Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Don't turn your back on the ocean - Other Sports - Fox Sports

"I'M sitting on the rail in the heavy darkness that comes just an hour or so before dawn. The wind is howling. It's slicing through my many layers, tearing into my bones. My toes feel like they will snap off if I let them rest for more than 30 seconds.

Every minute or so we crash through a wave that sets an army of icy spray on us as punishment for disturbing its natural march across the sea. We huddle together on that rail like penguins soaking up each others warmth. There is still two more hours of my watch to go."

Treasure hunter has it wrong?

 "Smith's legal claim is an attempt to get at what he estimates to be $3 billion in a buried treasure. He said he was inspired by the Nicolas Cage movie National Treasure to try to fund his artistic endeavors with treasure hunting.
On Monday, Smith recounted how he'd read that the ship laden with gold veered away from the hurricane and sunk into South Texas mud. He said half the crew died on the way up the river and the other half died at the hands of a cannibal tribe.
Schwartz argued that Smith found the ship under marshy land that can be navigated by boat and is thus subject to federal maritime laws about abandoned vessels. He said the law would allow Smith, the first claimant, to seek the treasure once he gets a pending permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers."

New Cabrillo Way Marina - Los Angeles

"SAN PEDRO - The Los Angeles Har bor Commission has awarded a construction contract to Griffith Co. and the Dutra Group to build new Cabrillo Way Marina facilities. It will be the first new recreational marina at the Port of Los Angeles in 22 years.

The $130 million project to construct the new recreational marina calls for 700 boat slips and new concrete docks with water, power, telephone and television hookups.

The marina has been in the planning stage for several years before the engineering firm Mofatt & Nichol announced its completion of designs for the marina on Aug. 12. The company said the marina designs will provide a “vibrant village atmosphere for recreation marine and boating activities” that bring locals and tourists together."

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Yacht Charters Bahamas - Only The Best Will Do!

BahamaReviews.com � Yacht Charters Bahamas - Only The Best Will Do!: "Crewed yacht charters permit you the lavishness and freedom of sailing your own boat, without the annoyance, a captain mans the helm, a white-gloved staff cleans and waits on you and a chef prepares your every meal.� Imagine sailing around the Bahamas, surrounded only by your traveling companions and a very well trained crew, you get the entire boat, personal crew and the itinary is based around what you want to do on your vacation."

Sail World - Powerboat-world: Sail and sailing, cruising, boating news

"It’s now in the history books – ‘Earthrace’, the radical, bio diesel fuel trimaran hailed as the world’s ‘greenest’ vessel, is the world circumnavigation powerboat record holder.


In June, 2008, ‘Earthrace’, with owner/skipper Pete Bethune and a volunteer crew circled the globe in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes, slashing the previous record for a powerboat by an astonishing two weeks!"

Yacht arms with Yemeni 'Ship-Riders' for Pirate Zone

"However, the assumed truth is now at hand, and that truth is more amazing than a story of hijack and kidnap. Cruising yachts are beginning to use contracted Yemeni coastguard officers as armed ship-riders to get their yachts through the pirate zone corridor.

According to normally reliable sources in direct contact with Sail-World Cruising it is now clear that the Yacht attacked by pirates on 17th December had Yemeni coastguard officers contracted as ship-riders, who opened fire on an approaching skiff after radio-warnings to keep clear were not adhered to. The skiff had maintained collision course even after course adjustments of the Yacht."

Jessica closer to solo sailing dream


"Sunshine Coast teenager Jessica Watson isn't old enough to get a boat licence but she hopes to next year become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The 15-year-old will today take a huge leap towards that dream when she embarks on a 10-day voyage across the Tasman along with two other crewmates today.

Jessica will set sail from Brisbane and hopes to land in Whangarei, on the nothern tip of the northern Island of New Zealand in about 10 days.

However, she predicts it could take as long as 16 days depending on the weather.

While for insurance purposes she won't be officially skippering the 34ft yacht, Jessica, 15, said it was all lead up work to breaking Jesse Martin’s famous record.

“This idea is it’s a training voyage,” she said.

“There will be three of us on board but I’ll be calling the shots and doing the work. It’s a bit of a trial I suppose.”"

Vendee Globe Week 8

"The brutality of sailing the Southern Oceans, though often the subject of stories, is easy to underestimate. The same is true of the difficulty of solo racing, with its associated sleep deprivation and physical and emotional stress. Combine these two issues, and throw in the added problems associated with running new and cutting edge technologies, and you have the formula of the Vendee Globe, as well as an explanation as to why almost half the fleet has now retired.� This is simply as tough as it gets, in any sport."

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hawaii Reporter: Hawaii Reporter

"The president-elect is recommending that billions of dollars be invested in public infrastructure as a means of creating jobs. These aren’t the make work jobs of the Depression era but infrastructure needs that have been long neglected like the upgrade of Hawaii’s harbors. Given the importance of the harbor system to the nation’s only island state, it should not be that difficult to believe that this particular project is worthy of some of the stimulus package the president-elect is proposing.

If Hawaii is able to secure a part of the stimulus package for the harbor system, it would alleviate the need to raise wharfage fees and rents substantially, thereby avoiding a dramatic increase in the cost of goods imported into Hawaii and goods made for export, keeping Hawaii made products more competitive."

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sail-World.com : Sail Thailand Rally in Phuket

"You are cordially invited to join us for a major yachting celebration: the Sail Thailand Rally.

Asia's largest fleet, travelling to five nations in five months around the peninsulas of Southeast Asia from Darwin to Indonesia to Bali to Singapore to Malaysia, is now coming to Phuket... with the Sail Thailand Rally. The Tourism Authority of Thailand cordially invites you to attend the 'Meet and Greet the Fleet Day' on Friday, 09 January 2009 at Kan Eang @ Pier Restaurant.

The rally sailors will be given an all-day orientation tour of the marine facilities on the island and allow time for local marine businesses to network with them. At 1800 hrs the networking continues with a mariners reception followed by dinner."

Replica of historic ship sets sail for whale viewing

"Shoemaker was among the passengers aboard a replica of the historicschooner, America, as it made its inaugural whale-watching voyage during gray-whale migration season. The yacht is modeled after an 1851 sailboat with the same name that represented the United States in the first world's fair in England, said Warren Allan, director of marketing and sales for Dennis Conner's America's Cup Experience. Sailing's most prestigious competition, the America's Cup, was named after the original sailboat, Allan said.

The replica schooner, which is privately owned, was built in 1995 and has been based in San Diego since 2006.

The America will make daily whale-watching trips through March 29, and the boat is available for private charters the rest of the year. The whale-watching trips launch from a dock behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego downtown on North Harbor Drive. The trips are being promoted as “green” whale-watching tours because the sailboat is powered largely by wind and uses less fuel than traditional power boats."

Skandia, Wild Oats XI set for tight finish - Taiwan News Online

"Defending champion Wild Oats XI and fellow maxi Skandia sailed Saturday towards an expected tight finish in the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Wild Oats XI, trying to win line honors for the fourth straight year, led the 100-yacht fleet out of Sydney Harbour on Friday. It has exchanged the lead with Skandia several times and on Saturday, the two yachts were more than 20 nautical miles ahead of the rest of the fleet in Bass Strait."

Morning Fire Destroys Boat at Port Orchard Yacht Club :

"A two-alarm fire around 5 a.m. Friday destroyed a 46-foot Chris-Craft boat and its covered boat house at the Port Orchard Yacht Club.

When South Kitsap Fire and Rescue firefighters arrived, the boat was burning vigorously under the metal shelter around it. It later sank."

Chinese navy ships set sail for anti-piracy mission off Somalia

"GUANGZHOU, China - Chinese warships — armed with special forces, guided missiles and helicopters — set sail Friday for anti-piracy duty off Somalia, the first time the communist nation has sent ships on a mission that could involve fighting so far beyond its territorial waters."

Friday, December 26, 2008

Phuket Boatshow Set to Sail Away from King's Cup - Phuket Wan

"ORGANISERS of the Phuket International Marine Expo are planning to move the next event to early January 2010 in an effort to capture more quality visitors, says show director Andy Dowden."

Big overseas contingent in annual ocean race - International Herald Tribune

"SYDNEY, Australia: Australia's toughest and most famous yacht race will have one of its biggest international contingents when 11 overseas boats line up for Friday's start of the Sydney to Hobart race"

Racer defies economy's stormy seas - Sport - smh.com.au

"RECESSION? What recession? The rest of the economy may be sailing into choppy waters but not the world's most famous annual yacht race.

The number of yachts in this year's Sydney to Hobart race is up from 82 last year to 100. Graeme Wood, the Queensland millionaire, philanthropist and founder of Wotif.com, has two near-identical 52 footers racing against each other: Wot Yot and the newest addition to his fleet, Wot Now"

Sailor's dream falls apart with boat - ContraCostaTimes.com

"For 25 years, Larry Beane dreamed of sailing around the world.
The man, better known as Captain Larry, was close to embarking on that dream last month when his 46-foot bluewater motorsailer broke anchor in a fierce sea storm and ran aground on Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey"

Wild Oats XI setting sail for a record - Sport - theage.com.au

"SHE stands tall and majestic above the frenzied hubbub around her. Wild Oats XI, with its far-reaching black mast and brilliant red hull, is the headline act of this year's fleet of more than 100 yachts in the Sydney to Hobart. At today's 1pm race start, just off Shark Island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, she will be the boat that rivals, as well as the thousands of spectator craft and hovering helicopters, will be watching"

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Sydney to Hobart yacht race opens

"One hundred boats have left Sydney Harbour in the annual yacht race to the southern Australian city of Hobart.
A favourable weather forecast could see the record for the 628-nautical mile journey broken"

Sail-World.com : Sailors Leap for their Lives from Doomed Yacht

"Two sailors escaped their 44 foot cruising sailing boat by jumping into the surf just as it was pounding ashore this week at Imperial Beach near San Diego, California. The Log reported that the 1979 ketch Aurora was blown up onto the beach at approximately 3.45am."

Big overseas contingent in annual ocean race - International Herald Tribune

"Australia's toughest and most famous yacht race will have one of its biggest international contingents when 11 overseas boats line up for Friday's start of the Sydney to Hobart race."

