Sheraton Sand Key Resort Celebrates Annual Crab Fest
CLEARWATER, Fla. — (Apr 2009) — As another great crab season comes to an end, the Sheraton Sand Key Resort prepares for their annual celebration by the sea. Crab Fest, a tradition started six years ago by Sheraton Sand Key General Manager Russ Kimball, brings friends and colleagues together each spring for a romantic evening of relaxation, fine foods and spirited drinks. This private affair offers the Resort a chance to show their appreciation and thanks to a number of members in the community for their ongoing support.
This year's invitation-only event is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2009 and will prove to be one of the best yet, with new and exciting menu items and a guest list featuring famed individuals from the crabbing industry. There will be favorites from both land and sea but the night's celebrated entrée is sure to be the King Crab, caught by Captain Jorn Kvinge, and his 134 ft crab vessel Arctic Sea, which operates out of Dutch Harbor in Alaska.
Dutch Harbor, a well-known town made popular by Discovery Channel's hit series "Deadliest Catch," is the home to many brave fishermen who dare to face the Bering Sea. They work nearly 24-hour shifts for days at a time in less-than-optimal conditions such as 40-foot waves, 80-mph winds, subfreezing weather and dangerous 700-pound crab pots that can swing precariously from side to side while out at sea. Captain Jorn Kvinge, who is coming all the way from Alaska to celebrate Crabfest on Friday, is said to have the largest crab catcher vessel in all of the Bering Sea. He has been a captain for 27 years and is the oldest of 4 brothers, all of whom followed him into the fishing business. Jorn also owns a Bristol Bay salmon gillnetter which he fishes with his son for the 6 week season each summer.
