Tag: USCG

Local Communities Support USCG During Government Shutdown

Local Communities Support USCG During Government Shutdown

With the government shutdown surpassing the one-month mark earlier this week, leaving many federal workers and their families without pay for several weeks. With the United States Coast Guard is the only military branch without during the shutdown. This face pushed several local boating communities have come together to support their local servicemembers and their families. 

Over the past week, several Sea Tow franchises have rallied their local marine communities together to collect everyday goods – nonperishable foods, diapers, formula, household items, and even gift cards – to help local Coast Guard families get through the shutdown as unscathed as possible.
 
It all started when Sea Tow Fort Myers’ Heather O’Brien first heard that the Coast Guard wasn’t going to be paid during the shutdown. USCG funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Defense, like their Army, Navy, and Marine counterparts.
 
“When I first heard about these men and women and their families going without pay during the shutdown, I knew I had to do something,” O’Brien said. “We’ve built up such a strong relationship with the Coast Guard over the years and they never hesitate to help us out when we need it most, so it’s only right we return the favor.”
 
In just a few days, O’Brien and her staff at Sea Tow Fort Myers collected thousands of items – from food and toiletries to gift cards totaling over $12,000. With the help of the U.S. Coast Guard Enlistment Association, O’Brien was able to deliver multiple truckloads worth of goods to a donated storefront at a nearby shopping center, where Coast Guard families can visit to privately pick up any items they may need.
“A local Coast Guard vet donated a storefront for us to keep all the donated goods in,” O’Brien said. “We plan on opening it up to the public every Wednesday so that people and businesses can stop by and make donations, and both myself and a local Coast Guard officer have keys – that way we can work with each family individually so that they can come and go as they please and pick up goods discreetly.”
 
O’Brien added that Sea Tow Fort Myers will be accepting donations at their Cape Coral office seven-days-a-week until the shutdown ends.
 
However, Fort Myers is not the only Sea Tow franchise hosting their own donation drive.
 
Far up the East Coast, the crew at Sea Tow Manasquan are participating in their own donation drive. Capt. Chris LaNeve is collecting gift cards to local restaurants, shops and gas stations to help Coast Guard families throughout New Jersey get through the shutdown.
 
About a hundred miles north of Fort Myers, Sea Tow Tampa Bay is collecting gift cards, toiletries, food, and pet and cleaning products at their St. Petersburg office.
 
Sea Tow CEO Joseph Frohnhoefer III said that seeing the outpouring of support for a group of men and women Sea Tow works with so often has been a humbling experience.
 

“It’s so great to see such tremendous support from both our franchisees and the greater boating community as a whole,” Frohnhoefer said. “We couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved. It’s a great day to wear Sea Tow yellow.”

–Erin

 

E-flares to the Rescue

E-flares are a safer alternative to pyrotechnic flares that burn dangerously hot.

When it comes to marine distress flares, compliance with current regulations might not be safe enough for some recreational boat owners. Current regulations call for recreational boats to carry three pyrotechnic handheld flares that can stay lit for 60 seconds. While buying a kit of three flares and stowing it in a locker makes the boat “in compliance” if the U.S Coast Guard inspects the vessel, it’s not the ideal plan. It’s the least expensive plan,
though, and too often that wins. It’s said that safety doesn’t sell, but that attitude may be changing, thanks to e-flares.

For example, Weems & Plath launched The SOS Distress Light in 2015, which is U.S. Coast Guard compliant to replace pyrotechnic flares. At a cost of about $100, that is three times more expensive than a three-pack of pyrotechnic flares, but it is safer, and thousands have been sold. Sirius Signal was the developer of the SOS Distress Light, and after engineering and testing, brought it to Weems & Plath to manufacture and distribute.

“It flashes the SOS light sequence only, and that is the sole purpose of the light, which was the requirement from the Coast Guard,” said Cathie Trogdon, VP of Public Relations and Advertising for Weems & Plath. “If the Coast Guard is to board you, make sure [the light is] working— that the batteries are in the unit so when the officer tests it, it works. People love the idea that they don’t have to go out and buy flares. Our product has a lifetime warranty, and while it is more expensive than some flares, you make up the difference quickly over time.”

