Constructed in Sweden, the Vasa was launched on August 10, 1628, but unfortunately, it didn't sail very far before it capsized due to strong winds, taking on water through its open gun ports within a mile of its departure. 

However, the hull of the Vasa has been remarkably preserved thanks to the use of the preservative agent, polyethylene glycol, since its excavation from the seafloor in 1961. This exceptional preservation has allowed researchers to access valuable information that would have otherwise been lost. Now, with the aid of DNA testing, researchers are gaining even more insight into the identities of those who perished when the Vasa sank.

By utilizing bones retrieved from the vessel, as well as those exhumed from their burial sites, the Vasa research team has successfully employed nuclear DNA testing to uncover evidence that women were present on the ship. Considering the rarity of women being aboard a ship at sea during the year 1628, this discovery is quite significant. Beginning with one woman in particular, the researchers are gradually uncovering more information about why she, as well as other women, were aboard the Vasa.

The research project on the Vasa and its enigmas is spearheaded by Fred Hocker, who serves as the director of the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. According to Hocker, the spine of the woman found on the ship appeared to exhibit signs of having undergone arduous physical labor. Although it is unclear why the woman, known only as G., was on board the Vasa, researchers have suggested that she may have been the wife of a sailor or possibly disguised herself as a man. Despite this lingering uncertainty, the researchers are committed to conducting further investigations to uncover the complete story of who was present on the Vasa.

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For the full story visit The New York Times.

This summer, witness a larger-than-life battleship make history in the Baltimore Harbor at the grand commissioning ceremony of the USS Carl M. Levin.

Coined with the nickname “Baltimore Destroyer,” the USS Carl M. Levin is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built with air and missile defense capability. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission surface combatants that serve a vital role in global maritime security. Built to lead a surface fleet in military protection, the vessel boasts high firepower, quick reaction time and increased electronics for strategic defense. 

This June, join the locals, Navy community and sailors to toast the ship with receptions and a celebratory commissioning day. The festivities kick off with “Tin Can Thursday” at McGarvey’s restaurant in downtown Annapolis, home of the Naval Academy. Be sure to head to the Baltimore Inner Harbor for the main events. The ship is set to arrive the week of June 19 and will make Pearl Harbor, HI, its homebase post-commission. 

Stay tuned for updates at baltimoredestroyer2023.com

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EVENT SCHEDULE

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Commissioning Eve

Gala & VIP Reception
Friday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Inner Harbor

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Commissioning Day

Dignitary & Crew Breakfast 
Saturday, June 24 (morning; time TBD)
Baltimore Harbor

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Official Commissioning Ceremony

Saturday June 24 (afternoon; time TBD)
Baltimore Harbor

Plunging down 900 feet, Taam Ja, meaning "deep water" in Mayan, is a blue hole found off the Eastern Coast of Mexico. This discovery is the second largest of its kind, only surpassed by the Sansha Yongle "Dragon Hole" Blue Hole near China. 

Taam Ja has near-vertical sides with an inclination of about 80 degrees, and its mouth is located a mere 15 feet below sea level. The hole's apex is almost perfectly circular, spanning an area of 150,000 square feet.

In the recent past, a fisherman named Jesus Artemio aided researchers from Campeche's El Colegio de la Frontera Sur and Mexico City's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Technologia in locating the blue hole. Subsequently, scientists employed scuba equipment, sonar technology, and water testing to survey Taam Ja and produce a comprehensive map of the hole. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Frontiers for Marine Science.

Blue holes offer a wealth of historical and environmental information about our planet, including insights into past, present, and future climate trends. Due to their low oxygen levels, these underwater sinkholes also provide a distinctive habitat for certain organisms, making them a unique ecosystem to study.

The majority of blue holes are thought to have emerged roughly 11,000 years ago during the conclusion of the ice age, owing to the presence of limestone within them. Since limestone is porous, it was easily penetrated by water. As a result, when the glaciers melted and seawater inundated these limestone caves, they became inundated and created enormous sinkholes.

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From Prime Factor to Empty Nest

Boating is much more fun when you get to blog about it. As a new blogger at Marinalife, I’ll take this first posting as my opportunity to introduce myself. 

My wife Ann and I recently moved to Annapolis on the Severn River when we became new empty nesters. I’m retiring from my job as a Computer Science professor at Johns Hopkins, so we can spend more time cruising on our new boat that will be delivered next month. More on that later. I’m the founder, owner, and Chief Scientist of Harbor Labs, a computer security company and the funding source for my boating habit. 

For the last 15 years, boating has been central to my life. I don’t know why. I didn’t grow up boating and had very little exposure to it as a child in mostly land-locked Tennessee. In spite of that or perhaps because of it, I long for any opportunity to get out on the open waters. To give myself confidence, I studied for my captain’s license. I worked with a self-study kit for about a year and ended up getting a 100 Ton Master’s Captain’s license from the Coast Guard. Probably overkill, but now I have a backup career if I need it. 

In 2008, Ann and I purchased our first boat, a 40-foot 2003 Catalina sailboat that I named Prime Factor (yes, it’s a math joke) and obsessed over for eight years.

We had lots of fun sailing around the Bay with the kids, taking several week-long trips, sleeping on the boat, and exploring places like Oxford, Cambridge, St. Michaels, and Solomons Island. But when the kids got old enough to revolt against long family sailing trips, I decided to buy a powerboat and sell Prime Factor. 

In June 2016, we made the purchase and inaptly named it Lucky Break. The boat was a new 47’ Sea Ray Sundancer. It was much easier to handle than our sailboat, but obviously less fuel efficient. Honestly, not the greatest boat ever, but we enjoyed it for a year.

Ready to embark upon a serious boating adventure, I planned a three-week boat trip from Baltimore to Boston to visit our daughter Tamara and check out the major waterfront attractions on the way. Shortly before the trip, we came across a Prestige 560 Fly for sale, a significantly nicer, bigger and more comfortable boat, and decided to buy it. The opportunity to take our upcoming trip on a new, bigger, boat was a big factor in our calculation. We named the boat Sababa, which is a way of expressing that something is beyond fantastic in Hebrew and Arabic. “How are you doing?”  Answer: “Sababa” — couldn’t be better!

We enjoyed cruising on Sababa for five years. As I approached the retirement age at the university, Ann and I decided to plan a year-long boat trip. Our initial thought was to do the Great Loop. It was clear that Sababa was not suited for that journey. We would need a boat that could travel 350-400 miles without fueling, would have a draft maximum of five feet, but preferably four, would have an air draft (height from waterline to top) of 19’ 6” or less, and could comfortably accommodate us as well as any guests.

In February 2020, a month before COVID hit, I attended the Miami boat show to scope out Loop boats. While I had a tough time finding a boat the met all the required specs, including our budget and our taste, I did fall in love with a center console, an Everglades 295cc. I had been researching it as a day boat to get around the Bay quickly and for water sports with the kids. So, I did not come back from Miami empty-handed, and we purchased River Bet. Ann also decided she was going to be more careful about letting me go to boat shows by myself.

Ann and I did not like the boats we saw that were Loop capable. So, I decided that the choice of boat would have a higher priority than a particular itinerary. With that in mind, I began researching boats with a different set of criteria: seaworthiness, electronics, comfort at sea, comfort at rest, and ultimately, I ended up with the question: What is the most sea-worthy, largest, and nicest boat that Ann and I can handle as a couple and feel safe and secure in different sea and docking conditions? After several months of research, I came up with a shortlist. 

Having ruled out the Great Loop for now, I started planning a new itinerary: Annapolis, Baltimore, Philly, Cape May, Atlantic City, New York City, Cape Cod, Block Island, Newport, Boston, Maine, Nova Scotia, and then back to Annapolis in the fall, hitting all the places we missed on the way north. 

After a short stay in Annapolis when it starts to get cold, we would go down to the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Barbados, and then in the spring cruise back to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and then home in late April or early May. The Great Loop could wait.

At the top of my list was a Fleming 65. This is hands-down the best possible boat in the owner-operator size, the most beautiful, and the most desirable. Second on my list, after all my research, is the Hampton Endurance. After that, at a close third is a tie between the Outer Reef and the Marlow Yachts. Truly, I would be ecstatic with any of these. 

After several boat shows and multiple trips around the country to look at boats for sale, we decided to pull the trigger and put a deposit on a new build of a 2023 Endurance 658L. Overall length is 71’, draft is 5’3”, and beam is 19’2.” Exactly what we were looking for. We opted for the deluxe sky lounge feature where the flybridge is completely finished as an indoor space with the boat’s only helm. This lets us use the entire main deck level for living space, and we put a country kitchen in the forward area of the main deck. We designed it from scratch with so many features that we love about the boat that I could write several pages about them, and perhaps I will at some point.

Our new boat, named Empty Nest, was built in Shanghai, China, and on February 27, 2023, it set sail on a cargo ship for Miami. It arrived on April 6. As I write this blog, the boat is being commissioned in Ft. Lauderdale, and we expect to fly down next month for training and delivery. Then, Ann and I plan to sail it up to Annapolis. 

We now have one year to plan our big trip. 

In my next blog, I’ll describe Empty Nest and how we prepared for delivery. Stay tuned!

Sailing in a Hurricane-Damaged Boat

They say that we don’t meet people by accident. I am not sure why I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Colin MacRae and the Parlay crew but they have certainly impacted my life in the best possible way.

I originally met Colin MacRae and Jamie Vandenbulk at the Newport International Boat Show, where they were promoting their YouTube channel Sailing Parlay Revival. I immediately recognized Colin being the fangirl of Bravo’s Below Deck that I am. I knew nothing about Parlay or that their YouTube channel even existed. I thought they were there promoting Below Deck. This is one of those moments where the hand-to-forehead emoji would be appropriate. To be fair, Colin was there with Daisy Kelliher (Chief Stew on Seasons 2-4). I guess I should have figured it out sooner considering they were donned head-to-toe in Parlay Revival gear, but I was too starstruck to notice at first.

If you don’t know the incredible story of Parlay, here are Cliff’s Notes: SV Parlay is a hurricane-damaged Lagoon 450 Catamaran that Colin bought in Tortola, BVI after Hurricane Irma. The insurance companies deemed the vessel a constructive total loss. Determined to fix her up, he and his friends hauled her out of the water and completely rebuilt the boat. They continue to fix her as they go, chronicling their journey on their YouTube channel, Sailing Parlay Revival, which releases a new episode each week.

Like me, most people initially recognize Colin from seasons 2-4 of Bravo’s Below Deck Sailing Yacht. He was chosen to be on the show because of his passion for sailing and his extensive work as a Chief Engineer on super yachts (and let’s be honest he is not terrible to look at either). Although he loves being on Below Deck and is grateful for the platform it has provided, his passion is not reality TV or being a Bravolebrity.

It is the incredible work that he and his friends have done on Parlay and his dream of circumnavigating the globe, which is about to become a reality. They are getting ready to embark on the first big leg of their trip, (and arguably the most important) crossing the Pacific Ocean. The biggest journey of their lives will begin shortly, as they have been working tirelessly to finish last-minute preparations for the crossing. The jobs never seem to end.

I have always felt that they talk about this passage nonchalantly, like “Oh no big deal, when we cross the Pacific…” Are you kidding me? It’s a HUGE deal. The mere size of the Pacific Ocean presents its own challenges. Let’s not forget that it covers a third of the entire world. Not to mention its intense currents, dangerous coral reefs, violent storms and other severe weather conditions, just to name a few. The trip itself is over 2,000 nm and will take about a month as they will depart from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and head to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. If they aren’t nervous, I will be nervous FOR them…x10. I hope that Poseidon treats them kindly.

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So who is taking part in this epic adventure? Meet the crew:

Colin MacRae - Hailing from New Zealand, Colin has been a Chief Engineer on super yachts for 15+ years and is the owner and captain of Parlay.

Jamie Vandenbulk - The First Mate, Jamie is a staple on Parlay and Colin’s right hand. “You’d struggle to find a more hard-working dude than this guy,” Colin says of Jamie. All of his hard work and support were recognized when Colin renamed the boat a Jamie465 (rather than a Lagoon450) because he helped to extend the boat during its reconstruction.

Brittany Amodeo - Brittany is a self-described creative thinker and a professional wanderer. She originally came aboard to film and edit videos for their YouTube channel. She has since taken their videos to the next level by infusing her creative talent into their brand. Fans of the channel love Brittany and have come to expect her presence in videos and at events

Colleen Meehan - No stranger to sailing on Parlay, Colleen has been part of the PR crew 3 times. When she is not on Parlay she works as a bosun on superyachts and is excited to be going on this adventure with her friends.

David Shih - A fellow YouTuber, David became friends with the Parlay crew after following their channel and was inspired to buy his own hurricane-damaged Lagoon450 but needed Colin’s help to fix it up. You can read that amazing story in a recent article he wrote for Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine. For another great channel to follow, subscribe to David’s channel David Shih Sails.

Fillipo Gasparini - Also no stranger to Parlay, Fillipo was their former videographer. He works in the film industry and is happy to join the crew again to help Parlay cross the Pacific.

Katie Hawkins - A childhood friend of Colleen's, Katie is new to the sailing world having never sailed before, and decided to join as crew and embark on a journey of a lifetime.

Steven MaCloud- A huge fan and supporter of Parlay, Steven won a contest for Parlay patrons to cross the Pacific as part of the crew. No stranger to boating, he recently helped David Shih deliver his Lagoon 450 from Panama to Texas.

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I am still not entirely sure why our paths crossed. Maybe it was to remind me to live life to the fullest. Maybe it was to satisfy my wanderlust or allow me to live vicariously through them. It is probably a little of all of those things. However, I have no doubt that one of the reasons was so that I could help share their incredible journey and hopefully inspire others the way they have inspired me.

I once asked Jamie how long he thought it would take to complete the trek around the globe. In his amazing Australian accent he said with a laugh, “I don’t know, Darling, it could take 5 years.” He was half kidding because the length of time really depends on so many factors including the weather, where they decide to stop, how long they stay, etc. But this first big passage across the Pacific will kick off the trip, and no matter how long it takes to complete the entire trip, it will be the journey of a lifetime.

To follow their adventure go to the Parlay Revival YouTube Channel!

After returning from the sunny docks of the Palm Beach International Boat Show in Palm Beach, Florida, Marinalife was in awe of some of the latest products on the market. However, we couldn’t help but keep thinking about a few in particular. 

These products go against the grain of the marine industry and give a unique twist to some of the simple joys of being on the water. So here you have it, Marinalife’s top picks from the 2023 Palm Beach Boat Show. 

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Palm Yachts 

When walking the docks of the boat show, you can’t miss the bright pastel colors of Palm Yachts, the latest venture from Palm Beach Lately and Yachts Lately. Palm Yachts provides a unique experience for boaters with a custom-built 17’ Palm 17 hull and the fully restored center console Boston Whalers equipped with cabana-striped Bimini tops. 

Both of these boats include brand new  2023  90hp Suzuki outboard engines, fusion stereo, two Yeti coolers, and more as part of the purchase. These colorful and exclusive picnic boats are perfect for a variety of activities such as anchoring at the sand bar, island hopping with friends or taking a sunset cruise. 

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FOIL

FOIL is taking watersports to a whole new level. FOIL is the original flying stoke machine with a top speed of 33 mph and a max ride time of 180 minutes. This one-of-a-kind board has a direct drive meaning the motor delivers 9hp with no gearboxes or maintenance - just rinse it when you’re done. 

At 5'8, the FOIL board is an ideal size for new riders, making it easier for them to learn the ropes. For an added boost of confidence and accelerated learning, pair the board with the 250HA wing. FOIL has created their boards to be upgradable, with no built-in electronics, antennas, or water tubes. You can easily switch to a smaller size board whenever you feel comfortable doing so. All you need is a single connection from the battery to the motor.

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Docktail Bar 

Docktail Bar has one main goal - to help boaters eat, drink, and entertain in style! This premium boating accessory attaches to your vessel to create a space where you can expand cup holders and beverage service and have a place for food, snacks, and storage.

With versatile options for every kind of boat and boater's needs, there is no question that Docktail Bar will enhance your boating lifestyle. Not sure which model is best for you? Steve Fill, the inventor of Docktail Bar will walk you through all your options to make sure you get the table that is best suited for you. 

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Boaters enjoy new features and more navigational capabilities

Gone are the days of seafarers guiding their journeys with only a crinkled map and old-fashioned paper charts. Instead, an updated app brings nautical navigation into the 21^st century. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been a trailblazer in providing boaters with a modern navigation database. The NOAA Custom Chart (NCC) application allows users to create and customize navigational charts directly from the latest data. 

The app outputs geospatially referenced PDF files using customizable paper size, scale and location. A variety of display options are available such as accommodating depth to shallow water and depicting a “safety contour” based on the vessel’s draft.

In February, NOAA announced its latest updates to the app by releasing NCC version 2.0, with even more beneficial features. With the new Personal Chart Catalog boaters can save custom chart parameters and reload to use again later, refreshing data with weekly updates. The catalog files can be customized by size and converted to print or share via email easily. 

In addition to the Personal Chart Catalog functionality, a major update is the actual portrayal of chart data that now follows symbology from traditional NOAA nautical charts more closely. This includes symbols for maintained channels, marsh/mangrove areas, natural/manmade coastlines and more. 

Additional upgrades include:

• A streamlined user interface that describes each setting
• New plotter page size options
• large-scaleBug fixes such as allowing large scale data exports

According to NOAA, “The chart notes output is more complete, with local, regional, and global notes exported for the exact extent of the chart. Expanded notes can be found in areas where traditional paper charts have been canceled.” 

NOAA continues to work on enhancing its Weekly Chart Updates website for more user functionality. Learn more about the NOAA Custom Chart application here or visit noaa.gov

A concerning trend of declining shark populations in the world's oceans has prompted a new initiative aimed at restoring endangered shark species to their natural habitats. ReShark, an international organization dedicated to recovering threatened sharks and rays, has partnered with 44 aquariums across 15 countries to accomplish this mission. The process starts with harvesting eggs from endangered shark species in captivity at these aquariums. These eggs are then transported to Indonesia, where they are hatched in enclosures. Once the sharks reach a certain size and are nurtured to be self-sufficient, they are released into the wild.

Indonesian waters have welcomed two 15-week-old zebra sharks that were recently released with the aim of creating a self-sustaining wild population of at least 500 individuals. Zebra sharks, which are on the brink of extinction, have been heavily impacted by overharvesting. These sharks are often caught as bycatch but are also targeted for their fins and oily meat. With this initiative, ReShark hopes to revive the declining zebra shark population and safeguard the species from the brink of extinction.

While scientists have successfully reintroduced animals on land in the past, the reintroduction of sharks, which are currently facing a rapid decline in population, is a novel approach. ReShark, the organization behind this initiative, is now exploring the possibility of using the same method to restore other shark and ray species in different regions around the globe. By extending this effort to other endangered species, ReShark aims to prevent further losses in marine biodiversity and contribute to the restoration of oceanic ecosystems.

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For more information visit National Geographic.

PICTURE THIS: The sun sets over a lakeside backdrop as you sip a refreshing drink, bask in the warm spring weather, then tie it all together with some tunes. The Great Lakes region is made up of numerous waterside escapes to put you in this scene — if you look in all the right places.

From the northern Canadian border, stretching down through the five Great Lakes, the following outdoor venues, convention centers and concert halls provide a mix of all the things we look forward to this boating season: places to tie up, rock out, relax, mingle with friends and just enjoy life.

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LAKE SUPERIOR

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BAYFRONT FESTIVAL PARK
Duluth, MN
These festival grounds are one of Minnesota’s premier lakeside venues. Located next to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, the park hosts events ranging from concerts and arts festivals in the summer to ice skating in the winter.

Where to Dock: Lakehead Boat Basin

BARKER’S ISLAND FESTIVAL PARK
Superior, WI
This waterfront setting presents a family-friendly venue and hosts the seasonal Bayside Around Town Concert Series. Grab a lawn chair and camp out during the summer festivities, or bundle up for annual holiday events throughout the winter.

Where to Dock: Barker’s Island Marina

LAKE SUPERIOR BIG TOP CHAUTAUQUA
Bayfield, WI
This 900-seat canvas tent is a lively event venue situated along a gorgeous backdrop of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Gaylord Nelson Wilderness area. Catch everything from open mic nights to concerts of various music genres.

Where to Dock: Apostle Islands Marina

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LAKE MICHIGAN

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FOUNDRY HALL
South Haven, MI
This venue brings in a mix of national, regional and local acts, and also has a strong focus on community programs. Just off the shores of South Haven, its summertime Riverfront Concert Series at Riverfront Park presents everything from rock and roll, jazz and funk, to tejano and reggae.

Where to Dock: South Haven Municipal Marina South

ROTARY AMPHITHEATER AT DISCOVERY WORLD
Milwaukee, WI
Boaters love this waterside venue that offers more than 450 feet of dockage along Discovery World’s south side to use while attending concerts. Overnight transient slips are also available through the Lakeshore State Park. The intimate venue overlooking Milwaukee Harbor and Lake Michigan is an ideal summer concert destination.

Where to Dock: Lakeshore State Park

NAVY PIER
Chicago, IL
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s bustling port, Navy Pier is a lakefront gem and gorgeous scene along Lake Michigan. The historic landmark is home to attractions and a lively concert venue hosting national and local acts throughout summer shows.

Where to Dock: Navy Pier Marina or Chicago Harbors

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LAKE HURON

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VETERANS WATERFRONT PARK
Port Austin, MI
Catch summer events while enjoying views of the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse at this outdoor venue. The park offers kayak launching, a volleyball court, picnic area and swimming at the beach.

Where to Dock: Port Austin State Harbor

BLUE WATER CONVENTION CENTER
Port Huron, MI
Overlooking where the Blue Water Bridge crosses over the St. Clair River, this waterfront convention center hosts events ranging from the Port Huron Boat Show to various banquets and galas.

Where to Dock: Bridge Harbour Marina

WENONAH PARK AT WORLD FRIENDSHIP SHELL
Bay City, MI
This bayside amphitheater and downtown park spans over six acres of green space and is home to tons of seasonal events. Vessels of all sizes can dock at the seawall, and guests can enjoy concerts at The Nicklass Family Community Pavilion or the historic State Theatre. statetheatrebaycity.com

Where to Dock: Bay Harbor Marina

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LAKE ERIE

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HIGHMARK AMPHITHEATER AT LIBERTY PARK
Erie, PA
This outdoor venue overlooks the southeast shores of Lake Erie’s sheltered waters along Presque Isle. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and recreation, it presents concerts and special events such as the 8 Great Tuesdays Port Erie Concert Series starting in July.

Where to Dock: Perry’s Landing Marina

NAUTICA WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Cleveland, OH
In the heart of downtown Cleveland, this entertainment district is just minutes from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and notable attractions. Cruise Lake Erie, shop, dine, sightsee and catch live music at the Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica along the Cuyahoga River.

Where to Dock: Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor

LAKESIDE CHAUTAUQUA & HOOVER AUDITORIUM
Marblehead, OH
The Lakeside Chautauqua nonprofit hosts seasonal events along the south shores of Lake Erie. Catch summer concerts at the waterfront pavilion or shows at one of the historic venues including Hoover Auditorium, Orchestra Hall and the Steele Memorial Bandstand.  

Where to Dock: South Beach Resort Hotel Cottages & Marina

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LAKE ONTARIO

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ONTARIO BEACH PARK
Rochester, NY
Enjoy events year-round at one of the Great Lakes’ top natural sand beaches along Lake Ontario’s 39-acre park. Experience seasonal festivities, ride the historic carousel, boat along the sandy shores and catch the free series, Concerts by the Shore.

Where to Dock: Port of Rochester Marina or Southport Marina

OUTDOORS AT THE SHAW
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada
The Shaw Festival Theatre and Royal George Theatre festival grounds make up a gorgeous outdoor venue. The theaters host Broadway musicals, world-class musicians, outdoor plays, concerts and much more.

Where to Dock: St. Catharines Marina

HARBOURFRONT CENTRE
Toronto, ON, Canada
In the energetic city of Toronto, this lively center is made up of dozens of outdoor stages, theatres, studios, galleries and parks along the banks of Lake Ontario. Catch year-round concerts and outdoor spring and summer events and exhibits. harbourfrontcentre.com

Where to Dock: Harbourfront Centre marinas (Marina Quay West, Marina Four or John Quay)

Join a time-honored celebration of life on the sea

As we welcome the arrival of spring, boaters are eager to christen the new season with activities ranging from a fresh coat of paint on the hull to a thorough inspection or a bottle of bubbly with glasses held high. But across the country, some seaside communities celebrate their return to the water with The Blessing of the Fleet, a ritual that turns to the heavens to safeguard mariners, pray for a bountiful catch and remember those who were lost at sea.

The ceremony dates back to ancient times and finds its roots in Mediterranean fishing villages. European colonization spread the practice around the globe, and Catholic immigrants brought the tradition to America about 300 years ago. During the 20th century, it became more widespread along North American oceans, rivers, lakes and bays, and other denominations absorbed the rite into their services.

The basic elements of the Blessing of the Fleet are quite simple: a priest or pastor offers prayers and a sprinkling of holy water to a variety of vessels including working boats, rescue vessels, trawlers, recreational craft, tugboats and even dinghies. Often in attendance are members of the Coast Guard in uniform, Knights of Columbus with their pointy hats and sabers, church choirs singing hymns and other groups.

Most Blessings of the Fleet take place in spring to kick off the fishing or shrimping season. Others are linked to religious holidays such as the Epiphany or Easter. Some Portuguese and Italian communities celebrate on Mother’s Day to honor Our Lady of Fatima and decorate the base of her statue with red flowers for living mothers and white blooms for the deceased. An anchor made of red and white blossoms is tossed into the sea in remembrance of those who perished beneath the waves.

A mass often kicks off the festivities, followed by a processional of officiants and the faithful from the church to the waterfront where an armada of boats is waiting to receiveblessings. Colorful flags, lights, streamers, banners, pendants and more decorate the fleet as they parade through the water. Friends and family line the shore, waving, cheering, singing, drinking and feasting.

No two Blessings of the Fleet are the same. What makes them especially interesting and unique are the size of the seaside communities and the religion, culture, history, traditions and heritage of their people. Some small towns like somber, intimate ceremonies with only a handful of vessels and watermen receiving prayers. Others prefer a more boisterous celebration with thousands of well-wishers gathered for food, music, games, pageants, fairs, fish fries, races and lavish after parties. Many are attached to other regional maritime festivals such as seafood or holiday events.

If you’d like to witness a Blessing of the Fleet this season or join one and let your boat receive good thoughts for safe journeys, see the following list for some of our favorites across the country. Or contact your local marina to find out if a blessing event is taking place near you.

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Blessing of the Fleet at the Sponge Docks

Tarpon Springs, FL

January 5

Every year on the day before the Epiphany, priests from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral bless the sponge boats and divers and remember those who lost their lives. Part of the ceremony includes tossing a cross into the water and young men jumping in and competing to retrieve it.

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Mariners’ Church Blessing of the Fleet

Detroit, MI

March 12 (second Sunday in March)

Hosted at this historic landmark and the oldest structure on the Detroit waterfront, Mariners’ Church has been a place of worship for seamen from around the Great Lakes since 1842. The annual ceremony invites boaters to bring their burgees, colors and pennants to receive blessings for safe passage, calm waters and fair weather on their nautical journeys.

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Blessing of the Fleet U.S. Navy Memorial

Washington, DC

April 15

Since 1987 when the memorial was dedicated, waters from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes are ceremoniously poured into outdoor fountains at the memorial with a blessing to protect sailors, ships and crew.

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Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival

Mount Pleasant, SC

April 30

As tribute to the shrimp and fishing industry, the event presents a boat parade, ceremonial blessing of the vessels, shad and shrimp eating contest, art exhibits, food and crafts vendors, and family activities in Charleston Harbor.

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Blessing of the Fleet

Put-in-Bay, OH

May 9

Sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, with blessings from the clergy from St. Paul’s Church and Mother of Sorrows Church, this 34th anniversary event aims to shield from misfortune ships, planes, water taxis and other service-related boats and aircraft.

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Blessing of the Fleet

Thunderbolt, GA

April 29

This festival celebrates the regional shrimp and fishing industry by offering prayer to safeguard local vessels and fishermen. Festivities include a morning boat parade, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, beer garden and other activities along the Wilmington waterfront.

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Portuguese Festival

Provincetown MA

June 22-25

Four days of music, parades, food, dancing, games and more celebrate Portuguese culture and seafaring heritage and offer a blessing by the bishop to decorated boats and their crew.

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St. Peter’s Fiesta

Gloucester, MA

June 22-25

The local Italian-American fishing community’s annual celebration honors the patron saint of fishermen with a parade, live music, road and boat races, Blessing of the Fleet, children’s activities, mass and a greasy pole contest (costumed contestants try to pull a red flag off the end of a heavily lubricated pole before falling into the water).

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Blessing of the Fishing Fleet

Boothbay Harbor, ME

June 25

Part of the Windjammer Days Festival, local residents remember those in the maritime industry who lost their lives to the sea and others who still earn their living on the water. The boat parade honors commercial fishing vessels.

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Lions Club Blessing of the Fleet Celebration

Narragansett, RI

July 27-29

Attended by almost 30,000 people annually, this three-day festival includes a parade of boats, 10-mile road race, music, beer tent, food vendors, rides, and more.

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Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

Morgan City, LA

August 31 to September 4

To toast the shrimping and oil industry, this huge celebration features boat and street parades, blessing ceremony, a pageant to coronate the festival king and queen, a children’s village, 5k run, art show, carnival rides, fireworks, food and more.

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St. Clement’s Island Museum Blessing of the Fleet

Coltons Point, MD

October 7-8

Near the point where the Arc and Dove ships landed in 1634 carrying Catholic passengers avoiding persecution in England, the blessing of the boats of Southern Maryland’s watermen takes place with festivities such as exhibitions, food and craft vendors, boat rides, music, and fireworks.St. Clement’s Island Museum Blessing of the Fleet Coltons Point, MD October 7-8 Near the point where the Arc and Dove ships landed in 1634 carrying Catholic passengers avoiding persecution in England, the blessing of the boats of Southern Maryland’s watermen takes place with festivities such as exhibitions, food and craft vendors, boat rides, music, and fireworks.

A Classic New England Day Tripper

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Straddling the border between Maine and New Hampshire a little more than six miles off the coast, this group of nine small islands has been home to fishermen, lobstermen and other hearty types for more than 400 years.

In the mid-1800s, resort hotels were built on the three largest islands: Star, Appledore and Smuttynose, which was named by fishermen who thought the clog of seaweed at one end made it look like the “smutty nose” of a huge sea animal. These vast Victorian-style retreats attracted vacationers looking for clean, salt air and rugged coastline views.

Only one, the Oceanic on Star Island on the New Hampshire side, is still standing, operating as a meeting and conference retreat for family and youth groups. In recent years, the hotel has also allowed what it calls “personal retreats” where guests not participating in a conference can stay on the island for up to a week.
Day-trippers can take the ferry from Rye or Portsmouth on the mainland for a summer “walkabout” on Star Island (along with Appledore, Star is the only publicity-accessible island). For visiting boaters, Gosport Harbor is deep and protected, and moorings are available. Dinghies can tie up at the town dock.

Nearby Gosport Grill serves lunch and dinner, and although the dining room at the Oceanic Hotel is for guests only, a small snack bar is open to the public. Additional dining options can be found in Kittery, ME, and Portsmouth, NH, on the mainland. Check out the local foodie scene at Cure, Massimo’s, Botanica Restaurant & Gin Bar and Bridge Street Bistro in Portsmouth, or Anneke Jans and The Black Birch in Kittery — all highly rated and well-reviewed.

Other attractions on Star Island include Vaughn Cottage, which contains a small library and museum, and Gosport Chapel, built in the 1800s and still in use today. The Star Island website offers this picturesque description: “At the close of each day, [locals] gather at the foot of the hill and form a procession, carrying candle lanterns as the villagers of long ago carried their whale-oil lamps up the same winding path. Inside the chapel, the candle lanterns are hung on brackets from the walls, providing the only source of light.”

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TROUBLE IN PARADISE

On the Maine side of the Isles, Smuttynose Island’s chief claim to fame is a bit less family-friendly — it was the site of a famous and grisly murder back in 1873. The story: Norwegian immigrants Maren and John Hontvet lived on the island, and on the night of March 6, they were entertaining overnight guests: Maren’s sister, Karen Christensen, and their brother’s wife, Anethe Christensen. The three women were alone in the house when they were awakened by an intruder who beat and strangled Karen and then used one of the Hontvet’s axes to kill Anethe.

Maren somehow escaped the carnage and hid among the rocks on the island’s edge until first light, when she crossed a breakwater to a neighboring island and summoned help. Maren Hontvet told authorities that a local fisherman named Louis Wagner had attacked them. Wagner had worked on John Hontvet’s fishing boat and was a boarder at their home at one point.

In addition to Maren’s eyewitness identification, other evidence against Wagner included the fact that his boots matched a bloody footprint found on Smuttynose Island, and a bloody shirt was found in the outhouse of the boarding house in Portsmouth where he was then staying. His landlady, Mrs. Johnson, and her daughter both testified they’d seen Wagner carrying a bundle to the outhouse, and Mrs. Johnson identified the bloody shirt as one she’d often laundered and ironed for Wagner.

Wagner was tried and convicted for the murders, and was hanged on June 25, 1875. The actual scene of the crime isn’t accessible to the public these days. Smuttynose is in private hands, so the closest you can get is to check out the axe (purported to be the one that Wagner used to kill Anethe Christensen) on display at the Portsmouth Athenaeum, a local library, gallery and archive located on Market Square.

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ARTS & SCIENCE

The last of the three biggest islands, 95-acre Appledore, is home to the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), jointly run by Cornell University and University of New Hampshire (UNH). This residential marine field station is occupied from May through August by undergraduate students doing off-campus study and research in marine science. The restored gardens of longtime resident and famed 19th century poet Celia Thaxter at Kittery Point are worth a visit, and the admission fee helps generate revenue for SML.

The lab also hosts an artist-in-residence program each summer, with five or six artists each staying at SML for two or three weeks. While on Appledore, artists are free to pursue their art, but they’re also involved in an arts program that’s integrated with the courses offered by Cornell and UNH.

Tonga is, for my husband and me, the first and the last of our great big cruising adventure. Tonga in 2011 was our testing ground to see if what we’d enjoyed separately about boating would be something we enjoyed together. More than a decade later, Tonga in 2022 is proof of that mutual passion, and all that lay between those years, created a rich tapestry of countless expeditions and unquantifiable experiences.

Our new boat became our permanent home and into that existence we brought our son and daughter, and over 11 years we visited 36 countries and transited three great oceans. Our Tongan trial had turned out to be a great success.

We feel fortunate that our very first destination country is also our last. Tonga was a busy tourist destination in 2011, both by land and by sea. It is a popular stop for cruisers on the route across the Pacific and part of the Western Pacific loop. In typical years, it also has an established tourist and charter industry, so sailing around the islands is often a bustle of movement and crowded anchorages. This is how we remember our first visit years ago.

In 2022, however, Tonga is a much different place. Due to the pandemic in 2020 and a tsunami in 2021, Tonga sealed its borders to the outside world for the past three years. October brought big changes: Land and sea borders opened, and international tourism resumed. For most cruising yachts, the timing was too late in the season to take advantage of the change in policy. For stragglers like us travelling toward the South Pacific later in the season, however, the timing was ideal.

We sailed into Tonga on October 4. Rather than being one obscure yacht of many, this year we were one of few. Opposite to blending into the crowd, our AIS had been picked up and our arrival known before we even laid sight of land on the horizon. From that moment the effusive welcome began. “Ātea, Ātea. This is Vava’u Radio. Welcome to Tonga!”

As we pulled into the customs dock, locals came out to greet us, and as we cleared and set anchor, calls from the expatriate community welcomed us. The few fellow cruisers who proceeded us popped over to say hello. Tonga was a homecoming amongst total strangers.

