CALL FOR ACTION: Save the California Department of Boating & Waterways

Yesterday’s State-of-the-State Address by Governor Jerry Brown was right-on in many ways, but one thing he didn’t touch on was his plans to do away with Cal Boating. That just doesn’t make sense since it doesn’t have any effect what-so-ever on the State coffers. Here are the specifics, courtesy of The Log Newspaper…

Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed to eliminate the Department of Boating & Waterways (Cal Boating) and transfer its functions to the Department of Parks and Recreation — putting an end to a self-supporting, independent agency that has a 54-year successful track record of enhancing boating access, boating facilities, boating law enforcement and boating education statewide.

“The Department of Boating and Waterways is critical to the future of boating in California,” explained the California Yacht Brokers Association in a recent statement. “It funds launch ramp construction, loans for marina construction, construction of boating safety centers, boating safety and law enforcement programs, abandoned vessel removal, public outreach programs and even weed control in boating areas.”

The boater advocacy group Recreational Boaters of California has issued a “Call to Arms” for all boaters statewide to write the governor and California legislators, urging them to support Cal Boating and oppose any plan to eliminate this important agency.

To contact Gov. Brown via email, visit govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail.php and insert your comments in the boxes provide

To contact your California Senate representative, visit senate.ca.gov. At the bottom of the home page is a link labeled “Find My Senator,” where you can search based on your home address.

To contact your California Assembly representative, visit assembly.ca.gov. At the bottom of the home page is a link labeled “Find my Representative,” where you can search based on your home address.

Make YOUR voice heard by sending an email NOW, to ensure that the governor and California legislators act to represent the needs and wants of boaters. Use this letter as a starting point for your own composition, or simply “cut and paste” it into your own separate emails to your state senator, your state assembly representative and the governor. Remember to include your full name, address and city of residency at the end of the email.

Here’s a SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear _____________<Your Legislator’s Name>

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Gov. Brown’s recent proposal to eliminate the Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating). Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Cal Boating is completely self-funded by boaters’ dollars. Cal Boating does not rely on the state’s General Fund to pay for its many crucial construction projects, programs, staff or operating expenses. Eliminating the department would not help with the state’s financial problems.

2. Cal Boating’s efforts are dedicated to promoting boating, and are critical to ensuring the future economic health of California. Recreational boating is an economic powerhouse, contributing approximately $16.5 billion to the gross state product, which represents about 1.2 percent of the state’s economy, and generates about $1.6 billion in state and local taxes. There are more than 8,500 recreational boating-related businesses. Recreational boating also creates more than 284,000 direct and indirect jobs.

3. Cal Boating is the primary funding source for boating infrastructure construction. Each year, Cal Boating provides millions of dollars in the form of grants and loans for private enterprises and public agencies for boating infrastructure projects. Without the availability of these grants and loans, boating infrastructure improvements and repairs would be severely hampered, along with the much-needed jobs these projects create.

4. Cal Boating’s loans for boating projects are consistently paid back with interest. These loans generate approximately $20 million dollars in revenue each year for the Cal Boating, through the repayment of principal and interest. Cal Boating actually makes money for the state.

5. Cal Boating safety programs save lives. Cal Boating has an aggressive safety outreach program, including direct financial support for law enforcement in high-boating traffic areas, that is critical to saving lives on the water.

In short, the Department of Boating and Waterways does an excellent job that has many direct and indirect financial and other benefits to the state — all without one penny of support required from the General Fund.

A decision to eliminate the department would have a serious adverse affect on California’s economy and the safe enjoyment of boating statewide. Please keep boating strong by saving the California Department of Boating and Waterways.

Sincerely,

___________________<My Name>
___________________<My Address>
___________________<My City>

Thanks to The Log and to all California Boaters who will be heard.

 

Best Info on Cruising Galapagos Islands

 

Information for yachts that would like to stop or pass by the Galapagos Islands 

 

Preferred route to Galapagos Islands

Friday, November 3, 2011
You have three ways to visit Galapagos:

a. Only arrive and stay in the first port of call (could be Puerto Ayora, or Puerto Baquerizo or Puerto Villamil.

b. A permit for sail among the inhabited ports.

c. A permit for sail among the inhabited ports, and also for ask for an
itinerary in the protected areas of the National Park.

And for a good calculation:
d. How many gross tonnage is your sailboat ( gross tonnage )
e. How many people are onboard: ( 4 persons)

Knowing this information I can say you what is the more convenient for you (the necessity or not for to get a permit in advance).

a. Only arrive and stay in the first port of call
In this option you don’t need any permit in advance. You can stay anchorage(the sailboat) until 20 days.
Your Harbor Master fees taxes will be in relation of your Register gross tonnage, in your case: approx multiply per 8.1:U$..(official taxes are subjectof modifications )

Boats anchored at Union Island

Also you have to pay officially:

• Introduces species inspection: U$ 30
• Immigration per vessel: U$ 30
• Resident Control, each one U$ 10

The Servigalapagos professional services for Agency (clearance IN+OUT+Migration) : U$ 120
SAILBOATS OF THE PACIFIC PUDDLE JUMPERS GROUP: U$ 100

A permit for sail among the inhabited ports
In this option you require a permit in advance. You have to pay the same taxes mentioned in literal and the zarpes in each Capitanias among inhabited ports (aprox U$ 13.87 each one)

You would have to send to me in advance:

• Copy of the private ship’s registration
• Copy of all the passports of the people on board
• Blackwater or sewage certification of the vessel

The Servigalapagos professional services for Agency (permit paperwork, get it, IN+ OUT+ Migration): U$ 600

SAILBOATS OF THE PACIFIC PUDDLE JUMPERS GROUP U$ 500

A permit for sail among the inhabited ports and also for ask for an itinerary in the protected areas of the National Park In this case, the same taxes (literals:a. , b.) but you have to hire a naturalist guide on board, pay a special taxes of U$ 200 per person per day while are in the itinerary approved by the Galapagos National Park (while are in the itinerary the guide must be/sleep on board) , give a guarantee, and any other fees.

