Bark Camp Lake is a 61-acre lake located in Scott County. It is the oldest Department-owned lake in Southwest Virginia. When construction of the lake was completed in the mid 1950's, a beautiful lake completely surrounded by forested land was born. Some of the trees surrounding the lake have found their way into the lake and are providing good habitat for fish and good fishing spots for anglers. Clear water and fairly dense stands of aquatic vegetation offer anglers and other "fish watchers" a unique scenario.
A variety of fish species are available for anglers, including largemouth bass, black crappie, several sunfish species, channel catfish, and trout. Most of these fish populations are self-sustaining, meaning that they reproduce in the lake and maintain fishable populations without the need for stocking. Catchable-sized trout are stocked seasonally to provide a bit of angling diversity. Grass carp are also stocked as needed to control aquatic vegetation.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Fishing > Lakes > Bark Camp Lake
Fishing > Lakes > Back Bay
With more than 25,000 acres, Back Bay is the largest body of water in the district. It produces good white perch and channel catfish at times, some flounder, and other saltwater and brackish water species. Many citation channel catfish are caught in the tributary creeks in the spring, as fish move into fresher water to spawn. The freshwater creeks feeding into the bay have largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Bank fishing is limited and available only in some of the tributary creeks.
Some fishing is available at the state-owned boat ramps on Mill Landing Road, Back Bay Landing Road, and some private ramps. Several private launch ramps are available on the bay and feeder creeks off Princess Anne and Muddy Creek Roads.
Fishing > Lakes > Arrowhead Lake
Lake Arrowhead is a 39 acre impoundment located in Page County near Luray, Virginia. The lake was constructed in 1971 by the USDA Soil Conservation Service as a flood control impoundment. The lake is owned by the Town of Luray and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland fisheries manages the fishery. Lake Arrowhead sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering a magnificent view of the Page Valley. Gradual sloping banks, relatively clear water, and a maximum depth of forty-three feet best describes the physical make up of the lake. The lake basin was cleared of all structure during construction making underwater structure sparse.
A local angling club, Page Valley Bass Anglers, has been active in adding brush fish attractors to the lake. In recent years overabundant aquatic vegetation (elodea) had become a problem in the shallow areas of the lake. The Town of Luray has gone to great effort by using herbicides and triploid grass carp to control the vegetation. Anglers have the opportunity to fish for largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish, and channel catfish at Lake Arrowhead.
Fishing > Lakes > Lake Anna
Lake Anna is a 9,600-acre impoundment located in Louisa, Orange, and Spotsylvania counties, owned by the Dominion Power Company. The impoundment was completed in 1972 and serves as cooling water for the North Anna Nuclear Power Station. Initial stockings began in 1972, with introductions of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. Subsequent stockings of channel catfish, largemouth bass (northern and southern strains), redear, striped bass, and walleye were made to improve and diversify the fishery. Blueback herring and threadfin shad were successfully introduced in the 1980's to provide additional forage for pelagic (open-water) predators. Annual stockings of striped bass and walleye continue in order to maintain these fisheries (other species are self sustaining).
Prior to 1985, largemouth bass were managed with a 12-inch size limit (five per day). That minimum was changed to a 12 to 15 inch protected slot in 1985 in an effort to help restructure the largemouth bass population. In recent years, as the popularity of catch-and-release bass fishing became prevalent, creel data indicated over 99% of bass caught at Anna were released. Thus, the need for any type of restrictive harvest restriction is moot, and the slot was dropped on July 1, 2006. Striped bass are currently managed under a 20-inch minimum size limit and a creel limit of four per day.
Lake Anna is a reasonable drive from both Northern Virginia and the Richmond area. Outdoorsmen can access Lake Anna at many private marinas, several campgrounds, and at Lake Anna State Park. Reservoir accessibility creates heavy use by both anglers and boaters, especially during summer months. A 2000 creel survey indicated that fishing pressure was around 24 hours/acre. The most popular species fished for included largemouth bass (69%), striped bass (15%), and crappie (12%). Crappie (70%) were harvested at the highest rate, followed by striped bass (29%) and largemouth bass (1%). A creel survey was conducted in 2005, but data have not been analyzed yet.
Hydrilla vertricillata, an exotic aquatic weed, became established into Lake Anna during the late 1980's. Abundance increased from 96 acres in 1990 to 832 acres in 1994. Triploid (sterile) grass carp were stocked into Virginia Power's Waste Heat Treatment Facility in 1994 to control Hydrilla, and Hydrilla abundance is now quite low in both impoundments (some escapement to the main lake side occurred). Grass carp are still alive from that stocking, but their numbers are declining. Most grass carp remaining are now over three feet long.
Fishing > Lakes > Amelia Lake
Amelia Lake is a 100-acre impoundment located entirely within Amelia Wildlife Management Area in Amelia County, Virginia. The lake is owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The impoundment is located close enough to Richmond for convenient access to boating and fishing or other recreational activities on the management area.
Amelia Lake is managed to provide a warmwater fishery comprised of largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The lake has an over-abundance of largemouth bass, which results in high catch rates of small fish for anglers. This impoundment is well suited for beginning anglers who are interested in catching fish that aren't necessarily trophies.
Amelia Lake can be reached by travelling on 360 to State Route 604 North. Once on 604, simply follow the signs to the lake.
Fishing > Lakes > Lake Airfield
Lake Airfield is located in Sussex and Southampton Counties, about eight miles south of Wakefield on Route 628. It is partially owned by VDGIF. It is surrounded by mixed pine and hardwood forest, with numerous cypress and tupelo trees along the shoreline. Water lilies are abundant in the shallow water and add some beauty to the lake. Those who discover its secrets know they'll be rewarded with some nice fish.
Read More >>>Fishing > Lakes > Albemarle Lake
Lake Albemarle is a 35-acre impoundment owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corp, this lake shows little sign of aging. The shoreline is virtually undeveloped and due to its location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Albemarle provides a quality aesthetic outing.
