Lights, Camera, Action!

Review of Aqualuma Gen 4 Series Thru-hull LEDs, Aquatic AV BlueCube & Mariner Amphibious DRONE. Yachting Times Magazine, Spring 2015, page 66.

http://yachtingtimesmagazine.com/issue/18spring2015/pageflip.html

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New Fuel Saving Device and Mobile App

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 16, 2015

Interactio Launches Kickstarter Campaign for
New Fuel Saving Device and Mobile App

View real time boat fuel flow, consumption and range information using your Smart Phone or Tablet. New Optio Fuel wireless sensor from Interactio

November 16, 2015 (Victoria, BC) – Every once in awhile a deceptively simple innovation comes along that just makes sense. Optio Fuel is one such innovation.

Until now, the options boat owners had for monitoring their boat’s fuel consumption were either very expensive or difficult to retrofit, leaving boaters relying on instinct and math!

The Victoria, BC-based creators of Optio Fuel, Interactio Inc., will launch their first product on the popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter later this month.

This new device makes it easy for boat owners to directly monitor their vessel’s fuel use using a free app on their smart phone or tablet. The fuel sensor and the mobile app is all that is needed to monitor fuel flow and consumption. Further, current range and optimal speed are also displayed on the device’s map in real time.

Preliminary tests show fuel savings in the range of 10-30% or more^*. David Burton, Interactio’s co-founder said “In many cases Optio Fuel pays for itself in a weekend of cruising”. (^*Numbers will vary depending on your boat, how often it’s used and your cruising style).

“Our goal is to raise $25k to fund the production of the Optio Fuel,” commented Roger Lines, co-founder of Interactio.

With the funds and awareness raised through this Kickstarter campaign, Interactio will offer a series of new products leveraging “Internet-of-things” technology to bring products to the marine market. As a new technology startup company looking to do things in new ways, Interactio is using modern crowd sourcing from Kickstarter to bring Optio Fuel to market. In true Kickstarter style, being an early supporter gets you a big discount when it’s delivered. Lines reports that the retail price for the Optio Fuel will be just US$199, but on Kickstarter, the first 100 units will be $99, the next 200 — $149.

The project launches November 28th and will run until the end of December. You can find out more at: http://bit.ly/Optiofuel.

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New Things to Do @ the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Photo by Nancy Birnbaum © 2014 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 28, 2014) – Entering its 55th year, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® (FLIBS), the largest in-water boat show in the world, is set to take place from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, attracting an international audience of thousands of marine enthusiasts to the “Yachting Capital of the World” to experience the single best showcase of marine products and accessories on the planet. Each year, show organizers strive to deliver new, exciting features to enrich the overall show experience and engage audiences.Here are the top 13 things to see and do at this year’s show: 1. Check out an astounding number of yachts. From astonishing super-yachts to fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show delivers the excitement of boating for anyone who loves to get out on the water. 2. Stop by Pier 66 Marina, the show’s newest location.  Recently reopened following a total marina renovation, this show site will feature an impressive display of brokerage yachts and attractive dining options, including Pelican Landing restaurant for casual dining and drinks, and fine cuisine at the upscale Grille 66 & Bar. Pier 66 Marina will be accessible via shuttle bus (Green Line) and/or Water Taxi. Qualified guests will be able to sea trial yachts during the show from this location. 3. Grab a bite to eat at the show’s new, full-service pop-up restaurant, Hugh’s Café at the Hall of Fame Marina, operated by Hugh’s Culinary. Located at the Hall of Fame Marina show location, the concept is designed to offer another quality dining option for guests and a place for industry professionals to meet and conduct business.  4. Relax and grab a drink at the new IGFA Sportfishing Lounge, located inside the Broward County Convention Center. While you’re there, enjoy free fishing, diving and boating seminars and workshops for anglerstaught by some of the area’s best captains and professional anglers. Photo by Nancy Birnbaum © 2014 5. For the kids, catch the Hook The Future kids’ fishing clinics where kids get a free rod/reel combo and plenty of other prizes. 6. Check out the expanded Blue Wild area featuring scuba and freediving, lobstering and safety seminars, a huge selection of marine art and the all-new JYPSEA Swimwear Show. 7. Take in a flick at the Boat Show Film Festival,screening Crew Unlimited’s Yachtie Da Film Festival, Guy Harvey Ocean Conservancy films, and trailers from this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. 8. Check out live paddleboard, kayak, hovercraft and freedive demos at the AquaZone, presented by Nautical Ventures and new this year to the Sailfish Pavilion at the Convention Center location. Guests will learn directly from the pros in a 25-foot-by-50-foot, 15,000 gallon pool. 9. Ogle the exotic auto display, a private jet, personal submarines and the latest yacht and water toys. Even if you’re not in the market for a new boat this year, the show offers amazing exhibits and fun for all. 10. People-watch at the show’s world-famous floating cocktail lounges. Find a seat, grab a cold drink and cool off in the shade. Have a bite to eat and recharge while enjoying live music and even livelier crowds. 11. Explore the impressive displays and shop for the latest gear or gifts. Nearly $4 billion worth of boats and marine products across more than three million square feet of exhibit space includes an array nautical clothing, gear, the latest marine electronics, accessories and more. 12. Hop a ride to the show aboard free riverboats and $10 all-day Water Taxi transportation. The show’s seven locations are connected by a convenient land and water transportation network offering several parking and transportation options to get show-goers to the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel & Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Municipal Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Sails Marina, Pier 66 Marina and the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. 13. Watch the spectacular fireworks display on opening night at the Bahia Mar Marina. FLIBS always wows guests in many ways, whether it is the jaw-dropping superyachts, the lavish parties and fun-filled events or the amazing fireworks. Year after year, the show aims to bring an enhanced experience to all who come through the gates. Photo by Nancy Birnbaum © 2014 Photo by Nancy Birnbaum © 2014

