As the leaves fall and turn to brown, our palette changes from strawberry and watermelon summer flavors to more autumnal pumpkin and apple-flavored treats. Spiced rum is a perfect spirit to enjoy this season, so we chose Captain Morgan as the main ingredient for two cocktail variations. Whether you wrap up in a cozy blanket or entertain friends on your boat, you can drink like a ship captain with the following fall recipes.

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The Captain Cider

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Ingredients:‍

1.5 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1.5 oz Cranberry juice
1.5 oz Hard apple cider

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Instructions:

Fill a rocks glass with ice and combine all ingredients. Gently stir and garnish with a cranberry and apple slice.

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Hot Captain Cider

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Ingredients:

2 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
6 oz Fresh apple cider

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Instructions:

Combine the rum and apple cider in a small pot and microwave or heat over a stove. Carefully pour drink into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

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What did we name our boats in 2022?

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SPRINGFIELD, Va., Nov. 8, 2022 -- Now that recreational boating is coming to a close in much of the country, BoatUS takes a look back at the Top 10 boat names ordered this season through its online boat graphics service and provides some commentary.

1. Andiamo: Meaning “let’s go / we go / come on” in Italian, Andiamo remains in the No. 1 spot from last year’s list. It’s also a happy refrain heard from the person behind the helm as they put the throttle down and head to open waters.
2. Osprey: This year marked the premiere of Osprey, having never before made the top 10. In a unique twist, Osprey bumped last year’s No. 2 boat name, Social Distancing, completely off the list. ‘Nuff said, right?
3. Serenity: This No. 3 name is so popular it has made the top 10 seven times since 2010, tying the record with Second Wind. Yep, you guessed it – both are popular with sailboat owners.
4. Encore: Also a newcomer to the top 10 this year, Encore may be the boat name of choice for an entertainer. Or, it could indicate the “next” boat – either satisfying the 3-foot-itis or scaling down, or maybe even coming back to boat owning after a hiatus.
5. Zephyr: Last appearing on the top 10 in 2010, sailors will welcome this reference to a gentle breeze back to the list.
6. Second Wind: Is this boat named for a new chapter in life or achievement? A comeback? A new strength? We’ll never know for sure, but gosh is it perennially popular.
7. Adventure: A boat with this name is usually out of the slip every weekend putting miles of water under the keel.
8. Knot on Call: This boat name serves as a notice that on-the-water time can’t be tampered with. Of unique importance, the owner of this boat can silence their cellphone ring in just under two seconds.
9. Shenanigans: Quit fooling around. Shenanigans are a part of every boating culture.
10. Grace: In its fourth appearance on the top 10 boat names list since 2010, Grace likely holds deep meaning for vessels with beautiful lines or for those that navigate with finesse. This is the one boat in the marina that also makes docking look easy.

For a look at all of the BoatUS Top 10 Boat Names lists over the years, go to BoatUS.com/BoatNames. The BoatUS Graphics service offers an online design tool that allows you to easily create custom boat graphics with fast turnaround times. BoatUS also offers simple step-by-step video instructions on how to install your new graphics yourself.

Marina Updates

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Visit Hampton, VA, this Fall for Historic Cruises

Just Opened: Climb aboard the all-new Hampton Queen for a ride fit for royalty! Take a tour through the world’s greatest natural harbor aboard the gorgeous vessel, operated by Hampton Roads Harbor Tours. Cruise through the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton River to discover historic sites such as Fort Monroe and Fort Wool while spotting navy ships and maybe even a dolphin or two. Learn more at visithampton.com

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Check out the Hot New Restaurant in Annapolis

This past July, Atlas Restaurant Group opened The Choptank Annapolis located at Oasis Marinas’ Annapolis Town Dock, which overlooks Ego Alley. Dock your boat at the marina and enjoy a fresh seafood meal along this historic waterway.

