Mobile Boat Ramp Application Receives Honorable Mention at NMMA Awards

The Boat Ramps Mobile App

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) was honored today for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 70th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami. RBFF received an Honorable Mention in the 2011 Innovation Awards for its Take Me Fishing Boat Ramp App.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) honored eleven marine products with 2011 Innovation Awards on Thursday and one as an Honorable Mention. The recognition took place during a State of the Industry Breakfast at the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami.

The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.

Among the winners for the Consumer Electronics and Software category, NMMA bestowed Honorable Mention to the Take Me Fishing Boat Ramp Mobile App. Available on iTunes and in the Droid Market, the FREE app allows users to search an impressive database of more than 35,000 launch points by city or zip code and even offers turn-by-turn directions. It’s already been downloaded by more than 27,000 mobile users.

BoatU.S. Mobile App

The app was developed by Derek Trauger & Associates who have a number of useful apps available for boating enthusiasts on both iPhone and Android phones. Traugers’ most recent: The BoatUS app that helps members call for a tow and includes helpful location and tracking features just for boaters, sailors and anglers. The moment you hit the App’s ‘Call Now for a Tow’ button, it automatically provides TowBoatU.S. with critical information before their crew even answers the phone.

Traugers’ other apps include Padi, Dive Spots, Bait Shops and iBoatShows. With over 60,000 downloads to date, Derek is on his way to becoming the top App Developer to the Marine Industry.

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BoatU.S. SmartPhone App for Android and iPhone – Available Now!

Available Now! Get the App that revs up the fun factor in your boating lifestyle!

BoatUS – THE Boat Owners Association of the United States – knows boaters like to share with friends and family breathtaking cruising destinations, the hottest fishing holes, ‘uh oh’ grounding spots to avoid and best of all – their boats current location.

Use the BoatUS Towing App to easily send friends your phone’s GPS Latitude and Longitude with a Google map link. You can easily share your near shore boat location with a few screen touches. Even use it to notify friends on shore when and where you begin and end your float plan!

BoatUS also knows boats break down, go aground and trailer tires blow out when least expected. Who wants to fork out over $600 for a tow? That’s why this App also has similar features to a vehicles automatic locator. Press the “Call for a Tow” option on the home screen and a 24/7 crew mate of BoatUS will answer, knowing who you are, what boat you’re on and where you are. A key feature, since tens of thousands of the boaters who call for a tow unfortunately don’t know exactly where they are located.

Even though this app doesn’t replace good seamanship and navigation skills, it is a nice addition to add to your tackle box. And it’s free.

The BoatUS Towing App not only displays the phones latest nautical Latitude and Longitude right in front of you, it’s GPS function should still work even when out of cell phone range. What a perk if you need to relay it over VHF radio in times of need!

BoatUS Members who choose to buy Unlimited Towing are also prepared when the unexpected engine breakdown, non emergency tow, soft ungrounding, battery jump, fuel delivery and/or trailer roadside assistance is needed. BoatUS can pay the bill on the spot so you don’t have to!

BoatUS is the biggest, the best and the most trusted boat towing program available. Not to mention THE Association providing representation for recreational boaters on Capital Hill, the best boat insurance policies, 24 hour claims service, marina repair and fuel discounts at 900 locations coast to coast, rewards at West Marine stores, award-winning boating, fishing and trailering magazines and over 25 services for boaters needs.

Recently changed in this version

-Text or Email your boat’s near shore location to other boaters
-Share your raft up anchorage or favorite fishing hole instantly
-Show your boat’s near shore location on Google Maps
-Displays your Latitude & Longitude (even out of cell range)
-Call for a tow with the comfort of BoatUS knowing where you are
-Complete your boating tool bag with 25 other BoatUS Services
-Get the hottest boating news events from BoatUS Press Room
-Use the BoatUS App to easily send your phone’s GPS Latitude and Longitude with a Google map link.

• Share breathtaking cruising destinations
• Keep a log of where they’ve been on the water
• Warn others of where to avoid ‘Uh Oh’ grounding spots
• Have the comfort knowing they can call 24/7 for a tow

Download the free BoatUS Towing app today to try it out. At sea. On the Lake. In the River. On the Road. Also, call 800-888-4869 now to join BoatUS and buy Unlimited On-Water and Trailer Assist for less than you probably spend for your auto club. They don’t cover boats and usually don’t pay for tows of boat trailers!

