professionals and

boaters alike. The ultimate goal is to produce consistent

standards throughout all the Great Lakes, thereby creating

a Great Lakes Marina Network.

MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township, Mich., was one of the state’s

fi rst Clean Marinas.


Among the Great Lakes states, the most recent Clean Marina

program to hit the marketplace is Wisconsin’s. Jon Kukuk,

owner and manager of NestEgg Marine in Marinette, Wis.,

is the chairman of Wisconsin’s Clean Marina program and

the individual behind the program that has seen 19 marinas/

boatyards certifi ed as Clean Marinas within the association’s

fi rst two years of existence.

Asked to explain why the state has been so successful

in certifying Clean Marinas, Kukuk replied, “I think it’s a

question of time and effort. None of our marinas want their

boating customers to operate in dirty, polluted waters, so

they take special care of their waters and natural habitats.”

Southport Marina, Kenosha, Wis., was the latest marina to

be certifi ed a Clean Marina in Wisconsin. (See the story on

page 43.)

CHALLENGESBecoming a Clean Marina is a hard sell for most states.

The program takes some time, money, and effort, and not

necessarily in that order. Its value is diffi cult to quantify, and

few marinas have been able to directly attribute either the sale

or lease of a slip to being a Clean Marina. That being said,

there is much to be said for the marinas that are certifi ed as

“Clean Marinas.”

As participants in keeping our nations waters and harbors

clean, boaters should ask their marina owners, operators and

managers if their business is a Clean Marina? If not, why

not? If yes, tell the marina “Thanks” for doing its part to be an

environmental steward of our nation’s waterways.

Boaters for their part are encouraged to follow Clean Marina

practices by recycling trash, putting waste oil and batteries

into proper receptacles, using pumpouts instead of dumping

sewage into the waters, preventing gas spills at the fuel

dock, and using nontoxic cleaners in cleaning their boats.

In addition, the Clean Marina program asks boaters to follow

strict environmentally friendly practices in maintaining

their vessels, especially with regards to sandblasting

boat bottoms.

Although the requirements for becoming a Clean Marina

vary from state to state, they share many common elements.

For example, once marinas gather information about the

program, they are required to sign a voluntary Clean Marina

pledge. The pledge tells boaters that the marina or boatyard

is committed to doing everything in its power to keep the

waterways clean.

The next step is for the marinas/boatyards to perform a self-

evaluation. Based on this evaluation, marinas/boatyards will

then adapt and implement a checklist of Clean Marina BMPs

and operations, have outside auditors inspect their facilities,

and be recertifi ed within a specifi ed timeframe.

“THE MARINAS THAT ARE CLEAN MARINAS, ON THE OTHER HAND, BELIEVE THAT THIS DESIGNATION IS A POSITIVE SIGN OF THEIR CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR CUSTOMERS.”

Once certifi ed for Clean Marina status, the marinas and

boatyards can proudly display a certifi cate and, in many

states, fl y a fl ag or burgee signifying their status as a Clean

Marina. They can also add this certifi cation to their letterhead

and put it in their marketing and advertising efforts.

Most marinas that are not Clean Marinas believe the time,

effort, and money involved in achieving certifi cation prevents

them from achieving it. Others believe that the Clean Marina

program is some type of state program designed to regulate

their operations. The marinas that are Cleans Marinas, on the

other hand, believe that this designation is a positive sign of

their concern for the environment and their customers.

Many states, due to the recession, are cutting back on

their funds for Clean Marina programs, and this is having a

negative effect on the number of new Clean Marinas, as well

as those waiting to be recertifi ed.

Only one state in the country has its own Clean Marina

program run by and for marinas—California. The state with

the most Clean Marinas is Florida (248 at press deadline).

The state with the highest percentage of marinas certifi ed

is Maryland (145 out of 619).

Washburn Marina in Washburn, Wis., is one of 19 Clean Marinas

certifi ed in the state.


By Jerome A. Koncel, Associate Editor

2002

-201

2

2002

-201

2

Thirty years ago, Ronald Reagan was president,

the Berlin Wall was still standing, and the Apple

computer was in its infancy, so much so that people

could hardly fathom the concept of putting the device

on a desk. At this same time, F. Ned Dikmen, the son of a

Turkish small business owner who had been told as a child

that “boating was only for the rich,” embarked on a new

publishing venture. This year marks 30 years since Dikmen

started Chicago Boating, which has grown and evolved into

today’s Great Lakes Boating, and the 30th Anniversary is

an appropriate time to refl ect on the magazine’s history

and accomplishments.

The impetus for Chicago Boating, which morphed into

Great Lakes Boating, was a problem all too common among

boaters—Dikmen wanted to sell his boat but couldn’t fi nd a

suitable place to place an ad except in the advertising section

of the Chicago Tribune selling bicycles, furniture, and other

odd equipment. Ever the adventurer, Dikmen saw this as

an opportunity and decided to publish his own boat listings

newspaper, an eight-page newsprint tabloid. He would

make it free to all, and this would be the cornerstone of his

publishing philosophy.

From those humble beginnings in 1982, the publication

grew, evolved, and eventually found a new niche—as an

information and news source for boaters in the Great Lakes.

The format changed from a tabloid to a magazine to a four-

color glossy publication by the mid-1990s. As the magazine

grew, so too did the number of people it reached, as well

as the advertisers, along with the reporters and journalists

who wanted to get their names into the magazine by

writing articles.

The fi rst issue of Chicago Boating exhibited a spirit of

accessibility and openness that has carried through to today.

Dikmen, the founder and still publisher of the magazine,

has always been more interested in having people read the

magazine than in making money off the subscription fees.

However, the rising costs of printing and paper, along with

an increased number of pages, has prompted a heavier

reliance on advertising revenue.

For many years, Great Lakes Boating has been enlightening

and educating boaters with news of the region and leading

the push for needed improvements. One long-time reader has

described the magazine as a staunch advocate for boaters. In

the good times and bad, Great Lakes Boating has never lost

sight of the changing needs of boaters.

Dikmen says there’s not an issue that goes out without his

asking, “Will the boaters like this issue?” At the same time,

he believes that the magazine has never wavered in being

the voice of boaters. One of his most fond recollections is


of writing to readers about the ins and outs of the Great Lakes

Commission. As a member of the Commission representing

boaters, Dikmen said the magazine became the unoffi cial

vehicle for describing and explaining how the Commission

was working to improve life for boaters on the Great Lakes.

Dikmen adds that his recent work as an appointee to the

Sports Fishing and Boating Partnership Council has given

him a new appreciation of and admiration for the Dept. of

the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Services. “The appointment

to this Council has given me enough information to keep the

magazine going for the next fi ve years,” Dikmen said. “It’s

also made me realize that Fish and Wildlife Services does

a terrifi c job of coordinating boating activities to make boating

a sustainable entity.”

Karen Malonis, who serves as the magazine’s managing

editor and has been with the magazine nearly as long as

Dikmen, said her strongest impression of the magazine is how

far it reaches in terms of geography. “I’ve had people from as

far away as Florida and California call and tell me how much

they enjoyed the publication,” she said.

Of all the issues that have been published in the last 30 years,

Malonis said two stand out. “I remember when the magazine

got involved with the live round ammunition exercises the

Coast Guard proposed for the Great Lakes,” commented

Malonis. “And I can also recall one of our early issues that

came out against the city’s proposed 50 percent increase

on moorings.” In both these instances, Malonis said, the

magazine took a bold stance and had a profound infl uence

on each of these activities as the voice of the boaters.

Boaters, marinas, boatyards, and dealers throughout the

region have recognized the magazine’s commitment to the

region and applauded its mission and goals. Scott Stevenson,

vice president, Westrec Marinas, which operates the 10

Chicago Harbors for the Chicago Park District, congratulated

Ned Dikmen and the staff at Great Lakes Boating for 30

years of service to the Great Lakes boating community. “We

appreciate your professional approach to the reporting of

boating issues, and we recognize your contribution to the

industry. Keep up the good work,” said Stevenson.

David Suthard, general manager of North Point Marina in

Winthrop Harbor, Ill., the largest marina on the Great Lakes,

which has been advertising in the magazine for the last 20

years, is a big fan of the magazine. “It has been a big part of

our print marketing strategy, and it’s been quite successful,”

said Suthard. He added that boaters often comment about

articles in the magazine, and he has seen the magazine’s

quality continue to improve from one year to another.

Russell M. Davis, director of marketing-boat brands, for KCS

International, Oconto, Wis., the manufacturer of Cruiser Yachts,

Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, and the newly acquired Azure

1992

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1992

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1


line of boats, echoes Suthard’s comments. “The magazine has

done a good job of selling the boating lifestyle to boaters in the

Great Lakes and beyond, and is one of the major magazines

for our advertising efforts,” said Davis.

Brion O’Dell, marina manager, Waukegan Port District,

Waukegan, Ill., believes the magazine is an excellent source

of information not just on boating, but also on legislative and

political issues that affect the boating community in the Great

Lakes and around the country. “Customers love it based on

the number of magazines that I give out,” said O’Dell. “It’s a

high-quality magazine that reaches the people we’d like to

attract to our marina.”

Although Dikmen describes his tireless and dedicated work

for the magazine as “a labor of love,” anyone in the magazine

publishing business knows that it has not been an easy task.

Establishing a high-quality magazine that meets the needs

of advertisers and readers alike is not an overnight fl ing.

Of all the challenges he has faced in the past 30 years,

Dikmen says the current recession has been the most

troublesome. “With revenues drying up and costs increasing,

I was forced to ask myself whether magazine publishing was

a viable option,” said Dikmen. As you can see from reading

this article, Dikmen has weathered this stormy time, but not

without a few sleepless nights.

As might be expected from an entrepreneur like Dikmen,

the magazine has prompted him to expand his horizons,

renew his efforts to organize boaters and unite a fragmented

industry that separates manufacturers, dealers, and boaters,

as well as marinas, boatyards and associations, into

separate entities struggling to outdo one another in

getting a larger piece of the pie. He’s created the Great

Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF) to be the voice of

boaters to government and legislative agencies, as well

as a way to have boaters acquire products and services at

reduced rates.

When asked to assess the past 30 years, Dikmen said,

“My perseverance, coupled with a love for boating and

sportfi shing, has made Great Lakes Boating what it is today.

Getting a boating publication on the Great Lakes to last

three decades has not been easy. Two things have made this

possible: truthful news and strong editorials in defense of the

rights of the 4.3 million Great Lakes boaters. I am very proud

of the magazine.”

As for the future, Dikmen, Malonis, and the numerous

people associated with Great Lakes Boating all seem to

be “cautiously optimistic” about the upcoming boating

season and beyond. As Dikmen noted, “The magazine

has grown and developed way beyond my expectations.

At the same time, I acknowledge that there’s a lot more to

do and accomplish.”

