free state yacht club

SailRSA Free State Yacht Club

SITUATION This club is located on the Gariep Dam by the township of Gariep, north of Colesburg.

CLASSES CATERED FOR All types of sailing craft - keelboats, dinghies, catamarans

FACILITIES Keelboat launching, basic ablutions. The adjacent Forever resort provides camping and accomodation. Accomodation is also available at the De Stijl Gariep Hotel. Self catering accomodation is also available in Gariep - Greendoors Chalets

CONTACT PERSONS Commodore: Heinrich Nothnagel tel 076 900 5988 EMail: [email protected]

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Free State Yacht Club

Located in South Africa :: Free State  :: Gariep Category: Activity :: Boat Launch

The Free State Yacht Club is located at the Gariep. It is the largest fresh water area in South Africa. Near the yacht club there is accommodation at De Stijl Hotel, the Forever Adventure Gariep Resort, and the Riversmead Resort and more. For more information phone the Lake !Gariep Tourism & Craft Centre. Things to do in the area are fishing, picnicking, river rafting, horse riding, boating.

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Places in the Vicinity

• Gariep 1.79 km Where: South Africa :: Gariep Category: Town Small
• Norvalspont 5.85 km Where: South Africa Category: Town Small

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Our professional and experienced yacht brokers take great pride in guiding clients through each and every step of the process from the first contact to after sale support

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Bob started boating on Raritan Bay, New Jersey, at the ripe old age of 8, on small outboard runabouts owned by his dad. He soon “graduated” to a sailing pram of his own, and found his appetite whetted for sailing. He continued sailing through the local club, enjoying club racing and knocking around, mostly on other people’s Lightnings, Blue Jays and Penguins. He also continued in powerboats with his dad, as well as owning a couple of smaller ones himself. His dad owned a number of classic, wood-planked Jersey built skiffs on which Bob participate in the operation and maintenance—much maintenance.

After he started a family of his own, he got back into racing Lightnings on lakes the Midwest, where he lived at the time. All this time he was pursuing a successful career as an environmental and regulatory attorney, which brought him back to the East Coast and gave him the opportunity to get into coastal cruising on larger sailboats. This rekindled a dream to sail around the world, aided and abetted by a strong push from his son.

What began then was a several year process to find and equip a blue water sailing vessel that Bob and Eric could use to make their dream voyage. The voyage began on February 6, 2011 from Norfolk, VA, and concluded in Norfolk 500 days later, on June 19, 2012. It included a Panama Canal transit, South Pacific and Indian Ocean crossings, rounding of Capes Agulhas and Good Hope, and a South Atlantic crossing. Their blog for the trip is at http://www.sailblogs.com/member/blueheron/ if you have further interest. Bob is also a certified sailing instructor from US Sailing Association.

Bob’s experience, from racing small boats, to coastal cruisers, to the exacting process of selecting and outfitting the right boat for a circumnavigation, provides him with a wealth of knowledge that he’s happy to share with clients. With this diverse experience base, he can find the right boat, tailored to each client’s needs, plans and budget, as well as guiding the selection of the proper gear and equipment needed for successful cruising. Known for careful study and attention to all the details, Bob will make sure that you receive the proper guidance and information prior to any purchase or sale.

Leif Gunnar Roger Johansson

Roger ‘s interest in boats started at a young age growing up on the West Coast of Sweden on the Island of Orust, where Hallberg-Rassy boats are made.  Beginning with small power and sail boats, he rebuilt his first boat, a “very” small but fast power boat before he was 15.  He moved up to sailing larger sail boats in his later teenage years, sailing around the West Coast of Sweden and up to the fjords of Norway.

Roger started his career in the automotive business working for Volvo and GM, before he eventually set off to the US and Annapolis in 1989.  It was there that he was first introduced to Free State Yachts and Hallberg-Rassy, helping to deliver a HR 49 up and down the east coast to various boat shows from Rhode Island to Miami. He also worked for Free State on a part-time basis for the first year or so help maintaining the charter fleet until he decided to make the US his permanent home.

