Power vs sail: Time to deep six this old myth

"Perhaps you’ve heard of the alleged rivalry between power boaters and sailors. Power boaters hate sailors, so the thinking goes, because sailboats creep along at 5 kts, zigzag unpredictably and hog the right of way. Sailors hate power boaters because powerboats ruin the peace with their loud engines, foul the air with their exhaust and break things with their wakes."

Sailing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In this TED talk, Captain Charles Moore describes the global journey of plastic pollution as it circulates via the North Pacific Gyre to a floating garbage patch twice the size of Texas. Along the way, Albatross mothers mistake floating bottle caps and cigarette lighters for food to feed their young, leaving their chicks to die of starvation once the plastic waste has filled their stomachs. We'll never trawl the ocean clean of plastic, says Moore, but one thing we can do is discard the "throwaway lifestyle" that became popular in the 1950s.

Sea lion traps set to resume on Columbia River | Greenspace | Los Angeles Times

"The one-sided love affair between the California sea lion and the succulent salmon of the Columbia River has been going on since time immemorial, with salmon typically coming out the losers in the affair.

But with many West Coast salmon runs now endangered or threatened, fisheries officials have been struggling to find ways to keep salmon off the menu, at least near Bonneville Dam on the border between Washington and Oregon, where sea lions have learned to gather for easy feasts. In 2007, sea lions ate about 3,800 of the 88,474 salmon that passed through the dam."

EPIC Wakeboats Introduces the World’s First Electric Hybrid Sport Boat

"EPIC Wakeboats, manufacturer of the world’s first wakeboat, announced today the release of the world’s first electric hybrid sport boat, the EPIC 23E.

Propelled entirely by a silent and emissions-free electric motor, the EPIC 23E marks a new era for the sport boat industry. Designed with an electric drive system, the EPIC 23E uses half the fuel of its combustion-powered equivalent, making the boat more economical and fuel-efficient."

Local eighth-grader publishes sailing book - Annapolis - (HometownAnnapolis.com)

"Taylor Michie, 13, has enjoyed writing ever since he first learned how to shape letters. So, after the Volvo Ocean Race came to Baltimore in 2006, the Annapolis youth decided to write a story as his way of being part of the event.

What began as a short story project in fifth grade has become a 108-page book. The eighth-grader at St. Mary's Elementary School in Annapolis has just released his self-published book, 'Racing Winds.'"

6-year-old, father save elderly man in harbor - Juneau Empire

"Keen eyesight and quick thinking by a six-year-old girl helped save an 83-year-old man from drowning Sunday in icy waters near downtown Juneau.

Erin Cole, 6, was walking with her father and her two-year-old brother near Aurora Harbor when she spotted an elderly man who had fallen off his boat."

4 Jump Into Bay When Boat Burns Off Eliott Key

"A fire aboard a luxury yacht forced 4 people aboard to jump into the waters of Biscayne Bay Sunday morning. They survived but the boat was heavily damaged by the fast moving fire.

A fireboat from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue were called to an area off Eliott Key after the fire sent a huge plume of smoke over the bay which were spotted by someone at Matheson Hammock park who called 911."

Biggest boat floats to port

"The world’s largest auto-carrying ship made its first U.S. stop Monday at the Port of Portland.

The Morning Lisa, with a capacity of 8,011 cars, belongs to Seoul, Korea-based Eukor Car Carriers Inc., one of the world’s largest auto transport firms.

The ship off-loaded at least 1,000 Hyundai vehicles at one of the port’s three auto facilities, said port spokesman Josh Thomas."

My First Solo Sail

"I was a school teacher who gave up a great deal; my career, my apartment, and many of my things, to follow my dreams. Now I live on a 27ft sailboat with only my cat, Dory, for company. Follow my journey as I sail the coast and discover what simple living means to me."

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British Couple Saved After 40 Days Stranded At Sea - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News

"Stuart Armstrong, 51, and his partner Andrea Davison, 48, are heading back to Britain on board the supertanker Indian Point.