Setting sail for Hobart - Access All Areas - Fox Sports

"To sum up last night. The wind was already picking up when I spoke last. We had pretty brisk northerlies coming through and they continued throughout the night, and it only got worse until about 3am or 4am today. I was like a wet and wild water ride that goes on for six or seven hours and it was pretty hairy moving around the boat helping out on the grinders, doing sail trimming and running down stairs for water. Every movement I made was a potential disaster and, quite frankly, without a tether rope last night, we were all pretty lucky to stay on board. They were fairly interesting conditions, and you could tell from skipper David Witt’s expression that he was enjoying it and he was in his element. We were all enjoying it; he was just enjoying it a little bit more."

Storm leaves sails, voyage to Puerto Rico in tatters | Rhode Island news |

"The wind howled at nearly 40 knots, and snow fell on the waters off Narragansett Friday evening. In the fury, a distress call came in to the Coast Guard from south of Block Island. A sailboat was in trouble.

At 7:45 p.m., the Coast Guard’s command center in Boston launched a crew from Point Judith"

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Former crab boat now provides sportfishing luxury

"It's a floating country club, fuel dock and boat yard, all on a mothership for boat owners or sportfishermen who want the comfort of a hometown marina while fishing in exotic waters like Magdalena Bay. The boat comes equipped with 33-and 26-foot sport boats that are off-loaded for fishing, a 21-foot inflatable for scuba divers, a couple of kayaks, two Jet Skis, diving gear and surfboards."

Yacht club marks 100 yrs. of wind in its sails | hub.gmnews.com | Hub

"Finding a way to celebrate all 100 years of a club's existence is hard work, but the centennial committee of the Keyport Yacht Club managed to tackle the challenge, opting for a way to make the club's history available to each member."

America's Cup: Yachting NZ signs up for betting on yacht racing

"Yachting New Zealand has reached an agreement with the New Zealand Racing Board which allows the Board (TAB) to conduct betting on yachting."

Sail World - Powerboat-world: Sail and sailing, cruising, boating news

South-east Queensland boat owners (as well as the rest of East Coast Australia) acknowledge that from big boats to super yachts there is no better port of call, adds Ali.

Adding to the cachet of the marina are its people. Ian “Rooster” Mayan, Marina Manager has been there for almost 20 years and is responsible for the “personal service” that extends to boat owners the authentic feeling of the marina as their second home.

Sailing Into the Quadricentennial Year with an Ice Yacht Exhibit in Hyde Park | www.pcnr.com | PCNR - Cold Spring, Garrison, Philipstown, NY

"2009 marks the 400th Anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson under the aegis of the Dutch East India Company. What better way to sail into this year of celebration than a display of Ice Yachts, since ice sailing technology is of Dutch origin?"

Lake Powell marina fire destroys 20 boats

"Fire crews managed to save 130 of the 150 boats at the marina. Crews used a fire boat to fight the fire. They also towed burning boats away from the marina. Some burning boats were pushed from the dock by parks service personnel. Three of the burning boats sank in to the lake."

Sinking hopes for sailing prodigy (From Times Series)

"A Potters Bar teenager may have to give up his dream of becoming the youngest person to sail non-stop around the world due to technical problems.

Michael Perham, 16, from Oakroyd Avenue, has been forced to make a series of stops in Portugal and Gran Canaria because his autopilot system keeps cutting out."

Sunday, December 21, 2008

l'Hydroptere Fastest Sailing Yacht in the World | YachtPals.com

"l'Hydroptre's 61 knot top speed was followed by a capsize, but that's what happens when you're pushing boundaries"

Sail the Titanic — and live | Entertainment | Toronto Sun

"MONTREAL — A travelling exhibit showcasing hundreds of salvaged artifacts from the Titanic is drawing crowds here.

The show, which runs until April 2009, incorporates artifacts from the vessel and replicates sections of the ship."

Saturday, December 20, 2008

ISAF : Aussie 470 Dominance Continues As Sail Melbourne Finale Approaches

"Australia's sweep of the 470 gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games is set to be repeated at the first event of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, although the remaining home crews are playing second fiddle to their international counterparts following the penultimate day of racing at Sail Melbourne."

Inner Harbor Marketplace In Baltimore Up for Sale - washingtonpost.com

"The renewal plan on the drawing board is a $100 million makeover of a 16-block stretch of Pratt Street that would add 650,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. It has been questioned by people who fear it would dwarf and sap energy from Harborplace and the Gallery, which straddle Pratt Street."

GPB News: Dredging for Brunswick Harbor

"The Port of Brunswick could soon welcome bigger ships with more cargo thanks to some new federal funds. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is spending $3 million dollars to dredge the entrance of Brunswick Harbor. Senator Saxby Chambliss, who along with Congressman Jack Kingston and Senator Johnny Isakson, helped secure the money, says Georgia's ports are vital to the state's economy and this project comes at a critical time."

Friday, December 19, 2008

The Triton - News for the megayacht and superyacht industry - Press Release: NEW MEGAYACHT MARINA OPENS IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE AT WARDS COVE

"The new megayacht marina at Wards Cove on Lake Union is now open. The marina is located in the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington and is part of the new Wards Cove on Lake Union waterfront development."

Russian warship sails into Havana Bay

"Russian warship sailed into Havana Bay on Friday for the first time since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union as Russia flexed its muscles close to the United States and showed off its warming relations with former Cold War ally Cuba."

Le Mars Daily Sentinel: Story: Ancient Chinese secret? Le Mars man sails with Chinese to re-make history

"Hugh Morrow, a 1998 Le Mars Community School graduate, is on board with a Chinese crew to prove that maybe, just maybe, the Chinese landed on the western shores of the Americas decades before Christopher Columbus was born."

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Marine complex aims for boom - Business - Myrtle Beach Online

"Horry County officials say a marine industrial park proposed for Bucksport could attract boat-building companies, bring new jobs and diversify the area's tourism-focused economy despite a relatively poor year for the boating industry.
With development of the park several years away, though, officials hope to cash in when the economy rebounds"

Sally Kettle: Inspirational & Motivational Speaker, Author of Sally's Odd at Sea - Sally Kettle

"With no rowing experience and certainly no sea-going experience, Sally took to the oars in her ocean rowing boat, Calderdale, in 2003. She was joined by an unlikely partner, Sarah Kettle, her mother. 105 days later they were the worlds first mother and daughter to row an ocean, the UK's first female pair and Sarah the first grandmother to row across the Atlantic."

Winter sailing in the Santa Barbara Channel Islands | Southern California Sailing Charters

"The real beauty of winter sailing here is the excellent visibility. When a cold front passes through, the the air is so clear you feel you can touch the Anacapa Light from Oxnard Beach. Skies are clear to partly cloudy about half the time, which is better than June.

Probably the best part is that few other people are out on the water. Drop the hook in Fry’s or Willows and you’re likely to be the only boat in the anchorage."

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Tides hope to bring back the home run at Harbor Park | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

"The Norfolk Tides will spend $500,000 to make Harbor Park more home run friendly, and in the process, will provide a covered deck where 400 fans can take in sweeping views of the downtown waterfront and the playing field.

The Tides received permission from the city Monday to construct what they are calling the Right Field Party Deck."

We Sail for the Whale - Marine Protected Areas - The Petition Site

"Every day whales and dolphins face being entangled in fishing nets, poisoned by chemicals, harassed, hunted, starved and evicted from where they feed, breed and take shelter. Yet few of the areas on which even the most endangered populations depend for survival are protected."

Alcatraz Cruises Launches Nation's First Hybrid Ferry Boat - International Business Times -

"SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 12/16/08 -- Representatives from the National ParkService, Mayor Gavin Newsom's office, NOAA and Save the Bay were among the85 people to enjoy a breakfast gathering aboard the nation's first knownhybrid ferryboat."

Sail to Antarctica - Cruises - NZ Herald News

"For one departure only, from Ushuaia, Argentina on February 2, 2009, Adventure Travel is offering 20 per cent off an 11-day Classic Antarctica voyage aboard Clipper Adventurer. Discounted prices start from $11,605 a person (subject to currency fluctuations). For the full itinerary, ship details and prices for return flights to Ushuaia from New Zealand, call Adventure Travel Auckland on (09) 355 9131 or email advakl@hot.co.nz. Available until December 23. Spaces limited."

Plain sailing for Hobart favourite Wild Oats - Sport - smh.com.au

"SYDNEY Harbour's usual inhabitants made way for queen of the seas Wild Oats XI and the cream of Australia's ocean-racing yachts in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge yesterday.

The Sydney to Hobart sneak preview - two laps around the harbour and then a grand finish off the Opera House - is the only event the maxis race within the harbour, with the proceeds of the day going to the Safety On Land And Sea charity, which was set up after the disaster of the 1998 Sydney-Hobart race."

Sail-World.com : China and the Sailing Explosion

This Shanghai businessman is one of a growing band of Chinese to take up sailing and buy a yacht. Worries about the worldwide recession seem to have passed them by as they shell out their hard-earned cash from between 500,000 ($73,500) to 60 million ($8.8 million) yuan.

Sailor in the Spotlight - Dee Caffari | YachtPals.com

"Dee Caffari, an accomplished ocean racer and skipper, is preparing for the single-hand Artemis race next month. Of course, for Dee, that's really just a lead up to the solo Vendee Globe, which is going to earn her a record as the first woman to solo both ways around. It's the type of accomplishments and drive you'd expect from a lifetime ocean racer. Thing is, Dee's only been at this for a few years!
One day in 2000, this P.E. teacher turned college administrator decided she wanted to sail. Now she's a world-class racing skipper. That's impressive, and that kind of drive is why we've chosen Dee Caffari as our first YachtPals Sailor in the Spotlight."

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Royal Phuket Marina developer, Gulu Lalvani, awarded

"He embarked on the marina project on Phuket’s eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay on retiring from his company Binatone, the world’s second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones that he co-founded in 1958.

Instead of enjoying his retirement on the idyllic island, Mr Lalvani set about creating his vision - to construct Thailand’s first world-class luxury lifestyle community, rivaling top marina resorts in Europe and the Caribbean.

He also envisages Phuket becoming a world class yachting hub, in one of the world’s most stunning locations."

Monday, December 15, 2008

Travel and Vacation Abodes: The mega-yacht Christina O

"The megayacht Christina O may not be as expensive and luxurious as the new yachts of today, like Paul Allen’s Octopus and Larry Ellison’s Rising Sun, but this yacht is certainly as famous, if not more famous than the two mentioned yachts. Its history and popularity is undisputed, after all many crucial decisions and deals are finalized right here in this very yacht."