SCHEDULE: Thursday, Oct. 30 (Prime Time Preview) 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ADMISSION: Adults $22 online; $24 at show Children (ages 6-15) $7 online; $9 at show Children (under 6) Free Prime Time Preview (Thursday, Oct. 30) $38 online; $40 at show Two-Day Ticket $40 online; $42 at show The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, managed and produced by Show Management and sponsored by Gosling’s Rum, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), GEICO, YACHTS International Magazine, AIM Marine Group, Budweiser, BoatShowHotels.com, BoatQuest.com, Palm Harbor Marina, Smallwoods Yachtwear, International Game Fish Association (IGFA), Monte Carlo Vodka and the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

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BoaterRated and Arbitration Resolution Services Announce Affiliation Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contacts:   L. Carl Schellbach, Jr. – 1-877-292-7440, carl@boaterrated.com

                                 Thomas P. Weber – 1-888-934-1777, tweber@arbresolutions.com

Stuart, FL., August 12, 2013 – BoaterRated, LLC, which operates the leading independent marine business review website–where boaters rate and review boating businesses–and Arbitration Resolution Services (ARS), which has developed the ideal environment for alternative dispute resolution using binding arbitration, today announce that they are teaming up in order to bring a value-added service.

The new service allows BoaterRated Partner Businesses™ to use ARS services at reduced fees for all parties to a dispute.

“BoaterRated.com exists to help the boating community get more enjoyment out of their investment and to help marine providers increase their level of customer service,” said Carl Schellbach, Partner of BoaterRated LLC. “Needless to say, not all boater experiences with providers are great, although many of the not-so-good ones are generally resolved when the provider’s attention is drawn to an issue. The Partner Business feature of a 14-day Reconciliation Period has resulted in a good number of amicable resolutions. We’re always on the lookout for ways to help boaters obtain the best products and services available. So, for situations that are not resolved during the Reconciliation Period, ARS offers an attractive path to a fair resolution and we’re glad to be able to offer it on terms equally favorable to all parties in a dispute.”

Tom Weber, CEO of Arbitration Resolution Services, adds, “Litigation is always a last-ditch and usually overly expensive effort to resolve disagreements. Arbitration offers a far less expensive and less adversarial solution to problems that can arise, and indeed have arisen in my own boating experience. ARS is an efficient way to accomplish the process, and at far less cost than hiring lawyers and court time to resolve an issue that usually involves less money than the legal fees and court costs would total.”

BoaterRated.com and Arbitration Resolution Services are offering a reduction in ARS’s standard fee schedule to businesses enrolled in BoaterRated’s Partner Business Program™. Mr. Schellbach says “We’re always seeking to add benefits for Partner Businesses to help them better serve the boating community, we see this as a great addition to the portfolio.”  Mr. Weber goes on to say “We share BoaterRated’s commitment to objectivity and fairness and for that reason we are glad to offer a discount to all sides of a dispute that comes to ARS for resolution. BoaterRated Partner Businesses demonstrate their commitment to a high level of customer service, and that commitment really shows when things get a little tougher and the business wants to make things right as efficiently as possible for all.”

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About BoaterRated:

BoaterRated, LLC owns and operates BoaterRated.com, an easy-to-use, independent review website where boaters can offer ratings and reviews of local boating businesses, and where those businesses can easily enhance their “get the word out” efforts. For more information visit www.BoaterRated.com and explore!

 About Arbitration Resolution Services:

ARS provides first-quality easily facilitated online arbitration services to companies and individuals. ARS is creating a seismic shift from the expense and hassles of courtroom litigation to online arbitration using innovative software technology that makes online arbitration accessible. ARS makes the resolution of disputes accurate, quick, and cost effective! For more information about ARS and the arbitration process, visit www.ArbResolutions.com .

                                                                                                        

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Boaters – What’s on Your Holiday Wish List?

The New Holiday issue of BayPop Magazine is available online now.

http://www.baypop.com/

Check out my column “Ship Chic” and discover the most luxurious yachts & yacht toys available for your wish list.

Enjoy!

