Sunset is my favorite time of day. Work is over. My first chance to relax. I like to change into something loose and comfy, grab my camera, hop in our Scout Boat Sportfish and head to Longboat Pass with a light nosh and enough time to get situated. Sometimes I drop the hook.

Sometimes I beach it and stroll until I find the perfect spot. Then I wait. I’m so not hurried. Nor is the coming show. Sunset time.

We’re truly blessed to live on the west coast of Florida. We have it all. Tropical weather. Some of the finest beaches in the world. Sea breeze during the day. Cooling land breeze at night. Undulating clouds high overhead.

Towering thunderstorms to the east. Clear, clean air. The occasional silhouette, a boat, sails filled with wind, passing in front of a shimmering glob of orange brightness. An unfettered view to the west. There simply is no better place to witness a magnificent Florida sunset. With luck, the elusive green flash will show itself. Be patient and watch carefully.

Won’t you share your favorite sunset photos with us? Cannons Marina invites you to send them in and enter our 2010 Sunset Photo Contest. We’ll post every entry on our Facebook page and we’ll declare the winners the week of August 9. There will be some nifty prizes, which we’ll announce along with the winners.

Following are the official 2010 Sunset Photo Contest rules…

• All entries must be uploaded on Cannons Marina’s  Facebook page
• Entries must be received on Facebook by 5 p.m. Friday, August 6, 2010
• Prizes: First Place $50.00 gift certificate from Cannons, Second Place: $25.00 of Fuel from Cannons, Third Place: Soft sided Cannons Cooler. Prizes no cash value. Winners will be announced on August 10,  2010
• You must be at least 18 years of age to participate
• Entries must be submitted by the original photographer
• You must be the sole owner of the copyright of any image submitted
• You may submit any number of photographs
• Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. By entering the contest, photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on the Cannons Marina Facebook page without any fee or other form of compensation
• Photos will be credited to the photographer. Photos with watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices will not be accepted
• Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in conveying the joy of witnessing a sunset
• Winners will be notified on Cannons Maria’s Facebook page
• Photos will never be used by Cannons Marina in any manner for marketing, advertising or sale
• Judging will be conducted by the Cannons Marina team of sunset experts and mostly by your Facebook likes and comments – so get your friends to comment!

We are so looking forward to seeing your favorite sunset photos.

Good luck!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Got a Winning Sunset Photo?

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Got a Winning Sunset Photo?

I especially love this light show, not because we sponsor it, but because it’s a really fun way to spend an evening whether on the bay or at one of our local restaurants. And if you’re planning on having a front row seat, I highly recommend making a reservation today. Mar Vista (941) 383-2391; Moore’s Stone Crab  941-383-1748.

Can’t make it to Longboat Key? For your convenience I have listed other local July 4th fireworks displays for Anna Maria, Palmetto Sarasota and Siesta Key.

July 3rd
Bradenton Beach, The BeachHouse Restaurant
Located at 200 Gulf Drive N, Bradenton Beach, The Beach House Restaurant is a perennial local favorite for fireworks. VIP party packages are available. Park at the public beach, or even better yet, go by boat for a really sweet fireworks display. BeachHouse: (941) 779-2222.

July 4 Anna Maria Island, The Sandbar Restaurant
Located at 100 Spring Avenue at the north end of Anna Maria Island, The Sandbar hosts fireworks at about dark-30! Viewing is free but if you are planning to sit down on the deck , get there early. The Sandbar: (941) 778-0444

July 4th Sarasota Bayfront
The Sarasota fireworks over Sarasota Bay is part of the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival, is free and can be viewed from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. Anchor your boat in Sarasota Bay! This is an awesome show!

July Siesta Key, Crescent Beach
This is Siesta Key’s 21st annual 4th of July Fireworks Display & Party. Fireworks over Siesta Key are just north of the volleyball courts and the viewing is good from anywhere south and along Crescent Beach (south of Siesta Public Beach), on your boat or even from the Intracoastal Waterway.