Pick up your favorite libation and offer a toast to Great Lakes

Boating. Happy 30th Anniversary and many more!

1982

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1982

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1

Illinois

Pedersen Marine, Inc. Antioch (847) 395-3356

West Access Marina Carlyle (618) 594-2461

UK SailmakersChicago (312) 326-1053

North Sails Mid-West Chicago (773) 489-1300

Marine Services Corp Dolton (708) 841-5660

Pistakee Lake Marina Fox Lake (847) 587-2400

Starved Rock Marina Ottawa (815) 433-4218

Hiddencove Marina at Seneca Yacht Club Seneca (815) 357-6869

Waukegan Harbor Waukegan (847) 244-3133

Indiana

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club Aurora (812) 926-4505

Marina Shores at Dune Harbor Portage (219) 762-5700

Michigan

Great Lakes Docks & Decks Algonac (810) 725-0009

Spring Lodge & Cottages Cedarville (800) 480-2282

UK Sailmakers, Detroit Clinton Township (586) 790-7500

Gregory Boat Company Detroit (313) 823-1900

Harbor Hill Marina Detroit (313) 331-6880

Grand Pointe Marina Dimondale (517) 646-6733

Tower Marine Douglas (269) 857-2151 Mitzie’s Dockside Service Ecorse (313) 383-2716

Lost Peninsula Marina Erie (734) 723-7466

Lindy’s Sales, Inc Fairgrove (989) 893-9931

Bouvier Bridge Marina Fairhaven (586) 725-6530

Damark Marine Gibraltar (734) 676-2880

Humbug Marina, Inc Gibraltar (734) 676-6633

Crescent Shores Marina Holland (616) 392-9951

UK Sailmakers, Western Michigan Holland (616) 396-4935

Leaders Marine Kalamazoo (269) 544-2628

L’Anse Marina L’Anse (906) 524-6116

River Rat Dog Fishing Guides, LLCLaingsburg (517) 651-2616

Linwood Beach Marina Linwood (989) 697-4415

Marine City Marine & Service Marine City (810) 420-5106

Menominee Marina Menominee (906) 863-8498

Bridge Harbour Marina Port Huron (810) 982-2492

Port Sanilac Marina Port Sanilac (810) 622-9651

Harbor 9 Marina Saint Clair Shores (586) 776-5650

Miller Marina, Inc. Saint Clair Shores (586) 771-9000

Eagle Pointe Harbor St. Joseph (616) 429-7400

Great Lakes Shores Marina Standish (989) 846-6065

Bayshore Marine Center Traverse City (231) 946-6060

Minnesota

Windmill Marina Association Afton (651) 436-7744

Bayport Marina Association, Inc Bayport (651) 439-2040

Spirit Lake Marina Duluth (218) 628-3578

Kings Cove Marina Hastings (651) 480-8900

River Heights Marina Inver Grove Heights (651) 455-4974

Bill’s Bay Marina Red Wing (651) 388-0481

Howard’s Point Marina Shorewood (952) 474-4464

Rockvam Boatyards Spring Park (952) 471-9515

Watergate Marina St. Paul (651) 695-3780

St. Paul Yacht Club St. Paul (651) 292-8964

Ohio

Catalina Harbour Addyston (513) 941-7909

Channel Park Marina Cleveland (216) 631-5000

Wildwood Yacht Club Cleveland (216) 531-9052

Anchor Pointe Marina Curtice (419) 836-2455

Gallipolis Boat Club Gallipolis (740) 446-3262

Spitzer Harbor Walk Marina Lorain (800) 654-7706

Spitzer Lakeside Marina Lorain (800) 321-3625

Lorain Sailing & Yacht Club Lorain (440) 288-0500

Marine City Marblehead (419) 734-2228

Pipe Creek Marina Sandusky (419) 621-1111

Brenner 75 at Harrison Toledo (419) 729-1676

ZAP Custom Lure, CoToledo (419) 475-2621

Bad Boy Bait, Tackle & MoreVermilion (440) 967-2033

Key Harbour Marina, Inc. Vermilion (440) 967-6993

Vermilion Power Boats Yacht Club Vermilion (440) 967-4100

Wisconsin

Beaver Dam Bay Marina Beaver Dam (920) 319-4062

Ephraim Yacht Harbor Ephraim (920) 854-4014

The Shoreline Resort and Marina Gills Rock (920) 854-2606

City Centre Marina Green Bay (800) 457-2929

SOUTH BAY Marina Green Bay (920) 884-1464

The Reel Thing, LLCGreen Bay (920) 437-9776

St. Croix Marina Hudson (715) 386-8239

Salmon Harbor Marina, LLC Kewaunee (920) 388-2120

Bluewater Marine Kewaunee (920) 388-4550

Harbor Town Marina Marinette (715) 732-9005

Hi Seas Marina Oconto (800) 229-2088

The Dockside, Inc. Oconto (920) 835-5555

Wave Pointe Marina & Resort Sturgeon Bay (920) 824-5440

Bay Marine of Sturgeon Bay, Inc. Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-6526

Sturgeon Bay Marine Center Sturgeon Bay (920) 743-3311

Shipyard Marina/Pirates Cove Suamico (920) 434-2000

ILLINOIS

INDIANA

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

OHIO

WISCONSIN

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Sailing is a wonderful sport in which everyone can

participate, regardless of age or disability. Adaptive

boating equipment makes it possible for even the most

disabled person, such as quadriplegics with no movement

below the neck, to sail a boat.

By best estimates, there are about 30 sailing centers or yacht

clubs around the country that offer a sailing experience to the

disabled, ranging from programs that take people with a wide

range of disabilities for a boat ride to those that teach the

disabled how to sail and race. For a complete list, visit U.S.

Sailing Association (USSA) at tinyurl.com/bljc5t9.

GREAT LAKES SAILINGThe Great Lakes area boasts one of the largest adaptive

sailing programs in the nation: Chicago’s Judd Goldman

Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF). This is a non-profi t

charitable foundation that supports learn-to-sail programs

for the physically disabled and inner city youth. Founded in

1990 in memory of Judd Goldman, a Chicago sailor with a

disability, the JGASF is a public/private partnership with the

Chicago Park District.

The JGASF’s boats, transfer benches and other equipment

are all designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the

sailors. The JGASF also offers beginning to advanced

sailing classes. The equipment includes eight Freedom

Independence 20s, the program’s workhorse, designed

specifi cally for disabled sailors. There are also 11 Sonars and

four 2.4mR boats, respectively the three-person and one-

person Paralympic class boats. For more information, visit

www.juddgoldmansailing.org.

Every August for the last 21 years, JGASF, together with the

Chicago Yacht Club, sponsors the North American Challenge

Cup, attracting the top sailors with disabilities from across

the U.S. and Canada. The sailors compete in three fl eets: the

2.4mR, the Sonar and the Freedom Independence 20.

As a participant in the Challenge Cup, I have many very fond

memories of the event. With my skipper Karen Mitchell, we

placed fi rst for three consecutive years. However, much more

important than the competition is the opportunity to make

friends and exchange life stories with other disabled sailors,

as well as able-bodied sailor volunteers. This year’s regatta

takes place from August 3 to 6. For more information, visit

www.chicagoyachtclub.org/nacc.

MILWAUKEE’S EFFORTBesides the Chicago Yacht Club’s effort, another adaptive

sailing program in the Great Lakes region is the Milwaukee

Community Sailing Center (MCSC), Milwaukee, Wis., which

has featured adaptive programs for more than 30 years,

making it one of the oldest such programs in the country.

By Kerry Gruson and others*

ADAPTIVEJo

na

tha

n G

orc

zyca

SAILING


This past winter, several members of the USSA’s Disabled

Championship Committee unanimously endorsed the

MCSC’s bid to host the U.S. Disabled Championship

in 2013. I found their enthusiasm to support the event

surmounted the drawback that they do not have any of the

boats normally required for a disabled regatta at this level,

i.e. the Paralympic boats. The MCSC has a fl eet of Pearson

Ensigns with a modifi ed sail plan, which it is proposing for

the Championship. I believe these boats, equipped with an

adaptive seating system designed at Shake-A-Leg Miami

(SALM)—of which more below—could work well for the

purpose. The MCSC also has two Hoyer lifts for getting

people on and off boats. It installed an ADA-compliant

fl oating dock in 2006.

The Championship, which will be held September 5 to 8, 2013

was formerly known as the Independence Cup. It used to run

concurrently with the NACC and sailed out of the Chicago

Yacht Club as recently as 2005, when I last competed in

these regattas.

The MCSC has individual programs and partners with

Milwaukee County’s program for the disabled. It gives more

than 1,500 people boat rides every summer. Every Friday

at the MCSC is adaptive day, with volunteers giving rides to

people with many different disabilities. The MCSC Web site

is www.sailingcenter.org.

In its program for people with disabilities, the MCSC uses a

7-foot-6-inch long Access dinghy manufactured in Australia.

The Access dinghies were designed to appeal to that huge

majority of the world who like to go sailing but fi nd it diffi cult

to do so. Everyone can enjoy sailing and even racing this

boat. However, its design—a single seat, joystick steering,

a sail that is controlled by a single line and a long ballasted

dagger board making it almost impossible to capsize—means

it functions very well as a boat to introduce a disabled person

to the joys of sailing.

MIAMI PROGRAMOne of the largest year-round adaptive sailing programs in the

U.S. is SALM, a community boating center that also serves

a broad spectrum of disabilities. The site includes 100 feet of

fl oating dock, a historic Coast Guard hangar and a three-story

building with a deck that overlooks Biscayne Bay, one of the

choicest sailing venues in the world.

A wide range of programs are offered here. On Saturdays,

sailing classes are available to both able and disabled adults

and children. SALM partners with the Miami Dade County

Schools to provide art, marine science and other enrichment

programs. Every January, it hosts Paralympic classes for the

Miami Olympic Classes Regatta.

On Wednesdays, beginning in late spring and continuing

through August, i.e., roughly during Daylight Savings Time,

SALM hosts Wednesday Night Racing, a popular way to break

up the week. All sailors, regardless of their sailing experience,

are welcome to these races.

SALM schedules Moonlight Sails on the Saturday closest to

the full moon. SALM also runs Discover Boating–Community

Ch

ristie Den

son

Jeff Go

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an

North Amerian Challenge Cup

Bay Days where the general public is treated to a free sail

or powerboat ride. Veterans are offered fi shing and SCUBA

diving programs, which launch from the SALM facility.

“CURBS AND STAIRS MAY HOLD ME BACK, BUT WIND AND WATER MOVES ME FORWARD.” Motto of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center’s

adaptive sailing program

The organization’s fl eets include 11 Freedom Independence

20s, a fl eet of Access dinghies, a 31-foot Beneteau and a

40-foot pontoon deck boat, as well as a 26-foot infl atable,

both of which can be handled by a disabled person. There

are plans to make it possible for a disabled person to helm,

as well as crew, on the Beneteau. View the Shake a Leg

Miami Web site at www.shakealegmiami.org.

