Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Sailing in St.Thomas

"US Virgin Islands - Sailboats from around the world gathered in St. Thomas this past weekend, to sail the clear blue Caribbean waters at the International Rolex Regatta. Over 60 teams competed, sailing all types of boats from little Hobie 16 beach cats all the way up to Kialoa V, a Frers 80 which was the largest yacht in the fleet.

As usual, the sailors enjoyed magnificently sailing, tacking and gybing their way around the various cuts, cays and islands off the east end of St. Thomas. 'Wandering through the islands was spectacularly beautiful,' said Ron O'Hanley, sailing the Cookson 50 yacht Privateer. 'It was also very tricky,' added the boat's navigator. 'You don't want to give the islands too much of a berth because then you're going a longer distance, but you also don't want to hit the rocks.'"

Musto Millet Ski-Yachting 2009

Someday I'm going to compete in this event!

"The Musto Millet Ski-Yachting competition is being held for the thirteenth time in Norway. This unique event, which marks the end of the skiing season and the opening of the sailing season, unites great alpinists and sailors in a spectacular competition both on the snow and on the water. To enter this competition, each crew must consist of at least one female member. In order to win this competition, the team must do well both on the slalom slopes on Friday afternoon, and in the fleet race in the Melges 24 on Saturday"

Monday, March 30, 2009

Disney Cruise Line to Port at LA Harbor

"The Port of Los Angeles will become home port for the Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Wonder beginning in 2011 -- a move city officials today said will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for the city and state.

The two-year agreement to bring the ship to the San Pedro area is expected to be approved by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners on Thursday. The contract will include a three-year extension option, which would allow the Disney Wonder to operate out of the port for a total of five years."

Lucky Dog - How to Make a Yacht Refit into a Home

When I first met Troy and Winnie Standish on Lucky Dog, I couldn’t believe that two people could turn a 1980 80’ Paasch raised pilothouse motor yacht into such a comfortable home – for themselves, Reno, a 135 lb. German shepherd (who is indeed one lucky dog), and three cats Kiki, Presley & Morgan.

Troy Stanish, from Poole England, has been on the water all of his life in power boats; Winnie, a native of southern Florida is an also a diver, swimmer and water sport enthusiast. After meeting in Spain on a holiday in 1994, they married and moved back to the states where Troy had a 17’ Mako in the Keys. They soon traded up to a 30’ center consol Century boat named Tequila Dream, kept it for three years and upgraded again to a 39’ Topaz named Lone Wolf. For seven years, they loved living aboard and cruising the Bahamas when not working.

They had purchased Kings Head Pub on Daina Beach and turned it into one of the hot spots of the Ft. Lauderdale area—so successful that in 2005, with an offer to sell that they couldn’t refuse, they began looking for one last upgrade—to a large power boat and a retired life of cruising.

Kahu Waiwai Sportfishing

"Kahu Waiwai Sportfishing is a family run business. Captain Scott Nelson has had a passion for fishing his entire life, and hooking up with big fish provides the adrenaline rush he thrived on as a collegiate and Greco-Roman wrestler, and 2X National Boxing Champion, at Santa Clara University. Captain Scott met his wife Sabine at Calvary By The Sea Lutheran Church in Aina Haina when she was vacationing here from Alsace, France. She asked the Captain where to go for some good local fish for dinner, and he replied, “wherever I’m cookin’ it.” He had caught some Mahi Mahi the day before, so they had fresh grilled Mahi for dinner. The rest is history. Captain Scott’s oldest son Travis plays football and wrestles for Saint Louis High School here on Oahu. Travis started catching pelagic fish when he was about 6 years old, and it is not uncommon to find him on the back deck, or at the helm when there is a big fish on. Baby Cheyne was born in January 2006 and already gets excited about, “les grands poissons” Papa pulls into the marina with. Captain Dudley Worthy, as previously mentioned, is also a very important part of the Kahu Waiwai family. Captain Dudley’s knowledge, experience, and passion for hunting big fish has led to creating THE premier Charter Fishing machine running out of East Oahu."

Wind Powered car sets new world record at 126mph


"March 29, 2009 With a wind speed of just 30mph (48kmh), British engineer Richard Jenkins has set a new land speed record for a wind-powered vehicle at blistering 126.1mph. Driving the Ecotricity sponsored all carbon fiber land yacht Greenbird across the Ivanpah dry lake bed on the Nevada / California border Jenkins eclipsed the previous benchmark set a decade ago by American Bob Schumacher by almost 10 mph. It also continued a the rivalry between Britain and the United States for setting speed records that dates to the 1920s, when Sir Malcolm Campbell set several records on land and sea."

Volvo Update

"RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: The final two yachts to finish the long, fifth stage of the Volvo Ocean Race arrived over the weekend in Rio de Janeiro, organisers said.

Chinese-Irish yacht Green Dragon, with Britain's Ian Walker at the helm, finished in fourth spot, crossing the finishing line at 1859GMT on Saturday, in a time of 42 days, 13 hours and 59 minutes.

Spain's Telefonica Blue, led by Dutchman Bouwe Bekking arrived at 0355GMT on Sunday after 42 days, 22 hours and 55 minutes at sea. He is third in the standings however behind American Ken Read's Puma Ocean Racing.

This 12,300-mile stage from Qingdao, China is the longest and most arduous of the nine-month, round-the-world event for crews."

GreenBoatingBlog's Channel

GreenBoatingBlog's Channel

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Team Swain SE Boating: Everglades National Park Sea Kayaking

"A few weeks ago I decided to get out of the North Carolina winter and head South to where its warm. Unfortunately,I couldn't make it all the way down to Ecuador, so I had to settle for some beautiful days of sea kayaking in Everglades National Park.

The trip turned out better than I could have imagined. We spent the week paddling anywhere from five to fifteen miles a day and made sure to always squeeze in time for relaxing and fishing. The evenings were spent on the beach watching the sunset and drinking wine. Doesn't get much better than that...."

Monday, March 23, 2009

National award goes to Ko Olina

"Who would have ever imagined?

Marina Dock Age, the only magazine in the U.S. that focuses solely on waterfront facilities, has named a recreational boating facility in Hawaii its 2008 Marina of the Year in its 'Large Marina' division.

'Eligible candidates,' the magazine reads, 'are marinas who rate high in terms of environmental responsibility, customer satisfaction, and commitment to employees and the community.'"

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Couple admits yachting on government dime - UPI.com

"A couple who sailed the Atlantic on a yacht while claiming government benefits in Britain have been sentenced to jail by a judge in Wales."

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sail the (calm) seas in the Amphicoach Amphibious Tourist Bus

After six years of development and testing, Amphicoach is ready to launch its first model, which complies with all relevant E.U. legislation for passenger vehicles and can handle extended periods submerged in either salt- or fresh-water.

The Amphicoach is equipped with a choice of two diesel engines along with two- or four-wheel drive, is built from marine grade aluminum for light weight and superior strength, features a jet drive unit built specifically for the bus and a one-off wheel retraction system that allows the coach to travel up to eight knots. Inside, it's typical party-bus fare, with LCD screens, DVD players and PA systems, along with all the required safety gear.

Angus and Julia Stone

"Living in an Australian seaside town not far from Bondi Beach, sibling folk duo Angus and Julia Stone were brought up with the motto: “The family that sails together, lives together.” That might explain the ebb-and-flow rhythms of their Nettwerk debut, “A Book Like This.” They drop anchor at the Fillmore, opening for Brett Dennen this weekend."

The Physics of Sailing

Youth empowered by sailing

"Blue skies, a steady breeze, and fairly calm waters made a picture perfect day for a first sailing adventure in Clearwater Harbor. Four ranchers from the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor learned sailing basics, with the help of Sailability volunteers, March 14 at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center."

Groups say feds are failing to protect rare whale


"Environmental activists are suing the federal government for allegedly failing to prevent longline fishing fleets from repeatedly accidentally catching a rare whale species off Hawaii.

Earthjustice sued the National Marine Fisheries Service on Tuesday on behalf of three environmental groups.

The lawsuit alleges longline fishing expeditions are accidentally catching false killer whales off Hawaii at twice the rate the species' population can sustain."

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

New rules for Greenwich boaters make waves

A series of proposed rules governing everything from the size of boats moored at town-owned marinas to the practice of tying vessels together for social gatherings is encountering choppy seas.

The gripe among a number of boaters is that the mooring regulations recommended by First Selectman's Coastal Resources Advisory Committee are much too strict and are being rammed through by the town."

Monday, March 16, 2009

The Santa Barbara Independent Whale Delays Harbor Dredging

The Los Angeles district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on Friday, March 13, that it has postponed maintenance dredging to the Santa Barbara Harbor initially scheduled to begin that same day. The $50,000 project had been estimated to finish by mid-April but could potentially still finish on time, organizers said."

Rolls-Royce expands Seattle marine facility

"Rolls-Royce said it’s expanded its commercial marine service center in Seattle to 21,000 square feet.

That’s three times the size of its previous service center, according to the British manufacturing company.

The new service center, located at the Todd Shipyard facility, was officially opened in Friday ceremonies. According to the company, “this newly enhanced site will facilitate an increase in the number of Rolls-Royce personnel in the Seattle area.”"

Quest On For Submerged Civil War Artifacts

"A University of South Carolina archaeologist is scanning the bottom of Charleston Harbor for Civil War artifacts, using a twin-outboard motor boat and a clutch of scientific equipment.

James Spirek of the South Carolina Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology has been on the water this week putting together the first comprehensive historical scan of the harbor bottom."

Sausalito boat tour spots rare killer whale pod off Farallones

"Whale watchers on a Sausalito-based sightseeing boat spotted a rare pod of killer whales near the Farallon Islands that was likely in search of food 800 miles from home.

The pod of about 40 orcas - which usually stays in the waters off Washington and British Columbia - was spotted last Saturday by a group on an SF Bay Whale Watching boat 19 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge."

Boat Loss Hampers Upkeep at Bannerman's Castle


"WHILE most area residents travel to work by road, a few can’t get the job done without a boat. The only way to reach Bannerman's Castle, on Pollepel Island, about 1,000 feet off the Hudson’s eastern shore, is by boat. Only a boat that draws one or two feet can safely make the 20-minute journey."

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Issaquah paralympian makes U.S. Sailing Team for 2012 games : The Issaquah Press - News, Sports, Classifieds in Issaquah, WA

"The whistle of wind blows past your ear, signaling the moment to ease the sheets on the sails. The smell of grass means the wind is coming from the direction of land.

Suddenly, the blast of wind eases from your nose to your cheek, and your gaze, set on the upcoming current, notices the slight shift in direction.

When being propelled by nature onboard a sailboat, one must use nearly all of the five senses, and for Issaquah’s Bob Jones, 58, that is one of the driving forces for his love of sailing, something he’s had since the beginning."

Boat made of plastic bottles to make ocean voyage - CNN.com

"Imagine collecting thousands of empty plastic bottles, lashing them together to make a boat and sailing the thing from California to Australia, a journey of 11,000 miles through treacherous seas.
This 60-foot sailboat, the Plastiki, is being built from more than 12,000 recycled plastic bottles.

You'd have to be crazy, or trying to make a point. David de Rothschild is trying to make a point.

De Rothschild hopes his one-of-a-kind vessel, now being built on a San Francisco pier, will boost recycling of plastic bottles, which he says are a symbol of global waste. Except for the masts, which are metal, everything on the 60-foot catamaran is made from recycled plastic."

Whale draws a crowd near Santa Barbara Harbor, but appears thin and weak | Outposts

"The situation appears bleak for a 30-foot gray whale that has been loitering and sporadically trying to feed for days near or within the entrance to Santa Barbara Harbor.

Paul Wellman of the Santa Barbara Independent supplied Outposts with the accompanying image, one of several he captured over the weekend and posted on the newspaper's website.

The whale has had lots of human admirers but a close look reveals it to be thin and weak. 'It's all ribs,' said Capt. Mat Curto of the Condor Express, which runs from Sea Landing in Santa Barbara. 'It's not getting much food and does not look good.'"

Sail-World.com : Whale study group needs volunteer yacht for 3 weeks in the Pacific

"If you 'have yacht, will sail', this might be a project worthy of your consideration. Oceans Watch, well known for undertaking marine conservation projects in conjunction with coastal communities in developing countries, has been approached by the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC) for assistance... and are looking for a volunteering yacht for three weeks in August/September this year.

The SPWRC has been conducting long term whale and dolphin research projects in many islands - Tonga, New Caledonia, Cook Islands and French Polynesia. SPWRC now need to conduct long term research in Niue, Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tokelau and Kiribati."

Friday, March 6, 2009

West Marine posts smaller loss in 4Q - Forbes.com

"Recreational boating supply retailer West Marine Inc. on Thursday said its loss narrowed in the fourth quarter due to tightened controls on expenses.

For the three months ended Jan. 3, net loss in was $29 million, or $1.31 per share. In the year-ago period, the company reported a loss of $65.6 million, or $3 per share.
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Revenue in the fourth quarter was $111.1 million, a 6 percent drop $118.3 million the same time a year ago."

First Solo by Indian

"A senior naval officer is preparing to set sail to circumnavigate the globe to become the first Indian to achieve the feat in a yacht, with four planned stops.

And during his journey that may last nine months, Commander Dilip Donde is all prepared to face solitude, 10 metre high waves and freezing waters. Commander Donde, who will sail around the world as part of the Indian Navy's project 'Sagar Parikrama', arrived in the city's naval dockyard on board the indigenously built yacht 'Mhadei' yesterday from Goa to undergo training for his journey."

San Diego: The new super-yacht capital?

"Though the international financial crisis has precipitated economic woe across the United States, developments in San Diego's super-yacht industry don't appear to be slowing.

Fifth Avenue Landing, a stylish new facility promising the ultimate docking experience for super-yachts up to 300 feet long, has just opened in city's downtown area. The marina, which is close to local attractions and top hotels, boasts 12 high-quality berths, each offering a concierge service.

This impressive project is just the latest step in a significant development program for the west coast city, which is which is now beginning to compete with its northern neighbor, Los Angeles, as a destination for super-yacht owners."

After 111 years, Seattle schooner to be dismantled

"The short trip across Seattle's Lake Union on Wednesday also marked the end of a battle by ship enthusiasts to save the lumber schooner, which was listed as a national historic site in 1970.

'I call it, 'death with dignity,'' Kay Bullitt, an 84-year-old civic activist who had come to the dock to say goodbye to the ship she tried to save, told The Seattle Times."

Fox 2000 Launches 'Dawn Treader' - Plans third Narnia film for 2010 - Zap2it

I just did a Dawn Treader graphic. Wonder if they named it after the C.S. Lewis story?

Production company Fox 2000, a boutique offshoot of 20th Century Fox, has picked up the rights to 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. Most of the talent from the first two films should return for what's planned as a holiday-season 2010 release, says the HR."

Alamitos Bay Marina rebuilding plan draws fire - ContraCostaTimes.com

"LONG BEACH -- A standing-room-only crowd of around 100 people voiced safety concerns and opposition to a proposal for a massive rebuild of Alamitos Bay Marina at a meeting Monday night.

The Marine Advisory Commission's proposal already has been rejected by the Long Beach Rowing Association, said Mark Sandoval, Long Beach Marine Bureau manager, during the public comment session at the Pete Archer Rowing Center."

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Pippa completes her solo sailing trip from Uruguay to UK

"A HUNTINGDONSHIRE woman's epic 6,500-mile solo trans-Atlantic voyage ended in triumph yesterday (Tuesday) - but only after she had groped blindly through the world's busiest shipping lane in thick fog.

And no sooner had 35-year-old former Hinchingbrooke pupil Pippa Hildersley made landfall in Suffolk than she was preparing to make the crossing again - this time in the opposite direction and in the Original Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic race.

The 57-day trip, which has had a series of complications and setbacks, also ended in some frustration - Pippa's boat, The Shed, was unable to make land despite being within shouting distance of completing her single-handed voyage from Uruguay."

NorwalkPlus.com News - Bill would strengthen penalties for intoxicated boaters in fatal crashes

"Under current law, killing someone while boating under the influence is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 – far lower than the penalties typically applied for similar cases involving automobiles. Under the Governor’s proposal, second-degree manslaughter with a vessel would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

“A boating fatality caused by an intoxicated operator is an entirely preventable tragedy,” Governor Rell said. “Current law simply does not provide justice when the existing penalty is weighed against the losses experienced by the victim, the victim’s family and the state as a whole. Our laws must be updated.”"

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Yacht designer of the 21st Century

"He is called Espen Oeino, and he is a Norwegian yacht designer, but not your ordinary run-of-the-mill yacht designer. In fact some call him a genius. He is also the designer that perhaps couldn't have existed at any other time in the history of the world except for the last 20 years. Oeino has very special talents.

Oeino has the hightest reputation for having incorporated into his yacht designs such features such as ice-class certification, drive-in tender docks, double helicopter hangars, hidden submarine bases,"

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

CTV British Columbia- High winds cancel BC Ferries sailing - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television

"The 7:00 a.m. Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay sailing has been cancelled due to high winds. BC Ferries officals posted the notice on their website just after 7:00 a.m. this morning. The 9:00 a.m. sailing from Swartz Bay was also scrapped due to weather conditions."

Monday, March 2, 2009

Ocean acidification

"Ocean acidification (OA) is the process of declining pH in seawater that results from the ocean’s absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The average pH of the surface ocean has already declined by 0.1 of a pH unit to 8.1 since the beginning of the industrial revolution and is predicted to decline by another 0.2 to 0.4 units by 2100. The carbonate ion concentration has also declined by more than 10% during this period. The carbonate concentration in seawater is the prime determiner of whether biogenic calcium carbonate either precipitates or dissolves; hence, concern is growing for those organisms with shells of calcium carbonate, particularly those made of aragonite that dissolves more readily than calcite."

Bloomberg.com: Japan

"March 2 (Bloomberg) -- Japanese Emperor Akihito may visit Pearl Harbor, the U.S. port attacked by Japan during World War II, Kyodo News said, citing unidentified sources. The trip would be a first by a Japanese emperor or prime minister, the report said.

Akihito may visit the harbor during an “unofficial” stopover in Hawaii on a trip to Canada around July, Kyodo said."

Locals want Frank Mundus' boat to stay in Montauk -- Newsday.com

"The new owner of Montauk's most famous shark-fishing boat says the Cricket II won't be leaving port for a year, but that hasn't stopped locals in their quest to keep the vessel here permanently.

Jon Dodd, a longtime friend of legendary Cricket II owner and captain Frank Mundus, said repairs alone will keep the boat in Montauk for a year. Mundus, who died in September at age 82, is believed to have been an inspiration for the character Quint in the book and movie 'Jaws.'"

"Sick Ship" Scrubbed Before Setting Sail

"A Holland American cruise ship was on its way back to the Mexican Riviera Sunday after docking in San Diego to drop off scores of sick passengers and disinfect the ship.

The cruise ship that sailed out of San Diego was on high alert after 106 passengers came down with the norovirus. More than 1,800 guests were on board the Oosterdam for a seven day cruise to Mexico."

Lake Union boat fire

"The explosion and fire on a boat on Lake Union Saturday happened after its operator and a friend were at a marina's fueling dock, Seattle police spokesman Mark Jamieson said Saturday.

They were preparing to put fuel into the boat when it exploded, throwing one man into the water, he said. The other man managed to escape.

The burning boat drifted from the dock, struck a 60-foot yacht and damaged it, officials said.

The injured man was taken to Harborview Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries, The Associated Press reported."

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Top Five Boating Mistakes to Avoid

<"Boating is loads of fun, but with the privilege comes much responsibility. As boaters, we should know and understand boating safety, and not take it for granted by ignoring boating laws or good advice. To stay safe on the water this season, avoid these five mistakes:"

Whale Slams Fishing Boat Off Calif. Coast

This is sort of FARK, right? I mean writing this like the whale was slamming into the boat rather than the other way around?

"The Badger, which is ported in Newport Beach, met the nearly immovable object Wednesday off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, reported the San Diego Union-Tribune. The boat's captain, San Diego native Steve Lassley, was shocked the boat made it back to shore."

Squid invasion drawing commercial boats off La Jolla

"SAN DIEGO — If you see a bunch of lights tonight off in the distance from La Jolla shores, it's not an invasion.

Just as they did last winter, market-size squid have shown up in big numbers as close as three miles from La Jolla. And now those commercial light boats are going to illuminate the night skyline off the beach as they fish for the tasty calamari."