Manatee Sailing Association: News

Christmas Party

The Burkhardt's once again out did themselves hosting the MSA Christmas Party.

Membership Application

Manatee Sailing Association Membership Application

Come join the fun and friendship of fellow sailors. Down load application and send to MSA.

MSA Meeting Minutes

View the minutes of MSA's monthly meetings.

MSA Picnic - Rain then Shine!

About 30 MSA members, friends, and family turned out for the annual picnic at Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island, Saturday, August 9.

Thunderstorms rolled over as Brian Dahms, Bimini Bay Sailing, LLC, and MSA member began unloading his fleet of small sailboats with the help of Bob Lund. Meanwhile, Ed and Betty Burton, Ann Bemis, and Glen and Debby Marcum got the charcoals going, then the hamburgers (good!) and hot dogs grilling.

One by two, hearty and faithful MSAer’s begin to trickle in, bringing a side dish for the picnic. Before we knew it, the clouds parted, the crowd feasted, and then we took to the beach and water.

This year there were two kayaks, two sunfish, one minifish, a waverunner trimaran, a Zuma sailboat , and a paddleboat for our members to use. Then Doug Graeber, sailed up on his Nacra catamaran and gave members FAST rides throughout the afternoon. Hearty sailers took advantage of the freshening wind and by late afternoon, all boats were still on the water!

December Gale Tales

Manatee Sailing Association Newsletter

December Gale Tales is here!

(Click below to access newsletters)

MSA Lady Sailors

MSA Ladies' took to the seas - at least Bimini Bay off of Anna Maria Island - with Brian Dahms's fleet of sailing vessels. On two separate occasions, the women organized and met for an afternoon of becoming reaquainted with "small" sailboat sailing, learning how to sail a sunfish or lazer, or just plain learning how to sail! Their response to it: "Let's go again!" Check out the photo album. Special thanks to Joe and Elaine Jackson for getting the pictures.

Mar Vista Race/Cruise - Sat. May 12

This is an annual cruise and race. We’ve had some great sailing wind so far this season, but we’re all hoping the winds and waves this year for the Mar Vista Cruise and Race will not be, well, so extreme as last year. The race course will be the same as last year: Race start at 10:30 with Marker #2 to Starboard. Green #3 by Egmont Key to Port, Green #1 (outer S. channel mark) to Port and finish the race abeam the Longboat Key pass entrance mark. GPS coordinates: G #3 (by Egmont) N 27-34.83 W. 082-44.33 G #1 N. 27-32.52 W. 082-47.88 LP (Longboat Pass outer mark) N 27-26.09 W. 082-42.13 The bridge is on demand and monitors Ch 9. If weather or wind do not cooperate, we can run down the ICW to the anchorage. Bring your dinghy or kayaks because after the race, land yachters join sailors on shore at Mar Vista for a round of grog and appetizers, compliments of MSA. They know we’re coming and look forward to our gathering, say around 3ish. If you’re coming by land yacht, the address is 760 Broadway Street Longboat Key, FL 941.383.2391 – or visit their website for complete driving directions and a map: http://www.marvista-restaurant.com/ For those coming by boat, from the ICW, turn into the anchorage staying a few boat lengths from Jewfish Key. Aim at Moore's Dock. Turn closer to Red #40 than Red #38. Sailors can plan to anchor overnight and continue revelry into the evening. Up at dawn, or later for a communal boat breakfast, perhaps. For those who aren't plagued by having to get home and prepare for the work week, continue the cruise with Joe and Elaine Jackson. He'd like to organize a group to continue on a voyage down to Venice or perhaps Sarasota Bay. Keep cruising if you can! Contact Joe to make a plan: Joejackson514@aol.com

Small Sailboat Saturday - A Fun Time!

Yes, indeed it was. About 15 or so MSA members and friends of all ages, sizes, shapes and genders showed up to participate. Brian Dahms and Scott MacGregor provided numerous small sailboats for members to try while a number of others dusted the cobwebs off their rigs and launched them as well. Joe Jackson brought out the Boston Whaler and offered his rescue services while serving as event photographer all at the same time. There were plenty of boats for everyone, and we had a great day playing in Bimini Bay, remembering how to right these small sail crafts, and then venturing into Tampa Bay. After our sailing adventures, it was time for some grog, and we traveled over to Rotten Ralph's for a bite to eat and some pitchers to share. Everyone agreed, we need to do this again, and so we shall! Check out the photos in the new photo album, "Small Sailboat Saturday."