The Servigalapagos professional services for Agency (permit paperwork, get in, IN+ OUT+ Migration+ Galapagos National Park paperwork, itinerary, etc): U$ 1100
SAILBOATS OF THE PACIFIC PUDDLE JUMERS GROUP:U$ 900

If your plan is to be here in THE NEXT MONTHS, we are in time to start the paperwork process.

ANY HOW, I AM OPEN AND READY TO TALK WITH PPJ or ANYONE FOR DEVELOP MORE IDEAS AND SERVICES INFORMATION.

Kind regards,
Ricardo

Ricardo Arenas
SERVIGALAPAGOS (Sail’n Galapagos, together in the recovery of biodiversity) S.A.
Yacht and Ship Services, Agency, Logistic & Tour Operator
IRCA ISO ISM Lead Auditor Training
Tlfx: +593 5 2526186; GSM [24hours]: +593 [0]9 9480859
www.sailingalapagos .com info@arenas. bz
VHF: channel 05
P. Ayora, Santa Cruz Is. Galapagos, Ecuador.
“Respect to Galapagos.” We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act. It’s an habit”.

Source: Off the Pacific Puddlejump Yahoo Forum.

Playing Russian Roulette in the Gulf of Aden

Christian Colombo, a former French Navy sailor and his wife were on their way to fulfil their dream. They were sailing to see the world in their yacht, the S/Y TRIBAL KAT until this dream was destroyed in the most traumatic way.

The TRIBAL KAT was attacked by Somali suspect criminals off the coast of Yemen while passing through the Gulf of Aden. Christian Colombo was killed during the attack, his body thrown overboard and his wife taken against her will by the suspect criminals. She was being moved by skiff towards Somalia when by a combination of good fortune, considering the vast area to be searched, and close cooperation between the counter-piracy forces in the region, a complex and dangerous rescue operation succeeded in recovering Mrs. Colombo uninjured.

The S/Y TRIBAL KAT was only the most recent of about 10 yachts attacked and their crews captured by Somali suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean in the past three years.

Nearly every recorded attack on a yacht has led to the crew being taken hostage and moved to Somalia where they were kept on land, their yachts being discarded. S/Y ROCKALL was completely stripped of everything onboard including the engine.

PHOTO: Somali Pirates being towed. UPI

On land, the level of risk and hardship on the hostages is increased. They are removed from their familiar environment and exposed to a rough country with a harsh, hot climate. Often, hostages are held in the most basic conditions, i.e. no electricity, no sanitary installations, rationed basic food and water. Pirates have frequently moved hostages at short notice to avoid detection, increasing the stress and strain for the hostages.

The ordeal hostages have to endure can include every form of abuse. Physical and psychological mistreatment can include physical violence and mock executions. In some cases, crews and families have been separated for extended periods of time exposing hostages to the stress of uncertainty on the fate of their partner or child. When hostages were separated, pirates have simulated killing one or more of the hostages with machine gun fire out of sight of the remainder to increase the pressure for a ransom to be paid; the hostages are assumed to be very rich and the ransom demands can be for millions of dollars.

On average, maritime hostages have been held for over 7 months. However, for Paul and Rachel Chandler from the S/Y LYNN RIVAL, their captivity lasted 388 days in the Somali bush. They were eventually released after payment of a ransom however others are not so fortunate; French yacht-owner, husband and father, Florent Lemacon, was killed in April 2009 during the liberation of the S/Y TANIT. In February 2011, pirates shot and killed four Americans aboard the S/Y QUEST off the coast of Somalia when U.S. naval forces were trying to negotiate their release.

(Read about the kidnapping of the crew of the Quest).

PHOTO: Sailing Yacht Tanit

The presence of warships from EUNAVFOR, NATO and the Coalition Maritime Force, in addition to other naval forces, in the Gulf of Aden has significantly reduced the success of piracy attacks in this area. However, there remains a serious and increasing threat from piracy from the southern Red Sea, through the Bab el-Mandeb to the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia and into the Indian Ocean. This area is the same size as Western Europe and there are only between 12 and 18 warships in the area, with far higher priority tasking than protection of yachts and their crews, so if attacked, the chance of release is remote.

PHOTO: S/V Quest, courtesy of svquest.com

The risks to yachts from pirates are significant – they operate from one or more small skiffs, able to reach up to 25 knots. Increasingly, pirates use small arms fire and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) to stop and board vessels. Attacks have taken place mostly during the day, but pirates have also attacked at night. Pirates are likely to be aggressive, highly agitated, and possibly under the influence of drugs, (including khat, an amphetamine like stimulant).

