Sailing, Living Aboard, Cruising News from Farley Halladay

PHUKET YACHT CLUB HAS KIND-HEARTED REGATTA

    Be in Phuket November 20 for the second annual Jai-Dee Regatta sponsored by the Phuket Yacht Club. The words mean “kind hearted” and signal a start for yachts that will sail Chalong Bay and  surrounding islands.

    Is Thailand on your bucket list? Because of  COVID-19, visitors were getting an  automatic visa extension but stay abreast of current rules depending on your passport. To see a list of the passport holders who do not require a visa in Thailand see thaiembassy.com

ROUND THE WORLD RACE OFF AND RUNNING

 

  

 

As of my last report Maxime Sokel was in the lead

 

One of the most exciting, challenging sailing races in the world is the Vendée Globe, which just set out with 33 yachts, all hoping to make it around the world in record time, nonstop, with no assistance. Skippers will challenge three capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn).  Follow the action at sailingscuttlebutt.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOES SHE LOVE A COZY MYSTERY

WITH A TRULY SALTY BOATING THEME?

    Widow Farley Halladay takes readers to boating scenes worldwide  while cooking, crime solving, coping with caregiving and remembering her late husband and their days operating a charter ketch out of St. Thomas. With the heart of a woman and the mouth of a sailor, 50-ish Farley provides tears, cheers and laughs with her cast of characters. The books are available for Kindle, Nook and other ebook formats.

 

    The Yacht Yenta series numbers five books so far . If you're new to the Kindle series, start with the latest book, May Misfire, when Farley returns to the ketch where her husband died. Then go back and read them all. https://amzn.to/3gJPBF2

CARIBBEAN REGATTAS FOR 2021

 

  Mark your calendar for the St. Martin Caribbean Multihull Challenge February 4-7 and Antigua Sailing Week April 24-30. The Tahiki Pearl Regatta is scheduled for May 11-15. Be there for the sailing action and the parties, parties, parties.

BAHAMAS TO OPEN TO SAILORS DECEMBER 1

    You drive, you cook when you charter a bareboat MarineMax vacation in paradise.  You The company also offers crewed and bareboat charters in the Virgin Islands, Australia, the Pacific Northwest, Croatia, Greece and St. Lucia and the Grenadines. (813) 644-8071

WINTER BOAT SHOWS FOR SAILING AND SUNSHINE

 

See a list of dates for winter boat shows worldwide at The National Marine Manufacturers’ Associating website,  https://www.nmma.org/shows/calendar   The list includes indoor shows in cold areas as well as outdoor, in-the-water shows in warm places such as Miami and St. Petersburg.  Bring the family to shop for a boat and gear,  see what's new, attend seminars, compare products, meet other boating folks.
  

  
Farley Halladay’s Galley  Recipe of the Week

MEDITERRANEAN  TUNA SKILLET

    I loved shopping native waterfront fish markets everywhere we put into port on board Sea SEAL. It’s always a colorful scene when the fleet comes in with a gleaming catch and skippers hawk their wares in half a dozen languages. If you’re concerned about tuna being too dry, try this foolproof  version.

 

Brush with olive-flavored oil

 
16-ounce jar of pitted, oil-packed  black olives
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 tuna steaks 6 ounces each
2 large onions, cut in crescents
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon crumbled, dried oregano
1/3 cup dry red wine

    Empty the jar of olives into a bowl and add olive oil. Let flavors blend for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain off oil.  Brush tuna steak with this oil and salt and pepper lightly. Set aside.
    In a large skillet, heat remaining oil and stir–fry onions and garlic, gradually adding oregano. When onions are tender, push them aside and cook tuna on both sides until it’s done to your liking.
    Plate steaks and quickly heat pan juices with the wine and olives. Spoon over steaks.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE PAST RECIPES

Sailing, Cruising News and Cues

 Blog copyright Janet Groene, all rights reserved

 

 

MARINE ZIPPERS NEED SPECIAL CARE
    The humble zipper is one of those silent servants on board that we forget about until one sticks or breaks. Ordinary zippers aren’t made for marine use, so it’s important that the zipper, as well as any repairs, stand up to salt water. Here’s where FixnZip comes in. 

For most boat covers and bridge enclosures, Large is best. Jackets, wet suits  and sleeping bags may need a Medium or Small. See the company’s sizing guide.  Replacement zipper sliders are made of zinc and stainless steel and are non-corrosive. See your marine supplier for zipper lubes and fixnzip.com for ordering information. Distribution of the repair kits now includes retailers such as Michael’s, Joann Fabric & Craft, and some sports and other outdoors suppliers in the U.S. It’s also found online and in New Zealand, the UK, Australia and Canada.