TeamParadise, a major provider of training for disabled

sailors with a desire to compete at a high level, is located on

the SALM campus. It is now also known as “The Paralympic

Sports Club of Miami.” Despite the new name, its fl eet of

Sonars and 2.4mR boats is available for charter to anyone

once their sailing skills are assessed. For more information

visit www.teamparadise.org.

ADVANCEMENTSShake-A-Leg Miami’s Innovation Center has developed

a series of adaptive seating systems that allow mobility-

impaired sailors to helm the boat while switching to the high

side with every tack. Check out the TackMaster (TM) series

at www.whyditot.com.

While there are many different systems around (see the U.S.

Sailing Association’s Council for Sailors with Disabilities page

http://racing.ussailing.org/Disabled_Sailing), the newest version, the

TM3, is both simple and inexpensive. In addition, it can function

in the crew position, as well as fi tting into both the power and

sailboat cockpits of almost any size and confi guration, such

as an Ensign. It should be noted that any disabled sailor or

sailing program can copy the TM3, but the royalties from the

manufacturing thereof will go to Shake-A-Leg Miami.

For those who are disabled and interested in sailing, but do

not fi nd a nearby program on the USSA’s list, go to a local

sailing organization and ask if anyone will give you a ride.

Chances are a disabled sailor will belong to that club or a

nearby one, or others will be able to refer you and/or provide

you with the opportunity themselves.

Likewise, if you are looking to volunteer to help a disabled

person get on the water, go to your local yacht or sailing club

and offer to help. You will create memories and friendships

that will last a lifetime.

* * * * *

Kerry Gruson is Vice Chairman of Shake-A-Leg Miami’s Board of

Directors. Nichole Rider, a disabled sailor who is the Commodore

of the Windy Wyoming Sailing Club; Bill Nosher, Sales & Marketing

Director for Forespar; and Peter Goldman, President of the Judd

Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, provided research assistance

for this article.

Jon

athan G

orczyca

Transfer bench at JGASF, Chicago


Because boats and boaters come in all shapes and

sizes, the idea of being a “one-stop shop” to fi t all of

a boater’s needs seems far-fetched. Building such a

business, particularly to serve the 4.3 million boaters on the

Great Lakes, seems diffi cult, if not impossible. Fortunately,

there’s at least one company with roots in the Great Lakes

that is striving to be a one-stop shop for all your boating

needs—SkipperBud’s.

Since its inception in 1966 and up to the present,

SkipperBud’s has been a family owned and operated

business. It is currently led by the second generation of

the Pretasky family, Mike Pretasky Jr., who works tirelessly

to fulfill his father’s vision of growing the boating lifestyle

in the Midwest.

HISTORYBud Pretasky founded SkipperBud’s in the mid-1960s, hence

the name SkipperBud’s. After a short time in business in

LaCrosse, Wis., Bud added a couple of business partners:

his brothers Mike and Dave Pretasky. The company grew

and moved to the Milwaukee area in the early 1970s, at which

time Bud left the company and turned over the reins to Mike

and Dave.

Under Mike Pretasky’s leadership, the company grew into

one of the premier service centers in the Midwest. He also

put together an aggressive expansion plan built on the idea

that boaters preferred to talk with one person, deal with one

business to address all their boating needs.

The company formed Skipper Marine Development in 1987 as

a way to share the knowledge, information and management

services it had gained over the years to help boat dealers and

marinas construct, startup, and operate their businesses.

During the 1990s, SkipperBud’s expanded its boat sales and

service by opening dealerships throughout Wisconsin and in

Illinois. In 1999, the company expanded into Michigan with

the acquisition of the Brennan Marine dealerships in Eastern

Michigan and a new highway location in Coopersville, Mich.

In 2003, the company ventured into Northern Ohio with the

purchase of the Marina Del Isle facility in Port Clinton. The

Ohio location had a marina, storage building and restaurant,

but no sales facility. The business now has a 20,000 sq. ft.

dealer showroom.

In 2007, the next generation of Pretasky’s took on the

responsibility of leading the company and expanding the

SkipperBud’s brand. Mike Pretasky Jr. became president,

and under his leadership, the company expanded its sales

offerings to include inboard towboats, as well as pontoon and

fi shing brands. In addition, he diversifi ed the cruising models

offered at various dealerships. During this time SkipperBud’s

also began to expand its Internet presence, offering all

inventories—new and used—on its own Web site and at

other major Web sites in the boating marketplace.

By Jerome A. KoncelAssociate Editor

One Stop Shopping on the Great Lakes

fi shing boats yachtsmarinas

sport boats


With the current economy, the company’s expansion has

slowed, but SkipperBud’s continues to seek out and develop

viable business opportunities. While it’s true that companies

need physical brick and mortar locations and equipment,

the owners of SkipperBud’s were quick to realize that the

growth, success and future of the company depends on their

entire team of more than 300 employees that has brought the

organization to where it is today. “SkipperBud’s wouldn’t be

where it’s at today without a group of dedicated employees,”

said Mike Pretasky Jr.

MANY DIFFERENT LAYERSFor more than 40 years, SkipperBud’s has been striving to be

a company that grows boating by listening to its customers.

“What do boaters want? What do they need?” From these

answers, SkipperBud’s has evolved into a company that sells

boats, repairs them, and docks them. It has also sought to

develop high-quality sales, service and management teams.

With 22 locations consisting of numerous sales, service and

marina facilities throughout the Midwest, SkipperBud’s would

appear to be in the bigger and better category of businesses,

but the company has never lost its focus on growing the

boating lifestyle. Knowing the needs and wants of boaters,

the company has always asked if its business ventures

answer the question: “How do we grow the boating lifestyle?”

BOAT SALESMost boaters know of SkipperBud’s as the seller of

premium boat brands and styles that range from fi shing

boats to luxury yachts. Among its offering are yachts, deck

boats, family cruisers, runabouts, pontoons, tow boats and

fi shing boats.

YACHT CENTERSNot all of SkipperBud’s sales and service facilities can

handle yachts weighing up to 85 tons and standing 100 feet

long and longer. To take care of these customers and their

yachts, SkipperBud’s has fi ve yacht centers in the Midwest.

The individual facilities are linked together under the Yacht

Center umbrella because they have the Travelifts that can

haul 85-foot to 100-foot long boats in and out of the water.

The facilities are located in Grand Haven, Mich.; Marblehead,

Ohio; Milwaukee and Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; and Winthrop

Harbor, Ill. Those yacht captains that cruise the waters of the

Great Lakes should feel secure knowing that they are never

too far from a SkipperBud’s facility that can take care of their

service, repair and storage needs.

BOATING SUPER CENTERSThe company designates some dealerships and repair

facilities as Super Centers because they are full service

boating headquarters. These units have the capacity to

maintain and repair almost any make of boat or engine

model. They also carry the toys that make boating so much

fun, such as wakeboards, waterskis, tubes, ropes, vests,

boots, bindings, wet/dry suites, plus boat lifts and hoists

for those customers with lakefront property and backyard

dockage. They also offer on-site storage facilities that

pontoonsslips

deck boats service

include summer in/out storage. They are the one-stop

shops for today’s busy boaters.

MANAGEMENT SERVICESAs noted earlier, SkipperBud’s has offered private sector and

public sector professional marine management services since

1987. The company has recently expanded its management

offerings to include accounting and reporting, information

technology, insurance consulting, branding and marketing,

design, construction, and damage/rehab.

SKIPPERBUD’S MARINASWhen it comes to marinas, dry storage, and winter storage,

SkipperBud’s has more than 2,300 wet slips, 1,000 dry stack

spaces, and room for 3,300 boats in its storage facilities.

SkipperBud’s either owns and operates or manages marinas

across the country, including Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona

Beach. Fla.; Sardis Lake Marina, Sardis Miss.; Clinton Marina,

Clinton, Iowa; and Scorpion Bay Marina, Peoria, Ariz. In

Wisconsin, SkipperBud’s is associated with Harbour Centre

Marina in Sheboygan, Prairie Harbor Yacht Club in Kenosha,

Quarterdeck Marina and Harbor Club Marina in Sturgeon

Bay, SkipperBud’s Oshkosh, and SkipperBud’s Madison. In

Michigan, there’s SkipperBud’s Bay City and SkipperBud’s

Fenton, while there is Port Clinton SkipperBud’s in Port

Clinton, Ohio.

SKIPPERBUD’S SERVICE CENTERSSkipperBud’s has built its reputation as a boat dealer, but its

core value is in being a boat dealer that services boats. The

company performs mechanical and fi berglass repair, as well

as parts and accessories sales. It believes that its 48 Mercury

trained and certifi ed technicians are capable of servicing any

boat and engine.

For SkipperBud’s, there is no request that is too big, too

small, or too complicated for its service technicians. From

normal tuneups on all engines, including outboard, inboard,

and stern-drive, to simple prop repairs or replacement to

complete detailing services, SkipperBud’s can handle it.

Looking to replace those old electronics with the newest

navigation aids, SkipperBud’s is the place. It will also repair

fi berglass damage and perform special requests, such as

installing bow and stern thrusters, repairing trailers, and

customizing interiors. It will transport your boat across the

road or across the country, by water or over the road, and

it will do so safely and expeditiously.

STORAGE UNITSIndicative of how SkipperBud’s changes with the times are its

storage facilities. “There is a strong demand by boaters for

heated indoor storage facilities,” said Betsey Arvai, marketing

director, SkipperBud’s, Winthrop Harbor, Ill. “As a result, we’re

building more heated spaces.”

THE MESSAGEFor SkipperBud’s the boating lifestyle offers values and

opportunities that can be cherished by kids, adults, seniors,

families, and individuals. That being said, this lifestyle

is under fi re these days and needs to be supported by all

segments of the industry and all future generations.

It is imperative that manufacturers and dealers work together

to create exciting products and sell the lifestyle so it can

thrive into the future. For its part, SkipperBud’s is working to

grow the boating lifestyle through its businesses and other

activities. SkipperBud’s wants to get people out on the water,

using their boats and creating lasting family memories. Family

members of all ages can get involved in boating and that

makes for a way of life that can transcend the generations and

bring families together both now and into the future.

skipperbuds.com

storage winthrop harbor

yacht centerquarterdeck marina


T he educated recreational boater who boats throughout

the year knows to take those extra precautions that

come with boating during the off season, but summer adds

some unique challenges.

To begin with, stressors like heat, sun glare, noise, engine

vibration, and the motion of the boat can produce signs and

symptoms that mimic those caused by ingesting alcoholic

beverages. That’s because the impacts are synergistic, i.e.,

taken as a whole the effect is greater than the sum of each

individual stressor. That’s also why we recommend that

boaters avoid drinking alcohol while boating.