Although unhurt, they were tired, exhausted and grateful to be returning home after their six-week ordeal in which they 'stared death in the face.'

The drama began on Jan. 9, six days after the couple left the Cape Verde Islands off the West Coast of Africa on board their yacht Sara."

Avalon Clean Up Dive

"The Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup is an annual dive event held in Avalon Harbor at Catalina Island once a year on the Saturday following President’s Day. The event was started in the 1970’s by the local dive community in an effort to cleanup Avalon Harbor, and this event is the only time diving is permitted there. The event has grown over the years to become one of the most publicized and popular dive events in Southern California.

Besides offering divers the opportunity to dive in Avalon Harbor, the event brings together a large number of people who share common interests – diving and Catalina. Last year we had over 520 divers who had a great time retrieving things from the harbor as well as celebrating the event. There are numerous parties around town on both Friday and Saturday nights as divers revel in the warm friendly atmosphere of Catalina Island. Several dive clubs also have made this event one of their premier social events of the year."

NATO anti-piracy flotilla to sail in March

"NATO's new anti-piracy flotilla will leave next month bound for the Horn of Africa where it will join an EU task force already patrolling the region, Germany's defense minister said on Friday.

Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung said Germany will contribute a frigate and a tanker to the six-vessel naval squadron. They will join the EU task force, code-named Operation Atalanta, which is the first naval action undertaken by the bloc."

Man accused of sinking his own yacht

"Felony insurance fraud charges have been filed against a Seattle man accused of sinking his own yacht in a fit of rage brought on by the boat's mechanical problems.

According to court documents, Brian A. Lewis was piloting the Jubilee from Bainbridge Island to Seattle on March 22 when he scuttled the motor yacht halfway through his journey.

As the boat sank, Lewis, 50, rowed a borrowed dingy back to Bainbridge Island."

Bremerton Marina, 40th marina to join the Clean Marina team

"OLYMPIA – The Bremerton Marina, operated by the Port of Bremerton, has become the 40th marina to be certified as a Clean Marina Washington participant and is considered a 'crown jewel' of the Downtown Bremerton revitalization project.

The marina, which opened for business in May 2008, leases moorage slips of 36 to 60 feet with additional side-tied moorage available for larger vessels. Guest moorage also is available year round.

The marina reviews its best management practices with new tenants and describes the actions the marina and tenants will use to preserve the marine environment. All moorage tenants must sign and agree to the principles outlined in the document."

Row, Row, Row Your Boat - Across the Atlantic Ocean

"This isn't your average trip across the pond.

A New York man plans to make his second attempt to row a boat across the Atlantic Ocean, the New York Times reports.

Victor Mooney, 43, will attempt to row from Senegal to Queens to raise awareness about AIDS prevention.

Mooney tried three years ago to row a boat from Africa back to the States, but was derailed when his homemade rowboat filled with water off the coast of Senegal."

New Condos and Marina in Newport Beach

"With the thumbs-up from the California Coastal Commission, the developers can construct their upscale vision of 27 condos and 36,000 square feet of office and retail/commercial development at 2300 Newport Blvd.

Visitors can take a scenic walk around the bayfront on the planned 435-foot public walkway, and passersby on the street side will enjoy a wide window to the bay, according to plans.

A key component of the project is the reconstruction of a 21-slip marina and the addition of 12 temporary docks for visiting vessels."

Sailing solo around world non-stop at 15

"A 15-year-old girl planning to sail solo and non-stop around the world starting in November is this week experiencing the rugged Southern Ocean in advance.
Australia-based Jessica Watson's preparation for the round-the-world attempt includes joining the crew of the Evohe sailing boat on a trip from Bluff to the Auckland Islands.
The trip would allow her to experience the cold Southern Ocean conditions ahead of her solo attempt, she said. All going to plan, she will embark on her world trip from Brisbane in November, sailing a 34-foot yacht with enoughfood and equipment aboard to last eight months and 2200 nautical miles."

In June, buy a yacht with Microsoft Surface onboard!