STAR CLIPPER GOES TO THE GRAND PRIX

 

    Grand Prix Sailings are back for 2021 and 2022, with two Royal Clipper itineraries designed around putting travelers in Monaco for these world-famous Formula One  races. The sailing round trip out of Cannes is timed to coincide with the Grand Prix Trials, while the itinerary from Cannes to Rome will put guests in Monaco for the Grand Prix Finals. Details at starclippers.com.

 

EMERALD CRUISES ADDS FIRST YACHT

 

    Known for its river ships, Emerald Cruises adds a new moniker, the newly formed Emerald Yacht Cruises. The Emerald Azzurra, the first yacht to launch under the Emerald Yacht Cruises brand, is a 100-guest super yacht that will cruise the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Red seas.  Go to www.emeraldwaterways.com in the US and www.emeraldwaterways.ca in Canada..

YACHT YENTA MYSTERY #2

February Felony, Book Two  (of five books so far) in the Yacht Yenta mysteries by widow Farley Halladay, takes readers from shore to sea as a salty widow grieves and peeves while cooking, caregiving and crime solving. All the books are peppered with Farley’s shortcut  galley recipes based on her years as a charterboat host. Available on Kindle, Nook and other e-book formats.   https://amzn.to/31uR1wr

 

 

ROBOLO JUST KEEPS GROWING

    The Robalo  R360 was introduced at the recent Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, happy news for serious anglers. The center console soon-to-be-classic features the newest high-performance stepped hull design by the industry legend Michael Peters. Features that come standard with the boat include: 

    Full electronics package featuring SIMRAD dual 16” displays, radar, auto pilot, VHF and sonar
    Premium JL audio system
    Kevlar reinforced hull
    Large fiberglass hardtop with opening skylight
    Underwater lights
    Yamaha Helm Master Steering system with joystick
    Porcelain head system concealed under a molded lid, a vanity and rod storage
Go to robalo.com.  

Farley Halladay’s
Blender Lemon Pie
    Yes, you use the whole lemon including skin and pith (but not seeds). It’s essential, though to have a blender, smoothie maker or food processor to completely pulverize the lemon.
    Line an 8- or 9-inch pie pan with crust. Flute edges. . Set oven for 350 degrees.
1 large lemon
1 cup sugar
4 eggs

 

    Cut the lemon in half, north pole to south pole. Then cut each half in 4 wedges. Discard seeds and dark stem. Put lemon pieces, sugar and eggs in blender or food processor and process until no bits can be seen. Pour into crust and bake until filling is set and crust is golden. Cool and frost with whipped topping or whipped cream.

SURVIVAL FOOD HANDBOOK WRITTEN FOR CRUISERS
    Solve the provisioning puzzle with ordinary supermarket staples, to use now or stow on the shelf for emergencies.  Janet Groene has cruised with galleys of all kinds and sizes including a campstove and ice chest and fancy houseboat kitchens. Her own sloop had a two-burner Primus stove and no refrigeration.

 

 
    When cruising Janet provisioned her 29-foot sloop  for six months at a time. She baked bread, pies and birthday cakes without a oven, using techniques described in this book. See what to do if the reefer fails, the bilge floods or you fetch up on a strange shore with no money. An ample pantry can save the day.  https://amzn.to/2PvOBbx


 

New Marinas Miami and Maldives; Aussie Regatta

Blog copyright Janet Groene 2020. To ask about placing your ad for one year, one low rate on all six Groene sites email janetgroene at yahoo.com

HURTIGRUTEN MEETS PENT-UP
 DEMAND FOR SMALL SHIP CRUISING

 

More than a coast ferry and freight boat serving the remote villages of Norway, Hurtgiruten has expanded into a world expedition cruise line. Bookings are pouring in for the 2021 and 2022 seasons in the Arctic and Antarctic as well as the fjords of Norway.  See the tempting menu at hurtigruten.com. 

