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Florida Keys Wharram Rendevous - 2009/05/03 17:06
There will be a Wharram rendezvous May15-17 ai Islamorada FL. I've attached an annoucement for those who would like more info. It is shaping up to be a great gathering.
Post edited by: boatsmith, at: 2009/05/03 17:07
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Florida Keys Wharram Rendevous - 2009/05/05 06:12
Hi Boatsmith, the file attachment doesn't work. Could you copy some of the invitation over here?
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Florida Keys Wharram Rendevous - 2009/05/05 11:47
WHARRAM RENDEZVOUS
SPRING 2009
MAY 15, 16, 17
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA
(THE FABULOUS FLORIDA KEYS)
IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN GETTING EMAILS ABOUT WHARRAM EVENTS, PLEASE FORWARD THEIR EMAIL ADDRESSES TO floridawharramrendezvous@hotmail.com. THANKS.
E-Mail #1
First, Wharrams that are available (to the best of our knowledge as of this email!):
1. Tiki 26 for sale in NY City. Betsy at betsy@vinestreetworks.com or at 718-524-0221.
2. Tiki 38 2007 for sale in Tampa, Florida. Hans at 941-769-0857 or chocho2004@embarqmail.com.
3. Tangaroa 36 MKIV 2002 in Islamorada, Florida. Dan at 305-664-0190 or drkunz@hotmail.com
4. Tangaroa MKI 1980, Islamorada, Florida. Joe at 850-525-9292, coconutjoe0007@yahoo.com.
5. Tahini, Pennsylvania, unfinished, Don at 305-801-5663, don.jones@live.com.
6. Tiki 30, new, professionally built, Florida, David at 561-744-0855, www.boatsmithfl.com.
7. Tangaroa MK 1, Stephen at stephenveale@yahoo.com, sveale3@hotmail.com. He also has a Jones weekender for sale.
Other:
1. Greg has a Pahi 31 that he wants to modify and would like to hear from others who have Pahi’s. 850-871-1605
2. Shane has a new Wharram web site and is building Wharrams in Texas. http://wharrambuilders.ning.com.
3. David is building Wharrams in Florida. www.boatsmithfl.com.
Now, to the Event….
We will be holding the spring rendezvous in May 2009. Specifically, May 15, 16 and 17. It will be in Islamorada, FL (Florida Keys). We are expecting Wharrams of various sizes and descriptions. There are quite a few Wharrams in the Keys (at least 20 that have been seen) and we hope to reach many of them. Many of those who attended last year are expected to return and we are anticipating a few new builds as well.
The Florida Keys are a wonderful place to visit. Everything is close to our anchorage and nearly everything you might need is within walking distance. Please note that May is still high season in the Keys. Prices are high and traffic is heavy…some of the yearly sufferings we must go through in Paradise!
We will be anchoring behind the Lorelei Restaurant at Mile Marker (MM) 82 Bayside in Islamorada (approximately N24.55.5; W80.38). The Lorelei is a landmark in the Keys and I’m sure that some of you have been there before. The holding is mud but adequate if the winds don’t pick up (bring two anchors) and the Lorelei will allow us to use their property for dinghies (about ¼ mile from the anchored boats). We will hold our Saturday evening party there. There is live music every evening. Dining is mostly outdoors, although the bar area is covered (priorities!). Many of us will use the restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu ranges from hamburgers, fish and conch sandwiches to full meals. The food is very good and the ambience is definitely “keysey”. The Lorelei is both a local’s and tourist hangout. Kayak rentals are also available for those who would like to paddle through the mangrove islands.
We will be holding our group dinner at the Lorelei on Saturday night. We are likely to have a limited menu or a buffet. Last year we caused kitchen gridlock because we had a lot more people than we expected and the Lorelei had a crowd of their own.
What Do People Do at a Wharram Rendezvous? We talk about Wharrams. We tell stories…some may even be true. We compare notes. We look at plans. We take pictures of each other’s boats and get some really good (and a few bad) ideas. If you haven’t seen a Wharram, are building a Wharram, thinking about sailing and cruising for a reasonable amount of money, want to do something unique or just like multihulls (or boats of any kind) we welcome you to the event. We welcome everyone…trimarans and even “half-boaters” (monohulls) too. Stinkpotters are welcome if you are really nice! Oh, yes, we do eat and drink a lot too!