Starting in June, there will finally be a way to purchase your very own Microsoft Surface tabletop computer—and it comes with a yacht. Ok, ok, I guess it's more like the computer comes with the yacht, but in either case, this is definitely not the $1,500 price tag that Microsoft was mulling in October 2008. Although Microsoft has more than once hinted that it is interested in releasing the Microsoft Surface to the general public, assuming that it can bring the price down enough, that time has not yet arrived.

EDP24 - Iconic wherry Albion to sail again

"At 111 years old, the wherry Albion could be excused for showing the effects of decades being exposed to the elements, but now the grand old lady of the Broads is set to enjoy a new lease of life.

A winter makeover at the Excelsior Yard in Oulton Broad, where she was built in 1898, is now complete and she has returned to her based in Ludham, ready to offer people the chance for a nostalgia-filled trip on the Broads.

Norfolk Wherry Trust, which maintains and sails Albion, has spent �70,000 on replacing her keel and rotting timbers over the past two winters.

Roger Watts, the trust's project co-ordinator, said: “This is the biggest job we have ever had to undertake and we are still not finished."

Sailors' Series launches at Whaling Museum

"Relish the tales of historic seafaring celebrities — raiders, whalers, yachts and warships of the 1860s to the 1950s — straight from the mouths of experts who know about them best during the Whaling Museum's upcoming Sailors' Series.

Leading with the first of four illustrated maritime lectures during the coming months is author and part-time Marion resident Randall Peffer, who will introduce us to the legacy of Confederate Naval Commander Raphael Semmes Tuesday."

Sailing provides lessons in nature

"Mid-September 2008 found us sailing on a tall ship among Washington state's beautiful San Juan Islands, while the Gulf Coast suffered Hurricane Ike's approach and landfall. We had no telephone or Internet capacity available. But we had several lessons in nature's ways.
The tall ship sails during warm-weather months to offer mostly young people an opportunity to learn a little about sailing and also caring for our natural resources."

History to sail into Ventura Harbor next week

"The heavily armed clipper schooner Lynx will be on display soon. The 122-foot square topsail vessel will sail into Ventura Harbor at 3 p.m. Tues., Feb. 24 , firing from her main battery of 6-pounder carronades upon her grand entrance. The sailboat is similar to a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812. Dockside tours for $5 will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1, and an adventure sail is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. each day, $65 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under"

Teen continues sailing the world

Where in the world is Zac Sunderland? The Southern California adventure sailor is still in Cape Town, South Africa, where he has been living it up since rounding the Cape of Good Hope two weeks ago. But the parties, concerts and many friends the 17-year-old has made must be left behind, as it's time to resume his unlikely quest to become the youngest person to solo-circumnavigate the planet.
Unlikely because England's Mike Perham, who is slightly younger, is attempting the same feat aboard a much larger and faster boat. Perham's boat, named after his sponsor, is a 50-foot racing yacht. Sunderland's boat, which is not sponsored, is a 36-foot Islander, built more for cruising.
Perham, who is expected to complete his journey in early spring, had planned a nonstop voyage. But he has been forced to port more than once for repairs and he has a rough Southern Ocean sail ahead of him. Sunderland expects to arrive in Los Angeles in late spring or early summer.

Harbor Church Moves To Koko Marina

"Harbor Church has a new location for its church worship services, dockside at Koko Marina just above Jamba Juice. Sunday evening services begin at 5:00 pm. Harbor was invited to share space with South Shore Christian Fellowship, which offers worship services on Sunday mornings."

Hawaii Ecotourism Association announces 2009 Ecotour Operator of the year - Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Named

"HONOLULU, HI — The Hawaii Ecotourism Association (HEA), an association of conscientious tour operators and responsible travel supporters, today announced Hawaiian Sailing Canoe as 2009’s Ecotour Operator of the year award winner.
Each year, HEA recognizes a member company for their commitment to the principles of ecotourism and sustainable travel in Hawaii with the Ecotour Operator of the Year award. Submissions for the reviewed status designation by HEA members are evaluated by means of a peer-review process conducted by a panel of HEA members who score each candidate’s performance in the areas of environmental conservation, cultural and historical stewardship, contributions to local community, and education and training."