SOS Distress Light’s LED flashes up to 60 hours and is visible up to 10 nautical miles out. When paired with a daytime distress flag, which is included with the purchase of an SOS Distress Light, it satisfies the Coast Guard requirements for day and night use in lieu of traditional flares. “These e-flares float and can be hand-held, tethered or hoisted aloft,” Trogdon said. “It operates with three standard C batteries [and] complies with all U.S. Coast Guard requirements for ‘Night Visual Distress Signals’ as found in the Code of Federal Regulations: 46 CFR 161.013.”

Building better e-flares is also the goal of Ocean Signal. The company also builds emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and personal location devices (PLBs) out of its Margate, UK, facility and is owned by ACR. “Electronic is just the smarter way to go,” explained Rich Galasso, National Sales Manager for Ocean Signal. “With the pyrotechnic flares, you are putting a 5,000-degree torch in somebody’s hand in a wet environment on an unstable platform. It’s all problematic. Plus, flares can quickly be out of date and not usable.”

Ocean Signal’s rescueME EDF1 is a perfect complement to the pyrotechnic kit of three e-flares that makes your boat Coast Guard compliant. The rescueME EDF1 is approved to replace pyrotechnic flares in specific circumstances in Finland and Latvia. “An electronic flare is something a child can use,” Galasso said. “It’s a product you are going to use if something really goes bad, and in the end, it will be the product that actually saves your life.”

The rescueME EDF1 is small enough to fit inside a ditch bag or life raft, and its lithium batteries offer enough power for 6 hours, whereas a traditional flare burns for about 30 seconds. The unit can be used repeatedly in any of its four modes ensuring continued visibility is maintained over a longer period. Those modes are Economy, High,Ultra, and Forward Beam, plus SOS signaling. It can be used with one hand, has a visibility range of up to seven miles and is waterproof to 10 meters. “Another big challenge with pyrotechnic flares is disposal of them when they are out of date,” Trogdon said. “People have a difficult time getting rid of pyrotechnic flares legally. In some towns, the city of Annapolis, for instance, the fire department will take them and use them for their own training. But they really have to go to specific incinerators for proper disposal.” Water-logged flare kits wedged in a boat storage compartment underneath the life jackets are common. Or people toss the old kits in their garage, hoping they never see them again. Others, like the reckless and inventive, will light them off on July 4th, which is crazy but true.

Because the SOS Distress Light floats, it can be constantly signaling even when you are in the water. Since a flare only burns from 30 to 60 seconds, the light is much more constant. In addition, because most people first send out a Mayday call by cell phone and VHF, the e-flare is an important way for a Coast Guard vessel to locate the distressed vessel when rescue is imminent.

An actual rescue on January 6, 2017, was aided by the SOS Distress Light. Michael Misianowycz and a friend were rescued by the Coast Guard after their 25-foot center console had trouble. They had departed out of Mobile, Alabama, and when they didn’t return as scheduled, a rescue was initiated. At about 10 miles out, the Coast Guard spotted a light blinking SOS and contacted Misianowycz via VHF handheld. The SOS Distress Light was turned on and the Coast Guard aircrew spotted it using their night vision goggles. The boat capsized almost immediately after the Coast Guard vessel, a 45-foot Metal Shark, picked them up.

oceansignal.com; weems-plath.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating January 2018

Water Protectors

Honoring our Water Protectors
Join us in honoring the many men and women who serve our country, protect our waters and defend our freedom to enjoy the on-the-water lifestyle. Get to know three water protectors a little bit better.

Marine Interdiction Agent Ryan Haines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Division (AMO) 

Targeting small vessels from foreign waters in a 39-foot Midnight Express with quad outboards is a daily task for Agent Ryan Haines. The AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation’s interior.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the 39-year-old and his unit stop vessels that bring people, contraband and other goods into the country illegally. “We use various tactics to facilitate compliance. If sirens alone don’t work to pull over the vessel, then we fire warning shots to gain control of the boat,” he says.

Haines entered the U.S. Coast Guard after high school and later worked for a boat manufacturer in Florida. “I’ve always been involved in the boating industry,” the father of two says proudly. Hired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection eight years ago, Haines went through months of grueling training courses. “It starts with an advanced law enforcement training class and ends with the initial vessel commander certification class,” he explains. “It’s a great way to serve the country and I’m doing my passion.”

