Clearwater center is changing its course

Clearwater Community Sailing Center will enter a new era in October.

The City of Clearwater has operated the center since 1991, and it owns the facility.

The location at the end of Sand Key is on the bay and has easy access out of Clearwater Pass to sailing in the Gulf.

Some thought the facility was not being used to its fullest potential for the community. To that end, a non-profit corporation was formed with directors from the sport and community.

The CCSC now is open to all Pinellas County residents at a significantly lower price than the St.Petersburg Sailing Center downtown.

However, there is no provision for keel boats at Clearwater and, while accessable, there's no better facility for the disabled than SPSC.

The racing calendar is filling with high-profile events, including national catamaran championships.

Sailability, a disabled sailing program, uses the site, as do several other organizations. Lessons are available for adults and children.

Launching is convenient for dinghies and catamarans, and there are sandy beaches. Storage for small boats is ample and convenient.

Staffing with U.S. SAILING certified instructors and a qualified assistant manager is complete. The search for a qualified manager for the 8 a.m.-dusk, seven-day facility is ongoing.

NEUBAUER REGATTA: The 15th annual Neubauer Youth Regatta enjoyed two fine sailing days for 85 participants under 15.

Launching was from the Admiral Farragut Academy Sailing Center, and racing was north of Treasure Island Causeway.

In the Novice Green Fleet, Paul Polgar of CYC was first. James Boyer, CYC, and Robbie Bieber were second and third, respectively.

The White fleet, for individuals 10-and-under, saw Mary Kate Hall, CYC, post a victory. She was followed by Mateo Vargas and Michael Booker, both of SPYC.

The Blue fleet, 11-12, was won by Zeke Horowitz. Cheyne Delaney finished second, and Robert Dudenhoefer was third. Each is from CYC.

Courtney Keubel, CYC, was tops in the Red fleet. Ben Whitman, DIYC, and Olivia Ceraolo, CYC, were second and third, respectively.

Overall results were Horowitz, Keubel and Delaney.

REALLY SMALL BOATS: There is a growing interest in radio-controled sailboats in the area.

Freedon Lake near Bill Janckson's off 49th Street North has long been the chosen venue for these sleek craft 2-3 feet long.

Sails and rudders are controled by the sailor on shore. There even is a section in the official rules for radio-controled boats.

If you would like to try your hand at his challenging sport, stop by Nancy Sanford's boat rental in the Vinoy basin downtown behind the historical museum. She has R/C Lasers along with kayaks and peddle boats.

LASER WORLDS: The event is in the United States only about every 12 years.

Hyannis, Cape Cod, provided excellent winds and fine race committee work for 131 competitors from 42 countries. Brazil's Robert Schiett won his sixth title in convincing fashion.

Top sailors from many countries are paid well for strong performances. Not so in the U.S., where sailing for a living is not an option for small boat competitors.

Largo's Brett Davis qualified for the top Gold Fleet, finishing 43rd.

This week, participants 35-and-older sail their Worlds in four divisions. Nearly 300 sailors over 70 started seven days of competition Sunday.

The practice day saw 20 knots of wind and large breaking seas. Most participants could barely drag their boats on the beach after the sail.

A grey-haired Ausie sailor said, "Great sailing day, mate. Coulda used a bit more wind."

USCG RESTRICTED AREAS: Security has taken a nautical turn.

VHF Channel 16 and the Local Notice to Mariners have announced several restrictions sailors should know:

Stay at least 100 feet away from the Coast Guard facilities on both sides of Bayboro Harbor.

Sailing under the Skyway Bridge requires a 100-foot distance off all pilings and rock islands. That leaves a narrow space between all but the main channel span.

Any cruise ship requires a 100-yard zone and a slow speed within 200 yards.

"Any erratic or unusual maneuver near a Coast Guard vessel will draw immediate attention," the USCG said.

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