The lake supports a variety of sport fish including self-sustaining populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black crappie. Channel catfish are stocked annually by the Department to diversify the fishery.
Fishing > Lakes > Abel Reservoir
This 185-acre reservoir is long and riverine; it is almost too long for a single battery electric motor if you plan on traveling its length. There is residential development along the shoreline, although development is slow and sparse. Abel is a water supply for Stafford County.
Read More >>>Fishing > Lakes > Abbott Lake
Abbott Lake is a 24-acre impoundment located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford County and is one of the attractions to the Peaks of Otter Park. Fishing is just one of the many recreational opportunities available in the Park. Numerous hiking opportunities range from very demanding hikes up high mountain peaks to the short flat trail around Abbott Lake. The Park also offers the outdoor enthusiast lodging at the popular Peaks of Otter Lodge or campground. Other facilities include picnic sites and shelters, a restaurant, restrooms, and scenic drives.
Read More >>>Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Special Treatment for JS&PW readers
Now in its 54th year, the Collins Stewart London Boat Show, will take place at ExCeL from 11-20 January 2008 and we have exclusive offers for Jet Skier & PW readers.
The show is offering a £3 discount on all tickets purchased by JS&PW readers (normal ticket price is £15). This offer is only available by calling the hotline number on 0870 060 0246 and quoting ‘Jet Skier’. Tickets are valid from 12 - 20 January, with two kids aged 15 and under getting in free with a paying adult.
What’s more the first five people to email spicer@jetskier.co.uk, with ‘ticket offer’ in the email subject box, will win a pair of tickets absolutely free.
www.londonboatshow.co.uk
Welsh Shows Announced
The third South Wales Boat Show in Margam Park will take place from 13 to 15 June 2008 with the first North Wales Boat Show following hot on the heels of its southern trailblazer with a show from 25 July to 27 July on Vaynol Estate.
The show in Margam Park this year saw over 187 companies and organizations attend and the plan for 2008 is once again to promote all types of water sports: surfing, jet skis, fishing craft, powerboats, canoes, dinghies, yachts and traditional sailing craft. One of the attractions is a “Get afloat and try a boat” event, with the opportunity to try out various types of water craft under the supervision of trained RYA instructors. Last year more than 1,500 people got to try out Jet Skis, dinghies, and RIBs on the lake.
Venues for both shows have lakes within the show grounds and are aiming to put Wales on the map for water sports. The organizers are expecting at least 10,000 people for the first North Wales show. Admission prices start from £6 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for families. Exhibitors spaces are still available.
www.southwalesboatshow.co.uk
www.northwalesboatshow.co.uk
Jet-Tec's new home
PW dealer Jet-Tec Performance has moved to a new location in Northern Ireland.
Open from Monday to Saturday with late night till 9.00pm on Thursdays, JTP supplies new and used parts for Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Polaris with performance parts from Skat-Trak, UMI Racing, R&D and most other brands off the shelf.
Jet-Tec is also Ireland’s official Slippery clothing dealer.
The new address is: Unit 3, McKinney Ind Est, 58 Mallusk Road, Newtown Abbey, BT36 4PX, Northern Ireland.
www.jet-tecperformance.com
World Record Smashed
He set off from Miami on his Sea Doo GTX in early June of this year and only stopped riding late last month.
In 2000, John, 43, set the distance world record by riding 5,604 miles in 80 days. Since then, teams from Australia and South Africa bettered his mark and pushed the record to 10,500 miles. John was determined to hold on to the record this time: “I just want to be the best in the world at something, and this is it. This is my record!” he said.
His journey had already taken him up the Intercoastal Waterway from Miami, along the East Coast, through New York City, and as far north as Montreal. From there, he travelled past Ottawa, through Lakes Ontario and Erie to Chicago, down the Illinois River, up the Mississippi, further up the Missouri River, up and back along the Ohio River, and down the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. Once there, he hugged the west coast of Florida to Ft. Myers, crossed the state via Lake Okeechobee to Vero Beach, and headed north.
He broke the previous record of 10,500 miles just outside Half Moon Bay, Georgia, with severe weather and seven-foot waves.
He said: “I was so close to the record I just couldn’t take the day off.” He was so determined to remain the world record holder he carried on with his journey, in order to “pad the record and put it further out of reach.”
Monday, October 29, 2007
Boston Whaler 345 Conquest
Boston Whaler’s new 345 Conquest is so damn big that, even with a six-line trolling spread, it looked like we weren’t fishing. There were two rods in each gunwale, plus another pair of lines running through the long riggers from one of the three wing rocket launchers on each side. That left two empty rodholders per side, plus three along the transom. Want to pull a dozen ballyhoo from an outboard boat? Then this is your ride.
Hip Trip. To run a boat this large out to bluewater takes gobs of power. The 345 Conquest delivers, thanks to triple Mercury Verado 250s on the transom. Worried about the triple-screw fuel consumption? Hah! Cruising through the inlet at 32 mph, we burned 38.5 gph. That equates to better than 0.8 mpg while pushing 14,200 pounds of boat plus four guys, full gear, and fuel and water. And if you start feeling frisky, you can juice it up and run close to 50 mph. Want power of a different kind? Whaler includes such big-ticket items as an 8kW genset and a 4kW bow thruster. Other goodies that make the list include cockpit and cabin air conditioning, a windlass, the hardtop with wiper/washers, spreader lights, integrated speakers, a power vent, and rocket launchers. Make sure you crunch some numbers before doing a price comparison, because many other builders charge extra for these items.
Take the Hydra-Sports 3300 Vector. It lists for about a quarter mil with twins, but its standard equipment list is much shorter. The Hydra-Sports goes faster with equal power and lists a 61-mph top end, but it weighs several thousand pounds less and has a 10'4" beam, which makes for less fish-fighting room. Grady-White’s 330 Express puts more emphasis on the fish and less on speed. Rigged with twin 250-hp Yamaha four-strokes and measuring the same as the 345 Conquest, it also costs about a quarter mil with a long list of standards, but the bow thruster is an option. The 9,500-pound Grady-White isn’t available with triples, but performance doesn’t seem to suffer too much—it achieves a 35.2-mph cruise and a 44.1-mph top end
Cigarette 42X
The next time your boat is retrieved from a storage rack with a forklift, take a close look at the bow. If it bounces, that means your boat isn’t well balanced. No problem here for Cigarette’s redesigned 42X. It sat like a stone on the forks.
