carolina currents fall 2010

The Boating and Waterfront Magazine

Complimentary

Fall 2010

Readers’ stories from the water

A guide to sea kayaking

Destination Georgetown, SCRelaxing mix of history, tourism

Wooden Boat ShowGeorgetown’s fall showcase

The Washingtonian A Trumpy comes back to life in Beaufort

Introducing the Brooks 34 SFXThe Brooks 34 is the premiere offering in the new line of Brooks Prestige

Yachts. Designed for the fishing and diving enthusiasts, the Brooks 34 has all the capabilities of a sport yacht that can travel safely offshore at speed plus all the comforts of a well- appointed cruiser.

The Brooks 34 is the latest fishing and diving yacht to emerge from North Carolina’s legacy of superb boatbuilding. The long flowing lines with a sweeping shear line offer a new twist on the traditional “Carolina” hull form.

With its full bow flare and tumblehome aft, the Brooks 34 reaches for the sea with authority.

Learn more about the Brooks 34 at www.brooksboatworks.com

Subscribe to Carolina Currents

• $16/year - 4 issues• $30/two years - 8 issues


Name

Address

Phone/Email Encl. $

Starting Issue? Gift message

Introducing the Brooks 34 SFXThe Brooks 34 is the premiere offering in the new line of Brooks Prestige

Yachts. Designed for the fishing and diving enthusiasts, the Brooks 34 has all the capabilities of a sport yacht that can travel safely offshore at speed plus all the comforts of a well- appointed cruiser.

The Brooks 34 is the latest fishing and diving yacht to emerge from North Carolina’s legacy of superb boatbuilding. The long flowing lines with a sweeping shear line offer a new twist on the traditional “Carolina” hull form.

With its full bow flare and tumblehome aft, the Brooks 34 reaches for the sea with authority.

Learn more about the Brooks 34 at www.brooksboatworks.com

Fall 2010

Subscribe to Carolina Currents

• $16/year - 4 issues• $30/two years - 8 issues

PO Box 12068 Raleigh, NC 27605

Send check/money order payable to “Carolina Currents”

If applicable

US addresses only

In case we have a question about your order

Please specify J/F,M/A,M/J,J/A,S/O,N/D

Features6 Destination Georgetown Historic Georgetown’s gentle loop in the Sampit River has attracted working and pleasure boaters for centuries. Lying almost midway between the bustling Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach and tourist magnet of Charleston, Georgetown is the third oldest city in the state. It’s our destination for the fall issue.

9 A Trumpy Revival in Beaufort, NCAt Moores Marine in Beaufort, NC, an historic old boat is finding a new mission. The Washingtonian, a 1930s yacht, is being restored to the glory of its origins. A Chicago couple has envisioned a new mission for the classic yacht. After a Coast Guard certification, the boat will become a special events charter.

10 The Wooden Boat ShowGeorgetown hosts one of the most acclaimed wooden boat shows on the East Coast. A must-see event for wooden boat aficionados, the Sat-urday, Oct. 16 event features crafts categories ranging from row, boats to classic sail.

15 Combining tradition and innovationRoger Brooks appreciates the history of Carolinas boatbuilding. He also understands that innovation will be the key to future success. Take a look at the story behind the scenes with Brooks Boatworks of Washing-ton, NC as they bring a new boat to market.

18 Kayaking the Carolinas coastAn accomplished guide shares secrets and destinations for kayakers on the coast. Ali Williams also offers a top-of-the-line tip about baby powder: It has magical powers.

23 Understanding compass heading quirksCapt. Larry Walker articulates the reasons we are a few degrees off course – no matter what the compass says.

21 Your Voices from the WaterfrontInland lake lifestyles offer the full mix of waterfront living. From golf to skiing to boating to fishing, many Carolinas residents find more than enough to do on the waterfront. Bill Fox writes about life on Lake Norman. Lara Kaufmann extols the virtues of Lake Hartwell. Send us your columns.


6

9

10


35 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401

On the Banks ofthe Ashley River

in CharlestonAdjacent to The Harborage at Ashley Marina, Bristol Marina •& The Charleston City MarinaHotel shuttle to Waterfront Park in Historic District (fee)•Regatta Bar and Terrace open daily 4-11pm •(closed Sundays and Mondays)Ashley River Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet with a •waffle station and eggs cooked-to-order.

Courtyard by Marriott 843-722-7229www.marriott.com/chscy

4 Carolina Currents FALL 2010 www.carolinacurrents.com

Your magazine, our mission

It’s your magazine, but it’s our mission.Tell us what you think and win a $100 gift certificate.Research will help us improve content. Send a note to [email protected]

Our research survey winner: Jean HurleyCongratulations to Jean Hurley of Flowery Branch,

Georgia who responded to our request to participate in a survey. Her entry was drawn from about 20 respondents; she will win a $100 American Express gift card as a symbol of our appreciation for for helping Carolina Currents improve.

We are continuing the contest. So you can partici-pate in the future.

A long-time reader of Carolina Currents, Jean says she plans to retire to the North Carolina coast someday.

“We live in Georgia but keep our boat, Maxine, a 36-foot Irwin sloop, at Pecan Grove Marina in Oriental,” Jean writes. “We are usually in North Carolina for a long weekend every other week and just love the area.

“I have always loved Carolina Currents, but even more now that I’ve been selected as a winner.”

Jean was one of several readers who offered to help us build a significant research database to inform our advertisers and partners.

You can still participate. Send an email to [email protected] with the word “Survey” in the subject line. We will send you a simple survey to fill out online. We will respect your guidance regarding the use of your email. If you want to keep it private, we will do so. If you want to receive information from our marine business partners, we will be glad to add you to our database.

From Nags Head to Hilton Head along the Atlantic and from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC along the inland lakes, Carolina Current is the only print and online media property providing original content and useful, regional advertising information for consumers who visit the coast or inland lakes.

We are continuing to build the magazine as we publish this issue – our 21st – and our second under new ownership.

Thanks for your support of the magazine and our advertisers. Please visit them to show your support.

P.O. Box 12068, Raleigh, NC 27605Phone [email protected]~ Independently Owned and Operated ~

Editor and Publisher: Tim Pittman / Pittman Media Group, Inc.Publishers Emeriti:Rob and Jo LuceyContributing Writers and Columnists:Ali Williams, Alan Middleton, Bill Fox, Lara Kaufmann, Bobbi Lancaster

Unsigned articles are written by Carolina Currents staff.Cover Shot Courtesy of www.DeBordieu.com and Golf Shots UnlimitedAdvertising Contacts:South Carolina: Alan Middleton, Director, Sales & Marketing for S.C.

North Carolina: Jack Vincent, Hertford, NC; Tim Pittman, Raleigh, NC.Copyright 2010Entire contents and design copyrighted. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of the publisher.

SubscriptionsAvailable for $16 per year ($30 for two years). Back issues are available for $3. Checks or money orders payable to Carolina Currents.

SubmissionsFor news stories, tips, letters, photos or other submissions, send an email to [email protected] welcome story or photo contributions. Vist our website for submission guidelines.

GeneralCarolina Currents is published quarterly and is distributed free at more than 700 marinas, boat clubs, stores, visitor centers, restaurants and waterfront locations across the Carolinas. Email us to request to be added to our distribution list.This magazine is printed in the Carolinas on paper with recycled content. Please give to another boater or recycle after use.Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

On the CoverAerial photo of coastline and inlet,Georgetown, South Carolina.