Tonga is a relatively small country, broken up into three regions: lush limestone islands of Vava’u in the north, picturesque low-lying coral islands of central Ha’apai, and the densely populated southern capital island of Tongatapu. Yachts typically go to Tongatapu for no more than clearance, and the Ha’apai islands are generally underrated and ignored. This leaves Vava’u as the popular destination for tourists and cruisers alike, because it offers dozens of small islands to explore in a large sailing area protected from the ocean swell by a surrounding offshore reef. The deep water between lush limestone islands brings a stark contrast of color in deep blues and greens, and moorings are available in designated anchorages for a small fee. What isn’t available here is a more tropical setting of rich coral gardens and clear aqua waters. That’s what the Ha’apais offer, and a trip to this neglected central group is well worth the effort.

In a normal season, the anchorages around Vava’u are crowded with tour boats, local charters and cruising yachts, all vying for available mooring. The yachting season runs from May through October, which fortunately coincides with the whale season when pregnant females come to deliver their calves and suitors follow to continue the cycle of birth for the next year.

We made Tonga our destination this year for the whales, more so than the sentimental appeal of “closing the loop.” I knew that all our other cruising friends were in Fiji, and the reunions and parties would be continuous, but Tonga held the chance of sighting whales. Choosing between nature or social, I picked the experience that would, for me, be irreplaceable. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants, and the opportunity to be alongside them in the water is a rare one.

We were late in the season so the chance of seeing whales was low, but I wanted to make the effort if the possibility was there. I was well rewarded. A few mother and calf pairs and escorts remained in the protection of the sheltered waters. We could hear their calls as we snorkeled and watched them breech, roll and fin slap from our anchorage.

To swim next to them was a beautiful experience: Tender, graceful, curious and relaxed. Mother guided calf to her side with the nudge of a fin, calf rolling over and around her mother’s bulk, a small body tucked under the massive head of its mother, and the intimate sight of a calf nursing as the two swam slowly in union. To be next to them, observer and observed, offered more than I could ever imagine.

When we weren’t with the whales, we were with the small community of cruisers who had quickly become good friends. Given the few boats visiting Tonga this year, every new arrival was celebrated by cruisers, expatriates and locals. We attended church on Sundays to listen to the wonderful booming song that marks a central part of the service, and we were invited to community meals that followed.

We developed a warm rapport with the local expatriates whose businesses had been closed for years and were taken under wing by a few who took us on a complimentary tour of the island and its landmarks. We joined forces as a cruising community, getting together for morning exercise, an early coffee, a lazy lunch and social dinners. We gate crashed private parties, where the hushed word of “pālangi ... pālangi ... pālangi” was whispered, labelling us in the Tonga language as white foreigners, before the doors opened to let us in. Apparently, as outsiders we weren’t on the invite list, but warm hospitality had us quickly included.

The main town of Neiafu is a small strip that runs one vertical street and one horizontal street along the waterfront. By the end of the first day, you see everything the town has to offer and know half the shopkeepers by name.

Outside the village, everything is a spread of simple houses, rural properties and noteworthy sights. Kilikilitefua is the “wall of rocks” that was the product of a census that recorded the birth of the firstborn son of every family by adding a volcanic rock to the pile. Remnants of an old fort once protected the community from attack by the warring tribes in the Ha’apai islands and Tongatapu. There are freshwater caves that supplied previous generations with drinkable water, ocean- facing caves where livestock was kept and sheltered, pinned in by the high tide, and saltwater caves that provide exhilarating deep underwater entrances. A trip around the island is both an education on current culture and a lesson on its rich history. While the cruising grounds make Tonga a fantastic destination, the rich cultural heritage and shoreside services also offer much to explore.

We sailed into Tonga for the first time as a new couple on a new boat, and this year we sail out with a decade behind us and two kids in tow. The country symbolizes the first and the last destination of our great adventure. But I should clarify: Tonga is the first and the last of this adventure. A big change lays ahead of us as we pull into New Zealand and move ashore, and Ātea gets a long break from the continuous miles she has carried us over. While Tonga represents the end of our time as long-term cruisers on Ātea, the adventure is definitely not at its conclusion. If Tonga teaches us anything, it is that the world is both behind us and ahead of us, and we are only turning a page in this great big adventure called life.

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Photos by Kia Koropp

So, you are invited on a boat trip or charter! First there’s jubilation, then a little trepidation, especially if you’re new to boating. You might wonder what are the rules afloat? How do you as a new crew member know the dos and don’ts on a particular boat? Here are some tips on how to be good guest onboard and avoid being a floating faux pas.

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE CAPTAIN

Experienced captains make boating look easy, but smoothly navigating the seas requires lots of concentration and attention to details and safety rules. To help ensure a successful cruise, consider the following:

• Follow the leader, because there’s only one captain. If it’s not you, then do as the captain does or as he or she tells you. Observe the captain’s behavior and follow that tempo and protocol so that you are in sync. Be attentive and helpful when asked, then follow instructions.

• Ask your host, the captain, about the duration and destination of the voyage. Be positive and flexible, as plans on the water often change along with weather and tides. Itineraries are dynamic, so go with the flow and be cooperative.

• Be honest about your yachting experience or complete lack thereof, so the captain knows your comfort level or your phobias before you go far out to sea. If you know you’re prone to sea sickness, now’s the time to politely decline.

• Stay out of the way in docking situations, coming about and maneuvering unless you are asked to handle a specific task. Don’t impede the captain’s view by standing next to or in front of the captain. Keen awareness makes for a cool competent boater.

• Admit immediately if something breaks or goes wrong on your watch. Stuff happens on a boat, and the sooner you report something like a clogged head, a dropped fender or a broken winch, the more easily remedied or fixed.

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DRINKING & DINING WITH EASE

There’s something about being out on the water that makes everything taste better. Whether you’re out for a quick cruise or a more extensive trip, these suggestions can ensure that everyone enjoys dining onboard, from a simple snack to a hearty feast:

• When you offer to provision, be sure to do so generously. Volunteer in advance to bring snacks, a picnic or a meal. Ask the captain or boat owners’ preferences and if they have food allergies or aversions, and favorite drinks.

• Try to pick up the tab when dining in port or out for cocktails at a beach bar. Trust me, this simple generosity is cheaper than owning the boat or filling the fuel tank.

• Hydrate often and offer water to the captain and crew, too. Be careful not to over-booze on your cruise. You don’t want to know what they do with a drunken sailor.

• Sea sickness happens; admit it, then suffer silently. Look to the horizon, stay above board and toss your cookies overboard if needed (counterintuitively, it gets worse below deck). Power through and know that this too shall pass.

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VESSEL ESSENTIALS

Regardless of the size of the boat, space will be limited and co-existing in close quarters requires thoughtful behavior. These tips can help:

• Dress efficiently and appropriately for changing weather, with waterproof layers and non-marking sole boat shoes. Street shoes and black-soled boat shoes with non-marking soles are not “non-skid” and should be removed.

• Don’t bring a ton of stuff; boat quarters are compact, and you should be, too. Tote your belongings in non-marking soft bags and soft coolers, if possible.

• Be tidy; boat clutter on decks can cause accidents. Stow your gear so as not to interfere. Once underway, you’ll be glad you secured your belongings and beverages. If you’re on a sleep-aboard, keep heads and beds neat and clean.

• Learn your lingo. Boating comes with its own jaunty nauti vernacular: bow and aft, port and starboard, galley and head. Don’t be a landlubber loggerhead by clogging the companionway (look it up if you don’t know). You garner extra points when you impress the crew by tying a bowline like a bosun.

• If kids or pets are on board, be sure that they wear the appropriate personal floatation device and that you always supervise their whereabouts.

• Give praise and be grateful to be on the water (read: no complaining). Use your manners — please and thank you — and be useful when you can. If not, be cheerful and appreciative, fetch drinks from the galley, tidy up, offer sunscreen.

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The better crew you are, the more likely you’ll be asked on board again. Enjoy the journey; you’re on a boat!

I never forgot my first trip to the Thousand Islands, an archipelago of over 1,800 islands sprawled across the Canadian and U.S. borders. Located in the St. Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario, the islands are a northern paradise. My roommate and I drove from State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego, rented a rickety motorboat and cruised through deserted islands and ones with castles and mansions built when the area was the playground of the rich. On our last night, the heavens opened into ribbons of green, white and pink streaked across the sky — the only time I ever saw the Northern Lights.

The Iroquois and Algonquin Indians spent their summers fishing and hunting on the islands. Lore has it that the Indian spirit Manitou promised his people he would give them paradise if they stopped fighting. When they kept on warring, Manitou put paradise into a bag and threw it into the horizon. A thousand pieces fell from the sky into the St. Lawrence River, creating the Thousand Islands. Science maintains that the tops of several mountains fell off and began the chain.

To say that the Thousand Islands is a boating mecca is an understatement. The islands support a spectacular array of wildlife including many types of birds, snakes, salamanders and more, all living happily undisturbed in their northern paradise. The fishing is considered topnotch with an array of freshwater catch such as bass, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. After a long day of exploration, boaters can be lulled to sleep by the eerie trill of the eastern sea owl.

This May, we plan to finally return to Thousand Islands, when most of the attractions reopen in mid-May before the summer crowds fill the waterways. Here is our itinerary.

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Starting Point: Clayton, NY

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The most breathtaking islands on the New York side can be found in and around Alexandria Bay. We will visit wine trails, craft breweries, lighthouses, castles and museums and just hike the islands themselves. A must-see is the Thousand Islands Winery started by a retired army major. Launched in 2003 amid much skepticism, the thriving business now produces more than 50,000 gallons of wine each year, mostly Riesling and more recently a port.

The Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina has 49 floating slips and T-ends accommodating vessels up to 88 feet. We can dock and dine as ramps connect to the public riverwalk leading into a downtown of about 1,000 people.

Our first night will be spent on dry land at the four-star 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel, which offers outdoor dining and balconies with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. At the back of the hotel is an outdoor gathering area with gas firepits where we can relax and meet other travelers. We’ll spend plenty of time on the boat as well.

Clayton is also home to the Antique Boat Museum, which harbors more than 320 boats, thousands of artifacts and archives chronicling boating history throughout the region. North America’s largest collection of antique and classic wooden boats are housed in the museum.

The museum is comprised of several buildings, and each holds different types of vessels ranging from canoes and skiffs to vintage boats that you are allowed to board. Exhibits are not just confined to boating, and one popular section explains life on the water during the winter exploring ice skate sailing, ice farming and ice fishing. One building offers a boat building workshop. Afterward, we will stop at the Old Boat Brewery across the street, the perfect respite post museum.

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Stop 1: Alexandria Bay, NY

Estimated mileage: 9 NM

Our next attraction will be Boldt Castle, commissioned by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt in 1900 and constructed over four years on Heart Island, so named because it is shaped like a heart. After his wife Louise died suddenly in 1904, Boldt never returned to the island and construction of the castle was abandoned for 73 years. Today, the 120-room, six story castle is owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority. Inside are two completely restored floors as well as antiques and other exhibits about the islands in the less perfected rooms. Boldt Castle opens for the season on May 15, and we expect to dock there. The Heart Island dock can take boats of more than 40 feet and drawing upward of 10 feet. Heart Island is also the U.S. Customs & Immigration check-in point that provides what you need to cross to the Canadian side of the Thousand Islands.

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Stop 2: Brockville, Ontario, Canada

Estimated mileage: 18 NM

The St. Lawrence River is an excellent spot for freshwater diving, and the Canadian side of the Islands is home to many shipwrecks. The underwater, extremely rocky geography of Ontario was treacherous to ships, and many did not make it through. You can explore dozens of wrecks, with some going as far back as the early 1800s.

While the water will still be quite cold in May, the dives are worth a wet suit. Zebra mussels (an invasive species) have created waterways with amazing visibility, in some spots up to 50 feet. Dive shops offer gear and underwater dive tours as well as lessons. If you want to stay snug and warm on a boat, consider glass bottom boat tours.

Our plan is to head to Brockville, Canada, where more than 10 wrecks between that area and Rockport are located. Inexperienced divers often go to the site of the Robert Gaskin, because the water is quite shallow and only reaches a maximum of 70 feet. The current is relatively light and not an impediment. More experienced divers can visit a 220-foot freighter on the Henry C. Daryaw site 90 feet below the surface.

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Stop 3: Thousand Islands National Park — Mallorytown, Ontario, Canada

Estimated mileage: 11 NM

We plan to spend a couple of nights in this small national park, because many of its 21 islands can only be visited by boat. Granite islands and rugged shorelines compete with snow-capped mountains and historic fishing villages as some of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada. The area’s first known inhabitants date back 10,000 years. Many artifacts were found in the area including a 2,500-year- old pot unearthed by a diver in 1979. Pictographs, one of the earliest forms of writing, can still be spotted on shoreline cliffs.

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Stop 4: Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

Estimated mileage: 16 NM

To end our trip, we plan to visit the village of Gananoque and its 5,000 residents. The name means “Water Rising over Rocks” or “Garden of the Great Spirit.” The area is bursting with musicians, visual arts, crafts, dance, theater, boat building, storytelling and photography. Much of the Thousand Islands’ past is exhibited at the Thousand Islands History Museum. For those who want to enjoy 21st century fun, test your luck at the Shorelines Casino.

If you're looking for a destination that meets every boater’s dream, then 43 North Marina is the place to be. Tucked away in Central New York State on Oneida Lake, this full-service marina is just north of Syracuse.

It’s surrounded by some of the Empire State’s finest natural attractions. “Whether it’s scuba diving in the crystal-clear water of the Thousand Islands, vineyard touring in the Finger Lakes, deep-sea salmon fishing on Lake Ontario or hiking mountains in the Adirondacks, lots of activities are nearby,” says Kevin Walma, general manager of 43 North.

Outdoor fun-seekers at Oneida Lake can explore the stunning scenery in its parks, beaches and islands. Local anglers know it is ranked among the top 20 bass-fishing locations, hosting many master bass championships and teeming with other tasty swimmers such as walleye and perch.

As part of the Erie Canal system, 43 North is along the Great Loop Trail. Boaters heading East can access the Hudson River to visit New York City. Cruising westward on the canal brings guests to the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

But 43 North is more than just another pretty place. It’s deeply committed to servicing boaters’ needs. The marina has 178 in-water slips, 235-rack valet storage, a 14-acre site with two hoists lifting up to 35 tons, and two forklifts supporting up to 30 feet and 30,000 pounds. Its 500-foot linear pier welcomes transient vessels that navigate the Erie Canal system. On-site you find amenities such as laundry, Wi-Fi, a picnic and grilling area, fuel, and ice.

Services include a certified Mercury and MerCruiser shop, technicians for Suzuki and Rotax engines, and a 6,000 square foot glass showroom with new, used and brokerage boat sales. On the property, South Bay Sales can hook you up with sailboat, kayak or paddleboard sales and rentals, and the team at Fast Forward works wonders with fiberglass repairs.

The marina offers transportation to nearby hotels, and several restaurants are within walking distance, such as Barado’s on the Water and 916 near the highway bridge. Launching this season is the new Syracuse CareFree boat club and pontoon rentals. Future plans include a tiki bar and pool.

The roots of America's heritage run so deep in Boston it would take months to explore just the historical attractions and never experience the city’s other amazing offerings. And if you travel just north of Boston, you find several vibrant communities with their own rich past and unique charm. Cruise to the following three New England towns and discover spectacular scenery, 1600-era buildings, and gourmet eats along the Atlantic coastline.

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Day 1: Portsmouth

Boston to Portsmouth, NH —53 NM

Settled in the early 1600s, Portsmouth remains a working seaport where tugboats nudge ships through the Piscataqua River currents. Its invigorating blend of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes and unique artisan boutiques have earned Portsmouth a Distinctive Destinations title from The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Strawbery Banke Museum in the heart of downtown is an authentic outdoor history museum and a main stop on bike tours of historical neighborhoods. Listen to spooky tales of ghosts, witches and murderers on a self-guided haunted walk to locations in the city’s sordid past including the Old Red Light District and African Burying Grounds.

Chef-owned restaurants and local pubs serving imaginative, locally sourced dishes highlight the culinary scene. There are more restaurant seats than residents! Black Trumpet Bistro & Wine Bar is housed in one of the early 19th century buildings of the old Merchants Row. A shiny patina on the walls is believed to be remnants of linseed oil used for candle making. The wine bar overlooking the water has a curated selection of 12 organic wines by the glass, as well as craft cocktails. The chef, a James Beard award semi-finalist, creates a varied seasonal menu that includes soft shell crab and crispy duck breast.

Started in the early 1800s, Portsmouth’s brewing industry is booming today. Loaded Question, one of many small craft brewers, snugged into the historic west end Button Factory, has a quaint taproom and a spacious outdoor garden.

Wind back the clock in old-world luxury at Wentworth by the Sea, an imposing 19th century resort that commands the island of New Castle, one of New Hampshire’s oldest settlements. Dine on mussels and lobster rolls at Longitudes overlooking the marina.

Where to Dock: Safe Harbor Wentworth by the Sea

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Day 2: Newburyport

Portsmouth to Newburyport, MA — 16NM

Nestled on the shore where the Merrimack River embraces the Atlantic, Newburyport is a travel gem whose unique charm and stunning scenery is anchored in a rich maritime heritage characteristic of coastline communities.

Adorned with seasonal flower baskets, historic Federal mansions line the brick sidewalks leading to the harbor of this enchanting sea captain’s town. Less popular than other classic seacoast stops, the compact downtown has a relaxed pace through quaint little shops, boutiques and art galleries lined up along the main streets or tucked into side alleyways. Amid the upscale shops is long-standing Richdale, a retro convenience store selling a bit of everything including penny candy and imported spirits.

Like many coastal towns, dining options are varied. The Grog Restaurant has a cozy pub ambiance and reliably good fare. Located in a huge (it has more seats than locals) old warehouse, Black Cow adds dishes like pumpkin ravioli, poke bowls and Mussels Cioppino to its standard American menu. For fresh-catch seafood in a lobster shack atmosphere, stop by Bob Lobster to watch the sunset over Plum Island Marsh.

For a once in a lifetime experience, climb 55 winding stairs to an eight-foot diameter room atop Newburyport Lighthouse to experience an unforgettable meal with a view.

Where to Dock: Newburyport Harbor Marina

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Day 3: Gloucester

Newburyport to Gloucester — 15 NM

Cape Ann, the “Other Cape,” offers superb seafood and lovely beaches sans the tourists that crowd Cape Cod. The Cape is home to Rockport, a quaint artists’ colony filled with colorful galleries, and Gloucester, America’s oldest working seaport. The area has a wild and unique nature as much of its rambling 41 square miles of land and water remain undeveloped.

Steeped in fishing lore, Gloucester’s lively waterfront is the homeport of Wicked Tuna, a long-running reality TV series. The show follows a group of salty fishermen whose livelihood is catching bluefin tuna the way it’s been done for centuries—by rod and reel, one fish at a time.

From the famous Man at the Wheel Statue and the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Memorial on Western Avenue, stroll eastward along Rogers Street through the historic district.

For “the bread of the fishermen” try Virgilio’s Bakery & Deli which offers 22 sandwiches on 18 different still-warm breads. They’ve been serving the local favorite, the St. Joseph’s Sandwich, since 1961.

Do not pass up Turtle Alley Chocolates whose tag line is, “Life is Short. Sin a Little.” Savor the signature turtles, bold salted caramels with lavender and rosemary, or peanut butter cups with bacon.

The Cape Ann Museum showcases the work of painters, sculptors, and craftspeople including Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper, who have been inspired by the scenery and character of the area.

Just south of the city center, Harbor Loop circles past mounds of lobster traps, a historic dory shop, the Whale Center of New England and Maritime Gloucester, a working waterfront, maritime museum and sea pocket aquarium. The site includes the country’s oldest continuously operated marine railway and a fully restored public pier.

Huge crowds descend on the area on Labor Day weekend for the annual Gloucester Schooner Festival. This capstone to the summer is steeped in maritime heritage and jam-packed with events and opportunities to get up-close and personal with these elegant vessels.

Where to Dock: Cape Ann Marina

Off the coast of Massachusetts, this dazzling crescent-shaped island in Nantucket Sound was once the whaling capital of the world. It now holds a piece of history preserved along the docks of the harbor’s only marina.

Where dozens of whale ships and schooners anchored during the booming whaling era of the mid-1700 to 1830s is now Nantucket Boat Basin’s 240-slip full-service marina and premier destination. The property is made up of only wet slips and accommodates vessels ranging from 20 to 200 feet.

Amenities include fuel dock service, slip-side cable TV, laundry facilities, complimentary pump-out, oil and ice, as well as 18 baths and showers located throughout the site’s three wharves. Convenient slip-side check-in is also a plus.

Get cozy and stay for a while at the charming waterside cottages and lofts where you can request to dock right outside of your room. The classic cedar-shingled architecture will make you feel at home as you relax on decks lined with freshly bloomed foliage.

In addition to charters and recreational boating rentals, enjoy local activities including watersports, shopping, historic sightseeing and a lovely dining scene. Take a dinghy ride or short walk to go for a refreshing swim at one of the local beaches.

Just steps from the marina, grab delicious grub at Nantucket Lobster Trap or B-ACK Yard BBQ. The Old South Wharf offers fresh seafood at Slip 14 restaurant or Japanese cuisine at Bar Yoshi. Over at Straight Wharf, enjoy fine dining spots including the oyster bar at Cru, or the historic Straight Wharf Restaurant.

Surrounded by a region rich in history from whaling capital to world-class boating destination, the marina’s guests explore local attractions that showcase a prelude to the past. Museums, lighthouses and landmarks along the historic district are among many sites to see. Visit the Historic Mitchell House and science exhibits of the Maria Mitchell Association, as well as the Nantucket Whaling Museum for a full history of the area.

Back at the marina, the concierge staff will assist you with making restaurant reservations to booking scooter rentals, transportation, fishing and sailing charters, and even pet and babysitting services.

“We set ourselves apart with exceptional guest services, amenities and our knowledgeable, approachable staff. Each team member works to ensure our guests’ experiences are tailored to fit their unique needs and expectations,” says Christina Martin, director of marina operations. “Season after season we look forward to welcoming back our many returning guests and introducing new guests to all that Nantucket Harbor has to offer.”

Be sure to check out the Nantucket Daffodil Festival held during the first spring bloom in April and Nantucket Race Week in August.

Known as the “Limestone City” for its many striking 19th century buildings, Kingston, Ontario, is the gateway to the Thousand Islands, offering visitors a rich history that spans more than 350 years from its founding as a French trading post. Kingston was originally established as a settlement for British Loyalists displaced by the American Revolution. A number of those refugees initially settled on Carleton Island just north of Watertown, NY, but when the Island was ceded to the United States after the Revolutionary War, they relocated to Cataraqui, as the area around Kingston was then known. In 1784, they established a camp south of Fort Frontenac, naming the settlement King’s Town, which would eventually be shortened to Kingston.

Strategically located where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, Kingston is home to four of the nine surviving Martello Towers in Canada, fortifications built by the British in the early 1800s to protect Fort Henry and the Rideau Canal that connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario. Murney Tower and the tower on Point Frederick are now museums, open during the summer. Fort Henry, just across the Great Cataraqui River near the Royal Military College of Canada, is also worth a visit.

Locals refer to the city as “YGK” after its airport designation, and it’s reputedly become one of the coolest small cities in Canada in recent years. As proof of its hipness, the internationally known band The Tragically Hip hail from Kingston.

The city’s waterfront is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, interesting shops and boutiques, in addition to marinas, small parks, gardens and a maritime museum. It’s also where you’ll find the Kingston Rowing Club, Yacht Club and the Canadian Olympic Training Regatta (held in August). Bike enthusiasts and walkers should check out the Waterfront Trail that connects downtown to Lake Ontario Park. Bike rentals (as well as canoes and kayaks) are available at Ahoy Rentals on Ontario Street.

Confederation Park near the harbor is the site of concerts in the summer and local hockey games in the winter. The city hosts several festivals during the year, including Kingston WritersFest, Limestone City Blues Festival, the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous and Kingston Jazz Festival. Farmers markets are held three times a week in Market Square behind City Hall, and on Sundays you find a flea market there.

If you’re looking to stock up on gourmet provisions, try Cooke’s Fine Foods & Coffee on Brock Street (a Kingston institution since 1865), where you can select fancy foods, cheeses, fresh-roasted coffees and gift baskets, as well as chocolates, sauces and oils. For a night or two on land, consider the Rosemount Inn, a luxury boutique B&B “nestled within the “Old Stones” district of downtown Kingston” in an historic mansion.

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WHERE TO DOCK

Confederation Basin Marina

613-546-4291

Located in historic downtown Kingston, this spacious 350-slip marina accommodates both power and sailboats up to 100’. Amenities include laundry and shower facilities and easy access to local activities.

Kingston Marina

613-549-7747

This Inner Harbour downtown location north of the Lasalle Causeway boasts both 105 slips for seasonal and transient vessels up to 200’. The marina is in walking distance of provisions and downtown attractions, with on-site amenities such as laundry, shower, fuel, storage, haul-out and repair services.

Treasure Island Marina

613-548-1239

This full-service marina located just outside Kingston boasts 170 slips offering both serviced and non-serviced docks. The facility accommodates boats from 20’ to 45’ and amenities include fuel and winter storage.

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WHERE TO DINE

Casa Domenico

613-542-0870

Providing “a fresh perspective on Italian-style cuisine,” Casa Domenico is located downtown on Market Square. Its modern- meets-rustic decor offers the perfect setting to enjoy an extensive wine list, paired with classic dishes like carpaccio, calamari and an assortment of seafood, veal and lamb dishes.

Grecos

613-542-2229

The owner opened Tropicana, his first Kingston restaurant, in 1974 after emigrating from Greece, and the traditions he brought with him are now perfected and reflected in his third venture, Grecos, serving freshly cooked lamb, chicken and seafood, souvlaki, tzatziki, saganaki and other specialties.

AquaTerra

613-549-6243

This self-described “elegant outpost” draws discriminating diners with its gourmet New Canadian fare and fine wines, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create culinary gems like venison carpaccio and maple bacon cheesecake.

Tango Nuevo

613-548-3778

This tapas and wine bar offers unique, exotic cuisine complemented by carefully curated international, Canadian and local Prince Edward County wines. Chef Andrew Smyth came to Kingston from Montreal a decade ago and has built his reputation on signature dishes like foie gras pintxo, avocado tartare and Turkish ravioli.

Yacht Rock: The Soothing Sounds of the ’70s and ’80s

Yacht rock is a genre of music that has been making a comeback in recent years, especially with boaters who love to listen to soft rock music from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. The backstory of how yacht rock came about is fascinating and involves writers creating a tongue-in-cheek video series, a band that was looking for a spark, and an internet radio executive who saw the potential of the genre.

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The Birth of Yacht Rock

In 2005, a group of young music and TV comedy writers created a short video series called "Yacht Rock" for the internet film network Channel 101. The series imagined funny backstories behind the making of soft rock classics by musicians such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Hall & Oats. The writers wanted to poke fun at the music while also reintroducing the tunes they liked to a new generation. The series became one of the channel's top shows during its run from 2005 to 2010.

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The Rise of Yacht Rock Revue

In the fall of 2007, the Atlanta-based pop band Y-O-U was looking for inspiration. Drummer Mark Cobb burned a CD of songs by old soft-rock artists such as Christopher Cross, America, and Little River Band and thought it might be kind of fun to play the songs at a show. The band dressed in '70s fashion and played soft rock music, which turned out to be a hit. They formed the Yacht Rock Revue in 2008, the country's first official yacht rock tribute band, and even trademarked the term "yacht rock."

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The Popularity of Yacht Rock Today

Yacht rock has some serious staying power and can be found on various platforms such as SiriusXM, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Yacht rock tribute bands, such as Yachty by Nature, Thurston Howell Band, Three Sheets to the Wind, and The Docksiders, have also proliferated. Yacht rock is enjoyed by people of all ages and has become a festive audience favorite, with some attendees donning yachting caps and '70s attire at concerts.

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Looking for a Yacht Rock Playlist?

Here’s a yacht rock sampler from Philadelphia’s Boat House Row guaranteed to float your boat.

“Baker Street” – Gerry Rafferty
“Southern Cross” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
“Baby Come Back” – Player
“Reminiscing” – Little River Band
“How Long” – Ace
“Rich Girl” – Hall & Oats
“Heart to Heart” – Kenny Loggins
“Reelin’ in the Years” – Steely Dan
“Brandy” – Looking Glass
“What a Fool Believes” – Doobie Brothers
“Still the One” – Orleans
“Africa” – Toto
“Turn Your Love Around” – George Benson
“Ride Like the Wind” – Christopher Cross
“Lovely Day” – Bill Withers

The weather-beaten rock might be familiar to some as the set of Wes Anderson’s 2012 movie Moonrise Kingdom. Visitors to the island can see the striking Conanicut Island lighthouse but should not neglect the island’s other star, historic Jamestown.

Conanicut Island is a nine-mile-long formation at the mouth of Narragansett Bay, between Narragansett and Little Compton. Visiting Jamestown, RI, is like vacationing in a time warp. The main street is partitioned by a stop sign, and timeless cedar-shingled buildings dapple the island.

The southernmost state park is home to the country’s third oldest lighthouse, which was reconstructed after being burned during the American Revolution. Traversing the island’s roads are low stone walls, reminiscent of the island’s farming history. Working farms are open for tours in the Windmill Hill Historic District, named for a mill built in 1787 that is still standing today.

Locals list Beavertail Lighthouse and the World War II forts on the island as the top attractions for tourists. Fort Wetherill, made colorful by layers of spray paint, sits atop a hill at the eponymous state park. The facilities here were used during the war as a training camp and battery defense, and now offer trails to stunning cliff-top views of Newport Harbor. You can even explore the old buildings in the fort yourself.

Fort Getty is at a lower elevation and has waterfront campgrounds gazing out at Dutch Island Lighthouse. Heading south from Fort Wetherill to Fort Getty is Mackerel Cove. Another Anderson feature, this beach is very popular for its cliff jumping, scuba diving and calm waters. Continuing in the same direction, at the southernmost point of the island, is Beavertail State Park, home to the lighthouse, adjoining museum and coastal hiking trails. Other popular beaches include Head’s Beach and Sunset Beach, toward the northern end of the island.

Whatever your fancy, a day on the water, hiking or taking in the history of your surroundings, a visit to Jamestown will take you to main street to rent bikes and kayaks or sample delicious brews and seafood. A weekend visit to this island gem will leave you refreshed and eager to return for more.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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TPG Conanicut Marina

401-423-7158

Located steps from the main street, this is a perfectly placed marina. Both slips and moorings are available along with shower and restroom facilities for a day trip or longer stays.

TPG Dutch Harbor Boatyard

401-423-0630

On the opposite side of the island from TPG Conanicut, Dutch Harbor is a full-service boatyard with a large mooring field.

Safe Harbor Jamestown Boatyard

401-423-0600

Nestled among scenic granite bluffs along Narragansett Bay’s East Passage, James- town Boatyard offers a large mooring field, amenities and a first-class service facility.

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WHERE TO DINE

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Zeek’s Creek Bait & Tackle

401-423-1170

Serving the freshest seafood on the island and located in the marsh with the backdrop of the suspension bridge, Zeek’s is a humble but fulfilling shack and dining experience.

Slice of Heaven

401-423-9866

Enjoy delicious baked goods in a sun-filled dining room. Slice of Heaven also has ample outdoor seating along main street for breakfast or lunch.

Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe

401-423-9282

A friendly and homey bakery and pizza place a few blocks off main street. Savor your soups, sandwiches and pastries on their verdant patio.

Carved out by retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago, the vast inland seas known as the Great Lakes contain 21% of the world’s surface fresh water. In addition to their role as a vital transportation route, the pristine lake waters and surrounding forested lands provide crucial wildlife habitats and entertainment for boaters. Along the 9,000 miles of shoreline, you find welcoming ports that present a gamut of amenities from historic sites and arts festivals to world-class restaurants and sporting events.

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LAKE ONTARIO

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Rochester, NY

“The Flower City” is a favorite destination for art, history and food lovers. The largest display of lilacs in North America is celebrated at Rochester’s internationally attended Lilac Festival. George Eastman Museum holds several million visual arts objects, and Susan B. Anthony Museum highlights the courage of the women’s rights movement. Food and brew are plentiful here. The city’s signature dish, the legendary Rochester Garbage Plate (your choice of hamburger, sausages, chicken or hotdogs served on top of fries, macaroni salad or baked beans topped with hot sauce) is a unique mashup of ingredients. Hedonist Artisan and Laughing Gull satisfy the cravings of chocolate lovers. Genesee Brew House features interactive exhibits and historical artifacts in its tasting room with spectacular views of High Falls.

Where to Dock: Port of Rochester Marina or Southport Marina

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada

New York City run by the Swiss is a favorite description of Toronto. It’s a friendly city with international cuisine, culture and activities. Get a view from the top at the CN Tower before exploring attractions where everything from meteorites to sharks to works by contemporary indigenous artists are on display. Practice with a real puck and stick at the Hockey Hall of Fame or visit Toronto Zoo, the world’s third largest zoo. Don’t miss the opulent, Gothic-revival Casa Loma, a stunning castle. As a true multicultural city, Toronto’s culinary scene is extraordinary. For 200 years, St. Lawrence Market has been a casual hub for local and artisanal eats. Renovated Victorian industrial buildings in the pedestrian-only Distillery Historic District are home to indie eateries, galleries and boutiques.

Where to Dock: Harbourfront Centre marinas (Marina Quay West, Marina Four or John Quay)

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LAKE ERIE

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Buffalo, NY

‍The harbor renaissance in Buffalo is centered around Canalside, the commercial heart of the downtown waterfront and the recreational- oriented Outer Harbor where hundreds of lakeside acres are dotted with hiking trails and boardwalks. The city is a collection of eclectic neighborhoods. Elmwood Village’s tree-lined streets have dozens of open-air cafes and independently owned, artisanal shops with public art on nearly every block. The quirky, artsy historic district of Allentown has beautiful brick buildings and colorful characters. Wall-size murals flank the many galleries, restaurants, shops and live music bars. For a Happy Hour featuring a variety of food and spirits, try Lucky Day. Built in the early 1900s as a freemason’s temple, it has a dark, inviting atmosphere and a handsome polished bar with an expansive whiskey library. Legendary nightly live music club, Nietzsche’s, has an artistic vibe.

Where to Dock: Sun Life Marinas - Buffalo Harbor

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Cleveland, OH

‍Transformed from industrial city to cultural oasis of “world-class experiences without the world-class ego,” Cleveland offers first-rate museums, top-notch sports teams and the ubiquitous brats and brews. The term “Rock and Roll” was coined in Cleveland in the 1950s, and the city is now home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland Museum of Art showcases 45,000 objects spanning 6,000 years. For film fans, the Bumpus House is the setting of the iconic movie, A Christmas Story. Pierogies, hot dogs, sausage and corned beef are city staples. Try the Polish Boy: kielbasa, coleslaw and fries topped with barbecue sauce. At The Happy Dog, an authentic neighborhood bar, 50 house-made toppings crown beef hot dogs and vegan sausages, washed down with over 75 beers. Live music on weekends with Polka Happy Hour on Fridays!

Where to Dock: Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor

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Monroe, MI

Originally called Frenchtown by French-Canadians who settled the banks of the River Raisin, Monroe is one of Michigan’s most historic cities. Learn the role the town played in the War of 1812 at River Raisin National Battlefield Park. The battle resulted in the greatest victory for Tecumseh’s American Indian confederation and the greatest defeat for U.S. troops. The resulting rally cry “Remember the Raisin” spurred support for the rest of the war. William C. Sterling State Park’s 1,300 acres on Lake Erie offer one mile of beach front, six miles of hiking trails and shore fishing. Aqua Dulce Cafe serves locally roasted coffees, baked goods and smoothies. Erie Bread Co. is a favorite for craft breads, pastries and pizza. Shrimp and grits is a popular choice at the Public House Food & Drink.

Where to Dock: River Raisin Marina

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LAKE HURON

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Alpena, MI

The history and heritage of a modern city blends easily with relaxed outdoor adventure in Alpena on the shores of Lake Huron and the Thunder Bay River. Agricultural, maritime, industrial and high-tech influences contribute to its vibrant culture. Once a major lumber port, the downtown is home to several historic buildings from the turn of the 19th century that have been preserved and renovated over the years. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects about 200 historically significant shipwrecks resting on the bottom of Lake Huron. View the Shipwreck Alley collection from above by boat or by snorkeling from shore. The varied depths of the wrecks appeal to a range of diving skill levels.