That translated to a great ride in varied conditions. In calm water, the 42X rode perfectly, balanced at zero degrees on my inclinometer, and hit 100.4 mph. When I drove it into solid 4' seas with plenty of 6-footers rearing up, the boat flew level every time I launched. Stout construction features Prisma stringers reinforced with carbon fiber (engine stringers are wood), Baltek Decalite bulkheads, balsa coring, and a composite transom. Vacuum bagging keeps the weight down.
In the 42X’s bottom redesign, the biggest change comes between the second step and the transom. The running surface angles up and aft 1" higher than on the previous model. This brings down the back of the boat and lifts the bow, and because the bow stays up during turns, the change improved the 42X’s maneuverability.
A go-fast has to look good, too, especially when the engine hatch is up. In the staggered engine configuration, the starboard motor sits forward. The strainers are on opposite sides of the stringer and use each other as backing plates. Batteries are in custom aluminum boxes and trim pumps are easy to top off.
At the helm, I appreciated the small wind deflector and the comfortably placed controls as well as my view of critical gauges. Aft, the bench comprises three separate bolsters.
Belowdecks, the LipShip Edition package (a $40,000 upgrade) had a surprise in store. Forward of the zippered curtain at what would be the V-berth bulkhead is a changing area. Unzip it and you find a private area with a head, a small lounge, and four large lockers. The rest of the belowdecks area includes facing lounges and a cooler with a top-loading hatch. The 42X is a surprisingly good balance of performance and practicality.
Glacier Bay 3080 Coastal Runner
A full kitchenette, dinette, queen-size berth, full head, great stability at anchor, and a generator are all features you expect to find on a fully capable cruiser—but not on a 30' outboard boat. Glacier Bay, with its new 3080 Coastal Runner, is aiming to change that.
Stepping into the cabin I couldn’t help but enjoy the ample natural light brightening the interior. Flipping open twin overhead hatches provides a refreshing breath of air for those times when it’s cool enough not to need an air conditioner. When you do need to warm up or cool down, heat and air come standard at the helm, and with the standard canvas drop curtain across the house’s open rear bulkhead, you can set the temperature as you like.
Comfort, however, relies on more than temperature. Overnighting means having a freshwater sink, microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop. By lifting a small lounge to starboard and folding the helm seat forward, you get just that in the outdoor kitchenette. Comfort also means sitting with the kids to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared. The dinette to port seats four—with a little squeezing. Comfort may also depend on retreating to a private head. Go through the sliding side-entry hatch into the lower cabin, then slip through the head’s doorway into a personal throne room with a large mirror, freshwater sink, and shower. Comfort could still mean getting a great night’s rest. The large queen-size berth provides more than enough room for a couple.
Naturally, anglers like me define comfort differently, but this boat takes care of us, too. There’s a livewell for bait, though access is limited by the house’s rear curtain that buttons down across its lid. Drawers store every size of hook, swivel, or lure. The cockpit is wide and unhindered. What didn’t I like? The same thing I loved—because of its compact size, this boat can feel cluttered.
Venturing far from shore? You’ll take comfort knowing that Glacier Bay’s proven semi-displacement catamaran hulls are filled full with foam for flotation and strength. The 3080’s helm has tons of room to equip the latest electronics. Also, stability in a powercat this large is incredible. Just a few more things in the long list that make the 3080 Coastal Runner a king of comfort.
Sea Ray 290 Sundeck
If you feel a deckboat’s main mission is to provide space, then take a look at the biggest, most spacious deckboat around—the Sea Ray 290 Sundeck. With an LOA that tops 29' and a beam wider than 9', it’s the largest fiberglass deckboat on the market.
Yet for such a big, beamy boat, the 290 Sundeck performs ably on the water, topping out at a hair over 45 mph with solid midrange acceleration. It proved nimble in turns, a trait not common on flatter hulled decks. It works here because of the 290 Sundeck’s 21-degree transom deadrise. The standard Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) system makes handling as smooth as silk, with excellent response and none of the jerkiness often felt when switching between forward, neutral, and reverse.
But let’s face it: You’re looking for space and amenities. The 290 Sundeck will have no problem hauling a soccer team. Its standards list packs punch, with SmartCraft gauges, an electronic engine hatch, and 11 stainless-steel cupholders. I particularly liked the cockpit table, which deploys on a swivel. You twist a latch and the table lifts hydraulically to full height and locks in place.
I also liked the push-button ignition, a feature found in larger boats. The on-off key resides in the starboard console. Switch it on, then stop and start the engine via the in-dash button. About that starboard console…inside, it’s actually a changing room. Sea Ray calls it a berth, and it’s cushioned and secluded enough to consider for a nap. But the space is better suited for letting the kids rest out of the sun or changing into a swimsuit.
The insole ski locker will accommodate most of your stowage needs. Once I opened the hatch, I could fully recline inside. Another feature of note is the bow cockpit seating: Retractable armrests reside on either side and latch into place, providing additional creature comforts.
Because of the 290 Sundeck’s wide beam, however, you’ll need a special permit to trailer it. So pay the $200 for the permit, or keep it in a slip
Centurion Enzo SV216
THEY SAY The 21'6" Centurion Enzo SV216 runs with the leaders in the wake market, boasting Ferrari-inspired style.