PHOTO: Pirate attack zone

Yachts cannot out-run the pirates and are unable to prevent boarding. Merchant ships, which have higher freeboards and can adopt the self-protection measures recommended in the fourth edition of “Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy” (BMP) improve their chances but even these only delay a determined pirate.

There is only one sure way of avoiding your yacht and crew being captured – freight the yacht across the high-risk area.

Otherwise you could be playing Russian Roulette with your crew and family.

Source: Maritime Executive Magazine Online

Saving Valentina – A Humpback Whale, Caught In A Gill Net

Watch this amazing whale tale of how a few lucky people helped free an entangled humpback whale in the Sea of Cortez.

Gershon Cohen, Ph.D., founder of CSAW and its Project Director for the past thirteen years, is co-director of the Great Whale Conservancy. He focuses primarily on implementing GWC’s political and market-based objectives. CSAW has been the lead organization working to stop the dumping of polluted wastes from cruise ships since 1999. Cohen co-authored the Alaska Cruise Ship Ballot Initiative adopted by statewide vote in August 2006, establishing the world’s strictest pollution rules and oversight policies for the cruise industry. He holds a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy.

Michael Fishbach, a staff member of the Earth Island Institute‘s Campaign to Safeguard America’s Waters(CSAW), is co-director of the Great Whale Conservancy. Michael has been actively involved in conservation efforts, scientific research, education, and ecotourism related to blue whales for 18 years. He focuses on implementation of public outreach  for the past two years, and has been actively involved in conservation efforts, scientific research, education, and ecotourism related to blue whales for 18 years. For GWC Fishbach focuses on implementation of public outreach and education. He is also currently working on blue whale habitat protection in the Sea of Cortez off Baja California.

Update:

You may have seen news reports that Humpback whales have been coming closer to shore in California then ever before, in search of food. There proximity to commercial shipping lanes has put them in serious danger.

On Monday, a petition was filed by four environmental groups to the U.S. Department of Commerce to instate a 10-knot speed limit for large commercial ships in four of California’s National Marine Sanctuaries in the Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank, spanning over 8,000 square miles of ocean.

In the last 10 years, about 50 whales have been hit by ships off the California coast.  The exact numbers are nearly impossible to determine given that many accidents will go unseen or unreported.

The NOAA did designate these shipping lanes as a “Whale Advisory Zone” in 2007, as a result of the death of four blue whales that were struck and killed by vessels.  The advisories, however, are voluntary and do not always deter ship captains to use necessary caution, according to the environmentalists.

The petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Environmental Defense Center, Friends of the Earth and Pacific Environment is under review, according to World Shipping Council Vice President, Anne Kappel. The World Shipping Council represents nearly the entire commercial shipping industry.

This is the second time environmental groups have sought to enact stricter speed limits for the West Coast protected waters.  Their last proposal of a similar nature was rejected by federal regulators in 2007.

How You Can Help The Great Whales Survive…

The world’s great whales face more serious threats today than at any time in the last 100 years from ship collisions, habitat destruction, chemical contamination, impacts on sonar communication, challenges to navigation, and increased hunting. If these magnificent animals are going to survive, they will need people to speak and work on their behalf. The Great Whale Conservancy was launched in 2010 to meet that need.

Panama Canal and Port Everglades Renew Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panama Canal Expansion Links To Florida Business Expansion

 

The Maritime Executive newsletter reports that the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and Port Everglades renewed their strategic alliance today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Panama Canal

 

First signed in August 2009, the MOU, which is renewable for five years, solidifies both entities’ dedication to growth and best customer practices.

“Our partnership furthers our shared goal of promoting trade growth in Panama and Florida,” said ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán Zubieta. “As we approach the completion of our expansion, we look forward to pursuing even more mutually beneficial activities with Port Everglades.”

Areas of cooperation between the ACP and Port Everglades include joint advertising programs, data interchange and competitive market analyses of the shipping industry. This alliance will also continue to promote the “All-Water Route,” the route from Asia to the U.S. East Coast via the Panama Canal.

Serving more than 150 ports and 70 countries, Port Everglades generates over $14 billion worth of business activity and approximately 140,000 jobs in Florida. More than 5.2 million tons of containerized cargo is transported through the Port. With the expansion of the Panama Canal slated for completion in 2014, it stands to benefit from anticipated growth.

“Just as the Panama Canal expansion is moving forward to meet the challenges of the future, so also is the Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan, providing us with a roadmap toward meeting those challenges. The strong working relationship between Port Everglades and the ACP will continue to provide mutual advantages in the years to come”, said Port Everglades Port Director Phillip C. Allen.

Initially approved in 2007, the Master/Vision plan is a comprehensive, dynamic roadmap designed to guide the Port’s growth through an estimated $2 billion in capital investments over a 20-year period. One major component is the deepening of the Port’s channels from 42 feet to 50 feet.

Meanwhile, the Canal’s expansion is well underway, following the recent commencement of the permanent concrete work for the new Atlantic side locks. The $5.25 billion project includes the construction of a new set of locks that will allow the transit of longer and wider ships.

Southern Boating Announces New Editorial Staff

 

 

 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

JULY 15, 2011

Southern Boating Announces New Editorial Staff

July 15, 2011—Fort Lauderdale, FL—Skip Allen, Publisher of Southern Boating and Marine Business Journal, announced three recent appointments to the magazines’ editorial staff. The new additions include L.J. Wallace, who was named Executive Editor, and Nancy Birnbaum as Managing Editor.