One of his duties with the AMO is to take human smugglers into custody. He recalls several incidents when the agents boarded a boat they’d pulled over and found migrants on board who were scared, yet relieved to see them. “They didn’t have life jackets. And they were very happy to be rescued,” he says.

Since 9/11 and subsequent terrorist attacks, the demand for AMO officers has increased. Haines says the agency is always looking for good people who are trustworthy. “They must have integrity, honor and a sense of pride in what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. You’re putting your life on the line for the safety of the country,” the agent adds. “It’s your job to secure the homeland.”

Ensign Nikki Barnes, United States Coast Guard

Ensign Nikki Barnes grew up in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., and started sailing at age six. “My brother was (into sailing), so I started to race because I wanted to be the girl that beat the boys,” she says.

Those races led to many sailing awards and a future with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). “I told my parents that I would never join the military but that I would try out the Academy Introductory Mission (AIM), a one-week program for juniors in high school, to get a glimpse of military life,” she says. “From seeing the Academy during AIM, I knew that the military structure and atmosphere was the perfect fit for me because it would allow me to become an officer, where I can make a difference regarding the safety of boaters on the water.”

A branch of the U.S. Armed Forces under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the USCG is a maritime military service whose mission is to enforce marine laws and safety at ports and waterways, in addition to conducting search and rescue operations in the water and aiding navigation.

Barnes graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, in May 2017, and received her commission from President Donald Trump. For the next three years, the ensign will be at the USCG’s Sector Miami working for the Incident Management Division in Response.

Still a sailor at heart, she recently competed in the College Women Sailing Nationals in Charleston, South Carolina, where she and the USCG team finished in third place. For the third consecutive year, she was named All-American Women’s Skipper. As for the future, there’s no stopping her. Barnes hopes to go for the gold and race in the 470 class at the 2020 Olympics. “I couldn’t be more excited to get started,” she says enthusiastically.

Deputy Hector Rodriguez, Broward County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Deputy Hector Rodriguez started his career with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) in 1995 stationed on the road with law enforcement.

Then he joined the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, where he worked for 12 years. Two years ago, he was placed full time on BSO’s Marine Patrol. “I served in the Army and when I got out in the ’80s, I always had the desire to come back in a manner that serves a purpose and makes a difference,” says the 51-year-old. “I found the best way to do that was to go into law enforcement.”

The Marine Patrol Unit patrols Broward County’s coastline, inland waterways and the Everglades. It enforces marine laws such as observing speed zones, investigates boating accidents and related crime scenes, and educates the approximately 43,000 registered boat operators in the county on boating safety and use of their vessels.

BSO’s Dive Team provides support with underwater recoveries and emergency rescue operations. “We are out there enforcing safe recreational activity,” he says. “People are very receptive and willing to learn.”

While protecting boaters is the main focus, Rodriguez says the unit also safeguards wildlife and is involved in promoting the Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Manatee Conservation Program. “Boaters need to realize that a current in the waterway could be created by a manatee’s tail and the animal could be harmed,” he adds.

The deputy affirms that the unit prefers to educate rather than cite. “The Marine Patrol’s philosophy is boating safety, and educating the public is paramount to us. We try to impart as much as education as we can,” he says. “You have to have a love and respect for the water—it can be very unforgiving.”

Even off duty, Rodriguez enjoys recreational water activities and is still an active diver.

A big thank you to all our water protectors!

By Bonnie Schlutz Southern Boating July 2017

What SUP in the Chesapeake?

Indoor boat shows and educational courses are great activities in the winter for those of us looking forward to warmer temperatures on the Mid-Atlantic coast.

You don’t have to be in the market for a boat to enjoy a boat show since show producers typically provide entertainment, educational seminars, and a multitude of displays with maritime information, products and services to peruse.