Hot weather can be deceiving. The days may be warm and

sunny, but many U.S. waters are designated as cold waters

for safety purposes throughout the year—Lake Tahoe, for

example. A temperature of less than 65°F can adversely affect

a person in the water. Consider the water temperature where

you’ll be boating before you dive in.

Hot weather also makes it tempting to remove your lifejacket—

but don’t. If you are still carrying the old “horse collar” type,

consider summer the perfect excuse to move up to an

infl atable lifejacket for everyone on board. Infl atables come

in many shapes and styles that are comfortable, cool,

and tan friendly.

Then there are the weekend and holiday hazards, such as an

increased number of boats, people in the water, music, and

fun activities onshore and off.

The 4th of July brings out record numbers of boaters to the

nation’s lakes, rivers and bays to celebrate America’s birthday

and enjoy an evening of fi reworks. But if you’re like some

boaters, heading in after the festivities may be the only time all

year that you’re navigating your boat in the dark. Make sure

your vessel’s navigation lights are in proper working order.

Vessel navigation lights let other boaters know your vessel

type, activity, and direction of travel, so you can both take

the proper action to avoid a collision. Designate a lookout

and operate at a speed that allows you to react appropriately

under the prevailing conditions. Boating at night requires

heightened awareness. Buoys, fl oating logs, sandbars, and

unlighted piers are all much more diffi cult to see at night—as

are you.

Here are a few specifi c suggestions for keeping your summer

boating safe, carefree, and fun.

By Mike Baron

U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division

Summer

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DO MIND THE TRAFFIC: The number of

recreational boats on the water peaks in midsummer and

so do boating accidents, rising more than fourfold from

April to July, according to the most recent Coast Guard

data. Maintain a safe speed and stay alert to other boaters,

swimmers, skiers, and other towed water sport participants,

especially during holiday weekends when fi reworks and

festivities compound the distraction.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF CARBON MONOXIDE: Avoid high carbon monoxide risk behaviors, like hanging off

the swim platform of a boat moving forward (known as “teak

surfi ng”). Don’t linger near powerboats that are idling in close

proximity. Once you launch, move off to a clear area.

DO TAKE ALONG INSECT REPELLENT: Nothing ruins enjoyment of the outdoors like a swarm of biting

fl ies or mosquitoes, plus they could provide that momentary

distraction that leads to a collision.

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES: Not only do they provide UV protection for your eyes but they

also give you a clearer view of other boats and any hazards in

the water by reducing glare.

DO STAY HYDRATED: Dehydration can lead

to headaches and fatigue. In hot weather the drink of choice

should be water or other non-alcoholic liquids such as

lemonade, fruit juice, or soft drinks.

DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL AND BOAT:

Alcohol impairs judgment, accelerates dehydration, and

intensifi es the effects of other on-the-water stressors, such as

heat, glare, and engine vibration. Early in the season, when air

and water temperatures are still chilly, alcohol can accelerate

hypothermia. Alcohol use also increases the risk of someone

accidentally falling overboard. Be aware that operating a boat

under the infl uence of alcohol (BUI) is illegal and in some

states mirrors those penalties associated with driving under

the infl uence.

Law enforcement offi cers

from local, state and federal

boating agencies will be out

in force June 22 to 24 for

Operation Dry Water 2012,

an annual campaign focused

on the enforcement of drunk

boating laws and raising

awareness among recreational

boaters that it is unsafe and

illegal to operate a boat while

under the infl uence of alcohol

and/or drugs (BUI).

Nearly one in fi ve boating fatalities results from alcohol use,

and states have gotten tougher in recent years in enforcing

laws against this high-risk behavior. Operating a recreational

vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is

against federal and most state laws.

Held each year the weekend before the 4th of July holiday,

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National

Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)

in partnership with the state boating agencies, the U.S. Coast

Guard and other partner organizations and is timed to give

BUI enforcement high visibility before a holiday known for

drinking and boating, as well as deadly accidents.

Boaters caught operating under the infl uence will fi nd their

voyages terminated and their vessels impounded. Additional

penalties can include arrest, fi nes, loss of boating privileges,

even loss of driving privileges. This year all 56 states, trusts

and territories are expected to participate.

With stepped up law enforcement comes a battery of sobriety

tests, validated just last year for use on the water, that allow

marine patrol offi cers to test boaters in a seated position and

apply a percentage of probability that the subject is impaired

at .08 blood alcohol concentration or higher.

“We want recreational boaters to have fun, but we intend to

exercise zero tolerance for BUI,” says John Fetterman, law

enforcement director for NASBLA and national spokesperson

for Operation Dry Water.

operationdrywater.org

Breathalyzer showing alcohol impairment.

JUNE 22-24


DO UPDATE YOUR MARINE FIRST AID KIT: Make sure it is fully stocked for emergencies

and appropriate for the distance you’ll be boating from

shore. The farther you are from medical assistance, the

more fi rst aid you’ll need to render until help arrives.

DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN:

Be sure it combats both UVA and UVB rays and has a

minimum SPF of 30. Summer sun and heat can lead to

headaches, sunstroke, and sunburn. Apply sunscreen

every 2 to 3 hours, and more often if you are swimming.

DO KEEP A WEATHER EYE: Summer

squalls can build quickly, depending on the local climate.

Know the signs of a threatening storm and monitor the

forecast for your area on a marine VHF-FM radio. If a storm

threatens, head in. If caught in a storm, seek a sheltered

spot and keep everyone low in the center of the boat until

the storm passes.

DO WEAR YOUR COAST GUARD-APPROVED LIFE JACKET and insist that

everyone on board do the same, even those who know

how to swim. Remember that accidents can happen quickly,

rendering people injured or unconscious and unable

to save themselves from drowning. Wearing a lifejacket

also dramatically improves the chances of surviving an

inadvertent fall overboard into cold water and provides

some protection against hypothermia until assistance

arrives. No matter how skilled a mariner, a lifejacket is your

backup plan. Wear it.

* * * * *The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat

Responsibly!” For more tips on boating safety, visit

www.uscgboating.org.

Summer can bring crowded waterways and a heightened need to stay alert.

US

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Great Lakes

COAST GUARD CHANGES FOG SIGNALSThe Coast Guard has announced a change to the marine

radio frequency that mariners must use to activate fog signals

on navigable waterways of the Great Lakes.

Until the change takes effect on July 1, mariners are advised

to use both the new and the old frequency.

Since the 1990s, mariners encountering decreased visibility

have been able to activate fog signals on certain aids-to-

navigation by tuning their marine radios to VHF-FM channel

79A (156.975 MHz) and keying their microphone fi ve times.

Doing so activates the fog signals, allowing mariners to locate

and identify the aids when they are hard to see, which results

in safer transit. Effective July 1, the channel used for this

purpose is being changed to channel 83A (157.175 MHz).

Mariners who wish to activate fog signals should key their

microphones on both channels until July 1, when they should

only do so on channel 83A. This change is being made to

shift radio traffi c from channel 79A, a commercial channel,

to channel 83A, a frequency owned and operated by the

Coast Guard.

For more information, contact Doug Sharp, 9th Coast Guard

District Aids to Navigation, at 216-902-6070.

After 25 years of operating in Traverse City, Mich., it

looked as though the Traverse Tall Ship Company and

the schooner Manitou would be yet another victim of the

wave of foreclosures plaguing the nation. As tenants of

the dock and property owned by failed developer Westbay

Partners, LLC, the Tall Ship Co. was served with an eviction

notice in July 2011. With very limited berthing options, the

situation looked bleak.

Things changed when the Traverse City Light & Power

(TCL&P) and Discovery Center Great Lakes (DCGL) entered

the picture and proposed a new option. TCL&P had a space

available at its coal dock and saw this as an opportunity to

save this ship, which gives some 10,000 people each year a

chance to experience sailing on the waters of Grand Traverse

Bay. TCL&P entered into a license agreement with the Tall

Ship Co., allowing them to rent a small portion of the coal

dock to conduct operations.

When DCGL heard about TCP&L’s largess, it invited the Tall

Ship Co. to set up a ticket booth and parking on Discovery

Center grounds, directly across the street from Manitou’s

new home.

As one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes,

Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner.

A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, she

measures 114 feet in length with more than 3,000 square

feet of sail.

To make reservations for any of the 2012 Manitou sailing

adventures, call 800-678-0383.

NEW HOME FOR TALL SHIP

shipsailing.com

The 27th Annual Leland Wine and Food Festival will be held Saturday,

June 9, from noon to 6 p.m., next to the Leland Harbor with its new, full-

service marina. The event will feature offerings from 15 local wineries

with their fi ne, award-winning wines, 10 local food purveyors and live

music. Leland is a picturesque little village located on a sliver of land

between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau on the Leelanau Peninsula

in Northwest Michigan.

lelandmi.com

LELAND WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL


For those people who want to enjoy boating but don’t know if

they want to own a boat, Quest Watersports’ boat club, Quest

Express, offers a viable alternative.

Quest Watersports, with its home port in Heritage Harbor

in Ottawa, Ill., launched the members-only Quest Express

boat club in 2011. The club concept was well received as an

alternative to boat ownership, according to Linda Johnson of

Quest Watersports.

Here’s how the boat club works. Once members join Quest

Express and pay an annual enrollment fee, they can visit an

online reservation system where they can log in, view all the

boats available and make a reservation. The fl eet includes

anything from pontoons to sports boats, which opens the

doors to a relaxing cruise, fi shing, tubing or water skiing on

the Illinois River through Starved Rock Country.

Quest Express invites boaters and those persons without

boating experience to join the boat club. While an initial

boating orientation is scheduled for every member, further

training is always available. When members make a

reservation, all they have to do is show up in the harbor —

their reserved boat will be in a Heritage Harbor slip waiting

for them, along with a Quest Watersports employee to greet

and assist them.

Members don’t have to worry about routine maintenance,

insurance, slip fees, cleaning, winterizing or storage. The

only responsibility of members, aside from keeping the

boat safe while in use, is to cover the cost of fuel they use.

Quest Express has boat

packages that start as low as

$300 per month. Boat usage

is from April 15 to Oct. 31.

If you own a boat or share the joys of

boating with others, you know that the

“spirit of adventure” was probably acquired

at an early age. For the past 100 years,

the Sea Scouts have provided a training

and leadership program for youth.

The Sea Scout program is part of the Boy

Scouts of America for boys and since 1968

for girls, ages 14 to 20. Just as the Boy

Scout program was founded by the British

war hero, Robert Baden-Powell, so was the

Sea Scout program. Robert Baden-Powell’s

brother Warrington was a British merchant

seaman, yachtsman, and canoeist. Robert

wrote: “a scout should be able to manage a boat …” and turned

to his brother to write the manual, “Sea Scouting-Seamanship

for Boys” in 1911. The next year, Arthur Cory organized a troop

aboard his schooner, Pioneer, in Waltham, Mass.