He then began working full-time for Free State, commissioning New Hallberg-Rassy boats, installing new equipment and gear, taking care of warranty work and preparing brokerage boats for sale. Free State had a charter business at that time, and Roger worked taking care of the maintenance and repairs for the charter fleet.  He also got his first experience with sales by  helping to grow the charter business.  As both the new boat sales and the charter fleet grew, Roger became the operations manager for the businesses and continued in that role until 2005, when he bought Free State Yachts and Chesapeake Yacht Charters from the founder.

In 2006, Roger decided to sell the charter division and focus a 100% percent on new yacht sales, quality brokerage boats and yacht consulting. He also moved the office to Herrington Harbour North that same year.

With over 25 years in the yachting industry Roger has built up an extensive client base and global network of brokers. He serves clients from all over the world, often with listings in different countries. He travels frequently to participate in surveys and deliveries worldwide, and often helping his clients to import or export their boats.  These relationships and experience have proven to be a great benefit to his clients.

Roger is looking forward to continuing his focus on helping his clients buying and selling Bluewater yachts and is always happy to share his experience and knowledge in choosing the right boat.  Using that knowledge and experience, he can identify suggested improvements to get the boats ready for extended voyaging; he also understands what it will take to prepare a boat properly for sale. Furthermore, Roger truly believes in after-sale service—he takes pride in making sure all his clients know they are always welcome to call or email with questions, and is glad to assist in any way he can even after the deal is done.

Located at Herrington Harbour North Marina 385 Deale Road • Tracys Landing, MD 20779 P.O. Box 220 • Deale MD, 20751 Office (410) 867-9022 • Fax (410) 867-8908

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Stress-Free Sailing Races Kick Off On Lake Hopatcong

Races will take place every saturday at 11 a.m., beginning on saturday, june 5, at the garden state yacht club, wind and weather-depending..

Jennifer Jean Miller , Patch Staff

HOPATCONG, NJ — Mark Gruber says that he’s shifted over the years from a competitive sailor, to what he calls a “gentleman sailor.”

Gruber, who grew up on Lake Hopatcong is the Fleet Captain and Rear Commodore of the Garden State Yacht Club, described competitive sailing as a normally “very tense,” atmosphere, with all boats crowded at the starting line and sailors vying for prizes.

In its place, the Yacht Club now offers weekly “stress-free sailing” races, the first one on Saturday at 11 a.m., which are free to enter and open to local sailors throughout the Lake Hopatcong region.

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Sparta with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Every race throughout the summer will be held at that time, beginning at the Garden State Yacht Club, which is near Hopatcong State Park and on land, at 33 Point Pleasant Rd.

“This is just the opposite [of competitive sailing],” Gruber said.

It’s these races where the gentleman sailor comes in, Gruber said during an interview with Patch, where rather than being competitive, sailors begin racing toward the finishing buoy and then send in their time.

Many, he said, do like he does and simply enjoy floating with the wind and a cooler packed with sodas.

“I call it ‘stress-free,’ because some don’t even call in their time,” Gruber added.

Those who do send in their time, will simply be able to compare how they did with boats of the same or similar class.

“In general, everyone’s just out for a good time with a competitive spirit,” Gruber said. “It’s like a group sail.”

Sailors who are interested in participating in Saturday’s race, should contact Gruber by email to confirm their attendance at: [email protected] .

From there, Gruber said he will send an email to everyone interested, by about 9 a.m. the Saturday of every race, to confirm or cancel the race. Races would not take place, Gruber said, on days when conditions are too windy or stormy; or there isn’t adequate wind.

For more information, click here to visit the Garden State Yacht Club’s website.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: [email protected] .

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The Starting Line

The State College Model Yacht Club is a member of the American Model Yachting Association. We're located in central Pennsylvania and currently sail at Colyer Lake.

In the past we have sailed on the pond at Tussey Mountain, Whipple Dam State Park , the duck pond in State College, and on Lake Redman with the White Rose Model Yacht Club in York, PA.