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New Upgrades & Amenities on the Potomac River

After almost a decade of construction, The Wharf Marina in Washington, DC, welcomes its highly anticipated completion that presents more green space, restaurants, accommodations, office space, shops and events. You can now grab sundries and supplies at the new dock shop, relax at The Clubhouse boaters’ lounge and gas up at one of the few fuel stops along the Potomac.

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The Season Is Just Beginning in the South

Cruise to Key West this fall to stay and play at The Perry Hotel & Marina in the heart of Stock Island. The marina hosts events such as the Duck, Duck, Booze Pool Party in October featuring a DJ and a pool full of rubber duckies, as well as the Live from the Lawn concert in December. View events at perrykeywest.com

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Upcoming Boat Shows

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United States Powerboat Show

Annapolis, MD
October 6-9, 2022
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United States Sailboat Show

Annapolis, MD
October 13-17, 2022
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Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fort Lauderdale, FL
October 26-30, 2022
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St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show

St. Petersburg, FL
January 19-22, 2022

LOOKING OUT ONTO LONG ISLAND’S GOLD COAST, Danfords Hotel, Marina & Spa is a hidden treasure found along the North Shore in a cove off Long Island Sound.

The convenient location lies in the heart of Port Jefferson’s historic shipbuilding hub and is the only resort marina along the island’s North Shore. The boutique hotel offers 86 luxurious nautical-themed guestrooms with white colonial-style waterfront balconies and upscale amenities. With a gorgeous ballroom and grounds lined with trees and flowers, it’s an ideal venue for weddings, private parties, business conferences — or simply a tranquil escape.

The spacious property boasts more than 100 slips and 730 feet of linear dockage, as well as a 14-slip yacht dock accommodating vessels up to 120-300 feet. Floating docks make up most of the marina with several fixed linear options available. The full-service fuel dock offers two gas and diesel pumps and another private diesel pump at the yacht dock.

Marina guests can enjoy newly renovated showers, access to laundry drop service and free Wi-Fi. Treat yourself to a relaxing session at the hotel’s Butterfly Salon & Aesthetic Spa open Wednesday to Saturday.

Connected to the marina, Wave Seafood & Steak restaurant serves juicy NY strips and everything from the land and sea in an elegant setting. The Wave Lounge bar is open late during summer for guests to unwind in the evenings.

As soon as you leave the parking lot, you’re just steps away from downtown Port Jefferson’s historic village where you can find entertainment, shops and dining nestled along the water’s edge. Check out Port Jefferson Village Center and Harborfront Park for social activities, historic exhibits, and outdoor movies and concerts. Take the kids to the Long Island Explorium and Bayles Boat Shop to learn about wooden boat building and restoration.

Seasonal members can enjoy a private- gated entrance with direct access to lower floating docks from the parking lot. New shower facilities and electrical system upgrades are soon to come.

“In 2022, we’ve re-recruited our top dockhands from the past five years to bring our marina guests the best and most experienced team we’ve ever put together,” says James Dunn, dockmaster and marina general manager. “I have to say, this quaint, seafaring Long Island town makes a wonderful boating experience.”

Be sure to catch the weekly farmers’ market through the summer, Harvest Fest in the fall or the internationally recognized Charles Dickens Festival in the winter.

This year, Danford’s Marina began a three-year renovation plan that will culminate in 2024. Stay tuned for updates at danfords.com

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Honoring the United States Navy each October

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For those of you who just celebrated Navy Day, do you know the origins behind the nationally recognized holiday?

Every year on October 27, we salute all military personnel in the U.S. Navy, both veterans and active. As October is full of notable celebrations, this holiday is not to be confused with the Navy’s birthday celebrated on October 13. Rather than commemorating on the Navy’s actual day of birth, America decided to honor President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday on the October 27, as he was a major force in elevating the Navy to what it is today. 

On top of that, October 27 is also the anniversary of a 1775 report issued by a special committee of the Continental Congress favoring the purchase of merchant ships as the foundation of an American Navy. It was later suggested in 1922 by a civilian organization, the Navy League, to honor this date in celebration. Thus, National Navy Day was born. 