The nautical program spread nationwide,

and in 1923 a Chicagoan, Cmdr.

Thomas J. Keane USN, was named

national director of the Sea Scouts.

He is considered the person most

responsible for the traditions, activities,

advancement, and uniforms of Sea

Scouting, many of which are still in

use today.

There are currently 170 youth members

utilizing seven Sea Scout ships registered

in Chicago. Many major yacht clubs

sponsor this program. Nationwide there

are about 15,000 youth members in

America, and worldwide there are some 100 nations with

Sea Scout programs for their youth.

seascouts.us // seascout.org

QUEST EXPRESS BOAT CLUB

100 YEARS OF SEA SCOUTS

questwatersports.com

LAGARTO REMEMBRANCE CEREMONYA ceremony to honor those who served aboard Manitowoc-

built World War II submarines, as well as the workers

throughout Northeastern Wisconsin who constructed them,

will be held May 25 to 26 in Manitowoc, Wis., at the Wisconsin

Maritime Museum. The Lagarto Remembrance Ceremony

eill be held on the deck of USS Cobia and is free and open

to the public.

866-724-2356 // wisconsinmaritime.org


Great Lakes

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has

secured a key piece of the Healthy Rivers INitiative by

purchasing 3,475 acres of Fairbanks Landing Fish & Wildlife

Area from Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and reaching an

agreement to continue managing the rest of the site.

The IDNR Division of Fish & Wildlife has managed the

site since 2005 under a lease agreement with I&M. The

lease expired two years ago, and the utility company was

considering selling a large portion of the property.

The recently completed deal is a model of a government-

private enterprise partnership to preserve a natural habitat

for wildlife and public recreation. The Nature Conservancy,

the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service and The Conservation Fund partnered

with the IDNR on the purchase to ensure that Fairbanks

Landing remains open to the public.

In addition, a lease agreement between I&M and DNR to

manage the remaining 5,000-plus acres owned by I&M has

been extended so the entire Fairbanks Landing FWA will

remain intact at more than 8,000 acres.

The agreement secures Fairbanks Landing as the southern

anchor for the Healthy Rivers INitiative (HRI). The initiative

was launched nearly two

years ago with the goal of

permanently protecting

more than 43,000 acres

along the Wabash River

and Sugar Creek.

The IDNR Fish & Wildlife

division has developed a fi ve-year management plan for

Fairbanks Landing that will focus on forested, wetland and

grassland habitats.

IDNR BUYS FAIRBANKS LANDING SITE

The 9th Coast Guard District

began restoring seasonal

Aids to Navigation (ATON)

throughout the Great Lakes

and St. Lawrence Seaway

beginning on March 13.

Nearly half of the aids throughout the Great Lakes region

are taken out of service during the winter months in order to

minimize damage caused by ice and inclement weather,

and because of reduced vessel traffi c.

Operation Spring Restore involves the verifi cation and

placement of more than 1,270 ATON, including lighted

and unlighted buoys, with an expected completion date

of May 28.

To accomplish this mission, the 9th District utilizes six

Coast Guard Cutters with ATON capabilities, fi ve ATON

teams and fi ve small-boat stations that perform ATON

duties. Lamplighters, a civilian group that manages ATON

in northern Minnesota, the Canadian Coast Guard, and

the St. Lawrence Seaway Corporation also assist in the

restoration project.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary helps with the verifi cation of

privately-owned ATON in the region.

COAST GUARD REPLACING SEASONAL AIDS TO NAVIGATION

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SKI SAFE BOAT INSURANCEAs the days get hotter and longer, it’s time to get your boat

out of dry dock and into the water. It’s also time to think about

boat insurance.

Many people make the mistake of just adding boat coverage

on top of their car or home policy. This may be good for your

insurance company—but not for you or your boat.

That’s why more and more people are insuring their boats with

boat experts. The experts at SkiSafe Insurance understand

all different kinds of boats, waters, and special marine

insurance needs.

For decades, this company has been insuring boats, jet skis

and nothing else. Their exclusive focus is on insuring your

investment on the water, on the road or wherever you store it.

There’s even a discount if your boat is in storage during the

off-season. Coverage is provided for accidents or theft, as

well as personal liability.

The expertise developed over the years allows SkiSafe to

offer extremely low rates that only a specialist can provide.

The company also stresses

the importance of boat safety.

So if you have a history of

safe boating or have taken a

certifi ed safety course, you

can save even more.

800-225-6560 // skisafe.com

DOGS MAKE A SEAWAY SPLASH Have you ever seen a dog jump more than 20 feet through

the air and splash down into a pool of water? If you want to

do so this year, plan on coming to the second annual Sailing

Seaway Clayton festivities this June in Clayton, N.Y. As part

of the festivities, visitors will see a dog jumping in the Seaway

Splash event held on the former site of Frink America in

downtown Clayton.

DockDogs has become a hit among sportsmen and has

made its way onto national television networks, including

ABC and ESPN. In the past 10 years, the sport of dog jumping

has grown across North America, resulting in hundreds

of competitions each year and nearly 30 organized

affi liated clubs.

The Seaway Splash includes a 40-foot long by 20-foot wide

pool, as well as a 40-foot long by 8-foot wide dock platform.

Competitions will run during the weekend of June 15 to 17.

Times and registration information will become available

in the near future. The competition is open to any dog and

owner interested in participating.

Sailing Seaway Clayton, presented by Davidson Auto Group

and Lake Ontario Realty, will enter its second summer in 2012

and is set to feature the

Canadian sail training

tall ship Fair Jeanne at

the Thousand Islands

Regional Dock.

dockdogs.com

All are welcome to join the Alliance for the Great Lakes as it

celebrates the Great Lakes at its annual Taste of the Great

Lakes in Chicago, June 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This year’s annual benefi t will be held on the decks of the

Columbia Yacht Club, a lakefront setting in the heart of

downtown Chicago at Monroe Harbor. Some of Chicago’s

top restaurants, including Shaw’s Crabhouse, will serve an

array of Great Lakes fare. Visitors will be able to quench

their thirst with craft beers, wines, and signature cocktails.

During the event, paticipants will enjoy listening to the

“traditional blues with a unique sound” of Mississippi Heat,

a local blues band. The event will also include a live and a

silent auction.

To inquire about event sponsorship or auction donation,

contact Bernadine Rolnicki at [email protected]

or call 312-765-7733.

TASTE OF THE GREAT LAKES 2012


Fishing

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division

of Fisheries has offi cially certifi ed the catch of a new state-

record walleye—the second time the state record has been

established this year.

On March 11, 52-year-old James Zimmerman of Beloit, Wis.,

caught a 15.08-pound walleye on the Pecatonica River in

Winnebago County. The fi sh was measured at 31.5 inches

with a girth of 20.375 inches. IDNR Division of Fisheries

Regional Administrator Dan Sallee certifi ed the new record

walleye on March 12. IDNR Conservation Police Offi cer

Dennis Frichtl assisted in the weigh-in and certifi cation.

On Jan. 7 of this year, 15-year-old Nick Tassoni of Rockford

caught a 14 pound, 12 ounce walleye on the Pecatonica River

between Rockton and Harrison in Winnebago County. This

fi sh eclipsed the former state record 14-pound walleye caught

on the Kankakee River in 1961.

ifishillinois.org

IDNR CERTIFIES NEW STATE RECORD WALLEYE

A river-wide creel survey of Ohio River anglers will be

conducted this summer and fall to determine the effort

anglers dedicate to fi shing in the Ohio River, the types of

fi sh the anglers are catching and the numbers of each

species that are caught and harvested.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division

of Wildlife, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

Resources (KDFWR) and West Virginia Division of Natural

Resources (WVDNR) are conducting the cooperative survey.

Surveys began in March and will continue through Oct. 20.

Creel clerks will be stationed at various fi shing areas and boat

ramps on both sides of the Ohio River from the Ohio-Indiana

state border to the New Cumberland Lock and Dam.

Anglers that encounter a creel clerk will be asked a series of

questions relating to their current and previous fi shing trips,

fi shing habits and their attitudes and opinions about issues

affecting Ohio River fi sheries.

Understanding what anglers are catching and trying to catch

is essential to the effective management of the Ohio River

fi shery. Information collected by creel clerks will be used

to evaluate the effectiveness of regulations, assess stocking

and better understand why anglers fi sh the Ohio River and

what they expect from their fi shing experiences. ODNR,

WVDNR and KDFWR will work together to complete this

study to determine how to better meet the needs of Ohio

River anglers.

Fisheries in the Ohio River along the Ohio border are

managed cooperatively through agreements between

Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

ohiodnr.com

OHIO RIVER ANGLER SURVEY

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MINNESOTA SEEKS COMMENTS ON NORTHERN PIKE RULESComments on rules governing special regulations for

northern pike and other fi shing regulation matters will

be accepted until Thursday, May 30, according to the

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

To comply with a legislative change in state law, emergency

rules were enacted in November 2011 that reduced to 100

the number of lakes regulated for northern pike bag limits

and catch-and-release. The current rule-making process

will make those emergency rules permanent.

Other changes are technical in nature and are intended to

clarify and improve the consistency of regulations.

Comments should be directed by mail to Linda Erickson-

Eastwood, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4020;

email at [email protected], or telephone

at 651-259-5200.

http://tinyurl.com/76n5lyr


ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN CONTESTWFN: World Fishing Network is set to announce this June

the winners of its Ultimate Fishing Town contest that will

accept nominations until May 31. The winning towns, one in

the United States and one in Canada, will receive national

recognition, a $25,000 community donation to be used

towards fi shing-related causes, plus WFN will produce a

feature on fi shing in the town and air it on the network and

WFN Website throughout the year.

“The search for WFN’s Ultimate Fishing Town offers towns all

across Canada and the U.S. a great opportunity to show the

world why their town is the best place to fi sh. We look forward

to sharing their stories and letting people choose WFN’s

Ultimate Fishing Town,” said Mark Rubinstein, president

and CEO of WFN.

The winners of this year’s contest will receive their prizes

at ceremonies in the two winning communities that will be

emceed by WFN’s Mariko Izumi, host of Hookin’ Up With

Mariko Izumi. To enter the 2012 contest, visit

www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.

TWO ILLINOIS LAKES CLOSED TO FISHINGThe Hennipin and Hopper Lakes in Putnam County (Ill.)

will be closed to all public sportfi shing in 2012, so that the

Wetlands Initiative and the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources

(DNR) can try once again to remove the common carp from

the lakes.

The Wetlands Initiative, a nonprofi t organization, was created

to manage the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge area

at Hennepin and Hopper lakes. Since 2001, the Initiative

has been restoring the site to diverse native ecosystems,

including lakes, wetlands, and prairies. The DNR has

partnered with the Initiative in many areas, including fi sh

hatcheries and monitoring the lake and marsh.

