one of their "Chiefs" try to get something in writing and got no reply so I started out on the trip. When I got to Pamana City I finally received a reply to the e'mail I had sent the DMV about a month earlier. It said no matter if the boat was Documented if it was not registered in another state it must be registered in Florida from day one to be legal, no grace period. So I went to the Panama City DMV office, a good walk from the marina, with my papers. When I spoke with the clerk I was told it was not required unless I stayed 90 days. I asked for the supervisor and showed her the e'mail and she phoned and checked with some other office and told me, yes, it is required. I gave them my documents and they prepared the papers and sticker to tape inside the window, now for the bill. They prorate the registration due by the amount of time till your next birthday, mine wasn't far away so my bill was $9 and change! Don't you know when I got to Venice the Infamous water cop never came around! Apparently there was a lot of confusion by DMV employees as to the regulations,and maybe still is. That was my experience. Steve Willett Camano 31 Thibodaux, Louisiana **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)

hen my wife and I alone for the second week. We spent $800 on food, beer, wine, water and such. We cooked and ate on the boat with only a couple of exceptions. Anchored or moored almost every night ($25 per night for a mooring). Total fuel for the two weeks was 214 gallons at $3.50 per gallon. As the islands are not far from one another, we did not move great distances, but we did make generous use of the generator for the AC, as it was warm and muggy. According to the people at Virgin Traders, most charters of only a week tend to use about 150+ gallons of fuel. The trip was fantastic, with gorgeous scenery, beaches, cliffs, amazing snorkeling (turtles, rays, sharks, and a gazillion little fish), though the fishing itself was not that great. (I think we didn't go to the right places.) We were quite surprised at how few trawlers we encountered: 4 trawler type boats in the course of two weeks. Three were similar charters to our own, and the 4th was a beautiful American Tug. The trawlers were outnumbered by sailboats by probably 40:1. This was our first experience outside the U.S. coastal waters and we were puzzled at the dearth of trawling-type vessels. If anyone is interested in more information on our experience, please drop me a line. Jonathan Haas

ilboats in the VI are usually large enough to have all trawler amenities. Especially the new breed of catamarans. In addition, the price of chartering a sailboat is usually less than the price of chartering an equivalent trawler. I don't know why this is. It may be that there is more charterer competition or it may be the lower cost of fuel. Most important, sailors find joy in the process of sailing rather than the destination. The Virgin Islands offer that joy in a risk free pleasant environment. I'm very glad you enjoyed yourself so much but consider a sailboat next time. You may like it. Larry Z - - - - - The (Virgin Islands) trip was fantastic, with gorgeous scenery, beaches, cliffs, amazing snorkeling (turtles, rays, sharks, and a gazillion little fish), though the fishing itself was not that great. (I think we didn't go to the right places.) We were quite surprised at how few trawlers we encountered: 4 trawler type boats in the course of two weeks. Three were similar charters to our own, and the 4th was a beautiful American Tug. The trawlers were outnumbered by sailboats by probably 40:1. This was our first experience outside the U.S. coastal waters and we were puzzled at the dearth of trawling-type vessels. If anyone is interested in more information on our experience, please drop me a line. Jonathan Haas

I found the BVI quite delightful, as Larry suggests. The big cat was delightful as well, with three couples on board. It could easily have handled four. 24 foot beam, nicely laid out, lots of amenities. It also sailed well in the 15-20 knot winds that were consistently ENE. The only bummer was that it cost more for a week than I spend for an entire summer in SE Alaska. Too bad my 26-footer can't realistically make it that far. Guess I'll have to revert to my cold water frame of mind and head north again. Would it be heresy to have a sailing cat for the islands, and a power cruiser for the PNW? Richard Cook New Moon (Bounty 257) "Cruising in a Big Way" lrzeitlin@aol.com wrote: > > It may be heresy to discuss on this list but the Virgin Islands are > looked on as an ideal sailing venue. The winds are steady, the waters > not too rough, and the climate perfect for swimming. Trips from island > to island can be covered in a few hours of pleasant sailing and there > are usually attractive harbors at both ends. Rum is cheap. > > Charter sailboats in the VI are usually large enough to have all > trawler amenities. Especially the new breed of catamarans. In addition, > the price of chartering a sailboat is usually less than the price of > chartering an equivalent trawler. I don't know why this is. It may be > that there is more charterer competition or it may be the lower cost of > fuel. Most important, sailors find joy in the process of sailing rather > than the destination. The Virgin Islands offer that joy in a risk free > pleasant environment. I'm very glad you enjoyed yourself so much but > consider a sailboat next time. You may like it. > > Larry Z

with regard to being places for pick up and drop off. Non cruisers don't understand that. Guests on board become annoyed and annoying quickly if not true experienced cruisers accustomed to rules on board. Friendship may end. Joe Carolyn Ann GH N-37

e ever says anything about it, but yet, no one does it. Rudy Briney Bug, Panama City, Fl

one. Length of time on board is what ever the situation warrants, although we like our privacy and s our reason for boating. We don't hang out with other boaters really. We do go over rules concerning head and dc usage and do so unabashedly. I don't consider "Draconian rules", necessary as it is understood the Captain is the Captain. We get to pick. Bob Horne 'Fu Hwat' - San Rafael

ge > > Depends on what you like. If you're around the Baltimore area, then you need to crack some crabs or find a good crabcake, but stay away from the tourist traps. Find a local and have them point you to the real deal. NJ offers its own seafood fare, lobster can be good. A PA native, I can attest to the "good eats" in PA Dutch Country that I call home. Plain home-style cooking, but stuff you won't find elsewhere. No matter where you travel, there are regional specialties that you can make an adventure of finding, and the further off the main roads you venture, the better the finds! Ask locals where to go, they'll be delighted you asked and happy to direct you to their favorite spot for the best food. There's a tremendous range of culinary variety between NY and VA, and more beyond. Bon Apetit! -- Steve Sipe Solo 4303 "Maerin" Middle River, MD

rule. Maine Lobsters and Maine shrimp, clams etc. You have many fine meals ahead ... far from home! Eat well, Joe M/V "Carolyn Ann" GH N-37 MTOA# 3813 AGLCA# 5485 (Gold Looper) CarolynAnn-N37.blogspot.com Joseph.pica@gmail.com