WE SAY Any boat with a standard package called “Bling Bling” is focused on style. Aboard the Enzo, bling means a brushed-billet steering wheel cap and dash, polished step plates, stainless-steel cupholders, and a billet throttle knob so cool all of the display models were stolen during a recent competition. Add the standard heated driver seat, vinyl-wrapped dash, and inwales that feature an LED-glow company logo. Practical touches include a flip-up sunpad revealing a nonslip walkover, a beefy stainless-steel windshield frame, snap-out carpet for easy cleaning, and a roomy cockpit with wraparound seating for 12. But it’s what’s aft of the transom that makes a wake boat. Dual midship ballast tanks add 450 pounds, pumping up its already nicely ramped wakes. Tune them in farther with a Bennett trim tab ($656) that reduces the tendency to porpoise when heavily loaded, or opt for the Switchblade hydrofoil ($3,995).
WHO'D WANT ONE The wakeboarder seeking European sports car looks and pro-tour wakes.
ANOTHER CHOICE Malibu’s Wakesetter VLX is nearly as long, with 4" less beam. With the standard 320-hp Malibu LCR engine, it costs $58,095.
THE NUMBERS $54,876. Contact: 209/384-0255, www.centurionboats.com.
Velocity SS 390
There’s something to be said for feeling comfortable when turning a boat at 100 mph. I don’t do this often nor do I recommend it, but sometimes you need to perform this maneuver, so when I had to turn the Velocity SS 390 at speed to avoid an object in the water, the boat responded great. It let me slow down to regain my composure and then get back on the sticks to power up to a top speed of 114.3 mph.
What makes this number impressive is that the SS 390 has a non-ventilated bottom. It runs on a wide keelpad with good old-fashioned lifting strakes and a turned-down chine.
The ability to make course adjustments at high speed makes the SS 390 a strong candidate for poker runs. When I slowed down to 50, 60, and 70 mph, I could circle and make slalom turns handily.
Velocity staggers the engines in the boat with the port motor forward. Rigging looked clean, and all the trim pumps are on the firewall bulkhead, which makes topping off easy. Batteries are in custom aluminum boxes.
Velocity vacuum bags the Kevlar and carbon-fiber-reinforced laminate for improved strength and better resin distribution. Stringers and the transom are cored with ATC linear foam. The hull-to-deck joint is bonded with fiberglass around the perimeter.
In the cockpit, comfort is ensured with three individual bolsters. As with all Velocitys, the deep freeboard provides good passenger security.
At the helm, the SS 390’s dash is dominated by SmartCraft screens and a Garmin GPSmap 3210. Livorsi mechanical trim indicators are in perfect position on the starboard side of the panel.
As you go belowdecks, the boat has great headroom, probably the best in this class. Forward, the V-berth has plenty of space for a couple to…uh…sleep, and there’s excellent stowage space in the base. And you’ll sleep well, knowing you own one of the best mannered boats at 50 mph or 100 mph.
Formula 350 Sun Sport
Formula calls it a dayboat. But I’d call it a cruiser. No, it sure doesn’t look like a bloated bleach bottle, an NBA player couldn’t stand upright belowdecks, and it couldn’t accommodate your local Cub Scout Pack. Instead, Formula’s 350 Sun Sport is sleek and low-slung, a delight on the eyes. Its design prioritizes ride quality, superb handling, and enjoyment both on deck and in the water. Yet it boasts a full galley, a generous head, a large forward berth, and Art Deco decor, all of which ensures weekend luxury for two. The 350 Sun Sport is a boat for those who have learned to appreciate quality. It’s also a good fit if you like to cruise with others—as long as they have their boats and won’t be staying aboard yours. Interested? This test tells all.
BOOK VALUE. Sure, the 350 Sun Sport could be called eye candy, but its sleek, low-windage profile is practical. It prevents the boat from blowing around like a leaf on a pond, which makes docking easier. Underway, it has a light feel thanks to power-assisted steering, plenty of horsepower, and refined planing surfaces. Lever the throttles and you’ll feel it, too. My tester had twin 420-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG HO Sea Core DTS Bravo Three stern drives, delivering a horsepower-to-weight ratio of 15 to 1—any number under 20 is fast in my book. I wrung a thrilling 58.4 mph out the 350 Sun Sport. That’s the kind of performance I’d expect from the Regal 3350 Sport Cruiser, which hit 51 mph with smaller twin 320-hp stern drives. Power the 3350 Sport Cruiser with twin 420-hp Volvo Penta 8.1 GXi DuoProp stern drives ($202,493) and it boasts a 13:1 power-to-weight ratio, and I’d expect a top end in the high 50s, despite it being 7" wider than the 350 Sun Sport.
The 350 Sun Sport’s ride and handling are exhilarating. At 35 mph, we gleefully creased short, steep Gulf of Mexico 3-footers. Never content without trying to induce a rattle, I accelerated to 46 mph. At this speed, in that sea, crew had to sit down or hold on. But the boat remained surefooted. Trying for top speed in such a nasty chop would be destructive, so I spun around, headed 25 degrees shy of directly downsea, and put the throttles in the corner. The 350 Sun Sport ran that quartering course, carrying its bow proudly and its beam level while requiring little attention. My book states that any boat that tracks straight and stays dry while quartering downsea is a good ride.
You control the ride and power from a double helm bench. Each section flips up to form a bolster for the captain and mate. The seat is adjustable and has a footrest. Sliding out from behind the wheel is a snap, regardless of the seat position or angle of the tilt wheel. I have permanent bruises on my thighs from banging against steering wheels, caused by boats without the helm ergonomics to provide a range of comfortable sitting or leaning positions as well as easy access to controls.
Sabre 52 Salon Express
Ask a boat manufacturer about the laminate on a typical cruiser and the response usually features the phrase “solid-glass bottom.” I expected the same response when I inquired about the Sabre 52 Salon Express. Instead, Sabre took a more complex approach that made my inner geek glow with excitement.
The 52 Salon Express’ hull is solid glass extending out 1½' from the keel on each side, then switches to 1"-thick Divinycell foam coring until the chines, which are solid fiberglass again. The hullsides are cored with Divinycell sheets for fewer seams, and the transom consists of doubled Divinycell. And it’s all vacuum-bagged in place.