In 2009, the Initiative pumped out water in the two lakes

so that the DRN could apply a fi sh toxicant to remove the

common carp. It appeared that the removal effort was

successful in the spring of 2010 as the healthy marsh

habitat returned, and DNR restocked the two lakes with

native and sport fi sh.

Last year however, vegetation in the lake was decreasing.

“The carp have begun to take over,” said Paul Botts, Initiative

executive director. “We could see the vegetation vanishing

before our eyes.”

The Initiative and DNR believe that enough common carp

survived the 2009-2010 eradication efforts, and as a result

they are again taking over Hennepin and Hopper lakes.

During the toxicant operation, it appears that some common

carp took refuge in the active remnants of the tile system

draining the lakes and survived. “We didn’t anticipate that

the carp could use the drain tiles because the tile lines are

groundwater outlets and contain little oxygen,” said Wayne

Herndon, DNR fi shery biologist. Unfortunately, as the workers

lifted the drain tile, they found live carp sliding out by the

bucket load.

The closure of the two lakes will be done so that the Initiative

can directly address what remains of the drain tile system.

st, visit

FREE FISHING WEEKENDIndiana has declared June 2-3 Free Fishing Weekend,

meaning that all Indiana residents will not need a fi shing

license or a trout/salmon stamp to fi sh Indiana waters.

To help kids and adults celebrate Free Fishing Weekend,

recreation areas located across Indiana are planning fun

fi shing derbies, knot tying demonstrations, casting clinics

and fi sh cleaning and cooking classes. Some properties

require pre-registration. Visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3598.htm

for more information.

Individuals who need reasonable modifi cations for effective

participation in Free Fishing Weekend events at Indiana

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties should

either contact the property at least 72 hours before the

event or call the DNR ADA Coordinator at 317-232-4145.

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RiverPark Place Marina, a

149-slip marina on the Ohio

River in Louisville, Ken., is

set to open for business

this summer. An integral

part of a renovated park and

new housing development

project, the new marina was

scheduled to receive it fi rst

boats in April, said Steve

Poe, the lead partner in the

River Park Place project.

According to newspaper

reports, the new marina is

expected to cost about $7 million when it is fully operational.

It will sit right at the edge of the riverfront park and include

slips for purchase, as well as for lease.

Plans to develop the riverfront site were originally proposed

in the 1980s, but they were eventually discarded. Poe and

his development group, River Partners, LLC, were given the

rights to develop the riverfront park property in 2004.

After spending about $16 million on the marina and design,

engineering, and site work for the other components of the

project, River Partners had to abandon its plans in 2008 due

to the worldwide recession.

Armed with new fi nancing and federal and state tax credits

amounting to $4.5 million, Poe resumed construction on

the marina in November 2011. The new marina will contain

40-, 55-, and 70-foot slips. The fl oating docks will offer

cable television, along with electric and water hookups.

The marina will have plenty of parking for slipholders.

In addition to the slips, the additional marina amenities

include a ship’s store, laundry, shower and restroom

facilities, and a restaurant.

Newspaper reports claim that the marina will sell 30 of its

slips outright for prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000,

although one report said that a special end-tie slip will be

set aside for a 100-foot berth. The remainder of the slips

will be leased.

riverparkplace.com

Marinas

MICHIGAN MARINA SEEKS RENOVATION FUNDSGladstone Municipal Marina, Gladstone, Mich., has filed

a $200,000 grant application with the Michigan Division

of Waterways to be matched with local funds and allow

for renovation work on the marina’s docks to begin and

be completed, according to a March 14 news story on the

Web site: www.dailypress.net (published March 13 in the

Daily Press).

Nicole Sanderson, the city’s parks and recreation director,

filed the grant application stating that the city would match

the Dept. of Natural Resurces grant funds with $100,000

from its Downtown Development Authority and $100,000

from marina funds.

Sanderson pointed out that renovation work is badly needed

on the marina. The current docks were built 27 years go

and have oulived their life expectancy. Utilities are in need

of repair, wood on the docks is rotting and twisting, and

dock supports are rusted, she said. No matter how the grant

project turns out, Sanderson said that work on the docks

needs to be done due to safety concerns.

As part of the renovation work, new wooden docks would

be installed, slip occupancy would increase to 58 from 52,

and the new slips would accommodate larger boats. The

$400,000 renovation project also include a $9,000 solar-

powered de-icing system.

Prior to giving approval for the grant application, the city

commission discussed creating a marina fund, which is a

Division of Waterways requirement for the city receiving

the grant funds.

NEW MARINA OPENS IN KENTUCKY

ReefPoint Marina, Racine, Wis., which was acquired by

Racine County earlier this year, has awarded a contract

to Edgewater Resources of St. Joseph, Mich. to operate

the marina. Under a contract approved by the county

board in March, Edgewater Resources will receive

$315,000 in revenue from operations, and the rest will go

to the county.

The county expects the company to send a dockmaster to

live in Racine and operate the marina until the end of the

year, according to county attorney John Lehman.

RACINE MARINA GETS A NEW MANAGER


Southport Marina in Kenosha, Wis., has become certifi ed

as Wisconsin’s latest Clean Marina. The recently renovated

marina is the 19th Clean Marina in the state, which only

began its Clean Marina program two years ago.

Southport is a 400 slip, full-service marina that boasts an

80,000 square foot. indoor heated storage building. It is the

only marina certifi ed in Kenosha.

To become certifi ed as a Clean Marina, the business must

have voluntarily adopted as many as 100 best management

practices (BMPs). The practices help the marina protect water

quality, prevent pollution, and protect fi sh, wildlife, and

public health.

Jon Kukuk, owner of Nestegg Marine in Marinette, Wis.,

and chair of the Wisconsin Marina Association, said that

Wisconsin’s Clean Marinas are real leaders. “Clean Marinas

implement practices that help cut costs through reducing

waste disposal, conserving water, and attracting new

customers who appreciate an environmentally friendly

operation,” said Kukuk.

Wisconsin’s marina industry contributes substantially to the

state’s $13 billion a year tourism revenue. In addition, fi shing

generates $2.75 billion in economic impact and supports

30,000 jobs.

For more information on the Clean Marina program, contact

Kae DonLevy at: [email protected].

WISCONSIN’S LATEST CLEAN MARINA

Work is ongoing at the Clarksville Marina, which is expected

to open in June. The Clarksville, Tenn., marina project has

been a source of controversy since it was fi rst proposed in

2008, but it now seems on track to open this summer.

Work on the project resumed in April following the signing

of a contract between the city and the marina developer and

operator, Campbell Tellico Marina, LLC., and approval of the

lease by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The marina project got off to a rough start when TMC

Contractors, LLC, terminated the contract of Rust Kentucky,

a subcontractor, over excavation work and Rust Kentucky

fi led a wrongful termination suit. Then the original private

operator of the marina, Greg Batts, owner of a marina in

Kentucky, fi led for bankruptcy protection and terminated his

lease with the city, prompting the city council to solicit bids

for a new marina operator.

At press deadline, work was continuing on the project with an

expected completion in June, according to Daniel Binkley, the

city projects manager.

CLARKSVILLE MARINA PLANS JUNE OPENING

JOIN OHIO’S CLEAN MARINAS PROGRAM The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is looking to increase the

number of certifi ed marinas and recreational boaters who

are working together in the Lake Erie region to promote water

quality stewardship.

At the end of 2011, the program had 37 certifi ed Ohio Clean

Marinas. In addition, 32 Lake Erie marina operators are

presently working to attain their offi cial Ohio Clean Marina

Program certifi cation. “We enjoyed a positive 2011 and are

expecting to achieve more this year to increase awareness

and participation throughout the Great Lakes,” said Sarah

Orlando, extension educator with Ohio Sea Grant and

coordinator of the Ohio Clean Marinas and Clean

Boaters programs.

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a proactive partnership

developed in cooperation between the Ohio Sea Grant

College Program, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,

the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association and other partners.

It encourages marinas and boaters to use simple, innovative

solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterway

resources clean. The Ohio Clean Marinas and Ohio Clean

Boaters programs work together to promote environmental

stewardship by making marinas and boaters more aware

of environmental laws, rules

and jurisdictions, and best

management practices so that

more marinas can become

designated as “Clean Marinas.”

ohiocleanmarina.osu.edu


Cruising

CORSAIR 2012 NATIONALS AND RENDEZVOUS The 2012 Corsair Nationals & Rendezvous will be hosted

by the Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge from July 15 to 17

at Solomons, Md.

The Corsair Nationals are held at different venues throughout

the country to share the excitement of sailing Corsair trimarans

with new people.

The Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge offers some great

benefi ts for the Corsair Nationals. It offers the opportunity

to race in one of the biggest sailing precincts in the U.S.A.

with a fi rst-class racing committee.

Organizers are hopeful that at least 50 Corsairs will attend.

corsairmarine.com

LAKE ERIE INTERCLUB CRUISE

The 55th Lake Erie Interclub Cruise will be held June 23 to 27.

This international event has become one of the premier

regattas on Lake Erie and features some of the most

competitive sailboat racing one has ever experienced. With

more than 60 boats competing in the fi ve-day event between

Canada and the USA, it offers skippers and crews a unique

and challenging experience. Both the Racing and the new

Rally Division for cruisers participate fully in the regatta and

compete for awards within their own divisions.

The event starts in Erie, Pa., this year with registration on

June 22 at the Erie Yacht Club. The fi rst race will be the Erie

Race Course on June 23, and on Sunday, the fl eet will leave

Erie for four days of racing in Canadian waters.

For registration and other information, including photos, visit

www.erieinterclub.com.

FAMILY SAIL FROM STURGEON BAY TO MANITOWOC

The Denis Sullivan will sail along Wisconsin’s Schooner

Coast June, July and August and offer a variety of

cruise opportunities.

On July 7, a family cruise will depart from Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

With the winds as a guide, the Denis Sullivan will sail Lake

Michigan to the Straits of Mackinac, the Manitou Islands,

and the shores of Michigan State.

Passengers can be part of the crew and learn the skills and

methods used by sailors of the past and present. During

the sail, passengers can take the helm, set the sails, stand

bow watch and more. There are also opportunities to learn

the ecology of the lake, star gaze and study the lake’s

environmental complexity.

All accommodations will be provided: food, lodging,

beverages and snacks. (There is an additional charge for

land transport back to Sturgeon Bay). All children must

be accompanied by at least one adult. The cruise can

accommodate a maximum of 16 passengers.

schoonercoast.com

Ch

ris Win

ters


NORDIC TUGBOAT RENDEZVOUS

The Great Lakes Area NordicTug Owners Association

(GLANTOA) will be holding its Nordic Tugboat Rendezvous

at the St. Ignace Municipal Marina in St. Ignace, Mich.

Boats will begin arriving from ports as far away as

Chicago and Cleveland on Thursday, June 21, and will

depart on Sunday, June 24. The arrival of the tugs will

coincide with the beginning of the Antiques on the Bay

Classic & Vintage Car Show.