“Southern Boating has enjoyed nearly 40 years as the South’s most popular boating publication,” Allen said. “In order to see us through the next 40, we’re renewing our commitment to providing excellent content. The combination of L.J.’s extensive experience writing about boats, fishing and the Eastern Seaboard, as well as Nancy’s proven ability to shape content that appeals to boating enthusiasts of all ages and interests, will surely keep Southern Boating at the top.”

Wallace, who hails from New Jersey, relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where he started the popular Water’s Edge Radio Program featuring an eclectic potpourri of news, views and irreverent commentary on everything nautical from coastal living to boating and fishing. L.J. is a serious angler and seasoned skipper, editor, and writer with published work in Marlin, Seaworthy, and online at UsedBoats.com and BoatUS.com.

Birnbaum has been a Freelance Writer/Editor and Marketing Consultant for the past two years, and was Online Editor for the previous three years at Blue Water Sailing Magazine.

Nancy’s scope encompasses everything from boat and gear reviews to destination articles, which have been published in a variety of national and international marine media. A boating enthusiast since she was a child, sailing in the Chesapeake Bay, she has cruised extensively from Northern California to Florida and the Bahamas, and holds a USCG 50 ton Master/Mate (Captain’s) license.

The third new addition to the Southern Boating team is Laura Dunn, a journalism major from Wheaton College in Illinois. Laura was named Assistant Editor after working as an editorial intern for the magazine.

Look for L.J., Nancy and Laura at upcoming boat shows.

Get Free Tickets to the Treasure Coast’s Marine Flea Market & Win Prizes!

Join BoaterRated at the Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market and Seafood Fest 

Exclusive Offer to BoaterRated Facebook Fans – Free Tickets to the Treasure Coast Nautical Flea Market, Vero Beach, July 23-24

BoaterRated.com is sponsoring the upcoming Treasure Coast Nautical Flea Market & Seafood Fest that takes place in Vero Beach, FL on July 23-24, 2011. For those of you in or near the Treasure and Space Coast areas, this is a nautical event that you don’t want to miss. The Flea Market is a wonderful destination for the whole family. You’ll be able to go shopping for tremendous deals on boating and fishing gear and apparel. There will also be a huge variety of great seafood to feast on. And don’t forget the terrific music from the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll! It’s the best way to spend a weekend off the water!

If you’re at the event, please make sure to visit the BoaterRated crew, under the pavilion in booth spaces 111 – 112. Take a minute to play the guessing game and enter to win some phenomenal prizes. They’re not giving away just any old prizes. They’re giving away valuable gift cards that you and your family can use to increase your boating enjoyment this summer! So be sure to stop by.

Now for the best part: BoaterRated has 15 FREE tickets to the Flea Market ready to give away. All you need to do to win a free ticket is to go to the BoaterRated Facebook page and “Like” us. The first 15 people to become new fans will be eligible for a free ticket. Not on Facebook and don’t want to be? You’re also eligible for a free ticket if you sign up as a new member on BoaterRated.com and then send them an email at info@BoaterRated.com to let them know you’d like a ticket. So there are two ways to win. Just be quick! There’s only 15 tickets to give away!

Become a fan on Facebook before July 23rd and you may win a free ticket to the Flea!

WHEN: July 23 – 24, 2011
9 AM to 6 PM

WHERE: Indian River Fairgrounds
7955 58^th Ave
Vero Beach, FL 32967

ADMISSION:  $7.00
Chlidren 12 and Under Free

WHAT’S THERE:

• Luscious Seafood
• 50-60’s Live Music
• Sizzling Summer Bargains
• PUBLIC BOAT AUCTION! Over 100 boat repossessions, short sales, dealer trades, and private liquidations will be up for sale. The auction boat preview is all day Saturday July 23 and the sale starts at 11:00 AM Sunday July 24, 2011. To pre register to sell or buy a boat go to http://www.FieldsAuction.net/ or call (561) 844-0440.
• OVER 300 MARINE AND NAUTICAL VENDORS
• SELLING NEW, USED, CLOSED OUT AND LIQUIDATED VESSELS
• BOATING AND FISHING SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

The Marine Flea Market will also have antique collectibles and maps, marine artifacts, rods, reels, lures and lines, boating apparel, taxidermy, diving equipment, and much more. Come by for some super discounts on liquidation, closeouts, new, and used boating and fishing supplies.  

Marine manufacturers, distributors, dealers and marine related businesses of all types will be selling new and used marine equipment as well as ‘scratch and dent’ merchandise or products that are overstocked or older models.

Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market and Seafood Fest Major Sponsors:

• Prestige VW
• Southeast Honda of Melbourne
• Wells Fargo Bank
• MarineMax of Stuart
• BoaterRated.com
• U.S. Boating News
• Oldies 103.7 FM

 Also, the festival will be raising money and supporting the Treasure Coast Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Go 4th Boating: Where to Watch Fireworks From Your Boat

There’s no better place to watch a spectacular fireworks display light up the summer sky then from your boat! Your Cruising Editor has scoured the net to bring you this comprehensive list of firework celebrations that can be viewed by boat (Keep in mind that all of these displays are weather dependent -just like boating!).