Coming Soon for Blackberry! Read the News HERE!

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2010 Best Boating, Cruising, Travel Gear & Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again, when Your Cruising Editor picks the best out of all her reviews this year for the BEST stuff your money can buy. And since we’re all doing some belt-tightening, I’ve included many HOT items that won’t make you part with BIG BOAT BUCKS! These recommendations are most often made with actual experience using the product or service. Items are either on loan or are promotional review samples. (See the Cmp.ly icon link below.).

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

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GRID-IT!™ is an handy organizer that allows you to customize and reconfigure your stuff as your needs and cargo evolve. Do you throw all your personal belongings, gadgets and other knick-knacks in your carry-on bag, letting them bounce around and making them hard to find? With GRID-IT you can put all those items under rubberized elastic bands made specifically to hold personal objects firmly in place. The configurations are only limited by your creativity! Get GRID-IT online at Cocoon Innovations.

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Speaking of keeping items close at hand while onboard…if you haven’t discovered The Treefrog Pad, now is the time! The Tree Frog Pad is sticky like its namesake because it’s made from an environmentally friendly synthetic resin and it will keep all your stuff from sliding around. But what’s truly amazing is that you can stick the pad almost anywhere and then remove it without leaving any residue. Plus your handhelds, like phones or an iPad, will stick even while vertical! Cut it up and stick it anywhere you need extra shock resistance. It’s safe on varnished wood, painted surfaces, even gelcoat! At $12.95 you can get one for everyone on your gift list! Available online at TreeFrogPad.com. (Check out my photo on the boating page!).

What can I say? I love the Handpresso! I’m a self-described coffee snob. I like to grind my own beans and I love strong espresso. Life onboard doesn’t always afford me the style to which I am accustomed. That is until the Handpresso showed up. Importika, the company that also carries the high-end Gaggia line of Italian espresso machines, now offers the Handpresso in a couple of different designs including one that you can use your own freshly ground beans in. Simple pump action and hot water is all that required to create a ‘vintage’ coffee with a delicious aroma and a prefect crema. (All the coffee snobs out there will know just what I’m talking about here!). Pump up the pressure (about 30-40 pumps), add hot water, then put in the E.S.E pod. Push the button and voila! The Handpresso Travel Kit includes the Handpresso portable espresso maker and a travel case. And, since it’s fully human-powered, it’s also a green machine. Retails for $199.99.

The Fresh Traveller is both a food storage space and bowl all in one convenient carrier. With its sturdy double-walled stainless steel construction, any food or drink you prepare for your favorite crew will stay hot or cold. The contemporary design, by Arian Brekveld for Royal VKB in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands, has been included in New York’s MoMA. Designed to fit into a standard cup holder, the Fresh Traveller is perfect for yogurt and granola; soup and crackers; cold milk and cereal; pudding and cookies? The possibilities are endless. Everything stays fresh and/or crunchy until you mix it and keeps chilled food or beverages cold up to six hours. Retails for just under $45. Available online through Emmo Home.

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The solar-powered Raillight can mount anywhere with the “QuickMount” heavy-duty clamp mounting system – horizontally or vertically (clamps onto any railing from 3/4″ to 11/4″ diameter), transom clamp (adjusts up to 2″ making it perfect for cockpit combing, toe rails, attaching to tenders, dinghies, rowboats, canoes-any small boat that needs a safety light). Raillight Premium offers up to eight hours of light on a full charge and will last at least 20,000 hours. It’s made with marine grade ABS, stainless construction and utilizes four super-bright LEDs which are gasketed and sealed for excellent weatherproofing.  A light sensor automatically turns the Raillight on at dusk and off at dawn, so you never have to wonder if you remembered to turn on your anchor light! Stay safe on the hook or in the dink with Raillight. Retails for $30. Available at SolLight.com.

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More Green Gear…Restore^TM Solar-Powered Electronics Charger. Going green is easy with this nifty solar-powered portable charger for your USB (mini or micro) adapter device like iPods, smartphones, digital cameras or Bluetooth headset. Use the power of the sun to restore your devices to full power not one, not two, but up to eight times for a headset or four AA batteries! For an iPod, one hour of sun equals six or seven hours of music. Charges from either the solar panel, the USB or from the included DC adapter. Retails for around $90, but can give you the output equal to 1,372 AA batteries, plus it’s better for the planet! You can find the Restore™ Portable Power Device at REI.