 

 BERLIN BOAT SHOW STILL ON

As far as we can determine the Berlin Boat Show is still on for November 19-22. Check for updates at https://www.boot-berlin.com/

STAR CLIPPER RETURNS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

 

  Star Clippers announces that its namesake tall sailing ship, Star Clipper, will return to the Mediterranean for the 2022 season. The ship has been in Southeast Asia and will complete her season there before joining her sister ships,  Royal Clipper and Star Flyer, in the Med.
    Star Clipper will offer 29 sailings in summer 2020, ranging from five to 16 days with rates starting at $1,300 per person based on single occupancy. Guests who book their 2022 Star Clipper Med sailing by October 31, 2020 will receive $600 savings per cabin.
    Book now for the positioning cruise departing  Safaga, Egypt in April 2022 and transiting the Suez Canal. See the dazzling selection of itineraries and dates at startruisers.com

 
NEW MARINA IN NORTH MIAMI BEACH
     The Marina Palms Yacht Club has112 wet slips for boats between 40 and 100 feet and drafts of 10 feet. Located in Maule Lake, just off the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s  15 minutes from the ocean.  Slips have Wi-Fi and the marina has a store. (786) 707-2626

MALDIVES WELCOMES NEW MARINA

 

    A new marina is open as part of Crossroads, a multi-island entertainment development and leisure destination in The Maldives Riviera. The Yacht Marina at Crossroads is  in the Emboodhoo Lagoon among islands that make up the Kaafu Atoll, a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and Malé, the capital. Docks accommodate boats up to 164 feet, pump-out service, fuel dock and approach assistance, ice, chandlery orders and delivery, onboard dining, a fitness center and free Wi-Fi. (Www.)  crossroadsmaldives.com.

2021 MARKS 185TH YEAR FOR

AUSTRALIA DAY REGATTA

 

 Plan to be in Australia next January for the oldest continuously-conducted annual sailing regatta in the world. Get updates as plans take shape, and make reservations early. 

https://australiadayregatta.com.au/

 

Get to know Farley Halladay, the salty widow formerly of the charter ketch Sea SEAL, who now sails vicariously through her worldwide network of friends and customers of her online charter booking business. April Avenger is Book 4 of the five-book cozy mystery series on Kindle. April   https://amzn.to/2DwTzSL

 

 

 

 

MAKE REAL CARIBBEAN PEPPERPOT
Don’t miss the recipe at https://boatcook.blogspot.com


Farley Halladay’s
Chunky Coco Loco Pie
    Need a pie crust in a hurry? This is even quicker than making a crumb crust. The pie will be easier to cut if you use grated or very finely shredded coconut. Cut pie with a sawtooth knife.
 
1 stick butter
½ cup sifted confectioners sugar
1 3/4  cups grated coconut
    Soften butter. Mix in most of the sugar and all the coconut. Save a little powdered sugar to dip your fingers, then press coconut evenly on bottom and sides of a deep, 9-inch pie plate. Chill crust, fill, keep cold. Serves 8.

    Suggested filling:
    2 packets 4 servings each, French vanilla pudding mix
    3 ½ cups fresh milk
    5 or 6  coconut “haystack” candies, chopped
    Whisk milk and pudding mix until well blended, then pour into cold crust.  Top with chopped candy.  Chill. This is best served the same day it’s made.

 

Scroll down for more sailing news and ces  from Farley Halladay
 

Boating, Sailing Cruising from Farley Halladay

Blog copyright 2020.

 

 

Inside Schermerhorn Row: A Virtual Tour of South Street Seaport Museum's Landmark Buildings

Fridays, October 9, 16, and 23, 3-4 PM ET | Free | Online 

 

Our annual series of Building Tours return virtually this year! Join us for online tours of Schermerhorn Row on select Fridays during the month of October 2020, as part of Archtober 2020.archtober.org/. These virtual visits offer the opportunity to see and learn the history of Schermerhorn Row, one of the most significant examples of early 19th century commercial architecture in New York and home of the South Street Seaport Museum. Visit the upper floors of these New York City Landmarks, located within the National Register-listed South Street Seaport Historic District. Hear about the buildings' incredible history and developments and explore the remains of two 150-year-old hotels made famous by New Yorker writer Joseph Mitchell's "Up in the Old Hotel." Tours will be led by the Museum's Director of Collections with a live Q&A afterwards. Free, but registration required at seaportmuseum.org/archtober-at-the-seaport-museum/.

 

NEW DISTRESS FLARE LAST THREE TIMES LONGER    
    ACR, one of the most respected names in sea rescue, is introducing the new ResQFlare™ package. The high intensity LED electronic distress flare and accompanying Distress Flag provide a complete distress signalling solution that is certified to meet USCG requirements as an  alternative to onboard pyrotechnic flares. The ResQFlare and Flag are individually classified as approved Visual Distress Signals for night and day.