Also, please take a look at the end of the list for some important safety tips to having a safe Fourth on the water. Enjoy!

New York Fireworks

Fireworks at Coney Island | When: 9:30 every Friday night during the summer season. Where: The Cyclone Roller Coaster and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park sponsor fireworks. Fireworks generally start the last weekend in June and conclude the Friday before Labor Day.  Note: View by boat off the beach in the ocean. For specific questions about the fireworks, please contact The Cyclone (718-265-2100) or Deno’s (718-449-8836) directly.

July 1 & 3

North Sea Fire Department Fireworks Carnival & Celebration |When: Dusk | Where: 149 Noyac Road, Southampton, 631-283-3629 By Bay Fireworks | Note: Anchor in Little Peconic Bay.

July 3 - City of Glen Cove July 4^th Spectacular | When: Dusk | Where: Morgan Park, end of McCaughlin Street, Glen Cove, 516-676-2006 | Note: Anchor in Hempstead Harbor.

Peconic Riverfront Park Fireworks | When: 9:00 pm | Where: Peconic Riverfront Park, behind Main Street. Sponsored by Riverhead B.I.D. Management Association, 631-727-0048 | Note: Boaters are permitted to tie up at the Riverhead waterfront all day without a permit.  To spend the evening, a permit must be purchased at the Recreation Department.

Go 4^th On The Bay | When: Dusk | Where: Point O’ Woods, Fire Island. Fireworks by Grucci | Note: Good viewing from most of the Fire Island bay fronts and shorelines of the bay from Smith Point to Bay Shore.

July 4

Stars over Montauk |  When: 9:00 pm | Where: Umbrella Beach, Montauk, 631-668-2428  www.montaukchamber.com  Fireworks by Grucci | Note: Anchor in Fort Pond Bay.

Go 4^th On The Bay |  When: Dusk | Where: Patchogue, 631-286-0088 Fireworks by Grucci | Note: Good viewing from most of the Fire Island bay fronts and shorelines of the bay from Smith Point to Bay Shore.

Asharoken Village Fireworks | Where: Good viewing from LI Sound east and west of Asharoken and from Northport Bay, 631-261-7098

Macy’s 4^th of July Spectacular | When: 9:00 pm | Where: Hudson River between 24^th and 50^th Streets, 212-494-4495 | Note: Anchorage varies; contact USCG Sector New York 718-354-403.

From BoatingTimes Long Island 

Florida Fireworks

Hollywood – When: 9:00pm and 9:30pm | Where: The City of Hollywood 4th of July Celebration Fireworks will be held July 4, 2011, in the Atlantic Ocean offshore of Hollywood Beach. Fireworks are launched from a barge.

Key Biscayne – When: 4th of July, 2011, 8:30pm and 9:30pm | Where: The Village of Key Biscayne  in Miami, Fl on the ocean off Key Biscayne Beach front.

Key Largo - When: Monday, July 4, at 9 p.m. | Where: Blackwater Sound, fitting its name, provides the perfect nighttime mirror-like surface to make the annual fireworks display seem like a 3D viewing experience designed to dazzle, either by land or sea. | Note: The best seating is at Sundowners and Senior Frijoles Restaurants, Caribbean Club and Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, all located around mile marker (MM) 104 bayside. Reservations are suggested because seating fills up early. www.keylargofireworks.com.

Palm Beach –  Where: The new West Palm Beach waterfront – the bike path along Palm Beach – and the southern causeway park on Palm Beach.

Stuart – When: starting at 4 pm. | Where: Flagler Park ’Family Fun with Live Country Music Children’s activity area, vendors, plenty of good All American food. Stuart Community Band will be performing patriotic music beginning around 7 pm. Fireworks begin At 9 pm. Note: Boaters can view the fireworks while anchored in the river or dock at the City of Stuart courtesy dock and enjoy the activities in Flagler Park. More: July 4th Celebration & Fireworks.  Local Information: It is on the St. Lucie River downstream from the Roosevelt bridge just off the hospital. Many boats usually show up for the display.

West Palm Beach –  4th on Flagler boasts the region’s biggest and best 4th of July celebration and features three stages of non-stop entertainment, a kid’s area, food and refreshments, the unfurling of a giant American Flag, the Firefighters’ Splash and Dash and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. Residents and visitors can enjoy the fireworks, food, concerts and much more along our City’s stunning waterfront. 4th on Flagler will be held on Monday, July 4th from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. along Flagler Drive in Downtown West Palm Beach, with the National City Fireworks Show taking place at 9:00 p.m. This FREE event is produced by the City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Office, Division of Community Events.  For more information on the event, visit wpb.org/4th or call 561-822-2222.

Sarasota/Manatee - Where: Longboat Key’s “Boom-Boom on the Bay” fireworks show | When: July 2^nd just after dark, around 9pm. Boom-Boom On The Bay is sponsored by: The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub, Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, the Longboat Observer, Cannons Marina, Longboat Key Club and the Longbeach Village Association. Note: Cannons Marina co-sponsors the fireworks event on July 2^nd that will be displayed over North Sarasota Bay just after dark. For those in the boating community, this presents an excellent opportunity to have a BOAT-A-BRATION! Anchor your boat around the Intercoastal Waterway’s mile marker 39 and watch the sky light up! Seeing the colors dazzle over the water is a stunning experience you won’t want to miss.