Weather: the Keys weather is typical of islands. In May the historic monthly average is 79 (on the cool side for locals!) and the rainfall averages 5”. Wind is normally around 10 from the South East. Thunderstorm occurrence averages about 4 each May. Humidity is around 75%. All in all, an excellent chance of perfect weather! But, do bring mosquito spray and no-seeum stuff (we have heard that Bounce fabric toweletts work to keep the critters away). Also, bring sunscreen…the sun can be brutal.
Getting Here By Boat: We hope that you will sail in. If you do you will be on the Gulf side of the Keys (called Florida Bay). You will be looking for Upper Matecumbe Key (per the charts). The Intracoastal is only a mile away from the anchorage. On the Intracoastal turn to approximately 157 degrees between red marks 84 and 86. You will see boats anchored near shore. That is the place. Coordinates approximately N24.55.5, W80.38. Keep a careful watch for crab and lobster pot bouys and lines. If you are coming from the ocean side you can come through the following bridges to get to the Florida Bay side:
1. come in at Anglefish Creek south of Miami (North Key Largo) and continue South to Barnes Sound on the Intracoastal to Jewfish Creek bridge (Gilberts Marina just on the west side of the bridge has a good anchorage and gas. Good food too. Usually live music in the evenings. Sunday afternoons and evenings are great!);
2. Snake Creek Bridge at the northern end of the Village of Islamorada (Tavernier/Plantation Key on the Charts) (three islands up from the anchorage – Island Grill is there, it has good food.), or;
3. go south of the anchorage and come through Channel 5 bridge (Lower Matecumbe) and then sail north east along the Intracoastal to find the anchorage (about 8 miles).
A word of caution …you must approach the anchorage from the Intracoastal. Be very careful. Some marks are hard to see and going out of the channel can cause a quick grounding. Grounding in the Keys is a serious issue. If you need to be towed off the towing company must call the authorities who come to inspect the bottom before you leave…fines for damage to coral or sea grass can be huge (really huge!). The route is circuitous but very enjoyable…just be cautious. If you have questions, we will be monitoring Channel 5 on the VHF for a day or two before and then during the event.
Getting Here By Car: If you are coming from the south, you know where you are going as there is only one main road in the Keys! If you are coming south from the mainland (commonly known to Keys locals as the frozen tundra) come south on US Route 1 (the Florida Turnpike ends on Route 1 just before you enter the infamous 18-mile stretch to the Keys – there is only one way to go!) Keep going south. The stretch is undergoing major construction and there may be some delays. Stop in the heart of Islamorada at Mile Marker (MM) 82 that is also the location of the Lorelei Restaurant on your right. Mile Markers are the little green signs on the side of the road and they mark the distance from Key West to the mainland. Islamorada is exactly half way between Miami airport and Key West. Once at MM 82 you will find everything easily. A landmark to watch for as you near the center of Islamorada is Holiday Isle resort on the ocean side at MM 84.2 (about 2.2 miles north of the Lorelei). Once you cross over the little bridge to the south of Holiday Isle you are in the main section of Islamorada (Upper Matecumbe Key) and you only have 2 miles to go.
Flying In: There is air service to Key West (82 miles south of Islamorada) although it is usually very expensive. Miami International is 82 miles north. The best airport for the least cost and the least congestion is Ft. Lauderdale (110 miles north) but it is a longer drive.
Some Basics: Islamorada is a small village of a few islands. The heart of Islamorada is on Upper Matecumbe Key (per the charts). This is where most of the restaurants, hotels, shops and stores are. The Lorelei is central to everything.
Local Businesses:
Gas: south of the Lorelei .5 miles or north of the Lorelei .7 miles.
Food Shopping: Trading Post, .3 miles south of Lorelei (small supermarket, expensive, open 24/7/365 – hasn’t closed in about 20 years…didn’t even close for hurricane Andrew! They tried to close once but couldn’t find the front door keys so they stayed open…true story.)
Library with Internet: .4 miles south of Lorelei
ACE Hardware: .5 miles north of Lorelei
CVS Pharmacy: .8 miles north of Lorelei
Coin Laundry: .4 miles north of Lorelei
Outboard Parts (mostly Yamaha): .4 miles south of Lorelei and .2 miles north of Lorelei.
West Marine: 30 miles north or south of Islamorada. We can arrange to drive you if you need something really, really bad!
Places to See:
1. Worldwide Sportsman Store – sister ship to Hemmingway’s Pilar is inside (yes, a full size boat that you can go on). There is also a small saltwater aquarium. Free. .6 miles south of Lorelei.
