Seabreeze South Hosts Annual Shuffleboard Tournament

For over two decades, Seabreeze South owners and renters coexisted in peace and tranquility. That is, until the peacefulness of their 120-unit condominium complex is rocked by the competitive nature of what is known as, “The Annual Shuffleboard Extravaganza.”

Walking through the complex on the morning of March 15, you could feel the electricity in the air. All bets were off, and the competitive juices were flowing at an exceptional level. Much of the hype before the big event came from Tom Rademacher, who had honed his skills behind a typewriter in the newsroom of the Grand Rapids Press in Michigan.

Thirty-six players of varying skill levels strode out to the courts with their cues in hand, as officials ensured the courts were appropriately measured. They also checked the discs and cues, to ensure no abnormalities were present so that no team would have any advantage over another.

The crowds gathered around courtside as each player underwent tests to ensure no performance enhancing substances had been found during the pregame medical testing and the complex’s AED batteries were charged and ready to go. It was Tom Rademacher who confessed to me that the event has become “a great opportunity to gather as friends and have a good time.”

If you’ve never visited the complex at Seabreeze South, you’re missing an opportunity to meet some of the nicest folks on the island. Owners and renters come together each winter and truly enjoy each other’s company. They come from all areas of this great country, and they enjoy special comradery and extended friendships that have grown over the years.

When the smoke settled, Jim Vogel of Michigan and Caroline Price of Maine took the top spot. In second place, the runners up were Rodger Robare from Pennsylvania and Mary Williams from Michigan. 

Seabreeze South is a community within a community. Although I’ve driven past it for over 36 years, I have never understood how large and special it is. When they told me it had 120 units, I was amazed, for it is a very well-kept complex and represents the pride in ownership of the property. A few live there fulltime, some are seasonal, and others have rented there over many years. Those that are there, hail from throughout the nation, as well as a number of international locations, and they are all very proud to be fans of Seabreeze South.