Jean Hurley

Chart a course for success.

For over a century, Martin Printing has helped publishers successfully navigate the channels of print communication. From publications to direct mail, fulfillment to digital editions,see how our capabilities can become your advantage.

Proud Printer of Carolina Currents 864.859.4032 MartinPrinting.com

FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 5The Boating and Waterfront Magazine

Deep Water Slips Located just North of the Little River Swing Bridge

• Wireless Internet • Cable• Ship Store • Gas & Diesel

Marina Reservations: (843) 249-8888—www.harbourgatemarina.com

• Shower and Laundry

• 30 & 50 AMP Electric

• VHF 16/12

Resort Reservations: (866) 469-7853 www.oceanaresorts.com

Featuring Filet’s Steaks Seafood and Sushi Bar and Overnight Resort Accomodations

Deep Water Slips Located just North of the Little River Swing Bridge

• Wireless Internet • Cable• Ship Store • Gas & Diesel

Marina Reservations: (843) 249-8888—www.harbourgatemarina.com

• Shower and Laundry

• 30 & 50 AMP Electric

• VHF 16/12

Resort Reservations: (866) 469-7853 www.oceanaresorts.com

Featuring Filet’s Steaks Seafood and Sushi Bar and Overnight Resort Accomodations

North Myrtle Beach’s Premier Deep Water Marina!

• 100deepwaterslips• Recentdredginganddockreplacement• Full-servicefueldock(gasanddiesel)

• Pumpoutstation• Ship’sstore,laundryfacilities,cleanrestroomsandshowers• Power,water,cableandwirelessInternetaccess

For resort reservations: (866) 469-7853 www.oceanaresorts.com

For Marina reservations please call 843-249-8888, VHF 16 or visit us online at harbourgatemarina.com

Featuring Filet’s Steaks Seafood & Sushi Bar, Waterfront Tiki Bar and Overnight Resort Acccomodations

Offshore & Inshore Charters,Jetski/Pontoon rentals and more

Georgetown


Historic Georgetown is an oasis of gentle coastline tucked almost midway between the

bustling Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach and the tourist destination of Charleston. The third oldest city in the state, Georgetown was founded in 1729 after Spaniards first unsuccessfully attempted to settle the area in the early 1500s.

Before the European settlement, numerous Native American tribes claimed the region: Sampit, Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Santee and Winyah – names later adopted for local waterways.

In the pre-Revolutionary War era Georgetown flourished because of the navi-gable ease of Winyah Bay inlet 12 miles away and the sturdy trade of indigo and rice grown on the area’s plantations. Following the American Revolution, the rice crop was king, dubbed “Carolina Gold” by many. The area provided half the U.S. crop at the time. The Georgetown region became the largest rice exporting port in the world until the advent of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

For more than three centuries, Georgetown’s gentle loop in the Sampit River has attracted working and pleasure boaters. The early trading ships brought indigo and rice. Commercial ships loaded paper pulp and scrap metal at the plants. Still, the migrating flocks of snowbirds cruise the Intra-coastal Waterway (ICW) each spring and summer.

The largest sail-ing yacht ever built at the time – the 316-foot four-masted Sea Cloud commissioned by Wall Street legend E.F. Hutton – spent a few months docked there in the 1930s.

Navigating into Georgetown is easily accomplished after reviewing the charts. Come from offshore into the Winyah Bay Inlet, merge with the ICW and continue north five miles to the point where the

Sampit, Great Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers empty into the bay. Fishing boats still line the riverbanks to unload their catch at Independent Seafood where the fresh catch is sold to a steady stream of locals and visitors.

A mile up the Great Pee Dee River is Georgetown Landing Mari-na on the left (at ICW MM403), just north of red marker 40 before the U.S. 17 North Bridge. This first-class marina welcomes transients up to 200 feet on floating docks among a large resident fleet of cruising and sportfishing boats. Amenities include water, power, fuel, laundry, show-ers, a fish-cleaning station, WiFi and a well-stocked ship’s store. Call VHF16 or 843.546.1776. A hotel and restaurant share the marina parking lot.

Also, visitors to Georgetown Landing may see marlin and tuna being offloaded on the docks. The Marina hosts the Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament each May. It’s the oldest billfishing tournament (44 years) in South Carolina and is part of the Annual Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series.

At the turn of the twentieth cen-tury, lumber became the area’s economic

alternative to rice. International Paper Co. built a local plant in the early 1900s. By 1942 it had become the largest kraft paper mill in the world. Steel and other smaller plants have since diversified Georgetown County’s industrial base. Com-mercial fishing is vital

to the region and in recent years tourism has become an increasingly important ele-ment in the area’s economy. Commercial traffic is still important, however, as the seaport ranks second behind Charleston, handling about a million tons of material a year.

To reach the Georgetown historic dis-trict, turn left from the bay up the Sampit, which carries ample depth, then veer right

To reach the Georgetown historic district, turn left from the bay up the Sampit, which carries ample depth, then veer right at the flashing S marker to enter the downtown Georgetown loop. Hazzard Marine, with a full-service marina, is the first docks encountered, and next up is The Boat Shed Marina. Just next door is local Tow Boat U.S. operator Capt. Ronnie Campbell (Call VHF16 or 843.833.1951). The historic fish house on the property is worth a visit. Harborwalk Marina is the final downtown marina.

Georgetown’s charm grows from its his-tory. Dozens of antebellum mansions in the historic district are listed in the National Register. Gracious old homes built by plantation owners and the shopkeepers who served them line the surrounding streets. The downtown business district bustles with a variety of eateries, galleries, museums and shops. A leisurely stroll on Front Street will net great restaurants, such as Rice Paddy, The River Room, and Big

Destination

Georgetown’s gentle loop in the Sampit River has attracted boaters for centuries. Early trading ships brought indigo and rice. Migrating snow-birds still cruise the waterway each spring and summer.

• Mechanical & Electrical Repairs• Diesel & Gas Engine Repairs• Hull Painting • 2 Travel Lifts• Canvas Shop & Sail Repair• Yacht Brokerage • Ship’s Store• Custom Woodworking

179 McCotters Marina Rd. Washington, NC 27889www.mccotters.com (252) 975-2174

McCOTTERS MARINAAND BOATYARD

Georgetown


Georgetown blends history, tourism in vibrant waterfront setting

Tuna Raw Bar that produce exquisite local cuisine and fine dining.

Georgetown County is a diverse county with distinct appealing stops: the historic district of Georgetown; the seaport, second only to Charleston; the Atlantic coastline, also called Waccamaw Neck, including the communities of Murrells Inlet (a seafood capital), Litchfield, Pawleys Island and the upscale, gated DeBordieu; and the dark-water inland rivers. There is a wealth of history and places to visit for the mariner or landlubber. u

Before the European settlement, numerous Native American tribes claimed the region: Sampit, Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Santee and Winyah – names later adopted for local waterways.


Oriental Boat ShowSet for April 15-17

The 3rd Annual Oriental In-Water Boat Show will take place April 15-17, 2011. The Oriental Rotary Club will be the sole owner and promoter.

