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Great Job Opportunity of the Day at Latitude 38

February 8 - Mill Valley

In the 29-year history of Latitude 38, we've had a total of only five account representatives. With Mitch Perkins - one of our current two representatives - moving on to pursue other interests after 18 years of terrific work for Latitude, there is now an opening for the first time since the mid-'80s. If you're at all interested about the opportunity, read the following job description carefully - but whatever you do, DON'T CALL!

The account representative is a key position at Latitude, tailor-made for a sailing enthusiast and sales professional who is well versed in relationship selling. Duties include actively selling and servicing current advertisers, as well as prospecting and acquiring new advertisers for our monthly and specialty publications. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic self-starter who has a proven track record in sales. Creativity and knowledge of advertising principles are necessities. The candidate must be detail and team-oriented, and possess excellent time-management skills. The ability to work within deadlines and under pressure is essential. Graphic/print/publishing experience is preferred, and computer knowledge is required.

Skills and Experience:
- A BA/BS degree or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
- At least 18 months of experience in direct selling, with previous graphic or space sales a big plus.
- An understanding of all aspects of marketing.
- Professional computer experience with Microsoft Office, Filemaker and graphic programs such as InDesign, Quark, and Photoshop would be very helpful.

A passion for sailing a must, and marine industry experience a plus. Latitude 38 is beginning its 30th year of offering entertaining and informative reading to West Coast sailors, as well as offering a terrific value to a fantastic group of marine businesses. We want someone who can contribute to this tradition.

We offer a competitive pay structure - why else would our reps stay around for 18 years? - and benefits package includes medical, 401(k), and a friendly, flexible work environment.

Please send a resume of your professional selling experience along with a cover letter of your sailing background and interests to Joy. And whatever you do, don't call!


Zihua SailFest Sets Record for Fund-Raising!

February 8 - Zihuatanejo, Mexico


Enjoying the parade of sail aboard the 60-ft cat Picante

"Anybody who wasn't in Zihuatanejo for the February 1-5 SailFest missed one hell of a week of great fun and tremendous service to the community," reports Steve Tolle, one of the main organizers. "SailFest raised a total of over $56,000 this year, in a large part thanks to matching money from the Richard and Gloria Bellack Foundation, Bill Underwood, and Pete Boyce of the Sabre 42 Edelweiss III, a new addition this year. We ended up with 99 registered boats, sold over 550 T-shirts, 250 SailFest hats, 250 beer coozies. There were 50 boats in the parade with approximately 250 ride-a-long folks. We also had two work parties this year, one at Nuevo Creacion, where we put up shade, changed some interior walls, built a walkway, and replaced some roof tiles. There was also a painting party at the Netza school. Thanks to SailFest donations, the Netza school is now one of the nicest in Zihua."

That's terrific news. In addition, Baja Ha-Ha Honcho Lauren Spindler reports that she's just cut a $500 check to the SailFest fund-raiser on behalf of everyone who participated in last year's Ha-Ha.


Working on the roof of Nuevo Creacion overlooking Zihua. We have no idea what Nuevo Creacion is, perhaps housing for the orphan children.


Cruisers working with students to create opportunities for disadvantaged kids.


American cruisers and indigenous kids working together


One of the potlucks


Closing ceremonies
Photos Steve Johnson


Temporary Import Permits not Being Done Away with after All?

February 8 - Mexico

There is all kinds of misinformation that gets spread around Mexico. For example, last week a couple in Paradise Marina were told, by a ship's agent, no less, that Temporary Import Permits had been eliminated, and that boats were going to be treated like cars. The latter would mean that owners who didn't take their boats out of Mexico every six months would have to pay 100% duty.

It turns out that this probably isn't true. What is true is that many cruisers have indeed had trouble getting Temporary Import Permits this winter. The problem is that Mexico was in the process of changing the system for getting these permits, and how they can be paid for. In the past, you could pay the $50 or so fee at a bank. Now you have to pay for them at a Banjercito or Army Bank. The only problem is that there isn't necessarily a Banjercito everywhere there are a lot of boats. Puerto Vallarta, for example.

Neil Shroyer at Marina de La Paz said there had been a problem when the first cruisers arrived in that city this winter, but it's been solved. He also notes that you can apply for a Temporary Import Permit online before you even get to Mexico. What a cool idea. His instructions for doing it aren't as clear as they could be, but we think you can wade through:

"Google banjercito. This will give you www.banjercito.com.mx. Tramites de importacion (on bottom right). Realizar Tramite. Importacion Temporal de Embarcaciones (third one over). Continuar and answer where you are (home, etc). Continuar (read the contract. Acceptar las Condiciones. Continuar. Seleccione (your immigrant status, which most times will be Turista) Documento legal, which will be Passport and Passport number. Your email address. Date you intend to enter Mexico. Continuar. We cannot go further for you because we cannot fill in the information asked for above. They will mail the Import Permit to the applicant in 30 days."

Doing it online sounds like the great way to go to us. By the way, the rumor about boats "going to be treated like cars" apparently got started because import duty fees for cars also have to be paid at a Banjercito.

For what it's worth, Neil Shroyer also says he thinks that SCT's proposal to require all cruising boats over 34-ft feet to carry an $80/month transponder will not be approved. Apparently, the idea got started when it was proposed that it would be a good idea to monitor the location of all commercial fishing boats. And yes, that is a good idea. But apparently the dealer of the transponders, smelling money, suggested they be required for cruising boats also.


Things Are Still a Mess on Lake Ponchatrain, Louisiana

February 8 - Lake Ponchatrain, LA

That's the report from Bud Bellit, a "constant reader." The photos were taken by Glenn Lamson of Salt Lake City. Boat US reports that 60,000 boats were destroyed.


Photos Glenn Lamson

It's true that our editorial offices at Latitude were completely wiped out, and three of our editors are still without desks and two are without phones. Nonetheless, our problems are nothing to those of the folks devastated by Katrina. Think good thoughts for them. Contribute to a charity. Do what you can to help.


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