Jersey Boating

"Spring is almost here...it really is, and to help you get in the mood, here's one more boat show to visit.

The annual New Jersey Spring Boat Show put on by MAC Events comes to the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison Thursday through Sunday Feb. 19-22. Some 70 brands of boats ranging from 15 to 35 feet will be displayed. Vendors of accessories and services will be on hand, and the Fisherman magazine will present seminars for anglers."

Marine experts launch yacht club roadshow

GREAT idea!!

"Four of Britain's best known marine brands have come together to launch a series of 'Meet the Expert' road shows to be delivered in selected yacht clubs during March and April this year.

Henri Lloyd, Hyde Sails, Tacktick and Spinlock will be offering yacht club members the chance to hear the latest in product innovation, top tips for the forthcoming season and information about new product launches. Experts from the manufacturers will be on hand to answer members' questions and queries as well as offering invaluable inside knowledge on how to get the best out of your equipment for the forthcoming season.

The series of free road shows will take the form of informal evening events with drinks and practical presentations from the marine specialists together with product demonstrations and the chance to win a goodie bag of manufacturers' prizes worth around �800."

HeraldNet: Sentencing postponed for Everett yacht broker

"EVERETT, Washington — An Everett yacht broker will have another two weeks to pay on the more than $950,000 he owes the state for failing to pay sales taxes he collected from customers.

A Snohomish County judge on Tuesday delayed the sentencing for Ronald J. Sperry until March 4. The former vice commodore of the Everett Yacht Club pleaded guilty in November to first-degree theft and 16 counts of filing a false tax return."

Two tall ships set to dock Thursday in San Francisco - San Jose Mercury News

Bay Area residents with a taste for the pirate's life will have a chance to survey the Bay from the highest yard of a main mast when two tall ships dock in San Francisco for a two-week port-of-call beginning Thursday.
The "Lady Washington," the official ship of the state of Washington and a replica of a tall ship of the same name that claimed to be first American vessel to make landfall on the West Coast of North America in 1788, will accompany the topsail ketch "Hawaiian Chieftain" at Pier 40 on the San Francisco waterfront from Feb. 19 to March 5.
While in port, both ships will offer the public three-hour "battle sails" featuring live cannon fire and family-oriented "adventure sails." While anchored, "tours aloft" will invite seafarers of any age to climb the rigging to the top of the main masts, 89 feet on the "Lady Washington" and 75 feet on the "Hawaiian Chieftain," according to the seaport authority.
The trip aloft will cost about $20 and be supported by a full body harness secured by crew members.

Global warming affects adrenaline rush

"Sleek and built to race, the narrow boat hulls are fixed on a base of three gleaming blades and sports sails like those used in windsurfing to harness wind power and roar across frozen water.

'It's the speed that gives you an adrenaline rush,' says Tomasz Zakrzewski, ranked number fourth in the world in the DN class ice boat racing. Sailing on ice is his passion.

'Among the disciplines that use wind and sails, it is the fastest. We sail at three times the speed of the wind,' he said on a recent day when despite low winds, ice boats were cruising at 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour."

Marine Life Explorers Find Same Species at Both Poles

"WASHINGTON, DC, February 16, 2009 (ENS) - Gray whales are one of at least 235 species that live in both polar seas despite a distance of more than 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles) between them, Census of Marine Life explorers said today. After centuries of whaling, these whales had been thought to remain only in the North Pacific and along the west coast of North America.
In addition to the gray whales, Census of Marine Life scientists found that both poles share in common many birds, worms, crustaceans, and snail-like pteropods. DNA analysis is underway to confirm whether the species at the South Pole are indeed identical with those at the North Pole."