Enhancing the chance of survival and rescue, the new device eits the flash characteristic for the International Morse Code for S-O-S. The waterproof,  buoyant ACR ResQFlare automatically rights itself in the water, providing 360˚ visibility for over six miles. The distress flare’s high efficiency electronics ensure a substantial operational life, with the LED strobe maintaining 75 cd peak equivalent fixed intensity for over 20 hours, which is more than three times longer than USCG requirements. Compact, lightweight and easy to operate, the ResQFlare features a durable design and a user replaceable battery power source, ensuring it is a one-time purchase that will provide many years of service.

The ACR Distress Flag, included in the package with every ResQFlare, offers numerous daylight signalling options. Displayed with the black square over the black circle, the flag can be flown on the mast or highest possible point, displayed by hand or waved on a boat hook, paddle, or fishing rod. It can also be laid flat on the deck to attract aircraft.

The ResQFlare package is priced at $79.95. A complete kit including  GlobalFix™ V4 EPIRB with Cat. 2 Bracket,   ResQLink™ 400 PLB,  ResQFlare™ Electronic Distress Flare,  Daytime Distress Flag, Firefly Pro™ Waterbug,  Hemilight™ 3,  Signal Mirror,  ResQ Whistle and     RapidDitch™ Express Bag is also available. .  

FORT LAUDERDALE FLOATS BOAT SHOW

 OCTOBER 28-November 1

 

    New at this year’s show are strict COVID protections and seas of great new exhibits IN AND OUT OF HT E WATER. New yachts to debut include Ocean Alexander’s 27Explorer, 32Legend and 36Legend, Princess Yachts’ North American debut of the Y78, and Azimut’s Magellano 25 Metri. Avoid standing in line by ordering tickets in advance at flibs.com.


KIDS ON BOARD

Get free apps, games, printable coloring pages and more for future skippers here.

https://boatingmagli.com/2019/11/29/kidscoloringpages/

 

 


SEA CLOUD SPIRIT 

CLOSER TO COMPLETION

 

 Captain Gerald Schöber has already gone on board SEA CLOUD SPIRIT . For the experienced captain, the final phase in the construction of the 138-metre (453 feet)  three-mast full-rigged ship is an exciting task: "

"SEA CLOUD SPIRIT is not an off-the-shelf ship, she is a unique project that will meet the luxury needs of our guests," said Captain Schöber. The new ship is the first tall ship of this class for  many years. Book for future cruises at seacloudcruises.com

 

 

Book now for 2021 Sea Kayak and Whale Watching in Baja with seakayakadvetures.com

 

 

WORKOUTS ON BOARD

    If you live on board it’s possible you don’t have enough space to hurl yourself about with conventional exercises. SilverSneakers.com is a website designed for senior citizens, shut-ins and handicapped people who require low-impact exercises, sometimes while sitting or lying down. Go to the site to see their videos.

BVI REOPENS DECEMBER 1
 

 

    Just in time for Christmas cruising, the British Virgin Islands reopen to visitors on December 1. To book a charter take a look at marinemax.com.

 

 

Farley Halladay’s
Shrimp Pancakes
    Make these poppers small for a finger food appetizer or fry them up as a knife-and-fork pancakes main dish for two. This recipe is a quickie when made with canned or thawed frozen shrimp. In its home country, Indonesia, it’s served with a full rijstaffel or as a simple meal with rice and hot peppers.

 

1 egg
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup each bean sprouts and chopped shrimp  
1/4 cup each minced celery and onion

Oil for frying

    Whisk egg, water, salt, juice and flour. Fold in remaining  ingredients and fry in hot oil as for pancakes.  See more shortcut recipes for the galley at https://boatcook.blogspot.com

Scroll down to see previous posts

Britons Sail Worldwide, New Inverter, Galley Recipe, Sailing, Boating

Fans of the fictional Farley Halladay are serious sailors, cruisers and liveaboards as well as dreamers, people love cozy mysteries, and wannabes. Here is what's new from the fictional widow who lost her husband while living aboard their ketch, moved to Florida where she cares for her husband's old mentor when they were Navy SEALS and supports herself with her online charterboat booking business. 

Start with Book One, January Justice,  in the Yacht Yenta series, where you'll meet salty widow Farley Halladay, learn abut the charter ketch she and her husband operated in St. Thomas and enjoy her descriptions of worldwide cruising. https://amzn.to/32WBaqO













BRITONS SAIL ON AND ON

     According to the newsletter Independent,  the current list of countries that Brits can visit this summer without having to quarantine on re-entry are:

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Malta
Monaco
Poland
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Switzerland
Turkey

HOWEVER, Each of these countries has its own rules about entry and the health precautions  you must observe while there.  Some are quite strict. Do your homework well ahead of time. The list keeps changing, so check with British authorities. 


