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First Annual Miami Bash 2006

This year's Strictly Sail Miami hosted its first annual Lats & Atts Cruisers' Party, and it attracted over 800 people.  This is quite a turnout for a first year's event!

     With the help of The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) and our cruisers' events co-sponsors, Sail America, Essex Credit, Hunter Marine, HRO Systems, Sunsail and Metal Polish Pros, this was the most successful first party to date.  Cruisers came from as far away as Canada just for this party.  One cruiser drove all the way from Montreal just to attend!  Kinda makes you wonder how far a cruiser will go for a free beer!

      As with all of our Cruisers' Parties held in conjunction with the Strictly Sail Shows, it started off at the close of the show.  R.V. Parks entertained the cruisers with his unorthodox comedic style that fits right in with Lats & Atts.  Then at 7 pm sharp, from across the way came the sounds of Eric Stone and the Stoners.  They rocked the place and the sounds of cruisers having a good time echoed through the surrounding marina.

      There was a raffle, with the proceeds going to help cover the band, beer and eats.  The grand prize was a week in the Caribbean won by Scott Redlhammer and Mary Jane Mathis of Ft. Lauderdale.  There was also a Globalstar Satellite phone from the folks at SeaTech, and an XM Weather system from the folks at XM Radio.  Goodies for the drawings were donated by most of the exhibitors at the Strictly Sail Show.  Among them were Cruising Direct, Ultimate Products, Good Turns, The Teak Furniture Gallery, Womanship, Nauti-Gear, Clamptite, and Atomic Tape.  The drawings were held during breaks when the band would stop to wet their whistles.

     One of the highlights of this, and most other Cruisers' Parties, was the conga line led by Eric's wife Linda.  It snaked its way through the crowd until most of the people in attendance were part of the long line.

     As with most real cruiser parties, it wound down early.  Cruisers are not known as late night folks, but a lot of the partiers were seen at the bars along the Bayside Wharf, continuing with the party until the wee hours.