Where to Dock: Alpena Marina

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LAKE MICHIGAN

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Chicago, IL

‍For six consecutive years, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the nation’s Best Big City. The Loop, named for the elevated train tracks that encircle it, is the city’s vibrant hub of first-class museums, boutiques and eateries. Art Institute of Chicago is one of the country’s largest and oldest art museums. National Museum of Mexican Art houses the nation’s largest collection of works from that country. Every neighborhood has gourmet eateries. Regarded as one of the world’s best restaurants, Alinea serves a multi-course tasting menu. Goddess and the Baker is a warm and inviting space for good coffee, a sandwich or dessert. The historic Green Mill Jazz Club, opened in 1907, became a speakeasy and Al Capone’s favorite hangout. North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park has all the beach-vibe amenities beside surprisingly turquoise waters.

Where to Dock: Navy Pier Marina or Chicago Harbors

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Milwaukee, WI

‍With its walk-around, character-filled neighborhoods, Milwaukee is urban- easy. German heritage is celebrated along cobblestoned Old World Third Street. The emerging Walker’s Point area is acclaimed for its locally made cheese, chocolate, ice cream, coffee and craft beers. In addition to its beer-brewing heritage, the city now has a powerhouse arts scene, big-city attractions, revitalized historic districts and numerous James Beard-nominated chefs. The Harley-Davidson Museum sports a priceless display of 450 bikes celebrating the rich motorcycle history and its contribution to pop culture. Stroll the RiverWalk past the “Bronze Fonz” statue from Happy Days to the Historic Third Ward, a six-square-block, converted warehouse district containing art galleries, theaters, specialty stores, restaurants and nightlife. The area is anchored by foodie haven Milwaukee Public Market, ranked among top markets by Frommer’s.

Where to Dock: McKinley Marina

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Green Bay, WI

Green Bay was the first European settlement in the state but long before their arrival, many indigenous tribes called the area home. The impact and culture of these original inhabitants remain. Visitors looking to take a step back in time can experience the traditions of Native Americans, the daily life of early settlers or explore the area’s rich maritime history. Hanging wall art, pottery, jewelry and textiles fill The Art Garage, a gallery where local artists can display and sell their creations. The city is home to the Green Bay Packers, but beyond football food — beer, brats and cheese curds — you find no shortage of great dining such as the more adventurous offerings at Chefusion Restaurant.

Where to Dock: South Bay Marina

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LAKE SUPERIOR

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Duluth, MN

‍Part rugged, part refined, Duluth is one-of-a-kind. From the world-famous Aerial Lift Bridge spanning Duluth Ship Canal to charming neighborhoods filled with local breweries and restaurants, Duluth is a boater’s dream destination. Named “Best Town Ever” by Outside Magazine, the city is idyllic for outdoor enthusiasts. With 9,168 acres of parkland and more than 300 miles of trails, you’re less than 1,000 feet from a trail wherever you are in the city. There’s even the 1.8-mile Bob Dylan Way, a cultural pathway winding through downtown to honor Duluth’s native son. Glensheen, the huge historic Congdon-family estate, was built on the rugged shores of Lake Superior at the turn of the last century. Restaurants are varied with plenty of breweries throughout town. For dining with waterfront views, try Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake.

Where to Dock: Lakehead Boat Basin

If you’re looking for an idyllic Great Lakes experience, go no farther than Charlevoix, MI. Located on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this picturesque village, with its downtown adjacent to the state’s largest natural harbor, Round Lake, has views of the water from almost every spot.

Charlevoix has it all, from unique architecture and limitless family-friendly activities to golf courses and boutique shopping. The true highlight of Charlevoix is the stunning natural geography. If you’d like to plan a day at the beach, start your excursion on Lake Michigan at Michigan Beach Park. Enjoy the fresh water and view of Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse.

After lunch in town, head to the other side of Round Lake to Depot Beach Park, the home of an historic train depot on Lake Charlevoix. To see the water from a different vantage point, hike up Mt. McSauba for an elevated view of Lake Michigan. Even more hiking and camping can be found at Fisherman’s Island State Park, which runs for five miles along Lake Michigan’s shore.

Recreation in Charlevoix is hardly limited to the water. Play your way through the five golf courses within 20 minutes of downtown. Take a walking tour of builder Earl Young’s funky mushroom houses. The gardens at Castle Farms are also worth a few hours of your time. Built in 1918 by the president of Sears, Roebuck & Co., Castle Farms is a retired dairy farm that’s home to fantastical gardens, the state’s longest model train set and Norm the dragon. It’s a great stop if you’re traveling with kids who might like looking for fairy houses.

Other family-friendly stops include Friske’s Farm Market, which has a large play area and Raven Hill Discovery Center with exhibits on science, art and history. With or without kids, Charlevoix is a gem among the Great Lakes. With its quaint downtown, endless activities and water all around, it is a bucket list destination.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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Irish Boat Shop

231-547-9967

Along the shores of Lake Charlevoix, Irish Boat Shop offers upscale amenities and dockage at two marina basins: one north of Ferry Beach Park on Ferry Avenue, and the other on Stover Road south of the park.

Charlevoix City Marina

800-447-2757

Located at the base of East Park, right on the main street in Round Lake, this marina offers 77 slips, a boaters lounge and laundry facilities. Reserve slips six months in advance.

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WHERE TO DINE

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My Grandmother’s Table

231-437-3132

A bakery, café and coffee bar with a seasonal menu that takes inspiration from a host of international cuisines. Creativity and wholesome ingredients are top priorities at this Park Avenue corner store.

The Villager Pub

231-547-6925

The 38-year-old downtown establishment is a diner/pub with an eclectic menu. A popular local watering hole, the Villager Pub boasts friendly staff and fun 1950s décor.

Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant

231-574-4311

An Earl Young design in a renovated grist mill, Weathervane serves delicious seafood on the water. The focal point of the indoor dining room is a great hearth made from local stone shaped like the state.

Bridge Street Tap Room

231-437-3466

Another fixture of downtown Charlevoix, Bridge Street Tap Room specializes in local drinks. The bar offers 32 Michigan brews as well as a local wine and spirits menu. Enjoy your small plates and comfort food with a view of Round Lake.

Lake Superior whitefish. Beef on weck. Poutine. Cheese curds. You’ll find these regional favorites and more on the menu at seasonal shoreline spots, laidback lakeside destinations and white tablecloth waterfront restaurants throughout the Great Lakes. Here’s a sampling of our must-go places to eat like a local.

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LAKE SUPERIOR

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Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery

Look across Lakeshore Boulevard in Marquette, MI, to the bay beyond. This eatery is based in an 1872-built foundry, with its original brickwork and flooring and old-time photos that tell the story of this once booming industrial town. It is the place for fresh Lake Superior whitefish. The mild-flavored fish with its big meaty flakes is featured in appetizers like whitefish tater tots with a remoulade dipping sauce and entrees such as fried whitefish and black-pepper chips. “Our prep cooks cart fish down the block daily from Thill’s & Sons Fish House to create fan favorites like whitefish chowder and whitefish tacos,” says Andrew Hillary, executive chef and general manager. Most of the 32 beers on tap are Michigan-sourced. A covered patio offers outdoor dining with gorgeous views of one of the town’s original ore docks, the Marquette Yacht Club and Cinder Pond Marina beyond.

Where to Dock: Cinder Pond Marina

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LAKE MICHIGAN

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South Shore Terrace

The open-air Miller-branded beer garden, part of a 1930s bathhouse building, offers spectacular views of the lake and Milwaukee skyline. A taste of Wisconsin is an appetizer of hand-breaded, deep-fried cheese curdspaired with house-made ranch dressing. Cheese curds are bite-sized pieces of curdled milk. “Our cheese curds have an amazing story,” says Luke Román, interim marketing and communications manager for the Milwaukee County Parks, which operates the restaurant with proceeds plowed back into the local community. “We utilize Clock Shadow Creamery located in historic Walkers Point. Some of the milk is also from the cows at the Milwaukee County Zoo.” Milwaukee’s German heritage shows on the menu, too. The Munich burger features a beef patty, topped with grilled bratwurst, beer-braised onions, red cabbage, muenster cheese, and Leinenkugel’s mustard sauce on a pretzel bun. Take a post-prandial stroll on the paved Oak Leaf Trail along the lake and back to the South Shore Park boat launch and South Shore Yacht Club.

Where to Dock: McKinley Marina

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Stafford’s Pier Restaurant

Seafood is the draw at this Harbor Springs, MI, dining spot whether you eat on the outdoor lakefront deck or inside, especially in the 12-seat, hull-shaped captain’s table illuminated by sailcloth light shades. “We are the only restaurant in town right on the water,” says Cristen Smith, general manager. “Whitefish and walleye are regional favorites.” Firm, flaky textured walleye is mild-tasting and ready to take on a variety of flavors. Stafford’s serves its flash-fried walleye with a tomato caper butter sauce. The chef also pairs it with a Great Lakes oak- planked serving of whitefish, with veggie sides such as duchess potatoes, julienne carrots, squash and grilled asparagus. The restaurant sits at the head of the municipal marina, where there are more than 40 slips for transient boaters available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Dock: Stafford’s Pier Marina

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LAKE HURON

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Carriage House

Combine a silver- and china-set table next to floor-to- ceiling windows overlooking the Straits of Mackinac with classic American cuisine, and it’s a recipe for fine Great Lakes dining. The menu at this hugely popular Mackinac Island restaurant, located at the Hotel Iroquois in Michigan, features fresh local and regional ingredients, says Suze Oostendorp. “Our whitefish is sourced from Lake Superior, our produce comes from Presque Isle farms, proteins from a Detroit family butcher, and Detroit City Rye features in our signature Old Fashion Rye.” For lunch, try the Mackinac whitefish sandwich on homemade cheese-dill bread, or the smoked whitefish cakes with mustard vinaigrette as a pre-dinner appetizer. Call the hotel for reservations in advance to tie up at its private dock to dine. carriagehousemackinac.com

Where to Dock: Mackinac Island State Harbor

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LAKE ERIE

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Jolly Roger’s Seafood House

The sign outside of this Port Clinton, OH-based eatery says it all: Lake Erie’s Finest Perch & Walleye. Every room in the restaurant offers a lake view, plus a large outside patio dining area is scenic, especially at sunset. “We offer a fast-casual dining experience and specialize in fresh lake fish,” says Edmond Hoty, owner. “You can get yellow perch or walleye as a sandwich over a bed of waffle fries, or as a dinner with your choice of homemade onion rings, waffle fries, or fresh breaded mushrooms, with a side of coleslaw, roll and house-made tartar sauce. We have a breading pit where we bread to order in front of you while you’re waiting in line.” The Port Clinton Yacht Club, with limited guest dockage, is 1.7 miles to the east, with the Portage River Marina a mile and a half farther east. facebook.com/jollyrogerseafoodhouse

Where to Dock: Portage River Marina

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Hoak’s Lakeshore Restaurant

From the lakefront patio at this family-owned, Hamburg, NY, restaurant (opened in 1949), the views stretch to the Buffalo skyline, Peace Bridge and Canada beyond. Three special sandwiches are best sellers. the Hoak’s Famous Fish Sandwich (featured at Friday night fish fry), the Original Buffalo Chicken with house-made buffalo sauce and a side of blue cheese, and, as Aileen Hoak-Lange (who owns the restaurant with brother Kevin) calls it, “Beef on Weck. It’s thin sliced and au jus dipped prime rib served on a Kimmelweck roll.” Kimmelweck rolls — hard, crusty and topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt — are a New York State signature. Sandwiches come with a choice of sides, including Hoak-Lange’s great-great grandma’s potato salad. It’s still the same recipe and only a few people have been able to detect the secret ingredient, she says. Dock at the 1,100-slip Buffalo Harbor State Park marina and drive 6.3 miles south on Route 5 to Hoak’s.

Where to Dock: Buffalo Harbor State Park Marina

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LAKE ONTARIO

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Black North Inn Bar & Restaurant

In business for over 150 years and known for its breathtaking backyard lake view, visitors set their GPS to Point Breeze in Kent, NY, to dine here in the summer. “The menu offers local favorites like a beer batter fish fry served with coleslaw or applesauce, and Ritz Cracker breaded deep fried lake perch with basil pesto,” says Kristin Rowell, the owner. “Our beef on Kimmelweck, French dip, and hand-pressed burgers are also specialties.” While here, walk some 30 yards north to the replica Oak Orchard River Lighthouse to find a museum and gift shop. Climb the lighthouse keeper’s ladder to the third floor for a birds-eye view of the lake. A half-mile south on the Oak Orchard River, and a quarter-mile from Lake Ontario, Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina offers 80 slips. Several charter fishing operations are based here for those who want to catch their dinner.

Where to Dock: Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina

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Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In

The early April opening of this nearly 80-year-strong, family-owned lakefront landmark is an annual rite of passage. It signals warm weather and eating outside on warm picnic tables is on the way for Oswego, NY. Seafood, fried chicken and burgers are mainstay entrees. Two appetizers offer something different: New York salt potatoes and poutine. The former is bite-sized white potatoes boiled in such briny water that the spuds emerge with a white crunchy coating. “Poutine is a Canadian delicacy, made of French fries topped with cheese curds and covered in brown gravy. We’ll often add some of our house-made Texas Hot Sauce, too,” explains Douglas Appleman, general manager. When the lake is calm, Appleman says many boaters drop anchor in the bay and wade in. Wright’s Landing Marina, three miles to the southwest, provides more than 200 slips, including for transient boaters.

Where to Dock: Wright’s Landing Marina

The Great Lakes present miles of isles to explore. More specifically, over 35,000 hilltops of land rose above the waterline of the Great Lakes Basin during the last ice age. Today these islands, many of which are only reachable by boat, add the appeal of destinations within a destination. Plus, each of the five Great Lakes boasts its own personality, as do these lake-based islands. Some offer an incredible natural wilderness perfect for scouting on foot or paddling around by kayak, while others are home to resorts with five-star services ready to nurture an incredible vacation. Here are 10 of our favorites and the scoop on what to see, experience and enjoy.

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LAKE SUPERIOR

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Stockton Island

Toes in the sand are easy at the largest island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Nature is the call to visit, and the sand here figures in both beauty and entertainment. Most notable is a scenic sand bridge (called a tombolo), lined with pine forests, lagoons and dunes, that connects Presque Isle Point to the rest of the island. Start a visit at the boat docks near the Point, where a park ranger-manned visitor’s center is open in the summer. You find a few exhibits, information on the 14 miles of hiking trails and camping how-tos. Don’t miss Julian Bay Beach to the east of the Point, which is home to the “barking sands.” In the right weather conditions, the wind blowing over the sand sounds like the baritone bark of a dog. Companies on the mainland offer sightseeing cruises to Stockton and the other 21 Apostle Islands that lie off Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula.

Where to Dock: Apostle Islands Marina

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Grand Island

Located only a half-mile off mainland Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s the striking scenery — sandstone cliffs, hardwood forests and pristine beaches that gives this 21-square-mile National Recreation Area its grandiose name. The Grand Island Ferry Service offers a two and a half- to three-hour bus tour over the island’s gravel roads in the summer. Otherwise, hiking and biking, with mountain bikes available for rent, are the only ways to get around. Boaters can cruise to the island’s north shore and see the two-story, brick-built Grand Island North Lighthouse. Dating to 1856, its perch atop a 175-foot cliff makes the light the highest above sea level in America. Docks or marinas are not available, but anchoring is permitted and best in Trout or Murray Bays.

Where to Dock: Munising Bayshore Marina

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LAKE MICHIGAN

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Beaver Island

Fly, ferry or float your boat to the largest island in Lake Michigan. At 54 square miles and a year-round population of nearly 600, you can enjoy plenty of creature comforts as well as flora and fauna. Several shops, galleries, a toy museum, a maritime museum, restaurants and a brewery are all within walking distance of the main harbor. Two marinas are here, too. “We have many Beaver Island natural assets, including plentiful sand dunes, beaches and wetlands. We’re also called the Dark Sky Island. Our 32-mile distance from the mainland in Charlevoix means no light pollution. Many evenings, the northern lights appear to put on a show,” says Paul Cole, director of the island’s Chamber of Commerce. The 42-mile Beaver Island Water Trail is ideal for adventure kayakers to circumnavigate, with opportunities for beach camping along the way.

Where to Dock: Beaver Island Municipal Marina
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Chambers Island

A tour of the Chambers Island Lighthouse, not normally open to the public, is available each June and October as part of Wisconsin’s Door County Lighthouse Festivals. The four-hour tour departs from the town dock in Fish Creek, on the Door Peninsula six miles away, and entails a four-mile, round-trip hike to the light. Docents describe the history of the 1868-built light, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond this, regular ferry service does not run to the island, located in Green Bay, an arm off Lake Michigan. “Chambers Island is mostly private, but the Door County Land Trust protects 900 acres,” tells Jen Rogers, media manager for Destination Door County. “You can take your boat for the day and dock at the public dock. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sandy beach, bike the unpaved roads or hike the trails.”

Where to Dock: Menominee Marina

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North Manitou Island

Take a walk back in time on your own or join the Leelanau Historical Society (in Michigan’s mainland town of Leland) for its annual day-trip, narrated tour to this 22-square mile island a dozen miles offshore. The historic and mostly uninhabited village sits steps away from the public dock. See the U.S. Life-Saving Station, a National Historic Landmark that dates to the late 1800s. Walk down Cottage Row, summer homes built for wealthy Chicagoans. Historians say that the Blossom Cottage, built in 1894, is the early work of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Beyond this bygone civilization, the rest of North Manitou is a wonderful wilderness. It’s part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You find hiking trails, rustic campsites and good bass fishing in inland Lake Manitou.

Where to Dock: Leland Township Marina

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LAKE HURON

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Mackinac Island

Star of many movies, like the 1980s romantic drama Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, this four-plus square mile island and its focal point Grand Hotel definitely offers A-list features. Mackinac was named the Best Island in the Continental United States in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best awards. This national landmark’s attraction is its slow pace owing to a ban on motor vehicles in favor of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. “The island is home to Fort Mackinac, a Revolutionary-era fort, natural rock formations, world-famous Mackinac Island fudge, diverse dining, unique shopping and entertaining nightlife,” invites Steph Castelein, the events and marketing manager at the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. Arrive by ferry or flight, or dock your yacht at the public marina where many of the 80-slips are available for transient use.

Where to Dock: Mackinac Island State Harbor

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Drummond Island

At 134 square miles, this is the second largest freshwater island in the United States. More than 1,000 residents live here, with vacationers swelling the population each summer. Accommodations span from resorts to B&Bs, plus restaurants, shops, parks, a nature preserve and a wildlife refuge. Boating-friendly is a big yes. “Drummond offers the amazing setting of dozens of smaller offshore islands and locations where you can stay either on the hook or at one of the island’s marinas,” says Tom Gibbons at the Drummond Island Tourism Association. Particularly, “The North Channel, hugging the island’s northern shoreline, offers special destination points like the Fossil Ledges, Marble Head and Pilot Cove, the latter of which you can pull up for a shore lunch and throw a fishing line in the water.” Some people are so taken by the beauty, Gibbons adds, that they boat around all 142 miles of Drummond’s shoreline.

Where to Dock: Drummond Island Yacht Haven

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LAKE ERIE

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South Bass ISland

Quaint paints a mental picture of the vibe on this tiny 3.7-mile-long by 1.5-mile-wide island, reached by a 20-minute ferry ride from Port Clinton, OH. In fact, the village of Put-In-Bay is often described as the Key West of Lake Erie, with its fun and funky bars, restaurants and shops. The destination especially comes alive for its annual Pyrate Fest, June 23-25, 2023. Parades, cannon firing demonstrations, a bar crawl, cardboard boat race and the Best Pirate Costume Contest bolster the fun. BYOB (bring your own boat). Public docks and private marinas offer many places to tie up. “Rent a golf cart and take a ride to the top of Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. It’s a can’t-miss experience,” says Mark Mathys, on behalf of the Put-In-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau.  

Where to Dock: Miller Marina

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Kelleys Island

Eat, drink and merrily boat to this 4.4-mile destination, the largest of the American Lake Erie islands. By ferry, it’s only four miles north of Marblehead and 12 miles from Sandusky, both in western Ohio. Or dock at places such as Dockers, the Casino or West Bay, and go ashore for a bite to eat. A short distance away on the island’s south coast is the Crooked Tree Vineyard, with its handcrafted vintage wines and tasting room open from May to September. “Visitors should also check out our state park, the famous glacial grooves, history museum and sculpture garden,” says Joseph Sugalski, executive director of the Kelleys Island Chamber.

Where to Dock: Seaway Marina or Portside Marina

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LAKE ONTARIO

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Association Island

Once home to a General Electric execs retreat, a YMCA summer camp and a training center for the 1976 U.S. Olympic sailing team, this 65-acre island sits at the tip of the Stony Point peninsula in New York’s Thousand Islands. It’s connected to the mainland by a two-lane causeway, thus making it the perfect surf and turf vacation destination. Arrive by boat, tie up in the 60-slip marina and rent a deluxe cabin. Or drive over and park your RV lakefront. A general store, swimming pool, playground and dog park add to the enjoyment. “You can also schedule an excursion through our on-site fishing charter, take advantage of pontoon boat and kayak rentals, or grab a meal at the Black Catte,” says Neal Gulkis, Sun Communities’ public relations manager.

Where to Dock: Association Island RV Campground & Marina (with campground reservations only)

As a boater, understanding and using weather resources and apps can make all the difference in a safe and comfortable trip. With so many weather apps available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use. Here are some tips to help you choose the best weather app for your needs.

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Features to Look for in a Weather App

When choosing a weather app, look for multiple-day forecasting in hourly increments, which allows you to plan your departures and arrivals. The app should include wind, waves/swells, ocean currents, tides, water and air temperature, pressure, and lat/long indicators. Additionally, the app should offer more than one weather model for comparison to confirm the data's accuracy.

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Paid vs. Free Versions

Most weather apps offer free versions with basic features and limited forecast periods. Paid versions provide more forecasting models, increased resolution, and more frequent model updates. Paid versions also offer the option to stop receiving in-app advertising.

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Weather Routers & Services

For boaters looking to cruise around storms or have a multiple-day voyage offshore, a professional weather router or service may be useful. These routers can provide a detailed custom route, offer updates and route changes, and suggest safe ports 24/7 in case of unexpected bad weather, all based on speed, departure and arrival timeframes, as well as the customer’s preferred travel conditions.

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Get Educated about Weather and Forecasting

Taking the time to get educated about weather and forecasting can increase your confidence using weather apps and allow you to recognize patterns with different models. Several locations offer online weather courses and in-person training specifically for boaters. Weather classes can be found through BoatUS or in person at many of the boat shows such as TrawlerFest. While these courses will not make you a meteorologist, they will help you learn what to look for and how to apply it to your cruising decisions.

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Weather Forecasting Apps & Services

While the list below is nowhere near a complete roster of all applications, the ones below work cross platform and have strong user ratings from boaters.

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Buoyweather

For Apple, Android and PC platforms, this provides detailed wind and wave info and offers a 16-day forecast. Premium and free versions available.

Windy

‍For Apple, Android and PC platforms, this tracks detailed wind, wave, current, radar temp and much more. Select and compare models (ECMWF, GFS, ICOM, HRRR, NAM).

PredictWind‍

For Apple, Android and PC/Mac platforms, find weather routing and planning tools, forecast alerts, multiple models and features for offshore and global cruising.

MyRadar‍

For Apple, Android and PC platforms, get radar and weather prediction and hurricane tracking. Simple to use and can set up alerts for bad weather.

The Weather Channel‍

For Apple, Andriod and PC/Mac platforms, this provides good weather forecasts and alerts, radar, and daily local forecasts based on location tracking.

Weather Routers/Services: For daily weather and custom routing, go to Chris Parker/Marine Weather Center or WRI Weather routing

As boaters emerge from the cocoon of winter, so begins the social bloom of cruiser potlucks, docktails and dinghy raft-ups celebrating warmer days and the renewal of friendships.

Pulling the ingredients from the pantry, I’m preparing to make my first potluck dish of spring. I let out a chuckle as the memory of our first cruiser potluck comes rushing back. We had just completed our first ocean passage to French Polynesia and were in the process of setting the hook when the VHF radio crackled to life. Battling through the fog of sleep deprivation and the giddy euphoria of making a long-awaited landfall in paradise, I tried to decipher the message relayed by our neighbors in the anchorage.

I had received an invitation from the island’s newly elected chief to be his guests at a luau and was asked if we could we bring a traditional native dish to share. How could we refuse? But what to bring when you’ve been at sea for 32 days and provisions were dipping dangerously low?

Arriving a day earlier, the other boat crews had already baked peanut butter cookies and a pan of brownies. The sun was getting low, and time was short, so we scrambled to cook up our favorite all-American snack — but what to carry it in?

With no time to unpack and lower our dinghy, we hitched a ride to shore with our new neighbors. I could feel the sideways glances as I settled into the dinghy with my potluck contribution contained in a “none-too-chic” big, black, lawn and leaf bag.

Greeted by the islanders, we were ushered along a narrow sandy path to the community bamboo and thatched hut. The woven palm frond mats that blanketed the floor were topped with elephant-ear sized banana leaves serving as tablecloths.

Our communication was limited to broad smiles, head nods and lots of hand gestures as we were introduced to the village elders in the Marquesan tongue. Surveying the sumptuous spread laid out before us, I felt embarrassed at our humble offering as I passed over the duffle-sized plastic bag to the chief.

Once seated on the floor we were encouraged to feast on an overwhelming display of grilled fish, thin slices of raw octopus, coconut rice, thick taro root pudding and a cornucopia of fresh fruit. I was eager to try a little of everything passing my way ... except maybe the jar of Fafaru, which was a local delicacy made by placing chunks of fish in a bucket of seawater that is then left in the sun for a few days to ferment. I guarantee the translation of “Stinky- Fish” was accurate, but it was surprisingly tasty.

Taking in the festive scene, I was astonished to see our unconventional container had somehow migrated to the head of the table. Encircled by a wreath of pink hibiscus flowers as if to highlight its special status, the chief kneeled over the open sack and was personally overseeing the distribution of this strange new cuisine that had made the long journey from the New World to theirs ... and it was evident that our Jolly Time popcorn was a hit.

We had pulled off being Potluck Superstars with popcorn that first time but repeating the feat closer to home proved to be more challenging. On our boat Rogue One, our petite galley consists of a two-burner stove, toaster oven and a small fridge with a freezer perfectly sized for a single ice cube tray and my pint of Rocky Road ice cream.

Although I love a baked spaghetti casserole and grilled ginger chicken wings, I’ve discovered that on our pocket-size ship, simple finger foods made with a few basic ingredients make the perfect fare for a boater’s potluck either onboard, dockside or at a raft-up.

It is customary to bring and share something at any potluck, even if it’s just a bag of chips and dip, but to make the “A-List” and become a Potluck Superstar requires a memorable signature dish created in your own galley.

We first sampled Rum Runner’s Toffee Brittle at a marina potluck in Cartagena, Colombia, and when cruisers were sneaking bits off the tray while the captain was walking up the dock, I knew he had something special. I had to have that recipe and even though it cost me a bottle of Venezuelan rum, this dish has brought us back to celebrity status once again ... and it can do the same for you.

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RUM RUNNER’S TOFFEE BRITTLE

If you have never tried Rum Runner’s Toffee Brittle before, I’m warning you that this yummy concoction is very addictive! It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty with just a hint of rum to bring out the sailor in us all. But keep it our secret. With only five ingredients, this recipe is also one of the easiest to pull together and your hot ticket to becoming a Potluck Superstar.

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INGREDIENTS

1 sleeve saltine crackers(about 36 crackers)

1 cup of butter (2 sticks)

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 shot of spiced dark rum or

1 teaspoon of rum extract

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Topping: 1/3 cup chopped pecans, sea-salt

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INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350° F.‍

Step 2. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay out a single layer of saltine crackers on the cookie sheet.

Step 3. In a saucepan melt the butter and brown sugar over medium-high heat on the stovetop and bring to a rolling boil, then add the rum. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to boil for exactly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.‍

Step 4. Remove from heat and immediately pour the mixture over the cracker layer spreading evenly with a spatula.‍

Step 5. Place in oven and bake for 5 minutes.‍

Step 6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Allow the chips to soften, then spread evenly over the toffee.‍

Step 7. If desired, top with chopped nuts and a twist of ground sea salt.‍

Step 8. Allow the toffee brittle to cool completely (approximately 2 hours) or place sheet in refrigerator to accelerate cooling.‍

Step 9. Break into bite-sized pieces and enjoy.

There’s no better time to visit the Great Lakes states than when temperatures rise in the spring. Below you’ll find events from all over the coasts of Wisconsin and Michigan — and a few in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois — to give you a taste of what the Great Lakes have to offer this season. Read on for a little bit of everything: fishing, boat shows and races, flower festivals, cultural events, and activities to get you moving. The common thread is breathtaking nature—not only the lakes themselves, but also natural sand dunes, diverse birds and wildlife, and blooming flowers.

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APRIL

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2023 Pro/Am Fishing Tournament

Michigan City, IN April 29-30

Drop a hook at a Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing contest with cash prizes. Join fellow anglers at the Hoosier Coho Club for a regional fishing tournament, but make sure you find time to venture west to the Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can find 15,000 acres of diverse wildlife, sand dunes, woodlands and lush wetlands.

‍Where to Dock: Washington Park Marina

Detroit Bourbon Fest

Detroit, MI April 1

Hosted at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, this indoor celebration of libations features 200+ whiskeys and bourbons, but beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Food trucks, live music and vendors generate a festive vibe, and proceeds benefit Friends of the Rivers’ efforts to improve water quality in Michigan’s rivers.

Where to Dock: Safe Harbor Detroit River

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MAY

The Biggest Week in American Birding

Oak Harbor, OH May 5-14

Bird-watching boaters won’t want to miss this week-long event in the warbler capital of the world. Attend field trips and workshops on identification, conservation and birding. Keynote topics to look forward to including indigenous people and birds, urban birding, and the Galapagos Islands.

Where to Dock: Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center

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49th Annual Coho Classic

Michigan City, IN May 6-7

Dock on the south coast of Lake Michigan for the longest-running salmon fishing tournament on the Great Lakes. Dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Lake Michigan sport fishing, the host Hoosier Coho Club is a great organization to connect with other anglers.

Where to Dock: Washington Park Marina

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94th Annual Tulip Time

Holland, MI May 6-14 ‍

Holland has blossomed with hundreds of thousands of tulips since 1929 — a feat certainly worth celebrating. You’re in for much more than a colorful display with pageants, costumes, parades, Dutch dancers and the Tulip Time Run on May 6.

‍Where to Dock: Anchorage Marina

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Chicago Mayfest

Chicago, IL May 12-14 ‍

Usher in summer at a lively spring street festival. Listen to some of Chicago’s best pop rock and jazz live, bring your family to the kids’ area and enjoy the Armitage Art Show.

‍Where to Dock: Belmont Harbor

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63rd Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival

Boyne City, MI May 18-21

Join hundreds of mushroom lovers from around the world in Boyne City this spring to celebrate the mysterious morel. There’s a carnival for the family at Veteran’s Memorial Park, a morel hunting seminar for aspiring foragers, morel tastings for foodies, an arts crafts show and more.

Where to Dock: F. Grant Moore Municipal Marina/Boyne City Marina

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Door County Scottie Rally

Baileys Harbor, WI May 20

Dog-loving boaters can’t resist docking at Baileys Harbor, a coastal town known for nature preserves and spectacular fishing. One of the largest gatherings of Scottish terriers in the United States, canines and their parents from around the country and world put on a truly adorable parade.

Where to Dock: Baileys Harbor Town Marina

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34th Great Lakes Boating Festival

Grosse Pointe Shores, MI May 20-21

The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club kicks off the 2023 boating season with a bang. Visitors can expect to climb aboard and gawk at boats up to 80 feet, and history buffs enjoy antique cars, vintage boats and displays from the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House.

Where to Dock: Safe Harbor Jefferson

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Beach Ride the Keweenaw

Keweenaw Peninsula, MI May 26-29

A fun way to spend Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer is in the great outdoors. Bring the family along for a variety of guided rides for all abilities. Riders will glide through the Adventure Mine caverns on Friday, Michigan Tech Trails on Saturday and Copper Harbor on Sunday.

Where to Dock: Ontonagon Marina

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Fort 2 Fort 5-Mile Challenge

Mackinac Island, MI May 13

Avid runners and history buffs alike will enjoy this scenic route past seven historic landmarks on Mackinac Island. Both run and walk options start with a blast of the rifles at Fort Mackinac, go up to Fort Holmes, and end where the activities began.

Where to Dock: Mackinac Island State Harbor

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39th Annual Amateur Salmon & Trout Fishing Derby

Pentwater, MI May 26-29

Coast through the Pentwater River from Lake Michigan to Pentwater Lake for three days of sportfishing on Memorial Day weekend. Try your hand at catching the most salmon and trout — the winner gets a charter boat fishing trip!

Where to Dock: Charlie’s Marina

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JUNE

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Bayfield in Bloom

Bayfield, WI June 2-11

Admire blooming daffodils, colorful fields of lupine and apple blossoms in the coastal town’s annual flower fest. This is an ideal opportunity for boaters to explore the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Hike and camp on the 21 islands, explore shipwrecks and rock formations, or admire historic lighthouses. Make sure you’re on the mainland for the Blessing of the Fleet on June 4.

Where to Dock: Apostle Islands Marina

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Alpaca Odyssey

Two Rivers, WI June 4

Swing by the LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch to learn why these animals and their fiber are popular in Two Rivers. Animal lovers can get up close and personal with alpacas and visiting llamas. Crafty attendees will enjoy fiber spinning demonstrations, finished alpaca products at the farm store and artisan goods — handmade soaps, honey, plants and more — from local vendors.

Where to Dock: Seagull Marina

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Polish Fest

Milwaukee, WI June 9-11

Welcome to America’s largest Polish festival! Don’t miss entertainment at Henry W. Maier Festival Park with non-stop polka on one stage and contemporary music, cultural performances and kids’ shows on others. Dance to Polish jams, do a vodka tasting of Poland’s best, attend cooking demos or any number of forums, and visit a special exhibit on the intertwined history of Poland and Ukraine.

Where to Dock: McKinley Marina

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75th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Mackinac Island, MI June 9-18

Cruise up to northern Lake Huron for the largest and most historic festival on the island. Soak in the beauty of blooming lilacs, witness the Lilac Queen coronation and join the 10K run/walk, walking tours, bouncy houses, or Michigan Cornhole tournament. Stay for the grand parade on June 18, considered a local legacy event by the Library of Congress.

Where to Dock: Mackinac Island State Harbor

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Bridgefest

Houghton-Hancock, MI June 15-18

When the Portage Lake Lift Bridge opened in 1959, it linked Houghton and Hancock and served as a gateway to the rest of the Keweenaw Peninsula. It continues in that roll and provides a reason to celebrate. The waterfront is a beautiful venue for outdoor concrts, sporting events, the Bridgefest parade and Jon Davis Memorial Fireworks. This family- friendly event is perfect for Father’s Day weekend.

Where to Dock: Houghton County Marina

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Muskegon Powerboat Weekend

Muskegon, MI June 16-18

Muskegon, known for its regattas and pleasure boating, is the perfect venue for a weekend of thrilling powerboating. Get up-close and personal at the High-Performance Boat Showcase, quench your need for speed at the Chase Poker Run and anchor in the South Breakwater Cove for Sunday Funday.

Where to Dock: Safe Harbor Great Lakes, Harbour Towne Marina or Hartshorn Municipal Marina Lakefront

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Festival of Art

Milwaukee, WI June 16-18

Support the Milwaukee Art Museum’s comeback as it puts on its first in-person festival on Lake Michigan since 2019. The museum is a sight to behold, but so are the artists’ booths, workshops and demos, and views on the lakefront. Discover artists from across the country, and maybe snag a few of their pieces. Listen to live music and enjoy family-friendly activities in the lake breeze.

