Yachts

Thierry Torres sailed through a hurricane to deliver a 44-foot catamaran from France to Annapolis this week. "It was either go through the winds or miss the boat show," he said after lowering himself from the boat's mast where he was adjusting the rigging. Torres, a native of Brittany, France, rode out Hurricane Philippe sitting on the boat's flying bridge, which is an open deck with a steering wheel. He didn't dare strap himself down to the deck with a lifeline - "If you capsize, it's a trap," he said.

Two years ago, when storm surge from Tropical Storm Isabel sent the waters here rising, the boats docked in Otter Point Creek floated up along with them. The Otter Point Yacht Club, however, did not. Nearly eight feet of water rushed inside the tiny clubhouse after a part of the front wall gave in. The drenched interior was destroyed - an overturned jukebox, chairs bobbing in the murky waters, boxes of food submerged. But true to its motto as a "working man's yacht club," a point of pride among members, the club rallied, rebuilding the nearly 60-year-old watering hole by themselves into a sleek new retreat with a stunning view.

SUMMERTIME in Annapolis is a happening time for all manner of maritime activities. Of course you have your leisure yachting, fishing trips and boat races, but this weekend, something different will be going down. On Saturday, the Annapolis Yacht Club will hold its 10th annual Build-A-Boat Contest at the AYC annex at 1 Compromise St. Participating teams will build their boats on the shores of Spa Creek by the Eastport drawbridge, then test their seaworthiness before racing one another Sunday.

WASHINGTON - James Clark, the Internet pioneer who co-founded Netscape Communications Corp., plans to start marketing computer software that he developed to automate his two yachts and Florida mansion. Clark formed closely held CommandScape Inc. in Redwood City, Calif., to determine whether there's demand for the software. He put $6.7 million of his money into CommandScape and raised about $5 million from investors for the company, which Clark estimates may one day generate revenue of as much as $50 million.

Some see it as a good way to break up the work week. Others see a great way for experts to mix with the scores of recreational sailors who serve as crew members. And for nearly everyone, it's a terrific social event. Even before spring turns into summer, the Annapolis Yacht Club's Wednesday-night races have begun. It's a competition regulars hate to miss because of the unusual camaraderie. The clear light of sunset plays on the water as a parade of sails goes out to the sound of shotguns across the water.

Baltimore's oldest and largest boat show has been renamed the Baltimore Boat Show and will be held Jan. 22-30, 2005 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Formerly the Chesapeake Bay Boat Show, the event is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. For 2005, the show will add 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, bringing total show space to 215,000. The additional area will allow for yachts over 35 feet and an expanded personal water craft area. The show will feature more than 500 motor yachts, performance boats, sport fishing boats and personal water craft, as well as engines and equipment, navigation devices, nautical accessories and apparel.

The Maxim 38 catamaran, by South African builder Maxim Yachts The Impression 43, a cruising sailboat by Elan Marine The Eleuthera 60, the luxury flagship of the cruising catamaran fleet built by Fontaine Pajot of France Gozzard 44, a cruising ketch, by Gozzard Yachts of Canada Hull No. 1 of the new Hylas 66 built by Hylas Yachts of Marblehead, Mass. Columbia 30 Sport Sailer by Columbia Yachts Dehler North American announces the 47 Dehler The Dufour 385 by Dufour The Friendship 40 by the Fontaine Design Group The Hinkley 42 Daysailer The Southerly 115 from Northshore Yachts The T27.5 from Transfusion Boat Works The x-40 from X-Yachts The Lagoon 440 The Vilm 117 The Grand Solieil 45 and 50 The Maine Cat 41 The Morris yachts M36 The Southerly 115 from Northshore Yachts The T27.5 from Transfusion Boat Works New this year in powerboats The DeFever 49 Cockpit Motor Yacht The 56 Pilothouse Motor Yacht The Sea Ray 500 Sedan Bridge Cruiser The Sundancer 390 The Fontaine Pajot Cumberland 44 The Jefferson 52-foot Pilothouse Special Edition and the 63-foot Extended Pilothouse Motor Yacht The Alden Yachts Brenton Reef 40 The American T 34 and 41 The Hampton 558 Pilothouse motor yacht The Back Cove 26 The Corsair Foiler 2200 Powercat Cruiser Yacht's 300, 400 and 500 Express The CS 42 Powercat The Menorquin 130 Rinker's 410 The Talaria 55 by Hinckley The Holby Pilot 24 The Regal 3350 Jeanneau's 755 Runabout The Krogan 44 Trawler Yacht Silverton's...

It's been more than a week since the last of four hurricanes ravaged the Caribbean and Florida, but their effects were still being felt in Annapolis yesterday with the start of the 35th annual United States Sailboat Show at City Dock. Although the fall show attracted about 600 exhibitors, roughly the same number as last year, organizers likened many of the 250 sailboats that arrived this week to unexpected guests. Because of treacherous weather or damage to boats from the storms, many exhibitors found their vessels stranded far out of town and were forced to show different models than planned, said organizer Rick Franke.

It's been more than a week since the last of four hurricanes ravaged the Caribbean and Florida, but their effects were still being felt in Annapolis yesterday with the start of the 35th annual United States Sailboat Show at City Dock. Although the fall show attracted about 600 exhibitors, roughly the same number as last year, organizers likened many of the 250 sailboats that arrived this week to unexpected guests. Because of treacherous weather or damage to boats from the storms, many exhibitors found their vessels stranded far out of town and were forced to show different models than planned, said organizer Rick Franke.

An Annapolis man was charged yesterday with selling yachts without a license and with stealing a licensing sticker from one boat to use on another vessel, Department of Natural Resources police said. If found guilty of the illegal sales charge, John J. Regan, who owns Associated Yachts of Annapolis, could face a $500 fine, said Cpl. Ken Turner, a spokesman for the Maryland Natural Resources Police. A court date has not yet been set for the theft charges, he said.