Karl Renelt and crew Bridget Precise, both of Santa Rosa Beach fended off Jim Gates of Ocean Sprigs, MS and crew T.J. Shaw of Gulf Port , MS. to take this year’s honors in the Rags To Riches Regatta race. ©Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Local Santa Rosa Beach sailors win race

Elizabeth Savage, race organizer and daughter of the Rags To Riches Regatta originator, pulled together another event enjoyed by both participants and spectators off Gratyon Beach on July 3.

Several challenges were overcome both the week prior to and the day of the race, as Hurricane Alex proved a double edged sword. The remnants of the storm swells made for challenging surf launches, however winds associated with the storm drove the looming oil away from the area.

High seas also kept support boats from assisting in setting the course buoys.  Andy MacAlexander, local sailor from Point Washington loaded one of the five foot tall markers on his Hobie 16 and after a skillful launch managed to place the west mark, and  off duty Walton County sheriff’s deputies placed the east mark off Bud and Alley’s in Seaside.  The course was shortened this year to allow for support in the blustery conditions. Read More…

Posted under paddle/surf/boat

Explore some of the many creeks and tributaries in a kayak with Into The Wild Eco Diversions.

Expert guide service offers unique nature adventures

Into the Wild Eco-Diversions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida offers a unique guide service accommodating anyone looking to explore nature in the Florida Panhandle. With such a vast amount of natural beauty in the area, ITW offers the opportunity to experience it all with the unique variety of platforms – biking, hiking, kayaking and sailing.

ITW’s concept is to bring people closer to the natural world, as the content of the tours are interpretive discussions on the ecosystems, history and current events affecting our environment. The trips range from 2-4 hours and vary from easy to strenuous. Longer outings can be scheduled and can be customized to an individual’s preference. Read More…

Posted under Biking, Eco tourism adventure, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Trails/Hiking

Bluewater Bay Marina is hosting their 16^th annual Single Hander’s Regatta

Race registration will be held on Oct. 16 from 6 – 7 p.m. at   L.J. Schooners Oyster Bar at Bluewater Bay Marina.  Race course and starting area to be briefed at skippers meeting.

How?: One boat, one person, any equipment allowed except your engine.

Why?:   Why not?  This has become the largest race on the Choctawhatchee Bay. No problems with recruiting crew!  Also, no crew to blame!  Refreshments provided by Budweiser as well as awards following the race.  So, come and join in a nice jaunt around the bay.

First start time on Saturday, Oct 17,  2009 11:00 a.m. (Start time based on local conditions- check with race committee).  Race course will be posted Friday night at L.J. Schooners dockside bar.

FINISH: Cold Bud Light on tap, and awards following the race at L.J. Schooners dockside bar.

RACE CLASSES: One size fits all. Read More…

Posted under paddle/surf/boat

Local family enjoys high-flying adventure

Colleen and Brett Hinely of Bluewater Bay, take their two daughters, Aubrey and Claire for high-flying adventure on their sailboat, as the youngsters enjoy spinnaker flying near their home on the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Colleen explains how it is done –
The spinnaker sail is the very forward sail that helps to push the boat along on a downwind. For spinnaker flying, we rig the bottom lines of the sail with a swing attachment. When the spinnaker chute (like a giant sock that goes over the sail) is pulled up and a person is on the swing in the water, the sail fills quickly (depending on the wind) sending the person high into the air.

Many times when the wind has been good, I have floated to above the mast – and can see for miles…kind of like parasailing, the difference being the person on the swing is in full control to shift their weight around and do some neat stunts.

The Hinelys belong to the The Bluewater Bay Sailing Club and have a fun race every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.  Prizes are awarded after each race. Anyone is welcome to bring boat and enjoy around 2 hours out on the water. For more information go to: http://www.bbsc.com

Posted under Outdoor Family Fun, paddle/surf/boat