Every year, I take in the Baltimore Boat Show, and while the food’s not all that great in the convention center, the atmosphere inside is optimistic with shiny new boats, free giveaways, contests, and activities such as remote-controlled docking and virtual fishing. Kids build a toy boat and exercise their balance in the SUP zone along with parents. Mechanically minded folks learn to unclog a carburetor at Fred’s Shed. Across the street, at the Pratt Street Ale House, there’s plenty of good food and drink to be had. This year’s show in Baltimore runs January 26-29 with more than 300 boats from luxury cruisers to kayaks under one roof.

Other regional shows include the Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina, January 13-15. Over 100 local, regional and national companies will showcase tackle, rods and reels, apparel, maps, charters, sunglasses, boats, motors, electronics, knives, and so on. And there’s the Richmond Fishing Expo at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia, January 20-22. ncboatshows.com; baltimoreboatshow.com 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offerings

On January 28, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law an act to create the United States Coast Guard, a combination of the nation’s Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter Service. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and one of its many missions is to educate the public on safe boat handling. How does it do that? The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary exists to support all U.S.C.G. missions except roles that require direct law enforcement or military engagement. As of 2015, there were approximately 32,000 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Every year auxiliary members help save some 500 lives, assist 15,000 distressed boaters, conduct at least 150,000 safety examinations of recreational vessels, and provide cruiser safety instruction to more than 500,000 students. In total, the auxiliary and its volunteer efforts save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

If you’d like to gain some nautical know-how from experienced auxiliary members, find a course nearby by simply entering your zip code into the National Public Education Calendar Database, which holds and displays all the public education courses taught by auxiliary flotillas nationwide. Topics include GPS for Mariners, Weather and Boating, Weekend Navigator, Lines and Knots, and many more. Upon entering my zip code, for example, I found Sailing Skills and Seamanship, a class offered by Lynn Disque on Wednesday evenings from 6-9PM starting on January 25th and running until April 12th at the U.S.C.G. Station-Annapolis. The cost is $70, but many insurance companies offer discounts on boat insurance to anyone who successfully completes the course and can present a course-completion certificate. cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating Magazine January 2017

Southern Boating’s Top Six Safety Tips

It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned captain or a boating newbie—safety is paramount.

A prudent mariner knows that there are many safety rules involved in just a simple cruise on the water, let alone a long haul down to The Bahamas.

Whenever a trip on the water is planned—be it a day cruise on a kayak or an overnight fishing trip—you should have a float plan. A float plan is an itinerary of who, what, where, why, and when you plan to head out on the water. You can find a detailed example of a float plan from the US Coast Guard.

While you create your float plan please (please!) remember to practice common sense, follow our top six safety tips below, and remember the most important rule of all—HAVE FUN!

 

Semper Paratus

How “Always Ready” are you?

Borrowing from the U.S. Coast Guard’s iconic “Always Ready” motto, when it comes to safety aboard, you can never be too prepared. To make the point, a tragic event occurred in South Florida during the summer of 2015 when two young boys set out for what they thought would be an exciting and fun day on a boat. Sadly, it was anything but.

Could this and other similar boating tragedies be avoided? Well, let’s just say that with some extra precautions and planning, the odds for dealing with a dicey situation can be swung dramatically in a positive direction. No matter what size boat you have, be it kayak or superyacht, having the right safety equipment aboard and knowing how to use it are some of the most important aspects of spending time out on the water.

Let’s start with your boat. Always check the condition of any seacocks or thru-hull fittings as well as critical hose connections. If anything looks amiss such as corrosion, any sign of cracks or weeping, swap it out for a new one. Give all your belts, impellers, gaskets, and seals a once over before setting out—failure of any of these items can stop you dead in the water. And as with oil and filters, always carry spares.

To meet the requirements of all U.S. Coast Guard regulations, vessels are mandated to carry at least the minimum safety items such as proper nav lights, fire extinguishers or automatic fire suppression system, a PFD—Personal Flotation Device, or life jacket—for each person on board, a throwable device such as a seat cushion or life ring, a bell, whistle, or horn for signaling, and visual distress signal flares. As these requirements differ depending on the size of your boat, check with a copy of CG 169—usually available at your marina store or other outlets—to make sure you are in compliance. (Checking in with your local Coast Guard station or auxiliary unit or setting up a complimentary safety inspection with them are also good options.)