Note: Check your current charts, and get there early to ensure a good spot to anchor. As you’ll obviously be enjoying these displays after the sun goes down, make sure you are comfortable operating your vessel at night. Keep a keen eye out for other boaters, stay at least ¼ mile away and up-wind from where the fireworks are being discharged, don’t anchor in a channel, and keep clear of any Coast Guard designated security/safety zones. Be safe and enjoy the show!

Courtesy of VisitAnnapolis.com

Maryland Fireworks and Notice to Mariners

Baltimore, Md. – Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Baltimore has received notice of the following fireworks displays, scheduled to occur on or near navigable waters during the 2011 Independence Day holiday period:

1. Chester River, Town of Chestertown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near the mouth of Radcliffe Creek on July 4, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at dusk. Chart 12272.2. Fairlee Creek, Great Oak Landing Marina, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Shell Point on July 2, 2011 (rain date of September 3, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9:25 p.m. Chart 12274.3. Herring Bay, Herrington Harbour South Marina, Friendship, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on the south jetty on July 2, 2011 (rain date of July 3, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12266.

4. Miles River, St. Michaels, Maryland, within a 200-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38°47′41″ N, 076°12′53″ W, located on a point of land at the mouth of Long Haul Creek on July 3, 2011 (rain date of July 4, 2011) for a fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. Chart 12263.

5. Patuxent River, Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 200 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore near Long Point on June 25, 2011 (rain date of June 26, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12284.

6. Potomac River, Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Town Pier on July 4, 2011 (rain date of July 9, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12286.

7. Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore on July 3, 2011 (rain date of July 4, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12278.

8. Sassafras River, Georgetown, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore west of the mouth of Dyer Creek on July 4, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:15 p.m. Chart 12274

9. Severn River, Sherwood Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 150 yards from the fireworks discharge site located at the end of the Sherwood Forest Club’s Main Pier on July 3, 2011 (rain date of July 9, 2011) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

10. Severn River, Epping Forest, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge barge located at the mouth of Clements Creek on July 2, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9 p.m. Chart 12282.

11. Somers Cove, Crisfield, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 100 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Jersey Island on July 3, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:15 p.m. Chart 12231

12. Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace, Maryland, mariners are urged to remain at least 300 yards from the fireworks discharge site located on shore at Park Island on July 3, 2011 (no rain date) for a display scheduled at 9:30 p.m. Chart 12277

Mariners are urged to transit these areas with caution, to keep a sharp lookout for other watercraft in these areas, and are reminded to heed the directions of patrolling law enforcement and public safety officials. Absent specific guidance, mariners should remain 300 yards from any fireworks discharge site. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at telephone number (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil.

From: Chesapeake Maritime News

Other Firework Festivities for Boaters Around the Country:

• Boston - Charles River Boston Pops Esplanade
• Bainbridge Island, WA –  Fireworks start at dusk on Eagle Harbor. Boaters are advised to be mindful of rocks and sandbar at the harbor entrance. Low tide is at 11 p.m. July 4. During the day, the island hosts its Bainbridge Grand Old Fourth of July from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a street fair, live music, an antique car show and a parade. All events are in Winslow, a short walk from Eagle Harbor Marina and The Harbour Marina.
• Anacortes, WA - Fireworks start at dusk over Fidalgo Bay. The display will be staged just south of Anacortes Marina and will be visible from there, as well as from Cap Sante Marina. The day also includes the annual Fourth of July Parade and Patriotic Program, which starts with an 11 a.m. parade, followed by kids’ games and food at Causland Memorial Park, 710 N. Ave.
• Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, WA - Fireworks start at 10:15 p.m. over Friday Harbor Marina. Other July 4th events include a parade at 10:30 a.m., a Pig War picnic, firehall lunch, an antique fire equipment and car show and a “rock the dock” street dance.
• Lake Tahoe, California - July 4, 9:30 p.m., Edgewood and Lakeside Beach
• Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks - Monday, July 4 8:00p | Dana Point, California. Come aboard one of our beautiful boats for a special 4th of July Fireworks Display Cruise. Enjoy a unique evening of fun on the water, complete with a live Fireworks demonstration.
• San Diego - Shelter Island, Harbor Island and the North Embarcadero area – launch fireworks simultaneously for 20 minutes.
• July 4th Celebration & Themed Boat Parade /Fireworks - Green Lake, Wisconsin
• Chicago - Independence Day Fireworks 2010…a Triple Play.
  This year, the City of Chicago is spreading out its fireworks spectacular. Instead of one big show at Grant Park, fireworks will be lighting up 26 miles of Chicago’s lake front with a triple play of pyrotechnics. The City has also changed the date of the celebration from July 3 to July 4.
  The simultaneous shows will fire off in the following locations:
  Mid-point: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
  North side: Fireworks will be set off near Montrose Beach with best viewing from Foster to Montrose near the lakefront.
  South side:  Fireworks will be set off near the 63rd St. Beach with best viewing between 63rd. St. and Promontory Point.
  Sunday, July 4th.
  All displays will begin at 9:00p.m. and last approximately 15 minutes.

It can get quite crowded out there. Please be safe!

Safety Tips Courtesy of YachtPals.com

• Before heading out, make sure your running, steaming and anchor lights are working properly, and that you have all the necessary safety equipment aboard. Authorities will almost always be on the water with you at these events, so make sure you’re safe and legal. Also, pack some earplugs for the fireworks show if you are sensitive to noise.