26 rescued after yacht crash

"The Coast Guard says it rescued 26 people who were aboard a yacht in San Francisco Bay that started taking on water after hitting rocks near Coyote Point"

Didim counts down for Turkey's largest marina

Two famous Hollywood stars have already lined up to reserve their places in the marina, but did not provide any names as the deals are still not finalized. With a capacity for 1100 yachts, D-Marin Didim will be the largest marina of its kind in Turkey. The construction will be completed in late March and the marina will open in April.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

High Seas Showdown

"It's a tale of wind, water and war between two very rich men over one very old prize. When the America's Cup began over a century-and-a-half back, gentlemen in starched collars raced wooden schooners in defense of national pride. These days, it's all about billionaire pride, high-powered lawyers, high-priced sailors of fortune and what could easily be the fastest sailboat ever built."

A full moon over the marina - Press-Telegram

"The closest full moon in 15 years hangs low over docked boats at the Long Beach Marina on Friday night. The moon travels in a wobbly, elliptical orbit, and it was only 221,560 miles from Earth on Friday, much closer than its average distance of 238,855 miles. As a result, it appeared 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than it normally does"

Russian Ships Sail Into Nicaragua Political Storm - Defense News

"'We don't want to violate Nicaragua's laws. We only came on a friendship and humanitarian mission,' Russian ambassador Igor Kondrashev told local media after the ships, led by destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, moored off Nicaragua's coast.

The ships carried computers, electric generators, medicines and other donations for the impoverished Central American country and were due to stay until Dec. 15, the diplomat said."

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Father of New Zealand Yachting passes on

"Don St Clair Brown widely regarded as the father of the New Zealand Yachting died peacefully in his sleep last night. He was aged 94years."

Navy warfare center tests a boat that can steer itself | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

"Hansen has been pursuing the concept for several years. The boat is a collaboration between the warfare center and Spatial Integrated Systems, a Virginia Beach engineering design and development company.

The boat is not driven by remote control; there is no one with a joystick back at home plate. The vessel has its own eyes, to perceive what's around it, and its own brain, to react to that information."

America's Cup line-up set to reach 20 teams

"GENEVA (AP) — Two more teams have joined the race for the 33rd America's Cup with a record 20 entrants expected by the Monday deadline set by two-time defending champion Alinghi.
A first entry from Russia and a fifth from Italy made it 16 competitors meeting Friday at Alinghi's home club in Geneva to continue drawing up rules for a regatta they hope will happen in 2010. Four more syndicates are attempting to sign up"

Tall ships sail into San Pedro - The Daily Breeze

"The Lady Washington, which was featured in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,' and the Hawaiian Chieftain also offer walk- aboard tours on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings during their visit to San Pedro. A $3 donation per person is requested. Schedule details are available on the Web site."

Friends marry after spending 1,029 days sailing around the world together - Telegraph

"Jim Brockett, 42, and Gerardine McNulty, 35, were just friends when they decided to leave their jobs to embark on the life-changing adventure in January 2006."

Friday, December 12, 2008

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008.. Start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to be Webcast Live Around the World via Yahoo!7


"In what is regarded as a world first for the sport of yachting, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is pleased to announce that the Seven Network and Yahoo!7, will provide a live 90 minute webcast of the start of the 64th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to a global audience.
This means that in addition to Seven Network's live television broadcast in Australia, anyone, in any country around the world will be able to watch the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race provided they have a computer and broadband internet access from 12.30pm AEST until 2:00pm AEST."

Vandals attack Astoria Yacht Club; police seek public help

"For the second time in recent days, vandals have struck the Astoria Yacht Club, 1555 West Marine Drive. The latest damage was 26 broken windows discovered at 7:30 Tuesday morning by Dick Magathan, maintenance supervisor for Astoria's parks. Cost to repair the windows is estimated at about $1,000."

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Acoustic Phenomena Explain Why Boats And Animals Collide

"Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have laid the groundwork for a sensory explanation for why manatees and other animals are hit repeatedly by boats. Last year, 73 manatees were killed by boats in Florida’s bays and inland waterways. Marine authorities have responded to deaths from boat collisions by imposing low speed limits on boats."

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Private yachts come under intelligence agencies' scanner


"Yachts and luxury boats belonging to Mumbai's rich and famous have come under the scanner of intelligence agencies after the 26/11 terror attacks. The agencies are pleading with government authorities to take appropriate steps to plug the loopholes in the law to ensure these yachts are registered either with the central government or state government authorities so that they are not misused by ferry men or used for anti-national activities."

World’s Largest Yacht Race Scheduled For “The OC”

"Next spring’s 62nd Newport-to-
Ensenada International Yacht Race, the world’s largest international yacht
competition, could be even more fun with friends and families joining the
sailors in Mexico, without sailing a boat! The Newport Ocean Sailing
Association (NOSA) has arranged for non-sailors and fans to watch the starts
on Friday, April 24, in Newport Beach, California, and then proceed to Baja
California, Mexico, via leisurely cruise ship or tour bus. But first, the fun all
starts in Newport Beach."

Monday, December 8, 2008

Luxury cruises on Halong bay

"Halong Bay is the jewel in the crown of Vietnam cruise travel destinations. Located 165km (102 miles) East of Vietnam's capital Hanoi, the 150,000 ha (370,658 acre) Halong Bay lies on Vietnam's Northeastern coast in the Gulf of Tonkin. Not only are Halong Bay's approximately 1,600 limestone islands and statuesque pillar islets and outcrops breathtakingly beautiful, the bay is deeply entrenched in Vietnam's history and mythology, and the folklore of the surrounding regions."

Police seize boat ahead of Gaza sail

Police seize boat ahead of Gaza sail
Arab Knesset members, left-wing activists planning to sail south from Jaffa in bid to 'break the blockade', transfer humanitarian equipment to Strip stopped by Israel Police; vessel transferred to Tel Aviv marina. 'This is a coward move; all we wanted was to deliver medicines,' says MK Tibi"

Solo yachtie sets sail on record attempt

"An intrepid Japanese sailor has left Hobart hoping to maintain his record as the oldest person to circumnavigate the globe.

Minoru Saito, who is 74, left Hobart yesterday to complete his circumnavigation after spending the past week repairing his boat.

It is his eighth circumnavigation of the globe but the first time he has sailed the more difficult route from east to wes"

Saturday, December 6, 2008

World’s First “Eco” Boat Will Cross The Atlantic:Roboat | Eco Trees

"The ASV Roboat with hybrid engine and solar panels mounted on board, will cross the Atlantic. At the beginning of the year, the boat won the World Robotic Sailing Champioship where the hybrid engine has proved more competitive than traditional ones.

The engine batteries are loaded directly from the sun and the helm is controlled by a Linux OS computer. Once the destination parameters are entered, the computer calculates the route based on information and others environmental sensors. The computer chooses the fastest path."

Pearl Harbor anniversary marked with new online record collection | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal

"A new online photo and document collection released to commemorate the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II makes it easier for people to share family stories and histories of the Greatest Generation."

Super yacht ECLIPSE - Somali Pirates, Beware | SailAway Blog

It seems motor yacht ECLIPSE - the largest yacht in the world - will be well-prepared to thwart off the attacks of would-be ship and yacht seizure by Somali pirates.� Roman Abramovich, the owner of the soon-to-be-launched Blohm Voss luxury yacht ECLIPSE has come up with a fantastic solution for keeping ship seizure pirates, and pretty much everyone else, at bay - a missile detection system.

Somali pirates yacht seizures continue to pose a real threat to luxury yacht charter and commercial shipping.�� Ambrovich, a well-known luxury superyacht patron is building his latest and largest mega yacht with a wide array of security systems and counter-terrorism measures."

The Oculus Yacht | Concept | Gear

"This superyacht called Oculus, designed by designer E. Kevin Schopfer. Just see from the shape, this boat looks like a whale, with an open-mouth-like backside and an eye socket. It features 250 feet long, 12-foot ceilings and capable of speeds upwards of 25 knots. Now it is just a concept. Check out see more pics and info."

Friday, December 5, 2008

Marine Wildlife Endangered By Human-Made Underwater Noise

"The impact of human activities on marine wildlife has undoubtedly taken an unwanted course in the past years, with everything from the raising greenhouse emissions, to oil exploitation, and the use of military sonar leaving their mark on the future of whales and dolphins living in world’s oceans."

Ocean acidification

"Oceans are becoming more acidic as they absorb anthropogenic carbon dioxide and could become dangerous for marine organisms much sooner than we think. Results from an analysis of the Southern Ocean by climate change scientists in Australia suggest that the ocean acidification “tipping point of no return” could occur at just 450 ppm of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This is significantly lower than the value of 550 ppm given by previous estimates."

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Sail online for thrills without danger

"PARIS (Reuters) - Always wanted to sail around the globe but never had the nerve? Just sign up online and now you can compete in one of France's most beloved yachting events without ever having to leave your desk.

By Wednesday, some 170,000 people were playing the virtual version of the Vendee Globe, a solo, non-stop sailing race around the world that skirts the southern continents and which some call the Mount Everest of the sea."

Russian warship to sail through Panama Canal - Bryant - Out Of Context - Humor and Commentary - Washington Times

"The Russian navy has announced that it will sail a destroyer through the Panama Canal this week for the first time since World War II, the AP is reporting.

The crew is expected to take shore leave and do a little sightseeing, a little shopping — maybe buy some of those cool Panama hats."

Soyachting.com

"Being the month of festive fun, we at SoYachting.com have pushed the boat out so to speak and are giving away three prizes this month in the registered users draw. A Henri Lloyd mini bag in a carbon colour (pictured below left) and a Henri Lloyd Roll Bag (pictured below right)."

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami Begin February 12, 2009 - About-MiamiHotels.com Showcases Miami's Best Luxury Hotel Deals

"The events take place over five days, February 12th through February 16th, allowing visitors to plan ahead and divide their time between viewing the newest in luxury yachts, powerboats, sailboats and fishing boats - with vessels ranging from 15' to 85' in size. There will even be experienced sea captains available to assist in the purchasing decisions, while making sure that everyone looks into vessels that are appropriate for their level of experience on the sea."