Veteran captains and those who travel extensively all have the same thought: If you do the kind of boating that takes you away from your home port for extended periods of time and over open water, you should have a proper life raft for the number of people on board—make sure it is inspected and ready to go as per manufacturers recommendations. Be familiar with its deployment and use, and get the one that suits your needs—coastal, offshore, or ocean going. Among the companies manufacturing this type of equipment are Winslow, Switlik and Givens.

Whether you require a raft or not, a floatable ditch bag is a good idea. While ready-to-go kits are sold by such reputable companies as ACR and Defender, make sure you have an EPIRB, a personal locator beacon (PLB), waterproof and floatable emergency handheld VHF, and a water-activated strobe light. Also critical are individual life jacket vest strobes; a handheld, waterproof and floating GPS; a daylight signal mirror and flares; chemical glow sticks; noisemaking devices such as plastic whistles and canned air horns; drinking water; wrapped and sealed snacks; and sunglasses. And for all those electronic safety items, make sure to replace batteries and carry spares in sealed and waterproof bags.

If you are setting out for an extended time away, it’s also a good idea to file a float plan with your homeport marina or local Coast Guard station as well as with your destination facility. In this way, everyone will know your trip schedule and be on the lookout should anything happen along the way. Keep a sharp ear to the VHF and a keen eye on weather conditions at least 36 hours ahead of departure.

If you are traveling with family, friends, and kids who are not familiar with boating, go through all the safety features and procedures aboard before you cast off. And if you have a pet, keep it in sight and have an appropriate life jacket on it at all times. Keep your fuel tanks full and know where your next fill up will be and how long it is going to take you to get there.

Here’s hoping your next outing is a safe and enjoyable one. With a little extra planning, and the Semper Paratus outlook, you can leave the dock with some extra confidence and peace of mind.

— By Ken Kreisler, Southern Boating Magazine February 2016

INFORMATION:

ACR Marine
acratex.com/products/marine

Defender Industries
defender.com

Givens
givensliferafts.com

Mustang Lifejackets
mustangsurvival.com

Switlik
switlik.com

USCG Boating Safety
uscgboating.org

USCG 169 Nav Rules
landfallnavigation.com

West Marine
westmarine.com 

Winslow
winslowliferafts.com

Fall Brings Seasonal Closings

Seasonal closings begin in September and last until mid-November, causing a noticeable dearth of festivals and events at many venues throughout The Bahamas. This is a traditional time for maintenance, refurbishing, stocking supplies for the winter season’s influx of mariners and visitors, and planning for attendance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. If you’re gearing up to cruise and island-hop this fall and winter and plan for family and friends to visit, keep a check on updates from Travel Bahamas, the official site of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA)—especially for the deals and packages on hand. Announcements are frequent with several new air options usually available. bahamas.com/deals-packages

Hope Town
Brigitte Bowyer Carey—one of this quaint settlement’s esteemed, award-winning artists—is giving a watercolor workshop November 10-12 (Monday-Wednesday) from 10AM to 4PM at the Hummingbird Cottage Art Centre in Hope Town. Reserve your space now as Carey’s classes are extremely popular and sell out quickly. Her unusual seascapes, landscapes and travel sketches are collected by the likes of novelist Pat Conroy, Mr. & Mrs. Sean Connery and Mr. Michael Gore, former High Commissioner to The Bahamas. bowyerart@gmail.com.

Grand Bahama
The Bahamas government plans to create two new national parks in east Grand Bahama that will include the approximate 280,000 acres of the North Shore (The GAP) Marine Protection Area, and the 12,500-plus acres of the East End Marine Protection Area (currently East Grand Bahama National Park south of Sweetings’ Cay). Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett recently said the proposed areas would receive special protection to allow fishing, diving, boating, and other recreational and commercial activities. Dorsett also said the Lucayan National Park and the Peterson Cay National Park are under consideration for expansion.