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Look fabulously Nauti with jewelry for the Nautically-inclined from Style Newport. Handcrafted in sterling silver or gold, nautical flag charms dangle from either rubber, leather or charm bracelets and start at $50. Choose your initials for a lovely necklace or perhaps your boat name for a charm bracelet.

Read my “Boat Test” of SN jewelry at www.YachtCandy.com

Makes a very special gift for the Holidays! (Hint, hint…). Visit them online at www.stylenewport.com.
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TruPlug is the “must-have” emergency gear for everyone! TruPlug is softer than a traditional wooden plug and can be pushed in by hand and take up the shape of an irregular opening. This makes the TruPlug much more versatile than any typical wooden plug. Use it in case of a thru hull failure, or for any tear, round or otherwise. Available at Forespar.com.

Keep your small electronics dry with Sea To Summit TPU fully waterproof accessory cases. Super reliable roll top closure provides waterproof and dust proof performance. PVC-free TPU material (thermoplastic polyurethane) is strong, durable, flexible and UV-resistant. Available in small, medium and large sizes. Retails for between $12 and $20.

If you don’t yet have an iPad onboard you probably will soon. Be sure to protect it from the elements with a WaterGuard Waterproof Case from TrendyDigital. The UV-stabilized plastic guards against wet environments and provides extra cushioning as well. Use your iPad right through the plastic. Retails for $19.99 and comes with an adjustable strap.

Want to listen to your tunes while in the water? Get the DryCase for the iPhone or iTouch. When used with the handy waterproof DryBuds, you can safely listen to your device while in the water. Remarkable! I love the handy Neoprene and Velcro buoyant armband. Another ‘must-have’ for active waterbabes!

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Find out all the best new Mobile Apps for Boaters online at MadMariner.com courtesy of YourCruisingEditor!

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Disclosures: http://cmp.ly/1/mw5qvn

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A New Way to Locate Boat Shows Around the World – iBoatShows, iPhone App Available Now!

Finally there’s an App For That! iBoatShows™ delivers boat show information on iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad

Sept. 30, 2010 – iTapTouch, LLC, a mobile applications development company, announced that their first app – iBoatShows™ — has been approved and is now available in the Apple App Store. The application was designed in response to the growing demand for key information on boat shows and other marine-industry events. iBoatShows, available today as a free download at the Apple App Store or through the company website, www.iboatshows.com, helps boaters locate a show near them or anywhere in the world. The app also features a quick-search function allowing users to discover what each show or event has to offer and obtain tickets. The app also includes an “Extras” section that allows users to take advantage of special offers by exhibitors, or access social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to tell others about what they’ve found.

The application is the first of several planned applications by iTapTouch, including iBoatShows Custom®, which will focus on individual shows, allowing boaters access to detailed, real-time show information. Customized for any and all shows that want to offer a personalized, dynamic, multi-faceted solution, the apps will provide attendees with convenient mobile access to expo, destination, and exhibitor/vendor information, as well as promotions and sales. iBoatShows Custom will be rolled out later this year.

iTapTouch is the first mobile-only company to join with the Mad Mariner Network, which now includes nine websites, DIY Boat Owner magazine, and the largest social network in the marine industry. iBoatShows for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch will expand Mad Mariner’s ability to connect advertisers with an audience of enthusiastic boaters.

About iTapTouch, LLC

iTapTouch, LLC is a privately held, woman-owned company formed expressly to develop mobile applications for the marine industry. iTapTouch, LLC is owned and managed by Nancy Birnbaum, a long-time boater, U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Captain, and writer/editor in the marine industry. More information about iBoatShows can be found at www.iboatshows.com. iBoatShows can be downloaded at the Apple App Store.

Contact: Nancy Birnbaum

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Small Islands Can Offer Wondrous Things!