Yacht mystery solved - Local News - Cairns, QLD, Australia

"THE discovery of a catamaran hull in a remote bay 750km north of Cairns has helped police solve the mystery disappearance of a yacht off New Zealand a year ago.
Silver Raider, a 9m hi-tech catamaran once rated the fastest boat in New Zealand, was competing in a 120 nautical mile race between Auckland and Russell when it capsized in November 2007.
While the crew was saved, no trace of the double-hull vessel was ever found.
That was until recently when a fisherman in Princess Charlotte Bay, about 3000km north of the capsize site, found one of the hulls floating and still bearing the vessel’s name."

Aqaba

"A group of Jordanian Islamists will set sail for the Gaza Strip from the
Jordanian port of Aqaba on December 20 with the aim of breaking the siege of
the Palestinian territory, the leader of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood
movement announced Tuesday."

LIBERTY yacht

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Seychelles issued four stamps on 12 September 1988 depicting different types of transport used by the Red Cross in its early days. One of these stamps depicts the hospital ship Liberty.
From 24 Oct. 1914 the British Red Cross and the Order of St. John worked closely throughout the war. Many ships were chartered for hospital use, and conditions were often to prove extremely difficult."

Powerboat-world: Sail and sailing, cruising, boating news

"Perfect sailing conditions on the eve of the Phuket Kings Cup regatta, with most of the fleet enjoying some gentle practice racing, 8-12 knots, flats seas and sunshine.

Despite the travel difficulties presented by the closure of the two Bangkok airports, there are 93 entries across 11 different divisons, for the 2008 regatta."

Have you ever wanted to sail on a maxi yacht?

"Bidding is now open in the CYCA SOLAS Trusts eBay Auction for the chance to sail on an ocean racing thoroughbred

The exclusive opportunity to bid for a place on one of Australia's best known ocean racing thoroughbreds for charity is now open. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia today listed guest places on Wild Oats XI, Skandia, Ichi Ban and Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 for its SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday 16 December 2008."

Daryl Hannah sets sail on whale quest - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"US movie star Daryl Hannah is on the Sea Shepherd's anti-whaling ship, the Steve Irwin, which is leaving Brisbane for the Southern Ocean."

Monday, December 1, 2008

E3 Kayak Clean-Up, Marina Del Rey (budget) � Environment170’s Weblog

"It was the affordability of the E3 Kayak Clean-Up service project on Nov. 23rd that drew me to the event. The plan was simple: bus down to the UCLA-owned area of Marina Del Ray, pick up free UCLA ocean kayaks and troll along the shore picking up any trash that we came across. The organizers managed to keep costs low, and still create an entertaining, informative and useful event."

Ericsson 4 sails first into India - Breaking News - Sport - Breaking News

"Sweden's Ericsson 4 won the second leg of the around the world Volvo Ocean Race on Sunday morning, cruising into India's Kochi port three days ahead of schedule.

The monohull yacht, skippered by Brazilian Olympic gold medallist Torben Grael, reached the south-western port an estimated 12 hours ahead of nearest rival Telefonica Blue."

Westshore Yacht Club-Tampa 149 Boat Slip Marina News � THE TAMPA REAL ESTATE INSIDER-TAMPA, FL

“We are proud to welcome Westshore Yacht Club to the growing number of marinas in Tampa Bay who are recognizing the value in protecting our natural resources and have dedicated themselves to educating Florida boaters.” Westshore Yacht Club built its facility using the Clean Marina Action Plan as its guide."

Nearly 100 applications to sail around the world

"A WELL-KNOWN Weston figure has had nearly 100 applications in less than a week from people wanting to sail around the world with him.

Paul Bliss, chairman of the town's football club, is looking for a right-hand man, or woman to be his personal assistant."

Provisioning Superyahcts

"The saying “survival of the fittest” has never been more relevant than in today’s global economy. Business is becoming more competitive as the world, metaphorically speaking, becomes smaller.

Provisioning, outfitting and servicing yachts is also big business. Premium products and services are of immense value to superyacht owners, their management companies and crew alike. Superyachts often enjoy very generous departmental budgets to help ensure that only the best products and services are used by crew."

Sunday, November 30, 2008

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Beached whales die in Australia

"About 150 whales have died after being stranded in a remote coastal area of the Australian island of Tasmania.
Many of the long-finned pilot whales, which were discovered on Saturday, had been badly injured by jagged rocks.
Rescuers did manage to shepherd about 30 whales trapped in shallow reefs to safety using a small boat, an official said."

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Kent | Disabled sailor to attempt record

"A yachtswoman is to make a second attempt to become the first quadriplegic woman to sail solo around Britain.
Hilary Lister, who is paralysed from the neck down, plans to embark on the journey next May using a 'sip-and-puff' system of straws to control her yacht."

Saturday, November 29, 2008

County Working to Clear Hurdle for New Seabeck Marina :

The last steps to build a new marina in Seabeck will be finalized in the coming weeks, ending what has been a lengthy — and at times frustrating — process for the county and marina developers."

The flow of "Boat people" has resumed

"Indonesian and Australian police have stopped 14 boats laden with asylum seekers from travelling to Australia this year, including at least three in the past six weeks, as people-smuggling activity accelerates across the archipelago. Four boats have made it to Australian waters. On Thursday, one of them, with 12 Sri Lankans aboard, became the first boat in two years to reach the mainland, near Shark Bay in Western Australia. Government sources said the arrivals, who were being transferred to Christmas Island, would have access to Australian law should they claim asylum."

Sail Away at Lloyd Tan Photography

"They say paradise is hard to reach but I got to one of Philippines’ haven. As of press time, I’m in Boracay, celebrating a long weekend, away from the metropolis, stress and rush of the big city."

Marine Park

"A marine park is a park consisting of an area of sea (or lake) sometimes protected for recreational use, but more often set aside to preserve a specific habitat and ensure the ecosystem is sustained for the organisms that exist there. Most marine parks are designated by governments, and organized like watery national parks.
Some marine parks are quite large; the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia is the largest, at 350,000 km."

Pearl Harbor survivor from Waco to share his story on CBS' 'Early Show'

"This time of year, Frank Curre Jr. of Waco is a popular guy. His phone rings with invitations for numerous gatherings. It’s not that the 85-year-old retired newspaper pressman is the life of the party. It’s that he’s a survivor.

At 18, the Central Texan was serving aboard the USS Tennessee, moored in Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor, when the American fleet was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy on Dec. 7, 1941. The ammunition supplier watched as torpedoes and bombs sank the USS Arizona in an assault that ultimately killed almost 2,500 men and�damaged or destroyed eight battleships."

Friday, November 28, 2008

Escapade


Boat lettering extraordinaire by the original .com guys at marinegraphics. Online since 1993! [dinosaurs :)]

Millionaire Yacht Owner Killed in Mumbai

"Cyprus born pastry seller and self made yachting millionaire Andreas Liveras was one of those shot dead in the Taj Hotel in the ongoing attacks on various locations around Mumbai. Owner of Liveras Yachts, which owns and charters luxury yachts, Andreas had come to Mumbai to scout for business opportunities.

In 1963 Liveras had immigrated with his family to the Kensington district of London. He started driving a delivery truck for a bakery, and selling the pastries as he went."

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Cape Cod harbor master charged with being fake fed - Boston.com

"BOSTON—A part-time assistant harbor master on Cape Cod has been charged by federal authorities with pretending to be an armed federal agent so he could bypass airport security."

Two excellent free boat calculators

"Boating enthusiasts love to fiddle with things - for many of us it’s part of the joy of owning and using boats. Some, like me, go further and start to create actual new boat designs, even if we do keep our creations on the small and simple side of the street.

If you’ve tried designing or re-designing a rig, you’ll know that the arithmetic can be tiresome and if you have you’ll be interested in these two calculators developed by one of my friends from the Yahoogroup Boatdesign, Peter Vanderwaart."

Onboard with Eric Clapton

"Eric Clapton may be one of the world's greatest living rock stars but he is also an unpretentious family man who wants a yacht that he can relax on. The saloon encapsulates this perfectly.

Rather than a single formal space with designer furniture that look so immaculate you hardly dare sit down, Va Bene's saloon is divided into four separate areas with clusters of contrasting chairs, sofas, tables and cabinets. One group of guests can be relaxing round the card table and matching leather chairs, while others stretch out on the big taupe corduroy sofa to watch a movie. That still leaves room for him to sneak off into another corner and perch on one of the special armless low-level chairs to play his guitar."

Time limit on free anchorage

"CORONA DEL MAR -- Boaters anchored in the free Corona del Mar anchorage may have to cut their stay short, if the city’s attempt to impose a 72-hour time limit is approved by the California Department of Boating and Waterways and the Newport Beach City Council."

Volvo race organisers warn yacht crews over India situation


"HONG KONG (AFP) — The organisers of the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race have warned participants to be extra-vigilant ahead of their arrival in the Indian port of Kochi after a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai."

Costa Rica Marina Delays

"QUEPOS, Costa Rica -- Marina Pez Vela, under construction at the Pacific port of Quepos, announced that its grand opening has been delayed until May 2009. It had been scheduled to open last December, but the opening was delayed when the outer breakwater was enlarged to better withstand southerly swells."

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

SailMail - SailBlogs Wiki

Looking for a solution to keep in touch or publish a web while travelling? Sailblogs is awesome and in concert with this sailmail system seems like a winner.

Many budget-conscious SailMail members primarily use SailMail's network of SSB private coast stations to enjoy the most cost-effective email communications worldwide. Other than the membership fee to join the SailMail Association and the initial hardware cost of a SSB and Pactor modem, there is no cost per message for use of the SailMail radio network.

The SailMail Association is a non-profit association of yacht owners that operates and maintains an email communications system for use by its members. SailMail email can be transferred via SailMail's own world-wide network of SSB-Pactor radio stations, or via satellite (Iridium, Inmarsat, Globalstar) or any other method of internet access (cellular networks, WiFi).

internet cafe | Hannah

"Turns out the gale, which we familiarly call 'our gale', was the biggest one of the year in New Zealand. One cruising club member who gave Steve a ride when he hitched in Paihia said so. Des, a Kiwi weather institution who sounds like Old Father Time on the radio, says he was scared in his house on land. That explains some of the cheering and clapping as we pulled up to the dock."