If you want to join us some Saturday check our sailing schedule . Feel free to contact the commodore, Fred Maurer , for more information.

There are many web sites associated with model yachting. To start with is the AMYA site which should be the starting point for all things associated with model yachts. It will lead you into the variety of sailing classes which will help you to decide if there is a particular size or type of boat you are interested in.

The Club sails two different fleets. The Dragon Force 65 is the Club’s entry level boat. It is lively and responsive; fun to sail and a great choice for someone new to the sport and experienced skippers as well. The second fleet is for skippers looking to manage a larger and more sophisticated model. It is made up of the “East Coast Twelve Meter”. Each class has its own Class web site. The Dragon Force 65’s web site is located here . The EC-12 can be accessed from here .

There are many facets to model sailing, to include building and refining the boats, and the actual sailing which can be both serene and an adrenalin rush. There are rules and strategy , sail tuning and hull preparation. And don't forget the benefits of spending time with friends. These diverse areas can be summed up as Competition , Craftsmanship , and Camaraderie .

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Rebuilding Paradise: The Bitter End Yacht Club’s Inspiring Comeback

By: Shannon Sinnard Destinations

Nestled at the northeastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, the Bitter End Yacht Club has long been a premier maritime destination for sailors. For years, this iconic resort has drawn seafarers from around the globe, offering a serene escape amidst the sparkling waters of the Caribbean.

While the term “bitter end” often refers to the final part of a rope or chain, the phrase can also signify reaching the farthest point or the end destination of a long or difficult journey. The founders of the Bitter End Yacht Club chose this name to reflect both its geographical location and the spirit of adventure and perseverance inherent to sailors. For those who navigate to this end-of-the-line point, the BEYC stands as a haven where their journey culminates in beauty and tranquility. And, for many, it has long stood as a cherished traditional stop when exploring the waters of the BVI.

A Legendary Past, a Devastating Blow

In more recent years, the Bitter End’s name has embodied not only a physical destination but also a symbolic one. The iconic BEYC experienced a devastating blow in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, leaving the Bitter End Yacht Club in ruins. The devastation was profound, with buildings flattened, boats destroyed, and the once-thriving resort reduced to rubble.

While many Bitter End enthusiasts were devastated to hear of the destruction Hurricane Irma left in her wake, the iconic Bitter End Yacht Club kept its loyal fans updated via its website , detailing both the damage and community efforts to rebuild this beloved BVI institution.

Rising from the Ashes

Having now been rebuilt and risen from the devastation of Hurricane Irma, the Bitter End’s name resonates even more with the idea of enduring and overcoming challenges – much like the sailors who venture to the farthest reaches to get there.

After the storm, the Bitter End Yacht Club faced a long and arduous journey to recovery. But the spirit of resilience and determination among its community never wavered. Fast forward to today, and the Bitter End Yacht Club has not only been rebuilt but has been reimagined, standing as a testament to the power of recovery and the adventurous spirit that made it famous.

A New Era for the Bitter End Yacht Club

The reopening of the Bitter End Yacht Club marks a new chapter in its storied history. The rebuilt resort seamlessly blends the charm and character of its past with modern amenities and environmentally friendly practices. Here’s a glimpse of what visitors can now expect:

State-of-the-Art Marina

The heart of the Bitter End experience, the marina, has been meticulously restored and upgraded, offering deep-water slips that can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet, along with enhanced dockside services. Sailors can enjoy top-notch amenities including electrical hook-ups, fuel, ice, showers, rubbish disposal, and laundry facilities. Additionally, guests have access to the resort’s swimming pool. The BEYC also boasts one of the best deep-water anchorages in the Caribbean, providing many of the same amenities as the docking facilities.

Culinary Delights

Dining at the Bitter End is an experience in itself. The resort’s restaurants feature locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Caribbean flavors with a gourmet twist. Whether it’s a casual beachside meal or an elegant dinner under the stars, the culinary offerings are sure to delight every palate.