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New Online Seminar – Safety at Sea with Marine VHF Digital Selective Calling

Marathon, FL, (March 21, 2012) – Capt. Marti Brown and Cruising Companion Publications are proud to release the first in a series of online seminars geared to boating safety entitled, “Safety at Sea With Marine VHF Digital Selective Calling.”

As the Coast Guard’s new marine radio network, Rescue 21, becomes operational throughout the U.S., rescue centers will have the ability to receive instant distress alerts from commonly used DSC-capable VHF marine radios; however, approximately 90 percent of VHF DSC distress alerts received by the Coast Guard do not contain position information, and approximately 60 percent do not contain a registered identity. The Coast Guard cannot effectively respond to a DSC distress alert sent from such a radio.

As a result, search and rescue efforts may normally be suspended when:

• no communications with the distressed vessel can be established;
• no further information or means of contacting the vessel can be obtained from other sources; and,
• no position information is known.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Mariners are encouraged to invest in a VHF-FM radio as their primary means of distress alerting on the water. Communication via VHF-FM radio provides superior alerting capabilities over cellular phones.”

VHF-FM radios are manufactured today with DSC which provides the mariner with an emergency feature that will send a distress with the vessel’s information and Global Positioning System (GPS) location at the press of a button. The new safety course describes what Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is, how DSC fits into the US Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, how to program your DSC capable VHF radio and how to use its lifesaving and fun features.

The course can be accessed 24/7, can be viewed at the convenience of the student and is reasonably priced at $24.95.

To access this new and important information and to take the course, go to: http://www.idiyachts.com/online_seminars.htm

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About Captain Marti Brown: Capt. Marti’s widely acclaimed books include three easy to read textbooks on marine communications – Marine SSB Radio For “Idi-Yachts,” HF Radio E-Mail For “Idi-Yachts,” The ICOM M802 Radio Manual for “Idi-Yachts.” Capt. Marti’s books help make sense of marine electronics and keep the fun in boating! Don’t miss her newest book “Murder At Stacy’s Cove Marina,” – a nautical murder mystery.

For More Information Contact:
Capt. Marti Brown – captmarti@netzero.com,  www.idiyachts.com, 1-305-731-7315

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ActiveCaptain expands reach with Garmin partnership

ActiveCaptain, the world’s first interactive, user-supported, cruising guide, has announced a new partnership with Garmin International.

In a press release dated February 15, 2012, Jeffrey Siegel, Owner/Co-Founder of ActiveCaptain, announced that Garmin has become the first officially -licensed company to integrate ActiveCaptain into their BlueChart Mobile app for iPad and iPhone.

Siegel wrote, “As the first major marine electronics manufacturer to publicly license ActiveCaptain, the stage is set for another doubling of AC users to over 200,000 members.”

Engelhard (Al) Sundoro, Garmin’s Senior Director, Marine Sales and Marketing said, “We’re proud to partner with ActiveCaptain to make the boating experience even more pleasurable. The content provided by the ActiveCaptain community is a great complement to Garmin’s BlueChart Mobile application – now, not only will mariners have the latest charts and service data from Garmin, but they’ll also have access to a wealth of information directly from other captains.”

Garmin’s new app isn’t available yet, but will be after the formal announcement at the Miami International Boat Show, this weekend – Feb. 16-20. It will debut at the Garmin booth (#1689) and ActiveCaptain support will be demonstrated with live data.

BlueChart will be free of charge through the iTunes App Store, but users will pay to download various charts regions as needed. It provides integration for route planning and totally integrates with the real-time, synchronized data from the ActiveCaptain servers. It does not require Garmin chartplotters but has extra capabilities if you also have other Garmin hardware.

Up-To-Date Cruising Information… In the palm of your hand

Most cruisers would agree that having a member-updated cruising guide is the best way to get the most accurate, useful information about anchorages, ports and even hazards.

“Bringing more boaters to the ActiveCaptain community is a huge win for the entire boating community, especially outside the U.S., where Garmin’s support for international chart data will merge perfectly with our international content.”

Currently the scope of the data is focused primarily on the U.S., but that will surely change quickly as more international users come onboard. As more boaters share their local knowledge and cruising experiences with others in the boating community, everyone benefits. One of my favorite aspects of ActiveCaptain is the ratings system where cruisers can share their knowledge of any particular anchorage by assessing aspects like holding, wind protection, wake protection, shopping and access to shore – all important to those visiting for the first time. Printed cruising guides tend to become inaccurate as soon as they hit the stores, so interactive guides like ActiveCaptain are more useful whether one is out for a daysail or cruising the world.

Anyone can become a member of the ActiveCaptain community. It’s free to join and begin posting information. There’s also incentives to contribute. Members earn points for entering information on marinas and fuel pricing and then exchange those points for logo-wear, products and occasional special promotions by marinas.

ActiveCaptain is also available as an overlay on another charting app for the iPhone/iPad, namely Charts&Tides by Navimatics.

ActiveCaptain’s press release:
https://activecaptain.com/news/2012-02-15.php

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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