The 2010 show netted more than $10,000 for charities supported by the Rotary and the economic development activity supporting the Pamlico County Committee of 100. The Committee of 100 has endorsed the Rotary’s boat show as a key element of the support for existing maritime businesses.

“All of this year’s sponsors indicate they will return in the same role in 2011,” said Sam Meyers. “Several others have asked for the opportunity to join as sponsors.”

The 2010 show established a new record with 74 vendors. Organizers expect 97 percent to to return next April. Potential new vendors from as far away as Goldsboro, Raleigh and Virginia Beach have expressed interest.

9th Harkers Island Regatta draws 37 boats from Maine to Georgia

Thirty-seven Sunfish competed in the ninth annual Harkers Island Regatta. Sailed in a protected sound inside Cape Lookout, NC, the popular one-design Island Wind race drew participants from Maine to Georgia.

The August 7-8 event has been likened to a challenging obstacle course. Sailors sail, paddle and sometimes port their boats while negotiat-ing shifting currents, passing under a narrow drawbridge and traversing shallow winding marshes.

The ten-mile race around the island was sailed Saturday in a light to moderate easterly, an unusual substitute for the normal southerly sea breeze. Sailors may choose the direction they circumnavigate the island, a unique feature in ‘round island’ Sunfish racing. With the prospect of sailing downwind through the marshes, all but one renegade headed out sail-ing counter-clockwise around the eastern end of the island.

Awards for the two days of racing consisted of lump crabmeat and a variety of boating gear with generous contributions from local Sunfish dealer Triton Yacht Sales, West Marine, Eberle Marine Surveys and Prospective Technologies. The rum cake contest blue ribbon was awarded to Alex Eberle of New Bern using local islander Deda Ridgeway’s original recipe dating back nearly 50 years from the Virgin Islands. Everyone took something home in-cluding memories of another not-so-ordinary Sunfish regatta.

For information on next year’s regatta and other North Carolina Sunfish racing events, please

contact Rob Eberle at [email protected]

Regatta photos and information at www.mobyachtclub.com

MARINA &

Full Service Boat Yard

Your Hurricane Hole!

• 70 Years Combined Experience

• 60 Ton Travel Lift

• Wet/Dry Storage to 60 ft.

• Lounge with Cable TV, Fireplace

• Heads and showers

• Wireless Internet

• Painting • Gelcoat • Rigging • Carpentry • Mechanical • Electrical

Stop by or Call(252) 249-0200

or e-mail: [email protected] Beach, NC

on the Neuse River


The battered old boat rekindled a long-ing deep within Paul and Tracy Berger. It was, after all, a good bit more than just a 70-year-old yacht.

Paul, an architect, and Tracy, a senior corporate executive, were engaged in a far-ranging search for a new boat. “We both felt an unmistakable urge to get back on the water as soon as we sold our sailboat,” Paul says. The search pulled them toward a historic marine lin-eage: Trumpy yachts.

“We had seen them at a show 10 or 12 years before,” Paul remembers. “It was just a sort of crazy notion, a fantasy, in the beginning. These boats were usually very expensive. But during our search, we heard about The Washingtonian, a 1939 Trumpy listed in St. Petersburg, Florida.”

After a few visits and much research, Paul and Tracy were deeply engaged. They looked at other craft, of course, but they could not get the classic out of mind. The Washingtonian was built at the John H. Mathis Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey

More work ahead for Washingtonian

The Washingtonian is undergoing a significant restoration at Moores Marine in Beaufort. It set sail for a test run in late September. But there’s more work ahead. After an extensive Coast Guard certifica-tion, the classic yacht will begin a new life as a special events charter.

“We don’t even have the boat in the water yet, but we’re getting a great deal of interest,” Paul said.

The yacht is a perfect setting for elegant small events and upscale parties. The Bergers have already heard from a distinguished list of potential clients that includes the Inn at Perry Cabin at St. Michaels, Maryland.

Bringing a Trumpy back to life in Beaufort– the American birthplace of the Trumpy line.

“We finally went to St. Augustine to either buy this boat or get it out of our system,” Paul says. “I’m kind of a wild and crazy guy, but she’s more realistic. We got on the boat and sat down on a sofa for a while just appreciating the quality and style. Then we just decided to do it. That trip was our decision point.”

The Trumpy shipbuilding legacy began five generations ago in Bergen, Norway, where Casper Trumpy owned a shipyard nestled at the foot of The Seven Mountains. Casper’s son John grew up working in the family shipyard. John eventually moved to America. After working at the New York Shipyard in Philadelphia, and the commer-

cial Mathis Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey, John Trumpy formed a partner-ship with John H. Mathis, leasing space within the yard solely dedicated to the design and construc-tion of private yachts.

The elegant boats served as a sort of “commuter yacht,” according to the Trumpy Yachts website, and were purchased by industrialists who typically travelled from their estates on Long Island Sound to Manhattan. They yachts made frequent trips up and down the eastern Atlantic seacoast and were not uncommon on the Great Lakes. The ships featured formal dining and sitting rooms; posh interiors were as distinctive as the narrow beam and shallow draft built for speed. By the 1920s,

Paul and Tracy Berger

the Trumpy yard was fully booked year after year.

A Trumpy– the Sequoia – served as the U.S. Presidential yacht from the 1930s to the 1970s. The rare combination of history and style proved compelling for the Bergers.

“We both have an appreciation for the quality of classic items that were built and designed in the past,” Paul says. “We just fell in love with the quality, the feeling of style and grace of the boat. On the Washingtonian, you almost feel like Kathryn Hepburn and Cary Grant should come walking about of the pilot house. It just has a distinctive feeling.”

Offered by the Florida Special Olympics, which accepted it as a donation, the boat needed work. But Paul and Tracy knew what they were getting into. “We were so fascinated by the boat that we saw the long-term potential. Previous owners had spent money on the flash, but they ignored the structural issues. We knew they had to be addressed.

“Once we got into the boat and the restoration, we just felt an unbelievable karma.

“I want to thank everyone at Moores Marine for their commitment to the boat and their craftsmanship,” Berger said.

The Washingtonian undergoing renovation at Moores Marine in Beaufort, NC.

“I want to thank everyone at Moores Marine for their commitment to the boat and their craftsmanship,” Berger said


Sat., Oct. 16, 2010, 11 am to 6 pm, on the Historic Waterfront of Georgetown, SC

Admission is free. For more info: 1-877-285-3888; Email: www.boats@woodenboatshow.

Georgetown hosts 21st version of classic wooden boat show

The 21st annual show in Georgetown will begin at 11 a.m. Sat., Oct. 16 on the historic waterfront of Georgetown, S.C. This year’s show features wooden boat exhibits, a boatbuilding competition, model boatbuilding for kids, boat raffles, maritime arts and crafts as well as food and music.

The events take place on the waterfront and in historic downtown. Proceeds through sales and donations support the maritime museum of the Harbor Historical Association. An estimated 100 classic wooden boats will be displayed in the water, along the boardwalk and on Front Street,

From kayaks to yachts, vessels will be exhibited in several categories: row, canoe, kayak, surfboard, sail, inboard power, outboard power, classic sail prior to 1960, classic power built prior to 1960 or owner designed and built as well as a century class: 100 years or older. Visitors will be able to meet and talk to wooden boat craftsmen, manufacturers and owners.