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Nassau

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB)—the premiere arts institution—is currently showcasing the extraordinary art of Eddie Minnis and family. Over 100 paintings from the 1960s to the present in the collection titled “A Retrospective” will be on display in the main gallery. Cruisers to North Eleuthera (Current) and Abaco (Marsh Harbour) will recognize this talented family because of their well-known galleries located on both islands. The exhibit will close Sunday, November 30th. Gallery hours are by appointment only. NAGB contact: (242) 328-5800/1; nagb.org.bs. Minnis family contact: (242) 322-2605; eddieminnis.com 

Exuma
Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC) has announced major dining renovations that will result in limited facility use. In order to improve service and take advantage of the beautiful view of the water over Jameson Bay, the kitchen is relocating to the back dining room’s current location. Breakfast, dinner and bungalows at the resort will be closed from September 16th through November 1st to complete this project. The marina, fuel dock, lunch (daily grill-out at the marina), ice, garbage, bar (drinks only), gift shop, liquor store, and Wi-Fi internet will remain open. Call (954) 467-6658 or (242) 355-2024. stanielcay.com 

A descendant of the original Abaco Loyalists is reviving the spirit of Hope Town by embracing the history of the Abacos in a throwback to the old days with a new rum company. Photo: Robert Bethel

Abaco
Jacob Adams Rum, an outstanding 10-year-old West Indies barrel-aged, blended rum has arrived in Abaco. This liquor is hand-bottled by the very first Abaco rum company—the Hope Town Rum Company out of Elbow Cay and is now available throughout The Bahamas in fine rum shops and restaurants. Mark your cruising calendar for May 2015 and the Grand Opening of the boutique merchandise store Gillam Street Goods that will offer Jacob Adams rum cakes and custom-labeled bottles. The boutique shop will be housed in a restored, former-Loyalist home circa 1880s, which is surrounded by a white picket fence within the heart of this beautiful settlement village. Contact the proprietor, Robbie Bethel, at (242) 577-8533.  jacobadamsrum.com

Air Updates
For cruisers who expect guests or supply shipments to arrive via air, pay attention to these updates:
• Silver Airways (formerly Continental Connection) is currently promoting outstanding value packages to the Abacos. Call (888) 229-9990. silverairways.com
• Watermakers Air now flies to Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands from the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Executive airport. They also fly to Chub Cay; Congo Town, Fresh Creek, and San Andros in the Andros; and Staniel Cay in the Exumas. Call (954) 771-0330. watermakersair.com
• SkyBahamas has increased flight services between Bimini and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) three days a week—Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. They currently offer flights between Bimini and Nassau, and between Bimini and Freeport every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays, with continued service on to Fort Lauderdale and return flights back on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. skybahamas.net

Cruiser Notes
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reports the following changes to Marsh Harbour Marina Day Beacons:
• Day Beach 1 is destroyed
• Day Beacon 2 marker has improper characteristics
• Day Beacon 4 marker is missing
Visit this link to view improved NOAA Obstructions and Wrecks charts, including Straits of Florida and Approaches: nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/wrecks_andobstructions.html.

Sandra Davis, Southern Boating September 2014

Florida Marina Updates

The St. Augustine Shipyard marina opens this month to provide mariners easy access to historic Old St. Augustine and the Atlantic. It accommodates boats up to 120 feet with more than 300 new slips. Dry storage handles boats up to 42-feet LOA weighing up to 35,000 pounds. Amenities include boat valet service, ship’s store and fuel, boat maintenance and repair service, free pump-outs, and a fish cleaning station. A pedestrian promenade with shops, restaurants and hotels is in the works. staugustineshipyard.com

The Yacht Club in Delray Beach will soon be a commercial marina. The 1960s yacht club gives way to a more contemporary nautical facility with 44 slips offering dockage up to 130 feet. Amenities include an Olympic swimming pool with tiki bar, free parking, a clubhouse, and full yacht services and maintenance. Accompanying residences offer waterfront living. theyachtclubatdelraybeach.com

Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park Marina. Photo: Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department

Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park Marina is newly improved. New charter boat docks, a seawall, and state-of-the-art access and security are welcome changes. An extended boardwalk, fender mooring piles, new power and water pedestals, and 10 new transient slips await visitors. New landscaping accentuates the enhancements. miamidade.gov/parks/crandon-marina.asp

Biscayne National Park’s Elliott Key features a newly built marina, campground and boardwalk accessible only by boat. The beautiful 36-slip marina is limited to very shoal-draft boats since it has no entry channel and 2½ feet mean low tide. Daytime visits are free. Overnight stays with a campsite cost $20. Weekdays are quieter.
nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/elliottkey.html

Carolina Updates
A Coast Guard-established temporary safety zone on the ICW at Morehead City, North Carolina, at mile 203.7 remains until April 2015. Maintenance to U.S. 70 Fixed Bridge requires a construction barge needing clearance. Two-hour notification to a work supervisor is only needed for horizontal clearance of more than 40 feet.