July 4th Bradenton
Bradenton’s fireworks begin at about 9 p.m. on the Manatee River very near Mattison’s Riverside restaurant. Make a reservation; go by boat or just hang-out along the waterfront.  Mattison’s: (941) 748-8087

July 4th Palmetto
The Palmetto fireworks can be viewed along the Manatee River near the Green Bridge along the Manatee River. There are earlier events including live entertainment, food for all tastes, children’s activities and fireworks. Festivities start at 11am with a fireworks display beginning at dark.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Celebrate By Boat or Car the Local Fireworks: Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Sarasota or Siesta Key.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Celebrate By Boat or Car the Local Fireworks: Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Sarasota or Siesta Key.

A fun get together at the Sarasota Outboard Club

Sarasota Bay Watch will host a fun get together at Sarasota Outboard Club, the evening of Thursday May 27.  You are invited to come and hear about the status of snook in Sarasota Bay. You’ll also learn how you can help determine the extent of the damage caused by the January 2010 freeze in partnership with scientists from the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

When: Thursday May 27, 2010 at 6:30pm

Where: The Outboard Club • Ken Thompson Pkwy, City Island

What is The Snook Watch?

“SNOOK WATCH SARASOTA” is a panel of experts that will discuss the state of snook stocks in Sarasota Bay. You’ll also learn how you can help determine the extent of the damage caused by the January 2010 freeze in partnership with scientists from the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute . Come to the Outboard Club on City Island Thursday, May 27 at 6:30pm.

Snook Watch is a partnership initiative of Sarasota Bay Watch, the Snook Foundation, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

THE PANELIST
RICK ROBERTS, Executive Director, Snook Foundation
RON TAYLOR, FWRI, St Petersburg, Fl, Lead Snook Biologist, FWC
DR. NATE BRENNAN, PhD, Mote Marine Laboratory, Senior Scientist
CAPT. SCOTT MOORE, Extraordinary Snook Angler, Anna Maria

Silent Auction Items

Fishing Trip for Two with Chico Fernandez with a personal video of your trip. CHICO FERNANDEZ, one of the best fly anglers in the world cares about snook. He has graciously agreed to join two anglers in a day of fly fishing in Sarasota Bay, Biscayne Bay or Flamingo. Learn fly fishing techniques used by Chico that keep him on top of the record books while supporting Sarasota Bay Watch and the Snook Foundation.

See Other Auction Items >>>

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Sarasota Bay Watch, Snook Watch a Fisheries Update & Silent Auction

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Sarasota Bay Watch, Snook Watch a Fisheries Update & Silent Auction

So in this spirit, Cannons Marina invites you to submit a favorite photo or photos for our Dogs On Boats Photo Contest. Winning photos will be displayed on our Cannons Marina’s Facebook page. Professional and amateur photographers are welcome to participate.

Following are our official contest rules…

All entries must be to Cannons Marina’s Facebook page using the instructions below
Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. May 7, 2010

Winners will be announced Monday, May 10
First, Second and Third Place winners, as well as honorable mention winners, will be announced in two categories, amateur and professional
Grand prize – Doggie Life Jacket, Doggie Water Bowl & Food Bowl
Second place – Doggie Food & Water Bowl
Third place – Doggie Water Bowl

• You must be at least 18 years of age to participate
• Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010
• Color and Black & White photos are eligible
• Entries must be submitted by the original photographer
• You must be the sole owner of the copyright of any image submitted
• You may submit any number of photographs
• Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. By entering the contest, photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on the Cannons Marina Facebook page without any fee or other form of compensation.
• Photos will be credited to the photographer. Photos with watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices will not be accepted
• Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in conveying the joy of dogs on boats
• Winners will be notified by phone and/or email using the information in the submitter’s email
• Image size may not exceed 2MB and must be submitted in .jpg or .jpeg, Minor digital enhancement is permitted, but images that have been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified
• For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject’s parent or guardian and provide it to Cannons Marina upon request. A sample release is available on a pdf by clicking on Cannons Marina, Model Release Form.
• Photos will never be used by Cannons Marina in any manner for marketing, advertising or sales
• Judging will be conducted by the Cannons Marina team

We are so look forward to seeing photos of your dog on boats. So go ahead get the dog, camera and go boating. And oh yea,  just in case you need some tips on boating with your pet, we have them here at safety tips for dogs on boats, by Cannons Marina.

