I was pout in Biscayne Bay yesterday, WOW! great sailing, steady 12 - 15 and about 1' chop.
I had freinds in town from Boston and Springfield, MO that have never seen salt water...? They had a blast running the jib, flying the hull and learning to tack.

I am going out again today in a few hours...

Hey Arbo,

I was seriously thinking about going today but one of my daughters is sick so I couldn't. How is the crowd on Hobie beach this time of year?? We went a couple of times in the summer and it was just wAy too packed!!, Also too meany jet skis. I went sailing off Hollywood beach the last couple of weeks, but the waves and surf were brutal. Also there is a killer sandbar just off shore that wouldnt let me put my rudders or daggerboards down. So add to that the heavy breakers, and it was not an enjoyable experience at all. Anyway, do you sail off Hobie beach or the windsurf beach?

Hey Fred, the water is too cold for the local element, we had the beach to ourselves. Not even one jet ski all day, just lucky I guess.
I live in Davie and have yet to find anywhere better to sail in Ft. Lauderdale. We sail off of Hobie Beach, it is far friendlier for trailer traffic, set up and beaching.

I am off until the 5th, am considering a few more trips, maybe one during the week and then Sat the 3rd. Let me know if you can make it, I'll look for you.
I have a dark teal H-20 sail #911.

Sorry I couldn't meet up with you on those dates. After my daughter had the flu she gave it to me and I've been out of commission since. I do plan on doing some sailing next weekend. Hopefully the weather will be nice.

Take care

Fred, head for the keys and the Tradewinds Midwinters....16 - 18 january...its a groove!

Excuse the ignorance, but what are the Tradewinds Midwinters, and where are they sailed?? Also what's the skill level? Is it a fairly informal event? I've never raced before and although I think it would be great, I'd hate to be the only ammateur sailing with all the world's top sailors. Let me know I'd definetly like to look into it.

The Tradewinds is a regatta put on by CABB annually in the Keys. Although lately there are only a couple of CABB members that help out. Too bad.
At any rate this is the premier regatta in the country during the winter, bringing sailors from all over North America to our sunny and windy venue.
The registration starts at 6PM on Friday and again on Sat AM from 8-10AM, Skippers Mtg 11AM and racing begins at noon on Sat.
Sun races begin at 10AM and will be over around 2PM.

There will be a lot of novice racers as well as world-class guys, but the courses are set up so there is usually very little conflict.
And, if you want to get a taste of it all and still not have to feel embarrased, then by all means volunteer to help out.
We need manpower to run mark boats, spectator boats (power, by the way) or help on the Signal Boat. John McKnight has been literally begging for help, but no response from CABB Members.
The headquarters is the Elks Lodge in Tavernier in the Keys. Just as you pull into Tavernier, it is on the right side of the road across from the Dairy Queen.

For full info, click on the following:http://www.catsailor.com/TradewindsNOR_04.html

So, either way, you ought to get there.., or be square (as the old saying goes)
Rick

Thanks Rick,

I won't be at this one but I will definetly be at next years. I broke the rudder assembly casting when the rudders didn kick up while beaching (!) Anyway I'm now in the market for replacements for this (which is looking to be a veeeery expensive endeavour). Let me know if you know anything.

Thanks