South Carolina needs reports and photos during “king tides” to assess storm damage during its highest seasonal tides. This year’s remaining “king tides” occur September 6-12, October 6-11 and November 5-8. mycoast.org.

The Marina at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, now offers easier hiking and biking to the Atlantic Ocean and the ICW via a 21-mile trail and park network. The trails will connect ponds and waterfronts, new parks including dog parks and a YMCA. This scenic, safer pathway replaces three miles of congested sidewalks and side streets.

Look Out for Manatee
Laws mandate that cruisers slow down in manatee protection zones through November 15th. Watching for manatees in springs, rivers and Atlantic waters during warmer months should become a habit according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Mariners help prevent collisions if they wear polarized sunglasses, look for circles in the water’s surface, watch for manatee snouts, and adjust throttle near spotted manatees. myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/manatee/protection-zones. 

By Nancy Spraker, Southern Boating September 2014

48th Newport International Boat Show

Three days in Newport is never enough. Especially if the Newport International Boat Show is happening.

On September 13th, the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island, hosts the 48th Annual Newport International Boat Show. For three days, hundreds of exhibitors from around the world present an extensive selection of marine equipment, services, and accessories. And that’s in addition to all the boats.

As one of the largest in-water boat shows in the United States and the premier show in New England, the Newport International Boat Show encompasses over 13 acres with docks accessing new powerboats and sailboats from inflatables to multihulls ranging from 15 to 90 feet.

In addition to the boats, products, and services, a wealth of events educates and entertains visitors. Nancy Piffard, Newport Exhibition Group’s show director, wants the Newport International Boat Show to be a completely immersive experience. The ever-popular Confident Captain’s “At the Helm” training courses and the United States Power Squadrons’ America’s Boating Club seminar program provides educational instruction for show attendees from the novice boater to the licensed captain. Session-goers can add to their seamanship skills in powerboat docking and maneuvering, advanced outboard handling, how to become a power boater, automatic identification systems, how to read the weather, and anchoring techniques.

For the 13th year, the highly anticipated Newport For New Products competition provides attendees an exciting opportunity to view boats and products making their first-ever debut in the U.S. Entries are judged by a panel of experts. Awards are given at a ceremony on Friday, September 14th. Categories include best new powerboat, sailboat, navigation product, and boating operation, maintenance or safety product.

In addition, attendees present on opening day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite new boat as part of the “People’s Choice Award.” One voter will be selected randomly and receive a $250 American Express gift card. Don’t miss seeing the latest ideas and technologies used in the marine industry.

Running concurrently with the show is the 2nd Annual Newport Wooden Boat Show at Bowen’s Wharf Ferry Landing Marina and the Newport Brokerage Boat Show held at the Newport Shipyard. No additional ticket is required to attend. Also, a water taxi is available to take attendees from show to show.

One last experience not to be missed is an afternoon sailing excursion aboard the 220-foot tall ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. OHP will be at Fort Adams State Park. Take an afternoon sail from 1 PM to 5 PM. If you can’t make that, a deck tour is available Sunday from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Show Dates and Hours:

Thursday, September 13th-Saturday, September 15th: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, September 16th: 10 am to 5 pm

Admission

Thursday Sept. 13 – Preview Day:
$35 in advance & day-of

Friday, Saturday or Sunday:
$15 through Sept. 12
$22 on Sept. 14, 15 and 16

Parking: Easton’s Beach; $20 per vehicle; continuous shuttle

Ferry: Providence or Jamestown ferry to Newport

newportboatshow.com

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating August 2018

SEE MORE FROM PAST NEWPORT BOAT SHOWS:

Newport Boat Show 2015

Newport Boat Show 2016

Newport Boat Show 2017

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