As seen in SAILING magazine October 2012

Readers pick their top spots for cruising

October 2012 By Betsy Crowfoot

There’s a reason these locales are favorites for charter cruising, and SAILING readers share why these exotic destinations are the best for getaway vacations LINK HERE

Harbor 30 Boat Review - AS SEEN IN SAILING MAGAZINE

Easy does it

PHOTOS: BOB GRIESER / OUTSIDE IMAGES

This classy new daysailer keeps sailing simple with thoughtful design and classic looks

I fully expected the Harbor 30 to be an expanded version of the Harbor 20. Now granted, I am a big fan of the Harbor 20, or “Ocean 20” as we nicknamed it in Santa Barbara because the fleet bluewater races this small boat even when it’s blowing. It’s simple to rig and sail, and stable with its generous freeboard and ballast, making the 20 suitable for all ages, weights and abilities. In fact, there are many reasons the Harbor 20 shone after its introduction in 1997, with more than 340 boats launched. But for all its simplicity, its bulletproof construction and user-friendliness, it is, after all, a small daysailer. 

So imagine my surprise when I spied the Harbor 30 ...

Read the full story online here.

   

GRENADA WORKBOAT REGATTA

Workboat regatta in Grenada

AS SEEN IN SOUNDINGS MAGAZINE

Written by Betsy Crowfoot
Photos by Bob Grieser 

Brace  yourself! 
From the smack of sizzling barbecue to the din of sails snapping in a stiff breeze and a riot of boats so colorful even the tropical sun cannot tame their hues, Grenada’s Scotiabank Workboat Regatta is a full-on assault of the senses ...

Full story in Soundings May 2012

Up a Busy River: as seen in SAILING magazine

UP A BUSY RIVER

Simple sailing by day and comfortable quaint inns at night, a daysailing cruise up the Hudson River proves rich in history and fun

The Hudson River is full of history, intrigue, culture and cuisine, stretching from the commotion of Manhattan to the wilderness of the Catskills, from glitzy Vanderbilt Mansion to notorious Sing-Sing prison. Pirates, folklore, ghosts, Indians, sports, industry—the Hudson has it all.

But on top of that, the Hudson is the river of my youth. We spent lazy summer afternoons canoeing to Bannerman’s Island, scaling the ruins and leaping into the murky moats and fishing, hiking and biking its shores. In the spring we eagerly watched for migrating birds at Kemey’s Cove, and in the winters, when the river froze, we’d gather at the magnificent sight and thunderous “boom” of cracking ice. For the first three decades of my life, I never lived more than 8 miles from that beautiful river.

Link to complete story here.

Colorful Costa Rica

As seen on the Ecology Global Network 

Activism & Volunteerism

ColorfulCosta Rica*

By Betsy Crowfoot, January 4, 2012

Overtly aware of the many Crayola-colored poisonous frogs crouched in the corners of the shed, I hopped on one foot trying on rubber boots until I finally found a pair that fit. The size of a thumbnail, these tiny creatures are actually only toxic if you ingest them, and I was not into kissing any frogs that day. But I could have: the dendrobatids were just adorable – and rare, as they’re critically endangered due to habitat loss and pollution.

EcoTourism Pioneer

The mere presence of these rainbow-splashed amphibians at Costa Rica’s Selva Verde Lodge testified to the measures this award-winning establishment has undertaken to protect and maintain this fragile ecosystem over the past three decades. Deep in the lowland rainforest two hours north of the capitol city of San Jose, Selva Verde Lodge is a true pioneer in the ecotourism business.

At the time the lodge was founded, Costa Rica’s entire Atlantic coast to central valley was a sweeping expanse of rainforest. Now just a smattering of farms, reserves and plantations remain, supplying the needed swathes of natural habitat that allow wildlife to migrate and maintain optimal biodiversity.

Selva Verde oversees a vital part of the San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor, and we had the opportunity to explore a portion of it on a naturalist-led hike when we arrived. Donning thick rubber boots (to protect us from stinging and biting creatures), we breathed in the fresh jungle air as we trekked over suspension bridges, along a rushing stream, and beneath the sigh of the canopy. Our guide pointed out the unique characteristics of nearly every living thing, and how it thrived amidst the roughly 500-acre Preservation Area.

Sustainability

Primary to Selva Verde’s sustainability goal is maintaining a vibrant future, not only for the wildlife, but also for the people of the Sarapiqui region, so their programs incorporate adventures and education for visitors. Guests can enjoy the lowland jungle via horseback or zip line; raft the tumbling Sarapiqui River; or hike through a cacao plantation as we did – and make hot chocolate from scratch. In addition, resident naturalists are on site to lead talks on traditional curative uses of rainforest flora, conservation projects or wildlife.

And wildlife abounds, from the miniscule poisonous frogs (and other non-toxic species) to monkeys, vipers and ants the size of walnuts. Relaxing at the pool, I stirred at the sound of a peculiar ‘Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!’ overhead and realized it was the awkward flight of the Toucan. Nearby, giant iguanas leapt from tree to tree. Selva Verde Lodge boasts refuge to ‘300-plus species of birds, 120 species of mammals, numerous amphibians and reptiles, and countless invertebrates’ all told.

The resort proves a tranquil destination for all ages and abilities. Accommodations are clustered in understated wooden structures connected by a series of covered walkways (which are peppered with giant water dispensers – to eliminate the use of plastic bottles). Wrap-around balconies hung with colorful hammocks allow for relaxing days; oversized screened windows let the cool air in at night – along with the boisterous calls of marauding howler monkeys.

Selva Verde was awarded Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) for the implementation of water conservation and wastewater management systems, energy conservation, the use of biodegradable laundry and cleaning products and maintaining the grounds without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. The lodge also controls excessive noise and light pollution to limit the effects on wildlife and the environment.

Rooms in the River Lodge include meals; private bungalows are also available. If you are flying within Costa Rica, consider Nature Air – “the world’s first 100 percent carbon neutral airline.”

 * please click on the headline to see the full article and all images