Adventure and Exploration

For those with a thirst for adventure, the resort offers a wide range of water sports, including sailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Guests can explore the vibrant coral reefs, embark on a deep-sea fishing expedition, or simply enjoy a leisurely paddle around the bay.

Environmental Stewardship

The Bitter End Yacht Club has embraced sustainability as a core principle in its rebuilding efforts. The resort utilizes renewable energy sources, practices water conservation, and is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the BVI. Initiatives such as coral reef restoration and marine conservation programs are integral to its operations, ensuring that the Bitter End remains a pristine paradise for future generations.

A Bright Future

From its storied past to its recent resurgence, the Bitter End Yacht Club is more than just a return to business; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the indomitable spirit of the BVI. As it welcomes back old friends and new, the Bitter End promises to once again be the ultimate retreat for those who seek the thrill of the open sea and the tranquility of an island paradise in one of the most breathtaking locations on earth. 

BRINGING BACK THE BITTER END

AN INSIDE SAILING EDITION WEBINAR • HOSTED BY PETER ISLER

Join Richard and Lauren Hokin as they reminisce about the Bitter End Yacht Club’s past and discuss its exciting reopening as “Bitter End 2.0” after Hurricane Irma.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS A CRUISING GUIDE

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands is filled with detailed charts of the various anchorages, supported with colorful aerial photography in addition to piloting, anchoring and shoreside information. The Island Connections sections provide valuable telephone, email and website information to make finding island businesses, services and restaurants effortless. Additionally, the guide includes a free, fold-out color 27” x 17” planning chart covering the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. 

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATERPROOF CHART

Printed on two sides this new chart includes the U.S. & B.V.I. from St. Thomas to Anegada, including anchorage and mooring locations as well as GPS coordinates, sailing routes and distances between waypoints. Excellent for the cockpit and attractive enough to hang on the wall when you get home.

This planning chart is a duplicate of the one you receive in the guide with the exception of being waterproof.

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Blitzen’s Baddies aim for strong finish to 2024 Newport Yacht Club’s racing season

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Challenges confronted the crew of the Blitzen from day one in their inaugural year competing in the Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s racing season. Their halyard broke during the opening day race in May, sending the wind-catching kite propelling their boat from Long Beach Harbor to Newport Pier tumbling into the ocean.

“There was no hesitation between this team,” Blitzen’s owner Brett Scott said. “Everyone grabbed the kite and in 20 seconds it was up and flying again.”

She has been sailing since she was 5. But her first year at the head of a team has taught her a lot about managing schedules, the personalities aboard the boat and finances, she said.

“Whenever something breaks it adds up, so I’m definitely not doing this for the money,” Scott said with a laugh. “Don’t take investment advice from me. But we’ve really bonded as a team, and I think that’s our greatest achievement.”

There were plenty of smirks, side-eye and playful jabs as she and the crew rigged the Blitzen Friday in preparation of Long Point Race week. The three-day race is the last competitive event of the yacht club’s season.

The first leg starts in Newport Harbor and ends at Catalina Island. Boats then sail to the opposite end of the island and back on day two before returning to Newport Harbor on day three.

Blitzen’s Baddies, as the crew refers to themselves on Instagram, are all experienced sailors and were optimistic about finishing strong in their first season as a team. They’ve had some success this summer, including third-, second- and first-place finishes in their class during the three days of Long Beach Racing Week in June.

“We keep getting better,” Scott said.

Crew member Tyler Macdonald said the hardest part about the season has been “dealing with Adam and Spencer,” drawing laughs from Adam Bradley, Spencer Buchanan and the rest of the team aboard the Blitzen on Friday. Teammate Matt Whitfield said the real challenge of each race lies in “the hangover afterwards.” Coincidentally, he said his favorite activity while sailing is when they crack open some beer mid-journey.

There’s no shortage of banter aboard the Blitzen. And the irreverent sense of humor of her crew is half the reason Scoot chose to have them aboard.

She grew up in Reno and traveled to Newport Beach every summer as a child to sail with her family. She fell in love with both the ocean and the tavern-style warmth of the community that welcomed her into the sport.