Where to Dock: McKinley Marina

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Sea Shanty on the Ship Summer Series

Port Huron, MI June 23

Board the Huron Lightship, the last lightship on the Great Lakes, for an evening of live music, snacks and a glass or two of rum. Take in the coastal sights of Port Huron and its Canadian neighbor, Point Edward, at this nautical night out.

Where to Dock: Port Huron River Street Marina or Bridge Harbour Marina

ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 28, 2023 – For most recreational boaters, VHF radios are a better lifesaving tool than the omnipresent cellphone, even as more boaters use cellphones for emergency on-water communications. Why? The VHF radio remains the only tool at the boater’s disposal that can summon those potential rescuers on the water nearest you – sometimes with the press of one simple red button – saving critical rescue time.

To help boaters get the most out of their VHF radio, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water reveals the top three mistakes boaters tend to make when using VHF radios.

1. Failure to get an MMSI (and program it in). A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number brings your VHF into the modern age of Digital Selective Calling (DSC VHF), offering the ability make direct calls to other DSC-VHF radios. However, what an MMSI-equipped DSC-VHF radio does better than any cellphone is it allows a simple, one-button mayday distress, giving everyone aboard the ability to summon emergency help to your precise location on the water. This unique nine-digit MMSI number is issued for your vessel and must be programmed into your radio. Without it, you lose your DSC-VHF’s biggest lifesaving advantage. You can request an MMSI for $25 at BoatUS.com/MMSI, or join BoatUS and get it for free.

2. Forgetting to speak slowly and clearly. Life on the water isn’t always peaceful. We may have to deal with a tricky situation, which causes stress that may affect the way we speak. If you have pick up the VHF microphone to summon emergency help, remember to slow down, speak slowly to help ensure your words are understood the first time. It can save rescuers time.

3. Talking on VHF radio Ch. 16. Think of VHF channel 16 as a “street corner” where you go to meet up with friends before heading to an activity, a night out, or fishing. You “connect” there, and then move on. More importantly, Ch. 16 is the place to summon emergency help, because U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders are also on the “street corner.” However, because only one person may transmit on Ch. 16 at a time, routine communications with other vessels should move off the “street corner” as quickly as possible. To do this, simply hail the vessel you wish to communicate with, and once they respond to the affirmative, bring the conversation to working channels 68, 69, 71, 72 or 78A. Write these channels down on your radio with a sharpie so you’ll remember. This keeps channel 16 clear of non-emergency chatter. The U.S. Coast Guard asks that VHF radio checks also take place on working channels.

Want to improve your VHF skills? The BoatUS Foundation offers an online learning course, All About Marine Radio, at BoatUS.org.

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Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

Sailing has traditionally been considered a male-dominated activity, with men occupying prominent positions in professional racing teams and boards of directors across organizations. However, the North Fork and Shelter Island regions are challenging this norm, as women are currently serving as commodores at four out of the five yacht clubs in the area.

For the past two years, Alyssa Constant, Ellen Talbot, and Lisa Reich have served as commodores of the Orient Yacht Club, the Old Cove Yacht Club, and the Shelter Island Yacht Club, respectively. Mary Kalich has held the title of commodore at the Mattituck Yacht Club for the past eight years.

According to all four of these women, their boards of trustees and officers, which usually consist of 14 members, are fairly evenly split between men and women, with either 50% female representation or close to it.

Although Greg Young is currently the commodore of the Southold Yacht Club, multiple women had previously held the position in recent years. Nevertheless, this current predominantly female group of commodores is a historical exception, despite the presence of women on yacht clubs' boards.

Commodores are top figures at yacht clubs and come from various backgrounds. They typically work their way up through the organization and oversee all operations. Yacht clubs are known to be family- and youth-oriented community centers that organize activities on and off the water. 

On the North Fork and Shelter Island, women currently hold four of the five commodore positions. The yacht clubs are part of the Peconic Gardiners Junior Sailing Association, which oversees the coed racing circuit across various clubs each season. The junior sailing program attracts a mix of boys and girls.

The boys at North Folks yacht clubs make up around two-thirds of junior sailors in the Peconic Gardiners Junior Sailing Association (PGJSA), which includes four South Fork yacht clubs. Many colleges offer all-women sailing teams as well as coed teams. Shelter Island hosts three all-women regattas throughout the season and has previously offered all-women and all-girls educational sailing clinics. These efforts aim to make women feel welcome and secure in the male-dominated sport, and the all-female regattas also feature an all-women race committee.

The Shelter Island Yacht Club member, Amanda Clark, competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and has hosted junior sailing clinics. However, commodore Jodi Reich, her mother-in-law was the one who introduced her family to sailing and inspired her to continue the multi-generational activity. Reich believes that community figures can inspire and guide the next generation of sailors.

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For the full article visit The Suffolk Times.

On March 13th, a party of companions had already been sailing for 13 days from the Galápagos to French Polynesia on the Raindancer, a 44-foot sailboat. Suddenly, they heard a loud noise, and Rick Rodriguez, the owner of the boat, was in the middle of enjoying some pizza when he felt the stern of the boat lift up and shift to starboard. It became apparent that they had struck a whale. The crew quickly inflated their lifeaft, and loaded their dinghy with essential supplies such as food, water, and communication equipment, and within 15 minutes, the Raindancer sunk beneath the waves.

After the collision with the whale and the Raindancer began to sink, Rick Rodriguez promptly sent out a mayday distress signal on the VHF radio. He and his companions then proceeded to evacuate onto the lifeboat and dinghy, taking essential supplies with them. In a report by The Washington Post, Rodriguez recounted that he and his friends felt a sense of disbelief and shock that this was happening, but they remained calm and focused on gathering what they needed to prepare for abandoning the ship. Despite the surreal situation, they managed to act efficiently and without much emotional turmoil, as Rodriguez stated: "While we were getting things done, we all had that feeling, 'I can't believe this is happening,' but it didn't keep us from doing what we needed to do and prepare ourselves to abandon ship."

Following the evacuation, the crew of the Raindancer spent 10 hours adrift before being rescued by the civilian boat Rolling Stone. The rescue was described as seamless and efficient. The Raindancer was equipped with various communication devices and emergency equipment, and its crew was trained to handle worst-case scenarios. Despite these measures, collisions between whales and boats have been on the rise since 2007, with approximately 1,200 such incidents recorded to date. Alana Litz, one of the individuals on board the Raindancer, believes that the whale they struck was a Bryde's whale, and she and her companions observed the animal bleeding as it swam away.

Rodriguez expressed his gratitude for the swift rescue, stating: "I feel very lucky and grateful that we were rescued so quickly. We were in the right place at the right time to go down." Despite the unfortunate event, he and his companions were grateful to have made it out alive and credited their preparedness and training for helping them handle the situation as best they could.

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For the full story visit The Washington Post.

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Nighttime on a boat can be magical. Everything, even familiar territory, takes on a new feel which can be strange but far from scary. In fact, boating at night not only lets you potentially venture farther in one outing, it can also become your favorite way to spend time aboard.

Boating overnight can include either navigating and maneuvering in the dark, or spending a safe night at anchor or in a slip. Let’s break down these two concepts and highlight some tips for how to do each.

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Under Way at Night

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Whether you’re coming back from a waterfront dinner, taking a moonlight cruise, or heading to a distant anchorage, you’ll need to be ready for nighttime operations.

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1. Prepare the boat and check the safety gear

Locate all personal flotation devices (PFDs), put fresh batteries into your headlamps and flashlights and place the binoculars near the helm. Check that the engine, radio and electronics are in good working order. Test the running lights and bilge pumps.

Gather your crew and lay out the rules of engagement including staying in the cockpit, wearing PFDs and safety harnesses, and following the protocol for an emergency be it crew overboard, collision, fire, etc.

Agree on communications with the captain and set a watch schedule. Know how to call for help in case of an emergency. It’s best to not single-hand at night due to fatigue. If you must make a passage at night alone, set an alarm for every 30 minutes in case you drift off while standing watch.

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2. Boat defensively

Visibility is reduced and your senses may play tricks on you in the dark. Distances are harder to judge, and boats, markers, and obstacles are difficult to see. Slow down and be methodical in your navigation. Familiarize yourself with the charts for the area where you’ll be boating well ahead of time and learn the aids to navigation you’ll encounter along the way. Learn your light signals (on other boats and on shore) before departure.

Preserve your night vision by using only red lights inside the cabin or in your flashlights. Scan the horizon a full 360-dgrees every 15 minutes – more often if you’re in a busy traffic area. Turn off music and listen. You may hear fog horns, whistles, bell buoys, or other boats approaching.

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3. Keep an eye on key data

Is the engine running smoothy with a steady temperature? Is the bilge pump running more often than it should be? Is all gear (and lines) secured? Trust your instruments but make sure your chartplotter is updated and your radar and instruments are working before you leave the slip. You should have checked the weather forecast before departure but keep an eye on changing conditions.

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4. Dock and anchor with caution

When maneuvering at night, don’t use headlights or spotlights until you’re close to your destination whether that is a dock or an anchorage. Use light too soon and you’ll destroy your night vision. As the old saying goes, approach a dock only as fast as you’re willing to hit it. Advise crew to move slowly and deliberately when stepping onto a dock or tying lines to cleats. Double-check knots and hitches before leaving the boat unattended.

It may be difficult to judge a good anchorage in the dark including how far from shore or other boats you are when you drop the hook and whether there’s a current running. Slow down and take good bearings, making sure you have room to swing. Be extra careful when working with the windlass at night when fingers, clothes and hair can get caught before you notice. You may need to set an anchor watch with your crew or set an anchor alarm on your plotter.

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Sleeping aboard a boat at night

1. Temperatures on the water at night can be cool even in midsummer so plan on bringing extra blankets, sleeping bags, clothes and dry gear.
2. Bring bug spray, especially in hot and muggy climates.
3. If in a slip, check the lines before retiring for the night. Are you secured to good cleats, is there any chafe in the lines, and is there loose gear on deck that could go overboard in a breeze or be stolen?
4. If anchored, check periodically that you’re not dragging anchor. The best way is to take two bearings as close to 90 degrees from each other as possible. Allow for some swinging room but overall, your bearings should be fairly constant. Don’t anchor in active traffic channels, near rocks and docks, or too close to other boats that may swing differently from you. Use proper scope of 7x the length of anchor line to 1x the depth.
5. If at a sandbar, the boat should be pulled up and secured with lines to trees or an anchor on the beach in case the tide rises and sets the boat adrift.
6. Secure kids and pets for the night. You don’t want anyone getting on deck and possibly going overboard.

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The best experiences

Nighttime is the right time on a boat for so many reasons. You may see phosphorescence as fish swim by or a night sky like you don’t experience on land. You may hear dolphins exhaling as they amble by. You may be rocked gently to sleep in an idyllic anchorage.

Most importantly, running through the night will expand your horizons. Once you stretch your wings, you can explore distant marinas where you can get a slip to get that good night’s rest aboard. (Check out Snag a Slip for slip reservations as you travel.)

The key is preparation, vigilance and a methodical approach to everything from driving to tucking into a warm berth. Then, enjoy all that the wee hours on a boat can bring.

Boaters are a fun loving yet superstitious bunch. For as long as mankind has sailed the seas, there’s been ceremonies to mark the launch of a new vessel. It’s how boaters celebrate welcoming their boats into the world, and ensure safe passages for a lifetime of adventures on the water.

The practice of christening boats actually started thousands of years ago in ancient Greek and Phoenician civilizations as religious ceremonies performed to ensure safety for sea-going vessels. These ceremonies date back thousands of years and varied around the world, some even involving human or animal sacrifice. Our current, less savage, practice of christening a boat with champagne arrived in 1891. It was Britain’s Queen Victoria who first smashed a bottle of champagne against a hull, launching the Navy cruiser HMS Royal Arthur.

Hosting a proper christening ceremony not only connects you to a nautical tradition rooted in ancient times, but is a reason to celebrate with friends and family. Here’s what you’ll need, and what you’ll need to do, to launch your boat in style!

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What You Need to Christen Your Boat

-Your boat (It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway)

-Friends and Family to Join in the celebration ceremony

-Lots of champagne, wine or sparkling cider (To drink)

-A branch of green leaves (We’ll explain)

-A pre-scored ceremonial christening bottle in a fine-mesh containment bag (This ensures the broken pieces of glass don’t end up in the water.)

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When to Christen Your Boat

There are actually days on which you should NEVER christen your boat, or you chance bad luck and misfortune. As you’ll see, most of the days to avoid are based on religious events, and sailors and seafarers have followed these traditions for centuries. For that reason, you’d be wise not to break with tradition. Here are the days to avoid:

All Fridays – Yes, any Friday is considered bad luck. This is likely for religious reasons, as Jesus was crucified on a Friday. This may seem like an unusual reason. Even so, the US Coast Guard waits for the weekend to christen their new boats. It’s simply part of a long tradition, and boaters won’t break it.

All Thursdays– You may be aware of Norse mythology, and “Thor” the god of storms and thunder. It’s believed that holding a boat christening ceremony on a Thursday provokes Thor and turbulent seas. So, to avoid the rath of Thor, just pick another day.

First Monday in April– This day has another religious connection. It’s marked as the day when Caine slew Abel, condemning Caine to a life of wandering.

Second Monday in August– This day is denoted as the day God destroyed the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone.

December 31– It was on this day that Judas felt so much sorrow and regret, seeing Jesus condemned to death, that he committed suicide by hanging.

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Gather Your Family and Friends

Once you’ve decided on a fitting day, go ahead and get out the invitations to gather at the location you choose to christen your boat. The most common places to hold a boat christening ceremony are marina slips, anchorages and moorings. And, you’ll want to make a quick maiden voyage if you’re christening at a location, being sure to rig the vessel before the ceremony, avoiding any possible delays or glitches.

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Serve Something to Toast With

Once everyone arrives at the boat, gather them together and prepare for a toast. If you’re deciding what to serve, boat captains traditionally served red wine when christening a boat. Today, a wide range of spirits are enjoyed, with champagne being the most popular. But some prefer other liquors such as rum or brandy.

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Give a Toast

With the guests gathered and their glasses full, it’s time for the toast. Begin by welcoming guests, thanking them for coming, and reveal the boat’s name. You can then say a few words about the boat. It’s common to talk about the merits of the boat, and where you plan to sail it. You can even include a poem.

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Lay the Branch of Green Leaves on the Deck

Once the toast is done, you should lay the branch of green leaves on the deck. The branch symbolizes safe returns from your journeys, and serves as a good luck symbol. You don’t need to be concerned about what type of branch you choose – any branch with green leaves will do. The branch will need to stay on the boat through the christening ceremony and the maiden voyage. After that, you can toss it overboard.

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Break the Bottle on the Bow

After the toast and the laying on of the branch, it’s time for the most exhilarating part of the boat christening ceremony – breaking the bottle! First, move everyone to the bow (front) of the boat. Once there, the captain traditionally breaks the bottle somewhere over the bow – a cleat, anchor roller, or anywhere else. However, don’t break the bottle directly on the bow itself, as it can chip paint and damage woodwork.

If you’re not keen on breaking a bottle, you can also pour a bit of champagne, or your preferred drink, over the bow.

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Seal it by taking a Maiden Voyage

The fact is, no christening is complete until you take a maiden voyage of some sort. It doesn’t have to be a long one, even drifting out to your anchorage or mooring qualifies. Once you’ve done this, there’s nothing more to do but enjoy the congratulations!

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Renaming a Boat?

If you bought a used boat that already has a name, and you want to change it, there are rules to follow as well. Again, boaters are a superstitious lot, and we don’t want bad luck and misfortune to befall your boat.

Before you plan a christening ceremony, you’ll need to thoroughly remove all instances of the boat’s old name and identity. You even need to completely remove the old name BEFORE you say the new name out loud, or bring onto the boat anything with the new name.

To remove the old name on the exterior, you’ll need to remove the exterior paint or lettering. To do this right, you’ll also need to check whether the boat has ever been repainted. If it has, you’ll need to get down to all the previous layers and literally scrape off the old name. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to simply paint over the old name. The same goes for the interior of the boat. Make sure there are no fixtures, badges, clothing, coffee mugs, engravings, upholstery, or decorations remaining with the old name. You get the drift! Now if you have paperwork like maintenance logs, receipts or cruising journals, you’ll also need to cover the old name with whiteout.

The rules of this tradition are so steadfast that if you get through the whole process, christen your boat and then find a trace of the old name, you must christen it again!

We know this is a lot to do, but for the love of your boat and maritime tradition, it’s worth it. So, let us be the first to say “congratulations” on your new boat!

Marketing for Marinas: Tips and Strategies to Attract Customers

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Marketing is essential for any business, and marinas are no exception. With the rise of online booking and increased competition, marinas need to have a robust marketing strategy to attract and retain customers. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and strategies that marinas can use to market their business successfully.

1. Optimize Your Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. This includes having a website that is user-friendly, visually appealing, and informative. Your website should provide potential customers with all the information they need, such as your location, rates, amenities, and services. It's also important to make sure your website is optimized for search engines so that it shows up when people search for marinas in your area.

2. Use Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for marketing your marina. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to engage with potential customers, promote your services, and showcase your facilities. You can post pictures of boats, the marina's location, and events that you are hosting. You can also use social media to offer promotions and discounts to your followers.

3. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to keep in touch with your customers and keep them informed about your marina. You can send newsletters, updates on events, and special promotions to your email list. It's important to make sure that your emails are visually appealing, informative, and not too frequent. You don't want to overwhelm your customers with too many emails.

4. Offer Referral Programs

Referral programs are a great way to incentivize your customers to refer their friends and family to your marina. You can offer discounts, free services, or other rewards to customers who refer new business to you. This not only helps you attract new customers but also rewards your loyal customers for their support.

5. Host Events

Hosting events at your marina is a great way to attract new customers and keep your existing customers engaged. You can host boat shows, fishing tournaments, or other events that showcase your facilities and services. Events also provide an opportunity for customers to socialize and build a sense of community at your marina.

In conclusion, marketing is essential for the success of any business, including marinas. By optimizing your online presence, using social media, utilizing email marketing, offering referral programs, and hosting events, you can attract new customers and retain your existing ones. By implementing these marketing strategies, you can ensure the long-term success of your marina.

‍Drunken Leprechaun

“What do we do with a drunken leprechaun? Early in the morning!” 

The same way mysteries of mischievous leprechauns in Irish folklore have transcended through time, the original recipe for this drink is also a mystery. A few variations of this St. Patty’s-themed cocktail are served in local pubs, but most of them include its most important ingredient — good ol’ Irish whiskey. Like a fun twist on the Irish Screwdriver, check out our favorite version of this green concoction.

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Ingredients:

2 oz Irish Whiskey

1 oz Blue Curaçao

3-4 oz orange juice

Orange wedge(s)

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Instructions:

Fill a cocktail glass with ice and add whiskey, Blue Curaçao and orange juice. Stir well and garnish with a fresh orange wedge.

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Emerald Sunrise

This drink is not Irish, but its green color makes for a perfect St. Patty’s Day drink to enjoy at sea. Using the same ingredients but replacing whiskey with tequila, try another easy twist on the classic recipe for a Tequila Sunrise. Sail off toward the horizon while enjoying this beachy beverage.

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Ingredients:

2 oz Blanco Tequila

1 oz Blue Curaçao

3-4 oz orange juice

1 lime and 1 orange wedge

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Instructions:

Fill a cocktail glass with ice and add tequila, Blue Curaçao and orange juice. Stir well and garnish with a fresh lime and orange wedge.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The start of a new year brings the beginning of boat show season for the $170 billion U.S. recreational boating industry and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which represents 85 percent of the country’s recreational boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers. The recreational boating industry is preparing to welcome an estimated two million Americans to dozens of boat shows between January and March to shop the latest boats as they continue prioritizing outdoor recreation. Boat retailers and manufacturers have historically generated between 30-to-50 percent of their annual sales at boat shows.

Coming off a record year of extraordinary demand in 2021 led to the second highest ranked year in nearly two decades for recreational marine expenditures at $56.7 billion. New powerboat retail unit sales normalized in 2022, down an estimated 15-18 percent, to pre-pandemic growth years (2015-2019) with an estimated 250,000 new units sold, 25 percent above previous averages (2008-2014). Looking ahead to 2023, early indications point to continued healthy demand with new retail unit sales expected to remain on par with 2022.

This momentum comes as Americans demonstrate an ongoing prioritization of a life well-lived, spent enjoying outdoor experiences with family and friends and marine manufacturers continue strategically managing production and inventory pipelines following two years of supply chain bottlenecks. Segments driving growth in 2022 included entry-level boats such as personal watercraft, freshwater aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, as well as pontoon boats that are less than 26 feet.

“Last year was a healthy year for recreational boating with momentum coming off of record sales in 2021 due to continued demand and the fact that supply chain shortages prevented our industry from overproducing like we saw happen in other sectors over the past two years,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “With boat shows fully returning following two years of limited events due to COVID, we’ve already seen encouraging sales reports within certain categories, coupled with consumers continuing to invest in the unique experiences that come from being on the water.”

New data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), released in November, shows the outdoor recreation economy has seen record-breaking years, sustaining remarkable growth despite navigating a post-pandemic environment. In 2021, outdoor recreation generated $862 billion in economic output, accounting for 1.9 percent of U.S. GDP, making it a larger contributor than agriculture, extraction of oil and gas, and mining. Outdoor recreation also supported 4.5 million American jobs. What’s more, recreational boating and fishing are the number one contributor to the near-billion dollar outdoor recreation economy, surpassing RVing, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

With dozens of boat shows being held around the U.S., including Discover Boating®’s 10 show line-up this winter, manufacturers and dealers will unveil the latest product innovations and technologies, offer exclusive promotions and provide immersive boating activities to engage potential first-time boat buyers as well as millions of boaters look to come together during the off season.

“We’ve done extensive research to better understand boaters of today and tomorrow and local boat shows are a consistent favorite given the sense of community they create by bringing together boaters of all interests, access to all local dealers and new boat models in one place, the ability to board and buy boats, shop the newest gear, and be immersed in education and experiences—they take pop-up retail and social meet-ups to the next level,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of marketing and communications for NMMA.

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U.S. Recreational Boating by the Numbers

Unless otherwise noted, the following additional data are from the NMMA’s 2021 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract.

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• Annual U.S. sales of boats, marine products and services totaled $56.7 billion in 2021, up 12.7 percent from 2020.
• It’s not just new boats seeing strong sales; an estimated 1.15 million pre-owned boats were sold in 2021, up 9.2 percent over 2020.
• The recreational boating industry is an economic driver supporting more than 690,000 American jobs and 35,000 American businesses.
• Outdoor recreation accounts for 1.9 percent of U.S. GDP, generating $862 billion in gross economic output, of which recreational boating and fishing is the single largest segment with an attributed $50.4 billion, supporting 4.5 million American jobs. (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis)
• Recreational boating is a uniquely American-made industry: Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made in America.
• An estimated 100 million Americans go boating each year.
• Recreational boating isn’t just for the one percent. Sixty-one percent of boat owners have an annual household income of $100,000 or less.
• Ninety-five percent of boats on the water in the U.S. are less than 26 feet—boats that can be trailered by a vehicle to local waterways.
• Leading the nation in sales of new powerboat, engine, trailer and accessories in 2021 were the following states:

1. Florida: $5.4 billion, up 3.7 percent from 2020
2. Texas: $2.4 billion, up 2.6 percent from 2020
3. Michigan: $1.5 billion, up 16.3 percent from 2020
4. North Carolina: $1.24 billion, up 2.8 percent from 2020
5. Minnesota: $1.2 billion, up 13.8 percent from 2020
6. New York: $1.16 billion, up 10.5 percent from 2020
7. California: $1.1 billion, up 17 percent from 2020
8. Wisconsin: $1 billion, up 17 percent from 2020
9. Georgia: $924 million, up 1.9 percent from 2020
10. Alabama: $898 million, up 7.4 percent from 2020

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About NMMA: The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Heartbreak Harbor Margarita

For the salty sailor who could use a sweet kick on V-day, this sweet yet tart drink is perfect for your anti-Valentine’s Day party. This ocean-inspired twist on the classic margarita also makes for a perfect waterside cocktail.

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Ingredients:

1 ½ oz blanco tequila

1 oz Blue Curaçao 

¾ oz freshly squeezed lime juice

Splash of orange juice

Kosher salt

1 lime and 1 orange wedge

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Instructions:

For a salted rim, fill a small plate with lime juice and swirl your glass rim in it, then dip it into a plate of margarita salt and fill your glass with ice. In a separate cocktail shaker with a light amount of ice, pour in tequila, Blue Curaçao, lime juice and a splash of orange juice.  Shake thoroughly and strain into your glass and garnish with a lime or orange.

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The Love Boat‍

Also known as “The Isaac,” this romantic red drink was created by original Love Boat cast member Ted Lange, who played Isaac the bartender. Inspired by his signature bright red jacket mixed with the show’s sweet theme, the delicious libation is a perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail for boat lovers.

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Ingredients:

2 oz white rum

2 oz pomegranate syrup

½ oz fresh lime juice

Splash of club soda

Lime slice(s)

2 pineapple leaf spears

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Instructions:

Fill highball glass with ice. In separate cocktail shaker, fill with ice, white rum, pomegranate syrup and lime juice. Shake and strain into highball glass and top it with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a fresh lime slice and two pineapple spears.

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*Check out a special segment from Princess Cruises where actor Ted Lange gives a demo of the Love Boat cocktail that debuted on the cruise line in 2015.

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and South Walton Artificial Reef Association reveal seven designs selected for fifth Underwater Museum of Art Installation.

SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL (January 30, 2023) – The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are proud to reveal the seven new sculpture designs, chosen by jury for permanent exhibition in the fifth installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA).

The 2023 installation will include the following pieces of sculpture: Quantum Reef by Chris Chubb (Tallahassee, FL), Space Nest by Frank Henderson (Evanston, IL),  Welcome Home by Zachery Long (Oklahoma City, OK), Madam Nature by Andrew Luy (Huntsville, AL), Cetacean Remains by Pat Mclain (Stone Mountain, GA), One Tree by Ann Moeller Steverson (Huntsville, AL) Opus by Allison Wickey (Santa Rosa Beach, FL).

Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is presented as part of CAA’s Art In Public Spaces Program and augments SWARA’s mission of creating marine habitat and expanding fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in Walton County.

UMA sculptures are deployed with SWARA’s existing USACOA and FDEP permitted artificial reef projects that includes nine nearshore reefs located within one nautical mile of the shore in approximately 58 feet of water. The 2023 installation will join the 34 sculptures previously deployed on a one-acre permit patch of seabed off Grayton Beach State Park, further expanding the nation’s first permanent underwater museum.

Deployment of the 2023 UMA installation is slated for Summer. Visit UMAFL.org for more information on timeline and events surrounding UMA’s launch. Project and sculpture sponsorships are available. Please contact Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com for sponsorship details.

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2023 UMA Sculpture and Artist Details
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QUANTUM REEF by Tallahassee, Florida architect Chris Chubb occupies 100 square feet of the 617,500 square MILE Gulf of Mexico. Relatively, this is similar to the infinitesimal size of a single atom compared to a dinner plate. The Quantum Reef invites the viewer to leave the human scale and enter the sub-atomic scale. Analogous to a dynamic atom, Quantum Reef is animated by schools of fish darting through the aluminum ‘shell’ and swirling about the limestone ‘nucleus’. The sculpture is intended to provide needed marine habitat, inspire multidisciplinary work and promote educational initiatives in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

SPACE NEST designer Frank Henderson is based in Evanston, IL. The sculpture is inspired by the beautiful homes of Diatoms, which often use circle packing to generate an ornate organic geometry from silicate. The nest is created by circle-packing various sizes of circles into a dome shape. The resulting form is incredibly strong and resilient while using minimal materials to create maximum size and usable negative space. The title “Space Nest” refers to two things - the modern myth that diatoms are in-fact aliens using their silicate space ships to venture to new lands in the process of panspermia, and the sense of space and openness that this geometric form gives to the nest itself. Its use of negative space adds to a sense of mystery and opportunity that the replicated silicate form provides. Marine life can swim through and around it as part of the artificial reef, to build and grow their own homes in. It serves as a cage of protection from predatory marine life, while offering areas to move through and explore for other marine life and divers visiting the UMA.

WELCOME HOME by Illinois-based artist Zachery Long is a gesture we are all familiar with and can relate to. The sculpture has a two-fold meaning. Creating these three UMA letters is a thank you to the people making this new habitat a reality. “The Underwater Museum of Art is more important than we all know,” said Long. “It is a positive movement in the right direction leading by example to create net positives for our oceans.” Secondly, Welcome Home is a much needed greeting sign for fish looking to rehome from their previously barren sand flats. Nothing says home like giant barrel sponges, corals, and a welcoming UMA sculpture. Each concrete letter will be evenly spaced to provide passageways for water current and sea life. The concrete barrel sponges are various sizes to provide different types of shelter and living spaces to the differing species.

MADAM NATURE artist Andrew Luy has maintained multiple saltwater aquariums, bred seahorses and propagated corals through fragmentation, and has grown phytoplankton, among other ocean life maintenance. With this project he not only wants to create an aesthetically pleasing sculpture, but he also looks to create a sustainable habitat for sea life and corals. The top half will have crevices and holes similar to brain coral skeletons to allow for naturally occurring coral population and for coral plugs to be inserted to allow for any future propagation endeavors. The inner core of the globe will have a network of tunnels & holes, made of limestone and concrete to encourage invertebrates, fish, and other sea life to shelter. He designed the woman’s hair as an homage to the weedy sea dragon along with open areas to provide protective zones and to house long tip and other indigenous anemones to simulate flowing hair.

Atlanta-based artist Pat Mclain’s hope for the CETACEAN REMAINS sculpture is for it to be an extremely interactive experience for the diver giving them the ability to swim through the piece like a tunnel. When he first heard of the museum his mind thought of something that would naturally be found on the ocean floor. Something that seemed prehistoric but was supposed to be there. Doing a simple segment of the body like the rib cage is a great stand alone piece but could also grow with additions to the skeleton frame over time.

ONE TREE is an  8' tall by 9' wide by 9' deep concrete sculpture depicting two trees grown together over time with their roots entwined from artist Ann Moeller Steverson. The fantastical branches of the trees feature four seasons, from blossoms to fruit, falling leaves, and the adornment of icicles. From the right angle, viewers would see the suggestion of a heart shape between the trunk and branches. The roots, in the style of a banyan tree, would have deep grooves that provide a perfect breeding ground/habitat for fish, algae, coral, and other marine life. The canopy of the trees would also provide an additional surface area, attraction, and shelter. The design of "One Tree" is an evolution of a painted commission that captured the hearts and imaginations of romantics worldwide and extends its story to the underwater world of Grayton Beach State Park. The painting was a gift from a husband to his wife, inspired by this expert from Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

"Love is a temporary madness.
It erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.
And when it subsides, you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together
that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
....
Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground,
And when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches
They find that they are one tree and not two.”

The piece offers a unique enchanting destination for couples who wish to have their underwater nuptials beside it or just meet up under its branches

OPUS is the second sculpture to be installed at the UMA for Santa Rosa Beach, Florida-based artist Allison Wickey who is also a founding partner of the project. The octopus is the ultimate mystery, embodying all that the sea symbolizes in one creature. Not only are they intriguing, but they are also elegant and mesmerizing to watch. They are known to 'play' with other species, walk on two legs and befriend humans. Although they have been portrayed as scary or dangerous they are actually peacemakers in her opinion. They seem to have a silly sense of humor while also being highly intelligent and can change itself via color or shape to work its way out of bad situations. The combination of beauty, brilliance and resilience is an enviable trait and the octopus has it all. Allison thinks the octopus is a good symbol for the times, as we learn to work our way out of new and strange issues in current society while retaining a sense of humor.

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About the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County

The mission of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is to advance the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the CAA is to make Walton County a creative place in which to live, work and visit. Membership information, grant and scholarship applications, and more can be found at CulturalArtsAlliance.com.
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About South Walton Artificial Reef Association

The South Walton Artificial Reef Association is a grassroots, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to deploying and monitoring publicly permitted living reefs in Walton County's near shore coastal waters for the benefit, education, and enrichment of residents, visitors, and marine habitat for present and future generations. Learn more at SwaraReefs.org.

West Coast’s premier sailing event for women now in 33^rd year

CORONA DEL MAR, Calif., Dec. 6, 2022 – After a Covid hiatus the Sailing Convention for Women is back with full sails and expanded learning opportunities and slated for Saturday, April 1, 2023. Held at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona Del Mar, California, the event marks the 33^rd year offering beginning-to-experienced women sailors a chance to learn and enjoy camaraderie and fun through an all-day series of on-the-water instruction and shore-based workshops.

“The Convention gives women an opportunity to meet other women sailors, discuss options for cruising, racing and recreational sailing, and find out about women’s sailing organizations in their area, as well as instructional programs available,” described by founder and producer, Gail Hine. “We have something meaningful for everyone,” one attendee claimed, “The energy level and networking opportunity at this convention is amazing!”

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). has sponsored the event for nearly three decades.

Some of the workshop topics include Suddenly Singlehanded, Steer with the Sails, Intro to AIS, Avoid Mistakes & Mayhem, Prepare for Passage Making, Basic Navigation, and the ever-useful, Docking. Three levels of on-the-water sailing instruction are also offered.

The day begins at 8 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m., starting with a generous breakfast to fuel the sessions of morning instruction and workshops. A buffet lunch will launch sailors into an afternoon of continued learning opportunities, followed by a spirited happy hour. The evening is capped with dinner and guest speaker Marie Rogers, who in 2019, became the first black woman to serve as commodore at the historic Los Angeles Yacht Club, and likely one of the first to helm a major U.S. yacht club.

Rogers, who will share stories of inspiration and passion for sailing, is the 2021 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award honoree and an avid racer. She completed the 50th Transpac and races today along the West Coast aboard Marie, a Nelson Marek 55, with her husband, Bill. Closer to home she’s at the helm of her J-29, Rush Street.

Those interested in attending should mark their calendars for February 1 when convention registration opens at sailingconventionforwomen.com. A special early bird attendance for $250 will be available through February 28 and includes workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, souvenirs, raffle prize tickets and session handouts. Registration fees increase $20 each month through April 1. Prepaid registrations are required and for the best selection of classes women are urged to register early.

For more information on the convention, contact Gail Hine (gail@sailingconventionforwomen.com).

Marinalife, a company that delivers tools and resources to fully allow the boating community to embrace life on the water, has partnered with SpeedyDock.

With digital communication taking the lead, the new generation of boaters are looking for the same convenient ways to communicate with marinas. SpeedyDock, developed in 2016, is software for dry-stack marinas and boat clubs that helps simplify marina operations. The mobile app allows boaters to request scheduled launches and request fuel, drinks, ship store items, and other services offered at their marina. 

SpeedyDock keeps track of the requested actions and makes the information available in real-time. Marina employees can work with customers and also keep other employees up to date on request statuses. SpeedyDock’s software is now integrated with Marinalife Manager, allowing their marinas to engage with their customers even more efficiently. 

Marinalife Manager is the latest product of Marinalife, Inc., and enables marina managers and owners to streamline their operations. With marina management software, marinas can seamlessly connect with their boaters, manage internal operations, get real-time analytics, and more. 

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“Having SpeedyDock partner with Marinalife helps achieve our goal of connecting and empowering boaters and marinas,” says Jen Leroux, CEO Marinalife. “Reservations through SpeedyDock are now not just convenient for the boater, but also for marinas using Marinalife Manager.” 

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Marinalife Managers’s integration with SpeedyDock keeps customers, boats, inventory, and more, in sync. Customer Accounts and inventory are reflected in both SpeedyDock and Marinalife Manager’s system, keeping the marina staff up-to-date. 

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"When I created SpeedyDock, I was mindful of the boater's experience. I also saw an opportunity for marinas to simplify their customer relationship management," says Travis Wolfe, Founder of SpeedyDock.

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To learn more about SpeedyDock visit speedydock.com.

To learn more about Marinalife Manager visit marinalife.com/manager or email getintouch@marinalife.com. 