Have you heard of The Great Race? This is the world’s

premiere old-car rally, a nine-day road race held in a different

part of the country each year. On Saturday, June 23, the

participants in this race will arrive in St. Ignace on the fi rst

stop of their trip. Be sure to check out the vehicles while

they’re here. They will arrive at approximately 1:30 p.m. and

will be parked in the downtown area for several hours before

departing for their next stop.

For more information, contact Jay at 866-941-5884 or email at

[email protected].

According to Rear Commodore David G. Allen, this year’s

Rendezvous at Parry Sound, Ontario, July 15 to 18, will

provide Great Lakes Cruising Club (GLCC) members with

a cruise of a lifetime. The trip in and out of Parry Sound will

be a unique opportunity to see and experience fi rst-hand

the area known as the 30,000 Islands.

In acknowledging of the unique beauty of the region, the

United Nations recently designated the waterway, north and

south of Parry Sound, as a world biosphere reserve, and

went so far as to call Georgian Bay “the Sixth Great Lake.”

The town of Parry Sound will roll out the red carpet to

welcome GLCC members to the Big Sound Marina and

Town Dock. The business owners in town even have a

special surprise for attendees on the fi rst night at the dock.

The 2012 Rendezvous will have something for everyone,

but space is limited. Whether attendees arrive by boat,

recreational vehicle or car, there is an exciting program

lined up, including participation by the Canadian Coast

Guard, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and

some GLCC members.

glcc.com

GREAT LAKES CRUISING CLUB RENDEZVOUS

Contender Boats will be holding its Contender Owners

Rendezvous at the Bimini Bay Resort on the Island of Bimini,

Bahamas, July 12 to 15. Among the activities that are included

in the Rendezvous are a one-day family fi shing tournament

and possibly a spear fi shing contest. There will be other

land-based activities for family members who choose not to

venture offshore for these events.

There will be a “Flotilla Style” crossing on Jul. 12 for all

Contender owners who wish to participate and make

the run from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to

Bimini together.

For more details and to place your name on the list for

this weekend, contact Vickie Tribuiani with Total Marine

at 954-924-1688 or [email protected].

CONTENDER RENDEZVOUS


NationalBLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL

The 13th annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival will be held in

Hampton, Va., beginning June 1.

The festivities will commence Friday night with the Grand

Pirates Ball, a recreation of Blackbeard’s Party at Okracoke

that will feature Caribbean food, adult beverages, live music

and more.

Saturday’s activities will include extemporized street

skirmishes between pirates and militia (costumed

interpreters), and a replica of Blackbeard’s pirate camp.

New to the festival is the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II, which

will be available for free tours throughout the weekend.

The event will again feature the Blackbeard children’s area,

highlighting the Little Swashbuckler’s Stage. The stage will

host performances and a variety of musical acts. Guests can

visit Blackbeard’s Pirate Camp and learn how to use a cutlass,

load a cannon, or sing a sea chantey at Pirate’s Cove.

Another highlight of Pirate’s Cove is the Bunch of Grapes

Tavern, a recreation of Hampton’s original Bunch of Grapes

Tavern from the 1700s.

Other amusements will include jugglers, musicians, a

pirate procession, street entertainers, and a pirate-themed

Summer Street Fest. Saturday night will conclude with

a fi reworks display.

Those looking for dock space during the festival should

contact marinas located throughout the downtown area,

including the Hampton Public Piers (757-727-1276), Customs

House Marina (757-868-9375), Joy’s Marina (757-723-1022),

Bluewater Marina (757-723-6774), and Sunset Boating

Center (757-722-3325).

Capt. Marti Brown and Cruising Companion Publications

have released the fi rst in a series of online seminars geared

to boating safety entitled, “Safety at Sea With Marine VHF

Digital Selective Calling (DSC).”

As the Coast Guard’s marine radio network, Rescue 21,

becomes operational throughout the U.S., rescue centers

will have the ability to receive instant distress alerts from

commonly used DSC-capable VHF marine radios. However,

approximately 90 percent of VHF DSC distress alerts received

by the Coast Guard do not contain position information, and

approximately 60 percent do not contain a registered identity.

The Coast Guard cannot effectively respond to a DSC

distress alert sent from such a radio.

VHF-FM radios are manufactured today with DSC that

provides the mariner with an emergency feature that will

send a distress signal with the vessel’s information and

Global Positioning System (GPS) location at the press of

a button.

This course describes what DSC is, how DSC fi ts into the

U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 Global Maritime Distress

and Safety System, how to program a DSC capable VHF

radio and how to use its lifesaving and fun features. It can

be viewed at the convenience of the student and is priced

at $24.95.

idiyachts.com/online_seminars.htm

MARINE VHF DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING ONLINE SEMINAR

blackbeardfestival.com


SEA TOW EXPANDS RADIO CHECK STATIONSSea Tow Services International, Inc., now has 107 stations

transmitting its free Automated Radio Check service in

coastal and inland boating areas across the U.S.

Automated Radio Check lets boaters quickly and easily check

if their vessel’s VHF radio is working. Boaters simply tune the

radio to the local Automated Radio Check channel, key the

mike, and ask for a radio check. They will hear an automated

response and their request is played back to them, allowing

them to confi rm the radio is operational and to assess

transmission strength.

Automated Radio Check service is provided over VHF

Channels 24 to 28. To fi nd the right channel in a particular

boating area, visit http://tinyurl.com/7dpsc5g and enter the city,

state or zip code. An interactive map will open, showing the

Automated Radio Check stations in that region.

Sea Tow is seeking volunteers to host new Automated Radio

Check stations in areas that currently are not covered by the

service. Any business can apply; all that’s needed is a place

to mount an antenna. Automated Radio Check transmitting

stations require only a controller box programmed with

proprietary software developed by Sea Tow and MariTEL,

a VHF radio, and a 30-foot antenna.

For more details, e-mail [email protected].

NAVIGATION RULES WEB SITE

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has launched

BoatOnCourse.com to help recreational boaters become

more aware of the on-the-water navigation rules.

The site takes a practical approach to boating by relating

it to something boaters are already familiar with: the “rules

of the road” when driving a car. These basic navigation

rules are presented in a casual relaxed manner, introducing

basic awareness in key areas, including responsible boat

operations (the responsibility between vessels, proper

lookout, and safe speed), overtaking, crossing and meeting

head-on situations.

This site provides links to organizations that offer boating

safety courses to recreational boaters in their area. There is

also a link to SidekicksOnCourse.com—an additional feature

that includes an activity book

for sale by NSBC, focused

on introducing the basic

navigation rules to children

in a fun and educational way

by using the Boating Safety

“Sidekicks” characters.

SidekicksOnCourse.com also

developed a free, printable

game board for children

to learn more about the

navigation rules in any setting.

LYNX FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNThe Lynx Educational

Foundation, operators of

‘America’s Privateer,’ War

of 1812 replica tall ship

Lynx, has announced a

capital campaign aimed

at raising funds and

awareness for both the

Foundation and national armed forces charity, Intrepid Fallen

Heroes Fund.

The campaign is aimed at raising $200,000 between

Apr. 14 and Oct. 31, a total of 200 days, in honor of the

200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

The Lynx Educational Foundation will look to achieve this

goal and share the funds raised with the Intrepid Fallen

Heroes Fund. Lynx is scheduled to participate in various

War of 1812 celebrations throughout the sailing season

with multiple ports of call where visitors to the ship will

have the ability to make a donation.

Contributions can also be made at privateerlynx.com.


Sailing

Chicago Yacht Club has received a request for invitation

from the famous Volvo Ocean 70 PUMA Ocean Racing

boat il Mostro (Italian for ‘the monster’). The 70-foot Goetz

Custom Boats Volvo 70 was recently purchased by Chicago

Yacht Club member Peter Thornton with the specifi c goal

of bringing honors for the famous Royono Trophy back to

Chicago Yacht Club. The Royono Trophy is awarded for the

fi rst monohull to cross the fi nish line. Thornton will retain the

signature name for the boat ‘il Mostro’ and will berth her in a

location yet to be determined in Chicago’s harbor system.

Il Mostro has a long history of success in world-class offshore

sailboat races. She fi nished second in the 2008-2009 Volvo

Ocean Race. No stranger to Offshore Racing Rule (ORR)

racing, Il Mostro fi nished second under ORR in the 2010

Newport-Bermuda Race. Her overall length is 70 feet, with

an 18-foot beam. She draws 15 feet and displaces 30,000

lbs. With more than 7,200 square feet of sail area, the Botin-

Carkeek-designed boat can reach speeds of up to 40 knots

(approximately 44 mph).

The 104th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented

by Vueve Cliquot, will take place on July 21. Participation

in the 333-mile race from Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac

Island, Mich., is by invitation only.

chicagoyachtclub.org

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB PREPARES FOR THE ARRIVAL OF ‘THE MONSTER’

FLORIDA SAILING & CRUISING SCHOOL RECEIVES HONORS

American Sailing Association (ASA) named Florida Sailing &

Cruising School (FS&CS) to its honor roll of 2011 Outstanding

Schools, saluting it as one of its 20 best sailing instruction

programs in North America.

The international accreditation organization also selected

FS&CS Chief Captain Christopher Day as one of ASA’s 30

top “Instructors of the Year.” Both awards were based

on the number of excellent evaluations from students who

attended ASA-certifi ed sailing courses at Florida Sailing

& Cruising School.

FS&CS, founded by Barb and Vic Hansen, conducts live-

aboard sailing courses for up to four students at a time and

has been ASA-accredited since shortly after it was founded

in 1984. Florida Sailing & Cruising School offers two-and

three-day live-aboard sailing courses including Basic Sailing

(S-101), Basic Coastal Cruising (S-103), Bareboat Charter

(S-104), and Advanced Coastal Cruising (S-106).

Courses can be combined in various ways to suit the needs

of the students. The ultimate course combination is a 12-day

course called “The Offshore Adventure” that incorporates a

major sailing expedition into the Gulf of Mexico.

Most sailing courses are held aboard vessels from 29

to 34 feet at the school’s fl eet based in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Liveaboard power yacht courses are held aboard vessels

from 32 to 50 feet at Marinatown Marina in N. Fort Myers.

Pum

a Ocean R

acing

flsailandcruiseschool.com // 800-262-7939

Capt. Christopher Day, Barb Hansen, FS&CS


The Grosse Pointe Youth Nautical Education Foundation is

once again sponsoring USA Junior Olympic Festival - Great

Lakes, which will be held from July 6 to 8 at the Grosse Pointe

Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe, Mich.

The Grosse Pointe Youth Nautical Education Foundation’s

mission is to promote national and international amateur

sailing, maritime education and competition, and water safety.

The Foundation supports these activities though outreach

programs, training activities, provision of sailing equipment

and encouragement of participation in local, national and

international nautical activities.