Georgetown will play host in October to one of the nation’s premier Wooden

Boat exhibitions.

The Wooden Boat Challenge is a boatbuilding competition that pits about 20 two-man teams in a race to build a rowing skiff within four horus. The 12-foot rowing skiffs have become a common sight in Georgetown waters because of their value as tenders and work boats.

Competitors test their new skiffs for seaworthiness in a rowing relay across the Sampit River. But sometimes the most skilled craftsman are not the best seamen and vice versa. Some of the vessels spring leaks, oars break or get lost overboard, boats collide and get tangled up with onlookers or the judges’ boats.

The teams are judged on construction speed, quality of work and rowing ability. The three top scoring teams will be eligible to compete in the 2011 National BoatBuilding Championship.


For information visit www.visitgeorge.com, or call (800) 777-7705

George is CallingIf your mariner’s soul seeks tidal action or if you desire the stillness

of the black waters of Historic Georgetown, located on the Hammock Coast, South Carolina’s Lowcountry offers something for everyone.

Sitting at the confluence of five rivers at Winyah Bay, historic Georgetown has been a favorite for boaters for centuries. From fresh and succulent seafood onshore to exceptional saltwater fishing offshore, Georgetown is a

quiet oasis where meandering shorelines, distinctive coastal signatures, and leisure lifestyles lift your spirit.


Fresh Yankee Served Daily807 Front StreetGeorgetown, SC

843-546-1045

732 Front Street Georgetown, S.C. 29440

843-546-2021LUNCH 11:30-2:30 DINNER 6:00-10:00

Mon-Sat

SIMPLY THE BEST IN LOW COUN TRY C UISINE

Swamp Fox ToursHistoric Tours Since 1978

Catch us on the Blue and White TramHourly Tours 10 am- 4 pm

624 Front St, Georgetown, SC843-527-1112 •843-430-8433

www.swampfoxtours.com

Quality Inn & Suites210 Church Street

Georgetown, SC 29440www.georgetownquality.com

We Are Located Across The Street From The Georgetown Landing Marina And We Have Boat Hookups!!

B Y C H O I C E H O T E L S

Phone (843) 546-5656 Fax (843) 546-6116

®

where thelocals• g o f o r •

seafoods e r i o u s

RESTAURANT

MIRAGE #2

843-527-4110On The Waterfront in Georgetown, SC

www.riverroomgeorgetown.com

WWW.SCMARINE.ORG

I BOAT I VOTEIndividual Memberships Starting At

843-889-9067

$25/Yr.


intercoastal waterway regatta

Kicking off the holidays: Harbourgate’s Intracoastal

Christmas Regatta

Now there is a better way to build docks over long stretches of marsh. Pearson Fiberglass Pilings are eco-friendly because they contain no harmful chemical preservatives. Their superior strength—stronger than wood, steel or concrete—means using less pilings, especially when our monopile design is utilized. That means 50% fewer pilings per dock! Best of all, they won’t rot, rust or crumble and are impervious to wood-boring insects. Build your new dock with Pearson Pilings and never worry about replacing them again. Ask your marine contractor to specify Pearson Pilings or contact us for more info.

Pearson’s Monopile Dock Design:Less Invasive. More Durable.

846 Airport Road Fall River, MA 02720 508-675-0594 www.pearsonpilings.com

Founded in 1984, the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta traditionally kicks off the holiday season along the waterway in Little River and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year’s 26th annual event will begin at 5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 27. The seasonal race will continue about two hours. It will run from the Little River Inlet south to Dock Holidays Marina.

Susie Watson, dockmaster at Har-bourgate Marina (Latitude – 33 50.197 Longitude – 78 26.827), and her husband and her uncle, Captain Poo McLauchlin, organized the first Regatta to benefit chil-dren’s charities.

The event quickly became a holiday tradition within the Myrtle Beach boat-ing community. Several volunteers are now required to handle logistics of an event of this magnitude. Watson says that commit-tee members, known as “Santa’s Angels,” rely on school counselors to make them aware of the needs they see among school children.

”Through our fund-raising activities and toy drives we make an impact on the community and in the lives of children throughout Horry County,” says Watson. “Sometimes people for reason or another can fall through the cracks of traditional agencies that provide assistance. We try to help those kids.”

Monetary dona-tions or new, un-wrapped toys enable committee members to ensure every child has a present to open on Christmas morn-ing. Several years ago the group also began

collecting pet food and supplies to help the local humane societies.Proceeds from the sale of commemorative medallions, sweat-shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts are the source of funds for the Regatta Committee.

Some decorated boats earn prizes and many restaurants feature special menus or events. Spectators are encouraged to donate cash or new, unwrapped toys at participat-ing marinas or restaurants along the route.For more information, visit www.christmasregatta.comor call 843-249-8888 and ask for Susie.

Twin 860hp V8 900 CR Mans, 460 Hours, Customizable

Cockpit Entertainment Carousel Seating, Sea Ray Navigator III - 12.1” LCD Chartplotter

And Raymarine Radar, Sirius Satellite, Full Beam Master

Stateroom With En Suite Head And Shower, 32” Flatscreen

LCD HDTV In Salon, Fowrward VIP Stateroom With Queen-

Size Berth And Walk-In Closet, Many Extras.

$999,999 Contact Tim Holmes 772.201.111155’ 2008 Sea Ray Sundancer


Hard AgroundEddie Jones

with

Some years ago my father-in-law, Lindsay, received this letter from Oscar Grant. Oscar lives and sails

out of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. A few weeks before this letter arrived Oscar had flown to Fort Lauderdale to attend a boat show, but as you will see, his magnanimous offer to help his college fraternity buddy led to a series of costly and comical incidents. I should note, both men are still on speaking terms, but Lindsay’s manner of speech could not be reproduced in this “family friendly” publication. Enjoy.

Dear Lindsay;Thank you for your letter. I had no idea

you really wanted to buy your own boat. Especially in this economy. But when I found out, I charged ahead and bought you the perfect yacht. Picture enclosed. As you can see, she’s a classic. Or was. Knowing how you hate to pass up a good deal, I drafted your checking account the $90,000 asking price.

I originally thought that sounded a little high for a 27-foot boat, but the Cuban salesman assured me it was not. The fact they don’t make this model any more con-cerned me at first. I thought maybe the de-sign had fallen out of favor, but the Cuban salesman explained that it had something to do with lawsuits and actuaries. Anyway, when I heard that, I began to feel better. I think once see it in person you’ll agree she’s the perfect boat for you.

Now, knowing how you like to have things done right, you’ll be interested in the information I managed to gather about the engine.

First, you’ll be pleased to know we were able to knock the rust of the engine block and find the serial number. We traced it back and found that it wasn’t originally a gasoline engine. I must say I was surprised because it sure smelled, looked, and leaked like a gasoline engine. The Cubans sales-man (who says his name is Juan and was quick to remind me after about the forth time, that I wasn’t supposed to pronounce the “J”) Well, good old Juan said the engine could probably be converted back to char-coal, if you like, making it good as new.

Juan has a lead on the men who stole your engine. Now, knowing how important it is to move fast in these cases and know-ing you would probably want an engine in your boat, I went ahead and drafted your account the $8900 recovery fee.

Now about the boat itself. Who would have thought for that price it would have a big hole in it?