2009 Curacao Heineken Regatta

November 10, 2009

Den Paradera

I was just in Curaçao this past week for the Heineken Regatta and took a side-trip out to a very cool farm owned by a magical woman by the name of Dinah Veeris. Dinah Veeris is on a one-woman crusade to preserve traditional medicinal plants native to Curaçao. In the early 1980s she began Den Paradera, a magnificent botanical garden where she propagates over 300 species of wild medicinal plants. The name “Den Paradera” comes from the Paraguiri Indians who once had one of the biggest gardens on this island. Dinah says, “I started Den Paradera because I saw that we were loosing a lot of information, a lot of herbs. You could be out in the wild areas of the island today and see a lot of herbs. The next day you would not find them anymore. So I started to bring the herbs to this garden to help save them as well as the knowledge of how to use them.”

magic & love sign

Dinah is known throughout Curaçao as a healer, or in the local language of Papiamento, a curioso. She will take these plants home and make blends of herbal medicine to sell. Her knowledge of the local botany is impressive and she has published books often used by local botanists.

Dinah says “I give my knowledge away because I got it from the older people. They gave me that knowledge and I feel that I have to give the knowledge to other people, to the young people, so they can spread it.”

The soft spoken and charismatic Dinah was born in 1939.  She is an absolute expert on local and Caribbean herbs.  She studied at the California school for Herbal Studies. In 1991 she wrote a book about the herbs and their use which has been translated to English: Green Remedies and Golden Customs of our Ancestors. Dinah has received several awards for her input in preserving the culture and the healing herbs.  As a long-time grade school teacher, she honed her lecturing skills and will personally give you a guided tour through the garden, as well as also providing you with a wealth of information regarding the various plants and their healing powers.

Dinah, Herbalist

“Slaves began using native plants to heal other slaves when no other form of care was offered by slave owners,” says Dinah. The Dutch, along with most of the Old World, outlawed the practice of Herbalists and Healers, so it is truly amazing that any of the vast knowledge base was passed down through the generations.”

But Dinah learned from her mother and is now dedicated to teaching the children of present-day Curaçao. The Joantina project was set up especially for school children to learn about herbs and cultural heritage of Curaçao.

The Garden

The garden is divided into three parts: Botanical, Historical and Production. Many herbal items are produced for sale both in the Farm Store and at other locations throughout the island. Their most popular items continue to be beauty products including herbs for weight loss, soaps, hair oils, facial ointments, medicinal ointments for muscles, skin, and soul! (I picked up some “Love Tea” to try!).

garden framed

The Herb Farm has just added a new feature: A meandering stream which was filled for the very first time while I watched. Future plans also include opening rest area where visitors can stop for healthy bite, taste drinks made out of fruits and herbs from the garden, and taste a porridge made from barley, just to mention a few.

garden stream runs

Guided tours of Den Paradera are available by appointment phone: (+5999)767-5608.

Admission fee is US$6 for adult and US$4 for children.

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Finally! My Blog sets sail!

A little history…

Growing up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, I often got the “best” spot on the bow as rail meat! Under the excellent tutelage of my Uncle George, I learned the hard way – while racing in yacht club events. He wanted to win, and I wanted to do well, so I did what I was told and soon discovered that I actually enjoyed all the excitement. And once the stomachache went away, it was, well- fun!

As a young adult living across the country in Northern California, I would often walk the dock on weekend mornings ready to beg my way onto a boat. Before too long, I met fellow sailors who owned boats that I could crew on. I leap at those opportunities, which sometimes wasn’t so smart. I clearly recall getting onboard a boat with a young man who, as it turned out, didn’t have a clue. When the wind picked up, (as we all know can happen often on the San Francisco Bay) we were blown way out across the Bay and had to claw our way back to the Wharf, arriving late into the night – cold and tired. It was a sail I would not soon repeat!

Although I did sail with others who had less experience, it often afforded me the chance to run the boat, set the sails, steer and make lunch too!

Some 25 years later I took that great leap and joined a boat in the Baja Ha Ha Rally as crew. There I met my first mate and together we have sailed all the way to Florida, cruising for five years initially. Now we are in between boats, replenishing the cruising kitty and planning our next adventure.

I am among the fortunate few who has put their cruising experience to work for them. As a writer and editor, I can now get paid to sail. My Blog will include these trips as well as lessons learned while voyaging. When we once again head off into the Blue, I’ll be sharing our stories to help any who care to sail in our wake.

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