Safe Boating Class

A safe boating class will be offered at the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron headquarters at 1000 Cleveland Street beginning January 5th. The cost is $40 for materials. Discounts are available if you bring a friend or if family members share a book. Call 441-8775 to register or 392-1431 for more information.

Island Estates Boat Parade Winners

Braving unusually cold weather and very low tides 47 boats participated in the Island Estates Yacht Club Memorial Holiday Boat Parade which passed by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Island Way Grill showing off a spectacular light display.

The Best in Parade winner was Puff the Magic Dragon, which took 2 years of planning. The winner, Captain Braun, is donating his grand prize to Toys for Tots charity.

The parade is organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club ad is the largest in the area. 23 businesses contributed money or gift certificates as prizes.

2008 winners:

• Best in Parade: Puff the Magic Dragon – Drew Braun

• Power boats 30 feet or more: First place, Semper Fi, John Tornga; Second place, Sea Spirit, Bob Griffin; Third place, One Wish, Gene Williams

• Power boats 30 feet or less: First place, Sea Hunter, Tom Tafelski; Second Place, My Son, David Smart; Third place, JCREW, James Boswell

• Sailboats, First place, Annalea II, Anton Hopen; Second place, Island Hopper, Carol Elwood; Third place, Venor Divino, James B. Thurber

Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade Scheduled

Decorated boats will leave Marker 1 Marina at 6 pm and proceed south through the Intracoastal waterway to I.C.W. Marker #1 (Union Street), turn around and head back north to arrive at Dunedin Marina at approximately 7:30 pm Spectators may view the Boat Parade from Bayshore Boulevard (Alt. 19) and Edgewater Drive. The parade will be followed by the tree lighting ceremony at Edgewater Park.

St Petersburg Boat Show This Weekend

December 4th-7th Boater’s World presents The St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail sponsored by Mercedes Benz at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park.

This year will feature larger waterfront and land displays, and new show additions. About 25,000 boaters and sailors are expected to attend this 4 day boating festival that includes family fun activities, parties and opportunities to enjoy a sail, climb aboard the latest boat models and check out new gear. This show is the result of the merger of 2 popular boat shows into one all-new “super show” now called St. Petersburg Boat Show & Strictly Sail. Sailing and boating manufacturers will display a variety of boats, including cruisers, yachts, fishing boats, sailboats, sportsboats, runabouts and pwc.The expanded venue adds 50 new sailboats to the docks, joining the current roster of 200+ powerboats. The yacht basin also will host an additional new on-land sailboat display, plus a new seminar program for sailors and power boaters. Renowned world cruisers, respected marine experts and intriguing boating authors will share their stories of adventure and provide info on navigation, safety, software, marine equipment and accessories.

Over 200 exhibitors will showcase what’s new in marine gear, charter destinations, engines, electronics, nautical clothing and technology,

Special events:
Hook the Future-Kids will “Hook the Future” free fishing clinics with giveaways of free rods and reels while supplies last. Kids who attend the fishing clinics also will enjoy free show admission.

Discover Sailing-This national introduction-to-sailing program gives attendees a chance to enjoy a 30-minute sail with an expert skipper
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Latitudes and Attitudes 9th Annual St. Pete Cruisers’ Party- Saturday evening, starting at 7 p.m. A popular, casual pizza-and-beer fest.

Onsite parking and come-by-boat docks available

400 First St. South St. Petersburg
Thursday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008
Thursday: noon to 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices: $8 for adults online; $10 at the gate
$3 for children ages 6-15 online.
$5 for children ages 6-15 at the gate
Children under 5 are free.