Editor’s Top 10 Picks
3/15/2006 9:23:04 PM by Wave Editors
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PALM BEACH BOAT SHOW
March 23-26 – West Palm Beach
The 21st Palm Beach Boat Show is one of the top 10 boat shows
in the country with more than $300 million worth of boats, superyachts and accessories.
The show will encompass more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space on the
land and in the water at two sites that are connected by the show’s transportation
system. It will be staged on the Intracoastal Waterway along Flagler Drive (between
Banyan and Fern Streets) in downtown West Palm Beach; and Palm Beach County Convention
Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd. 954-764-7642; 800-940-7642; www.showmanagement.com
DANIA MARINE FLEA MARKET
March 30-April 2 – Miami
After 27 years at the Dania Jai Alai Fronton, the Dania Beach Marine Flea Market is moving to Dolphin Stadium. The annual, four-day event will take place on the South Interior parking area of the stadium. The expanded flea market promises to be much larger and offer an even broader selection of articles essential to the enjoyment of the boating lifestyle. Thousands of boating related items are bought and sold through a system of dickering and dealing at a fraction of their retail value. The parking lots open at 8 a.m. The flea market opens 9 a.m. Closing time is 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission for adults is $10 ($12 on Thursday), children under 12 years of age, accompanied by an adult, are free. 954-920-7877; dmfm@albehrendt.com; www.thedaniamarinefleamarket.com
ACURA MIAMI RACE WEEK
March 9-12 – Miami Beach
The top racing sailors from around the world will converge on
Miami Beach for Acura Miami Race Week. To make race week even more interesting,
it will feature an “event within the event” in the form of the high-performance,
international 2006 Rolex Transpac 52 Class Global Championship races. The core of
Acura Miami Race Week is intense windward/leeward day-racing ocean courses off Miami
Beach and in Biscayne Bay. One designs, such as the impressive Transpac 52, Swan
45, Farr 40, Mumm 30, J/105, J/80, Etchells and Melges 24 classes are expected to
account for more than half of the 2006 fleet. The Miami Beach Marina will serve
as the official site, and host the ocean courses. Acura Miami Race Week represents
a new millennium in southern sailboat racing. 781-639-9545; www.Premiere-Racing.com
KEY WEST FISHING TOURNAMENT
March 10-12 – Key West
Two-day multispecies event that kicks off the Key West Fishing Tournament (KWFT), which is a seven-month-long competition that runs through November 30 and is open to the general public. The entry fee for the kickoff tournament is $200 per boat for up to six anglers. The first 250 registered anglers are eligible to compete for the $5,000 dolphin and kingfish prizes. This kickoff event will cover all the local game fish. Visiting and resident anglers are encouraged to enter their catches, at no charge, at a tournament weigh station during the seven-month event. All entries receive a certificate noting their catch, and qualify for prizes. 305-295-6601; 800-970-9056; www.keywestfishingtournament.com
36th ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS BOAT SHOW
March 8-12 – New Orleans, Louisiana
The annual show has been relocated to the Ernest N. Morial Convention
Center, Halls E and F, 900 Convention Center Blvd. and, despite Hurricane Wilma,
promises to be one of the biggest shows ever, according to show officials. www.neworleansboatshow.com
10th ANNUAL JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
April 21-23 – Jacksonville
This is the largest and only in-water boat show in the Jacksonville region. There will be seven full acres of boats and yachts around the marina at Metro Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd. It is truly a regional event, drawing boaters and boating enthusiasts from all over the Southeast and Florida. 904-759-2758; JaxBoatShow.com
25th ANNUAL BAY BRIDGE SHOW
April 27-30 – Kent Island, MD, Bay Bridge Marina
The Bay Bridge Boat Show brings together all the boats, both new and brokerage, boating equipment and services boaters will need to launch a new season on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s the Chesapeake’s premier spring in-water boat show, featuring a full range of boats from inflatables to motor yachts as well as fishing boats to high performance boats. Plus more than a hundred displays of boating equipment and services. The hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 410-268-8828
MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
March 18-19 – Marathon Airport, Mile Marker 51
Juicy Florida lobster, freshly boiled and dripping melted butter. Succulent stone crab claws, the native Florida Keys delicacy revered around the world. Glistening fresh yellowtail, dolphin, grouper or amberjack brought straight from the docks. That’s an introduction to the mouthwatering menu at the 35th annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival. The festival’s Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 305-743-5417, 800-262-7284; www.fla-keys.com
22nd ANNUAL SEATRADE CRUISE SHIPPING CONVENTION
