Early Saturday . . . . after noon that was.  A group of friends, yours truly included, boarded the luxurious Cruisers, Inc. 455 Motor Yacht.  Our mission:  help friends, who had spent the night “on the hook.”  They were in dire straights.

            Provisions were on loaded and included an all important cargo item that could well save our friends.  We moved away from the dock and into Mandalay Channel, then around the islands into the waters of St. Joseph’s Sound.  Once clear, the captain powered the twin diesels moving the boat up on plane as we raced northward against time.

            Lines of communication were quickly established.  We set upon multi-tasking – refreshments were opened and served.  Sounds were turned up. Lively conversation began.  Then suddenly after two hours on the water we felt the throttles eased and we gingerly made our way through shallow waters.

            “There they are!” shouted one of our mates.  Our friends spotted us.  They jumped for joy relief on their faces.  We pulled alongside and rafted up.  Hugs and hand shakes all around.  And then that all precious cargo was transferred . . . . . two giant bags full of ice.  Our friends were saved; their enjoyment at Three Rooker Bar could continue.

            We said our goodbyes and made our way back to port at Clearwater Beach feeling good about a mission well accomplished.

 

Construction is complete.  The dust has settled and washed away.  This jewel on Florida’s central Gulf coast is waiting for you.  It’s a boater’s paradise.  Dock at the Clearwater Marina.  Stay for a day, overnight, a week or more.  You’ll find yourself across the street from the white sugar sands of Clearwater Beach – voted top city beach in America.

Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico.  Drop a line off Pier 60.  See what you catch.  In late afternoon see artisans along Pier 60 and Beach Walk as you await one of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere.  Stretch you legs and visit the shops and restaurants on the North and South Beaches.  You’ll find live sounds from jazz to rock to island music.  Dine indoors or out at restaurants and bistros from beach chic to beach casual.  Hop on the Jolley Trolley.  Explore further – Sand Key State Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Sailing Center, and more.  Playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, fun for the whole family.  Bring your clubs.  Play a Donald Ross designed golf course just moments away.

Your slip will be just minutes away from Clearwater Pass and the Gulf of Mexico.  Winter, spring, summer or fall Clearwater Beach has it . . . . .

The Palm Beach Boat Show opens today and runs through Sunday. Held along the West Palm Beach bay front at the end of Clamatis Street, this boat show is a unique mixture of fun and business for the boating world. The Palm Beach Boat Show has grown to become the third largest boat show in Florida. While it has grown in size, it has also grown in importance internationally. Visiting boaters from around the globe are vacationing in the Palm Beaches at this time of year.

What better way to while away the warm sunny days than looking at and looking for the boat of your dreams. From the large motor yachts to the smallest inflatable, there is something for everyone. You’ll find a large in water display and an impressive land display of boats and vendors of boating equipment and services. Just over the grassy knoll along Flagler Drive is the amphitheater and large grass lawn bordered by food court tents – vendors with all types of food for guests to enjoy at their leisure. In the evening the restaurants and bistros of the Palm Beaches provide dining and entertainment for all. Ahh, the Palm Beaches in springtime – perfect for the waterfront extravaganza that is the Palm Beach Boat Show. For details contact me through www.JohnLilla.com.

You are invited to see the new addition to the Regal Boats Family. It is a brand new 15,000 sq. ft. indoor, air conditioned showroom. As readers of my blog, you are invited to be one of the first to experience this unique and exciting venue. All 26 models of Regal Boats are on display, including the new Regal 44 SC and Regal 2300. You will also see the ALL-NEW Regal 40 SC that received rave reviews at the Miami Boat Show last month. You will be able to see and board all the boats. See first-hand the luxury and quality that is Regal. In addition you will enjoy live entertainment, food, refreshments, an official ribbon cutting and gift drawings (You must be present to win). The Grand Opening will be held at the Regal factory, Orlando, Florida on Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10AM to 4PM. For details and to register, contact me through my website www.JohnLilla.com.

Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and the Miami Boat Show all collide at the same time in South Florida. This year they followed on the heels of the Super Bowl, played at the home of the Miami Dolphins. And even better, for the first time the Super Bowl was preceded by the NFL’s Pro Bowl, played one week earlier at the same Miami venue – definitely a fun-filled time in South Florida.

The boat show was the finale of that three week period of good times. What’s more, the Miami Boat Show is the signal that spring is near and with it the new boating season. The show gives boaters the chance to view and tour that boat of their dreams. From America and all around the world they come to discover and compare. Some come to narrow their choice; some, to make their deals. It is a great place to see what’s new in boats, equipment and ideas. And, for those with energy left after long days at the show, there are the South Beach restaurants, bistros and nightclubs. Yes, the Miami Boat Show is the place to be in February. If you didn’t get there this year, why not make plans for next year, right now. Look for the wrap up of this year’s Miami Boat Show here.

Clearwater, FL – America’s Youngest Jazz Band (AYJB) puts out the big sound of big bands from the 40’s and 50’s. The Clearwater Yacht Club recently presented the band in an evening of dinner and jazz from the big band era. The band, consisting of children from nine years of age to thirteen, led by local maestro Sonny LaRosa played in the yacht club’s main dining room. AYJB transported the audience back to the swing era with a truly amazing performance.
From soft strains of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” to the up-tempo and full sound of “Sing, Sing, Sing” the audience was treated to a procession of soloists and vocalists that brought the sounds of Louis Armstrong, the Andrews Sisters, Harry James, Glen Miller and others of the era. Trumpets, saxophones and trombones were played by children whose parents were not yet born when the music was originally written and played. The twelve year old drummer with the first name Cole sounded like the famous Cozy Cole, playing with the Benny Goodman band.
It was an evening of entertainment brought to the boating crowd by 81-year old LaRosa, who for 31 years has transmitted his passion to groups of youngsters that form America’s Youngest Jazz Band. Through the years the band has played around the country and has also received international acclaim – most recently at the Montreal Jazz Fest, where they played in front of 6,000 enthusiasts. Paraphrasing that famous golf organization – These Kids are Good!
To find out more on Sonny LaRosa and America’s Youngest Jazz Band go to www.sonnylarosa.com. For more on Clearwater Yacht Club contact me at john@johnlilla.com.

Clearwater, FL – Just back with the Quality Boats team from a day trip to the Orlando home of Regal Boats. While there, we toured the brand new factory showroom. The display is impressive. Each of the twenty models that make up Regal’s line of boats and yachts is there for you to tour.
As you walk through the double doors just off the main lobby, you are in a large comfortable area with a Caribbean feel. Across the room you see the 20’ high wall mural painting of an Island maritime setting.

Your attention turns to the boats. Starting with the 19’ sport boats you move through the area with boats in the 20’ to 27’ range, bow riders, deck boats, and cuddy cabins. Then you move up the stairs to the cruisers and sport yachts – from 30 feet right up to the queen of the fleet, the 52 Sport Coupe. All are positioned stern to on both sides of the wide, dock style balustrade. This unique showroom provides a private boat show for customers and guests of Regal dealers across the country and around the world.
To find out more about Regal boats, or to set up your tour of the Regal showroom, send an email to me at john@johnlilla.com.