2. History of Diving Museum – large collection of unique and historic diving equipment. About $12. 1.0 mile north of Lorelei.
3. Hurricane Monument – dedicated to the hundreds who died during the ’35 hurricane. Free. .4 miles south of the Lorelei.
4. Key West is 82 miles south. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive (some very slow speed limit stretches). If there is any accidents or construction on the highway it can take much longer. Remember, only one road in and out of the keys…and most of that is one lane in each direction. If you go, plan to see the sunset festival each evening on Mallory Pier. Always fun to see the free acts, have a drink and applaud the sunset with hundreds of other people. Maybe you will even be lucky enough to see the Green Flash (no, not a streaker!)! During the day walking along Duval street is an “interesting” experience…people watching is great fun. At night it can be bizarre.
Very Good Restaurants in Islamorada (In addition to our host, the Lorelei – please patronize the Lorelei as much as you can!):
1. Lazy Days – 2.2 miles south of Lorelei. Ocean View. (outdoor balcony with ocean view, lunch/dinner).
2. Bentleys -- .7 miles north of Lorelei. (no views, dinner)
3. Morada Bay -- .6 miles south of Lorelei. Bay View. (outdoor beach/patio with bay view, lunch/dinner)
4. Outback – 2.0 miles south of Lorelei. Ocean View. (outdoor patio with ocean view, lunch/dinner)
5. Green Turtle -- .9 miles south of Lorelei. Gourmet. (breakfast/lunch/dinner) (no view.)
6. Fish Market -- .4 miles south of Lorelei. Bay View. (all outdoor seating, bay view, lunch/dinner)
7. Tower of Pizza -- .5 miles south of Lorelei (no view, very good pizza, lunch/dinner, good prices).
8. Mangrove Mikes -- .2 north of Lorelei (no view, breakfast/lunch, a real locals place, good prices).
9. Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet and a Brazilian Meat Buffet – 1.6 miles north of Lorelei. (some view, buffet dinner)
Yes, there is a Burger King, .2 miles north of the Lorelei for those without taste buds.
There are at least another 10 good restaurants on our 3-mile long island. All are good. If you think that all we do is hang out in the sun, go to restaurants and drink…you are starting to get the idea!
Places to Stay:
It is possible that there may be a few births available on some of the boats. First come, first served. However, we will not know this until a week or two before the rendezvous. Dan’s house is about .4 miles from the Lorelei. There is one queen bed, one short couch (no one over 5’ 10” will be comfortable) and the beach can hold three or four small tents (you bring the tent and all sleeping stuff). I’ll be on the boat so the house is available. One bathroom!!! Come a few days early, stay a little while after…it’s all ok.
Motels/Hotels (prices are all approximate):
Least Expensive (clean and old 50’s style funky, basic):
1. Sunset Inn. 305-664-3454. .1 miles north of Lorelei – $75.
2. Key Lantern Motel and Blue Fin Inn. 305-664-4572. .1 miles north of Lorelei – $60 - $70.
A Little More (bigger rooms, more amenities):
1. La Jolla Resort. 305-664-9213. .3 miles north of the Lorelei. About $100.
2. Islander Resort. 305-664-2031. .3 miles southeast of Lorelei. Just under $200.
3. La Siesta Resort. 305-664-2132. 1.8 miles south of Lorelei. $200-$300.
Expensive:
1. Cheeca Lodge. Do you really want to spend $300-700/night?? (HAD A FIRE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE…MAY OR MAY NOT BE OPEN).
2. Morada Bay. This is where they do the “island” Playboy magazine photo shoots. $700-2,000/night.
The Islander, Cheeca and Morada Bay are all less than a half mile from my house…it’s the same damn ocean and same view (unless Morada Bay is doing a Playboy photo shoot!)! My prices are better…one cold box of cheep wine for the whole stay! Plus, you can walk onto their properties and see the amenities. Space is limited!
Boat Assembly: For those of you who will be trailering your boats and need to assemble them we have not yet found a confirmed place to do that. There are only a few ramps that can accommodate a wide boat and fewer still that have a separate area in which to assemble. We have a tentative OK from La Siesta Marina on the bay side about 1.8 miles south of the anchorage. They should be able to accommodate a few boats. If this works you will be able to leave cars and trailers on their property and put your boat in there. You must be able to assemble on the trailer and then move it to the ramp. Fees and such will be between you and the dockmaster.