March 13-16 – Miami Beach Convention Center FL
The conference draws nearly 10,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries. It’s the best show in the cruise industry. 609-452-2800; info@cruiseshipping.net; www.cruiseshipping.net
25TH ANNUAL SEVEN MILE BRIDGE RUN
April 22 – Marathon
Approximately 1,500 participants will run across the longest segmental bridge in the world. Divisions within the run traditionally include men’s, women’s, children’s, age 75 and older, and wheelchair. The one-of-a-kind run over water is both scenic and challenging due to the “hill” created by the shape of the bridge. 305-743-8513
MARCH
BOATING/YACHTING BOAT SHOW AND NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET
March 4-5 – Key West
Benefits Key West Rotary Club’s scholarship program; at Truman Waterfront. Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. www.keywestboatshow.com
2nd ANNUAL TIDEWATER BOAT SHOW
March 17-19 – Hampton, Virginia
At the new Hampton Roads Convention Center. 804-425-6556
DIVING SOUTH BEACH DIVERS
March – Miami
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, South Beach Divers has scheduled a dive off Key Largo; every Friday and Sunday in Miami. 888-331-DIVE; www.southbeachdivers.com
SOUTH
FLORIDA WOMEN DIVERS
March 1 – Deerfield Beach
Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month. Beach dives are held on many weekends in the Fort Lauderdale area or the Blue Heron Bridge in West Palm Beach. 561-638-8487; www.sfwd.net
SAILING BISCAYNE BAY YACHT RACING ASSOCIATION
For racing dates, call 305-667-sail; info@bbyra.net; www.bbyra.com
FISHING BACKBONE LURES FISH ‘TIL YOU LOSE IT
March 3-4 – Islamorada
Fish one lure until you lose it. 305-852-7888; captbackbone@aol.com
ISLAMORADA ALL-TACKLE SPRING BONEFISH TOURNAMENT
March 28-31 – Islamorada
All-release tournament featuring trophies and prizes. 305-852-1694; jabok@aol.com
LADIES, LET’S GO FISHING! SEMINAR
March
31-April 2 –
Dania
Women of all angling abilities can acquire and fine-tune fishing skills at the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. Registration for the seminar is $120 per person. 954-475-9068; billfishbetty@hotmail.com; www.ladiesletsgofishing.com
27th ANNUAL BACARDI BILLFISH TOURNAMENT
March 12-17 – Port Lucaya,
Grand Bahama Island www.portlucaya.com
FLW OUTDOORS TOURNAMENTS
March
1 – Wal-Mart
FLW Tour, Pickwick Lake, Florence, AL
March 8 – Wal-Mart FLW Series, Lake Lanier, Gainseville, GA
March 15 – Stren Series, Lake Euffaula, Eufaula, AL
March 22 – Stren Series, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper Texas
March 4 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lewis Smith Lake Dam, Jasper AL
March 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Ouachita, Hot Springs, AR
March 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, GA
March 25 – Wal-Mart BFL, Wheeler, Decator, AL
March 3 – Wal-Mart BFL, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper Texas
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lay, Clanton, AL
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Okee-Tanti Resort, Okeechobee, FL
March 25 – Wal-Mart BFL, Kissimmee River, Lake Wales, FL
March 25 – Wal-Mart BFL, Kentucky/Barkley lake, Benton, KY
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Atchafalaya Basin, Morgan City, LA
March 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Ouachita, Hot Springs, AR
March 4 – Wal-Mart BFL, Ross Barnett, Jackson, MS
March 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Cumberland, Monticello, KY
March 4 – Wal-Mart BFL, Percy Priest, Symrna, TN
March 4 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Norman, Terrell, NC
March 25 – Wal-Mart BFL, Jordan Lake, Apex, NC
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Kerr Lake, Henderson, NC
March 25 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Russell, Elberton, GA
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Harris Chain, Hickory Point Rec. Facility, Tavares, FL
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Murry, Prosperity, SC
March 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas
March 18 – Wal-Mart BFL, Marina Jack, Sarasota, FL
March 30 – Wal-Mart BFL, Stump Pass Marina, Englewood, FL
March 16 – Wal-Mart BFL, Rockport Beach park, Rockport, Texas
March 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Ouachita, Hot Springs, AR
For more information, call 270-252-1000; info@flwoutdoors.com; www.flwoutdoors.com
OTHER
TAMPA BAY 3rd ANNUAL MARINE FLEA MARKET
March 10-12 – St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s Spa Beach Park (base of St. Petersburg Pier) www.tampabaymarine-fleamarket.com
44th ANNUAL CONCH SHELL BLOWING CONTEST
March 11 – Florida Keys
An old-island tradition; several age categories. 305-294-9501.
18th ANNUAL ART FEST BY THE SEA
March 11-12 – Tequesta
300 artists from across the nation will display their work. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. 954-472-3755
APRIL
BOATING/YACHTING 24th ANNUAL SUNCOAST BOAT SHOW
April 20-23 – Sarasota
Special events during the show will include live music, fishing
clinics and swimsuit fashion shows. Ken Thompson Park/City Island. “Come by
Boat” docks are also available.