Good luck and Happy Boating!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Hey, Do You Have The Cutest Pooch on The Water? Dogs On Boats Photo Contest.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Hey, Do You Have The Cutest Pooch on The Water? Dogs On Boats Photo Contest.

Save The Date!

Fishing Clinics & Customer Day at Cannons Marina

Saturday, March 27, 10:30 am – 3 pm Cannons Marina’s Spring Customer Day Open House & Fishing Clinics

If you’re a boater or you love to fish, or both, and you’re looking for something fun and informative to do Saturday, March 27, head down to Cannons Marina on Longboat Key for our Annual Spring Open House and Fishing Clinic.

Each spring, professional Gulf Coast fishing guides, noted boating experts and our  professional staff team up for a day of mini-seminars tailored to help get your boat in tip-top shape and hone your fishing skills. You’ll have a chance to preview the new 2010 Grady-White and Scout Boats and there will be free hot dogs, raffle prizes and a chance to win $50 worth of fuel to help you pull away from the dock and get out on the water.

Prominent local pro fishing guide Captain Scott Moore and the National Weather Service’s Senior Meteorologist, Rick Davis, an avid fisherman in his own right, will teach you how to read weather patterns to get the most out of your fishing expedition and stay safe off shore while reeling in the big ones. Captain Ray Markham, another celebrated local fishing guide, will offer his in-depth knowledge of “fakin’ it,” or the art of fishing with artificial lures.

Don’t’ miss this rare opportunity to learn the inside scoop from these three! Captain Scott and Rick will take the stage at noon and Captain Ray will follow at 2 p.m.

Those of you familiar with our service department know we’re considered to be the best in the area. Be sure to be on hand at 11 a.m. to hear Angela Pluff, our chief Service Writer, and Michael Currey from Yamaha Marine answer all your service and maintenance questions.

At 3 p.m., our Marina Manager, Benny Parrish, a respected Cannons mainstay for over 20 years, will present an in-depth discussion on the pros and cons of using ethanol fuel in your boat motor.
Make a day of it and be fully prepared for the 2010 boating season!

Event Schedule

11:00-11:45 a.m.
Ask Your Service Questions, Angela Pluff, Cannons Marina Service Writer and Michael Currey from Yamaha Marine.

Noon-1:30 p.m.
Weather and the Catch of the Day – Reading weather patterns for catching fish and safety. Captain Scott Moore and Rick Davis, Senior Meteorologist, National Weather Service.

2:00-3:00 p.m.
Fakin’ It…Fishing With Artificial Lures, Captain Ray Markham

3:00-3:30 p.m.
Ethanol Fuel Revealed, with Benny Parrish, Cannons Marina

Come Join us for a Fun Family Day!

• Hot Dogs… Raffle Prizes…
• WIN $50 worth of fuel!
• Preview the 2010 new Grady White & Scout Boats.
• Information packed Fishing & Weather Clinics

Cannons Marina
6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, Florida • ICW Marker 33
Open 7 Days a Week • 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
 Cannons.com • 941-383-1311

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Fishing & Weather Clinics at Cannons Marina. Save The Date!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Fishing & Weather Clinics at Cannons Marina. Save The Date!

We live near the water, every day you dream of being out there either fishing, cruising, shelling, or just out there to take in some sun.  So why not give yourself, or someone special a boat rental gift certificate from Cannons Marina.

Here is the deal – Purchase five days of boat rentals, either full days or half-day rentals and get two free rentals days. This is the gift that will keep on giving for a full year.