It sure caught me surprise, I’ll tell you that. Heck, I didn’t even notice it until we did the sea trial. And good old Juan he wasn’t there when we launched it, so he missed all the excitement. The rest of us barely escaped before she sank. Everyone kept saying, “Boy, wont be Lindsay be surprised.”

By the way, good old Juan must be sick or something. I haven’t seen him since I gave him the recovery fee. But I’m sure he’ll show up soon with the engine.

Oh, here’s some more good news. I ran into an engineer from the Ukran who said he could refit your boat for $22,500. He said he used to work for the Russian navy before he retired to the States. His last retrofit was that submarine, the Kursk. That’s the one that blew up and sank. But, Uri, that’s his name, said he stands behind his work. “Way behind,” were the words he used.

I drafted your account for half because I knew, based on the sparse amenities on your yacht before it sank, that you’d want any improvements done before you saw it. I’m sure Uri is down there right now looking for the boat because I haven’t seen him since.

One final thing.Juan threw in a 5-gallon bucket of

something called boat rot, which he said, would come in handy. I thought it tasted a little like Dutch beer but a guy down at the ship’s store said it was to make wood much stronger and that all wooden boats, espe-cially one’s as old as yours, keep buckets of this stuff aboard.

P.S. There is alternative to raising your boat if we can ever find it. There is a gal down here who would give your entire family scuba lessons for just $7,500. If you did, then your whole family could just enjoy your new boat right where it is. Of

course, you wouldn’t be seen by as many of your friends, so it s a close call. I wanted to keep your options open, so I drafted another $3000 from your account to reserve the slots in this gal’s scuba class. Based on the size of her tanks, her scuba lessons are really popular with male tourist down here and I didn’t want you to miss out.

If I can be of any further help, call Juan, the bartender, (a different Juan) at the Jolly Jackal Bar and Grill in Coconut Grove. And don’t worry about calling collect. I went ahead and drafted a couple hundred dollars from your account to cover the phone calls. You can thank me later.

Eddie Jones is a three-time winner of the Delaware Christian Writers’ Conference. He is the author of four non-fiction books, two novels, and has written hundreds of columns and articles that have appeared in over 20 different publications. WANT TO BE A PIRATE? Eddie is lookin’ fer crew to sail aboard the Black Avenger in his next novel, Dead Calm, Bone Dry. No experience required. Join our crew for a chance to win prizes AND (maybe) be a lead character (or a dead one) in his next book.

Contact Eddie at [email protected]

the ‘real’ cost of a boat

FALL 2010 Carolina Currents 15The Boating and Waterfront MagazineThe Boating and Waterfront Magazine

Roger Brooks appreciates the history and tradition of Carolinas boat build-ing. But he guides his company with a leading-edge approach to fuel efficiency, technology and innovative cabin design.

Based in Washington, NC, Brooks Boatworks will introduce the Brooks 34 SFX during the fall of 2010, the first of three Brooks Prestige Yachts. With a core team of craftsmen who have worked together for more than 20 years, Brooks says the new boats will be defined by excellence and innovation.

“The Brooks 34 is a design that continues the region’s legacy of superb boatbuilding,” Brooks said. “It will be an excellent fishing and diving yacht and another credit to lineage of boats from Eastern North Carolina,”

Characterized by long flowing lines and a sweeping shear line, the design is a new twist on the traditional “Carolina hull” form. With its full bow flare and tumblehome aft, the Brooks 34 SFX presents a distinctive profile.

It’s also built with the latest technology using modern raw materials that create a superior product, Brooks said. “We have been very weight conscious in our approach not only because we did not want to pay for extra raw materials, but because we see value in creating a vessel that requires less fuel.”

Marking its 10-year anniversary in 2010, Brooks Boatworks has undergone a transformation from a first-class tooling

Brooks Boatworks brings innovation to tradition

operation to building semi-custom boats to producing its own line.

“The Brooks 34 SFX will be a very comfortable sports fishing boat,” Brooks says. “We can customize each boat to some extent to meet a buyer’s prefer-ences. We will incorporate many items as standard that would be options on other boats – air conditioning, hardtop, micro-waves – and put together in an efficiently designed, well executed package.”

Consumers can see the boats begin-ning at the October boat show in Annapolis. Brooks plans to take the boat to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 27 and in Miami in February. The base boat will begin at about $289,000 and could range upward to $400,000.

The company enjoys a long track re-cord of quality production. Recent clients have included Jarrett Bay Yachts (the Jarrett Bay 32 Semi Custom), Eastport

Yachts (Eastport 32), Impulse Yachts (Impulse 34 yacht), Tiara Yachts (vari-ous molds), Hatteras Yachts (one-off pieces for custom applications), Impulse Yachts

(fiberglass components for Impulse 34) and others.

During a career that has included professional stops at Sea Ox and Sea Ray Boats, Roger Brooks also lead the tooling and research department at Fountain Powerboats, which operated near his home in Bath, NC. While at Fountain Powerboats, Roger built prototype vessels

to test new running surface designs. His research into new materials and designs took him to Albemarle Boats, a sport fishing manufacturer where he handled engineering and research-and-develop-ment duties.

Eventually, he brought the expertise to his own company with a clear vision for his first line of products.

“We know what we are doing and – most important – we know the boats we want to produce,” Brooks said. The company has focused on building the finest tooling in the industry – a reflection of his own experience.See more information about Roger Brooks and the Brooks Boatworks at http://brooksboatworks.com.

Characterized by long flowing lines and a sweeping

shear line, the design is a new twist on the traditional

“Carolina hull” form.

Brooks 34 SFX to be launched this fall

Ali Williams is a sea kayaking and back country guide, currently working at Great Outdoor Provision Company. You can read her blog at: www.wayfinderali.blogspot.com

Opportunities abound for every skill level

W hether you revel in the independence of launching a loaded sea kayak for a

challenging expedition, a care-free day exploring in a recreational kayak or the thrill of landing a red drum, coastal Carolina will satisfy your craving.

With a wide variety of places to explore, you can have your fill of fun and beauty no matter your skill level. Newcomers to the sport or paddlers looking to relax should head to the sheltered waters of the tidal creeks that wind through marshes or to the cypress swamps on the mainland.

Expansive marshlands are common on the sound side of many barrier islands as well as along the inland coast. High stands of marsh grass and their proximity to large land masses protect these marshy creeks from strong winds and chop. Marshes are also great places to observe egrets, sea gulls, skate, and sting rays.

Further inland you’ll find stands of cypress trees where the salty sound water mingles with the fresh water from rivers. Paddling in a cypress swamp is like floating through a forest. These swamps are home to otters, alligators, turtles, herons, black bears, red wolves and bald eagles. You’ll find these aqueous forests in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge and Lake Matamuskeet.

Looking for an overnight adventure or

extended weekend trip? There are plenty of easily accessible places to explore. Shackle-ford Banks, Portsmouth Island, South Core Banks, North Core Banks and Bear Island make great destinations for overnight to weekend trips.

Only a short paddle from the mainland, these barrier islands are made of gnarled maritime forests, bountiful marshlands, chains of sand dunes and beaches pounded by powerful surf. The ocean beach is usu-ally the best place to camp, with soft sand, constant wind and the soothing rhythm of crashing waves. Wild ponies, descendants of Span-ish horses marooned long ago, may wan-der through your camp. Want some excitement? Try kayak surfing for some exhilarating fun. If camping isn’t your thing, a hotel or B&B on one of the inhabited islands can serve as base camp for day trips.