For the bulkheads, decking, and cabin sole, Sabre uses Nidacore honeycomb panels. It’s 4" thick in the salon sole, which offers outstanding noise absorption as well as stiffness. Composite PVC Nidacore encapsulated in E-glass and topped with steel plates form the stringers beneath the engines. The hull and deck fit in a shoebox joint that’s sealed with silicon, bolted, and bonded with fiberglass.
The results of the construction are best seen in the 52 Salon Express’ performance and heard in its low sound levels. My test boat reached a top speed of 35.4 mph at 2350 rpm and cruised at 30.6 at 2100. When I accelerated hard, the surge pushed me back against the Stidd seat. And in turns, the boat felt more nimble than other boats in this class. It turned inside its own wake and the bow stayed up. Pushing a lighter boat also makes things easier on the engines, which provides better fuel economy and range.
Let’s see how the 46,000-pound 52 Salon Express compares to the competition. The Grand Banks 55 Eastbay XS ($1.5 million with the 853-bhp CATs) tips the scales at 63,000 pounds. Alden Yachts’ 56 Express ($1.7 million with the test power) weighs in at 48,000 pounds. The Sabre is a couple of mph faster than both of them.
SOUNDS OF SILENCE. The other bonus from the 52 Salon Express’ thick, honeycomb-cored decking is the quiet ride. At wide open throttle, I recorded only 80 dB-A at the helm. You can have a conversation in normal tones. The double-cored deck felt solid underfoot and no vibration was transferred. What’s more, I could see all the gauges clearly. The large chart/glovebox in the port dash is the perfect place to chuck your car keys, wallet, cell phone, and other sundries.
Perhaps the most convenient installation on the 52 Salon Express is at the main distribution panel. When you power up the ship’s main switch, every circuit on board is live. It eliminates the shouting between skipper and crew, “Is this on?” “Is that on?” The items that you want to stay on full-time, such as the refrigerator and the inverter, are isolated. One thing that needed improving: The hatch for this panel hits the console. Sabre said it will put a rubber bumper on the console.
Exocet Cross 84
Editor's Notes: Shortest and narrowest board of the fleet at only 234 centimeters long and 55.3 cm wide. Squared squash tail and snubbed nose enhance its compact appearance, which looks powerful and as one board tester just commented, "fast". A considerable amount of its 84 liters of volume is carried through its relatively thick rails. Comes with Exocet's proven Double Density Shock Absorbing foot pads, and a 1/3 length deck pad. One of the more unique shapes of the fleet in that it narrow outline appears rather speed-biased. Must ride.
Features: Inset and outset insert foot strap options up front, with the option of a double foot strap configuration in the tail for bump and jump and free-riding. Power box fin setup; Cross 26 cm fin looks especially well suited for bump and jump and free-riding. Mast track has indicator markings for easy reference. Exocet-original.com
Tester Comments
Ian Mckee
Level: Advanced
Weight: 200
Sailing style: Aggressive and fast in flat water; relative newcomer to the surf. Landed his first forward loop during the board test.
Ian: My favorite board by a big margin. Number 1 for me in everything but early planing. Most aggressive board – you could carry a lot of speed and go flying through the surf with great control. Best wave board for me. Turned on a dime. A board for a guy like me for sure. My only snag is that I'd probably get more use out of a 90-liter sizing. The 84 model meant I had to be lit up with a 5.3 and 4.7 to maximize it – conditions that don't happen very often where I live back home.
Dan Thomson
Level: Expert
Weight: 170
Sailing style: Hard-charging freestyle and wave ripper who teaches windsurfing as well as he sails. He can tell who these boards best suit.
Dan: Unbelievably fast – had it lit on a 4.5 and super controllable in rough chop. Shock Abosrbing heel pads were extremely cushy – perhaps a bit too much so in that they sacrificed a bit to a direct, responsive feel. Liked the foot straps. Small fin wasn't enough for the 5.5, but made up for it while using a 4.0. Wouldn't own it – too speed oriented and I like freestyle and waves. Best suits slalom blasters looking for speed and control.
Caroline Buckler
Level: Expert
Weight: 125
Sailing style: Flips, tricks and hits the surf with no fear factor; reports on which boards do (and don't) work for lightweights in high winds.
Caroline: Took it out on 5.0 – super soft ride. Like the heel pads at times and at other times they felt a touch too squishy. Good planing and straight-line sailing, but not a board I would own for freestyle or waves. I felt it best suited middle and heavyweights, and the board seems more biased for back-and-forth sailing.
David Combe
Level: Advanced
Weight: 200
Sailing style: WindSurfing's publisher slashes waves and bump conditions; a part-time board tester offering a heavyweight's perspective.
David: My comments mirrored Ian's. I loved it in the waves, thought it planed early. In the past those heel bumpers deadened the ride too much for me, but this round I loved 'em. Thought the board was awesome. Thought the speed was insane. Jumping was awesome. Great Gorge board and Oregon Coast board. Mad p
GRUBB WINS BYERLY TOE JAM WAKESKATE EVENT & SEA-DOO WAKE PWC
Brian Grubb added to his legacy as the world’s winningest wakeskater by claiming the 2007 Byerly Toe Jam Tour overall championship and with the crown a new Sea-Doo WAKE watercraft. Red Bull rider Grubb bettered 15 of the world’s best wakeskaters in a test of all four disciplines of wakeskating, to claim his fourth national tour overall victory. The new 2008 Sea-Doo WAKE – with industry’s first personal watercraft ballast system – made its public debut during the Rail Park portion at East Orlando’s “The Projects”.
The Rail Park saw a host of young riders showcase their skills and give a glimpse into what the future holds for the sport. Team Nike 6.0 riders Nick Taylor and Ben Horan - both still in high school - made it to the head-to-head final ahead of veterans Grubb and Brandon Thomas. Horan took the Rail Park win by filling his allotted five minutes with what many said to be the best competition run to date with grinds and wake tricks never seen before behind a personal watercraft.