EVERYONE LOVES A FREEBIE
    Get a free current copy of the sassy, fun-loving cruising lifestyle magazine, Latitudes and Attitides,  at (www.) Latsandatts.com
 


NEW SALT LIFE STORES 
OPEN IN SOUTHEAST US

    SaltLife, the lifestyle brand for people who love salt water and ocean sports of all kinds, is growing like a tsunami. Visit in person to see and feel the performance clothing, smart accessories and gear designed by and for people who know salt water and harsh sun. Pop-up stores are opening this month in Pooler/Savannah, Myrtle Beach and Woodstock, Georgia. New retail stores will open in Estero, Florida (September) and Palm Beach Gardnes, Florida in October. 

NEW INVERTERS DELIVER JUICED-UP JUICE

    As solar and battery power become more important in boating and camping, so does the technology that converts it to consumer use. Features include true sine wave output, multi-stage micro-processor controlled charging capability, massive surge capacity, flow-through architecture and compact design. Look into the new line of BIC converters from Canada’s KISAE Technology, based in British Columbia.


PONANT SAILS SEVEN SEAS

    Ponant the small ship cruise line, has scheduled sailings out of Iceland, French Polyesia,  France, the Arctic and the Dalmation Coast. See what’s new at ponant.com.






SEA CLOUD SPIRIT GETS FIRST MAST

 

Artist rendering of the newest ship for Sea Cloud Cruises

Sea Cloud Spirit a spirited 54-meter tall ship is taking shape with the installation of its first mast.  One by one the three masts, already fully equipped with shrouds and stays, are now being erected in Vigo, Spain. When completed she’ll have total sail area of almost 4,100 square meters (44,132 square feet).

Raising the aft mast is an important prerequisite for the completion of the Sea Cloud Spirit. The mizzenmast not only carries the sails, but also contains the exhaust system for the engine. At the same time the shipyard is working on the interior fittings of the large sailing vessel.

The Sea Cloud Spirit is the third ship from Sea Cloud Cruises., five-star ships that offer a sailing adventure straight out of the the Golden Age of yachting. See seacloudcruises.com



HURTIGRUTEN SUSPENDS EXPEDITIONS

    It’s only temporary but as a response to the coronavirus outbreak on board MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten temporarily suspends all expedition sailings on MS Roald Amundsen, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Spitsbergen until further notice. As of August 3 they’re contacting guests who have reservations.



HOWEVER The decision has no impact on Hurtigruten's coastal Norway operations.

 FOLLOW YOUR STAR WITH WINDSTAR


                  Windstar’s Star Breeze, will be sailing  new itineraries in California and Sea of Cortez this fall, along with “filling in” for Wind Spirit, which typically sails year-round in Tahiti. While Wind Spirit undergoes regular maintenance at a scheduled dry dock, Star Breeze will sail Wind Spirit’s usual itineraries like the seven-day Dreams of Tahiti, giving guests a one-time chance to experience this all-suite ship in the South Pacific. On Wind Spirit’s way to Indonesia and back, there is a rare opportunity for visiting beautiful islands and tiny ports like Port Vila, Vanuatu and crossing the Coral Sea. See windstarcruises.com


Farley Halladay’s Galley Recipe of the Week

PAN  PIZZA BLEU
    No oven? No problem with this shortcut  skillet pizza. Make your own pizza yeast dough or use store-bought. Make it thick or thin, your way. Pre-baked, store-bought pizza crust can also be used. Then add this flavorful,  nourishing and classy departure from the same ol’  tomato sauce and pepperoni.


Pizza dough
Olive oil for skillet

Topping

10-ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 cup reconstituted, drained  mixed dried mushrooms such as shiitake and enoki
3 to 4 scallions, chopped
2 teaspoons mixed Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup sunflower “nuts”
4-ounce container crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated dry cheese such as Parmesan

  1.  Chop reconstituted mushrooms if large. Oil a 12-inch skillet and sizzle mushrooms to brown them and develop their flavor. Remove to a bowl. Mix mushrooms, scallions, seasonings and sunflower nuts. Set aside.    
   
     2. Add more oil to the skillet if needed. Press  pizza dough into skillet o firm a crust. 

3. Cover and place over low-medium heat until bottom is golden brown. Flip over and press down slightly with the back of a large spoon  to leave rimmed edges. Spread center with mushroom mixture.  Sprinkle with cheeses and drizzle with olive oil. Cover and cook over low heat until crust bottom and sides are  golden brown and the filling is  melty.  Serves 4.
   
Cook's note: if using pre-baked pizza crust,  heat it on one side, then flip and add topping to complete a thorough heating.