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About Marinalife:  Founded by lifelong boaters, Marinalife delivers tools and resources that encourage the boating community to embrace life on the water. Marinalife joined with Snag-A-Slip in 2017 to create tech-enabled solutions that allow boaters and marinas to connect and transact easily. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, our crew is passionate about boating and delivering exceptional service to our customers. 

About SpeedyDock: Founded in 2016, SpeedyDock provides a cutting-edge software solution for drystack marina launch scheduling and boat club reservation scheduling. Our team in Ruskin, FL is committed to delivering exceptional service to boaters and marinas.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alexa Zizzi
Phone: 410-752-0505
Email: azizzi@marinalife.com

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MARINALIFE ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS
OF THE 13^TH ANNUAL BEST MARINA CONTEST

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(BALTIMORE, MD, November 4, 2022) Marinalife is pleased to announce the winners of its 13^th Annual Best Marina Contest. Hundreds of boaters, marinas and members of the maritime industry in North America and the Caribbean cast their votes, and the results are as follows:

BEST LARGE MARINA

First Place:  Brunswick Landing Marina – Brunswick, GA
Second Place:  Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina – Hilton Head, SC
Third Place:  Spring Point Marina – South Portland, ME

BEST SMALL MARINA

First Place:  Chicks Marina – Kennebunkport, ME
Second Place:  Champlin’s Marina & Resort – Block Island, RI
Third Place: Jekyll Harbor Marina – Jekyll Island, GA

Winning first place in the Large Marina Category, Brunswick Landing Marina boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a top-notch, friendly marina staff. Located in historic downtown Brunswick, the property is ideal for all seasons, as it’s constructed in former U.S. Navy Hurricane Hole and protected by land on three sides. The spacious marina boasts 445+ dry and wet slips and marine services by highly skilled technicians. The boatyard offers year-round service including repairs, detailing, bottom paint, custom woodworking and more. Over the years, the marina has evolved into a party hub for cruisers with daily social activities plus free wine and beer three-times-a week, as well as complimentary propane grills on every dock.

“We are ecstatic and very grateful that Brunswick Landing Marina was selected as Best Large Marina in the country. With so many great marinas being recognized, the award truly validates that our decisions and hard work are leading us in a positive direction,” said Vibert Burin, dock manager. 

Marina Manager Michael Torres adds that the property is looking forward to future upgrades such as doubling the size of the dock office/ship store and adding 540’ of leasable dock space. 

“We are working on a new project that will include a mooring ball field with an anticipated 30 moorings. Running parallel to those projects is a much larger endeavor that is going to reshape our entire business, which will be called Brunswick Landing. Brunswick Landing is proposed to be a 26-acre mixed-use, town center-style development that will include a hotel, condominiums, townhomes, restaurants and retail space,” said Torres. 

Chicks Marina in Kennebunkport, ME, returns as the reigning first place champ in the 2022 Best Small Marina award. The 50-slip marina is tucked away in the idyllic southern coast of New England. Voted among the region’s cleanest marinas, the staff continuously upgrades facilities to ensure efficiency. The marina offers custom boat care services, 30/50/100 amp electrical, heated winter storage and 91 Octane gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. 

 “We are thrilled to win Best Small Marina for the third year in a row. It is such an honor when customers recognize your hard work and love Chicks Marina as much as we do,” said Amy Gaynor, operations manager of Chicks Marina. “Chicks Marina is a very well-maintained marina. It is central to downtown, restaurants and the coastline. Our staff is top notch and goes above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable,” Gaynor added.

Marinalife recognizes second and third place winners in each category.  Best Large Marina finalists are Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina in Hilton Head Island, SC, (second place) and Spring Point Marina in South Portland, ME, (third place). Champlin’s Marina & Resort in Block Island, RI, took second place in the Best Small Marina Category, and Jekyll Harbor Marina in Jekyll Island, GA, came in third.

As we celebrate more than 20 years of Marinalife, we send a special thanks to all the marinas and boaters nationwide for participating in this year’s contest.  Keep an eye out for announcements starting in Summer 2023 for Marinalife’s 14^th Annual Best Marina Contest.

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About Marinalife

Marinalife magazine, a quarterly travel and lifestyle publication, provides boaters with entertaining and useful articles about destinations, marinas, cruising stories, captain’s tips and more.  For information, visit marinalife.com, call 410-752-0505 or email info@marinalife.com

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Pins vs Boats: the benefits

When thinking about Marinalife Manager and taking a look at other systems on the market, we found that people like maps, and they like to see boats on the maps. However, they also wanted to know more about the boat – like how long they are staying, if there is any money owed, or even if they’d been checked-in without an accompanying order.

Operators told us that they wanted to know more about their sites and equipment and see these displayed on the map – boats, berths, mooring buoys, cranes, dry storage, washrooms, and more.

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Boats or Assets?

We decided to overturn the convention that maps had to show representations of boats and instead provide the kind of detailed information to make the map a central element in marina operations. With Marinalife Manager we switched the focus of the map from boats to assets.

With focusing the map on assets means that information about maintenance inspections and fault reports is visible alongside occupancy and boat information.

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Boats or Pins?

Marina staff know their stuff. They know an 11m boat is longer than a 9m boat, so once they have that information, why clutter the map with generic boat shapes? Marinalife Manager uses the familiar Google Maps-style pin markers overlaid with easy-to-read icons and a color code system to illustrate occupancy, licensing, inspections, and faults in switchable screen views.

Swapping to pins makes the map easier to view and enables enriched layers of information without cluttering the display. Extra details like boat names and berth numbers can be shown or hidden in one click. Drill down to view just electricity pedestals or berth availability during a date range, or search asset name, customer, or boat.

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Map Views

Using the same map, you can toggle between views to highlight information of value to different team members:

1. Occupancy view

In busy visitor/transient marinas, it’s vital to quickly identify who is due to depart, overstayers and available berths. Any user with a tablet can depart a boat, add nights to the invoice, allocate berths and more right from the map.

A simple search ensures allocation of the right berth – searching by length, draft, beam and mooring space type.

2. Licensing view

Suppose your marina offers annual or monthly licenses/contracts. In that case, it’s handy to see which berths remain unlicensed as you approach the renewal date – what is available to sell and who needs a reminder to sign.

3. Inspection view

Move your maintenance to Marinalife Manager, and you can identify overdue and upcoming inspections on the map.

Equip your maintenance team with a tablet, and they can check and complete tasks right from the map view.

4. Faults view

Like the inspection's view, faults are easily identified and resolved right from the map. Colour coded for high, medium and low severity, and the maintenance team can prioritize as they walk the facility.

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Mapping styles

You decide how your map or marina plan looks – it can be the same full-color plan you use on your website or brochure or a line drawing; you’re in control. We can even use Google Maps on large sites like harbors or rivers, with the bonus of toggling between map and satellite views.

If berth numbers and asset names are in a map overlay, the user can switch them on and off, providing a clearer or more detailed view as required.

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Making map changes

We don’t charge extra for uploading a new map. So if you alter the layout of your pontoons, move a line of mooring buoys or install a new launch ramp, it isn’t going to cost you.

Because Marinalife Manager is a modern platform, the maps aren’t hardcoded – adaptability is built-in. We want our users to make the most of the system, not be constrained by budgets.

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‍The relationship between mobile devices, apps, and web browsing is often misunderstood. That’s not surprising – it’s a fast-changing environment. In this article we will talk about the pros and cons of apps, and what they really are.

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What is an app?

App is short for application. Back in the day, we would have called them programs – software that allows you to perform a specific task.

Most people think of apps as downloads for smartphones or tablets, but the description is also commonly used for desktop programs too, like Microsoft Word. In this article, we will focus on mobile apps.

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Web apps

Web apps are functional software programs that are accessed via a web browser – for example, using Microsoft 365 via Chrome. Marinalife Manager would be considered a web app.

Because you’re accessing a website, there’s no need to download anything from the app store. Plus, web apps don’t take up memory space on your device or put your data at risk.

The huge benefit of web apps is that they can be accessed on any device via any browser – there are no discrete versions for Apple or Android or even PC. This means that you don’t lose features or need to download new software if you change your iPad to a Samsung tablet. 

A single solution means new features can be delivered quickly and small improvements rolled out seamlessly to all users. Because of this, web app users often get a better experience and the benefit of the latest version.

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Data security

Data security is a big issue for everyone – we’ve all heard the stories of data leaks caused by a laptop left on a train. If data is held in an app downloaded onto a mobile or tablet, then the data is at risk if that device is lost or stolen.   

Marinalife Manager is designed so that marina and boater data is ring-fenced, and only delivered ‘as required’ from the Cloud to the device. Once the user has stopped viewing or editing the data, it is removed. Plus, sliding session expiration (effectively timeout) means that any device left lying around with the app open will require authorized login after a period.

For example, if a dockmaster at Marina A uses his tablet to add a note to John Doe’s account, that information is only available while John Doe’s account is open. When the dockmaster completes the task, the app removes anything about John Doe from the tablet without affecting the data stored on the cloud.

The same is true for boaters accessing the customer Portal on their phone – their outstanding invoices or payment history is only delivered from the Cloud to the phone when the boater clicks 'the button. Nothing is stored on the phone.

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Connectivity

Connectivity issues are sometimes raised against web apps, but the reality is that these happen so fast (50-200 milliseconds) that the possibility of a connection being interrupted mid-action is minuscule.

Marinalife Manager was designed for low bandwidth environments, which means it’ll still work smoothly even if you’re on a 2G mobile connection rather than superfast WiFi.

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Web app overview

• No downloads – all online
• No personal data risk
• The same functionality on every device
• Real-time updates

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Native apps

Native apps are written for a specific operating system, like Android or iOS. You can’t just publish a native app, it must be approved and sold through the operating system store, like Google Play or Apple App Store.

Writing separate code is expensive and time-consuming, which is why some apps are only available on one operating system or may be less functional than their desktop versions. Every time the creator wants to make a change, it must be approved by the app store, and then the update must be activated by the user. Availability and functionality may also be limited by the users’ device – if you’ve got an old phone running an old version of iOS or Android, you may not be able to access app updates or even run some apps.

We’ve all bought a phone with loads of data, then found it running slowly or unable to download a new app without deleting something else. That’s because apps are stored locally on your phone – you download the software when you purchase an app.

Having the app running on your phone was an advantage a few years back because it meant the software wasn’t reliant on a connection to the internet. But this is much less of an issue with the huge investment in 4G and 5G technology, the expansion of the cellular network, and the availability of public or low-cost WiFi.

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Native app overview

• Discrete versions for Apple, Android, and desktop
• Stored locally on your device
• Must be downloaded from an app store

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Accessing web apps

When you download a native app from the app store, it automatically drops an icon onto your device. This makes it easy to access the service or software

Add a web app icon to your phone or tablet

1. Go to your web browser and navigate to the site or page, such as your Marinalife Manager database or your Customer Portal

2. Click ‘share’ on the browser menu and select ‘add to home screen’. If you’re using an Apple device, you’ll need to do this from Safari, and use Chrome for Android devices.

3. Now you simply tap the icon to access the software, just as you would for any other app. 

This works for your customers too. Show them how to add the customer Portal link to their phone and they’ll be able to pay bills and make booking reservations at the time that suits them.

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In my quest for the best Caribbean Rum, I’ve sampled a few. From Appleton to Ron Zacapa rum, my tastebuds have celebrated the luscious flavors borne from fermenting sugarcane into smooth amber elixirs.

In the pursuit of rum perfection, I’ve noticed that a well-designed label can give clues about what awaits inside the bottle. Many simply present the distiller’s name and location where a rum derives its unique flavors. But it’s hard to resist the image of a crusty old captain, pirate ship or sassy sea wench when pouring a hefty splash into a tumbler.

Curious rum aficionados like myself are always eager to hear the back story behind the libation in our hand. Like a slice of pineapple or lime wedged upon the rim of a glass, the history of a rum’s journey from the Caribbean to our lips can make a cocktail taste even sweeter.

I recently stumbled upon the extraordinary tale that intertwines Jamaican rum, world- class musicians and James Bond. To fully appreciate this unique saga, follow my lead and shake up a GoldenEye Cocktail (see recipe below) to sip while the story unfolds.

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THE SPY WHO LOVED JAMAICA

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Our story begins in 1939, when a London journalist named Ian Fleming joined the British Navy Intelligence Service. His unit specialized in military espionage and covert plans to thwart German aggression in Europe and the Caribbean.

During World War II, Fleming was engaged in Operation GoldenEye, and in 1942 he was sent to investigate suspicions about Nazi submarines in the Caribbean. During this deployment, he became enamored with Jamaica and vowed to live there some day.

When the war was over, Fleming returned to Jamaica and bought 15 acres of plush land that was once used as a donkey racetrack. In 1945, he built a house not far from the banana port town of Oracabessa Bay, and the seaside property became Fleming’s tropical sanctuary where he could focus on writing and the discrete task of taking previously tight-held secrets into a public, fictional genre.

He named the estate GoldenEye as a tribute to his Navy service and began working on a book that evolved around the dashing spy and Special Agent 007, James Bond. This protagonist would emerge as the amalgamation of agents he’d met during his maritime service. As an avid birdwatcher, Fleming took the name for his lead character from American ornithologist James Bond, an expert on Caribbean birds, who wrote the definitive field guide, Birds of the West Indies.

Fleming’s first spy novel, Casino Royale, was published in 1952. This book and all 13 in the James Bond series were written in his bedroom at GoldenEye. Three of them — Dr. No, Live and Let Die, and The Man with the Golden Gun — take place in Jamaica.

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STIR IT UP

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Not only did the breezy island life at GoldenEye inspire Fleming’s novels, but so did his fetching neighbor, Blanche Blackwell. She was the muse who helped spark his creative drive. The Blackwell family had lived in Jamaica since 1625, exporting bananas and coconuts and crafting a distinctive brand of rum.

Blanche’s son Chris Blackwell grew up between England and Jamaica, and in his childhood spent a good amount of time with Fleming. In 1954, after Blackwell got booted from an elite British school for rebellious behavior, he came back to the island to get involved in the family rum business. Contrary to plan, he followed his instincts and made a career choice that would dramatically alter the global music scene.

For a while, he kicked around working as the aide-de-camp to the governor and as a waterskiing instructor. But after hearing the blind pianist Lance Heywood play at the Half Moon Resort, Blackwell recorded the musician, and in 1959 he launched a music studio called Island Records. In sync with his unconventional style, it became known for discovering and nurturing innovative performers who had been shrugged off or overlooked by bigger record labels.

Island Records introduced the world outside of the Caribbean to Bob Marley and the Wailers and Jamaican reggae music, showcasing island culture and universal struggles of indigenous people. It launched British bands such as Traffic, Bad Company, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Roxy Music, King Crimson and Fairport Convention. It also cultivated artists such as Cat Stevens, Brian Eno, Grace Jones, Marianne Faithfull, Tom Waits and the Irish band, U2.

Throughout his success in the music industry, Blackwell remained in contact with Fleming and his projects. When the first Bond movie, Dr. No, was filmed in Jamaica in 1962, Blackwell was hired as a location scout and consulted on the soundtrack. Sir Sean Connery, whom Blackwell had met during the filming of Dr. No, remained a friend until his passing in 2020. Using a family recipe, Blackwell launched his boutique rum in 2008 that is distributed around the globe.

Live and Let Die was filmed in 1973 on the Blackwell Estate, which now includes The Fleming Villa. Scenes from the movie were shot near GoldenEye, Blackwell’s luxury hotel in Jamaica. The latest Bond flick, No Time to Die, returns to the exquisite Jamaican backdrop of GoldenEye, and the production team was treated to a supply of Blackwell Rum for inspiration while filming.

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TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF JAMES BOND, a special bottle of Blackwell Rum has been released, along with a new memoir by Chris Blackwell, The Islander: My Life in Music and Beyond. If you’re cruising around Jamaica this winter, cue up some Bob Marley tunes, open a bottle of Blackwell’s 007 Rum, and shake it (don’t stir) with pineapple juice and ice to create the GoldenEye Cocktail. And if you’re nestled in at home in a colder climate and dreaming about the Caribbean, we suggest watching a Bond flick and warming up with the Toasted Toddy.

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GOLDENEYE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:

-1 part Blackwell Rum

-1 part pineapple juice

-Lime or pineapple wedge

INSTRUCTIONS:

Shake together and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime or pineapple wedge

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TOASTY TODDY

INGREDIENTS:‍

-3 parts Blackwell Rum

-2 teaspoons brown sugar

-1 1⁄2 parts fresh lemon juice

-6 parts boiling water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add all ingredients to a mug, except for the water. Pour in the boiling water, Stir well to blend

The scenic Canal du Midi in southern France is a must for boaters! Cruising this 300-year-old waterway, you will savor the slow easy French pace, passing medieval villages, country farms and vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc wine region. Le Boat, the largest charter boat operation in Europe, offers surprisingly affordable, entry- level charters to this canal (and hundreds of other waterways). This historic passage is easy to navigate, scenic, fun and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Boating at a mellow 5 kilometers an hour aboard your vessel of 30-45 feet, the big excitement is passing through the lock system every few kilometers and arriving in ancient villages as your daily destination on your personal private cruise ship.

Don’t expect a luxury yacht holiday, however, because you are the crew and captain, you will be driving the boat or donning gloves to handle the dock lines in each “écluse” (lock). But it’s entertaining and affords a sense of freedom by chartering your own boat and navigating these centuries-old canals. Le Boat provides itineraries of how far you should voyage each day, but it’s truly up to you.

Our weeklong voyage started in Castelnaudary, a small, pretty village. Le Boat’s base in Castelnaudary is in the Grand Basin with a lovely view of the cathedral and village across the waterway, just a short walk over an old stone bridge to town. We could also see the majestic Pyrenees Mountains to our southwest along the French-Spanish border.

Our first night, after our swift check in and orientation aboard our 40’ Horizon, we strolled to town, enjoyed local Languedoc wine and dinner at the Maison du Cassoulet sampling the specialty dish of slow-cooked white beans, tender pork and duck. Traditional “cassoulet” was a staple historically, especially in meager winters. Wow is it yummy and filling!

While returning over the old stone bridge back to our boat within the fleet, twinkling lights of the village reflected in the canal. We were excited to embark the next morning after a quiet comfy night’s sleep in the berth of our Horizon — Le Boat’s most modern vessel, equipped with a head, shower and full galley kitchen.

Before bed, I read about the fascinating history of the Canal du Midi. It was initially commissioned in 1516 by King Francis who hired Leonardo DaVinci to survey and create the route. Canal construction didn’t commence until 1667 and was completed in 1694, connecting 240 kilometers from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean with aqueducts, bridges and 91 locks to overcome the 620 feet height change in water level.

Designed as a trade route to shorten the otherwise long passage around the Iberian Peninsula, it’s also called the “Canal des Deux Mers” or canal of two seas. This vital trade route for two centuries is now a meandering waterway for pleasure boaters as well as bicyclists riding the tow paths paralleling the canal.

On the first morning, our first lock was the most dramatic, departing Castelnaudary via a series of four locks that descend 9.5 meters in consecutive rushes of water. Captain Greg (my husband) and I established our duties: he’d drive into the narrow stone chamber (thankful for bow thrusters) while I secured lines to the lock shore, ready to adjust as the water floods out.

We traveled in tandem with two other boats, a Swiss family and a German couple. All were experienced boaters, so we developed an efficient rhythm of entering the locks sequentially, tying up, descending and exiting in order.

We cruised 15 locks by noon, then tied to a canal bank for the daily lunchtime lock closure of 12-1:00 p.m. We’d provisioned in Castelnaudary for the perfect picnic of flaky croissants, local ham and cheese, and a glass of Languedoc rosé on our boat’s top sun deck.

When the “Eclusier” (lock operator) returned to open the lock for us, we cruised the canal again with the occasional excitement of encountering oncoming boats in the narrow canal. Some boat captains were better at steering than others.

Our first day, we clocked 19 locks, 26 kilometers from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We chose to stay overnight in Villesèque, a lovely anchorage with a few other boats tied to the shores. There was no marina, but we could walk to the tiny village over a charming stone bridge to see the church and the Sully elm tree planted in the square, among the last elms still alive in France.

We toasted to our first boat day with wine and cheese on our top deck, and invited over our boat neighbors, a delightful South African couple who proved Le Boat’s international appeal. He’d never boated before, but Le Boat states that you need no prior boating experience.

On Day 2 we cruised under sunny early October skies, loving the canopy of iconic Plane trees that drape some of the river. Unfortunately, much of the 40,000 Plane trees along the 240- kilometer stretch are diseased. Over 25% have the blight and are systematically being cut and burned, a huge undertaking. In parts of the river, trees are being removed, and replanting different species is underway, but it will take time to reestablish the majestic trees.

We arrived midday at the marina of Carcassonne and docked our boat well-positioned for exploring the city, with views of the waterfront park and tour boats coming and going across the Aude River.

Carcassonne exceeded my expectations, and I know now why it’s the second most visited tourist attraction in France (#1 is the Eiffel Tower). La Cité is a massive, fortified castle with 52 spiraling turrets and imposing double walls of rampart circling 3 kilometers perched above a medieval village.

We immediately rode our bikes, provided by our Le Boat charter, up to the fairytale citadel. You can also ride le Petite Train for 7 Euro. Crossing the castle drawbridge, we stepped in to La Cité and the 13th century. Be sure to pay to enter and appreciate the scale of the ramparts and the view of Carcassonne’s lower city and the Pyrenees to the west. Then stroll the maze of medieval cobblestone streets filled with shops and cafés. Lunch at Comte Roger was a chic culinary treat. A real luxury would be to stay at the five-star Hôtel de la Cité for an elegant evening in the illuminated castle.

Back in Carcassonne’s village, we found the grand pedestrian plazas marked by statues and fountains, boutiques, bakeries and casual bistros. It’s a fun city to explore on foot, with provisions aplenty for boaters.

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A SIP OR TWO AT LOCAL VINEYARDS

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The next morning, after fresh pain au chocolat, we hopped on our bikes to cycle to wineries. Greg guided us with his iPhone’s Komoot app, which maps out recommended hiking and biking routes. Château Auzais (est. 1872) was a wonderful tour and tasting. Our guide described the Occitanie wine’s bouquet as the convergence of Atlantic winds melding with the Mediterranean, as we sipped our favorite wine aptly named “La Cité des Ventes.”

Château de Pennautier was another fantastic estate. The gorgeous 1620 castle was home to the financier of the Canal du Midi construction — the same architect who designed Versailles. The château’s authentic furniture is gorgeous. Reserve an interior castle tour or just stroll the beautiful gardens. From here, we visited the sister winery and restaurant for a lovely lunch and wine tasting of Pennautier’s whites, rosés and reds.

We planned to boat the next day to Trèbes from Carcassonne but biked instead. The tow paths along the canal are ideal, in fact you can cycle faster than you can boat. We waved to fellow charter boats as we breezed by vineyards, farms, locks and bridges. Our return into Carcassonne provided stunning views of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites at once — La Cité Castle and Canal du Midi.

Our return trip from Carcassonne to Castelnaudary only took a day through 24 locks and 30 kilometers with our now well-orchestrated rhythm of navigating locks. Our timing was good for the opening of most locks, and we traveled solo, as mid-October is end of the season the lock keeper told me. Summer is very busy on the canal, with boats in a queue for their turn in locks, and busier marinas.

As for the voyage, I recommend you plan one-way (for an upcharge) for the adventure of all new places along your voyage. The round trip had us retracing our passage, viewing previous scenery. We prefer the excitement of not knowing what’s around the next river bend and discovering new villages.

Also ascending the locks, going upriver, is more difficult. Captain Greg would let me off on a dock before the lock, I’d walk ahead and retrieve his tossed lines to secure the boat, we’d adjust during the rush of cascading water, then I’d board our boat when it came to the top of the full lock.

We felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment, having completed our week with success (i.e. no one fell in, no damage to boat). Our final day was leisurely aboard the boat, walking Castelnaudary’s village to a delightful bakery, to the cathedral and up the hill to the windmill, a wonderful 17th century Moulin with splendid views of Black Mountain and the French countryside. We biked along the canal, then relaxed on our boat’s sun deck viewing the Spanish peaks where we planned to ski in winter.

Our check out was quick but thorough. Le Boat’s fleet varies in age, so I was happy we’d opted for the newer spacious Horizon model. Funny, other couples posed for selfies by our boat preferring our more sophisticated-looking vessel for their posts. Some of the older boats are a bit banged up from lock passages, a testament to the “no license or experience required” policy of Le Boat.

We’re already browsing Le Boat’s itineraries: Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, England, the Netherlands or Canada for our next charter adventure.

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PHOTOS BY GREG BURKE

Few items carried aboard your boat, embody the freedom of the cruising lifestyle more than your dinghy, or “tender” if you prefer. These often abused and rarely waxed little boats are a valuable part of cruising adventures. They allow you to moor or anchor out, enjoying the peace and quiet of a secluded anchorage, yet still take advantage of amenities on shore.

They take you on excursions through back water, narrow channels, and man- grove forests, too small or shallow for your primary vessel. And if you have a four- legged friend on board, you know not only the importance of getting them to shore, but oh how they love a dinghy ride.

They can even make stays at a marina more enjoyable. For instance, Dolphin Marina in Harpswell, ME, provides guests aboard boats in the marina with charts showing a half a dozen dinghy trips you can take around the islands of Casco Bay to scenic coves and remote islands that would be impossible to get the big boat into. And if you plan to cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean or remote destinations, you need dependable transportation to shore.

The most important feature of a dinghy is that it must be easy to use. If it requires too much effort to launch and operate, you will be reluctant to anchor out as often as you might like. Ease of use is determined by several factors, such as whether you must inflate the dinghy, mount the engine, or need three people and a crane to lower it into the water. Many of these choices are determined by the size and configuration of your boat, but regardless of your boat’s size or your budget, you can create a setup that’s easy to use.

The choices for how and where to carry a dinghy fall into a few basic categories. If you do not have the option of a crane- style lifting device, you may be limited by the size and weight of your dinghy, but that does not mean you are relegated to the equivalent of a rubber toy boat. Efficient davit systems can be mounted on medium size swim platforms. These accommodate a variety of dinghy styles, both rigid and inflatable, and allow you to keep the engine mounted to the dinghy.

Also, hydraulic lift systems can carry a tender off your stern, but your transom must be capable of carrying the device, and your boat should be heavy enough to stay balanced with that much weight aft of center. If your boat meets those require- ments, the hydraulic lifts are about as easy to use as it gets.

Another option some cruisers choose is to tow a dinghy. While I’ll admit to having done this in protected waters, it’s generally not a safe practice. There are too many documented cases of towing components fouling up props and leaving boaters stranded. If you travel to the islands, you will see many cruisers towing dinghies, but please use extreme caution if you choose to do this. Learn where and how to safely attach the dinghy to your boat, and if there is any threat of rough seas, retrieve the dinghy immediately and secure it to the mother ship.

Dinghies come in a variety of hull styles and materials, including plank- reinforced fabric bottoms, high-pressure inflatable bottoms, and rigid hulls of fiberglass or aluminum. In general, soft-bottom styles are limited to what they can do and endure, even with a high-pressure floor with a keel.

If you intend to transport serious loads of supplies and people, a rigid hull is a must. Its durability is also important if you are cruising in the tropics, where you are as likely to land on a beach as tie up at a dock. Rigid bottoms can be part of a fully rigid boat, but more often they are connected to an inflatable top tube and called “rigid inflatable boats,” or RIBs. These have become the ubiquitous tender of choice for most cruisers. You get durability and stability from the rigid hull, and buoyancy and lightweight from the inflatable top tubes. The top tubes are much gentler on the sides and finish of your boat when tied to it.

RIB’s hull bottoms have been primarily fiberglass, but aluminum hulls are gaining market share with even lighter weight then fiberglass and more durable for beach landings. The inflatable tubes come in a range of materials, including PVC, coated neoprene and Hypalon, which are widely considered the best material for the inflatable parts of a dinghy.

A well-built dinghy will provide many years of service, but it won’t last forever. A sign of a good-quality RIB dinghy is the ease with which it can be serviced and even re-tubed when necessary.

An example of a feature that could affect serviceability is the fuel tank’s type and location. Separate fuel tanks carried in dedicated compartments are easier to inspect or replace but have limited carrying capacity; built-in fuel tanks may carry more fuel and be better balanced, but may also be difficult or impossible to repair without completely un-assembling the dinghy.

It used to be your only choice of power for a dinghy was a gasoline powered outboard engine, however innovative companies have been actively introducing clean burning propane powered internal combustion engines, and most recently electric motors with impressive power and range.

When shopping, it’s best to purchase from a dealer that in addition to sales, performs complete service on the dinghy and engine. A high-quality dealer will be willing to visit your boat to determine if a particular model can be carried, launched and retrieved safely.

‘Tis the season to cruise south for the winter! Follow the lead of migrating whales you might be lucky enough to spot, and experience all the Caribbean has to offer on and off the water. Carnival is in full swing all winter in almost every nation in the Caribbean. We highlighted a few, each with its own local cultural spin. You’ll find something for everyone below, from music festivals and foodie events to regattas and horse races.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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Whale Watching in Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos

January-February

As humpback whales migrate to their winter breeding ground in the Dominican Republic, the waters of Turks and Caicos are the perfect place to catch a glimpse. Join a whale watching tour, where you cruise to the Columbus Passage for the best views.

Where to Dock: Blue Haven Marina

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CARNIVAL

Aruba Carnival

Aruba

January 7-February 19

Aruba Carnival kicks off in November, but most events and parades happen in the winter. Travel to Oranjestad for the opening torch parade on January 7 and the lighting parade on February 11, dubbed “Aruba’s favorite evening carnival parade.” Enjoy extravagant costumes, electrifying jump-ups and children’s parades, all culminating in the Burning of King Momo at the end of the season.

Where to Dock: Veradero Arbua Marina & Boatyard

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Trinidad Carnival

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

February 16-22

The highlights of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival lead up to Ash Wednesday. Carnival Monday opens with J’ouvert in the wee hours, and for the next two days, masqueraders dance through the streets in vibrant costumes and body paint to the sounds of calypso. Nodding to their French Creole roots, performers and attendees celebrate Mardi Gras on Carnival Tuesday.

Where to Dock: CrewsInn Hotel & Yachting Center

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Curaçao Carnival

Willemstad Through

February 22

The southern Caribbean island of Curaçao offers an opportunity to experience Carnival starting in the new year. Visitors can expect music festivals with local tumba music and calypso, as well as several parades. Two popular ones are the “Gran Marcha” Parade and Grand Farewell Carnival Parade. While you’re there, explore the island’s secluded beaches, national parks and historical art and architecture.

Where to Dock: Seru Boca Marina

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JANUARY

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Cayman Cookout

George Town, Cayman Islands

January 9-15

The Cayman Cookout is back for the first time since 2020! Come see the world’s most talented chefs and wine and spirits experts at the Grand Cayman Ritz-Carlton for a week of curated culinary events. Foodies relish in top-notch global cuisine, explorers join events across the island, and beverage enthusiasts are in for a treat as the cookout expands its mixology offerings this year.

Where to Dock: The Barcadere Marina

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Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

January 19-22

Puerto Rico’s largest festival consumes the streets of Old San Juan with live music, dancing and parades. People wearing huge papier-mâché heads of folk characters are the stars of the show. Look forward to local artisans each day and lively concerts and parties every night.

Where to Dock: San Juan Bay Marina

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Rebel Salute

St. Ann, Jamaica

January 20-21

For almost three decades, this family-friendly music festival has brought reggae lovers together to experience the tunes of local and international roots reggae artists. From dusk ‘til dawn, artists perform while food vendors serve local flavors and artisans display indigenous jewelry and craft items in an arts village. Adult attendees are welcome to partake in and learn about cannabis from renowned experts in the “Herb Curb.”

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Pineapple Cup, Montego Bay Race

Montego Bay, Jamaica

January 21-28

One of the oldest offshore races on the calendar, this course takes competitors from Miami to Cuba through the Northwest Providence Channel, then down a sleigh ride toward the finish line at Montego Bay. Competitors enjoy free dockage and other perks at the Montego Bay Yacht Club, and spectators can join celebratory events.

Where to Dock: Montego Bay Yacht Club

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Bequia Music Festival

Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

January 25-29

Dock at the second largest island in the Grenadines, known as a mecca to the Caribbean cruising yacht community, for an unforgettable mash-up of musicians. Most artists come from elsewhere in the Caribbean, making for an intimate festival with diverse tunes. When you’re not grooving, explore the lush green hills and white sand beaches of Bequia.

Where to Dock: Bequia Marina

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Grenada Sailing Week

Grenada

January 29-February 3

Chaired by a Grenadian and created by sailing enthusiasts who didn’t want the keelboat regatta to end, this week of racing welcomes contestants from 20+ countries. The first race kicks off at Grenada’s sister island Carriacou and ends in Grenada, and the second set takes place in Grenada. Spectators can look forward to performances from talented local bands and plenty of local Mount Gay Rum from Grenada.

Where to Dock: Prickly Bay Marin or Port Louis Marina

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FEBRUARY

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Caribbean Multihull Challenge

St. Maarten

February 3-5

Hosted by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, this race takes contestants through Anguilla and French St. Martin and ends in Dutch St. Maarten. Contestants sail catamarans and tri-hulls — new and classic — through this scenic route. Everyone else enjoys events at the club or joins the non-competitive Cruising Multihull Rally. Participants cruise to Anguilla for beach games, fine dining and a beach bar on Day 1, and Anse Marcel for more dining and partying on Day 2.

Where to Dock: Sint Maarten Yacht Club (private) or Palapa Marina (transient)

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Valentine’s Day Jump Up

Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

February 17

Boaters cruising the Caribbean won’t want to miss the Valentine’s Day rendition of this Carnival-esque celebration. Steel drummers and other musicians, local food vendors, and artisans fill the Christiansted streets and boardwalk in the evening. The most iconic part is when Moko Jumbies, a Virgin Islands tradition said to ward off evil, dance in the streets in their eccentric costumes.

Where to Dock: Green Cay Marina at Tamarind Reef Resort

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BVI Wreck Week

British Virgin Islands

February 12-18

Cruise to the British Virgin Islands to celebrate maritime treasures, underwater wrecks and art reefs. Divers get to explore the wrecks with local operators, but events galore are held for landlubbers. Locals share tales of Blackbeard’s time in BVI, and the local boat-building history (Tortola Sloops was created here), alongside welcome and farewell parties on the beach.

Where to Dock: Nanny Cay Resort & Marina

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Dominican Independence Day

Samaná, Dominican Republic

February 27

Celebrate Dominican Republic’s independence from Haiti in 1844 in this picturesque beach town on Samaná Bay. Parades and parties run along the Malecón promenade and its businesses. Nature lovers are fascinated by the local Whale Museum and views of humpback whales, who come to the Bay for mating seasons. Those seeking relaxation should cruise to Cayo Levantado, a tiny island with gorgeous beaches.

Where to Dock: Ocean World Marina

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MARCH

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Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup

Garrison Savannah, Barbados

March 4

Make your way to Garrison Savannah, the home of horse racing in Barbados, for one of the most prestigious events in the Eastern Caribbean equestrian scene. Top local, regional and international jockeys race on a 1,800 meter turf course. And no trip to Barbados is complete without a rum factory tour at the Mount Gay Vistors Centre!

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Superyacht Challenge Antigua

Antigua & Barbuda

March 6-11

Boaters have a blast watching a small, exclusive fleet of spectacular superyachts race 12-30 mile courses along the stunning south coast of Antigua for five days. Only 12-15 yachts in excess of 80 feet are expected to enter and enjoy the amenities at Nelson’s Dockyard. Owners, guests and crew enjoy exploring the fleet and partaking in laid back social events. superyachtchallengeantigua.com

Where to Dock: Nelson’s Dockyard Marina

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Moonsplash

Anguilla

March 10-12

Avid concert goers won’t want to miss the oldest independent music festival in the Caribbean under the stars! Bankie Banx, the reggae artist known as “Anguillan Bob Dylan,” owns the Dune Preserve venue and has performed at the festival himself. Other big names such as John Mayer, Nas, Toots and the Maytals, and Inner Circle have been in previous lineups.