The Associated Press: Mexico says US firm can't explore shipwreck

"MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico has denied a U.S. sea salvage company's request to explore and recover artifacts from a sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon in the Gulf, the government said Monday.
The ship in question, the galleon Our Lady of Juncal, was part of a fleet hit by a powerful storm in 1631 in 'one of the greatest tragedies that has ever occurred in Mexican waters,' according to Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History.
The proposal by Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. of Tampa, Florida, 'is not intended to conduct research and does not have the approval of archaeologists or an academic institution of recognized prestige,' the Institute said. It added that 'treasure hunters have always had their eyes on' the wreck site."

Abu Dhabi real estate developer to build 3500 yacht berths in capital city

"Aldar Marinas, a division of Abu Dhabi based real estate developer - ALDAR Properties, has plans to build around 3500 yacht berths in 14 marinas across Abu Dhabi. The first Aldar marinas to become operational will be at Yas Island and Al Raha Beach destinations, with each marina providing facilities catering for entry level boating to destination yachting.

John Bullough, Chief Executive, ALDAR Properties, said, 'By providing a broad range of leisure marine facilities and services to Abu Dhabi's coastline, ALDAR aims to create a safe, sustainable and enjoyable recreational boating culture in the emirate'."

Seattle Boating Examiner: Tax benefits of owning a boat

"Turns out owning a boat can actually be a benefit during tax time. Usually as boaters we are spending money on our boats and moorage but once a year it can pay us instead in the form of reduced taxes."

J/BOATS LAUNCHES FIRST SHALLOW DRAFT DAYSAILER: THE J/95

"Barrington, R.I. – Just when I thought I'd sell the sailboat and cash it all in....CrossCurrent Marine, a global purveyor of luxury products and services, and the exclusive J/Boats distributor in the southeast, announced today the first shoal draft daysailer from J/Boats, the J/95.

The industry’s newest one-design daysailer with a shoal draft feature, the J/95 incorporates an innovative keel/centerboard and twin rudder design. Emphasizing form stability, the J/95’s easily driven shape provides excellent upwind performance even when the keel board is up. Ideal for shallow water performance, the J/Boats J/95 provides a spirited, safe sailing experience and opens up new cruising grounds that were previously inaccessible to sailors in the southeast and other locations worldwide."

Under The Sea 3D

"Under the Sea 3D, a new IMAX 3D adventure, transports moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including Southern Australia, New Guinea and others in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea."

Sailing boats start Leg 5 of Volvo Ocean Race_English_Xinhua

"Sailing boats start the Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 in the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, Feb. 14, 2009. Sailing boats attending the Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 set sails from the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in Qingdao on Saturday and headed to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)"

Fleet of 43 set sail for circumnavigating Tasmania Cruise

"The Van Diemens Land Circumnavigation, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania’s biennial cruise around the island state, set sail from Hobart on Wednesday with the fleet of 30 boats making good progress up the east coast in excellent sailing conditions.

The RYCT sets a 45-boat limit on the VDL Circumnavigation and this year 43 boats are taking part, with the boats from Hobart being joined by another four when they reach the mouth of the Tamar River later this month and another nine at Port Phillip Bay in Victoria."

FT.com / Weekend / Pursuits - Extreme ocean racing

"They gave me a red shirt and I put it on to look like one of the crew, taking up my position opposite a giant from New Zealand who everyone called “Meat”.

As the ship’s “grinders”, our job was to power the winch that trims and hoists the sails. “Stand with your legs wider to get the balance right. That’s better,” said Meat, known to his nearest and dearest as Andrew Taylor. Meat and I alternated our hands on the machine’s handles, mine soft and white, his like two prime cuts of best beef.

Six of us wound at the pedestals to raise the powerful mainsail of Puma, the Open 70, that is currently in third place in the Volvo Ocean Race, the world’s most extreme team sailing race."

Beaches may harbor staph bacteria: U.S. study

"CHICAGO (Reuters) - Swimmers at crowded public beaches are likely to bring home more than a bit of sand in their bathing suits, according to U.S. researchers, who said as many as one in three swimmers may be exposed to contagious staph bacteria.

They said people who swim in subtropical marine waters have a 37 percent higher risk of being exposed to staph bacteria, including an antibiotic resistant staph known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

'We think that people are the instruments for bringing their organisms into the water and leaving it behind,' Dr. Lisa Plano of the University of Miami told reporters at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Chicago on Friday"

Marina Del Rey

"Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The sailing fleet of the decidedly low key race to Puerto Vallarta has arrived at the finish where Margaritas await. Since starting out from Marina Del Rey, California on January 31st, the boats have sailed 1,034 nautical miles (in 4 legs), to arrive in sunny PV, where they were greeted by cheers from family and friends."

Pelicans, gulls delight during Cortez sailing - News - Starbulletin.com

"SAN CARLOS, Sonora, Mexico � During my monthlong sailing trip in the Sea of Cortez, one of my favorite pastimes was watching seabirds fish.

This didn't require any keen-eyed bird watching. All I had to do was sit in the cockpit.

That's what I was doing one morning in a quiet anchorage called Partida Cove when it began raining pelicans. For about half an hour, dozens of brown pelicans plunged from the air to the water in spectacular crashes, each splash as big and loud as a person falling overboard."

Sailing news as it happens - Yachts and Yachting Online

"The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has today expressed its disappointment at the DfT’s (Department for Transport) consultation paper regarding draft regulations for alcohol limits for non-professional mariners and inland boaters, which the RYA describes as being misguided.

The DfT consultation document proposes that alcohol limits should not apply to vessels with an overall length of less than 7 metres and a “maximum design speed” not exceeding 7 knots.

Gus Lewis, Government and Legal Affairs manager for the RYA commented: “First and foremost, the RYA does not condone being drunk whilst in charge of a boat. The RYA also supports the DfT’s proposals to exempt certain craft from the application of the legislation. However, the RYA believes that the DfT’s proposals are badly drafted in that few, if any, boaters are likely to be aware of the theoretical “maximum design speed” of their craft. We want to make sure that any new rules are clear, sensible and readily understandable."

Historic LI yacht club closes

"After 135 years of sailing and socializing, Long Island's second-oldest yacht club has shut down and put its Port Washington waterfront property up for sale.

Knickerbocker Yacht Club officers say their club sank under the weight of declining membership, a sagging economy and changing lifestyles. They and officials of other Island yacht clubs say they know of no other clubs that have folded during the economic downturn"

Yachting: Our reporter Dana goes along for the ride - Sport - NZ Herald News

"It may not be so memorable to you, but for me, Team New Zealand's win over China Team in round robin one of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series would have to rate as one of the best moments of the regatta. In fact it could quite possibly have been the greatest yacht race of all time.

Slightly hyperbolic perhaps, but it's not often that we in the media get the chance to be a part of the performance"

Sail a small boat day

"In a small boat you're with the water and wind and in the water and wind. It demands all of your attention to make the boat go fast -- it is the perfect mind-clearing experience.
-Doug Kidder, President of Kidder Racing, maker of the Hoot

Doug hits on exactly why small boats are fun. You are connected to the water more and the sailing is more pure. Not only are small boats more fun but since they are cheaper and easier to transport, they are more accessible than big boats."

Drunk sailing to be banned in Venice

"It has been illegal to drive under influence in Italy for ages, but not in Venice. In Venice they don’t drive, they sail, and in Italy is hasn’t been illegal to sail a boat while drunk or under the influence of drugs.

This is about to change now.

An amendment to a law called “Milleproroghe” (”A thousand deferments”) will make it illegal to sail a recreational boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for the first time ever. Offenders can lose their license to sail and be fined up to €8000."

Groupama 3

"France - While attempting the Jules Verne Trophy a year ago, Franck Cammas and his nine crew capsized the sailboat Groupama 3 off the coast of New Zealand. Just before the dramatic capsize, the trimaran was sailing 24 hours ahead of the reference time set by the current Jules Verne Trophy record holder Orange II, and all eyes were on Franck and his team to beat Bruno's world record. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be"

FINE ART: NEWPORT HARBOR

"I liked the reflections of the boats and buoys in the quiet harbor waters. This was painted during a plein air workshop I taught in Newport Beach. The view is from Balboa Island, facing toward the “Fun Zone” on the peninsula very near the ferry landing.