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and spent his term focusing on building the strength of that branch of the armed forces. Many credit Roosevelt’s support as the foundation of the Navy’s power and success. He was the first president to both fly in an aircraft and be submerged in a submarine. 

Historically, celebrating National Navy Day on Roosevelt’s birthday came first, because it wasn’t until 1972 that the country confirmed and began to recognize that the Navy’s birthday was actually on October 13, 1775. Then, the 19 Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, initiated the official observation in 1972, separating the two days into their own special celebrations. 

Though it is not recognized as an official federal holiday, you can find annual events across the nation such as fundraisers, open-sea swimming competitions and more. 

Check out the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to learn about unit-sponsored, fund-raising and other important activities held throughout the year.

The Wharf in Washington, DC, had two big reasons to celebrate this week: The first part of the waterfront development reached its five-year anniversary, on the same day the second neighborhood expansion along the Potomac River was completed.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, fireworks and attractions lit up the shoreline of the Nation’s Capital.

The highly anticipated conclusion of The Wharf’s revitalization welcomes more green space, restaurants, offices, shops and events. You can now grab sundries and supplies at the new dock shop, relax at The Clubhouse boaters’ lounge and gas up at one of the few fuel stops on the Potomac. 

In honor of this past Harbormaster Appreciation Day, Marinalife is spotlighting both general managers of Oasis Marinas at The Wharf — Leigh Diemert and Reggie Cox — to get their take on this fantastic boating destination.

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Marinalife: What in life prepared you for this job at The Wharf?
Leigh: I started my career working on yachts and eventually earned my 100-GRT Master Captain’s license when I was just 20. I feel like my leadership as a captain prepared me to head an amazing team here at The Wharf, and my boating experience makes me well equipped to run a world-class facility.

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Marinalife: What’s new and exciting at The Wharf Marina and waterfront district?
Leigh: The Wharf Marina itself is new and exciting! The marina was just finished this past April. It’s a top-notch facility with amenities to match, including a new club house, fuel dock with high-speed diesel, a dock shop and more.
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Marinalife: What is the number one attraction you recommend for visitors to the Washington, DC, area?
Leigh: It may be too obvious of a choice, but definitely the monuments near the National Mall, especially during cherry blossom season. You can’t go wrong with any of the Smithsonian Museums either, but my favorite is Air and Space.

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Marinalife: If you could own any type of boat or watercraft, what would it be?  
Leigh: Midnight Express. I love fishing and going FAST. So, they’re the perfect combo!

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Marinalife: What are the advantages or challenges to being a woman in the marina business?
Leigh: As a young woman in this industry, it was a little intimidating for me to approach a yacht captain and ask questions about how I can be a captain one day. But I thank God every day that I did and that my captain was receptive — never questioning my ability because of my gender. However, not every man in this industry has believed in me as much as my first captain did. I’ve had my competency questioned countless times and still feel like I must work overtime to prove myself in my role to my male colleagues. Ultimately, it’s made me better at my job. I’m confident that more women will occupy roles within the maritime industry as awareness increases.

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Marinalife: Describe the first time you remember being on a boat.
Reggie: My first time was as a child growing up in the Tidewater, VA, area. I enjoyed going out with friends and family on boat rides. That started my love of the water.

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Marinalife: What is the top attraction you would recommend to DC visitors?
‍Reggie: I would suggest that guests catch a show at The Anthem or walk to the nearby Smithsonian Museums. There’s so much to see.

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Marinalife: What is the best compliment a boater said about your marina?
Reggie: The best so far has been that our staff is very friendly. I love getting those compliments.

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Marinalife: What is your favorite part of the day at the marina?
Reggie: I enjoy arriving early in the morning to greet the staff and guests. It starts the day off with a clean slate and sets the tone for the day. 

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Marinalife: What can visitors look forward to at the newly completed Wharf community?
Reggie: We are really excited to see everyone enjoying the wonderful new amenities The Wharf has to offer. We have two new Gordon Ramsay restaurants on-site that are almost finished, and one is located directly above the new upscale boaters’ lounge. I think they're going to be a big hit!