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."