Southwinds Sailing June 2004 - Southwinds Magazine

FLORIDA KEYS SAILINGThe Keys Sailing SceneWeatherCalendar of EventsHot HappeningsCape SableKey LargoJUNE SAILINGBy Rebecca BurgLike nestlings just learning to fly, the flockof Optis awkwardly crowded together asthey left the pier. Bumbling into eachother, tiny sails fluttering, the sailboatseventually scattered into the light breeze.From a distance one could hear the joyfulshouts and giggles of very young skipperslearning how to sail. A larger andswiftly moving sailboat, obviouslyhelmed by one of the instructors, carefullyherded his charges like a dutiful motherduck. Heralding the start of summer,these kids had just been released fromschool. From a boater’s point of view, it’ssurely a sensible way to start the season.Though June’s average wind speed isaround 9.8 knots from the southeast, it’ssufficient enough to motivate sailors ofall ages in the Keys. Leisurely daysailersglide over calm, clear seas with watertemperatures at an average range of 82to 86 degrees. Sailboat races challengeone’s light air skills and patience. Thosewho sail out on an enchanting excursionunder the stars enjoy nightly temperaturesaveraging 79 degrees. When thesun rises, daytime temps rise up to 88degrees. Rainfall amounts vary along theKeys chain, but 3 to 4.6 inches was theoverall average for the past few years.“It’s hot and rainy,” quips a local chartercaptain. “I like it!” Cruisers who stickaround for the summer take a littlelonger to reach the next stop and mustdodge June’s rain and T-storm activity. Anaverage of nine T-storms pay a visit,Dry Tortugas6 34fueled by rising tropical humidity and thewarm ocean surface. While on the water,be cautious of a brewing storm’s suddengust front, frequent lightning and theformation of waterspouts. These locallyunique on-water tornadoes do not playfair and are capable of sneaking up on ananchored boat at night. The official startof the Atlantic hurricane season beginsthis month, but the more serious stormsusually don’t make it up this way untilAugust.On land and on the water, most seasonalresidents have migrated north bynow. The anchorage’s thin, slip space iseasier to find, and boat ramps have moreopen parking spaces. Charismatic onlyin-the-Keysestablishments such as thePelican Poop Shoppe or the waterfrontHarbor Lights Bar, where a scene from aJames Bond flick was filmed, reluctantlywatch the tourist season wind down. Thepace slows. Visitors still trickle throughthe Keys, and June is full of entertainingand highly creative events worth investigating.From tasty tropical fruit fiestasand a parade devoted to Key West’scrowing wild roosters, the Keys are a celebrationof color and diversity. Many ofthe cultural events also celebrate thebeauty of our own human diversity sincethe Keys are not timid about the assertionthat our world would be a muddy,boring place if we were all exactly alike.Where else could a sailor find this muchcolor and creativity while on land?Key WestMarathon5 36June Prevailing WindsSee page 62 for Windrose legendFlorida Keys June WeatherAVERAGE TEMPERATURESKey West 79 o lo - 88 o hiGULF WATER TEMPERATUREKey West 85 oFor real-time eastern Gulfweather, winds and marineforecasts, go tohttp://comps.marine.usf.eduKeys Events &HappeningsCalendarEvery Saturday - Open House atthe Key West Sailing Club. 10:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.Every Friday - Women’s SailingProgram at the Key West Sailing Club.Noon. Women of all ages and sailingexperience meet at the clubhouse,learn new things and enjoy hands-onsailing.