Bay Area ferry fleet welcomes new green boat

"A brand-new San Francisco Bay ferryboat sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge during rush hour Tuesday morning on its maiden voyage. It's the first of a new fleet that is part of a big expansion of ferry service."

Holiday gift idea: LEGO City Coast Guard Patrol Boat a

"Splash to the rescue with the Coast Guard Patrol Boat. The tower has spotted an emergency - someone is in trouble at sea. Send out the Coast Guard patrol boat and use the crane to lift him out of the water."

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Volvo Race confronts piracy as it heads to Asia

"The race's eight yachts left Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 15 on the second leg of the contest. They were told to sail out hundreds of miles east from southern Africa before turning north toward India to keep well away from Somalia's pirates.
'Piracy is something that is taken very seriously,' the race's spokesman, Lizzie Ward, said in a telephone interview Monday from race headquarters near Southampton, England.
The boats are expected to arrive in Kochi, India, beginning Sunday and the crews will get security briefings to discuss the threats from pirates in Southeast Asia."

Monday, November 24, 2008

Catfish

"Fish Story

Bill Driver, who lives in Wichita, KS, saw a ball bouncing around kind of strange in the lake and went to investigate.

It turned out to be a flathead catfish who had obviously tried to swallow a basketball which became stuck in its mouth!!

The fish was totally exhausted from trying to dive, but unable to because the ball would always bring him back up to the surface."

Aquada


"It's the world's first High Speed Amphibian car. A sports car that takes to the water. Aquada, as it is known, can take off from a boat ramp, a slipway or the beach, and glide effortlessly as a speed boat across rivers or out to sea."

An Ocean of Rubbish

"The Great Pacific Garbage Patch consists of a mind-numbing amount of flotsam and jetsam that equals an area often cited as being around the size of Texas. Also known as the Eastern Garbage Patch, said trash vortex is located between 135 to 155W and 35 to 42N. Or, between Hawai'I and California for those of you who don't have any compasses or GPS systems handy."

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009


"Delta Lloyd – Matt Gregory (Navigator)

“Where am I? I went through the wrong door of the time machine. Beam me up Scottie.” Gerd Jan Johnnie Poortman said as he emerged from the companion way onto deck.

A lot of things changed during his four-hour slumber in the bunk.

Sun, warm, nice smoooooth waves, 15 knots of wind. The boat was silently - gently brushing aside a bow wave as we glided along at 14 knots of boat speed.

Fortunately, for me, I’ve had an action-packed day. I’ve been moving the boat through a wind transition zone, like a queen attacking the king on a chess board."

Yacht repair facility earth work begins in Maritime City

"Dubai Maritime City, the world's first purpose-built maritime centre that is part of the Dubai World Group, has started earth works for the construction of its yacht repair facility designed by maritime engineering and consultancy firm Royal Haskoning, a statement said.

The new facility has been conceptualised in line with Dubai Maritime City's strategy to expand its portfolio of maritime services within the integrated maritime complex. It will be built on 82,000 square metres, the largest chunk of land in Dubai Maritime City's Industrial Precinct."

Ala Wai harbor important to all boaters

"Honolulu's Ala Wai boat harbor has been the topic for dozens of Water Ways columns over the years. And perhaps the most important reason is it's the biggest income producer of the 19 state-run boat harbors in Hawaii.

It perennially generates enough revenue to be recognized as the 'cash cow' for the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation's Boating Special Fund because more and larger vessels can moor there and can be charged higher fees due to its prime location on the edge of Waikiki."

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Lobster named George goes on display in Dana Point Harbor | Outposts | Los Angeles Times


"Butch Sanders, an employee at Dana Wharf Sportfishing, caught the 12-pound lobster in the photo while hoop-netting Thursday night.

Lobsters this big are not good eating, but Sanders brought the bug to shore anyway, alive, and decided to donate it to the nearby Ocean Institute."

Sailor in Spain saved by 999 call

"A worried wife's 999 call in England led to the rescue of a sailor who spent four days in a life raft off Spain.
Jayesh Patel, from Finchley, north London, was travelling from the island of Palma to Tarragona, Spain, with a friend when a wave sank their yacht."

Al Jazeera English - Africa - Somali pirates vow to defend boat

"Pirates in control of a Saudi oil tanker anchored off the Somali town of Haradheere have said that they will fight against any military attempt to free the vessel.

But the captors of the Sirius Star have no plans to destroy the boat, a member of the pirate gang told the AFP news agency on Saturday."

Special salmon season proposed for Santa Cruz harbor - Santa Cruz Sentinel


"SANTA CRUZ -- With the salmon fishing season closed this year, and perhaps next, efforts are being made to open a small slice of Santa Cruz waters to anglers anxious to get back in the game.

A plan submitted by a county advisory board calls for limited salmon fishing at the Santa Cruz harbor. The intent is not to reel in the wild chinook, whose dwindling runs prompted cancellation of the fishing season, but to go after hatchery fish that are released in the harbor each year to supplement the recreational catc"

Using a Boat as Wrecking Ball - Video

"A jealous crane operator flipped out after catching his wife cheating and uses her boyfriend's boat has a wrecking ball, This is too crazy to be true, but it's definitely imaginative."

Friday, November 21, 2008

Revised rules at marine sanctuaries allow tow-in surfing at Mavericks - Los Angeles Times


"After seven years of soul-searching, federal officials on Thursday agreed to allow tow-in surfing at California's most famous big-wave riding spot, known as Mavericks, as part of a major expansion of federal rules governing three marine sanctuaries.

The revised rules ban chumming for great white sharks around San Francisco's Farallon Islands for thrill-seeking divers in cages and photo-snapping tourists -- rules that have long been enforced closer to shore in waters colloquially known as the Bloody Triangle for their history of shark attacks."

A Holiday Home on the Move - NYTimes.com


"Launched in April 2007, the Tamsen is deep blue of hull and light and airy in superstructure. It was built by Perini Navi of Viareggio, Italy, one of the yachting world's best-known construction companies.
Each Perini vessel takes around three years to build and costs more than 500,000 euros ($625,000) per meter of length, depending on the degree of customizatio"

Ocean Protection Council Issues Action Plan to Reduce Marine Debris | Surfline | Environmental News

"Place consumer fees statewide on the use of single-use plastic and paper bags
Ban smoking on all state beaches and install cigarette butt receptacles at transition points to reduce the amount of cigarette litter
Prohibit the use of polystyrene take-out food packaging and expanded polystyrene (EPS)
Compel manufacturers to redesign single-use packaging to reduce their likelihood of becoming marine debris, e.g. leashed or tethered bottle caps, lids and straws"

Pot smugglers toss 5 tons of marijuana into sea

"Marijuana smugglers dumped bales of pot worth $32 million into the sea when a Newport Beach-based Coast Guard cutter started chasing a suspicious boat about 100 miles southwest of San Diego."

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Lady Moura Yacht images



"One of the world’s largest luxury yachts in Antibes, in the south of France."

Nice wordpress photoblog!

WildlifeSAIL - Inspire a new generation to understand and care for the oceans


The WildlifeSAIL project is based on a sound strategy and collaborative alliance with various conservation organizations like WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society, NY, USA). The project is well-harmonized between the sailing and adventure know-how provided by the WildlifeSAIL-Group and the science expertise offered by the collaborating conservation organizations.

With the assistance of WCS and other conservation organizations, WildlifeSAIL is assembling a dynamic list of international marine and coastal wildlife conservation field projects that the catamaran WILDLIFE will visit and participate in throughout the WildlifeSAIL project. Conservation field projects are evaluated by their geographic location, optimal seasonal visiting times, and WildlifeSAIL's potential for participation. Field projects visited by WildlifeSAIL are managed by WCS and other international and local conservation groups.

Negotiations for hijacked Saudi oil tanker begin - Wikinews, the free news source


Negotiators are located on board the ship and on land. Once they have agreed on the ransom, it will be taken in cash to the oil tanker. We assure the safety of the ship that carries the ransom. We will mechanically count the money and we have machines that can detect fake money,' the man said. He did not mention any specific amounts for the ransom."

Pirates strike again off Horn of Africa -- chicagotribune.com

NAIROBI, Kenya—Pirates prowling the treacherous waters off the Horn of Africa hijacked another merchant ship Tuesday, at least the fourth in four days.

One shipping company said it was abandoning routes through the area, taking a longer trip around Africa.

The Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship Delight and its 25-person crew were captured Tuesday off the coast of Yemen, Beijing's Xinhua news agency reported, citing the official Maritime Search and Rescue Center. It was hauling 36,000 metric tons of wheat to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, the news service reported.

U.S. forces in the Middle East confirmed the hijacking but could provide no further details."

Marina Orlova

Normally I wouldn't do this, but I couldn't resist. Everyday I scour the web for news related to boating, marinas, and while I found that this has nothing to do with boating, or our waterways, it was very educational none the less!

"Marina Orlova (born December 1980) is a Russian-born philologist (although primarily an etymologist) who has become an internet celebrity, hosting one of the most popular channels on YouTube, HotForWords, and a corresponding website. She also hosts a bi-weekly radio show on Maxim Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio. The theme of Orlova's YouTube videos, which begin with the tagline 'Intelligence is Sexy', and of her website is tracing the origins of English words. Some of her entries focus on common everyday words such as irony and OK, while other address lengthy and rarely used tongue-twisters such as floccinaucinihilipilification and antidisestablishmentarianism. Some entries also address idioms, including 'let the cat out of the bag', 'dressed to the nines' and 'three sheets to the wind' or new words like the verb 'to google'. As a Moscow Times editorial observes, Orlova's success is not solely attributed to her pedagogical value:"

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Ammonoq Submersible Boat Lets You Breath Inside The Water

"Ammonoq is the new name which you will keep saying because it is a new type submarine called submersible boat. This is a completely new type concept with a revolution and it has been equipped with all the necessary things to survive inside the water. The fin wheels of this boat provide a steady movement in the water where as an on-board re-breather of this boat gives the facility to breath completely and safely for the passengers.

On-Hudson.com : New York Boat Show Plenty To See

"If you are planning to visit the 104th New York National Boat Show at New York City's Javits Center take notice. The dates of the show have been changed. This year the popular boat show will run from Dec. 13 to 21.

Show producers are expecting 80,000 boating enthusiasts and more than 1,000 of the newest and best in luxury motor yachts, cruising yachts, sport fishers, bass boats, performance boats, pontoon boats, personal water craft and inflatables. And that's not all. Also on display will be the latest in fishing gear, engines, and marine accessories. And since the economy is slow you should find the best deals of the year."

Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race Wins Tourism Award - Australian Sailing News - YACHTe.com.au

Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race Wins Tourism Award - Australian Sailing News - YACHTe.com.au: "Since 1949, Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC) has been conducting the annual sailing 308 nautical mile pilgrimage to Gladstone each year and celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier this year."

Multi-million warship sets sail | WIVB.com

BUFFALO, N .Y. (WIVB) - A multi-million dollar naval warship is preparing to set sail from Buffalo's Waterfront Monday. The USS Freedom docked in the Queen City for a one day sneak peak at the state of the art prototype.

It was a rare chance to see the newest generation of navy warship, and even the brisk wind howling off Lake Erie wasn't going to keep these folks away. Retired Navyman Jerry Nowak wanted to see what the new Navy is all about."

Pirates Commandeer Busy Shipping Lane : NPR

"India's navy says one of its warships patrolling the Gulf of Aden battled Somali pirates and destroyed one of their so-called mother ships — a supply vessel that helps the pirates operate in open water. The attack occurred Tuesday, the same day Somali pirates hijacked two more ships."

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Norwegian shipping firm to avoid pirate-prone Gulf of Aden | ABS-CBN News Online Beta

"OSLO - Norwegian shipping company Odfjell said Monday it would no longer sail through the pirate-plagued Gulf of Aden, choosing instead the longer, more expensive but also safer route around Cape of Good Hope.

'We will no longer expose our crew to the risk of being hijacked and held for ransom by pirates in the Gulf of Aden,' Odfjell chief executive Terje Storeng said in a statement."

Sail-World.com : Self Healing Yacht Hulls: One Student's Research

We were sailing at night when we hit the whale. We were thrown from our bunks by the collision, which shocked us all, and knocked a large split in the side of the yacht. However, with our self healing hull, only a small amount of water entered before the hole covered again, and the automatic pumps were able to deal with it easily...'

Sounds like stuff from a science fiction movie? In the future, it just may be possible, thanks to a female doctoral student in Lausanne, France."

Saturday, November 15, 2008

GMANews.TV - Yacht for scuba divers to ply RP waters in 2009 - Business - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News -

"MANILA, Philippines - A British yacht operator will operate a cruise vessel for divers covering sites in the Visayas and Palawan starting November next year, the Tourism department said in a statement.

Worldwide Dive and Sail’s 40-meter S/Y Philippine Siren will ply routes from Mactan to Apo Island, from Southern Leyte to Bohol, and from Boracy to Palawan dive sites via the Apo Reef."

Victoria’s Secret Angels Photoshoot Aboard Yacht in Miami Beach | Celeb Gossipz

"Victoria’s Secret Angels are in action in the last couple of says, first they went on a holiday shopping, then they decided to hop into their bikinis while their latest move involves a photoshoot aboard Yacht in Miami Beach. Pretty wild if you ask me! As we said earlier, girls are preparing for The 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that will air on Wednesday, December 3 on CBS."

Solar Hybrid Yacht Shows Electricty and Water Do Mix | Autopia from Wired.com

"Who says water and electricity don't mix? The world's first solar-electric-diesel hybrid yacht will have you impressing the greenies at the Yacht Club and sailing the seas in style.
The Island Pilot DSe Hybrid catches rays with a 6.8 kW solar array that'll get you to Margaritaville and back at 6 knots with zero emissions. But if the sun ain't shining in Cocomo, you can crank up the Steyer Motors parallel hybrid system that mates a 75-horsepower diesel engine and a pair of 36-horsepower electric motors powered by a 20-kilowatt-hour battery pack"

Amwaj Marina is unveiled

"A NEW 60,000 square metre waterway access to the $1.5 billion (BD567 million) Amwaj Islands development has been unveiled.

The circular Amwaj Marina facility has a capacity for 145 berths and will be able to host up to four super-yachts in deepwater berths."

British Teenager To Sail Into Record Books As He Circles The Globe

"A British teenager is set to sail into the record books - by becoming the youngest person to sail around the world single-handed.

Friday, November 14, 2008

In bad economy, boat owners abandon their vessels

"SAN FRANCISCO — From Southern California to Maine, the foundering economy, high fuel prices and poor fishing have driven boat owners to abandon perhaps thousands of vessels on the waterfront, where they are beginning to break up and sink, leaking oil and other pollutants.

Boats have long been a barometer of consumer confidence, disposable income and the overall state of the economy. Now, marina and harbor officials are reporting a sudden increase in the past year in the number of deserted pleasure boats and working vessels."

Monday, November 10, 2008

World news Feed Article

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) - Aging, frail survivors of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor gingerly sifted dirt as they helped to break ground on a new visitor's center for the USS Arizona Memorial."

Spy Tall Ships on the Horizon

Spy Tall Ships on the Horizon|The Sag Harbor Express: "Sag Harbor’s history as a port that has welcomed sailing vessels of all stripes — from clippers and schooners to brigs and barques — is a good reason, some believe, for the village to host a tall ship or two (or more) next year."

20 die in Russian nuclear sub accident

20 die in Russian nuclear sub accident: "VLADIVOSTOK - At least 20 people were killed on board a Russian nuclear submarine, the navy said yesterday, in an accident that exposed the gap between the Kremlin's ambitions and its military capability."

Holy Web!: A team of international archaeologists have set sail from Mexico to seek a sunken city that has been dubbed the "Mayan Atlantis"

Holy Web!: A team of international archaeologists have set sail from Mexico to seek a sunken city that has been dubbed the "Mayan Atlantis": "A team of international archaeologists have set sail from Mexico to seek a sunken city that has been dubbed the 'Mayan Atlantis'.

Quoted by the Mexican newspaper Milenio, team leader Paulina Zelintzky, a Russian archaeologist, said sonar equipment had given indications there could be ancient structures on the ocean floor between Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and Cuba."

Sailing to the Continent -Times Online

Sailing to the Continent -Times Online: "There were eight of us somewhere in the middle of the North Sea, heading for England from Holland on the Trinovante, an 80ft, three-masted schooner. It takes 40 minutes to fly from England to Amsterdam; it’s the best part of 24 hours to sail back. As we emerged from IJmuiden lock to start our crossing at nine o’clock at night, we divided into two watches of four, the theory being that in shifts of four hours, one would work the boat while the other slept. Unfortunately, the wind whistling up from the southwest was dead against us, so we had to motor into it."

Ericsson 4 breaks record in Volvo Ocean Race - International Herald Tribune

Ericsson 4 breaks record in Volvo Ocean Race - International Herald Tribune: "Skipper Torben Grael and his crew covered some 590 nautical miles as a much anticipated cold front hit the fleet Tuesday, bringing with it gale force winds and accelerating the high-tech racing boats toward Cape Town. The record is still subject to ratification, but was a vast improvement on ABN AMRO 2's mark of 562.96 miles in the 2006-07�race."

WHO'S WHO OF YACHT RACING 2009 ANNOUNCED : Yacht Sponsorship

"Pilote Media, publishers of yacht racing business website yachtsponsorship.com, have announced a new directory of professional sailing. The Dark Blue Book - the who’s who of yacht racing will be published in early 2009, containing information about key people and organisations from around the world."

DSe Hybrid Yacht

Yachts are normally not something you would associate with alternative energy, but the DSe Hybrid (diesel, solar, electric) green motor-yacht recently made its eco-debate at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The DSe is making greenish waves with its 6knots electric cruising speed (zero emissions) and 8knots diesel cruising speed. The eco-yacht superstructure is designed to maximize the horizontal surface for the 6kW photovoltaic solar array. The manufacturers predict the DSe will get up to 5knots using only the 6kW solar arrays"

Sail-World.com : A Yacht Purchase - a Life Style Investment

Sail-World.com : A Yacht Purchase - a Life Style Investment: "Money was part of what kept the family from buying a boat for years, even though Ron had long wanted one. Until four years ago, Ron’s wife, Kay, had been home raising their two boys, Dan, now 15 and Will, 17.

'We don’t have trust funds for our kids or oodles of discretionary income,' Ron said. 'So I was the one who kept saying, ‘Do we really need to be spending money like this when we need to get money in the bank for college?’ '

Instead, the Stefanskis came to realize, the boat was an investment in something much more valuable than money.

'When you look at life from that perspective, it’s about creating memories,' he said. 'Because the good moments can be fleeting and they can be peppered with other experiences that you don’t want to be as memorable.'"

Outdoors | The quieter side of Roche Harbor Resort | Seattle Times Newspaper

Outdoors | The quieter side of Roche Harbor Resort | Seattle Times Newspaper: "SAN JUAN ISLAND — Not that Roche Harbor Resort tries to distance itself from its boating-resort roots, but summer comes only once a year.

This historic property, once the site of a lime quarry and manufacturing plant dating to the late 1800s, has tried to broaden its appeal and extend its tourist season. A sculpture park, hiking trails and more shops have been added in recent years. The resort now features a new Frisbee golf course and an amphitheater that is home to a local summer production of Shakespeare. Next spring, an interpretive trail through all the historic landmarks will be ready."

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Massive waves a mystery at Maine harbor - The Boston Globe

Massive waves a mystery at Maine harbor - The Boston Globe: "Dockworker Marcy Ingall saw a giant wave in the distance last Tuesday afternoon and stopped in her tracks. It was an hour before low tide in Maine's Boothbay Harbor, yet without warning, the muddy harbor floor suddenly filled with rushing, swirling water."

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Futuristic Honda The Great Race in 2025 : Combination of Marine, Jet, Robotic, and Automotive | Future Technology

Futuristic Honda The Great Race in 2025 : Combination of Marine, Jet, Robotic, and Automotive | Future Technology: "Here comes something beyond our imagination. The Great Race 2025 is a futuristic concept car created by Honda. This design is surely inspired by some dragon games because the design looks like an unbelievable car with dragon wings that can be used to fight and travel any kind of track. The concept is designed to fulfill all the demands of a great race in 2025 which will be a toughest race ever devised."

Dave Ullman leads after three thrilling races in Annapolis � MARINE BLAST Sailing videos

Dave Ullman leads after three thrilling races in Annapolis � MARINE BLAST Sailing videos: "After a spectacular day of racing in Annapolis at the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship, it is 2007 World Champion Dave Ullman on Pegasus 505 who tops the leader board by three points from another previous world champ, Flavio Favini on SUI 521 Blu Moon."

Curbed SF: No Safe Harbor: Cruise Terminal Suspended

Curbed SF: No Safe Harbor: Cruise Terminal Suspended: "Yes, more bearing of bad construction news. The Port of San Francisco has been left high and dry after another private developer backed out of the long, long-planned building of the Pier 27 cruise terminal. Shorenstein Properties is the third to sign onto the deal and the third to jump ship on the project in the last 15 years. Still, the 'vision' remains: a $60 mill 'moderate renovation' at the terminal with two acres of waterfront open space and storefronts to sustain SF's healthy cruise business."

Yacht Fire In Inner Harbor - Baltimore News, Weather, Channel 2 - WMAR-TV

Yacht Fire In Inner Harbor - Baltimore News, Weather, Channel 2 - WMAR-TV: "On Thursday morning investigators try to figure out what caused a fire that destroyed two yachts at the Harbor View Marina in Baltimore City. Crews arrived on the scene around 11 Wednesday night. Flames fully engulfed both yachts."

Fort Lauderdale boat show opens amid sinking economy | MiamiHerald.com

Fort Lauderdale boat show opens amid sinking economy | MiamiHerald.com: "The 49th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in the world, opens Thursday with plenty of fancy yachts on display amid worries the sour economy could dampen sales."

Sports Briefing - Yacht Racing - Ericsson 4 Breaks Speed Record - NYTimes.com

Sports Briefing - Yacht Racing - Ericsson 4 Breaks Speed Record - NYTimes.com: "Ericsson 4 shattered the 24-hour distance record for a monohull sailing boat on the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, beating the mark set by ABN AMRO 2 in the last race. The skipper Torben Grael and his crew covered 590 nautical miles as a cold front hit the fleet Tuesday, bringing gale-force winds and accelerating the high-tech boats toward Cape Town. The record is subject to ratification, but topped ABN AMRO 2’s mark of 562.96 miles in the 2006-7 race."

Fractional ownership.

News | Yacht & Boat: "“Fractional ownership is one of the fastest-growing global lifestyle trends. An increasing number of time-poor individuals can no longer justify the expense or the worries of spending millions on assets they hardly use” - Pinnacle Magazine {Aug 2008)."

"Marianas Leaders Oppose Bush Plans for Huge Marine Reserve"

"'SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands -- Political leaders in the US-administered Northern Mariana Islands have publicly rebuffed attempts by Washington to persuade them to support a huge marine sanctuary in their waters. A US official said during a visit to the western Pacific territory this week that President George Bush wanted to establish the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument before he leaves office in January. Supporters of the 115,000 square mile (297,850 square kilometre) reserve said it would be an important part of Bush's legacy as he leaves office. 'To be as blunt as possible, we do not feel... that stealing our birthright to curry favour with posterity is appropriate,' Northern Mariana leaders said in a joint letter published Thursday.' AFP had the story October 24, 2008."

Alice Video - Paul Allen's Motor Yacht Tatoosh, a video from yachttrails. tatoosh, paul, allen, microsoft, octopus

Alice Video - Paul Allen's Motor Yacht Tatoosh, a video from yachttrails. tatoosh, paul, allen, microsoft, octopus

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Super-yacht market facing a storm - CNN.com

Super-yacht market facing a storm - CNN.com: "The industry has bucked trends of other sectors with massive growth in recent years, but, the current international financial woes mean the uber-rich are poised to leave the plain rich behind as the market tightens.

With estimations that hundreds of billions, or even trillions, of dollars will be wiped from the assets of the world's wealthiest businessmen and women, the super-yacht industry is sure to be one market that suffers."

Monday, October 27, 2008

BYM Sailing & Sports News

BYM Sailing & Sports News: "It just hurts badly, by just looking at the numbers, and knowing that you sail a course 180 degrees away from that point you want go, it just goes against your nature. But we know that this was the right call. It is like driving in your car, and there is brick wall ahead of you. You keep going straight you know you are in trouble , as you will hit the wall and most likely come to a full stop. Better drive a couple of extra meters to get around the wall , and keep moving."

USS New Hampshire sets sail - Fosters

USS New Hampshire sets sail - Fosters: "PORTSMOUTH — The USS New Hampshire made a grand exit from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard this afternoon as scores of Seacoast residents lined the banks of the Piscataqua River hoping to get one last shot of the nuclear powered submarine before it's departure out to sea."

Fort Myers Yacht Basin wins award for clean marina | news-press.com | The News-Press

Fort Myers Yacht Basin wins award for clean marina | news-press.com | The News-Press: "More than 2,000 marinas provide services to thousands of boaters using Florida’s waters every day. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems, and the staff of the Fort Myers Yacht Basin has made the commitment to help its customers use the best practices to minimize these ecological pressures."

Marianas leaders oppose Bush plans for huge marine reserve

Marianas leaders oppose Bush plans for huge marine reserve: "Political leaders in the US-administered Northern Mariana Islands have publicly rebuffed attempts by Washington to persuade them to support a huge marine sanctuary in their waters."

Why Some Marine Algae Are Shaped Like Crumpled Paper

Why Some Marine Algae Are Shaped Like Crumpled Paper: "Science Daily (Oct. 26, 2008) — What is the connection between crumpled paper and marine algae? Saddle-like shapes similar to those found in an Elizabethan 'ruff' collar, say the physicists at the Laboratory for Statistical Physics at the Ecole normale suprieure."

Yacht workers must be seaworthy | MiamiHerald.com

Yacht workers must be seaworthy | MiamiHerald.com: "Making a career out of the glamorous but challenging work of crewing a yacht requires serious training. This means navigating an ocean of certifications and regulations, and a substantial commitment of time and cash.

At a minimum, most crew working on motor yachts must complete a five-day basic safety course, commonly known as the STCW 95, which covers first aid, basic fire fighting and sea survival -- and costs more than $1,500."

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Are the orcas starving?

Are the orcas starving?: "Showing signs of starvation as salmon runs faltered up and down the West Coast, Puget Sound's orca population lost seven of its number over the past year, bringing the population to just 83, anxious scientists reported Friday.

The development marks the biggest reduction in the orca population since a series of bad chinook salmon seasons in the 1990s battered the killer whales' numbers."

Flying over Sydney Harbor on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Flying over Sydney Harbor on Flickr - Photo Sharing!: "Flying over Sydney Harbor"

Kids help harbor in Project Oyster - BostonHerald.com

Kids help harbor in Project Oyster - BostonHerald.com: "Despite their lengthy absence from the Boston area, oysters are making a comeback to help clean up that (not so) dirty water.

Kid volunteers, ages 3 to 12, from the Massachusetts Oyster Project (MOP) reintroduced 150,000 of the mollusks to Boston Harbor yesterday. Oysters were pushed out of the area more than 50 years ago by overharvesting, pollution and loss of habitat to fill and silt."

Time to stow, stow, stow your boat -- chicagotribune.com

Time to stow, stow, stow your boat -- chicagotribune.com: "Even late leavers in the Chicago harbor system have to pull their boats from the water by Nov. 15—so, now that it's in drydock, is the time to get ready for spring. The Progressive Group, the nation's leading boat insurer, offers these tips:"

For sale at 20m: Saddam's floating palace of bling - Times Online

For sale at 20m: Saddam's floating palace of bling - Times Online: "A super-yacht built in secret for Saddam Hussein and put on sale by the Iraqi government last week is so outdated a shrine to the dictator’s love of gold, marble and mahogany that brokers say it will need an overhaul costing at least as much again as its 20m asking price."

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Dailymotion - Build Your Own Harbor Lego Set 6186 Review, a video from toysforjunior. lego, set, 6186, harbor, toysforjunior.com

Dailymotion - Build Your Own Harbor Lego Set 6186 Review, a video from toysforjunior. lego, set, 6186, harbor, toysforjunior.com: "A review of Lego Set 6186 Build Your Own Harbor. Includes 252 pieces with instructions for the cargo ship, forklift, and crane as well as many other Lego pieces to create with. See more video reviews of toys at http://www.toysforjunior.com"

Historic steamboat may be on last cruise - CNN.com

Historic steamboat may be on last cruise - CNN.com: "(CNN) -- The great paddlewheel turned the Ohio River water to a froth as the Delta Queen steamboat, a floating National Historic Landmark, departed Cincinnati, Ohio, on its final scheduled voyage this week.
The Delta Queen is the last running steam-driven, paddlewheeled overnight passenger boat.

The Delta Queen is the last running steam-driven, paddlewheeled overnight passenger boat.
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The boat is a throwback to the 1800s and the era of Mark Twain, when thousands of steam-driven paddlewheelers plied the Mississippi River system.

The Delta Queen is the last of those operating as overnight passenger boats on U.S. waterways, giving riders a 19th-century experience on cruises complete with the carnival-like sounds of the steam-whistle calliope."

Travel | Maui tour boat fined more than $500,000 for damaging coral | Seattle Times Newspaper

Travel | Maui tour boat fined more than $500,000 for damaging coral | Seattle Times Newspaper: "HONOLULU — Three state land board has fined a Maui tour boat operator more than a half-million dollars for damaging coral reef at Makena Bay.

The board found Makena Boat Partners destroyed hundreds of coral specimens when it dropped anchor in the bay off Maui last year."

Friday, October 24, 2008

Adventurers set sail - with no underwear

Adventurers set sail - with no underwear: "EVERY detail of the epic sailing trip had been planned with absolute precision.

But a last-minute dash to the launderette to pick up the team's clean underwear proved a calamity.

Adventurer Pete Goss, 46, and his three-man crew are retracing an historic voyage aboard the hand-built, wooden 37ft Spirit of Mystery – with no clean underwear for the 12,000-mile, 120-day journey."

Branson quits Atlantic sail record attempt | UK | Reuters

Branson quits Atlantic sail record attempt | UK | Reuters: "LONDON (Reuters) - Richard Branson said on Friday he had abandoned an attempt to make the fastest crossing of the Atlantic in a mono-hull sailing yacht after damage from a severe storm.

The Virgin Group chairman was trying to beat the record of six days, 17 hours and 52 minutes on the course from the Ambrose Lighthouse, just south of New York City, to Lizard Point in Britain."

Sail Salem's first Founders' Cup gets off to windy start - Salem, MA - Salem Gazette

Sail Salem's first Founders' Cup gets off to windy start - Salem, MA - Salem Gazette: "Pete Kane knew it was going to be a tough regatta to win when a sudden gust capsized his 14-foot Laser class sailboat at the start of the second race of the new Sail Salem Founders’ Cup regatta, held off Derby Wharf Oct. 19 in gusty winds and cold temperatures."

Boat owner woe being ramped up | Herald Sun

Boat owner woe being ramped up | Herald Sun: "DISREPAIR and overcrowding at boat ramps are two major issues confronting Victoria's boating fraternity.

Statistics show the state has more than 167,000 registered boats, with 75 per cent used for fishing and 48 per cent of owners listing Port Phillip Bay as their preferred destination.

It means many of the bay's boat ramps are overworked in October and November when the snapper migration hits."

Discovery Channel - Deadliest Catch-Inside the Catch: Fishing Boat Sinks on the Bering

Discovery Channel - Deadliest Catch-Inside the Catch: Fishing Boat Sinks on the Bering: "The fishing boat mentioned in the following news story was a long-liner named the Katmai out of Seattle. Long-liners typically fish swordfish, tuna, halibut and sablefish.* The Katmai was fishing cod in the same area as the Deadliest Catch boats when it sank. None of the Deadliest Catch fleet was involved."

Local: World-class yacht races comes to Pamlico Sound | racing, etchells, oriental : Sun Journal

Local: World-class yacht races comes to Pamlico Sound | racing, etchells, oriental : Sun Journal: "nternational sailboat racing comes to the waters of the Pamlico Sound this weekend.

The Etchells class of racing yachts will hold its 2008 Atlantic Coast Championship off the shores of Pamlico County, hosted by the River Dunes development.

Captains and crews aboard about 10 boats from across North America will sail. There will be a local flavor with sailors Henry Frazer, Mike Craig and Matt Banister of Oriental competing."

Branson yacht confronts 'brutal' seas : thewest.com.au

Branson yacht confronts 'brutal' seas : thewest.com.au: "Billionaire Richard Branson and his giant sailing yacht Virgin Money has confronted 'brutal' seas in a quest to break the world record for crossing the Atlantic.

'Brutal, but amazing,' Sam Branson, son of the British tycoon, wrote in his blog, 24 hours after leaving New York.

'The winds have been up to gale force eight and we've had sea swells up to 35 feet (10 metres) and seen speeds of 30 knots,' Branson wrote."

Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009

Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009: "There is now a five-way tie at the head of the overall points standings, with all eight boats in the fleet through the scoring gate at Fernando de Noronha. On the water, the action remains as tight as you like."

We Sail For The Whale: Russian Ocean Racing Team Uses Volvo Ocean Race To Raise Awareness

We Sail For The Whale: Russian Ocean Racing Team Uses Volvo Ocean Race To Raise Awareness: "Racing around the world in 70 foot carbon fiber sailboats is a unique adventure and using the event to raise cultural and environmental awareness a touching story."

Sailing racers coming | sheboyganpress.com | Sheboygan Press

Sailing racers coming | sheboyganpress.com | Sheboygan Press: "Sheboygan, recently designated as the fourth U.S. Sailing Center in the country, will host the 2010 U.S. Women's Match Racing Championship, officials announced Wednesday.
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The five-day regatta will be held in early September and include 12 sailing teams that qualify for the event based on their international rankings or by winning a qualifying regatta, said Hans Graf, executive director of Sail Sheboygan, which operates U.S. Sailing Center-Sheboygan."

Come sail away | Around Israel | Jerusalem Post

Come sail away | Around Israel | Jerusalem Post: "As always, the holiday season marks the end of summer. Tel Aviv, though still warm, no longer feels like the third level of hell (with the addition of humidity). We have precious little time left to enjoy the sea in the big city, and whether you choose to sit on the beach, swim in the water or do something a bit more adventurous, the Tel Aviv marina offers something for every family's last flirtation with summer."

The Log.com News

The Log.com News: "CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR -- Many newer marinas offer recreation rooms for tenants -- but few offer the same array of amenities as the new boaters’ lounge at Seabridge Marina. The facility, which opened this month, is part of a brand-new complex on the east side of the Seabridge waterfront community that houses the Seabridge Marina office, showers, restrooms and a laundry room."

Thursday, October 23, 2008

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Order lets seals stay at cove till mid-2009

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Order lets seals stay at cove till mid-2009: "LA JOLLA – Score one for the harbor seals in the legal chess match over their La Jolla beach home.

Animal-rights advocates yesterday won what amounts to a stop-work order at the cove, where more than 100 seals live, effectively preventing San Diego officials from harassing or dispersing the animals until the middle of 2009.

“The seals have been given a reprieve, and they will be able to relax,” said Bryan Pease, a San Diego attorney who filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a nonprofit called La Jolla Friends of the Seals."

Columbus replica ship Nina visiting Santa Cruz Harbor - San Jose Mercury News

Columbus replica ship Nina visiting Santa Cruz Harbor - San Jose Mercury News: "In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, and now you can visit a replica of the ship he sailed at the Santa Cruz harbor.

The Nina, called the most historically accurate Columbus ship every built by Archaeology magazine, sailed into Santa Cruz on Tuesday.

At first glance, the boat seems painfully small -- only 66 feet long -- and the structure is authentically bare-bones, right down to the wooden tiller the crew still uses to steer the boat.

Most people are shocked that Columbus and his crew sailed across the Atlantic in a ship so small, said Capt. Kyle Friauf. And they made the voyage three times under conditions that would seem unbearable to modern Americans."

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Flickr: Discussing BOAT Theme Contest -- SUBMISSIONS OPEN through 28 OCT 2008 in Color Photo Award - PREMIER **POST 1: COMMENT 2**

Flickr: Discussing BOAT Theme Contest -- SUBMISSIONS OPEN through 28 OCT 2008 in Color Photo Award - PREMIER **POST 1: COMMENT 2**: "The contest for your best boat shot. Here's to calm seas and smooth sailing...or rowing...or motoring...or paddle-wheeling...or."

A look at the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery Fine marine art in Fairfield

A look at the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery Fine marine art in Fairfield: "On the quaint strip of Post Road that makes up downtown Fairfield is an inauspicious building that was previously an appliance store before it became the holder of an amazing amount of Marine artwork.

The building of 1657 Post Road houses the Greenwich Workshop Gallery, the studio of artists Karl Soderland, and upstairs on the second floor is an elite collection Marine Art, the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery.

'You really can't go anywhere else in the world and see this amount of artists doing marine art in this country,' said Jinishian."

Sub to arrive early: Boat parade Sunday - Fosters

Sub to arrive early: Boat parade Sunday - Fosters: "PORTSMOUTH — A grand welcome is in store for the arrival of the USS New Hampshire Sunday, as the Port City plans to receive the nation's next generation fast attack vessel in style with a boat parade.

The Virginia Class submarine was originally expected to arrive in port on Tuesday, but due to a last-minute scheduling change, the submarine will now arrive two days early."

Saint Croix U.S. Virgin Islands Maritime Safety Information | Coast Guard News

Saint Croix U.S. Virgin Islands Maritime Safety Information | Coast Guard News: "SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Sector San Juan Marine Safety and Security Duty Officers are notifying all facilities and vessels in the San Juan Captain of the Port zone Friday that the port of Christiansted in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, including the Devcon International (WAPA) Channel and the Gallons Bay Terminal are open for operations."

Diving at the Bunaken National Marine Park: Sulawesi | Indonesia Logue

Diving at the Bunaken National Marine Park: Sulawesi | Indonesia Logue: "The coral reefs off Bunaken Island are a divers paradise and should not be missed while you are in Manado, Sulawesi. Relatively unspoiled and magnificent virgin reefs await divers and the drop-off walls at Liang cove has caves, gullies and caverns, harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. Spectacular reef formations begin at about 5 m depth and then plunges downward to form underwater vertical crevices with often reach depth on several hundred meters. On these beautiful reefs, a wonderful collection of marine life thrives. The Bunaken reef is world famous and is a chain of over forty five star dive spots. The Marine Park is spectacular with the greatest concentration of tropical fish and coral species. Clear, warm waters, light currents and calm seas allow easy access to the five islands of the Bunaken-Manado Tua National Marine Park which sits directly offshore of Manado."

Gulfnews: Marine group wants Sammy the Shark tagged and released

Gulfnews: Marine group wants Sammy the Shark tagged and released: "Dubai: The Emirates Marine Environmental Group has urged the release of Sammy the whale shark captured and held by Atlantis-The Palm since August 27.

It has voiced its concern over the status of the captive fish, and hopes that Atlantis will tag and release it into its natural habitat as soon as possible."

News | Yacht & Boat

News | Yacht & Boat: "According to MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ), our waters and coastal environments are coming under increasing threat from “foreign” marine organisms, two-thirds of which have arrived on the hulls of visiting vessels from large merchant ships to small cruising yachts.

One example is the Australian sea squirt, Eudistoma elongatum. Over the past few summers, this unsightly white sausage-like organism has been steadily infecting Northland bays and Dirty propeller not anitfouledharbours. It probably arrived in New Zealand on the hull of an ocean-going vessel and is now so prevalent in the area that it is too widespread to tackle effectively"

Tugboat Fire at Honolulu Harbor | KGMB9 News Hawaii | (KGMB9)

Tugboat Fire at Honolulu Harbor | KGMB9 News Hawaii | (KGMB9): "Fire investigators are trying to figure out what started a fire onboard a tugboat at Honolulu Harbor.

It happened just after 3:30 p.m. at Pier 22.

Fire officials say the blaze was contained to a room on the deck but caused a lot of smoke.

A couple crew members on board had to be taken to the hospital

There were two members on board the tug at the time of the fire,' said Capt. Terry Seelig of HPD. 'They were attempting to control the fire when we arrived, they are being evaluated for possible smoke inhalation.'

The fire was extinguished about 40 minutes later. No word yet on the cost of damages."

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Marine debris

Marine debris expert speaking in Honolulu | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser: "Charles Moore, discoverer of the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch,' will speak Wednesday at a marine debris forum at the State Capitol auditorium and at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Theatre on Thursday, it was announced today by Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawai'i."