DSDomination1

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Gulf Coast Boating On Florida's Caladesi Island


Voted The Nations Best Beach! Caladesi Island became a State Park In 1968. With the low waves and family friendly atmosphere, Caladesi Island is a brilliant get-a-way. You take a ferry over to visit the Island which adds to the "fun".

"Most beachgoers reach the island by a 15-minute, $9 ferry ride. Visitors -- unless they bring their own boat -- are limited to four-hour stays at the beach, which is a state park."

For More Visit CNN for the article: http://www.CNN.com

Or To Visit Caladesi Island At Visit Florida: http://www.visitflorida.com

Or Dr. Beach: http://www.drbeach.org/

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Gulf Coast Boating In Sarasota

Checking into the Sarasota area more for some great Gulf Coast Boating Stories!

Scubadoggy Manta Catamarans Update


I just received the update on how well the Manta Catamaran Migration went along and had to share!
Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

"Manta Catamarans
May, 2008
2008 Manta Migration.

Well, the 2008 Manta Migration is history and what a time was had by all. Twenty-five boats were signed up with five of these being Powercats. We met the first evening at the Castaway's Restaurant in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon. The welcome packs (tote bags donated by West Marine) were stuffed with hats, T-shirts, key floats and cozies. Scott Financial (Kim Madigan) sponsored our get-acquainted cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while we got the agenda down and determined how the races would be run over the next few days. Someone once said that "cruiser's racing" is sort of like the special Olympics, but this does a dis-service to the special Olympics.



The skippers meeting for the first race was held the next morning at 9am with stragglers coming in a bit late due to the good time the previous evening. The Powercats were the marks and they had a poker run going in--as the sailors went by they would throw a bag of sand (with a playing card hidden in it) to the mark boat. When it was all over the Powercat that had the best poker hand would win a bronze Manta trophy. This provoked a few wild moments as the sailors got close enough to get the card to the Powercat without hitting either them or the other racers.

We raced to the entrance of Bahia Honda State Park where a potluck dinner was planned. Leo and Betty Hilke on "Dues Paid" were the winners of the first race, but we all had a great run. Image Blocked


The next day was a laid back run down to New Found Harbor where Manta sponsored a dinner at the Parrot-dise Restaurant. But, before we all met for chow the Blind Dinghy Races were on. This is a timed event where usually the wife tells the skipper where to go while he can't see. A new record was set by Tom and Sally Reed from "Seacret" in hitting one of the marks six times (the old record was once). Thank heavens these are inflatables we are using and that the Kosmacs on "C-Level" have a sense of humor. Sally demanded and received a glass of wine on finishing dead last. This is an honor Sarah and I held from last year, so we empathize with the Reeds. Howard and Debra Reed of "Joint Venture" were the winners with a perfect time. Interesting that both first and last were both named Reed!

Saturday started with an anchor start race out of New Found Harbor. The trick is to get the anchor and sails up while watching all around you for others doing the same. Lots of fun and very educational. "Now and Zen" and "Storyteller" were the two fastest boats with Ralph and Leslie on "Now and Zen" taking the honors. A ways back were "Seacret," "Manta One," and "St. Christopher" all locked in a dual and all finishing within seconds of each other after a 20 mile race (and some great tactics on Seacret's part). After the race we all sailed by Mallory Square looking really good when we were blasted by some of our racers who took to dinghies with large water guns who said they were "blessing the fleet." Over twenty Mantas sailing by was a sight, and we constantly got comments on our great looking boats. We held clinics on rigging, spinnaker handling and maintenance while spending some great times together.

The final evening was an awards dinner in Key West sponsored by Manta where all the trophies and donations from our vendors were given out. The Powercat poker run (and final trophy) was won by Marty and Buena Silverman of "Seapaws" with a royal flush.

We are starting to plan next year's Migration which will take place in April, as in years past. We hope that our owners will continue the input on where to have it; those of you thinking of buying a Manta this year will contribute as well. So far we have had it in the Florida Keys and the Abacos, and we have loved both areas.

Fair winds and smooth sailing."

Visit MantaCatamarans To See The New MkIV Sailcat!


Dan Even
Manta Catamarans

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Scubadoggy Catamarans Kelsall



The design, shape, functionality, and modular assembly of the Catamarans here at Kelsall are unique, interesting, and exceptional.

They are based in New Zealand, but have South African, and South American dealers as well.

Check out the About Kelsall Catamarans:

"Kelsall Catamarans

Kelsall Catamarans was established in Cornwall, United Kingdom in 1965. The company's boat design and boat building operations produced a wide range of craft, all based on the use of PVC foam. Three projects by this company were the largest boats of their type at the time. Kelsall Catamarans Limited now runs its successful office from New Zealand since moving here in 1998. We have over 40 years of specializing in catamarans and composites, and developing the KSS (Kelsall Swiftbuild Sandwich) custom build process. We are the World Leaders in this field."

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

Monday, May 12, 2008

Scubadoggy On Catamarans

Depending on the size of Catamaran that you are searching for, and style, what you are going to use it for, how you are going to use it, who are you taking out, and the numerous other decisions that you will need to make, sometimes you are left shaking your head about which Catamaran is for you?

Here is a basic thought process for you and your decision making:

Start off looking without any thought of price. Don't even let it come into your initial thought process because you want to "Know" what exactly you want "Before" you find the best one to suit your budget. What if you find a great boat in your price range and purchase it, but then "Remember" that you wanted this other feature not offered with the one you purchased, but it is on another Catamaran of equal price? Bummer situation.

Make a list as your looking of all the features you would like to have. Then put the features in order of importance to you. It will make your final decision much easier.

Space, Power, and How does the Catamaran handle are going to be big decisions. Get comfortable when looking at the craft, is there enough storage, passenger, and gear space for diving or snorkeling.

Where are you going to take the craft? On the bay? To the Caribbean? :)

Take your time above all, do your research. I have many Catamaran sites listed here on my blog to get your feet wet so to speak. Then venture out and really look at the Cats out there, get up close and personal. Enjoy!

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Scubadoggy Off Clearwater Coast Large Whale



Cool! Sperm Whale Off Floridas Gulf Coast!

"The giant aquatic mammal, believed to be a sperm whale, was spotted heading south about a half mile offshore off Sand Key Beach in Clearwater." Read More

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy