The Best Memories

The best memories are made on the water.

But I don’t have to tell you that. Whether it’s fishing with kids, cruising on a family vacation or a grandkid cruise, we all know the best memories are made on the boat.

A recent National Marine Manufacturers Association survey revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 adults who boated last year had also done so as children. The report also found that those who enjoyed the lifestyle as children were more likely to do so as adults. This makes complete sense: if you grow up around boating, you are more likely to boat later in life.

When I was growing up, boating was ingrained into my life. I was fortunate to live in a place where it was almost a given that you would spend time on a boat. But now, I realize that while I love being on boats, I’m not ready to be a boat owner. Let me rephrase that: I’m not ready to be a boat owner YET. And I think a lot of people find themselves in a similar situation, for a host of reasons.

If you’re between boats or not sure if ownership is a good current fit, you can still stay active on the water. Options include renting, sharing or joining a boat club. You can also enter into a shared ownership with family or friends. Or an inexpensive option like a dinghy, small sailboat or aluminum boat. I, for one, like the rental option. I’ve occasionally used Boatsetter (like Airbnb for boats) for special events and holidays.

But really, the most important thing is to pass along the love of boating on to family and friends. I hope to be a proud boat owner someday. Of course, that’s once my credit cards, student loans, mortgage, car loan, and home improvements are completely paid off. I’m just not there yet. I feel like I have an obligation to pass on the love of boating onto others. We all do. It comes from those who passed it on to me.

Here’s a sweet story from our friends at Discover Boating about the legacy that boating left on three generations of the Ader family.

–Erin

QUIZ: Are you a safe boater?

It’s Safe Boating Week! Are you a safe boater? Find out with our Safe Boating Quiz.

We all know that what looks like a perfect day for boating can quickly become hazardous if someone ends up in the water. That’s why safety advocates across the U.S. and Canada team up each year to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week. Their main focus is consistent use of life jackets. This year, National Safe Boating Week is observed May 19th through 25th.

We’ve created an unofficial quiz to test you on life jacket use and other boat safety rules. Will you pass the quiz with flying colors or are you just a nautical novice?

Take our (completely unofficial) safe boating quiz to see if you’re worth your salt!

Don’t forget that National Safe Boating Week starts May 19th and runs through May 25th.

Each year hundreds of lives are lost… thousands are injured… and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual can make a difference.

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Accidents can and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There’s rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.

As the boat operator, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers. The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while underway.

Not sure what you need aboard your boat to comply with the law? You can schedule a vessel safety check through the USCG.

Oh, and did we mention that it’s free? Find a location near you.

Best Boat Quotes

Here at Southern Boating, we appreciate witty sentences worthy of repeating. The following is a list of our best boat quotes about boating, sailing, and the sea selected for your contemplation and amusement. You may recognize several from plaques, posters or pillows, even aboard your own boat!

Got one we missed? Send us your favorites boat quotes– just send an email with your name and favorite quote to southernexposure@southernboating.com. You could be featured on southernboating.com next week!

So without further ado…the best boat quotes:

“I want a boat that drinks six, eats four, and sleeps two.” – Ernest K. Gann, author of The Aviator

There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.  
– Kenneth Grahame, 1859–1932, Scottish author

Boats, like whiskey, are all good.
– R. D. Culler, author of Boats, Oars and Rowing

At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much. 
– Robin Lee Graham, began a five-year solo circumnavigation as a teenager in 1965 on a 42-foot sloop

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. 
– Mark Twain, 1835–1910, the pen name for Samuel Langhorne Clemens

The ocean has always been a salve to my soul…the best thing for a cut or abrasion was to go swimming in salt water. Later down the road of life, I made the discovery that salt water was also good for the mental abrasions one inevitably acquires on land.
– Jimmy Buffett, musician, and songwriter

The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it in boats.
– Ernest Hemingway, 1899–1961, novelist

The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use.
– Dom Degnon, writer

There is nothing like lying flat on your back on the deck, alone except for the helmsman aft at the wheel, silence except for the lapping of the sea against the side of the ship. At that time you can be equal to Ulysses and brother to him. 
– Errol Flynn, 1909–1959, actor

Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.
– Brooks Atkinson, 1894–1984, New York Times drama critic

It isn’t that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better. 
– Sir Francis Drake, 1540–1596, English admiral and circumnavigator

It’s out there at sea that you are really yourself. 
-Vito Dumas, 1900–1965, Argentine sailor

If you can’t repair it, maybe it shouldn’t be on board.
-Lin and Larry Pardey, sailors and writers

The sea finds out everything you did wrong.
-Francis Stokes, screenwriter and film director

Southern Exposure’s Q & A: Shelley DiCondina, Yacht Interior Designer

South Florida-based Yacht Interior Designer Shelley DiCondina has been transforming the décor and design of luxury yachts for more than 20 years, maintaining functionality without sacrificing elegance.

SB: What prompted you to enter the marine world?
SD: I began my career in design about 25 years ago. My life has always been near the ocean, first the Pacific, then the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. It just made sense to me to be a yacht interior designer. Boating and design have always been part of my life and my parents always told me if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.

SB: What is new in your line of work this year that mariners should keep an eye out for?
SD: There is so much happening in boating and yacht décor. One of my favorite tasks is changing old halogen lights to LED. There is no right answer as there are so many things to take into consideration when doing a refit and changing the lighting. Another area is that we are changing how we do things in the bedding and soft décor. Everything is less fussy, there are a lot less pillows, and bedding/linens are premium such as gorgeous European and Egyptian cottons with unique embellishments that are meant to be seen and enjoyed—and all are washable. We rarely do traditional bedspreads, now it is all about the linens.

SB: What are some of your signature styles that set you apart from other industry individuals in your field?
SD: My personal style is keeping function on the forefront and making sure it all works and is as comfortable as possible. That means for all day and all night! You won’t see one of our boat pulling up to a marina for guests to get off and spend the night at the hotel. We design for comfort and utilize every inch. Our interior style is soothing and reeks of relaxation. Our clients and their families are busy people, and I want the boat to be the place they unwind, appreciate each other and all they have earned.

SB: Tell me about the design process. What is your favorite and least favorite part?
SD: At Yacht Interiors we have developed our own unique approach to the design process. The first thing we want is for our clients to understand that we are experts in our field. Whether it is space planning, furniture designs, or art and décor; we are the real deal. Yachts are all we do.

For new construction projects, a builder often introduces us to the new client, who is in need of detail drawings and custom pieces. If it is a refit we meet the client in person, on board, review our process, get an idea of the scope of the project and discuss our initial thoughts. When we are selected as the design team we request a deposit to develop a unique interior proposal for that specific yacht. Budget is discussed as well as scheduling exceptions. Whether it is a new construction or a refit I find that the most enjoyable perk of all the hard work is developing life long friendships with clients. Our clients are amazing people that just happen to love the oceans as much as I do.

SB: What would be the smallest project you’ve undertaken? What about the largest?
SD: The smallest project we were asked to do was locate portholes for a California couple that had purchased a yacht under construction after the yard had gone bankrupt. Can you imagine, no one on site working on the boat knew where to put the portholes? We have complete autoCAD capabilities so we looked at the drawings, placed the portholes in about 20 minutes and sent the drawing to the client.

Our typical and favorite project is complete design responsibilities on new construction that also include a turnkey budget. I really enjoy finishing a yacht after a year or two of construction and all that entails—hanging art, making beds and placing the accessories etc. It is so satisfying to design, complete and mini-resort what you know will be a family’s favorite destination for years to come. They will celebrate holidays, birthdays, summer break, get engaged, renew friendships and just enjoy life. What an honor to help create that environment!

SB: Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
SD: My inspiration comes from many things. I submerge myself in the world of fashion, whether it is clothing, residential or cultural trends—I am always looking to the future and what is happening.

SB: Is there anything else you would like to add?
SD: Yacht Interiors by Shelley is more than just a design studio, we are currently expanding our studio to offer comprehensive outfitting for owners and crew. Our 4,000-square-foot studio will be undergoing a refit to make the yacht outfitting process more accessible for all boaters. Who knows, we may even add a new name to the door. yibs.net

Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure August 2015

Southern Exposure’s Q&A: Deb Radcliff, Senior VP of Marketing for West Marine

SB: What sets West Marine apart from other competitors in the field? How has it accomplished this and how will it continue to do so?
DR: For many years, West Marine has been the world’s largest boating supply retailer, offering over 85,000 products at our 280 retail stores, through our call center at 1-800-BOATING, and online at westmarine.com. We know boating and cruisers, and we can outfit just about anyone who enjoys recreating on the water. An important aspect that sets us apart from many of our competitors is the expertise of our associates, both at the stores and at the call center. We provide our customers with solutions for all their questions and the right products for their boating needs.

SB: How has the company developed and changed over the years?
DR: West Marine’s founder Randy Repass started selling sailing rope for his daysailer out of his garage in Palo Alto—he was frustrated with the disorganization and limited selection at local chandleries. While sailing is still an important core of our business, over the years West Marine has expanded its merchandise to cater to powerboaters, fishing and paddling enthusiasts. Most recently, we’ve introduced a great selection of stand-up paddleboards and kayaks which are some of the fastest growing watersports trends.

SB: What attracted you to work for West Marine? What things ignite passion and excitement in your job?
DR: I’ve spent most of my career in retail, including senior management positions at The Home Depot and Sports Authority. My husband and I are avid sailors—both racing and cruising—so the position at West Marine was an exciting opportunity to combine my career and my passion. I’ve been a West Marine customer for over 15 years and to be part of the expansion to reach water enthusiasts is exciting for me.

SB: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
DR: As West Marine expands its product selection to include more “waterlife” products, our marketing team is evolving our vision to include creative campaigns that share the passion of being on and around the water. It’s not just about products, it’s about the excitement and the joy that goes with boating—whether it’s sailing, power boating, fishing, or paddling.

SB: What do you love most about what you do?
DR: What sailor wouldn’t want to spend their days talking about boating? My favorite thing about working for West Marine is the opportunity to meet and talk with our store associates across the organization. Their passion and love for West Marine is contagious and makes me excited to come to work every day.

SB: How has West Marine made a difference in the marine industry? Give some specific examples of how your company has enriched mariners’ experiences on the water.
DR: West Marine has certainly raised the bar of people’s expectations for selection and service. One example is engine parts—one of the biggest headaches for cruisers. There are so many different models and when something breaks, even seasoned cruisers often aren’t sure where to start to get the right part. West Marine’s new flagship store includes dedicated engine parts counters, for example, with thousands of parts in stock. For customers who aren’t near those stores, westmarine.com has a new “Engine Parts Selector” section that allows you to find parts by engine make, model and year, or by part number. A process that could take days (or weeks) of phone calls to manufacturers is now done in minutes, which gets our customers back on the water faster.

SB: What should we expect to see from West Marine in this upcoming year?
DR: In addition to the latest specialty items for boating, we’re introducing new lines of lifestyle products for the whole family. You’ll see more women’s clothing, expanded assortment of paddle sports like stand up paddleboards and kayaks, and lifestyle electronics such as waterproof Bluetooth speakers. You’ll also see continued enhancements to our website westmarine.com.

SB: What product would you recommend cruisers consider?
DR: Check out the new inflatable stand-up paddleboards, such as the Jimmy Styks Puffer. It’s great for exploring and exercise and packs up to the size of a duffel bag. They’re a great alternative to kayaks. I have two of them that we use when we go camping up in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

SB: Tell me about your boating experience. Do you currently own a boat?
DR: I am ASA certified to sail up to 60-foot monohull and catamaran boats, and we’ve bare-boated in the B.V.I., St. Maarten and throughout California. One of the best perks we have at West Marine is our company’s 40-foot Santa Cruz sailboat that we race on Wednesday nights here in Santa Cruz. I’ve also coordinated several “Women on the Water” boating events where associates can learn how to sail or just enjoy being out on the water. Other weekends, we are out kayaking or paddleboarding around the Central Coast.

By Christine Carpenter, Southern Exposure