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

                                                                                                             

New Zealand Update: Oil Spill Taints Start of Holiday Weekend

Nearly two miles (3k) of beach have been opened along the Bay of Plenty, as recovery of the M/V Rena oil spill continues into New Zealand’s Labour Weekend.

Traditionally the start of summer, this year’s holiday will see most of the popular coastline closed due to oil and flotsam from the container ship wreckage. The public are warned not to swim in the vicinity, nor eat seafood or shellfish taken from area waters.

Twelve miles offshore, salvage workers continue to pump oil slowly and methodically from the listing vessel, which became lodged on a shallow reef more than two weeks ago. Cold water temperatures (62F, 17C) have affected the viscosity of the oil, which complicates the procedure.

Less than 20 percent of roughly 1,300 tons of oil has been transferred from Rena to the storage ship Awanuia – however workers expect to continue unabated until it is done.

-more-

Image courtesy Maritime New Zealand

Heineken Regatta set to begin!

The palm trees are hunched and the sea obscured by the furious wind and rain. Thankfully I’d declined to race Commodore’s Cup, and while my sympathies are with those sailors today, I hope the storm gives its’ all and doesn’t hold back – and has nothing left for the next three days!

The Heineken Regatta boasts it is “serious fun” – the place to be whether you are a hard core racer, non-spin cruiser, party boat, or anything in between. So I’ve decided to test the waters and experience all three, in my three days of racing here. And my lineup is incredible!

Friday I’ll race aboard FAT CAT, an 80-foot Morelli/Miller designed luxury catamaran, on the long (32-mile) race around the island. FAT CAT is owned by a very smiley man named John (Winter?), with the legendary T. Randy West as sailing master, and they warmly invited me aboard without any hesitation at last night’s Heineken Regatta ‘Welcome Sailors Party’ at St. Martin YC. Well that’s a welcome indeed!

Earlier in the week, as I was staring at the bulletin board trying to make sense of the teensy print of the scratch sheets (my reading glasses were still in my luggage) a lovely lady offered to help find what I was looking for. But I didn’t know what I was looking for, I explained, and once she grasped my challenge she – Lea deHaas – invited me to sail aboard SYNERGY.

Lea’s Frers 49 SYNERGY is a well-know boat down here: racing with an all-women crew (TEAM WAVE: Women Against Violence Everywhere) they have won their class in the Newport-Bermuda Race and are frequently found on the podium, collecting their share of silver ‘jewelry’ in races throughout the Caribbean. I am thrilled to be sailing with Lea and the gals (including Val Doan on the helm and Denise Holmberg as tactician) on Saturday’s (26-mile) race from Simpson Bay to Marigot (with a few offshore zigzags in between)!

Sunday, my new friends from TEAM LYNCH MOB say, I’m, ‘Saving the best for last ...’ In truth, I’m afraid these party pros from The Lynch Mob might destroy me: so indeed I saved NADARA - a cruising class 50’ Beneteau helmed by Eric Lynch – for the final day of racing; just in case I cannot get out of bed the following morning ...

Eric and crew found me at the YC last night and I received a raucous welcome. These kids were just warming up, I fear, but I’m looking forward to the short (16-mile) boomerang course from Marigot to Simpson Bay – where Wyclef Jean will be performing(!) at the party afterwards.

Check back for updates (if I’m conscious) and be sure to visit the Heineken Regatta website daily for news and results, images, and video

For now, I'm holed up in my enclave at the Blue Pelican (a lovely villa which is upscale, serene and walking distance to St Martin Yacht Club and Simpson Bay) watching for a break in the rain, so I can venture out to Hilma's Windsor Castle for some johnnycakes ...

-- Betsy Crowfoot, for SAILING magazine

Getting spanked at the pre-Heineken Regatta: and loving it

WHERE ELSE can you watch world class match racing (champions like Peter Holmberg and Gavin Brady!) while leaning on a patio bar at a yacht club, sipping a cold Heinie, beneath a balmy bluebird sky ... ?

Today’s Budget Marine Match Racing Regatta took place just off the St Martin Yacht Club, in ridiculously tetchy waters mined with mooring cans, kayakers, jet skies, and mega yachts queuing for the drawbridge that opens every other hour. Conditions made for great entertainment - and a few lessons, for spectators and participants alike!

For me, the thrill was watching the action up-close-and-personal on the press boat, with the infamous Bobbie G, Herb McCormick, Rob the video guy and Mario, ace driver. We zoomed around the ever-changing course (the wind shifty and temperamental) sometimes adding to the fray of obstacles – oops – admiring the strategy and skills of the sailors.

Racing teeny three-man Jeanneau SunFast 20s (they look like stubby toy boats, and organizers warned more than once “they sink very easily”!) they took deft handling and tactics to make the racing dynamic and fast-paced! Eight competitors from around the world did a single round robin, then went directly into the finals, with Colin Rathburn (BVI) and Simon Shaw (UK) duking it out for third and fourth (respectively).

No surprise: it was Peter Holmberg and Gavin Brady vying for top honors. Peter has won this regatta in each of its first two years; nearly succumbing to Gavin’s challenge last year. This year Gavin prevailed (read Herb’s play-by-play here) meaning BOTH of these pro sailors are sure to return next year, to grapple it out again.

But the star of the show for me was Erik van Poelgeest – aka Young Grasshopper. Just 23 years old, match racing for only two years, he put in a respectable performance, finishing sixth out of eight. His enthusiasm, even when he got hammered, was delightful, and I cheered loudly when he won his last race. It takes some cajones to come out and get spanked by the big boys, but Erik recognized the regatta as an unparalleled learning experience ... which was welcomed by Peter, Gavin, and the like. “It’s a great, casual event: I love it!” said a not-sounding-so-defeated Peter ... ‘Just more “serious fun” from the people at Heineken and St. Martin. Read more about it in my upcoming SAILING article.

Heading to the beach & signing off ~ Betsy Crowfoot, for SAILING magazine

PHOTOS: match racing right off the yacht club patio; the Rev Bobbie G at work; fustercluck at the ww mark