Looking for more of a challenge? Go on an expedition! North Carolina offers 300 miles of coastline, to explore for a few weeks or a few months. Plan a few days to a week island hopping along Cape Lookout National Seashore. You’ll paddle on isolated

waters and camp on wilderness beaches. If you choose to hop from place to place on the northern outer banks, you’ll see everything from hip surf towns, to quaint fishing vil-lages, to wilderness.

Fisherman should head to the water in late summer and fall when the fish really start to run. Fishing from a kayak offers excitement and new challenges. Red drum, Spanish mackerel, trout and false albacore will test your fishing skill. Fish for sharks

at night along the shore. Get out of your kayak and spend an afternoon hour or two wading in the shallows of the sound for a shellfish feast.

Summer brings long days, warm waters, bright sunlight, more visitors and more bugs to feast on them. Fall

offers cooler weather, relief from bugs and excellent fishing. Winter is harsh with cold waters and biting wind, but affords solitude on empty beaches. Spring brings warmer days, with cool waters and fewer bugs than summer.

Coastal Carolina can be beautiful and rough, peaceful and violent, welcoming and unforgiving all at once. Prepare for a safe trip, but also prepare to enjoy. u

Tip for Kayakers: If you plan to camp on the beach, take plenty of baby powder. It has magical powers! Before you go to bed at night, bathe yourself with the power. All the salt and sand fall off your skin.

Kayaking the Carolinas Coast


Kayaking the Carolinas Coast

Ali Williams is a sea kayaking and back country guide.You can read her blog at www.wayfinderali.blogspot.com

Payment is required to Secure Your Seat; Sorry, No RefundsWe Accept Checks, Money Orders, Visa, MC & Discover

Our School is Unique ~ We Don’t Cancel ClassesToll-Free: 866-249-2135

Visit us at http://www.wegivethetest.com for our complete schedule or e-mail us at [email protected]

*OUPV (6-Pak) 8-days-in-a-row: $799Oriental, NC – Sept 11, 2010

Morehead City, NC – Nov 13, 2010Nags Head, NC – Sept 11; Nov 6, 2010

Wilmington, NC – Sept 18, 2010

Weekend *OUPV (6-pak) 4-weekends-in-a-row: $799

Morehead City, NC – Sept 25, 2010Oriental, NC – July 10; Oct 30, 2010

**Master Upgrade to 100-ton 3-day: $349

Nags Head, NC – Dec 3, 2010Oriental, NC – Oct 22, 2010

Wilmington, NC – Dec 3, 2010

Master Upgrade to 200-ton 3-day: $399Oriental, NC – Oct 11, 2010

* 4-hour Towing Endorsement offered during this time: $99** 4-hour Sailing Endorsement offered during this time: $99

Our prices include all materials and equipment used in class ~There are no hidden fees payable to us!

Oriental, North Carolina

U.S.C.G. Approved Training & Testing

Captains Licenses& Upgrades to 200-ton Master, Able

Seaman, Radar, ARPA, STCW-95 Basic Safety Training, Tow & Sail

Endorsements & Much, Much, More!

From the Helm By Capt. Larry Walker

Have you ever wondered why you can follow a compass heading and still be a few degrees off course?

First, it is nearly impossible to steer a perfect course. Another reason is that “on-board” magnetic interference throws your compass off a by a few degrees. We call that error “Deviation.”

First, let’s look at the causes of devia-tion. Equipment that generates a magnetic field and devices that include permanent magnets are the most common causes. This type of interference causes your compass to read a few degrees off a “magnetic” heading. A “magnetic” heading is based on “magnet-ic north” to which your magnetic compass is attracted as opposed to “true north.”

The influence of “magnetic north” is called “variation” and varies based on where you are on the globe. The variation for your area is printed inside the compass rose on your navigation chart. The effect of devia-tion is based on your vessel’s heading (the direction that you are traveling). The reason that your heading is important is that the sources of deviation revolve around your compass as you alter your course. Variation and deviation combined are what is known as your “compass error.”

Assume that your compass is mounted on the port side of your helm station, and a source of magnetic interference is mounted on the starboard side. As you travel north, your vessel is heading toward magnetic north, with the onboard interference to the right. If you alter course to the west, the onboard interference is now between your compass and magnetic north. If you alter course to the east, the onboard interfer-ence is south of your compass. You will find varying amounts and direction of deviation based on the proximity of magnetic north, your compass, and the interference.

Most vessels have several sources of onboard magnetic interference causing de-viation to vary in both magnitude (number of degrees) and direction (east or west). For example, deviation may be 4 degrees west at 000 degrees, 3 degrees east at 030 degrees and 0 at 090 degrees.

You may build a deviation table by running ranges, as we have discussed in the past, or by using your GPS (Global Po-sitioning System). Deviation is expressed in degrees “east” or “west,” depending on how

it deflects your compass. Once your devia-tion values are calculated, you can construct a small table that includes the deviation values for headings around the compass of thirty degrees apart. We call that table a “Deviation Table.”

To calculate deviation, get on a course of 000 based on the reading of your GPS. Once you are steady on that heading, write down the magnetic compass reading. If the difference between the GPS and the mag-netic compass is exactly what your chart indicates for variation, then the deviation on that heading is zero.

If the difference between the GPS and the magnetic compass is less than the variation printed on your chart, your devia-tion is in the opposite direction as that of your variation, and equal to the difference. Accordingly, if your variation is 9 degrees west, and the difference 11 degrees, you have a deviation of 2 degrees west on that

heading. If the variation is 9 degrees west, and the difference is 8 degrees, you have a deviation of 1 degree east on that heading.

To build your deviation table, follow that procedure for headings of 000, 030, 060, and so on up to a heading of 330 degrees. Do the calculations using the variation from your chart. You can use that information to build your deviation table. Then, you will have the tools to follow a compass heading that will keep you on a “True” course!

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds and calm seas!

Captain Larry Walker is the president of World Wide Marine Training, Inc., a U.S. Coast Guard Approved facility authorized to give examinations for captain’s licenses up to 200 Ton Master, Able Sea-man up to Unlimited, STCW-95, Radar, ARPA and other Endorsements (www.fromthehelm.com)

A compass heading: understanding a few degrees here and there

Oriental, NC – Jan 8, 2011; May 14, 2011Morehead City, NC – Nov 13, 2010; Jan 22, 2011

Nags Head, NC – Nov 6, 2010; Feb 12, 2011Wilmington, NC – Mar 5, 2011

Oriental, NC – Oct 30, 2010; Mar 5, 2011Washington, NC – Jan 15, 2011

Nags Head, NC – Dec 3, 2010; Mar 11, 2011Oriental, NC – Oct 22, 2010; Jan 28, 2011

Wilmington, NC – Dec 3, 2010; Apr 15, 2011

Oriental, NC – Oct 11, 2010; Apr 18, 2011



When my wife and I were search-ing the Carolinas for our even-tual retirement home we came

across Lake Norman and immediately fell in love. We have lived most of our adult life in the Northeast and wanted to settle in the Carolinas with its softer climate and warmer people.

