This Saturday, December 7th, brought Strictly Sail to our own back yard here in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Strictly Sail boat show had partnered with the powerboat show this year and though this disturbed my inner sailor, I knew it made financial sense. The show turned out to be very enjoyable, well organized and there were a lot of great vendors showing their boating gear. The new Mahaffey Theather location was, I think, better than last year’s – more room and a nice dock layout.
Some Sailmonsters Having Fun
This was my third year at the show, so taking off my shoes to climb down into half million dollar boats has lost some allure. It’s nice to dream, but after awhile, it makes me feel like I should go home and grind some gears so I can afford one of these beauts. Our main objective of the show was to be in the gates for the much anticipated Latitudes and Attitudes (now Seafaring) Cruiser’s Party. Every year Bob Bitchin hosts the cruiser’s party on Saturday night – what a blowout. Get to the show before it closes at 7:00 p.m. and you’re instore for all the beer, pizza and fun you can injest.
Sailmonster had a strong turnout of members this year – some of who sailed up from Sarasota and camped out in the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina. The overnighters reported the marina staff couldn’t have been more friendly or accomodating. My wife and I live about 5 miles away so we arrived via dry-land cart.
Let’s talk party entertainment – Eric Stone’s music expresses sailing and the caribbean lifestlye better than anyone. He always seems to strike a chord that puts me in the mood for drinkin’ and dancin’. If you ever have the opportunity to see them, or attend a Lats and Att’s party – just do it! A little rain squall threatened to shut everything down this night, but the band covered their equipment, the party-goers ducked inside and after about 10 minutes of rain, the party kicked off and never looked back.
Mr. Bob Bitchin, thank you again for a very memorable, outstanding get together with fellow sailors. I know you’ve been putting on these events for quite awhile, they must be a ton of work – I hope you never tire of it. They have created great memories and friends that will never be forgotten.
Below is a quick video of our group at the party.
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