The Keys “Reality”: The Keys and its inhabitants are unique. While change is coming because of the building boom and high housing prices, the local’s places are still “kewl”. You must understand that “reality” is a relative term. A few T- shirt/tourist development council phrases to help you better understand the “ambience” of the keys:
“Islamorada, A Quaint Little Drinking Village with a Serious Fishing Problem.”
“The Florida Keys, Where the Weird Go Pro.”
“If it’s Tourist Season, Why Can’t We Shoot Them?”
After the bigger hurricanes our national marketing campaign is: “Come to the Keys: We Are Returning to Abnormal.”
More Questions?
Call Dan at 305-664-0190 and leave a message with a phone number (note: I do not have caller ID so if you don’t leave a number I can’t get back to you). That number is often forwarded to my cell phone. Or, send an email to floridawharramrendezvous@hotmail.com.
OK, you have plenty of notice…start making plans!!!!
See you in May.
Fair Winds.
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boatsmith
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Florida Keys Wharram Rendevous - 2009/05/05 11:48
WHARRAM RENDEZVOUS - Florida Keys - May 15-17, 2009
Final Email
This is my final epistle about the event. It contains some new info and some exciting news…please read. Looks as if it will be a great turnout!
First, Wharrams that are for sale:
1. Tiki 26’ for sale in NY City. Betsy at betsy@vinestreetworks.com or at 718-524-0221. Located NYC area.
2. Tiki 38’ 2007 for sale in Tampa, Florida. Hans at 941-769-0857 or chocho2004@embarqmail.com.
3. Tangaroa 36’ MKIV 2002 in Islamorada, Florida Keys, Florida. Dan at 305-664-0190 or drkunz@hotmail.com
4. Tangaroa MKI 1980, Islamorada, Florida Keys, Florida. Joe at 850-525-9292, coconutjoe0007@yahoo.com.
5. Tahini, Pennsylvania, unfinished, Don at 305-801-5663, don.jones@live.com.
6. Tiki 30-, new, professionally built, Southeast Florida, David at 561-744-0855, www.boatsmithfl.com.
7. Tangaroa MK 1, Stephen at stephenveale@yahoo.com, sveale3@hotmail.com. He also has a Jones weekender for sale. New Jersey.
8. Nari 40’ MKII, Marathon, Florida Keys, Jennifer at 212-729-7653, jenni.b@gmail.com.
Other:
1. Greg has a Pahi 31 in Florida that he wants to modify and would like to hear from others who have Pahi’s. 850-871-1605
2. Shane has a new Wharram web site and is building Wharrams in Texas. http://wharrambuilders.ning.com.
3. David is building pro-built Wharram-approved Wharrams in Florida. www.boatsmithfl.com.
Exciting news #1: If everyone who said they are coming actually does, we will have 13 Wharrams – and a “half-boat and a boat-and-a-half” too! That would be the largest gathering of Wharrams ever in the USA. (Question – what is the best description of a gathering of Wharrams…like a “gaggle of geese”, etc. Bring your thoughts with you.) Of course attendance is always pending weather and the normal and sometimes unanticipated situations that occur. We should also have nearly 50 people visiting at various times. People are coming from England and Canada and from various locations across the US.
Exciting news #2: Frank Pappy (author of Cruising Guide to the Florida Keys and others (www.cruisingguidetothefloridakeys.com)), Chuck Kanter (author of Cruising Catamaran Communique and others (www.sailcopress.com)) and Corrine Kanter (author of Cruising KISS Cookbook and others (www.sailcopress.com)) will provide signed books as door prizes. We will also have some free subscriptions, hats, books and other door prize items provided by Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine (www.seafaring.com). Everyone at the Saturday night dinner will participate in these drawings.
There will be a special Saturday night drawing for those who sailed to the event on a Wharram. PRAKTEK (www.praktek.com) will provide, by drawing, a 12”x58” inflatable fender (for heavy boats to 50’) for one of the boats.
We will also give away the banners that advertised the event and can be seen at the Lorelei when you arrive. How exciting is that????!!!! Be still my heart! Kewl! These will be given based on a very unique and special set of criteria…(that means we don’t yet have a clue what those criteria will be)…a perfect decoration for the captain’s quarters!
Bring your cameras as we can always use high-resolution shots for magazines and such. Also, we are sure you will enjoy documenting the various types of Wharrams and their features – so that you remember when you are ready to decide on which one will take you around the world! You will also want to take pictures of the sunset…it’s spectacular in the Keys.