Cannons Marina has the largest and newest fleet of boat rentals in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, and Anna Maria area.  Choose from 16 foot to 24 foot Scout or Grady White boats. Or, if you want to take out the whole family, rent the Hurricane Deck boat at 23 feet with room for up to twelve fun seekers!

All of the boats are powered by Yamaha outboard motors! Get out on the water and stop day dreaming about fishing or cruising.  Go have fun and save some money with the multi-day boat rental from Cannons Marina.  Visit us at boat rentals.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Holiday Boat Rental Gift Certificates at Cannons Marina, Get 2 Free Days!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Holiday Boat Rental Gift Certificates at Cannons Marina, Get 2 Free Days!

Only two days remain until the kickoff of the Silver Anniversary Super Boat Grand Prix Festival (formerly the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix), June 27 through July 5.

This marks the 25th year Sarasota and her surrounding communities have hosted this prestigious professional racing event. As always, proceeds benefit local charities serving physically and mentally challenged children and adults.

Sarasota can boast being the longest running race site in the country and is one of the very few races that raise money for local charities. Since its inception, the event has raised over $14 Million. For details on the race and all of its events, please visit the Grand Prix Festival website.

Here is just a partial listing of events:

• Thursday, July 2

“The Friendliest Catch” Fishing Tournament for the Physically & Mentally Challenged
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Lunch and Awards Included For Participants)
1604 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island, Sarasota (near Mote Marine)

Festival Parade of Boats
Main Street in Downtown Sarasota
(Begins at U.S. 301 to Gulfstream Avenue)
Start Time: 7 p.m.

• Friday, July 3

World Kilo Record Run
7 a.m. – Noon
Sarasota Bay – Just North of Centennial Park

• Saturday, July 4

Powerboats by the Bay
10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Centennial Park on 10th St., downtown Sarasota

• July 5 

Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Boat Race
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lido Beach (Between New Pass and Big Pass) 
2 Heats at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Subject to Change)

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

The Suncoast Grand Prix Boat Race.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

The Suncoast Grand Prix Boat Race.

Who:

What:
A luncheon for all Grady White Owners

When:
Saturday, January 10, 2009

Where:
Westshore Yacht Club, located in Old Tampa Bay, just south of the Gandy Bridge.

Directions
By Boat: Meeting at 10:30 a.m.,  ICW marker 62 and then leaving from there at 10:40 a.m. arriving at WYC at 12:00 p.m. Note that the trip takes about a 1 hr. 20 minutes. GPS: 27*53.04 N , 82*32.53 W

Automobile: Take I 75 N. to I 275 N. to exit 28 to Rt. 92 across Gandy Bridge to R on Westshore Blvd. about ¾ mi. R into WYC. We will meet at 12:00 p.m.

Email Contact:
John Levay at jandl99@verizon.net

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Suncoast Grady White Club Event.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Suncoast Grady White Club Event.

Both David and I are on our way to Japan for the Yamaha Motors 25th anniversary. Our travel time to Tokyo is 17 hours.

We are flying American Airlines and I’m happy to report they serve an awesome green tea. Why is it that domestic flights can’t serve such delicious and healthy beverages? As you probably know by now, green tea is good for you and is anti-aging to boot. Hey American Airlines, can we have a green tea option domestically?

A group of boat and motor dealers throughout the U.S. (and Cannons representing Florida), have been invited to the anniversary celebration and to see their state-of-the-art marine motor manufacturing plant. And in case, you didn’t know, Yamaha Marine Group has received an NMMA® CSI Recognition Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction for 2008.

Over the next few days, I will share with you the scenes and celebrations that come as a result of this trip.

We are planning to visit the world famous Nagoya Fish Market, on the waterfront in Shimonoseki . We will report back on the auctions that take place daily. I can tell you that 10 years ago we visited the Tokyo fish market at 4 a.m. watching the coveted blue fin tuna go for about $40, 000.00!

No need to come to Japan to get the tuna, get out on your Scout Boat or Grady-White boat, powered by a Yamaha, and go fishing!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor’s celebrates 25 years in the USA.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor’s celebrates 25 years in the USA.