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Corales Puntacana Championship

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

March 20-26

At this PGA Tour event, golf aficionados can see 120 players compete to earn points for the Fed Ex Cup. The Puntacana Resort & Club, host of the event, boasts an exclusive 18-hole course with natural cliffs and majestic carolina quarries. While here, book a resort on the Coconut Coast, lay out on Punta Cana’s pristine white beaches, or go zip-lining, windsurfing, or sailing.

Where to Dock: Marina Cap Cana

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St. Thomas International Regatta

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

March 24-26

Round out your winter in the Caribbean with the “Crown Jewel of Caribbean Racing.” Join the shoreside fun with happy hours, dinners and live music at the St. Thomas Yacht Club every night of the race. History buffs should check out Blackbeard’s Castle and Fort Christian, and all visitors should dip into St. Thomas’s popular snorkeling spots.

Where to Dock: St. Thomas Yacht Club (private) or Sapphire Beach Marina (transient)

“WOW!” WAS ALL I COULD COME UP WITH when my neighbor asked, “So, how was Croatia?” I simply ran out of adjectives to express the beauty and allure of this country. With its unique combination of history, culture, cuisine, friendly locals, rugged mountains, long coastline and crystalline blue waters, not to mention hosting a world-class boating scene, it’s easy to see how Croatia is becoming a popular destination with something to excite everyone.

If you are looking for history, then exploring one of the many Croatian UNESCO World Heritage Sites will quench your passion for the past. Transport yourself back to the 4th century AD with a stroll through the remnants of a Roman emperor’s palace. Wander through one of the best-preserved Roman coliseums in the world, and you can almost hear gladiators’ swords clashing against wooden shields.

Croatia’s story is woven together with charming medieval hill towns where regal bell towers seem to pierce the heavens. Climb the ancient tower’s stone steps spiraling to the top and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Look straight down past the windows with a line of colorful laundry fluttering in the breeze and on to the delightfully twisty cobblestone streets just wide enough for a donkey cart to pass. Now, centuries later these lanes are lined with enticing artisan shops, gelato stands, and tucked into every bend, a little sidewalk café begging to be discovered.

Ruins of castles and fortresses dot not only the coastline but many of the islands. Standing guard, their thick limestone walls once provided safe haven to the residents within, and now only serve as a testament of a more turbulent time. Walk along the massive stone fortifications and peer down into the moat, and one can almost feel the thunder of horse hooves as knights ride across the drawbridge.

Surround yourself in the art of the ages by stepping inside Croatia’s sacred churches and splendid cathedrals, the architecture spanning the Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque periods.

Although it is possible to stay in a Hilton-style hotel or rent a Mediterranean villa by the sea, you have other options. We chose to immerse ourselves in the medieval world by staying in the heart of the old town centers in family-run studio apartments. Sleeping under a roof that dated back 600 years enriched our Croatia experience while also supporting a local family business. These cozy apartments are refurbished to modern standards and are as comfortable as any four-star hotel.

If you’re a nature lover, Croatia boasts eight national parks. One can hike a lake rim and descent onto a series of wooden boardwalks meandering among turquoise waterfalls giving a unique on-the-water view of Mother Nature’s power or try backpacking through an island forest. However, you do not have to go to a national park to be enveloped in nature, as Croatia is a wonderland anywhere you turn.

If you’re into adrenaline sports, Croatia can provide all you need from bungee jumping to zip lining. For those leaning toward adventure with less heart stopping action, cycling, paddleboarding, sea kayaking or snorkeling are popular choices. My favorite jaunt was an all-day off-road dune buggy ride with a final stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting.

Croatia has a long history in winemaking, and wine tourism is becoming increasingly popular. Croatia cuisine reflects the flavors of central Europe, Italy and the Mediterranean. The coast of the Adriatic Sea is famous for its fish and seafood dishes while the inland menu features hearty meat platters. Sharing a border with Italy, it’s not unusual to be enticed with handmade pasta or even pizza.

Wrapped around all these sensory experiences is the Croatian people. Perhaps it’s due to the mild Mediterranean climate that the locals exude, a version of a “malo po malo” or “little by little” attitude that entices us fast-paced city dwellers to slow down and take in life. Pausing for a wine spritzer or cappuccino at a sidewalk café could last hours, and it’s not only quite all right...it’s expected. As a local told us; “There’s no such thing as coffee to-go in Croatia.”

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CRUISING CROATIA’S DRAMATIC SHORELINE

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This small country is touted as the number one sailing destination in Europe, and with good reason. Rivaling the West Coast of the United States in length, Croatia’s shores are lined with protected ports and marinas that support a wide range of options for visiting the more than 1,200 islands. So, it’s no wonder that each year many visitors opt to explore Croatia by water.

If your taste leans toward a traditional cruise line, you will find an ample supply of lavish cruise ships capable of hosting more than 3,000 guests making overnight stops at the most popular ports of call.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, it’s increasingly popular to book a cabin on a 20 to 40 passenger luxury yacht. Croatia specializes in these small ship cruise lines, because they can explore tiny islands with hidden coves and access regions of the coast larger ships can’t navigate. Becoming your mobile boutique hotel, these opulent yachts boast the finest service, cuisine, spacious teak sundecks and even jacuzzis to enjoy your final nightcap.

Looking to be captured by the romance of exploring the Adriatic under sail? Then your hot ticket may be booking a cabin on one of the smaller eight to 16 passenger schooners known as gulets. Handcrafted of mahogany, pine and teak, these motor-sailing gulets offer a marvelous blend of modern-day comforts with charms of tradition. Potentially a little more laidback, swimming, sunbathing and just plain relaxing become a favorite pastime of the guests.

If you’re a bit more on the adventurous side, contact one of the many charter boat companies servicing Croatia to reserve your own sailboat or powerboat. Both are available as bareboat or skippered charters. Many choose a local captain to handle the boat and play guide, allowing you to kickback and gain a sense of the culture, all the while discovering his favorite anchorages, villages and local restaurants you would have missed along the way. You just might end the cruise with a new best friend.

If you’re land trekking and want a quick taste of boating life in the Adriatic, wander down to the harbor and book a day cruise from a variety of island tours or dinner cruises offered on small excursion boats.

After a full day of exploring, we often found ourselves joining the locals sitting on the rocky shoreline and hoisting our drinks to yet another magnificent Adriatic sunset.

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A WINE LOVER’S SECRET PILGRIMAGE

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Ever tasted Grk wine? If not, don’t feel bad. Most people, including wine connoisseurs, have never heard of, much less tasted, Grk “Gerk” wine. This Holy Grail of wines is one of the more elusive vinos in the world that ironically enjoys an almost cult-like following in Croatia.

Among wine specialists, there is no consensus whether this peculiar three letter name comes from the wine’s taste (to locals, Grk translates to bitter) or the origins of the first grapes brought to this area by the Greeks, which is also Grk in Croatian.

Around the 3rd century BC, ancient Greeks settled just off the coast of what is now mainland Croatia to a small island called Korčula bringing their precious vines. The southern slopes provided what Grk likes the most: excellent sandy soil and temperature stability under the influence of the surrounding sea. Vines enjoy sunny days, and locals swear that the grapes also benefit from the added reflection of the sun both off the water and the rocky hillsides behind.

These factors seem to be the sweet spot for cultivating this rare variety; however, the precious microclimate only exists in less than 100 acres of coastal land, which is the entirety of all the Grk planted in the world. Cultivation on other islands or in other parts of the country and the world have failed for the most part, making this one of the rarest grapes and categorized as “almost endangered” by the State Institute for Nature Protection.

To make matters worse, Grk is among the 1% of grape varieties in the world that cannot self-pollinate. Because Grk has only female flowers, it is always planted with the male grape vine nearby to enable pollination. This additional complication also hampers the desire to upscale commercial production.

Limited in production, it’s rare to see Grk wine served or sold outside Korčula. So, the best chance to savor this wine is to visit the handful of family wineries producing Grk. During summer when Korčula welcomes a massive influx of tourists, almost the entire production of Grk wine can be consumed within a season.

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MEET ME AT THE WINERY

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Time to start my Grk quest. I took the two-hour ferry ride to the island of Korčula, and a short bus ride left me within walking distance of three family wineries. Confession: I had planned to visit all three wineries, but after I got settled into my wine sampling accompanied by a delectable charcuterie board, I began easing into island time and whiling away the afternoon at just one winery.

A tour of the production was accomplished practically from my seat overlooking the vineyards. I did walk over to view the wine cellar, which had enough room to house only eight wine barrels. These are tiny boutique wineries, and the labor of love that goes into making this wine is evident. I asked the owner if they bottled their wine to sell or import off the island. Looking at me quizzically, he replied that it was for sale only for individuals that came to visit the winery, and they sold out each year.

But was it good? As more of a full-bodied red wine lover, I didn’t know what to expect when he poured this pale golden wine. It was fabulous. It displayed an astounding depth and complexity I usually do not associate with white wine. The taste and texture were dry with hints of pine, citrus and saltiness leaving a subtle touch of tartness or bitterness at the finish.

I left the winery feeling my quest was accomplished. I smiled knowing that the bottle of Grk swaying in my backpack wasn’t going to make it back to the United States in my carry-on luggage, so I’d just have to enjoy it here. Now I have one more reason to return.

Only accessible by boat, Bitter End Yacht Club’s family-owned destination has been in business for 50 years. As you cruise Virgin Gorda’s gorgeous coastal stretch along the British Virgin Islands, the yacht club is situated on a secluded island and feels like a tiny nautical town.

The property was decimated by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and took four years to rebuild, finally reopening in 2021. With help from the community, the marina worked meticulously to maintain the legacy and history of the yacht club. By chance, some signage and maritime artifacts were salvaged from the storm and now appear in art galleries in the property’s clubhouse.

The full-service facility offers deep-draft dockage for up to 26 vessels, accommodating yachts up to 240’. The marina also offers 72 mooring balls and catamaran slips to accommodate wide beams. A few charming cottages are available on-site for lodging, with plans to build more in the future.

Amenities include a fuel dock, complimentary Wi-Fi, free launch service from all shoreside activities and a second floor mariner’s lounge and library where guests can play cards, read books and enjoy family friendly activities. Recently opened this winter, The Quarterdeck lounge boasts a selection of curated rums from across the globe and a 180-degree view of the Caribbean.

Sailors can be found socializing at The Buoy Room, the on-site restaurant offering cocktails and shared small plates of Caribbean cuisine. The Reef Sampler beach bar, a sunken vessel that was the workforce of the club fleet for many years, is now transformed into a bar perched on Marina Beach. Recently revived this winter, the formal yacht club dining room, The Clubhouse, was founded in 1969 and was the first restaurant bar in the BVI’s North Sound.

The marina provides any provision or dry good you could imagine from fresh oven-baked pizzas to The Market’s pastas, produce and fish straight off the boat. For on-site retail, The Reeftique has become a premier BVI destination and fashion boutique with unique apparel, accessories, jewelry and gifts.

In tandem with Reeftique and help from the community, the marina launched Bitter End Foundation right after the hurricane, hosting fundraisers, events, auctions and environmental initiatives over the years. A percentage of retail profits continue to fund the foundation to help the community.

Watersports are the heart and soul of the marina, which offers everything from sailing and windsurfing lessons to regattas and other activities. The outdoor space along Marina Beach is a lively hub for games such as cornhole and giant Jenga, as well as Boston Whaler boat rentals.

Many guests feel that Bitter End is their home away from home. “We feel less like a resort hotel and more like a global community of kindred spirits with people who love and are called to the sea, are active and have a sense of adventure,” says President Kerri Jaffe.

The marina hosts activities such as party games, tug-of-war, hermit crab races and live local Caribbean music. Many regattas are held through the year, along with other events during the festive season, such as the lighted boat parade and exclusive dining experiences.

The third generation of the Hokin family currently owns the marina and maintains the longtime spirit and dedication to the community with what they now call “Bitter End 2.0.”

“It was a commitment to our global maritime community, many who are multi-generational,” says Jaffe. “Something really unique and special about Bitter End is the families — the grandfathers, the fathers and the grandchildren who have been introduced over the last 50 years and come back every year, and some even return more than once a year.”

Just minutes outside of downtown Savannah’s Historic District, an escape to southern charm awaits. The elegant name matches the peaceful vibe at Isle of Hope Marina.

Owned and operated by TPG Marinas, this facility boasts 4,000 linear feet of floating docks accommodating vessels up to 200’, as well as 60 dry storage spaces for small, trailered boats. Amenities include a seasonal swimming pool, boaters’ lounge, event space and fuel, as well as bicycle and car rentals.

A scenic backdrop of historic homes and southern foliage surround the marina that is adjacent to the Wormsloe Historic Site. Take a stroll down Bluff Drive’s waterfront road where live oaks and Spanish moss drape alongside ancient ruins.

Venture downtown and around the local area for upscale golf courses, shopping, dining and more. Less than two miles from the marina, choose from a selection of restaurant options including Driftaway Café, Castaways, Sandfly Bar-B-Q, Rocky’s NY Deli, The 5 Spot Sandfly and Tequila Town Mexican Restaurant.

For arts and culture, check out the historic district’s sites such as the Savannah History Museum and the Georgia State Railroad Museum. Just steps away, Telfair Square’s art hub features Telfair Museums’ three sites: Jepson Center, Telfair Academy and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.

Lined with 18th and 19th century architecture, historic monuments and lush greenery, Savannah’s parks and squares are enjoyable spaces in the area. Visit stately federal-style homes, churches, parks, museums and more at Calhoun, Chatham, Chippewa, Lafayette and Madison Squares, to name a few.

For one of the most fun local attractions, a Savannah Bananas baseball game at Grayson Stadium is well worth the visit. This lively game with acrobatic dancing players makes baseball exciting.

Recent upgrades to Isle of Hope Marina feature Marker 46A, the gorgeous 2,200-square-foot pavilion event space overlooking the water. Don’t miss the Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival held here each fall, hosting talented local artists.

TPG Marinas recently acquired the property and looks forward to continuing improvements and providing exceptional customer service.

“Your boat will be in great hands with a highly experienced team in a safe, secure marine environment,” says General Manager Chris Hodges. “We operate with very high standards that ensure a consistent and structured service to our boaters, whether staying with us during high or low season.”

Jamaica is synonymous with jerk. St. Thomas tops the cruise ship stops. Even the little Grenadine island of Mustique has made headlines as a second home for the rich and famous, from the UK’s Princess Margaret to Mick Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger and Bryan Adams. However, with some 7,000 islands, islets and cays making up the 2,000-mile-long Caribbean, you find a treasure trove of off-the- beaten-track destinations that may not ring a bell but are definitely ready for a visit.

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CULEBRA

Dance to the sound of the surf on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Flamenco Beach, a 1.5-mile crescent of white sand on the 11-square-mile island’s Northshore is a spectacular work of natural art. The shallow reef- protected bay is ideal for swimming, the tree- lined shore hosts tent camping and the adjacent Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is a seabird lover’s paradise. One funky quirk is the old rusting Sherman tanks. Culebra, like its sibling island of Vieques, was once used for weapons testing by the U.S. Navy. The one town, Dewey, is folksy friendly with guest houses, and bars and restaurants that come alive with music after sunset. It’s a 10-minute flight or 45-minute ferry from Puerto Rico’s mainland town of Fajardo.

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WATER ISLAND

Called the “fourth” U.S. Virgin Island, after St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, this three-fourths of a square mile isle became an official Virgin in 1996 when the U.S. government transferred it to territorial control. Take a 10-minute ferry ride to Phillips Landing where a short walk or drive in a rental golf cart over the hill ends at the arc-shaped Honeymoon Beach. A swim and lunch at Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill or Dinghy’s Beach Bar make it a memorable day trip from St. Thomas. The sunset here is spectacular and featured in a scene with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. History buffs can venture farther afield in this residential community to see the ruins of World War II-built Fort Segarra.

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ANEGADA

Conch out on this 15-square-mile sandbar-like isle. Nicknamed the “drowned island,” this farthest east of the British Virgin Islands is an hour’s ferry ride or 15-minute flight from the territory’s main hub in Tortola. From here, there’s nothing across the Atlantic Ocean until the Cape Verde Islands and Africa beyond. Top to-dos are strolling miles of white sand beaches and snorkeling or scuba diving on marine life-filled Horseshoe Reef, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. Conch Island sits on the reef at the island’s far end. Eons of fishermen cleaning conch and discarding the shells have created this manmade octopus-shaped atoll with ocean-filled pools between the tenacles of shells. Conch and lobster star on the menus of Anegada’s handful of beachfront bars and restaurants. Try stewed conch, conch ceviche and conch fritters.

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ST. EUSTATIUS

Experience the thrill of the Quill on this Netherlands Antilles island that sits northwest of St. Kitts-Nevis and southeast of Saba. The Quill, a dormant volcano nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, is the second-highest mountain in the Netherlands and towers over this 12-square-mile island called Statia for short. Explore several hiking trails, with the most popular being the 2.8-mile round-trip Quill Trail to the crater’s rim. From here, follow the Panorama Point Trail for a picture postcard view. Or take the steep step-marked Crater Trail into the cone and experience the lush rainforest. Trail maps are available from the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. Black sand beaches, historic ruins and forts, and quaint lodgings and restaurants make for a delightful stay.

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BARBUDA

Celebrities and celebrated sea birds are among Antigua’s sister island’s claims to fame. The UK’s Princess Diana vacationed at the exclusive K-Club in the ‘90s, and today actor Robert Di Niro, with Australian billionaire James Packer, is bringing the hurricane-hit property back to life as Nobu Barbuda. The upscale resort sits on the pink-white sands of the renamed Princess Diana Beach. North in the Codrington Lagoon is the largest colony of frigate birds in the Western Hemisphere. Numbers reach nearly 100,000, and it’s a magnificent sight to these three-foot-tall birds, especially the males with their bright red gullets, while on a guided boat tour. It’s a 30-minute flight in a seven-seater plane to the small airstrip on Barbuda, or 90-minutes one-way by ferry.

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MARIE-GALANTE

It’s a sweet treat to visit this 60-square-mile island, owned by France and located 15 miles southeast of Guadeloupe. For one, the name itself “La galette” means pancake, due to the land’s flat terrain and circular shape. Secondly, instead of hiring a taxi, take an ox cart ride to the beach. Like yesteryear, these continue to transport cut cane stalks today. A mile from the town of Grand Bourg is the two-century-old castle-like Château Murat, where a museum shows the history of sugar and rum. Third, sample this sugar in a spirited Ti Punch, preferably at sunset on the porch at Chez Henri’s in Saint-Louis. A hydrofoil ferry makes the trip in 50 minutes from Guadeloupe, while a puddle-jumper flight is only 15 minutes. Brush up on your French before visiting.

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CANOUAN

Nature and nurture combine on this three-square-mile island, which is part of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Residents, who not long ago were outnumbered by the turtles that gave the island its ancient Amerindian name, only received residential electricity and running water in the early 1990s. Now, with the recent opening of the five-star Mandarin Oriental Canouan, with its private jet strip, mega-million-dollar marina, and butler-equipped luxury villas and suites, it is billionaires who may soon exceed the island’s shelled critter population. Go natural for a swim off Charlestown Bay Beach or get nurtured with signature spa treatments at the Mandarin.

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LA DÉSIRADE

Have a whale of a time in this three-in-one French archipelago 15 miles east of Guadeloupe. Full-day sightseeing trips launch from Port de la Désirade en route to the uninhabited duo of Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas 10 miles south. These are part of the Petite Terre Islands National Nature Reserve. Humpback whales swim from February to May, and sperm whales are year-round. Back on La Désirade, white sand beaches rimmed by coral reefs create great snorkeling. Fifi Beach is a don’t-miss with its palm-lined shore equipped with picnic tables and nearby sea-filled lagoon. The only way to get here is a 45-minute ferry ride from the town of Saint- François, Guadeloupe. Parler français is a plus!

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TOBAGO

Relive a Swiss Family Robinson fantasy on Trinidad’s sister island. Situated 19 miles to the east, which translates to 25 minutes by plane or 3 hours by ferry from Trinidad’s capital of Port of Spain, Tobago is where Disney filmed its 1960s shipwrecked family classic. Visit Pigeon Point Beach, with its iconic thatch-roofed jetty and nearby glass bottom boat tours, to see where the Robinson’s two sons, Fritz and Ernst, filmed raft scenes. Inland, waterfall storylines were shot at the Craig Hall Waterfall, where today concrete steps lead to seats with a full view of the falls. Richmond Bay, to the east, served as the movie’s main set. The beach remains, but the west coast’s white sands in Englishman’s Bay, Castara, and Parlatuvier are better for swimming and Swiss Family daydreaming.

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CARRIACOU

Beaches and boats are big draws to Grenada’s 13-square-mile sister, located 90 minutes by ferry or 20 minutes by air to the north. Anse La Roche is an idyllic stretch of soft sand protected by cliffs that offers a secluded beauty both for people and the sea turtles that nest here. Water taxis leave from Hillsborough to Sandy Island, where the reef off the beach is a snorkeler’s dream. The Carriacou Regatta Festival happens in early August, featuring hand-crafted Carriacou sloops, which were cargo workhorses of an earlier era and range from 30’ to 40’-plus in length with a half dozen crew to race. Onshore, locals and visitors alike can participate in the festival’s donkey racing, greasy pole competitions, and beach parties complete with food and drink.

The South is well-known for the hospitality of its people, the freshness of the seafood and the flavors of down-home cooking. What more could you ask for during a getaway? Well, it turns out, a lot! Resorts offer opportunities to do it all or do absolutely nothing in spectacular settings. Check out the following vacation options, which range from ultramodern island getaways to dignified historic grand dames.

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SANDERLING RESORT

Duck, NC

On the beachfront where the Atlantic joins Currituck Sound, this Outer Banks resort offers nonstop motion or endless relaxation in peaceful waterside surroundings. Fly a kite beachside, hit a golf or tennis ball, go hang-gliding or roam with wild horses. Water lovers can take surf lessons, plunge into the Atlantic or lounge by the tranquility pool sipping on a drink from the Sandbar. The award-winning Spa at Sanderling offers coastal and seasonal treatments with views of tranquil Currituck Sound.

For refined dining, try Kimball’s Kitchen, (reopens on Memorial Day) and for all-day service, The Lifesaving Station is located in the 1874 Caffey’s Inlet Lifesaving Station. Although the closest marina is about 30 minutes away in Nags Head, this resort is too scenic to be excluded and OBX First Watch provides transport service to the resort.

Where to Dock: Pirate's Cove Marina or Safe Harbor Outer Banks

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SEA PINES RESORT

Hilton Head, SC

Unlimited land and sea recreation awaits on these 5,000 pristine oceanfront acres. Spend a morning touring the 605-acre forest preserve, explore the grounds on horseback or bicycle, or grab a kayak and join playful dolphins lounging along the beach.

The soothing rhythms of nature surround accommodations ranging from the romantic seaside hideaway Inn & Club at Harbour Town to the luxurious vacation homes for families. The Quarterdeck has a rooftop oyster bar with perfect sunset views overlooking Calibogue Sound.

Where to Dock: Harbour Town Yacht Basin or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

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THE SANCTUARY

Kiawah Island, SC

Designed to feel like a casually elegant seaside mansion, The Sanctuary’s live oak framed entrance gives the resort a centuries old ambiance. In addition to the golf course, spa and pools overlooking the coastal Carolina landscape, guests enjoy miles of wide beach that glow pink at sunset.

Eateries across the island offer a diverse range of culinary items true to coastal Carolina roots. It’s Lowcountry cooking all day at Jasmine Porch. Shrimp & Grits (buttered local shrimp, organic grits and tasso ham cloaked in sweet pepper, onion and tomato gravy) is irresistible.

Where to Dock: Bohicket Marina & Market (local) or Safe Harbor Charleston City (transient)

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MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF

A classic Southern escape nestled along the scenic May River, the Montage is set within an active 20,000-acre community between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. The collection of spacious cottages, suites and village homes honor the region’s rich heritage as does the Lowcountry-inspired fare served with traditional Southern hospitality. Salute the morning at Buzz with fresh brewed coffee and house-made pastries. The dinner menu at River House celebrates both land and water with steak, seafood and game offerings.

The resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, plus golfing, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Spa Montage uses local elements to provide authentic coastal plains wellness treatments inspired by nature.

Where to Dock: TPG Isle of Hope Marina

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JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB RESORT

Centered on 5,700 virtually undisturbed acres, this award-winning resort offers the historic charms of the Jekyll Island Club and adjacent Island Cottages, or the modern appeal of the beachfront Jekyll Ocean Club. Throughout the property are a multitude of land and water activities, a variety of dining options, a sun-warmed pool with fire pit as well as direct access to the National Historic Landmark District and complimentary shuttle to the ocean beaches. From the pool deck of the Jekyll Ocean Club, follow the footpath over the dunes for a day on the sand.

The verandas surrounding the famed clubhouse dating back to 1888 were designed to provide spectacular views. Bring a Pat Conroy novel and nestle into one of the porch’s rocking chairs overlooking the croquet lawn and riverfront.

Where to Dock: Jekyll Harbor Marina

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THE BREAKERS

Palm Beach, FL

Recognized as one of America’s most iconic resorts, this Italian Renaissance-style hotel is situated on 140 acres of oceanfront property. Still in the hands of founder Henry M. Flagler’s heirs, this legendary property remains independent of chain affiliation.

The Breakers Mediterranean-style architecture is inspired by Italian villas of the 15th century (i.e. the Villa Medici in Rome) The palm-lined drive leads to a sea-side palace with a lobby influenced by the Great Hall of the Palazzo Carrega in Genoa. Steeped in the glamour of a bygone era, yet wholly current, there are two golf courses, 10 tennis courts, a Forbes five-star spa and an alfresco shopping plaza. The private poolside cabanas have flat-screens and concierge service.

Restaurants range from casual beachfront to stylishly sophisticated. The Circle’s arched windows offer glimpses of the Atlantic and a soaring 30-foot, hand-painted ceiling. Sunday mornings, seasoned travelers and locals come to The Circle for an artfully crafted buffet brunch experience.

Where to Dock: Town of Palm Beach Marina or Palm Harbor Marina

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THE VINOY RENAISSANCE RESORT & GOLF CLUB

St. Petersburg, FL

Currently undergoing yet another reimagination project, the grandest of all the 1920s Boom Era hotels remains pink, proud and preserved. A wide range of celebrities and notables have graced The Vinoy veranda at one time or another.

The hotel’s history is fascinating. In 1942, it was leased to the U.S. Army Air Force and subsequently the U.S. Maritime Service as a training center and housing for military cooks and bakers. By the 1970s, The Vinoy had declined into a low-rent boarding house, commanding $7 per night, far less than the extravagant nightly rate of $20 in 1925. Ironically, in 1990 as the painstaking restoration of this local treasure began, the hotel revealed a treasure of its own. Workers discovered a vault containing 1,400 silver pieces stamped “The Vinoy” and wrapped in newspapers dated 1934. Most amenities including golf, tennis, spa, pools and dining areas are open during the latest upgrades.

Where to Dock: The Vinoy Marina

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LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Little Torch Key, FL

& SPA |Little Torch Key, FL This secluded adults-only retreat features British West Indies-style thatched roof bungalows. A private island with crushed seashell paths winding through lush foliage and exotic wildlife, it is accessible only by boat or seaplane. All amenities, including an indoor-outdoor spa, deliver exotic charm reminiscent of a Balinese hideaway. A menu worthy of paradise is served in the plush dining room or at idyllic beachside tables.

Away from the island seclusion, find deep sea fishing, natural reef snorkeling or kayaking through the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, an amazing ecosystem for world-class diving, swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

Where to Dock: Little Palm Island docks

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SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER

League City, TX

This tropically inspired getaway sits halfway between Houston and Galveston on Clear Lake, the country’s third largest boating destination. Kemah Boardwalk and its 60-acre theme park with chic shopping and waterfront dining options is just moments away.

Soak in the sunshine at the 185-foot oasis pool at the private cabanas and outdoor lounge. Swim right up to the bar for a poolside lunch. Evening time, dine al fresco at Opus Steakhouse and Bistro.

Where to Dock: South Shore Harbour Marina

So close to the United States, yet the Bahamas are worlds away with a tropical paradise vibe. This must-visit popularity comes not only from proximity but also a plentiful number of islands to visit, each with distinct personalities. You find everything from upscale resorts to laidback beach bars and pristine nature preserves.

While four islands have international airports, and more than 50 have smaller airports and airstrips, some reachable solely by boat. This means the only way to travel to these destinations is by ferry, water taxi or private boat. Here’s a sampling of seven boat-only Bahamas islands to visit.

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GREEN TURTLE CAY, ABACOS

Sea turtles abound on this namesake three-mile-long barrier island considered part of the Abaco “Out Islands.” Fly from the United States into airports on Treasure Cay or Marsh Harbour. From Treasure, it’s a 20-minute ferry ride to the cay. A couple of marinas, such as at the Green Turtle Club and Bluff House Beach Resort, make it easy to arrive by private boat. The best place to see endangered green sea turtles is Coco Bay Beach. This calm shallow bay to the north is the perfect place to swim and snorkel next to these gentle giants. Reach the bay either on shore by walking or golf cart, or by boat.

Green Turtle Cay is full of civilization too. To the south is the historic town of New Plymouth, founded in the 18th century by British Loyalists during the American Revolution. Walk past the quaint New England-style homes to sight-see at the Loyalists Memorial Sculpture Garden and Albert Lowe Museum, which is housed in a Victorian-era family home and traces the island’s history from its origins. Restaurants, shops, galleries, banks, churches, hardware and grocery stores are on the island.‍

‍Where to Dock: Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina or Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina

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LITTLE HARBOUR CAY, BERRY ISLANDS

Smack in the middle of this 30-square mile chain of 100-plus islands and cays, it is relatives of Chester Darville who first settled here nearly a century ago. Today, Darville owns the cay’s sole business, Flo’s Conch Bar & Restaurant. He brought his father’s dream to life by taking the family back to their home when he opened Flo’s in 1993. Darville’s mother, Flo, served as head chef until her death, building a reputation for the best conch fritters. Today, conch fritters, conch salad, cracked conch and conch burgers are on the menu along with Danville’s special rum punch.

Beyond Flo’s, expect good snorkeling on the nearby reef beyond the small dock and anchorage and sport fishing near and offshore. Located 40 miles north of Nassau, the closest airport is 9 miles south in Little Whale Cay, with no ferry service. This makes Little Harbour remote to reach by boat. Perhaps that’s why some of Darville’s customers have included Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz and Sylvester Stallone.

Where to Dock: Great Harbour Cay Marina or Chub Cay Resort & Marina

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ROSE ISLAND, OFF NASSAU

Find a best-of-both-world experience on this 12-mile-long island located three miles east of Nassau. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Bahamas’ capital city, Rose is full of peace and quiet. Back to nature after past lives as a pineapple plantation and private residence until 2005, the now road-less, nearly resident-less island is ripe for a day trip. “While on Rose, guests can partake in snorkeling, exploring, and of course swimming with the world-famous pigs,” says Deb Saunders, sales and marketing at Sandy Toes, which operates full-day private excursions to Sandy Toes Beach on Rose.

“We make our own water and power to leave the smallest footprint, so Rose Island may retain its beauty for many years to come,” Saunders adds. Rose is popular with private boats to cruise over from Nassau. First Beach, on Rose’s west end, is closest at a little over 4 miles east of Nassau Harbor. MacTaggart’s Beach, to the east, is farther and delightfully secluded as a result.

Where to Dock: Palm Cay Marina or Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina

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COMPASS CAY, EXUMAS

Baby sharks and bigger ones too are the star attraction in the naturally protected harbor of the Compass Cay Marina. “Visitors come from all over the world to have a close interaction with these docile nurse sharks,” says Trevon Rolle, assistant manager. “Aside from these precious creatures, enjoy several hiking trails, a large maze of mangroves leading out from the marina that’s great for kayaking and paddle boarding, a beautiful sandy crescent beach on the eastern shore with gazebos, and a natural formation at the island’s northeast tip called Rachel’s Bubble Bath, which is a natural swimming pool.”

Fly from Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Staniel Cay and take a water taxi to Compass. Or cruise from the Exuma Banks and Exuma Sound through buoy-marked channels, where the draft is six-feet in low and nine-feet in high tide. Marina docks accommodate yachts up to 200 feet and are equipped with reverse osmosis water and 30-, 50- and 100-amp electricity. The marina store sells beverages and food items. The closest fuel is Staniel Cay five miles south.

Where to Dock: Compass Cay Marina

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FOWL CAY, EXUMAS

Once used as a nature-made corral where nearby communities raised chickens (hence the namesake fowl), this 50-acre island has been a private luxury destination for two decades. Its vibe is Robinson Crusoe meets the Ritz. Six secluded yet spectacular one-, two- and three-bedroom rental villas start around $20,000 per week in season. That combines with resort amenities such as a restaurant, pool, tennis courts, housekeeping services and watersports equipment. Best of all, an 18-foot powerboat with unlimited gas is included in every villa hire.

Fowl is a perfect homeport to cast off on a trolling trip for snapper and grouper. Or snorkel at the nearby underwater Thunderball cave, so- called for the same-named James Bond spy flick filmed here. Or cruise to Staniel Cay Yacht Club for lunch. Staniel is the closest airstrip to Fowl, and the resort offers guests a seven- minute ferry ride. Or, BYOB (bring your own boat) and tie off at Fowl Cay’s north dock.

Where to Dock: Staniel Cay Yacht Club

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STOCKING ISLAND, EXUMAS

Shaped like — you guessed it — a long narrow stocking, the one-mile distance from the Government Dock in Georgetown, Great Exuma, across a protected harbor, makes this an easy dinghy trip. You can explore several beaches on this three-mile-long island, from Starfish and Powder beaches to the northwest and northeast, respectively, to Sand Dollar beach at the southern tip. Right in the middle, and nearest to Georgetown, on a small beach sits the Chat ‘N’ Chill beach bar and grill.

“Try our fresh conch salad and experience a Bahamian tradition,” invites owner Kwanza Bowe. “Watch as conch is taken straight from the sea, cracked and broken out of its natural shell right before your eyes. The conch man then skins the conch, washes it, chops it up, and prepares it with locally grown onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, goat peppers and Bahamian sea salt for your conch salad.” An easy walk from this eatery is gorgeous sand dunes. Beyond, on the island’s Atlantic side are stromatolites. These are fossilized bacteria dating over 1 million years old and found only on Stocking Island and in Australia. “We also recommend visiting the Jacques Cousteau Mystery Cave,” Bowe adds. “This is reached by a two-minute boat ride from the Chat ‘N’ Chill. The cave’s mouth teems with fish and is an excellent snorkeling spot.”

Where to Dock: St. Francis Resort & Marina

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CONCEPTION ISLAND

Take a visit to the wildlife side. Christopher Columbus first sited it in 1492, but no humans have lived on this 4.5-square-mile island for over a century. The Bahamas National Trust established a national park here in 1964. Pink sand beaches, lush mangrove ecosystems and spectacular sandstone cliffs make this one of the prettiest islands in the Bahamas. Imperiled long-tail tropicbirds, ospreys, sooty terns and oystercatchers nest on the island, while surrounding waters are nurseries for conch, crawfish, sharks and fish. Green turtles are a common sight in the creek off the southwest shore. Discover ruins of several early 20th century structures made of limestone, shells and mortar, but no amenities or facilities are ashore. So, bring food and water to explore on land. The best anchorage is in West Bay, and a couple of moorings, marked by large red buoys, are nearby. The closest island is Rum Cay, 20 miles south, which has a small airport.

Where to Dock: Conception Island National Park

My husband, Tim, and I spent most of 2021 and part of 2022 completing the Great Loop on our 31-foot Camano trawler, Sweet Day. One of the most unexpected and best parts of the trip was the opportunity to share our experience with friends and family. Guests stayed overnight, family members joined us for a day cruise, and generous friends brought over meals when we passed through their hometowns. For those who couldn’t experience Sweet Day physically, we shared our journey through our blog and Instagram, and caught up with stories when we got together off the boat.

Boaters who are familiar with liveaboard life know there is no shortage of questions that curious people ask about a nautical lifestyle. Those who are exploring this way of life may feel like there is no end to the questions you could ask.