Toe Jam Stop #4 at The Projects was the first competition behind the new 2008 Sea-Doo WAKE watercraft and its new 200-lb ballast system. The new design was said to make a world of difference to the world’s best wakeskaters. “It made a huge difference” said Horan. “I could do tricks behind (the new Sea-Doo WAKE) that I could only do behind a boat before. I can’t wait to ride behind it more. It’s really fun.”
The 2008 season looks to be record setting year in the world of wakeskating as perennial champion Grubb will face his toughest competition yet and the on-water possibilities have been expanded with the addition of the new Sea-Doo WAKE watercraft into the mix.
For more information on the new 155 horsepower or the 215 horsepower 2008 Sea-Doo WAKE - the only watercraft specifically designed for wake sports visit your closest authorized Sea-Doo watercraft dealer or www.sea-doo.com.
Swell hits for The HYDRO-TURF Surf Slam
Incredible swell hits Pismo Beach this weekend for The HYDRO-TURF Surf Slam, the final round of the IFWA World Championship Tour 2007. The waves are expected to reach heights of up to 12 feet and the 40 confirmed pilots from all over the world are looking forward to the great conditions.
Mathematics has created a battle for the World Championship Title in the Stand-Up category. The leader is 2-time world champion Frenchman Pierre Maixent. French rider Gil Beurnier and American rider Ross Champion follow him closely. The battle for the title is very close in points.
Brazilian freerider Ivo Sehn and Aurelian Mejean from France will continue to compete for points in the California surf. Other American riders in the top 8 points are Mike Serlin and Zach Waddle. The top 8 riders from the tour will not have to compete in the pre-qualifying round and will advance directly to the head to head brackets.
In the Sit Down Category, South African Jimmy Visser will continue his title as world champion for the 9 consecutive year. He may win the Tour Championship but he will have some competition for the event win from riders like World Champion racer Chris MacCluggage and of course his rival Pierre Maixent from France. Jimbo Visser has announced that he will compete next year in the Stand-Up Category. If he continues to evolve the sport as he has in the Sit-Down class, the top riders from this year will have to battle him for the Championship in 2008.
The HYDRO-TURF Surf Slam
is part of the 3rd year of IFWA Freeride World Championship Tour. The tour consists of 5 events held in Portugal , Spain , France , Brazil and the United States . The competition is a head to head format with pilots being judged equally on wave surfing and aerial maneuvers. Each stop on the tour features a beautiful tourist location along with the potential for large surf and impressive competition. The IFWA is the International Freeride Watercraft Association and the sanctioning body for the sport of Freeride.
SOUL Australian Longboard Titles: - Finals Day approaching for the 2007 SOUL Australian Longboard Titles. Bryce Young (NSW) and Monique Keane (Qld) th
North Haven Beach was a popular move just 20 minutes south of Port Macquarie for day 5 of the SOUL Australian Longboards Titles with solid and slightly stormy 1.5m surf providing Australia’s top longboarders plenty of scope to score big.
Sunshine Coast Queensland surfer Mitch Surman (Maroochydore) served notice today that the Junior Men’s division will be extremely well fought out tomorrow. While Bryce Young (NSW/Angourie) remains the top pick for tomorrows final, Surman was the highest scoring quarter finalist today with an impressive 15.25 out of a possible 20 to take a big win. Young also easily won his quarter final as did Northern Sydney Beaches surfer Dan McComb (Harbourd) and all three will go into tomorrow confident they can take the prestigious title.
Bryce Young (Son of multiple world champion Nat Young), has a giant day ahead of him tomorrow as he’s also a quarter finalist in the Open Men’s division. Sunshine Coast Queensland surfer Monique Keane is similarly positioned having qualified for both the Junior and Open finals of the Women’s.
Open Women’s finalists were decided today and again Chelsea Williams (Tweed Heads) was most impressive scoring a big semi final win defeating popular local girl Cath Perry who has also qualified for the final by placing 2nd in the semi final today. Semi Final two saw a very impressive performance from WA surfer Georgia Young who easily won with Monique Keane also qualifying in second place.
Open Men’s quarter finals were not surfed today and they will hit the water first thing tomorrow, which is expected to be the final day.
North Haven Beach offered far better waves for today’s competition and local professional Longboarder Ian Bell, who would normally be surfing these Open SOUL Australian Longboard Titles but is out due to recent ear operations and is the professional lifeguard for the event expects great things from his home beach at North Haven for tomorrows finals – “ I think we’ll see the best surf of the event tomorrow here at North Haven – The winds should be offshore, the banks are great and it could be an amazing final day for the best surfers.”
Senior divisional finals have been decided across most divisions and within this press release there’s too many to go into detail about but they can be viewed online at www.surfingaustralia.com
Organizers are confident for an early 7:00am start at North Haven tomorrow for the finals day although a deion on the actual venue won’t be official until the surf is thoroughly check at Town Beach early tomorrow morning.
With surfers of the caliber of Josh Constable, Harley Ingelby, Grant Thomas, Christian Pimm, Chelsea Williams and many others surfing for SOUL Australian Titles tomorrow its certain to be a fantastic finish to this great event.
Attached Rights Free Image: Bryce Young winning his quarter final today at North Haven Beach Port Macquarie. Photo: Steve Robertson.
Full Press will be forwarded around 5pm and can also be located at www.surfingaustralia.com
The event is broadcast live via http://live.surfingaustralia.com or the link on surfingaustralia.com with live scores, audio, heat by heat results, daily event news and photo gallery.
Event is expected to kick off around 7:30am each day
The SOUL Australian Longboard Titles is proudly supported by NSW Government, Tourism NSW, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Greater Port Macquarie Tourism, Panthers Port Macquarie, Surfing Australia, Coastalwatch.com, Tooheys Extra Dry and Surfing NSW. Read More >>>
Oakley State Challenge - Queensland In Box Seat After Day One At Curl Curl
QUEENSLAND is in the box seat to take out surfing’s official ‘State of Origin’ showdown after surfing away with a narrow lead over NSW in the opening round of the second-annual Oakley State Challenge on Sydney’s northern beaches today.