Thanks for stopping to look. Have a peaceful day."

Yacht owners to be subject to breathalyser drink-drive rules - Telegraph

"When the new laws come into force later this year, any sailor making unsteady progress back to shore will be detained by 'marine officials' until the police are called to administer a breath test.
Anyone found guilty of the offences would face a maximum fine of �5,000 at a magistrates court.
The legal drink-drive limit is 80mg per 100 millilitres of blood."

Matsu worshipers to sail from Chiayi to Meizhou in Fujian - Taiwan News Online

"Taipei, Feb. 11 (CNA) A group of over 400 worshipers of Matsu -- known as the Chinese Goddess of Sea or Empress of Heaven to believers around the world -- will sail directly from Budai Port in southern Taiwan's Chiayi County to Meizhou Island in China's Fujian Province Thursday.
The pilgrimage, organized by the Tienhou Temple in Chiayi City, dedicated to Matsu, will take the visitors to the Tienhou Temple in Meizhou Island, which is the ancestral temple for the large number of Matsu followers across the globe, including those in Taiwan."

Work on a Boat | Find Yacht Jobs

"Have you ever wanted to work on a yacht? Get paid to sail around the world? Get a cruise ship job? This site is a growing resource of links and information about working on boats!"

Millionaire Michael sells his yacht

"Packing magnate Michael Smurfit is selling his luxury yacht for €16.5m after buying it eight years ago for more than €40m.

Fifty metres in length and containing six luxury cabins, the Lady Ann Magee is capable of accommodating 12 guests.

A jacuzzi, a swimming pool and an en-suite sauna are among the features of the 12-crew boat.

For the past number of years, the yacht has been available to charter for €200,000 a week."

Sail-World.com : Marina of the week: Marsden Cove in New Zealand

"Located on the north island of New Zealand, half way between the cruising grounds of the Bay of Islands and the capital of Auckland, is Whangarei Harbour, and here you will find New Zealand's new port of entry, located in the new and luxurious Marsden Cove Marina.

Cruising Yachts of the world will find arrival into New Zealand a simple process by using Whangarei Harbour and the services of the marina"

Pair 'sails along' in dream jobs

"A LONG way from home two Darling Downs women are sailing along in their dream jobs.

While their friends chose to head to university Anita Davis, from Chinchilla and Crystal Lacey, from Meringandan, chose the magically scenic Whitsunday Islands as an office when they finished school.

Miss Davis is now a hostess on the refurbished prize-winning yacht, the Maxi Ragamuffin and Miss Lacey is a dive instructor.

Miss Lacey, a former Toowoomba State High School student, takes pride in being one of the youngest dive instructors in the world.

She believes there are only four other 18-year-old dive instructors.

Miss Lacey always wanted to work with marine animals."

Economy sinks, boating booms Tasmania News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania

"WHEN the going gets tough, Tasmanians go boating.

While other retail sectors are slowing because of the global financial crisis, the retail boat business is still booming.

On December 31 last year, there were 26,571 registered recreational boats in Tasmania and almost 50,000 people, or one in 10 Tasmanians, held a licence to operate those boats.

'Sales have not backed off at all. We were flat out on Tuesday with customers coming in looking at new boats,' a Hobart boat dealer said."

Economy sinks, boating booms Tasmania News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania

"WHEN the going gets tough, Tasmanians go boating.

While other retail sectors are slowing because of the global financial crisis, the retail boat business is still booming.

On December 31 last year, there were 26,571 registered recreational boats in Tasmania and almost 50,000 people, or one in 10 Tasmanians, held a licence to operate those boats.

'Sales have not backed off at all. We were flat out on Tuesday with customers coming in looking at new boats,' a Hobart boat dealer said."