We looked at several Carolina lake communities, including Lakes Murray and Wylie in South Carolina, but we chose Lake Norman. We bought our property in

2003 when prices were relatively moderate by lake standards and watched as that value increased rapidly – tempered a bit by the recent economic downturn.

We began construction of our lakefront home during 2007 and moved “down south” in 2008. Since then we have found out what people who live on the lake have been trying to tell us. Lake living is a little piece of heaven.

We absolutely love the region, buoyed by the bustling Charlotte metropolitan area, excellent weather – a lot warmer than

From Lake Norman newbie to embracing the lifestyle of the lakeBy Bill Fox

LAKESIDE LIVING PHOTO BY BILL FOX

Share your stories Carolina Currents continues a regular feature publishing short pieces from sailors and boaters sharing their stories from the water. Send your contribution to [email protected]. While we cannot promise to publish all of them, we’ll publish several articles and photos each issue. These articles will lead our transition to a blogging platform at www.carolinacurrents.com.

Your Voices from the Waterfrontour former home Kennett Square, PA (al-though we have a special love for that area too), great golfing, and easy living. Plus, some in our family are NASCAR fans, and with the majority of teams based in the area adjacent to Lake Norman, a visit to the teams’ modern complexes is a just a short drive for us.

When we moved in, we acted like most newbies to the lake: we bought new swim suits and suntan oil, bought water toys, bought a new pontoon to put at our new dock, and settled in. What we ultimately found surprised us. We quickly took to waterfront living like a duck. My young-est son came home from the University of West Virginia during our first summer in 2008 and proceeded to show us how to maximize our fun time on the pontoon.

We found little coves to pull into – like Quiet Cove, tossed anchor and broke out the wine and cheese selection (with desig-nated driver, of course). We’ve had many relaxing weekend afternoons with friends and family doing just that.

And a late evening cruise to the North Harbor Club for fine dining or The Land-ing to dine out on the lake has been for us some of the best memories we have made in the past few years. Good restaurateurs on the lake just have a knack of making food taste better. Or maybe it’s the ambi-ence of a dinner on warm summer’s eve at the waterfront that makes the difference.

Whatever the reason is, we will take it. I can’t wait to retire to do this full time. u

Bill Fox, an avid golfer and vice president for a Fortune 500 company, lives in Sherrills Ford, NC where he enjoys lake living with his wife and their dogs.

LARA’S CHILDREN, CHRISTOPHER, LEFT AND MICHAEL AT PLAY ON THE BOAT


Revelling in private moments on busy Lake Hartwell’s shores By Lara Kaufmann

The memories that I have of my children growing up will always be filled with scenes from Lake Hartwell. Days where the hardest thing I had to do was apply the sun “scream”, and at the end of the day lug all the items back to the house. “I’m bored,” was never uttered. My boys jumped off the dock, explored the shore, tested whether things could sink or float, learned to skip rocks and all the while I could join in, or re-lax and read a book.

Other days we went out on the boat, pulled them in inner tubes, anchored out for a swim or beached the boat for a shore excursion at places like Sadler’s Creek State Park, the Hartwell Dam area or to the town of Clemson.

Nature hikes with my boys on the short, shaded and easy trail that follows along the lake’s shore at Sadler’s Creek State Park, were often followed by a visit to the playground near the trailhead.

Other times we would head to the South Carolina side of the Hartwell Dam with kid’s bikes on the pontoon boat! My boys learned to ride their bikes on the dam’s scenic paved walkway, while I walked. I love the spectacular view of the Savannah River and the Hwy 29 Bridge

that is seen from the dam. We often enjoyed exploring the wooded area and shoreline there, as well.

Meal times at the lake included many family picnics “afloat,” trips to restaurants accessible by boat, all variations of outside

grilling and spe-cial “date nights” with takeout sushi and a bottle of wine – water front dining at its best!

The lake always attracted extended family and friends. These

visits brought us together and back to a simpler time. Video games didn’t fill the day and my boys have wonderful memories of their cousins playing with them at the lake. Lifelong bonds and memories were formed. And that is one of the best things about the lake!

In the fall, when the weather starts to change and summer activities fade, new adventures begin. Fall brings a beautiful array of colors as leaves fall from the trees. Shore exploration is enhanced by cooler temperatures. And, of course, fall brings college football to Lake Hartwell.

On game days, when friends visited, we often got a sitter and went out on the boat to tailgate on the way to the game and then

we would beach our boat and take part in game day festivities ashore. Trips to Clemson are also fun on non-game days when we could tie up to the public courtesy boat docks at Abernathy Park and follow the nice boardwalk to Clemson’s cute “downtown”.

During our mild winters, we would sometimes sit around our fire pit and occasionally roast marsh mellows. The sparks of the flames mixed with the crisp weather produced a sense of peace and encouraged conversation.

Great family memories have been made during all seasons and with many people at Lake Hartwell. These memories will always be dear to my heart.

The Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers all join to make Lake Hartwell, which provides opportunities for boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. This man-made lake on the border of Georgia and South Carolina has 55,900 acres of water and about 962 miles of shoreline.

Lake Hartwell is one of the most visited lakes in the nation. With that said, you’d think it would be crowded, but it’s not. Because of its’ size, you can always find a private spot. u

Upstate South Carolina resident, Lara Kaufmann is the author of the Lake Hartwell Area Recreation Guide and co- owner of www.LakeHartwellInsider.com, an information resource for the Lake Hartwell Area‘Great family memories have

been made during all seasons and with many people at Lake Hartwell. These memories will always be dear to my heart.’

35 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401

On the Banks ofthe Ashley River

in CharlestonAdjacent to The Harborage at Ashley Marina, Bristol Marina •& The Charleston City MarinaHotel shuttle to Waterfront Park in Historic District (fee)•Regatta Bar and Terrace open daily 4-11pm •(closed Sundays and Mondays)Ashley River Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet with a •waffle station and eggs cooked-to-order.

Courtyard by Marriott 843-722-7229www.marriott.com/chscy

This space available from just

$85 per issue …

Reach over 60,000 Carolina boaters for under $43/month!

Call 919-539-8155

Business card ads are ideal if you have a service

or small business to promote

Capt. Ronnie Campbell

24 Hour Service

843-833-1951 • VHF 16BoatU.S. 24 hour dispatch (800) 391-4869


Support Carolina Currents advertisersFrom Nags Head to Hilton Head on the Atlantic, from Columbia to Raleigh on the inland lakes, Carolina Currents is the only print and web-based media sources focused solely on the sailing, boating and coastal businesses of North and South Carolina. The magazine is available as a complimentary publication four times a year in more than 700 businesses and community locations six times a year.

Beta Marine Page 21

Big Tuna Restaurant Page 12

Brooks Boatworks Page 2

Buffalo Creek Marina Page 18

Carolina Boat Outfitters Page 21

Courtyard Marriott in Charleston Page 4

Custom Canvas Page 21

Evergreen Yacht Exterminating Page 21

Georgetown, SC Page 11

Goat Island Grill Page 11

Harbourgate Marina Page 5

Marine Consignment of Oriental Page 21

Marine Towing & Salvage

Maritime Museum Beaufort, NC Page 15

Martin Printing Page 5

McCotters Marina Page 7

Moores Marine Page 24

Mobile East Marine Page 23

Omar Sailmakers Page 21

Pearson’s Pilings Page 13

Quality Inn & Suites Georgetown Page 12

Rice Paddy Page 12

River Room Page 12

Swamp Fox Tours Page 12

Thomas Café Page 12

Vacu Wash (Sailkote) Page 19

Wavetop Technology, Inc. Page 21

Wayfarer’s Cove Page 8

Wooden Boat Show Page 12

World Wide Marine Training Page 17


Serving Eastern N.C.