Below is a compilation of the most common questions we posed to us about our year doing the Great Loop and living full-time on Sweet Day. Hopefully the responses will get you ready for your adventures on this incomparable waterway.

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WHAT IS THE GREAT LOOP?

The Great Loop is a 6,000+ mile “loop” around the eastern U.S. and Canadian waterways. The journey takes about a year, if done consecutively, and covers 15+ states and two countries, depending on your route. A few hundred “loopers” complete the journey each year, some doing it all at once, and others covering segments year by year. Loopers plan their journey traveling by seasons to avoid hurricanes in the South and tough winters up North. The America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) is the resource for all things related to the Loop, and we highly encourage checking them out when planning your trip.

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WHAT DOES THE FLAG MEAN ON THE BOW OF YOUR BOAT?

If you are currently looping for the first time, it is traditional to fly a white AGLCA burgee or “flag.” Once you complete the loop, it is customary to replace your white burgee with a gold AGLCA burgee to indicate to other boaters that you already completed the full loop. Those who have done the loop more than once fly a platinum burgee. All burgees can be ordered from the AGLCA website. It’s a great way to easily spot and meet other loopers.

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HOW DO YOU MEET OTHER LOOPERS?

Since many of us on the loop travel the same segments of the trip at the same time, it is common to see loopers at a dock, anchorage or cruising by. The AGLCA burgee makes it easy to spot cruisers on the journey, and a lot of loopers also use the Nebo app, which shows where other loopers are physically located, so you can message each other. Sometimes we travel a few days with the same boats; others you may see one day and then meet up again a few weeks later.

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DID YOU GET STUCK IN BAD WEATHER?

Having a flexible schedule and keeping a close eye on the weather kept us mostly out of uncomfortable waters. We used services such as Windy, AccuWeather, and NOAA to anticipate wind speeds and wave heights. We tried to only cruise when waves were under three feet, although twice we found ourselves in five+ foot waves (once on the Chesapeake heading to Annapolis and another heading to Presque Isle, MI, on Lake Huron), because our final destination happened to be closer than trying to find an alternative place of refuge. We also encountered strong wind while at anchor and tied up to docks, especially when the wind was going against the tide outside Savannah. By staying vigilant about our lines and anchor holding, we luckily were never in any danger. They say the boat can handle more than the captain, and thankfully the only thing we ever lost due to weather was a few hours of sleep.

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DID YOU SLEEP ON THE BOAT EVERY NIGHT?

Our trawler had a v-berth with enough room for us to sleep comfortably. Often when we were near friends and family, they would offer for us to stay on land. Sometimes we took them up on it, but we preferred to stay on Sweet Day. Just like a land house, Sweet Day had all our comforts of home (because it was our home), and anytime we didn’t have to pack a bag was a plus.

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WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT FOOD?

We ate about 75% of our meals on the boat using our tiny kitchen equipped with a small oven, three-burner stove, microwave, fridge and some pantry space. We ate out if we found a must-see place or were exhausted from a long day and not in the mood to cook. But often we were not close to a restaurant and had to be creative with what was in our pantry. We went to a grocery store two to three times a week by bike and would get enough fresh food for about three dinners (and snacks for lunches) but were limited by what we could carry and store in our boat. Because we didn’t have space for a ton of food, and sometimes our meals were whatever we had on board, so we wasted a lot less food than when living on land.

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WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF THE TRIP?

We get this question all the time, and it’s still challenging to answer. Each part of the trip (inland rivers, Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal Waterway, Chesapeake Bay, Delaware and Hudson Rivers, Erie Canal, Great Lakes) posed their unique challenges, breathtaking scenery, regional cuisine and character. The loop has too many special places to mark our favorites as each place we stopped shaped our journey, whether it was having a conversation with a dock hand to enjoying a locally made beer, to attending a community BBQ. Our country’s waterways are beautiful and a critical part of our infrastructure, and the life that is built around them is always worth experiencing.

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DID YOU EVER GET SICK OF EACH OTHER?

Mostly no, but sometimes we were very aware we were living together on a 31-foot boat. We learned communication is key and ultimately felt very fortunate to be on this journey together. Before the trip, we heard about the “80/80 Marriage,” which is the concept that spouses should not try to ensure each is doing their fair share (or 50/50), but each should aim to do 80%. This mindset helped a lot. At night lying in bed, I may say, “I forgot to turn off the water pump. Tim, can you do an 80 for me and get up and turn it off?” Or Tim would comment, “Kate, you really pulled an 80 on cooking dinner and doing the dishes.” We couldn’t imagine doing this trip with anyone else.

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WHO WAS THE CAPTAIN?

We consider us both the captain. While we both have our strengths, each of us was involved in almost every aspect of the boat. We both drove, troubleshot boat problems, navigated, planned routes, grocery shopped, cleaned and so on. From a safety standpoint, it was important both of us could take on responsibilities should something happen to the other. This was our journey, and it was vital to us that we both were involved in decisions and operations that made this adventure possible.

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Article and photos by Kate Carney

To sail around the world is an ultimate endurance test and a dream that has for centuries tempted explorers, adventurers and those who love sailing. Ferdinand Magellan was the first maritime globe trotter, and he gets all the credit — even though he didn’t finish the journey.

During a skirmish with natives in the Philippines, he was shot by a poisoned arrow and left by his crew to die. His navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano then captained the Victoria, a 31-foot, 85-ton ship with a crew of 45 men back to Spain in September of 1522, three years after Magellan led his flotilla of five ships westward across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new route to the Spice Islands.

In September of 2022, Ellen Magellan set off down the Trinity River in East Texas in the Evelyn Mae, a 22-foot, carbon fiber rowboat outfitted with two cabins and a solar power generator, on her way to the Gulf of Mexico in the first leg of an audacious, seven-year attempt to row a boat solo around the world. At the age of 27, Ellen seeks to raise awareness of the state of the ocean and promote the notion that it’s okay for women to travel alone and experience life-changing experiences.

Will Magellan complete her journey? Who knows. But, inspired by her passion, Marinalife presents the stories of eight trailblazing women who circumnavigated the globe via boat in their own ways, taking on a challenge historically reserved mainly for men.

JEANNE BARET of France became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, albeit without knowing it. Jeanne disguised herself as a man to illegally accompany her botanist lover as part of a French Navy scientific voyage looking for exotic plants. Women weren’t allowed on Navy boats. In Brazil, it is believed she discovered a new exotic flowering vine and named it Bougainvillea in honor of Louis de Bougainville, who headed the around-the-world expedition. Her identity was eventually discovered in Tahiti where some historians claim she was sexually assaulted by her crewmates. Baret and her lover Philibert Commerson were later left behind in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean as the expedition continued. On Mauritius, they befriended the governor, an avid botanist, and studied the flora of the region. When Commerson died, Baret married a Frenchman and together they returned unceremoniously to France three years after Baret’s journey began, thus completing the around the world journey. Bougainville later arranged for Jeanne to receive a Navy pension in recognition of her contributions on the exhibition.

NELLIE BLY was an American investigative journalist widely known for going undercover to report the terrible conditions of a New York City insane asylum. In 1888, she began what would be a 72-day trip around the world via steamship, horse and railroad to emulate Jules Verne’s popular fictional character Phileas Fogg in Around the World in Eighty Days. She was the first person to turn the fiction into fact. New York World Publisher Joseph Pulitzer initially was against it, believing only a man could make such a trip. He eventually acquiesced and published daily updates on her journey. The entire nation followed along as Nellie raced not only time, but also another woman. Elizabeth Bisland, representing Cosmopolitan Magazine, finished her circumnavigation four days after Nellie triumphantly arrived in New York. Bly was honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 2002.

KRYSTYNA CHOJNOWSKA-LISKIEWICZ, an experienced Polish sailor and ship construction engineer, became the first woman to sail around the world solo. Krystyna was selected for the challenge in a competition held by Poland’s Sailing Association to promote Polish sailing during the United Nation’s International Women’s Year. Her husband, also a shipbuilder, custom- designed the Mazurek, a 9.5-meters long by 3-meters wide boat for Krystyna. During her voyage, Krystyna was stopped and suspected of drug trafficking, overcame storms, and battled not only kidney stones, but New Zealand sailor Naomi James, who was also trying to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by herself. Krystyna beat Naomi by 39 days. Now retired, Krystyna continues to sail and encourages women to take up the sport.

TRACY EDWARDS was expelled from school in Britain at the age of 15 and began traveling the world. She worked on charter yachts in Greece and learned how to sail, eventually taking part in the prestigious Whitbread Round the World Race as a cook in 1985. Four years later, Edwards skippered the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Race. Edwards’ Maiden, a restored second-hand racing yacht, went on to win two of the six legs of the race and finished second overall. The media covering the race was often derogatory. One sailing journalist described the Maiden as a “tin full of tarts.” Nevertheless, Tracy and her crew garnered worldwide praise, and she was awarded Britain’s Yachtsman of the Year Trophy and the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). Today, she works with charities around the world to break down barriers preventing girls from getting an education.

DAME ELLEN MACARTHUR, a British sailor, broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005 on her first attempt. Her time of 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds beat the previous record by more than a day. Shortly after her return to England amid a flotilla of boats and cheering crowds, MacArthur became the youngest woman in modern history to be made Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE). In 2009, she announced her retirement from competitive sailing and subsequently launched a foundation promoting the concept of the “circular economy” — rethinking how to design, make, and use the things people need, from food to clothing, to transform our economy into one where waste is eliminated, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated.

LAURA DEKKER, a New Zealand- born Dutch sailor became at age 16 the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe single handedly. Because her parents were divorced, Dutch courts stepped in to prevent her departure earlier at age 15 because national law prohibited a captain of a boat younger than 16 to sail a boat longer than 7 meters in Dutch waters. Dekker, who was born to parents living on a boat off the coast of New Zealand, first sailed solo at the age of six and soon thereafter began dreaming of sailing around the world. When she finally won the right to sail, she launched from St. Maarten in her 38’ boat Guppy. In 2018, she founded the Laura Dekker World Sailing Foundation to provide programs for young people to develop life skills such as teamwork, self-confidence, responsibility and leadership.

British sailor JEANNE SOCRATES became the oldest woman at age 77 to single-handedly sail around the world, non-stop and without outside assistance. It was her third attempt. When she departed Victoria, British Columbia, aboard her 38’ boat Nereida, she was still recovering from a broken neck and broken ribs from a fall in a previous attempt. Socrates accomplished the feat in 11 months, sailing around all five great capes (Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, South East Cape of Tasmania and the South Cape of Stewart Island) and dodging three cyclones. In honor of her feat, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in Victoria named the inner harbor commercial dock the Jean Socrates Dock. Socrates is still sailing today.

Starting Point: Ambergris Caye

Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, is 25 miles long and about a mile wide. Near the southern end, you find San Pedro Town, where most of the island’s marinas, hotels and restaurants are located. Snorkelers flock to nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a five-square-mile underwater park with four different zones that include The Reef, Seagrass Beds, Mangroves and Shark Ray Alley.

Just north of San Pedro Town is Secret Beach, a prime white-sand destination for tourists and locals that also features cenotes, sinkholes and caves. For onshore accommodations, check out Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Hotel featuring a rooftop pool and lounge, as well as upscale drinking and dining options.

While the waters around Ambergris Caye and other sites on BBRRS are relatively calm, navigation by sight with a bow watch is recommended due to abundant skinny water and coral reefs. The good news is numerous mooring buoys are available to keep boat anchors from damaging the reef. The outer reefs are more dangerous and less charted; many areas are simply labeled “numerous coral heads or patch reefs.” Tip: Get a copy of Captain Freya Rauscher’s Cruising Guide to Belize and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast.

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Stop 1: Lighthouse Reef

Estimated mileage: 35 NM

Located about 50 miles southeast of Belize City, Lighthouse Reef (LHR) forms a shallow sandy lagoon with a depth that runs between 2 and 6 meters. The big draw is the infamous Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole about 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep that was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the world’s top five scuba diving sites. In all, 60+ dive sites are within the vicinity of Lighthouse Reef, including several shipwrecks.

To the southeast of the Blue Hole, you find Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, a small island that’s been a designated bird sanctuary since 1924 and a marine protected area since 1981. The main attraction is the unique flora and fauna. The orange-flowered ziricote tree provides a habitat that supports one of the only red-footed booby colonies in the western Caribbean. In turn, the booby colony supports the forest’s stability by providing guano as fertilizer. It’s also a habitat for the endemic leaf-toed gecko and anole lizard, and the southeastern part of the island is a prime sea turtle nesting ground from May to November.

A handful of “eco-resorts” on LHR, primarily on Long Caye, offer accommodations ranging from rustic to really rustic. For lunch or dinner, try the Itza Resort, where you can dine on a “thatch-covered open-air deck with sweeping views of the Caribbean Ocean and nearby Half Moon Caye.” Call ahead.

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Stop 2: South Water Caye

Estimated mileage: 42 NM

The main island in the 118,000-acre South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR), South Water Caye is just one of several small cays in the area offering unsurpassed snorkeling, diving, beaches and laid-back charm. Man O’ War Caye, Tobacco Caye, Coco Plum Caye, Thatch Caye and the Pelican Cays are nearby and easily accessible.

Considered one of the most biodiverse marine areas in Belize, SWCMR consists of “pristine reefs, mangroves, palm-fringed islands, turquoise waters and seagrass beds that provide a home to tropical reef fish, rays, seabirds, manatees and crocodiles,” according to the website Anywhere Belize.

South Water Caye is known for its dense, red mangroves that populate coral outcrops and the rare diamond-shaped reefs known as “faro” reefs. If the beach is more your speed, the island’s southern portion is well known for sandy shorelines, especially Pelican Beach.

For landlubbers, Blue Marlin Beach Resort and Pelican Beach Resorts are located at either end of South Water Caye, both offering snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching or just plain island-style relaxation, complete with Belizean cocktails and cuisine.

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Stop 3: Glover's Reef

Estimated mileage: 13 NM

The 86,000-acre Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve is a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fly fishing and sailing. Since the atoll is only 18 miles long and 6 miles wide, you can easily explore it all in a day. Don’t miss the Caiman Trench, the deepest ocean drop in the world, plunging 15,000 feet. Prized for its amazing biodiversity, the waters of the atoll’s lagoon are home to three species of sea turtles, eight species of sharks and rays, hundreds of species of fish, and vast vistas and varieties of coral.

After a day of nautical adventure, you can relax and recharge at one of the area’s “off the grid” retreats, such as Isla Marisol Resort or Off the Wall Dive Center & Resort, both five-star PADI properties offering instruction, guided trips, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, accommodations, libations and all mod cons to adventurers and aquatic aficionados. If you prefer something less strenuous, Off the Wall owners Jim and Kendra Schofield invite visitors to kick back and spend time “walking barefoot on the pearly white sand beaches, searching for shells, or cooling off in the warm waters of the lagoon.”

Tip: Bluewater Sailing website notes that “the channel into Glover’s Reef is easily followed in good light. The entrance on the south end of the atoll is wide and calm, and a wonderful anchorage lies just inside this southern entrance through the reef. The reefs are healthy and teeming with fish of many species. Spear fishing is allowed on the southern edge of the reef, while the reefs in the conservation zone offer spectacular viewing.”

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Stop 4: Placencia

Estimated mileage: 32 NM

Placencia Peninsula’s narrow, 16-mile strand offers silvery sand beaches on the Caribbean side and mangrove-fringed lagoons on the western side that are inhabited by manatees, marine turtles and saltwater crocodiles. At its southern tip you find the town of Placencia, a tranquil place to spend time exploring.

As the gateway to the southern part of the BBRRS, Placencia is a popular destination for sensational snorkeling and dramatic diving. The town of around 1,800 permanent residents has several marinas where you can restock and recharge, as well as more than a dozen options if you want to lay your head on dry land for a night or two — everything from modest B&B-style accommodations to high-end resort properties. Hungry after a day on the reefs? Try Muna Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at The Ellysian or Mare by Coppola at the Turtle Inn for upscale Belizean cuisine and super-fresh seafood.

Side trip: A few miles up the road from Placencia is Seine Bight, a small village that’s home to the Garifuna, a West Indian native population who’ve occupied various parts of the Caribbean for 400+ years, eventually founding Seine Bight nearly 200 years ago. The villagers still practice indigenous drumming, singing and dancing, and traditional dress is worn for the dances, including unique masks and headdresses. Check out Sam’s Disco, where there’s dancing to punta and reggae, or Wamasa, a nightclub with live entertainment on weekends. Garifuna artisans are also renowned for their intricate carvings of indigenous animals and other fine crafts.

On the west side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Ciudad del Carmen was a fishing village on Isla del Carmen long before oil was discovered off the coast in the 1970s. Thanks to the growing petroleum industry, abundant fishing grounds and a bridge built to connect the island to the mainland, Ciudad del Carmen is now a seafood hotspot and thriving beach destination.

The town only takes up a small portion of the barrier island that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the country’s largest coastal lagoon, Laguna de Términos. The lagoon is an official Ramsar site that visitors can tour by boat in hopes of seeing the hundreds of elusive creatures that make their home in this beautiful habitat.

On the opposite side of the island, white sand paves the way into the surf of the Gulf of Mexico. Playa Norte is one of the popular beaches on the island. Restaurants featuring fresh seafood and nightlife run parallel to the northern coast providing guests with the tropical beach town feel. Plenty of quieter beaches line the shore too, if you’re willing to take a short drive or a paddle.

Town Center awaits on the west coast of Isla del Carmen, presenting vestiges of colorful colonial European architecture. An old hospital was restored and is now the home of the island’s history museum, which details the region’s pre-Columbian history through the Spanish Inquisition.

Visitors who need a beach break can find other activities on Ciudad del Carmen and further afield. Plaza Zentralia is a shopping center with a variety of restaurants next to the airport, which also acts as an activity hub with plenty of bars in the immediate area and fantastic dining experiences lining the roads between the airport and town center. The botanical gardens and zoo are other great options for half or full-day entertainment that highlight the biodiversity of the surrounding area. Visitors can end the night at the casino or the bars in town.

History buffs and day-trippers might enjoy seeing what the rest of the state has to offer. The capital city of Campeche has a UNESCO world heritage site just 200 km up the coast. The region is also home to well-preserved remains of ancient Mayan temples.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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Marina Bucanero

+52-938-118-0554

Marina Bucanero on the lagoon side of Ciudad del Carmen is a charming marina and hotel.

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WHERE TO DINE

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OV Vaquero Restaurante Y Taqueria

+52-938-286-1155

Located near the center of town, OV Vaquero serves an excellent taco, but the menu also includes a full spread of high-quality starters, soups, salads and desserts.

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La Pigua Ciudad del Carmen‍

+52-938- 112-0808

Near Playa Norte, La Pigua is a local franchise in Campeche serving Mexican, Caribbean and local seafood. Prices are reasonable, and the coconut shrimp is hailed as the signature dish.

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Cocteleria Cajun

+52-938-382-1421

Located at the southwestern end of the island, Cocteleria Cajun is known for fresh seafood and comfortable atmosphere. A popular place among locals, visitors to Ciudad del Carmen agree that this spot should not be missed.

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Mosto Beer House

+52-938- 111-1992

On the southern side of the island, Mosto Beer House serves a variety of international beers, and the pizza is a crowd pleaser. The cozy wood-fronted bar also attracts visitors and adds to the atmosphere.

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Mr. Pampas Do Brasil

+52-938-129-9654

This lively Brazilian steakhouse is near the center of the island and boasts an extensive menu of local dishes, fresh meats, a fresh salad bar and a kids room for family meals.

Cruising the Caribbean is a unique and distinct destination with steel drums and polka sticks, rum punch and coconuts, lobster barbecues and beach bonfires, and ready-made friends at every anchorage. Having already spent 10 years cruising the Pacific, Indian and Southern Atlantic Oceans, our diverse experiences brought us to the Lesser Antilles.

Sailing into the Caribbean was entirely different for us, as it felt like entering a cruiser’s candy land, where everything was as stimulating and enticing as candy tossed out at a Christmas parade. For us, the Lesser Antilles was like a prettily packaged, sugarcoated apple, dipped in strong local rum.

We focused the season on the Lesser Antilles, having learned that a longer time in a designated area was preferable to a quicker run through twice the destinations. Our entry point into the Caribbean from the eastern Atlantic was Antigua. As the epicenter of the super yacht industry, the island was as juxtaposed as you could get to our past cruising grounds. Super yachts were lined-up by the dozens, sparkling and shiny and locked-up tight. You could hop across the decks of tightly packed boats to join an endless stream of dusk-to-dawn parties, should you choose.

We passed on the parties and engaged in Antiqua’s other side and discovered a beautiful, relaxed island that ran on long-gone days of the slowly churning cogs of island life. We dove in the morning, relaxed in the afternoon and socialized on the beach in the evening. The highlight of Antiqua was to see the richness and variety of the marine ecosystem. Soft corals were vibrant and plentiful, hard corals young but healthy, and the marine life diverse and abundant. For all the talk of bleached reefs, diving in Antigua was an exciting example that reefs can revive themselves, given time and care.

From Antigua we entered Barbuda and spent a few weeks in the relative isolation of Antiqua’s sister island. Rather than the lush mountainous landscape of Antigua, Barbuda is a large low-lying atoll with fine white sand and miniature pink shell beaches with strong winds that blow across her shores and provide perfect wind-sport conditions. Isolated from the local population, our days were filled in the company of other cruisers. Kitesurfing, windsurfing and waterskiing afternoons flowed into early evening potluck meals that flowed into late night beach bonfires.

Barbuda was exactly the Caribbean scene I’d envisioned. Several other boats were travelling with children, and it was our first time in 10 years in which we — a cruising family — were the norm. Rather than dragging our kids around, they were dragging us around to their numerous social engagements. They had playdates and sleepovers, snorkeling excursions and fishing trips, and numerous activities that involved being towed behind dinghies at high speed.

Barbuda was a kid’s all-inclusive free-for-all holiday with an edge of the semi-feral where homemade forts contained rusty machetes, discarded lighters and all sort of cast-off debris. No kids camp could ever complete with the freedom of play and exploration of nature offered here. Barbuda could have been home for the season. I haven’t seen my kids happier, busier, more manic and more exhausted in a long time. I haven’t felt less hassled, less in demand and more relaxed either. But it was time to up-anchor and get moving before our chain turned to rust.

Our route would take us from Antigua to Barbuda back to Antigua before sailing north to St. Maarten to get south to St. Vincent. Our track has never been a linear one, and well-laid plans are often tossed out at a whim. This time, our schedule was abandoned for the social extravaganza awaiting us in St. Maarten, where all the businesses were fully operational, and the pubs were drawing in crowds with silly happy hour prices. We were pulled into the fray by fellow cruisers who lie in wait for new victims to arrive, having already been pulled in themselves.

We filled our time outside the bars in excursions to the French side for carafes of chilled wine and window-shopping, trips to the airstrip to experience jumbo jets landing inches above our head, and rum cocktail in hand playing on beautiful white sand beaches with a pack of wild kids running amok for the afternoon. All of this to end up at a pub each evening sipping cold bottles of $1 beer. If Barbuda was the kid-version, St. Maarten was the adult-version of the Caribbean, where easy friendships were made and solidified over flowing amber liquid and the clock ticked toward each new happy hour.

From St. Maarten we headed south to the Grenadines, choosing it for the larger cruising area it offered. We spent the next three months in the pearl of the southern Caribbean, enjoying easy sailing between the 32 islands that lay within a 30-mile radius. The islands vary from the high- prized aquamarine blues of the Tobago Cays to the dramatic volcanic black hues of St. Vincent.

We indulged in upmarket luxuries, ate at centuries-old plantation houses and sipped high-end cocktails from swings on a floating bar in Bequia, enjoyed the quiet isolation and beach bonfires on Mayreau, and explored the geographic and cultural richness of St. Vincent, where we trekked through dense forests to see magnificent waterfalls, hunted down Amerindian artifacts and watched pilot whales hunted down and dragged in from the sea.

By the end of June, it was time to settle down for hurricane season. We entered Carriacou and spent the next month enjoying the quaint anchorages of Grenada’s sister island. While the number of boats in Tyrell Bay was a shock after the relative isolation of SVG, we were also excited to re-enter a cruising hub.

Carriacou and Grenada are considered far enough south to be safe from hurricanes, and it is the main destination for cruisers staying in the southern Caribbean during the summer months.

As a well-established area for cruisers, many activities are organized to keep all ages entertained, ranging from exercise groups, kids camps, music venues, weekly markets, and happy hour at a rotation of bars around the southern bays. It takes about a week to adjust to the continuous activity, two weeks before you fall into a set routine, and three weeks before you recognize it is time to slow down. Love it or hate it, Grenada is a cruiser’s home away from home.

When it comes to the Lesser Antilles, there’s nothing “lesser” about this collection of smaller, more remote southern Caribbean islands. Reflecting on our past year, I now consider the region a place of endless entertainment for kids and adults alike. The islands are beautiful, the locals are welcoming, the wind constant and the water warm. It is fun, easy and entertaining in the worst and best of times. Most of all, I got to share with my kids the same waters that I grew up on and gave them a sample of the Caribbean I knew — complete with playful days in the sun and the slow pace of the island lifestyle.

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PHOTOS BY KIA KOROPP

GENTLE GULF BREEZES carry the echoes of long-ago battles won and lost, the soulful tunes of travelers on Mississippi Blues Trail, and the enticing aromas from the multicultural flavors of coastal cuisine. The rich history of the Mississippi Coast is best experienced by spending time in the small communities dotting the 62 miles of shoreline.

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Day 1: Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis to Pass Christian — 5 NM

This quaint seaside city overlooking its namesake bay has blossomed into an eclectic artist community whose residents might include descendants of Native Americans, rapacious pirates or Confederate generals.

Old Town is perfect for strolling. Start at the Mockingbird Café housed in an 1868 building boasting a rare three-sided gallery. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch daily. The Belfast Breakfast drink—a cold brew blended with Jameson and Irish cream topped with whipped cream and cinnamon—may be a jump start or a sudden end to the day!

Blues Hall, built in 1894, is one of the stops on the acclaimed Mississippi Blues Trail. Lucky visitors might catch an open mic evening held on a stage that hosted noted gospel, jazz and R&B artists such as Etta James, Irma Thomas and Professor Longhair.

A stop at the Daiquiri Shak for one (or two) frozen drinks with names like 190 Octane might provide the courage to join other brave souls in the marsh mist for a Ghost Boat Tour by TheMysticGhostRide Company. Both the boat tour and the Ghost Cemetery Walking Pub Crawl are filled with eerie legends of the Bay told like never before.

Where to Dock: Bay St. Louis Municipal Harbor

On the eastern side of Bay St. Louis lies the sleepy summer town of Pass Christian. Spend a few hours sunbathing on the softest, cleanest beach sand along the shoreline or biking the Pass Christian Scenic Drive Historic District. Majestic live oaks and historic dwellings, charming cottages and elegant mansions line the two-mile drive. Beach cottage eatery Sea Level serves burgers, dogs, seafood tacos and 45 snowball flavors at umbrella shaded picnic tables.

Where to Dock: Pass Christian Harbor (slips on east and west side of the harbor)

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Day 2: Gulfport

Pass Christian to Gulfport — 9 NM

Just a mild wind eastward is the tiny community of Long Beach whose colorful past includes pirate Captain Cleytus Pitcher who supposedly buried treasure near the border of Pass Christian in the early 1800s. According to local legend, his alcohol-fueled crew burned down his tree house with Pitcher still in it. Besides still-unearthed pirate riches, culinary treasures are discovered at Parrish’s Restaurant & Lounge. Menu choices from bouillabaisse to Wagyu tomahawk steaks and house made dessert creations are served against a spectacular sunset background.

Gulfport, the state’s second largest city and a working seaport since 1902, is now a world-class maritime terminal. A lively downtown amid ancient live oak trees and dignified old homes with sagging porch swings offers plenty of snacking, sipping and shopping options.

Irresistible aromas lure you into Coast Roast Coffee & Tea for a rich brew from beans perfected in their 100-year-old roasters. For steaks, short ribs and seafood, head over to Rack House Steaks & Spirits. Bar-side are 30 wines by the glass and more than 100 bourbons, ryes, whiskeys and scotches. Many restaurants serve the state’s signature dessert: Mississippi Mud Pie, a gooey chocolate glaze over melted marshmallows on a crusty brownie base.

Fishbone Alley, a funky little side lane, backs up to a cluster of pubs. Local artists adorn the alley walls with colorful murals celebrating Gulfport’s thriving arts scene. To work off some of those earlier treats, wrestle with a one-arm bandit on Casino Row and stay for one of the many shows.

Where to Dock: Gulfport Municipal Marina/Bert Jones Yacht Harbor

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Day 3: Biloxi

Gulfport to Biloxi — 11 NM

Much of the city’s return to its pre- hurricane(s) glitz and glamour is due to the gaming houses that range from backwater barges to deluxe resort- entertainment complexes. The Casino Hopper Trolley stops at blackjack tables, city attractions, restaurants and beaches.

Kick off your morning with Crawfish Étouffée-N-Grits with a biscuit and homemade strawberry jam at Fill-Up with Billups before heading out to the many museums.

The ceramics of George E. Ohr, self-proclaimed “mad potter of Biloxi,” and other innovative ceramic artists are displayed at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. The small but colorfully engaging Mardi Gras Museum is housed in an historic antebellum building. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum’s extraordinary photographs chronicle the first Native American settlements through generations of immigrants, all part of the region’s melting pot culture.

For a genuine waterman experience and a real shrimping expedition, The Biloxi Shrimping Trip highlights the fascinating world of sea creatures including catching, cooking and eating local shrimp.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins like to race boats 12 miles south to the six barrier islands notoriously used by pirates, privateers and smugglers throughout most of their history. Hidden booty has been unearthed as recently as the 1980s. Cat, Horn, Petit Bois and Ship Islands are included in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Cat Island contains bayous and marshes, home to several species of birds and alligators. USA Today named Ship Island "the hidden gem of Mississippi” for its spectacular beaches. All facilities, including the storied Civil War era Fort Massachusetts, are open to boaters.

The largest, Horn Island, was a creative source and favorite subject of famed Gulf artist Walter Anderson. It’s worth an overnight on the hook to listen to the song of the cicadas and reflect on the enduring mystique of the Mississippi Coast.

Where to Dock: Biloxi Small Craft Harbor or Point Cadet Marina

Brown sludge dripped off the brim of my hat as I peered out from behind sunglasses spotted with a decidedly unpleasant substance. It was the stuff of pump out nightmares, the result of an ill-fitting connector, a sanitation system severely neglected by the boat’s previous owners and a rather poor decision on my husband’s part to try to fix it himself. “Here honey, hold this down while I go below to bang on things to see if I can get it working.” Following numerous showers and excessive disinfectant efforts, I was able to find the humor in the situation and eventually forgive my husband.

Boaters do not often like to talk about it, but sewage happens. Managing our sewage situation, also known as blackwater, is a part of boating. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of bacterial pollution from one weekend boater’s discharge of untreated sewage is equal to the amount from the treated sewage of 10,000 people during the same period. Properly managing our sewage situation is a part of boating, and it is the law.

Under federal law, it is illegal to dump untreated sewage into navigable U.S. waters, including waters within three miles of shore and inland waters such as rivers, lakes and estuaries. In addition, the EPA has designated at-risk areas as No-Discharge Zones (NDZs), forbidding any discharge, treated or not, in a body of water.

To facilitate compliance, all boats in U.S. waters with permanently installed toilets must have a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) aboard. There are three basic Coast Guard approved MSDs. Type I MSDs involve sewage treatment to meet bacterial content standards prior to discharge. Type II MSDs meet a higher standard of limited bacterial content prior to discharge. Most recreational boats have a variation of Type III MSDs, which store blackwater in tanks for shore-based disposal or discharge beyond the three- mile offshore limit.

Type III MSDs require boat operators to manage when and where they will need to empty their blackwater holding tank. Unfortunately, mismanagement of blackwater discharge can be found throughout the boating community and the impact can be startling. Some examples:

› Untreated effluent from boats is not only environmentally harmful, but also a health hazard for other boaters.

› Improperly discharged blackwater can introduce excessive nutrients to a waterway, triggering devastating algal blooms.

› Organic matter and decaying algal blooms settle to the sea floor depleting oxygen levels and harming shellfish and other aquatic species.

› Chemicals added to toilets and holding tanks are toxic to marine life if released unchecked.

› Discharged feces can contain disease-causing organisms, which pose a risk to other boaters, swimmers or those who errantly consume contaminated shellfish.

Blackwater management is an important contributor to the health of our marine environment. Responsible blackwater management starts with knowing and caring for your Marine Sanitation Device. Blackwater systems require routine maintenance such as regular inspection of fittings, hoses and pump mechanisms. (This will also reduce the likelihood of you experiencing your own pump out nightmare like mine.)

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A FEW GOOD TIPS

› Use rapid-dissolving toilet paper specifically designed for your MSD.

› Be mindful of products used to clean toilets or treat water as some chemicals cause seals to deteriorate over time.

› Periodically, after you have emptied the holding tank at a pump out station, flush the holding tank with fresh water and pump out a second time. Many recreational boats with a Type III MSD (holding tank) also have a “Y” valve allowing direct overboard discharge when beyond the three-mile limit. Federal law requires this valve to be secured in a closed position while in inland or coastal waterways. To secure the closure, a non-releasable wire tie may be used or the valve handle removed to prevent accidental discharge.

Responsible blackwater management also involves pump out diligence. In the past, most pump out facilities were located solely at the fuel dock of a marina. While this is still a viable option at some marinas, you can now find more convenient situations.

Thanks in part to the Clean Marina initiative, increased government funding and new technology, pump out options have increased. Pump out services are often accessible in the slip or portable and brought out to your slip. Some marinas and mooring field hosts offer pump out services by boat. When making slip reservations, ask about pump out services and plan accordingly. Some marinas prefer to have their staff handle the pump out for you, while others may let you do it yourself. Take advantage of pump out availability as often as you can. Frequently pumping out helps keep your tank cleaner and reduces the risk of overflow.

According to the California State Water Resources Control Board, “Discharge from a single boat over one weekend contributes the equivalent bacterial pollution as treated sewage from 10,000 people.” One boater discharging inadequately treated blackwater can cause significant environmental damage ... but likewise one boater exercising responsible blackwater management can prevent significant environmental damage. Be the better boater.

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Where fields of sugarcane and crops once thrived is now a sweet escape to sandy shorelines and serene destinations along Florida’s East Coast.

The quaint beach town of New Smyrna is situated south of the Ponce Inlet where the Indian River meets the Atlantic. The Timucua Indians once dwelled on these lands and built the 50-foot high Turtle Mound out of oyster shells, which is now a fascinating historic site. After colonization by a mix of immi- grant groups, Scottish physician Dr. Andrew Turnbull named the region New Smyrna as an ode to his wife’s Greek heritage.

Just upstream where Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon claimed the inlet, visitors can climb the 175-foot Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum for a gorgeous birds-eye view of the area. Guiding sailors since 1887, it’s the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the entire United States.

Just south of the Ponce Inlet shoreline, stroll the boardwalk along Smyrna Dunes Park to find picnic pavilions, dog-friendly beaches and a fishing pier. Head south down the coast to a surfers’ paradise along the endless strip of oceanfront.

In addition to sand, surf and fish, explore New Smyrna’s many attractions. For a blend of historic sites, parks, shopping and dining, check out the Canal Street Historic District. Stop by the New Smyrna Beach Museum of History, Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum and green spaces such as Pettis Park, Old Fort Park and Manatee All Children’s Playground at Riverside Park.

A few miles away, visit the historic Sugar Mill Ruins, once part of the 19th century Cruger-dePeyster Plantation, and explore the Coquina Sugar Factory ruins that span the 17-acre site.

For watersports and marine wildlife galore, book a boat tour through local rentals such as New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour, Sea Dogs Dive Center, Ponce Inlet Watersports, Turtle Mound River Tours and Sand Dollar Boat Rentals.