In its second year, the innovative tournament pits New South Wales and Queensland against each other in a state-on-state style face-off.
Sydney’s Curl Curl Beach provided competitors with near-perfect 1-1.5 metre beach break conditions today as Australia’s next generation of surf stars fought it out across the opening round of singles, doubles, tandem and expression period formats. The total team scores from day one of action saw Queensland power into the lead with 109 points, 5 clear of NSW.
Coolum surfing ace Julian Wilson set the pace for the day in the morning’s ‘singles’ format heats, utilising his incredible competition repertoire to setup a formidable lead for the maroons.
18-year-old Wilson was in a league of his own; picking off a set wave before unleashing a series of futuristic manouevres to net the morning’s highest wave score, a excellent scoring 8.5 out of a possible 10. He backed it up with a solid scoring 6.5 to finish with a two-wave total of 15.00.
The maroons continued to up-the-ante in the doubles division with Coolangatta’s Brent Dorrington and Maroochydore’s Mitch Coleborn trouncing the NSW pairing of Nick Riley (Fairlight) and Leigh McMahon (Curl Curl) with a polished display of high performance surfing.
Qld team coach Gary Elkerton was in high praise for his troops. “It was mind boggling some of the surfing that the boys were doing today,” said Elkerton, who was a multiple world championship runner-up.
“The boys went into the round with a plan and they really stuck to their guns. The four different heat formats really worked well for us today.”
Not to be totally outdone, the blues kept their aspirations of back-to-back titles alive with a determined win in today’s tandem heats. Heath Joske (Nambucca Heads) and McMahon were clearly in sync with the day’s favourable conditions, surfing on the same wave simultaneously to snare a massive 9.00 out of a possible 10.
The blues continued to peg back Queensland’s lead via the aerial antics of Culburra’s Owen Wright. Behind the eight ball after breaking his board in the opening stages of the heat, Wright bounced back to post the event’s first perfect 10 for a massive backside aerial 360 maneouvre.
“I can’t believe that I pulled that maneouvre off,” said Wright.
“We were something like 10 points down, so I new I had to go big. The judges were rewarding big scores all day.”
The NSW team proved too strong in ’06 defeating Queensland in the inaugural Oakley State Team Challenge at Avalon Beach. The lead alternated several times throughout the two-day event but it was NSW sealing the victory in the final minutes.
The Oakley State Challenge 2007 continues tomorrow with the second round of singles, doubles, tandem and expression format heats. Contest organisers are expected to reconvene at 8.30am tomorrow for a 9am start. Finals are likely to wrap-up by 1.30pm.
The Oakley State Challenge 2007 is proudly supported by Waves magazine. Read More >>>
SOUL Australian Longboard Titles - Harley
Fantastic waves and huge scores for the final day of the SOUL Australian Longboard Titles held at North Haven Beach near Port Macquarie saw Harley Ingelby (Coff’s Harbour) and Chelsea Williams (Tweed Heads) take the Open Men’s and Women’s titles for 2007.
It was Ingelby’s second SOUL Australian Open Longboard Title following his win in 2005 and Williams’ 3rd win following victories in 2004 and 2005.
Ingelby survived a very close final against 3 time Australian and defending Open champion Josh Constable (Noosa). At the half way point of the final Ingelby looked safely clear having posted two strong rides but Constable brought the final to life with an amazing 9 point ride to suddenly overtake Ingelby in first place.
“I knew Constable would throw out a challenge at some stage but I wasn’t expecting him to get a 9 point ride and really apply the pressure – I remained calm, stuck to my plan which was to simply improve my score and fortunately I scored that 8.5 ride late in the final and won – It feels great because it was such a good final with high scores and excellent waves.”
Constable was disappointed having scored the highest wave of the final but not being able to win –“ I needed a better 2nd scoring ride and just couldn’t find a suitable wave in the end – I only needed a 7.25 to win and in these waves that’s not hard to get but time was my enemy out there and I simply couldn’t get the wave – Full credit to Harley though, he’s a great surfer and deserves the title.”
Queensland surfers Grant Thomas and Jackson Close finished 3rd and 4th in the final but had little impact with Ingelby and Constable always well ahead.
Chelsea Williams had a vastly different final. She absolutely dominated and was a class above her rivals today to take a most impressive win. Two excellent wave scores left all her opponents chasing a combination of scores to try and catch her but such was Williams class and style that a challenger was not forthcoming. Popular local surfer Cath Perry did well to finish 2nd ahead of WA surfer Georgia Young with Qld’s Monique Keane in fourth place.
“It’s great to win a third Australian Title and I’m really looking forward to all the international events in the coming 12 months. I feel I’m surfing better than ever and I’m confident of winning every time I compete.”
The Junior Men’s division provided the biggest surprise of the event. Bryce Young (Angourie/NSW) had dominated throughout the event and in his semi final earlier today put on an amazing performance and posted the events highest scoring ride of a 9.5. He went into the final a red hot favourite but unfortunately he seemed to have peaked in his semi and struggled to find the right connecting waves in his final placing 3rd behind classy Sydney surfer Dan McComb (Harbord) who won convincingly with Victori’a Adam Lynch (Geelong) coming 2nd.
Junior Girls saw Sunshine Coast Caloundra surfer Monique Keane take a deserved win. It was Keane’s first SOUL Australian Longboard Titles and she did well to also make the Open Women’s final where she placed fourth.
All the senior divisional winners were decided and across all divisions the surfing standard was exceptional and high scores were essential to take a title today. Special mention must go to Central Coast NSW surfer Danny Bond (Shelley Beach) who won the over 60 Men’s and he now has an incredible 11 Australian Longboard Titles!
South Australia’s Jason Russell broke the NSW/Qld domination by taking a very popular and first Longboard title in 15 ears for the “crows” with his win in the over 40’s division.
The Teams event was again surfed with passion and Queensland came home the strongest and tactically the smartest to take the Teams Title for 2007 with Victoria in 2nd place, NSW 3rd, WA 4th and SA in 5th.