ASA Sailing School ⎈ Sunset Cruises Day Sails Charters⎈ ⎈

Sailboat Rentals Kayak Rentals⎈

Custom Marine Woodworking

The finest in marine woodworking, with

over 26 years of custom experience

252-675-9776 or 252-675-2346see www.downonthedocks.com

for before and after pictures

Rebuilds, Replacements, RepairsOriental, NC

4117 Old Cherry Point RoadNew Bern, NC 28560

252-633-4804 Cell: 670-1201

Bimini Tops and FramesF/B EnclosuresCanvas CoversAwnings

David CrawfordOwner

Custom Canvas, INC.

“We Cover the Coast”

Authorized Dealer

OmarSailmakersSINCE 1978

Built IN BEAUFORT NC

FULL BATTEN MAINSAILS

ROLLER REEFING GENOAS

CRUISING AND RACING SPINNAKERS

252 728 5598 [email protected]

Beta Marine US LtdPO Box 5Arapahoe, NC 28510

877-227-2473252-249-2473info@betamarinenc.comwww.betamarinenc.com

Model shown BD1005 - 28HPDealer Inquiries Welcome

SUPERB PROPULSION ENGINES including our famous Atomic 4 replacements. 10 to 90hp all KUBOTA powered.

Model shown Beta 38

•

MARINE TECHMOBILE MARINE MECHANICAL

Emergency Services, Maintenance, General RepairsDiesel, Gas, Electrical, Plumbing, Pumps, Diagnostics, Fabrication

Phone (252)675-1244 • www.marinetechmobile.com

Mobile Service at Your Dock• Certified Master Technician Since 1988 • ABYC Certified

• Competent/Reliable/Insured • Quality Parts and Service Guaranteed

CAROLINA~B O A T O U T F I T T E R S . C O M

the boater’s first choice252.757.BOAT (2628)

wholesale prices • fast delivery • huge selection of marine & fishing accessories

We can turn your marine items into CASH!Why Pay Retail?252-249-3222

708 Broad St. ~ P.O. Box 814Oriental, NC 28571

New and quality used marine equipment sold on consignment

[email protected]

capefearsailingacademy.com

Unit 1600 West Brunswick St

Nature’s Natural Insect Repellent Cedar Oil.

“Bugs Hate � is Stuff ”

Evergreen Yacht Exterminating George King

910-368-7145

CAROLINA~B O A T O U T F I T T E R S . C O M

the boaterʼs fi rst choice252.757.BOAT (2628)

wholesale prices • fast delivery • huge selection of marine & fi shing accessories

4117 Old Cherry Point RoadNew Bern, NC 28560

252-633-4804 Cell: 670-1201

Bimini Tops and FramesF/B EnclosuresCanvas CoversAwnings

David CrawfordOwner

Custom Canvas, INC.

“We Cover the Coast”

SUPERB PROPULSION ENGINES including our famous Atomic 4 replacements. 10 to 105 hp all KUBOTA powered.

Fleeting lessons from the first sailboat – the one we left behind

SThere she sits. I can see her from my kitchen window. She is protected. Secure. Yet she haunts me. I can feel

her pulling me in her direction every time I walk in the back yard.

She has a mournful look in storage and a stronger hold that I expected. She is my second sailboat – a 23-foot Precision – and yes, she is the one I cannot let go. She’s the one that brought me to the ranks of sailors with more than one boat.

This position of owning two sailboats is a place held by many. It’s like a large dat-ing club of people looking to find a mate. But emotionally, they just can’t let go of the one they had last. That is my boat.

She was my teacher, companion and date for many weekends. We forged a great relationship. She demanded and I obliged by spending money, time and a lot of ener-gy on her. I learned how to do things I was not sure I could manage. I grew strong and more confident. I also made new friends, learned more about myself and had many

laughs along the way because of her.For instance, there was the time that

I decided that in doing the bottom paint on my own boat, I would become more in tune with her. I read everything I could, found an online group that convinced me to try a technique that required dropping the bunk boards while the boat was on the trailer and using 2x4s to steady her. This of-fered good access to more bottom to paint.

I proceeded with each recommenda-tion from this group of sailing men. All went fairly well. I got the bunks down and the paint on. But when I attempted to bring the bunks back up, one dropped and pinched my arm at the place it connected to the trailer.

I was trapped, unable to get my arm free with just one hand without a single neigh-bor home to hear me yell. After finally working my arm free and analyzing the wound, I faced a decision: spend the rest of the day in the emergency room getting the stitches I probably needed or finishing my boat work?

Well, the scar is still visible, but my boat work got done that day. Sharing my suc-cess with the online advisors, I learned they had not tried it either – no small surprise. But they cheered my success and promised to use the technique in the future. Oh, the things I learned from my little sailboat. Not just about sailing, but about people, too.

And of course, there were the guaranteed embarrassing docking moments. I used to go to the boat almost daily to practice coming in and out of the slip. The day I finally took that 23 foot floating hull of unsteadiness in and out of the slip with absolutely no problem I was overjoyed. I quickly glanced around the marina to see if my accomplishment had been noticed, only to then realize that my feat was accomplished in the wrong slip.

My sailboat presented me with great challenges, but there were also gifts of oth-er kinds. My love of being on her lead me to a new date on my weekends…a sailor that enjoyed the water as much as I did.

So we began to plan trips on this little boat and eventually decided that a larger boat was next. Last fall we purchased a Pearson 27. We sailed her from Virginia, and the trip confirmed that we had found the perfect boat for this time in our lives.

But that meant that one boat would go in my slip and one would come out – the one I had bonded with. I can’t bring myself to sell her and so she sits safely stowed in the garage. I clean and check on her, but still cheat by going out with my new sailboat.

Still, in my heart, she is the most special boat in the entire world. Not just because of how she sailed – yes, she was great – but because of all she gave to me. Sometimes life’s lessons come packaged in fiberglass and teak.u

Bobbi Lancaster lives in Raleigh and sails a Pearson 27 named Kokopelli.

A personal sailing column by Bobbi Lancaster.

Get PublishedSend us your news, press releases,

article submissions, letters and advertising inquiries to:

[email protected]

★ “Rugged and Practical, Simple and Sensible”

Mobile East Marine13398 Hwy 55 E.Alliance, NC 28509252-745-5615 [email protected]

To Get Started, Contact:

The Perfect Getaway

Always wear a personal otation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. 2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.22 Carolina Currents FALL 2010 www.carolinacurrents.com

★ “Rugged and Practical, Simple and Sensible”

Mobile East Marine13398 Hwy 55 E.Alliance, NC 28509252-745-5615 [email protected]

To Get Started, Contact:

The Perfect Getaway

Always wear a personal otation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. 2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

carolina currents fall 2010

Documents

sfxthe brooks

innovationroger brooks

diving yacht

new twist

new mission

carolina currents

classic yacht

sport yacht