Sailing News

Bay Breeze Introduces Rosborough Boats
Michigan yacht sales company now dealer for two trawler lines -

 

The introduction of Rosborough boats by Bay Breeze Yacht Sales is good news for the company – but it’s great news for boaters. The Novia Scotia built line of Rosboroughs gives Bay Breeze customers another top trawler choice…alongside their popular Nordic Tugs.

As the new authorized dealer for Rosborough, Bay Breeze Yacht Sales in Traverse City covers the Great Lakes states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Bay Breeze Yacht Sales – Ontario, located at the eastern end of Georgian Bay and the North Channel on Lake Huron, handles Rosborough boat sales for the entire Canadian province of Ontario.

Bay Breeze owners John and Jay Kraft say the new line of trawlers comes to the Great Lakes with high marks and a sound reputation for quality craftsmanship at an amazingly affordable price. The Krafts feel it answers the yen by boaters who are looking for something that is transportable and seaworthy in smaller trawlers.

“Rosborough is the trailerable trawler,” says Jay Kraft. “We are impressed with its maneuverability, plus its sturdy workmanship that make it the perfect day-boat or weekender. This is a 25-footer that is packed with value requiring minimal maintenance.”

The Rosborough is manageable from a transportation and upkeep standpoint. It’s a go-anywhere boat with no external wood trim requiring regular maintenance. Power options include outboards or a diesel inboard. Custom wheelhouse models feature down-sized cabins with larger cockpits while the Sedan cruiser makes the most of its transom space.

“A lot of cruisers are switching from the larger yachts to Rosborough for convenience sake,” says Jay. “We are enthused about offering more choices with this solidly built smaller version and the impressive Nordic Tugs line. Boaters are welcome to compare the two trawler lines this spring at both of our Bay Breeze locations.”

For 23 years, Bay Breeze Yacht Charters and Sales has been providing and maintaining quality sailboats for charter in northern Lake Michigan. Bay Breeze handles 300 bareboat and crewed charters per season on a fleet of 25 yachts, ranging from 27' to 44', as well as running an ASA Certified Sailing School, brokering and selling new and used boats, all of which supports the commitment to premier sailing and cruising on the pristine waters of the northern Great Lakes.

Bay Breeze is the only full-time charter company as well as the largest yacht charter company in Michigan.

For more info: 877-941-0535.

Boat Donation, A Great Way to Help Kids

I just bought a new boat…What do I do with my old one?
YMCA Camp's Ihduhapi and Warren need usable boats of all kinds for their boat auction. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and your boat helps kids boating programs.

How do I donate my boat?
It is easy, and most cases you would bring the boat out to camp with the title or license and drop it off.

Is there paperwork involved?
Yes you fill out a short form to describe your gift.

What do I need for my taxes?
After the boat is sold at the auction you will receive the IRS form 1098 or 8283 form in the mail for your taxes. The IRS has taken the guesswork out of determining the value of your boat. As of January 2005, you may deduct the full price the camp receives for the sale of your boat.

Does the camp use my boat for the kids?
If your boat fits with the camps programs your boat may be used at the camp. Most often, however the camp sells your boat and uses the money to support their programs.

What kind does the camp want?
Sailboards, canoes, power and fishing boats, sailboats, kayaks, skiffs and trailers all can be sold at the auction.

What if I just want a boat?
Come on out to the auction May 20th. It starts at 10 A.M. at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi just 10 miles west of Wayzata in Loretto, MN

For more info: Brian Burns
612-822-2267.

Fox Island
Lighthouse Association Attempts Restoration

We are most pleased to announce that the Fox Island Lighthouse Association (FILA) has just been designated with IRS non-profit 501(c) (3) status. This enables FILA to move ahead in efforts to get federal, state and private funding in its quest to restore this significant, yet badly deteriorating light. The light was built in 1867 and deactivated in 1934. It is located on S. Fox Island 18.6 statute and 16 nautical miles off of the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and is part of Leelanau County, Michigan.

It is the goal of FILA working under the guidance of the Department of Natural Resources to continue in pursuing rescuing the light. Last fall we were given a temporary Land Use Permit through the DNR and now seek a one-year Land Use Permit. Initial assessment of the condition of the light, assistant keepers' quarters and other on-site structures is the next step. First trip has been planned for Spring 2006.

The light, which is owned by the State of Michigan, is a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history. Left to deteriorate, it could easily go the way of the light on nearby N. Manitou, which was of the same, vintage "schoolhouse" design. We invite persons from all walks of life, in whatever means they can, to help FILA in this immense project to give back to the light what it has given in aiding countless mariners in the past.

John C. McKinney and Sandra (Sandy) Serra Bradshaw founded FILA in September 2004. A board of directors was formed in 2005. For further information please visit our website: www.southfox.org (Northern Michigan Web Site of the Year-2005).

Michigan Ballast Plan to Limit Invasive Species is Moving Forward

Michigan is developing a revolutionary clean water general permit to address invasive species introduced by ballast water discharge. A growing number of state governments and environmental groups are attempting action on their own to limit the spread of the species in the face of alleged federal inaction on the issue.

The developments also coincide with Defense Department efforts to address the spread of invasive species, such as non-native vegetation, exotic plants that destroy parachutes and block roadways, and other nuisances. Attorneys General from Michigan and other Great Lakes states have been supporting litigation by environmentalists that calls for an EPA regulation governing invasive species contained in ballast water discharges. It has been shown that the discharges can contain species such as zebra mussels, which foul discharge and water intake pipes and hamper shipping.

A federal district court has already ruled that EPA violated the Clean Water Act (CWA), when it exempted ballast water discharges from its clean water permitting program. A remedy in the case has not yet been issued in the face of arguments from the shipping industry that setting a deadline for agency regulations would significantly disrupt shipping and affect the national economy.

A broader Bush administration effort to implement a comprehensive federal invasive species program has been stalled by property rights groups who have voiced concern that the program could amount to a new way to regulate private property. In the face of Federal inaction, Michigan is now taking steps to prevent the introduction of invasive species without waiting for action from the court or EPA. According to a draft version of the state's general permit, ships would be required to either treat their ballast water to kill any invasive species or agree not to discharge any ballast water in state waters, as a condition of operating in Michigan ports.