• Leave the pets at home or with friends/family.  Fireworks absolutely terrify most animals, and “S/he hates to be left out of the fun” is no excuse for torturing your beloved pet’s ears and nerves.

• Get to your desired anchorage early, upwind of the show if possible, and set your anchor well before reducing scope. You don’t want to be jockeying for a good position at the last minute, or have your anchor lose grip in the middle of the show. Make sure you are in a safe position, and are clearly outside the restricted area of the fireworks barge.  Nothing worse than waiting all day and then being forced to move 15 minutes before the first mortar.

• Keep libations, at least for the skipper and vital crew, to a minimum.  There will be plenty of drunks on the water, unfortunately, and you will have to keep an eye on your anchor and topsides while latecomers barrel in.  Relax, have a nice dinner, and watch the comedic “bumper boats show” while you wait for the sun to go down.

• If you use your dinghy with an outboard in the anchorage, keep your wake down, as boats will be anchored or rafted closely.  In most jurisdictions, you are responsible for damage you cause from your wake, even on the tender.  Plus, it’s just plain rude to subject others to your need for speed.  Rule of thumb:  unless there’s an emergency, never motor in an anchorage faster than you can row.

• Turn off mast lights (when safe and legal), deck lights, and all bright lights inside the boat before the fireworks start, as this provides a better view for everyone. Resist the urge to add your old flares to the show, don’t let the kids/grandkids/landlubbers play with flashlights, and don’t use your spotlight to “see if that’s Bob’s boat over there.”  Also turn off any music – unless of course the fireworks are set to music via the radio, and you have good speakers, in which case crank it up!

• Sit back and enjoy the show, and don’t forget to ooh and aah!  Don’t watch the fireworks through a camera lens – you’ll miss it, and unless you have a lot of night-shooting experience, the photos are almost always disappointingly blurry when shot from a boat.

• Take your time leaving.  Many of the boating accidents at these events happen as everyone hurries to get back to dock, often with a few beers in their bellies. Wait an hour, and you’ll usually have the water to yourself.  If you’re in a protected spot, consider spending the night.  Hey, you’re already out after dark, your hook is set, and the work’s all done.  Why not stay out and enjoy a night under the stars?

Anchoring Restrictions Proposed from MD to FL. Time to Protect Your Rights!

Anchoring Restrictions Proposed from Maryland to Florida

Boats anchored along the Indian River in Melbourne, FL. Photo by N.Birnbaum

Jack Dozier, Publisher of the Waterway Guide and the well-loved Skipper Bob Guides has sent the following update on Anchoring Restrictions likely to be put in place soon all up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Cruisers and local boaters alike, should get involved in if their communities are subject to these restrictions or they can support organizations that speak for us like the SSCA or Salty Southeast Cruiser Net and make your voice heard.

Whether you’re a recreational boater, cruiser or yachting down the ICW for the season, these issues will affect your plans. Stay in touch and stay on top of these important issues.

Here’s the update:
“With the summer cruising season in full swing, cities from Maryland to Florida are considering or are in the process of implementing restrictions on anchoring, both for transient and local boats. In many cases, these restrictions are in response to problems directly caused by derelict boats in the harbors. However, most will affect cruisers as well as locals.

Here’s a rundown of the various proposals under consideration and in the implementation process, plus links you can click for additional information:

Boats in Annapolis. Photo by N.Birnbaum

• Annapolis, MD — Annapolis officials, faced with a petition from Mears Marina asking that they restrict anchoring in the area adjacent to the marina on Back Creek, will hold a hearing June 28 to gather public input on the proposal. The proposed restrictions would affect only a small portion of Back Creek. However, Annapolis Harbormaster J.P. “Flip” Walters tells Waterway Guide that if a no-anchoring zone is approved off Mears Marina, other marina owners on Back Creek are likely to ask for similar restrictions near their own facilities. Read More

• Carolina Beach, NC — Carolina Beach (Atlantic ICW Mile 295) is moving ahead with plans to install a field of 10 moorings in Myrtle Grove Sound directly off of town in an area that has fallen out of favor for anchoring due to poor holding. Town officials say they hope the moorings, plus a new dinghy landing, will encourage cruisers and other boaters to visit Carolina Beach and will help to revitalize the town’s waterfront. The moorings should be in place by this fall. Read More

• St. Augustine, FL —St. Augustine will continue to gather public feedback on its proposed anchoring restrictions at a workshop scheduled for June 30. St. Augustine city officials continue to mull over potential anchoring restrictions outside of the mooring fields installed earlier this year around the Bridge of Lions (Atlantic ICW Mile 778) and in Salt Run. The city is one of five municipalities participating in the pilot Florida program run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) that allows municipalities to place moorings and regulate anchoring on a trial basis. St. Augustine’s proposed 10-day limit on anchoring generated some controversy at a public workshop in late May, with cruiser representatives arguing that anchoring should be allowed for much longer than 10 days at a stretch. Read More

• Stuart/Jensen Beach/Martin County, FL — The city of Stuart, in partnership with Martin County, has just been accepted into the pilot Florida FWC program. Stuart and Martin County have not yet formulated plans for their participation in the pilot; the first step should be public workshops, to be held this summer. Meanwhile, Martin County has proposed a $1 million mooring field with 51 moorings that would be located in a popular anchorage located in the Indian River Lagoon south of the Jensen Beach Causeway and east of Indian River Drive at Intracoastal Mile 982. The mooring field, which is not included in the FWC pilot, would include a dinghy dock, shower and laundry facilities on shore.