Her father, Bart Scott, said he wasn’t surprised to see her move to Newport Beach. He’s proud to see her fulfill her lifelong dream of owning a boat and fielding a racing team. And although she has a sense of humor, she runs a tight ship and commands the respect of her crew.

“Once we all come together on what a problem is there’s not a lot of back and forth or arguing,” Scott said. “They all just recognize what we each need to do and get it done.”

After Long Point, Blitzen’s Baddies plan on participating in small casual races while preparing for next season. They hope to compete in the Transpacific Yacht Race from San Pedro to Honolulu next July.

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Eric Licas covers Newport Beach for the Daily Pilot. He previously was a crime and public safety reporter and, before that, spent four years as a staff writer with the Orange County Register and the Southern California News Group. He has been on the ground to cover active wildfires, civil unrest and mass shootings. He was born in the Philippines, raised in the San Fernando Valley and is a Cal State Northridge alumnus.

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HANDICAPS – JAN 2022

Local News | LoveBug, 103-foot capsized yacht, raised from…

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Local News | LoveBug, 103-foot capsized yacht, raised from water ahead of towing to New Jersey

Donjon Marine Co., the New Jersey-based firm that has worked to raise the vessel over the last two weeks, plans to begin towing the yacht north through the Chesapeake Bay and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal to the mouth of the Maurice River in New Jersey Tuesday morning, said Steven Newes, the company’s senior vice president.

The salvage team will tow the LoveBug alongside the Farrell 256, a 200-foot crane barge, for safety, as the yacht is a “dead ship,” or a vessel without power, he said. Once it reaches the mouth of the Maurice River, the yacht will be handed over to a smaller vessel for transport to a shipyard along the river. Delivery is anticipated by Wednesday evening although which shipyard the LoveBug will end up at is unclear.

As salvage efforts wrap up, the Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone for the mouth of West River within 200 yards of the LoveBug. Vessels will not be allowed to enter the zone unless authorized through Aug. 30, according to a notice posted Monday on the Federal Register .

The Farrell 256 and a second crane barge, the 250-foot Columbia NY, have worked to free the yacht from the muddy bottom of the West River. The LoveBug had settled into the mud “quite a bit,” Newes said, complicating efforts to place slings underneath the yacht to lift it.

Salvors’ progress lifting the LoveBug from the shallow waterway could be seen Friday and Saturday as the rear half of the yacht, underwater for weeks, emerged. By Friday evening, the yacht’s name on its transom was visible above the waterline, and by Sunday morning, only a small portion of the deck at the back of the yacht was underwater.

Once the yacht was lifted, salvors found mud inside. The mud needs to be removed to patch the yacht and “render it safely afloat” for towing, Newes said.

Until salvage crews pulled the LoveBug from the water, the yacht had remained aground in the same location between Beverly Beach and Shady Side for almost four weeks. Though the yacht was originally resting on its starboard, or right side, it rolled some prior to salvage beginning.

The Italian-built yacht was sailing south on the Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis on July 27 when it began to tip over. The Coast Guard received a mayday call at 12:36 p.m., but by the time crews arrived, the five people onboard had been rescued by a good Samaritan and a nearby towboat. Paramedics tended to two of the passengers, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, but both declined to be treated.

The LoveBug, which cost between $110,000 and $125,000 to charter for a week, was not operating as a charter when it overturned, said Hunter Dortenzo, a Natural Resources Police spokesperson.

Though VesselFinder, a marine traffic site, indicated the LoveBug is owned by Bees Honey LLC, a limited liability company based in the Marshall Islands, Federal Communications Commission records show otherwise.

The yacht’s shipboard radio station license is registered to Jabulani Charter Florida, a Florida-based limited liability company with a Rockville mailing address. The licensee should be the vessel owner, according to an FCC spokesperson. Efforts to reach the person listed as the licensee were unsuccessful.

The Natural Resources Police and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting separate investigations into what happened to the yacht.

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