World Sailing Event in Punta Gorda, Florida, Jan. 7 – 15, 2012

Flag of Nations for the IFDS Worlds 2012 on Charlotte Harbor, Florida, Jan. 7, 2012
Flag of Nations for the IFDS Worlds 2012 on Charlotte Harbor, Florida, Jan. 7, 2012

International attention is focused on Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda, Fla., this week as more than 100 sailors compete during the 2012 International Disabled Sailing Association’s World Championships, Jan. 10 – 15. Saturday, Jan. 7, the community welcomed competitors with what was called the “World’s Shortest Parade of Nations,” just over 200 yards in length and 12 nations represented.

Sailors Prepare their Boats for the IFDS Worlds 2012 in Punta Gorda, Florida, Jan. 7, 2012
Sailors Prepare their Boats for the IFDS Worlds 2012 in Punta Gorda, Florida, Jan. 7, 2012

Many former world champions and sailors who have qualified for the London 2012 Paralympic Games will be competing in these Florida waters.

Following the parade, I watched some of the sailors work on their boats in and out of the water. I got a kick out of watching Andre Rademaker of the Dutch 2.4 sailboat racing team maneuver his wheelchair with flair, precision and speed as though he was competing in the X Games. He raced down the boat ramp, turned stopped his chair (like a roller derby move!), stood up, raised his arms and exclaimed while a cigarette balanced between his lips, “It’s a miracle!” Before climbing into his boat he removed his prosthetic leg.

Andre Rademaker of the Dutch 2.4 Sailboat Racing Team Getting Into His Boat, Jan. 7, 2012
Andre Rademaker of the Dutch 2.4 Sailboat Racing Team Getting Into His Boat, Jan. 7, 2012

Wandering through downtown – from the Punta Gorda Farmers Market to Laishley Park, I noticed several “Welcome IFDS” signs posted in downtown businesses. Nice.

Welcome, Sailors to Punta Gorda, Florida!
Welcome, Sailors to Punta Gorda, Florida!

If ya want to see on-the-water action, King Fisher Fleet is offering spectator boat rides, $16.95 for a 90-minute trip departing at noon each day beginning Tuesday, Jan. 10 through Sunday, Jan. 15. The boat departs from Punta Gorda’s Fishermen’s Village Resort & Marina and is wheelchair accessible. Contact King Fisher Fleet to reserve your seat by calling (941) 639-0969.

Advertisements

Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

One of four flamingos I saw at Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, Fla, Sept. 3, 2023.
Adventure Featured Florida Fun Nature Travel

Caught Up in Hurricane Idalia’s Florida Flamingo Frenzy

If there’s a silver lining, or pink feathery fringe, to a storm, it’s the presence of wild flamingos in Florida, and I set out to find some.

Continue Reading
Observing wildlife collected during a nighttime seagrass wading trip into Lemon Bay with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center in Englewood, Fla.
Featured Florida Fun

Learning About Florida’s Sea Life with a Nighttime Seagrass Wading Trip in Englewood

Step into another world to learn about Florida’s sea life during a nighttime seagrass wading trip into Lemon Bay with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center in Englewood, Fla.

Continue Reading
Some people choose to run with the bulls. I chose to swim with the bull sharks! Florida Shark Diving, April 1, 2023.
Featured Florida Fun Nature Travel

My First Time Swimming with the Bulls. A Jawesome Time with Florida Shark Diving in Jupiter

Some people choose to run with the bulls. I chose to swim with the bull sharks! My experience with Florida Shark Diving out of Jupiter, Fla., was JAWESOME! I needed a little adrenaline rush in my life and this trip on April 1, 2023, yes, April Fool’s Day, was perfect.

Continue Reading