US SAILING’s Junior Olympic Sailing Program is a

nationwide series of regattas for youth ages 8 to 21. Each

event in this family of regattas is hosted by a different club

or organization, but all events share a common goal: to

promote the enjoyment of sailing and development of skills

to young sailors, as well as provide an Olympic pathway for

talented junior sailors.

In 2012, there are 30 events planned in the continental United

States and Hawaii and more than 4,500 sailors are expected

to participate.

http://racing.ussailing.org/Junior_Olympics.htm

JUNIOR OLYMPIC SAILING

This year will mark the 5th annual Northern Lights Cup taking

place in Sheboygan, Wis. The Northern Lights Cup is an ISAF

Grade 3 Women’s Match Regatta that will begin on June 20

with a 2-day clinic and will be followed by a 3-day regatta

sailed in the 2012 Olympic Women’s Match Racing Boat, the

Elliott 6m.

The highest placing eligible skipper will receive an

invitation to the 2012 US SAILING Women’s Match Racing

Championship, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San

Francisco, Calif., from September 11 to 15. In addition, the

highest placed skipper not already invited will receive an

invitation to the Buddy Melges Challenge being sailed at

the US Sailing Center Sheboygan from September 18 to 23.

The event will consist of the following stages: a Double

Round Robin, a Semi-Final Round, and a Petit/Final Round.

The winning skipper’s name will be engraved on a sculpture

designed by Chicago artist Richard Hunt specifi cally for the

event and dedicated by the Jacobson family in memory of

sailing enthusiast, Frank Jacobson.

sailsheboygan.org

NORTHERN LIGHTS CUP CLINIC AND REGATTA

MIDWEST WOMEN’S SAILING CONFERENCEThe 2nd annual Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference will

be held May 19, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Milwaukee

Community Sailing Center in Milwaukee, Wis. The full day of

workshops and speakers will cover topics of seamanship with

special emphasis on women’s interest and participation in the

sport of sailing. This concentrated event will give women an

effi cient and effective way to get started or to improve their

boating skills at any level. Even experienced skippers will fi nd

much of interest.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m., and a continental breakfast will

be available. The entire group will hear the keynote address

from Nancy Erley, who has twice circumnavigated the world.

Following the keynote, the day will be divided into two

morning and two afternoon workshop sessions with a brief

break for lunch. Attendees will choose from six selections

per time slot. Erley will be the presenter for two workshops.

The conference fee is $125 and includes classes, meals and

the reception. The conference is limited to the fi rst 100 paid

registrations. For more details about the conference and full

descriptions of classes, instructors and registration materials,

call 414-530-6528 or visit www.womenssailing.org.

NE

WP

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DECK KNIFE The key to the Gage Deck Knife’s versatile performance is an

impact-resistant plastic sheath with two magnets that hold the

knife securely in place. The sheath features a belt clip/clamp

system that allows it to be be fastened to the suspenders of

bib pants or waders with the handle facing down, or attached

to the wearer’s waist belt positioned vertically or horizontally.

The 4-inch, high-carbon surgical stainless steel blade is

serrated to provide quick, sure cuts. This precision blade is

balanced with a large, ergonomically shaped handle that fi ts

well in gloved or bare hands.

$19.99 // 800-323-7327 // grundens.com

FOOD DEHYDRATOR The Excalibur Food Dehydrator is a popular choice for active

boaters who love the outdoors and want the convenience of

countertop use. This dehydrator contains fi ve large polycarbonate

trays with eight square feet of tray area. The unit boasts a built-

in on/off switch, a convenient removable door, a timer and an

adjustable thermostat, allowing temperatures from 85º to 145º F.

The advantage? Convenience. Dehydrated foods can be easily

taken on a boating trip.

Recipes for chili, spaghetti, camp scrambled eggs and more can

be found at www.drying123.com.

$199.95 // 800-875-4254 // excaliburdehydrator.com

SAND-FREE MAT The CGEAR Sand-Free Mat is a tarp that can be placed outside

your boat to prevent sand and other dirt from being transferred

onto the boat. Designed with a special double-layer mesh fabric,

the Sand-Free Rug allows sand to pass through it without

allowing it to seep back up.

The mat has D-rings positioned around its perimeter so it can

be staked into the earth. It is available in three sizes, small

(6' x 6'), medium (8' x 8') and large (10' x 10') and comes in

two colors, blue or orange, at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores

or online.

From $44.99 // 714-258-0055 // cgear-sandfree.com


HIGH-PERFORMANCE HYDROFOILThe Doel-Fin stabilizer maximizes lift, thereby helping boats

plane quickly. Its effi cient design can reduce fuel consumption

by as much as 30 percent.

The Doel-Fin boasts a unique two-piece design and a true foil

shape. Each high-strength plastic fi n fl exes independently to

enhance stability and discourage propeller cavitation. It works

on all outboards and outdrives with a cavitation plate and installs

in as little as 15 minutes.

The hydrofoil decreases stern suction and bow rise, steadies

the boat during turns, and improves control.

$37.99 // 510-732-9188 // davisnet.com

SONAR IMAGING SYSTEMA new sonar imaging system from Lowrance, the LSS-2

StructureScan® HD, raises the bar in fi sh- and structure-

fi nding technology. The new system delivers more side-to-side

coverage, as well as greater target and bottom defi nition.

The StructureScan HD sonar-imaging module offers a new

dimension in underwater, picture-like displays for more

productive fi shing, diving, and search and recovery.

StructureScan HD includes an enhanced transducer design

that features three dedicated signals for crisp, clear views to the

left, right, and directly beneath your boat. The full-panoramic,

picture-like returns offer sharp images of structures, fi sh,

thermoclines, and more.

$599 // 800-628-4487 // lowrance.com

NIGHT VISION CAMERA The SeaWatch from OceanView Technologies combines a low-

lux/color camera with an infrared illuminator that automatically

switches from color to low-lux as lighting conditions change.

The SeaWatch operates on 9-32V DC and features a heater

and windshield wiper to keep its lens clear. It draws 70 watts of

power when the heater and infrared illuminator are in use or 20

watts when neither is in use.

Constructed of corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, it weighs

10.8 pounds and measures 7.5"W x 11.8"H x 9"D. It can be

controlled with its standard joystick/keypad, on-screen mouse

in the Xi version, or Furuno NavNet 3D or TZtouch system.

$4,995 // 954-727-5139 // nightboating.com

F

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Email your text-only advertisement to:[email protected]

Free classifi ed boat advertisement offer limited to one per reader.

All classified ads are subject to publisher’s approval. Space is limited. Free ads will be accepted on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Advertisements for the July/August 2012 issue must be received by June 1, 2012.

Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the July/August 2012 issue.

(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

GOT A BOAT TO SELL?FREE ADS

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Advertiser Index

Boat US 5,23

Chicago Harbors/Westrec 1

Chicago In-Water Boat Show 27

Cruiser Yachts BC

Elite Yachts IBC

Essex Credit 3

North Point Marina 19

Northport Bay 54

Princecraft 35

Progressive Insurance 7

Ski Safe Insurance IFC

SkipperBud’s 11

Trawlers Midwest 56

ValvTect Petroleum 31

Waukegan Harbor 2

Windy City Yacht Brokerage 55

MARINASANDTRANSPORT.COM NEW- AND PRE-OWNED

MARINA EQUIPMENT Looking to buy or if you have

equipment to sell. We also transport boats and offer overseas shipping.

CONTACT: Rob Lee [email protected]

508-758-9409


EV

EN

TS

CA

LE

ND

AR

MAY JUNE JULYILLINOISJUNE 7TASTE OF THE GREAT LAKES

Columbia Yacht ClubChicagogreatlakes.org

JUNE 7-101ST ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CHICAGO IN-WATER BOAT SHOW

31st St. HarborChicagochicagoinwaterboatshow.com

INDIANAJUNE 2MIDWEST DRAGON BOAT

RACING FESTIVAL

Eagle Crest LakeEvansvillefunkinthecity.com

JUNE 11-12RIVER CONVOY

Six Mile Island/Ohio RiverJeffersonvilleriverlorian.com

JUNE 23IPFW RIVERFEST

St. Joseph River/IPFW campusFort Wayneipfwriverfest.org

MICHIGANJUNE 2SPRING LAKE WOODEN BOAT SHOW

Mill Point ParkSpring Lake

springlakevillage.org

JUNE 8-10MARINA DAYS

Muskegon LakeMuskegonlakeeffectboating.com

JUNE 9-10

WALLED LAKE THUNDER

Walled Lake

roostertails.net

JUNE 9-10FREE FISHING WEEKEND

Throughout statemichigan.gov/dnr

JUNE 15-16PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR WOODEN BOAT SHOW

Presque Isle HarborPresque Islepresqueisleharborwoodenboatshow.com

JUNE 15-17BAY HARBOR IN-WATER BOAT SHOW

Bay Harbor Lake MarinaBay Harborbayharbor.com

JUNE 20-24

FISHFLY FEST

Downtown New Baltimore

New Baltimore586-725-5148

JUNE 22-24ALGONAC ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

Algonac Harbour Club MarinaAlgonacmichacbs.com

JUNE 30

LIGHT BRIGHT CRUISE PARADE

Muskegon LakeMuskegonlakeeffectboating.com

JULY 13-15BOYNE THUNDER

Lake Charlevoix/Lake Michigan Boyne Cityboynethunder.com

MINNESOTAJUNE 22-24

WOODEN BOAT SHOW

North House Folk School

Grand Maraisnorthhouse.org

VIRGINIAJUNE 1-3ANNUAL BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL

Downtown/waterfrontHampton

blackbeardfestival.com

WISCONSINMAY 18-20MIDWESTERN MODEL SHIPS & BOATS CONTEST AND DISPLAY

Wisconsin Maritime MuseumManitowoc920-686-3070

JUNE 10

BLESSING OF THE FLEET

Bayfi eld City HarborBayfi eld800-447-4094

JUNE 12-14

BOATER’S SAFETY CLASS

St. Germain Communty Center

St. Germain715-477-2118

JUNE 30 - JULY 1

RIVER RENDEZVOUS

Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Manitowoc920-686-0218

NATIONAL FISHING & BOATING WEEK

June 2-10

NATIONAL MARINA DAY

June 9

Kiss the status quo goodbye. The new 41 Cantius.

The incredible new 41 Cantius was ergonomically designed to put everything within easy reach. Such as sumptuous food, lively conversation and interesting friends. Its revolutionaryopen-concept design was made for entertaining guests, by inviting interaction and keeping everyone onboard engaged in the conversation. Plus, it also features the most advanced technology and amenities to make your 41 Cantius the most happening venue in town. Your weekends, and your life will never be the same. To experience the extraordinary new 41 Cantius, visit your dealer or go to CruisersYachts.com/glb

Scan this QR code for video of the new 2012 models including the 41 Cantius.

Documents

May/June_2012