Vessels anchored along Miami Beach, off Belle Isle. Photo by N.Birnbaum

• Florida Keys — Monroe County, which encompasses all of the Florida Keys, also will participate in the pilot Florida FWC mooring program, and is exploring potential anchoring restrictions at three sites that already have mooring fields: Key Largo, Marathon and Key West. The county held workshops in all three sites in June, and is continuing to gather public comment on various possible proposals. As with the other four sites in the FWC pilot program, any restrictions on anchoring in the vicinity of mooring fields will need to be approved by the FWC.

• Sarasota, FL — Sarasota, another of the five Florida municipalities selected to participate in the FWC pilot program, is moving ahead with a long-delayed plan to install moorings in the city’s main anchorage. At the same time, Sarasota will begin the process of developing an ordinance that potentially could place some restrictions on anchoring in the vicinity of the mooring field. The city has struggled for years with the problem of derelict boats in the main Sarasota Bay anchorage, located downtown directly off city-owned Marina Jack marina. Read More

• St. Petersburg, FL — St. Petersburg, the fifth Florida municipality participating in the FWC pilot, is poised to install moorings in its North Basin by this fall, and plans to ban anchoring there beginning sometime this summer. Once the city eliminates anchoring in the North Basin — also known as the Vinoy Basin due to its proximity to the Vinoy Hotel — cruisers who want to visit downtown St. Petersburg by boat will have little choice but to pick up a mooring or rent a slip, since there’s no other safe anchorage nearby. Read More

The numerous recent notices concerning restrictions on anchorages are at once alarming while at the same time offer a solution. The issue looking for a solution is that some anchorages may, over time, become a home for derelict boats and misfits if there are no controls.

Anyone who cruised through the Keys in years past may remember the uncomfortable situation that existed at the Boot Key Harbour anchorage prior to its cleanup and the placement of moorings by the city of Marathon. Now, instead of dozens of rag-tag and often abandoned boats and the issues that came with them, there is a well-organized mooring field full of boats that any of us would be happy to live alongside.  The inhabitants of the mooring field now contribute to the Marathon community rather than put a strain on it. For a modest mooring fee, the city provides a secure mooring, pump-out service, dinghy dockage, shoreside facilities with laundry, bike rakes, trash collection and other services.

The anchorages being considered for mooring fields are generally located in areas popular with transient cruisers, which happen to also be population centers. It should come as no surprise that areas of dense population have more restrictive policies regarding … well, just about everything. We generally accept this as the price of convenience and accessibility.

If anchoring restrictions were to spread to remote and unpopulated areas we would have serious concerns, and unfortunately, once started, those in control of restrictive government policies often have a hard time knowing where to stop. However, as long as restrictions on anchoring are limited to populated areas with a high concentration of boaters, we believe a mooring field with its amenities can offer advantages over an anchorage. Our responsibility as cruisers is to be involved in the regulation setting process to keep it from getting out of hand.”

Jack Dozier
Publisher
Waterway Guide/ Skipper Bob

Thanks to Jack Dozier and the Waterway Guide’s Boating Resources for keeping us all informed.

Ahoy Captain! Hug A Sailor on the ‘Day of the Seafarer’ – June 25, 2011

 

Day of the Seafarer, 25 June, 2011

IMO urges the world to “tweet” and “like” on 2011 Day of the Seafarer

 

To mark the first international Day of the Seafarer, tomorrow – June 25, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is urging people to voice their support by using social networks, by posting videos, discussing seafarer issues, or writing blogs about life at sea.

Last year, the Diplomatic Conference which met in Manila to adopt milestone revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the STCW Convention) and its associated Code, also agreed that the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole, should be marked annually with a ‘Day of the Seafarer’.

The day is intended to pay tribute to the world’s 1.5 million seafarers – men and women from all over the globe. Shipping is the engine of global commerce, responsible for the carriage of more than 90 per cent of world trade, and it is seafarers who ensure the engine runs smoothly, delivering the essential items and commodities on which the world depend.

The day also represents an opportunity for renewed efforts to safeguard the human rights of seafarers throughout the world, according to Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI), an organization dedicated to raising the awareness of seafarers and improving their legal protection under national and international laws.

The campaign is designed to be both educational and inspirational, including live, interactive links with seafarers aboard ships at sea. Please Join Me – Your Cruising Editor to send the simple yet powerful message: “Thank you, seafarers”.

 

To join the campaign, go to www.imo.org and click Day of the Seafarer.

“Like” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeafarerDay

Follow Day of the Seafarer on twitter: @seafarerday

Watch videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/seafarerday

 

 

 

To show your support of the first ever International “Day of the Seafarer”…

Get The Badge

 

Do not forget to show your support by using one of the badges made available by IMO in their Flickrpage: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seafarerday/sets/72157626527572441/!

Test Your Marine Knowledge!

Go to http://imo.coraclequiz.com/quizzes/imo/index.php and take the quiz — then share it with those who might benefit from learning more about the maritime industry.