It was a perfect day to finish the event with ideal weather and waves and Surfing NSW are very optimistic about making the event bigger and even better in 2008 with Port Macquarie the planned destination again.
In the end the NSW Team took 6 titles, Qld 4, SA 1 and 1 went to wild card surfer Harley Ingelby (Coff’s Harbour).
Full Result spreadsheets across all divisions can be found at www.surfingaustralia.com
The SOUL Australian Longboard Titles is proudly supported by NSW Government, Tourism NSW, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Greater Port Macquarie Tourism, Panthers Port Macquarie, Surfing Australia, Coastalwatch.com, Tooheys Extra Dry and Surfing NSW.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
A Bugs Eye View
Three Vital Events About to Get Underway for the ASP World Tour
A very important week in pro surfing is upon us. Events in three theatres, all weighted with potentially significant outcomes.
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First up, this weekend sees the culmination of the 6 Star Onbongo Pro Surfing, which basically provides the last window of opportunity to position oneself favorably leading into the Vans Triple Crown on Oahu’s North Shore. There has been some serious slipping and sliding and thrusting and parrying going on in WQS/Land, and while mathematical possibilities abound, for many the Obongo is the last realistic throw of the dice to get into the qualifying frame.
Then on October 30 simultaneous Men’s and Women’s World Championship events are happening on the Pacific and Atlantic side of the South American continent. The Hang Loose Catarina Pro will be cranking up in Imbatuba, about 90 minutes south of Florianopolis, Brazil, and the inaugural Mancora Peru Classic will see the Top 17 Women grace the waters of the mythical Peru between Oct 30 & November 7.
There is obviously a huge buzz surrounding the Hang Loose Catarina Pro, one could cut the air of anticipation with a knife. It’s been a long, long time since the rising star of an Australian surfer has claimed a Men’s World Crown. But that is the scenario Mick Fanning has carved out for himself, a win in Brazil, where he is defending champion, will see the Cooly Kid clinch the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Title.
The past five years have seen the World #1 & #2 ranking in the exclusive realm of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons. Kelly is still in the hunt in 07, the 8 times World Champion, who is chasing a hat-trick of World Titles, pretty much needs to win Brazil and then back up with a 6th win at Pipe. If it was anyone else you’d dismiss the challenge as "you’re dreaming", but being Slater, anything is possible. That is well in the forefront of Fanning’s thinking, if any element on the planet was to keep one honest and focussed it is the giant shadow of Kelly Slater looming over any potential celebrations.
Taj Burrow is in an incrementally better position to challenge, but would still need to make both Finals, combined with early exits by Mick. Taj has had a solid year, winning twice for the first time and coming within a whisker of a third 07 win at Mundaka. It’s just that Mick has set such a cracking high-end pace, securing podium finishes in seven of eight events contested. Taj and Kelly have definitely matched him at various points along the way, as has Damo Hobgood, Joel Parkinson and Andy Irons, but nobody has been able to answer the sustained attack, Mick hardly ever putting a foot wrong before the Semi Final stage.
The one distinct advantage Mick has going into Brazil is that once he clears the Rd of 32 he is adding points directly onto his adjusted ratings. The one glitch in his armour, a 17th place finish at the hands of Dane Reynolds at Trestles, is there to be dropped. This is the killer for Taj and Kelly, Mick has two opportunities to significantly better that 17th place. If one were a betting man, the odds would be so stingy that you’d have to put a ranch on the line to gain an acre.
In sport, however, nothing is a foregone conclusion, the improbable just happened in Formula 1, and this will deliver absorbing theatre at crunch time in Brazil. All the best to all three contenders, and of course to those surfing to save their Top 45 status.
CJ Hobgood is a small wave wonder that could break things wide open in Brazil
On a whim of instinct newly appointed Women’s Tour Manager Brooke Farris took off down to Peru a month or so ago. She scooped up rookie sensation Stephanie Gilmore and set off on a mission. Within three days Brooke, who was formerly the PA of 7 times World Champion Layne Beachley, rang in to confirm a new tour event. What’s so cool about the girls is the one in all in attitude. Instead of firstly looking to see how a new event would impact their own status, the girls firstly look to see if it will benefit the sport.
The result, ASP goes to Peru, the inaugural Mancora Peru Classic also kicking off on October 30. This is a fantastic boost for women’s pro surfing; ASP has wanted an event in Peru forever. Obviously the support for and by former World Champion Sofia Mulanovich could not be understated, Sofia is an icon in Peru, she has put the country on the surfing map, in much the same way as the legendary male surfer and 1965 World Champion Felipe Pomar did 40 years ago.
It says a lot about the calibre of Stephanie Gilmore that she was prepared to jump a flight with zero notice in a bid to secure another event. Word filtered back that Steph’s surfing prowess really impressed in the land of the endless left. Well, she is born and bred on Super Bank so Steph has a lot of catching up to do on going left. And with her scintillating win at Manly a couple weeks ago, Steph Gilmore is on the ascendancy, her rookie year underpinned by historic victories at Bells and the points rich NAB Beachley Classic.
Breathing down her neck is the Brazilian star Silvana Lima. This girl has talent to burn, she is capable of posting 9’s at will and a series of Top 3 placing’s, including a very impressive runner-up at Manly, has catapulted Silvana into the #2 World ranking, just fractionally behind Gilmore. The two of them have created a bit of daylight at the helm but former World Champion Sofia Mulanovich looms large as a likely challenger. The whole of Peru will be behind their superstar, a win at home would vault Sofia into the reckoning leading into Hawaii.
Still a bit early to get the ready reckoner out on the possibilities, a challenge could definitely come from the likes of Samantha Cornish, Chelsea Hedges and Layne Beachley, but if it’s not to be a two or three horse race for top honours at Sunset and Honolua, the collective field needs to come up with a formula for putting the skids on the runaway Gilmore/Lima.
Yep, that’s a good week of business at ASP. Shop open, good luck to all.