Local News | Construction at Ballard Locks to slow boat traffic | Seattle Times Newspaper

"Boat traffic in both directions through the Ballard Locks will be slowed by construction work for three to four days, starting 7 a.m. Monday.

The large channel on the west end of the locks will be restricted in width due to a large crane barge doing reconstruction work on the north bank.

There will be room for vessels to pass, said locks-operations manager Dave Carpenter, but barges may need an additional tugboat to navigate the narrower passage.

Vessels and boaters should ensure they have any additional handling equipment and crew before entering the lock.

The large crane barge will stay in place overnight during the work period."

Ship ahoy as wooden boat festival sets sail

"Tasmania's wooden boat festival has opened with a parade of sail up the River Derwent.

During the four-day festival 600 boats will be on display on the water and around Hobart's docks.

Among those on the water will be the tall ships Young Endeavour, Enterprize, Windeward Bound and the Sydney ship James Craig which once called Tasmania home."

Sail-World.com : Transpacific Yacht Race Organisers announce new trophy

"Organizers of the 2,225 mile Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu have announced a new perpetual trophy for competitors in the Open Division.

The newly established Open Division was created for those monohulls which utilize waivers under the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) for movable ballast and/or the use of powered sail handling gear. These entries will be eligible for a new shortest elapsed time trophy which is currently under development by TPYC. This perpetual award is intended to be a trophy that emphasizes the high-tech, unlimited, modern world of yacht racing - truly created for those yacht owners that push the edge of design, development, and performance."

Reduce CO2 emissions or watch our marine life suffer - Carbon Offsets Daily

"The surface ocean currently absorbs about one-fourth of the CO2 emitted to the atmosphere from human activities, namely from fossil-fuel combustion, deforestation, and cement production. As this CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, increasing ocean acidity. Since industrialization began in the 18th century, surface-ocean acidity has increased by 30%.

This increase is now threatening the survival of coral reefs, shellfish and other marine organisms, the group claims. In fact, they issued a dire warning that if policymakers fail to make changes then by 2050 “ocean acidification may render most regions chemically inhospitable to coral reefs.”"

Google Earth dives into the oceans - Los Angeles Times

"Google Earth is one of the Internet search company's most popular products. The software has been downloaded to half a billion computers.

The oceans project was inadvertently launched by a remark from renowned marine scientist Sylvia Earle to John Hanke, who helped create Google Earth. She loved the program, but she told Hanke that it had left out two-thirds of the planet.

'She turned to me with an evil grin and said: 'Why don't you rename it Google Dirt?' That kind of got under my skin,' Hanke recalled. 'She was right. We had been blind to the ocean.'"

NSF Ocean Observatories Initiative

"The oceans of earth are crucial to the quality of life on land. Yet they are mysterious, dangerous, and unexplored. Our mission is to launch a new era of human discovery in our oceans by providing electrical power and high speed internet connectivity throughout large portions of the global ocean. This novel solution will allow land-based scientists, engineers, educators and public to remotely interact with erupting volcanoes, migrating fish, major earthquakes, huge storms, powerful currents, massive blooms of microscopic life, and subtle climatic variability as if those humans were actually in the ocean environment."

Legendary British warship 'found'

"Ahead of the expected announcement at a news conference in London on Monday, Odyssey Marine Exploration's CEO Greg Stemm said the firm was negotiating with Britain over collaborating on the project.

'This is a big one, just because of the history,' Mr Stemm was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

'Very rarely do you solve an age-old mystery like this.'

Mr Stemm declined to reveal the exact location of the warship's remains.

'We found this more than 50 miles (80km) from where anybody would have thought it went down,' he said.

HMS Victory has been described by some maritime experts as 'the finest ship in the world' at its time.

It sank with more than 1,100 seamen aboard, including Admiral Sir John Balchen, in a fierce storm off the Channel Islands.

The ship's exact location has since remained a mystery, despite numerous attempts by salvagers to find it.

The vessel had 100 brass cannons and reportedly some 100,000 gold coins on board."