6th ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA IN-WATER BOAT SHOW
April 27-30 – Charleston, South Carolina
Show will be at Brittlebank Park. 843-889-9067; www.scinwaterboatshow.com
DIVING SOUTH BEACH DIVERS
April – Miami
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, South Beach Divers has scheduled a dive off Key Largo; every Friday and Sunday in Miami. 888-331-DIVE; www.southbeachdivers.com
SOUTH FLORIDA WOMEN DIVERS
April 5 – Deerfield Beach
Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month. Beach dives are
held on many weekends in the Fort Lauderdale area or the Blue Heron Bridge in West
Palm Beach.
561-638-8487; www.sfwd.net
OCEAN FEST 2006
April 21-23 – Fort Lauderdale Beach
The first of PADI’s two stops in Florida (again in December). www.PADI.com
SAILING BISCAYNE BAY YACHT RACING ASSOCIATION
For racing dates, call 305-667-sail; info@bbyra.net; www.bbyra.com
38TH ANNUAL REGATTA DEL SOL AL SOL
April 27-28 – Tampa Bay
Sailboat race to Isla Mujeres, Mexico (456 miles). 727-822-3873; www.regatadelsolalsol.org
CHARLESTON RACE WEEK
April 6-9 – Charleston, South Carolina
Annual one-design, PHRF and IRC regatta for racing sailboats over 22-feet. 843-722-1030
FISHING GHOST HUNT TOURNAMENT
April 7-8 – Key Largo
Anglers pursue bonefish in an all-release tournament with proceeds going to Diabetes Research Institute. 305-852-6200
WORLD SAILFISH CHAMPIONSHIP
April 18-22 – Key West
Baseball Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench will emcee. Top prize is $100,000. Benefits the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research; Camp Boggy Creek and the Rotary Club of Key West. 866-482-7529.
2nd ANNUAL JUNIOR LEAGUE FISH-FOR-ALL
April 29 – Fort Lauderdale
The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale will host the charity fishing tournament out of Port Everglades. Boats will line up at 7 a.m. for the Bimini start. Lines will be out of the water at 3 p.m. and a weigh-in party and fish fry will begin at the Lauderdale Yacht Club at 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit such projects as the Ronald McDonald House, Child Life Books, and Junior League Play Station at Holiday Park. 954-683-5525; www.jlfishforall.com
FLW OUTDOORS TOURNAMENTS
April 5 – Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Beaver Lake, Rogers, AR
April 19 – Stren Series, Santee Cooper, Manning, SC
April 26 – Stren Series, Lake Texoma, Denison, Texas
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, DeGray, Arkadelphia, AR
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, Wheeler, Decatur, AL
April 1 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Seminole, Bainbridge, GA
April 29 – Wal-Mart BFL, Weiss Lake, Centre, AL
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, Cedar Creek, Log Cabin, Texas
April 29 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Palestine, Flint, Texas
April 22 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Point State Park, Eufaula, AL
April 22 – Wal-Mart BFL, Okee-Tantie Resort, Okeechobee, FL
April 11 – Wal-Mart BFL, Bayou Black, Gibson, LA
April 1 – Wal-Mart BFL, Pickwick, Florence, AL
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, Dale Hollow, Byrdstown, TN
April 29 – Wal-Mart BFL, Douglas Dam Ramp, Sevierville, TN
April 1 – Wal-Mart BFL, Floating Mill Rec. Area, Silverpoint, TN
April 22 – Wal-Mart BFL, Kerr Lake, Henderson, NC
April 22 – Wal-Mart BFL, Texoma, Pottsboro, Texas
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, Lake Gaston, South Hill, VA
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, Apalachicola River, White City, FL
April 29 – Wal-Mart BFL, Seminole Lodge, Marianna, FL
April 1 – Wal-Mart BFL, Smith Mountain, Moneta, VA
April 8 – Wal-Mart BFL, Hartwell, Seneca, SC
April 1 – Wal-Mart BFL, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Gun Barrel City, Texas
April 13 – FLW Kingfish Tour, Marina Jack, Sarasota, FL
April 8 – FLW Kingfish Series, Fort Pierce City Marina, Fort Pierce, FL
April 1 – FLW Kingfish Series, Stump Pass Marina, Englewood, FL
April 29 – FLW Kingfish Series, Tierra Verde Resort Marina, Tierra Verde, FL
April 8 – FLW Kingfish Series, Fort Pierce City Marina, Fort Pierce, FL
April 14 – Owners Tour, Santee Cooper, Summerton, SC
For more information, call 270-252-1000; info@flwoutdoors.com; www.flwoutdoors.com
OTHER
11th ANNUAL BAY JAM
April
9 – Islamorada,
Mile Marker 87
On the shores of Florida Bay at
Founder’s Park. 305-394-2765.
UNDERWATER EASTER EGGS
April 16 – Key Largo
Annual underwater Easter egg hunt off Key Largo to benefit KISS. 305-451-3020