People will be arriving and leaving throughout the weekend. For those coming by Wharram boat please try to be available on your boat as much as you can so that people can see your boat on their schedule. That may mean that you will be busy most of both Saturday and Sunday. Those who are coming to compare Wharrams will be most grateful. Thanks.
We will need dinghy’s! If you have one and can bring it, please do. And, the more you can take people around to see all the boats the better. Please also bring life vests. Thanks.
The weather has been quite cool lately for the Keys. It’s been 60’s at night with 20-30 MPH winds. That’s chilly for us. I suggest that you bring a sweater or windbreaker, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Day’s have been in the 80’s with bright sun. Bring a hat and sunscreen for the days (other clothes are optional). The weather should moderate (translation – get hotter and stay hotter) by the time of the event.
If you are driving to the event be very observant of speed limits once off the Florida Turnpike in Homestead. From that point on the speed limit changes frequently and is usually 45-50 mph. We love ticket revenue in the Keys!!!!
The Dutch-treat dinner on Saturday night begins at 6pm with a cash bar and we will eat and hold the “informalities” at 7pm. There will be a limited menu (copy follows this epistle) because of the size of our group. However, if you really, really, really need something from the regular menu I’m sure the Lorelei staff will accommodate you. Let’s make it easy for the staff…they were great last year and I’m sure we will get great service again this year. Thanks.
The Lorelei is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and there is entertainment all weekend. Please be sure to patronize the Lorelei as much as you can.
My boat, Tangaroa Mk IV+ “Forever Young”, is at the Lorelei Dock and will be used as the check in/host boat. Please be sure to let me know when you get to the event so that I can keep a rough count for dinner and verify that we have correct information regarding contacting you for future events.
For those coming in by boat, showers are available at my house (1/2 mile away), just let me know when you want to come over. Please stay downwind until then!
If you dinghy in from your boat you can tie up at the Lorelei’s wood dinghy dock or pull up on their small beach (use an anchor on shore)…be careful of the tide. If you bring a dinghy and launch it at the restaurant you can tie up in the same places. Be sure that all people on board have live vests available. Lights (portable, white) are required for getting back to the boats at night.
Let me know when you arrive…stop by my boat or call my cell (305-393-3485). The cell has a message from work on it, but please leave a message if I don’t pick up.
OK, that’s it. Get here! We all look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Wharramites one and all.
You will have a great time! The menu follows.
Fair Winds,
Dan
The Famous Lorelei Restaurant -- Islamorada in the Florida Keys
Wharram Rendezvous
Cash Bar at 6pm. Dutch Treat Dinner at 7pm.
Menu
Appetizers
Tropical Coconut Shrimp-Hand battered then
dredged in coconut, fried to a golden brown and
served with orange horseradish sauce $ 12.95
Sunset Conch Fritters-A local favorite, ground conch
in a seasoned batter, lightly fried with side of “Out
Island” sauce $ 8.25
Salad
Spinach Salad-Fresh Spinach with tomato wedges
and red onion, topped with bacon bits and bleu cheese
crumbles served with Lorelei’s Orange Walnut
Vinaigrette $ 7.95
Sandwiches
BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger- Certified Angus Beef
burger, basted with house made BBQ sauce, topped
with bacon and cheddar cheese, served with a pickle
spear and a choice of Fries, Chips or Fisherman’s
Slaw $ 9.95
Cabana Burger- Certified Angus Beef grilled to
perfection, served with a pickle spear and a choice of
Fries, Chips or Fisherman’s Slaw $ 8.95
Lorelei’s Fish Sandwich- Mahi-Mahi grilled,
blackened or fried served with Fries, Chips or
Fisherman’s Slaw $ 9.95
Cracked Conch Sandwich- Tenderized Conch
lightly fried served with “Out Island” sauce and a
choice of Fries, Chips or Fisherman’s Slaw $ 10.95
Peppercorn Parmesan Chicken Sandwich-
Marinated, grilled chicken breast basted with
parmesan peppercorn dressing with provolone and
bacon served with lettuce, tomato and onion with a
choice of Fries or Chips $ 8.95
Dessert
Lorelei’s Famous Frozen Key Lime Pie $ 5.95
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AzurA
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Florida Keys Wharram Rendevous - 2009/05/06 10:53
Thank you Boatsmith  I hope you all will have a great time and it will be a success!
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