Across the north causeway, the lively scene along Flagler Avenue boasts dining, shopping and beachy activities. The popular boulevard hosts wine walks, festivals and a vibrant nightlife.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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New Smyrna Marina

386-427-4514

Adjacent to Chicken Island, this full-service marina offers 31 transient slips and amenities including in-slip fueling, a fish cleaning station and a heated swimming pool. Be sure to check out the gorgeous villa rentals and event venue.

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New Smyrna Beach City Marina

386-409-2042

Situated near the Canal Street Historic District, this marina welcomes transients on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating vessels up to 28 feet.

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River Deck Marina

386-428-7827

Just south of New Smyrna Beach City Marina near the River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant, this facility offers daily wet slips and overnight storage. Boat and pontoon rentals are available, as well as a marina store and bait shop on-site.

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WHERE TO DINE

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The Breakers Restaurant

386-428-2019

At the tip of Flagler Avenue, The Breakers is located directly on the beach, serving fresh seafood with a side of oceanfront views. Try a mouth-watering burger or fresh mahi while sipping on icy cocktails.

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Third Wave Café & Wine Bar

386-402-7864

Also located along Flagler Avenue, this enchanted garden setting offers a mix of global and Southern coastal traditions. Wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood are served alfresco under trees wrapped in twinkling lights.

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The Garlic & Blu Bar

386-424-6660

Another gorgeous setting under light-strung trees, this Italian restaurant lets you step into what feels like the Tuscan countryside. Menus offer an incredible wine selection and spins on pastas, steaks and seafood.

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The Mermaid Café

386-410-4033

For a tasty breakfast or lunch, this adorable little cottage along Flagler Avenue is a waffle bar and home of New Orleans-style beignets. Feast on chicken and waffles, omelets, salads and more at this family-owned café.

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Yellow Dog Eats

386-410-4824

On the other side of the North Causeway across Indian River, this restaurant offers everything from delicious southern BBQ and pulled pork to tacos and seafood nachos to vegetarian and vegan options.

About 90 minutes north of Dallas awaits a destination with so many nooks and coves to explore that boaters are often awestruck by the hidden gems for cruising in the Lone Star State. Aptly named for its location on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma was created in 1944 by damming the Red River and constructing the Denison Dam.

Sandy beaches (such as Island View Beach on Preston Peninsula), ample fishing opportunities and endless water activities are only some of the attractions that bring 6 to 9 million visitors to Lake Texoma annually.

The lake is also bordered by two state parks and is part of the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a rustic dimension to your lake vacation. Campsites, hiking and horseback tours are widespread waterfront activities.

What else makes this lake special? Lake Texoma is one of a few freshwater ecosystems with a self-sustaining population of striped bass, earning the lake the title of Striper Capitol of the World. Beside striped bass, anglers can also catch blue and channel catfish, a variety of bass (white, largemouth, spotted and smallmouth), black and white crappies, and bluegills. More than 50 largemouth bass competitions are held each year at Lake Texoma.

If fishing doesn’t float your boat, you can find plenty of other activities at Lake Texoma. In Eisenhower State Park, guided boat tours give guests the chance to explore the lake and observe wildlife, as well as join other park ranger-lead activities. Boat rentals, from kayaks and jet skis to pontoons, are available. Water Wings of Texoma offers hydro boarding lessons.

Many activities in towns surrounding the lake are popular with locals and visitors alike. Lake Texoma State Park has two 18-hole golf courses. In Kingston, OK, choose between two popular golf courses, and treat yourself to great dining options and the Texoma Casino. On the Texas side of the lake, you can feed petting zoo animals and flamingos in Gainesville at the Frank Buck Zoo. Two wineries and distilleries in the nearby towns of Denison and Sherman let visitors sample Texas craft beverages.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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Eisenhower Yacht Club

903-463-3999

Eisenhower Yacht club is a family owned and operated, full-service marina in Eisenhower State Park that offers boat rentals and has slips up to 55 feet.

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Catfish Bay Marina

580-564-2307

This full-service marina on the Oklahoma side of the lake is home to the largest floating fuel dock on the lake and a sizable convenience store. The marina offers covered boat slips as well as boat rentals and claims the best striper guides on the lake.

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Marina Del Rey

580-564-7212

Complete with campsites and Belly Flop Restaurant, Marina Del Rey is in Kingston, OK. The marina supplies only non-ethanol fuel, and the Barbay Pub hosts live music.

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WHERE TO DINE

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Caney Creek Beer Garden & Resort

580-564-3223

If you’re looking for casual meals, Caney Creek Beer Garden is the spot. With a full bar, live music on weekends, a pool table and a kitchen that serves three meals a day, you might just never leave.

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Sneaky Tiki Restaurant & Brewery

580-931-9960

Part of the Lake Texoma Lodge Resort, Sneaky Tiki is a tropical themed steakhouse and live music venue. The menu, featuring steaks and fresh seafood, is famous for Royal Red shrimp that taste like lobster. Outdoor and poolside seating is sheltered under thatched umbrellas, giving your lake getaway a beachy vibe.

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The Lakeview Steakhouse

903-786-2968

Overlooking the lake, The Lakeview Steakhouse is Tanglewood Resort’s fine dining room that is open to the public. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a focus on steak, pasta and seafood. A wine list and craft cocktails pair nicely with your meal.

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The Point Restaurant

903-464-0989

Located on the peninsula at Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina, the views from The Point Restaurant almost rival the food. Re-opened in 2019, The Point (2.0) has a variable menu. American classics and grilled food with a side of fried pickles satiates some diners, while others opt for a farm-to-table cut of prime rib or steak, as well as Sunday brunch.

Managing Maintenance 

Everyone who works at a marina knows that the top priority is customer, staff, and visitor safety. Any environment with expanses of water, trip hazards like cleats and ropes, slippery launch ramps, boats, cars, and heavy moving machines like boat hoists and forklifts will be hazardous, especially when we invite customers and visitors on-site to have fun.

Detailed risk assessments, regular staff training, and external inspections contribute to a safer environment. There are simple ways in which the day-to-day marina management system can support a culture of safety first.

Capturing assets

An asset register is a basis for a reliable maintenance and inspection regime. The first step is to capture all assets in the database, such as finger pontoons, launch ramps, swinging moorings, shower blocks, and telehandlers.

Each business can include which assets pertain to them. Keeping a comprehensive record means a marina can allocate an occupancy (like a boat onto a berth), establish bespoke inspection and maintenance plans, flag faults, and allocate tasks associated with the asset.

Scheduled inspections and maintenance

Once the assets are captured in Marinalife Manager, the staff or maintenance team can set individual inspection and maintenance regimes for each. For example, monthly deep-clean of the washrooms, daily inspection of the boat hoist, or weekly fire alarm test in the restaurant.

Each asset inspection or maintenance plan can be as detailed as required, specifying the actions, parts to be checked and even the consumables needed for the job. Each task has a timetable and is assigned to a team or individual. Your team will see the tasks in their calendars and get automatic alerts for overdue actions.

Fault logging

A systematic approach to recording and actioning faults is vital for running a safe site. Not only can problems be rectified quickly, but it is crucial to record the timeline and people involved.

In Marinalife Manager any user can log a fault, such as a loose cleat, leaky toilet, or a blown light. Dockside and boatyard teams can use their tablets to log defects while doing their daily checks or while undertaking an inspection, rather than calling it into the office. Or the admin team can record a problem, if, for example, a boat owner reports his electricity point isn’t working.

Because all users have individual logins, there is a record of who first reported the issue and when, who was assigned the repair, and the completion date. Each asset has a complete history, making it easier to identify and rectify recurring problems.

Staff training

A lot of organizations like to say that their staff is their greatest asset. Well, there’s a way to make that a reality with Marinalife Manager. Creating team members in the asset list makes it easy to set up training programs and check that certifications are up-to-date.

The maintenance regime process can be applied to first aid training, lifejacket inspections, and more. 

Single point of truth

One of the worst things that can happen is a customer getting injured because of inadequate maintenance or an unrepaired fault. Insurers, health and safety experts, and even lawyers can get involved.

Because the system is accessible to all staff (at no extra cost), and because every action is logged automatically, Marinalife Manager becomes the single point of truth. No more diaries, spreadsheets, and external software operating in parallel. No more lost Post-It notes or forgotten conversations.

With the inspection dashboard, managers have complete oversight of what is going on, whether procedures are being followed and whether tasks are completed on time. There’s also a comprehensive reporting suite that includes asset inspections.

With everything captured in one place, there is a full record of what was required and what actually happened, who did it, and when it was done. There’s less opportunity for maintenance to slip or faults to remain outstanding, and that means there’s less chance of injured customers and lawsuits.
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Interested in learning more about Marinalife Manager? We're happy to help - getintouch@marinalife.com

Marinalife Manager started with the concept of a single, comprehensive system with all users accessing the same features. 

And that’s what we deliver. Marinalife Manager works behind the scenes to deliver what customers need, an operating system that enables the marina to run smoothly in the way that suits them best. 

More than just managing your docks

Marinalife Manager has the ability to run marinas, boatyards, dry storage, dry stack and launch on demand, membership organizations, and even boat sales.

It doesn’t take lengthy and expensive customization to meet these different requirements – we understand that marinas are always about more than boats, so we built the system to deliver what’s needed, out of the box.

Module-free

There are no extra modules to purchase in Marinalife Manager – the capabilities you need are there right from the start. Whether you’re running a marina, boatyard, dry stack, or yacht club, everything can be tailored to suit your operation.

Some customers will use every feature to the max, while others concentrate on a specific activity, or grow their system usage incrementally. Because the capability is built-in, operators can go at their own pace. Moving the management of the facility to Marinalife Manager isn’t an intensive project, it can be rolled into the process when the time is right.   

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Assets and accounts

Marinalife Manager is based on accounts and assets, rather than boats. This gives us the flexibility to manage complex ownership structures, like boats with multiple owners or owners with multiple boats, and to handle relationships like captains, co-owners and agents. With that, the software can support yacht clubs and membership organizations that require more asset management.

Focusing on assets means that we can help you with more than boats on berths. When assets can be anything from a berth to yard space, telehandler to washroom, we can cover your whole facility, not just the floating infrastructure. That allows us to deliver inspections regimes, maintenance scheduling and fault flagging within Marinalife Manager, saving you time and helping to keep your facility and customers safe.

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Feature development

Our digital architecture allows us to seamlessly integrate new features without impacting existing processes or data. There are no clashing modules, silos of data or legacy features; rather there’s a single, planned structure. This means we can be more agile and innovative, getting great ideas to our customers more quickly.

All Marinalife Manager customers are on the same version of the software, and all get software updates delivered automatically with zero downtime. Having all customers on the same version not only enables us to treat everyone fairly, but it also makes for faster deployment of updates and new features.

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Interested in learning more about Marinalife Manager? We're happy to help - getintouch@marinalife.com

If you can’t decide which cocktails to make for your holiday party, or simply need a little cheer to get you through the mayhem of family, friends and festivities, Marinalife has got you covered! 

Check out our favorite seasonal cocktail recipes to help you reduce the stress and enjoy this holiday season all day long.

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BREAKFAST

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Christmas Morning Punch

A sweet treat to get your day started

Ingredients:
4 oz. raspberry vodka
2 cups orange juice
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup ginger ale

Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a pitcher, stir and serve cold.

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LUNCH

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Christmas Margarita‍

A zesty fun drink for any festive occasion

Ingredients:
2 oz. gold tequila
½ oz. orange liqueur
3 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. pomegranate juice
½ oz. Key Lime juice
2 tsp. simple syrup

Instructions:
For a salted rim, fill a small plate with simple syrup and swirl your glass rim in it, then dip into a plate of margarita salt and fill your glass with ice. In a separate cocktail shaker, fill with light ice and the ingredients. Shake and strain into your glass and garnish with a lime or orange. 

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DINNER

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Jack Frost

A creamy delight to enjoy in your PJs when the kids go to bed

Ingredients:
½ cup light rum
½ cup Blue Curaçao liqueur
½ cup cream of coconut
1 cup pineapple juice

Instructions:
For a coconut rim, fill a small plate with light corn syrup or simple syrup and swirl your glass rim in it, then dip into a plate of coconut flakes. Use a blender or fill a shaker with ice and ingredients and shake well for foamy results. Strain into glass and enjoy!

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.

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.

LEIGH DIEMERT

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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REGGIE COX

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!

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

“WHAT’S THE DEAL with a flamingo wearing a top hat and puffing on a Cuban cigar or a mustached manatee strumming a guitar at a tiki party?” That’s what many travelers wonder when they come to the Sunshine State.

The answer is rather simple. From beaches and coral reefs to everglades and tropical islands, Florida is home to a diverse array of ecosystems. Toss in a balmy year-round climate, and it’s got habitats that spawn a dazzling display of marine life.

These amazing creatures are so beloved by Floridians that they’ve been integrated into the local pop culture in celebration of the state’s indigenous beasts. Native aquatic creatures are elevated into iconic symbols, reflecting the region’s diversity, unique groove and reverence for the water.

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TRACK DOWN ICONIC IMAGES AND FEEL LIKE A FLORIDIAN

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‍While you roam around Florida this season, you’ll likely visit the state’s many marine sanctuaries, research centers and protected habitats. But Marinalife also challenges you to join the local fun by finding caricatures, logos and iconic symbols that playfully incorporate these unique creatures into images directed at everyday life.

You’ll discover many of them on sports teams’ logos or mascots, bar napkins, restaurant menus, clothing (shirt, hat, etc.), pool floaties, ads for products, road signs, products in stores, souvenir shop merchandise, glassware, food and beverage labels, boats, flags and more.

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The Caribbean is well known for its clear blue tropical waters. But as rich as it is in beauty, the islands have an even greater wealth of his- tory. Luckily, museums are located across the region to share the stories and significant events that can provide glimpses of what maritime life was like throughout the years. Their exhibits, relics and archives will have you looking at the region in a whole new light.

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Here are eight Maritime Museums: 

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BERMUDA

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You can find this treasure trove of artifacts in the Atlantic Ocean 650 miles east of North Carolina, the nearest land mass to this collection of islands. The museum shows how maritime events shaped the history, people and culture of Bermuda. It is located at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard within Bermuda’s largest fort. Exhibits cover 500 years of the country’s history from how the German U-505 submarine was captured by the U.S. Navy and concealed in Bermuda to how sailing races from North America to Bermuda have influenced the development of ocean-worthy boats and blue water sailing. Be sure to experience the museum’s unique spaces by strolling through the two-story boat loft to catching a dolphin show at the Keep Pond Terrace to taking in the expansive ocean views at the flagpole.

Where to Dock: Kings Wharf or Heritage Wharf

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TURKS AND CAICOS NATIONAL MUSEUM

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Turks and Caicos National Museum opened in 1991 to store artifacts found in the excavation of the Molasses Reef shipwreck, an unknown Spanish ship that sunk in 1515 on the Caicos Bank. The museum spans two locations: the Guinep House on Grand Turk Island, believed to be more than 180 years old and named after the large guinep tree on its property, and the Village at Grace Bay on Providenciales, where visitors can tour the Heritage House, an historically correct rendition of a typical 1800s Caicos dwelling. In addition to showcasing shipwreck artifacts, visitors also learn about the evolution of The Grand Turk Lighthouse as well as the rise and fall of the island’s salt industry. On Museum Day, the first Saturday in November, visitors can tour the exhibits for free, and in May, the Village at Grace Bay holds a “Back in the Day” event with activities reflecting historical life on the island. ‍

Where to Dock: Blue Haven Resort & Marina

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MARITIME HERITAGE TRAIL & CAYMAN ISLANDS NATIONAL MUSEUM

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If you like to take in history outdoors, these exhibitions are for you. The trail consists of 36 stops across all three islands (Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands) and is best traveled via car. Each stop is marked by a road sign that shares a notable historic event or contribution related to the maritime industry. Learn how turtling shaped the islands’ early economy, how ships were cleaned and repaired before boat lifts by a process called “careening”, and hear stories of notable shipwrecks. If you prefer to learn Cayman Island history in one place, you can check out the Cayman Islands National Museum, housed in Cayman’s oldest surviving public building, which has a series of permanent and rotating exhibits. ‍

Where to Dock: The Barcadere Marina

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COLUMBUS LIGHTHOUSE (FARO A COLÓN) MUSEUM IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ‍

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Completed 500 years after Christopher Columbus arrived on the island of La Hispaniola, the Faro a Colon (aka The Columbus Lighthouse) is one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular attractions. Constructed in the shape of a Latin cross spanning the width of two soccer fields, the lighthouse was created to recognize the first “encounter between two worlds.” It includes a mausoleum that houses Christopher Columbus’ remains as well as a museum displaying original and replica artifacts from the time of Columbus’ voyage. The lighthouse also has a library containing documents and maps displaying some of the earliest drawings of the Americas.

‍Where to Dock: Marina Zarpar

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NELSON’S DOCKYARD IN ANTIGUA

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The Antigua Naval Dockyard, now named Nelson’s Dockyard, was built in the mid-1700s to serve as a strategic post and support the Royal Navy battle against the French and protect trade routes in the region. The dockyard officially closed in 1889 and reopened in 1961 as an historic site. In addition to exploring the dockyard, take advantage of the park’s 12 miles of hiking trails, two forts, and tours such as the “Rum in the Ruins” where you can listen to stories of the dockyard while sipping on a cocktail. If traveling by boat, get the best view of the gorgeous English Harbour and snag a slip at nearby Nelson’s Dockyard Marina, the only continuously working Georgian Era dockyard in the world. ‍

Where to Dock: Nelson’s Dockyard Marina

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BEQUIA HERITAGE MUSEUM

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Opened in 2020, the Bequia Heritage Museum includes the Boat Museum and Annexe that display and educate visitors about the boatbuilding and whaling industries as well as artifacts dating back to the period of the island’s European settlement. Vessels on display at the museum include a traditional Amerindian dug-out canoe and the decommissioned boat, Rescue, that was originally used for whaling. ‍

Where to Dock: Bequia Marina

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CURAÇAO MARITIME MUSEUM ‍

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Located in a mansion built in 1729 on the Waaigat inlet, the Curaçao Maritime Museum shares with visitors the story and events that influenced Curaçao’s involvement in the maritime industry. Learn how trade ebbed and flowed in and out of Curaçao’s ports, reflective of the events happening around the world to the arrival of the first cruise ship in 1901 from New York, sparking the cruise tourism industry until the 1970s when air travel took over as the primary way for tourists to visit the island. Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace or take a guided tour.

Where to Dock: Seru Boca Marina

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GRAND BAHAMA MUSEUM ‍

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With a decent internet connection, you can visit the Grand Bahama Museum from the comforts of your remote anchorage or mooring. Bahamian history and culture are explored through digital exhibits ranging from the islands’ natural landscapes and the history of the port authority to the role the Bahamas played during the Golden Age of Piracy. Learn about the first recorded piece of mail sent from the Bahamas in 1761 and the evolution of mailboats. Or savor a dark and stormy while reading about the Bahamas’ role in the rum-running industry during U.S. Prohibition. The Grand Bahama Museum was originally housed at The Garden of the Groves but was unfortunately destroyed by weather and time. To reach a wider audience and share Bahamian history and culture, the museum decided to move to a digital platform.

Where to Dock: Grand Bahama Yacht Club or Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina

OUTER SPACE. RACE CARS. ANIMAL SAFARIS. PIRATES.

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These experiences are all part of a dream vacation to one of Florida’s famous theme parks. But the cool thing is that the Sunshine State offers these same topics as real, hands-on, family-friendly adventures. Here’s a Top 10 to try.

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1. St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoological Park

Kids who love dinosaurs will love this park. Founded in 1893, some of the oldest and largest alligators are in captivity here. Plus, the Land of Crocodiles exhibit features 24 global species including the African dwarf, rare Nile and familiar North American crocodile.

Beyond crocodiles, “Some visitors like the colorful parrots, others prefer our python cave, the nesting wading birds in our rookery, or our wildlife shows,” says John Brueggen, director.“The more adventurous enjoy zip lining over the animals.”
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Where to Dock: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor

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2 .Daytona International Speedway‍

The NASCAR season kicks off on February 19, 2023, with The Great American Race – the Daytona 500. However, any day is perfect for a speedway tour. The hour-long tram ride hits the highlights from an infield stop at the start/finish line to a view from high atop the tower seating. At a stop at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, kids can enjoy a wow moment looking at Michael McDowell’s 2021 Daytona 500 victory car.

“The Magic of Lights returns to the Speedway’s World Center of Racing in November through Jan. 1. It’s a dazzling display of more than 1 million sparkling lights and magical scenes, all viewed from the comfort of the guest’s vehicles,” says Russell Branham, Southeast Region director of track communications.

Where to Dock: Daytona Beach Marina

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3. Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

Chat with a real astronaut. Train on high-tech simulators inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Go behind the gates of a working spaceflight facility. Experience microgravity like inside the International Space Station. The 42-acre complex on Merritt Island brings to life the U.S. space program’s epic story in an up-close, hands-on way.

“Kennedy Space Center is best known for rocket launches like the historic Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Now, it’s known for the commercial companies with rocket launches happening almost every other week,” says Rebecca Burgman, senior manager for public relations and communications. The Visitors Complex offers some of the closest public launch viewing locations in the area.  

Where to Dock: Titusville Marina

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4. Mel Fisher Treasure Museum

Lift a real gold bar at the famed treasure hunter’s museum in Sebastian, on the Indian River waterfront. “Kids especially like to look, touch and feel the weight of a solid gold bar from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, the most famous and valuable shipwreck to ever be recovered,” says Nichole Johanson, the museum’s director and Fisher’s granddaughter.

“The bar weighs about five pounds, and you can still see the markings that tell its story like ownership, tax, purity, assayer and weight.” Kids get a fun and educational treasure hunt game to do while exploring the exhibits, with scavenger hunt items and riddles.  

Where to Dock: Sebastian Inlet Marina

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5. Countryside Citrus

Oranges are Florida’s top agricultural product, and its freshly squeezed orange juice, soft-serve orange ice cream and orange slushies are some of the kid-friendly draws at this Vero Beach farm. Another is the Fall Festival and Corn Maze in October.

“There are activities such as a jumping pillow, kiddie zip line and air cannon, not to mention the maze and great food offerings,” says Cheryl Roseland, owner-manager. Kids and parents can U-Pick strawberries from the farm’s patch from December to February. Countryside operates its El Sid Taqueria on Ocean Drive in Vero Beach, a more convenient location to marinas for fresh citrus ice cream and slushies.

Where to Dock: Loggerhead Vero Beach Marina

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6. Everglades Safari Park

To ride on the wild side, travel less than an hour west of downtown Miami on Route 41, the Tamiami Trail. The chance to take an airboat tour through the Everglades National Park is well worth the time!

An airboat is a flat-bottomed open-air boat with an aircraft-like propeller in the back and a car engine for power that can glide over the waterways and sawgrass of the glades at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. On a half-hour tour, see wildlife, alligators and anhinga birds. Guides make stops to talk about natural and human history, such as how Native Americans used cat tails to make natural gauze.

Where to Dock: Black Point Park & Marina

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7. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The words “under the sea” have a whole new meaning when sight-seeing America’s first undersea park in Key Largo. At 70 nautical miles, it’s a huge natural water park. You can go canoeing and kayaking, fishing and swimming, or choose a glass bottom boat tour, or a scuba and snorkel tour.

“The snorkel tour is an excellent way for families to experience the Park,” says Tim Linafelt, communications manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks. “After a 10-minute coaching session, swimmers can get up close and personal with coral reefs and marine wildlife.” Plan ahead by checking out the park’s new 360-degree coral cam that streams a live feed. Lemon sharks, parrotfish and angelfish have made on-camera appearances.

Where to Dock: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina

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8. Dry Tortugas National Park

Play in a 19th century fort in this seven-island park located in the Gulf of Mexico. To get there, book a ride on the Yankee Freedom III, a high-speed catamaran that departs from Key West for the two-hour, one-way trip. Then, have kids watch for Fort Jefferson on approach.

“The enormity of the fort is indescribable. It’s the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere – made with 16 million bricks. It’s fun to explore with its endless halls,” says Piper Smith, VP of marketing for Historic Tours of America. Beside exploring the fort, it’s fun to swim or snorkel around the outside of the moat. The waters are filled with tropical fish, lobster, turtles and game fish.

Where to Dock: Dry Tortugas National Park

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9. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Sharks, sea turtles and manatees, oh my! These sea creatures star in exhibits at this marine research organization’s aquarium in Sarasota. “Our resident turtles and manatees are much loved, each with its own personality, and they also provide valuable educational opportunities.

For example, green sea turtle, Hang Tough, resides in a specialty rounded exhibit after being blinded in a boat strike. Families can see and understand how Mote biologists care for her while also highlighting the negative impacts of unsafe boating,” says Sean Stover, communications coordinator. Make the visit extra special with an Adopt an Animal Program, which includes everything from sea turtles to sea horses plus jellyfish and octopus.

Where to Dock: Longboat Key Club Moorings

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10. Air Force Armament Museum

Florida’s northwest panhandle is a national center for military aviation. Pensacola is called the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” and is the official home of the Blue Angels. One hour east, this museum sits across from Elgin Air Force Base.

Kids whose favorite toys are airplanes will light up at the number of crafts on display during the drive into the grounds. Look for World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Gulf War aircraft, as well as the fastest plane ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird. Inside, please- touch displays include a fighter cockpit simulator.

Where to Dock: Two Georges Marina

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THREE MUST-PLAY WATERFRONT PUTT-PUTT GOLF COURSES

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Playing putt-putt Mini Golf is a ‘must- do’ shore thing on a Florida vacation. Best of all, many courses are near the beach. Lighthouse Cove Mini Golf in Jupiter is one block from the white sands. The two 18-hole courses weave around sea life, waterfalls and boats in a tropical fishing village theme. Play both! A new app lets golfers order drinks without leaving the greens.

Likewise, you can nearly see the sea from Fiesta Falls Mini Golf in St. Augustine. A 60-foot ship is a focal point, plus eight waterfalls make for cool fun. On the west coast near St. Petersburg, the Smugglers Cove Adventure Park in Madeira Beach is 18-holes around a pirate theme. That’s not all. Golf with gators! Win or lose, afterward you can stop to feed live alligators in an educational exhibit.

Whether You're Buying a Yacht or Not

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The twin sets of upward sloping on the superyacht, Thunder, looked to me like stairways to heaven. To say these were only a small part of the eye-candy features of this 164-foot Oceanfast, one of the largest yachts for sale on display at this year’s Miami International Boat Show, says a lot.

Inside, the master suite boasted a ceiling retractable Smart LG TV, chandeliers in the main salon were part of the $8.8 million asking price, and a 22-foot-long crystal blue pool surrounded by sun loungers on the foredeck proved irresistibly inviting on this warm February day.

Best of all to me was the upper deck dining salon and its floor-to-ceiling windows. I could imagine cruising the world and looking out at breathtaking ports from this perch. And it afforded an incredible view of the enormity of the Miami International Boat Show, which is spread out over six downtown locations. Last year, nearly 100,000 attendees walked the docks, and sales were just shy of $1 billion.

I wasn’t in the market for a new boat. Window shop yes; buy no. Still, I wouldn’t miss visiting the Miami Show and many others held in the Sunshine State each year. That’s because these marine events offer so much more.

“Like a festival for boaters, hundreds of exhibits display a variety of vessels, from kayaks to luxury yachts. Food vendors and entertainment attract audiences of all ages. Several large boat manufacturers or brokers host hospitality events on board luxury yachts or in air-conditioned tents, catering to clientele who love to talk about boats,” says Andrew Doole, president of the U.S. Boat Shows division of UK-headquartered Informa Markets, a leading global exhibitions organizer that owns and operates five major Florida shows. “The shows present a way to see the latest in marine products and how to enjoy life on the water.”

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Shows Aplenty

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Second to Alaska, Florida boasts the most coastline of any U.S. state at 1,350 miles. Add a year-round climate conducive to boating, and it’s easy to see why the marine scene is big here. Each year, the state hosts close to two dozen boat shows. The calendar runs from September to April, corresponding to the top tourism months for visitors from the north.

In September, there’s the three-day Daytona Beach Boat Show, and the Suncoast Boat Show closes out the season in April. In between, Informa hosts its shows: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October, St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show and Jacksonville Boat Show in January, the Miami show in February, and Palm Beach International Boat Show in March.

“Record-setting attendance at the St. Petersburg and Sarasota shows in the past year now rivals the big shows in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami. In fact, the annual boat show held in downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront is the second largest event in the city, behind the Firestone Grand Prix in terms of attendance, revenue and logistics,” says Cindy Dobyns, president and owner of AboveWater Public Relations & Marketing, who handles press for the show.

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What’s Happening under the Tents?

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Beyond boats for sale, you can discover so many things to see, do, eat and drink, toe-tap and clap for at Florida’s boat shows.

One of the most fun sights at the Miami Boat Show was watching a professional flyboarder in action at Pride Park in AquaZone. Standing on a skateboard-size board attached by a hose to a jet ski below that powered the water toy, dual jet streams of water propelled the rider some 15 feet in the air above the 40,000-gallon freshwater pool.

Pros also gave the public a wakeboard experience via a simulator. Crystal Kayaks, Seabobs and Hobie Cats were brands featured for a demo at the Fort Lauderdale Show. In Palm Beach, the intercoastal waterway served as the natural aqua zone. eFoil electric surfboards were an especially big hit.

New last year, the St. Petersburg Boat Show partnered with the Annapolis School of Seamanship to offer one-hour on-water training sessions held multiple times daily. Topics included Women at the Wheel, Basic Boat Operator and a Junior Captains Program. All were free. The only catch is buying tickets ahead of time and pre-registering for the sessions.

Seminars are a sought-out reason to attend boat shows. Every show offers them, and many shows invite local celebrity speakers. A good example is the Jacksonville Show, where last year Captain Tim Altman of HooDoo Sportfishing Charters and founder of the Wahoo Junkies brand gave two talks on wahoo trolling with bait and high-speed trolling.

One of the best-known seminar presenters on Florida’s boat show circuit is Captain Don Dingman, star of the Hook the Future TV show. Dingman hosts interactive fishing clinics full of demos for kids ages four to 16. At the Fort Lauderdale Show, each kid received a free Hook the Future/Carolina Skiff custom rod and reel combo. It shows how boat show seminars can hook the whole family.

Fred’s Shed is worth the cost of admission if you’re a DIY fan. Launched over a decade ago by the Chicago- headquartered National Marine Manufacturers Association, this up close and personal educational experience is held at NMMA events like the Miami Boat Show. Topics range from installing marine electronics to detailing and service and maintenance tips.

Food and entertainment make shows extra festive. There’s no need to leave the fun. On-site at the St. Petersburg show, for example, you can gobble up everything from stone crab claws to Greek gyros, street tacos and wood-fired picanha steak.

The Windward VIP Experience at several shows includes an open bar, wine and spirit tastings, gourmet food such as oysters on the half shell, as well as early access to the show and a shady air-conditioned oasis to sit and relax. Most shows feature live bands with oldies, classic rock and top 40 hits on tap.

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View the Boats

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Of course, it’s the boats that float these shows. “All types of watercraft are featured, including fishing boats, cruisers, ski boats, pontoons, inflatables, personal watercraft, and more,” says Erin Johnson, administrative director of the North Florida Marine Association that puts on the annual Jacksonville Show.

Vendors, from national brands to local shops, exhibit and sell all the boating go-withs. There are nearly 100 of these at the Suncoast Boat Show, and more than 1,000 at shows such as in Fort Lauderdale.

Mega and superyachts are here too, just like Thunder. You’ll find the bulk of the 100- to 200-foot-plus vessels at the Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami shows. All it takes is the price of a show ticket to walk the docks and dream.

East Coast (part 1) 

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A great white heron stretches its wings across a dazzling sunset while swooping into blue waters for its next meal. Rivers flow through miles of mangroves and tropical foliage. A manatee peaks its nose above the water’s surface. These are some magical sites you may see when exploring the wonders of Florida’s coastal state parks.

With more than 175 state parks, the Sunshine State is packed with so many seaside gems that it merits a two-part series. Hike trails for all levels, enjoy watersports along gorgeous beaches, sightsee historic lands and camp out on the coastline at these national treasures. Here we explore some of the top state parks along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

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Fort Clinch State Park

Fernandina Beach

Overlooking the St. Mary’s River along the Florida-Georgia line, an historic fort lies within this 1,400 acre-park. Stroll the beachfront and catch monthly Living History Weekends, where you can see re-enactors work in the blacksmith shop or bake bread.

“When you tour the fort, it feels as if if it were still functioning at the height of the Civil War, so you get to experience going back in time,” says Kelli Akers, administrative assistant and former park ranger at Fort Clinch. “We have a three-mile-long covered canopy road, so even driving through the park under the live oak and Spanish moss is quite charming.”

What to Do: History tours, camping, biking, birdwatching, shelling, shark-tooth hunting

Where to Dock: Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor

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Big Talbot & Little Talbot Island State Parks

Jacksonville

Just south of Fernandina Beach within Florida’s sea islands, these two parks neighbor one another along the coast. Launch your boat, rent kayaks or hike to the shoreline on Blackrock Trail, or cruise to the marsh on Big Pine Trail. Minutes away, discover ancient dunes on Little Talbot Island’s five-mile stretch.

Bordering the parks along the southwest side, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve spans 46,000 acres of wildlife habitats, wetlands and stunning waterways.

What to Do: Hiking, biking, birdwatching, boating, camping, fishing

Where to Dock: Fort George Island Marina

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Anastasia State Park

St. Augustine

Located in the oldest city in the nation, Anastasia is rich in history and abundant with wildlife. With more than 196 identified bird species, this region is a major stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Spot colorful roseate spoonbills and various species along the white sand beaches. Hike the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail, bike along the beach and stay overnight at one of the 139 campsites. Be sure to visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum at the northern tip of Anastasia Island.

What to Do: Camping, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking

Where to Dock: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor

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Tomoka State Park

Ormond Beach

Timucuan Native Americans once dwelled on this land before Spanish explorers showed up in the early 1600s, and European disease eventually wiped away the native population. The site is now a preserved sanctuary with a boat ramp for easy access to the Tomoka River. Enjoy water activities and the historic grounds where the Nocoroco Village, plantations and indigo field once stood.

What to Do: Camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking

Where to Dock: Daytona Beach Marina

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Canaveral National Seashore

Titusville

Situated along the Space Coast between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, here you find majestic waters that are home to one of Florida’s largest manatee and sea turtle habitats. Dock at the park’s 24-hour ramp, hike Castle Windy Trail and watch rocket launches from the beach. The local area is packed with museums and attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center.

What to Do: Kayaking, fishing, hiking, sightseeing

Where to Dock: New Smyrna Marina or Titusville Marina

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St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

Port Salerno

Cruise to this lovely island that’s only accessible by boat and dock for a $3 entry fee. Discover a huge sea turtle nesting home, hike a half-mile trail, or head below surface level to witness 3,500 acres of unspoiled waters and protected coral reef. Look for loggerhead and leatherback turtles and wading birds such as great blue herons, egrets, ibis, sanderlings and purple plovers.

“There’s only four boat slips right now but we’re in the process of adding 10 more,” says Park Services Specialist, Emily Harrington. “What amazes people the most here is how much beach you have all to yourself, which is so rare in Florida. You can go out there and be completely on your own for long stretches of time — it can be very peaceful.”

What to Do: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surf fishing

Where to Dock: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park Boat Ramp

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Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Hobe Sound

As the largest state park in southeast Florida, this coastal haven provides plenty of natural wonders to get lost in. Named for a merchant whose vessel shipwrecked nearby in the 1600s, this historic site was home to Camp Murphy, a top-secret radar training school during WWI.

Visit the mysterious Trapper Nelson Interpretive site, climb to the top of the Hobe Mountain observation tower, or rent kayaks, canoes and motorboats to journey through century-old cypress trees and Spanish moss along the Loxahatchee River. Better yet, take a park equestrian tour when the horses arrive around late October and stay until April.

What to Do: Horseback riding, riverboat tours, fishing, mountain biking

Where to Dock: Loggerhead Jupiter Marina

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Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Key Biscayne

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Miami, a tropical escape awaits at Key Biscayne’s southern tip. Witness a birds-eye, panoramic view of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Coast from the top of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest-standing building in Miami-Dade County. Dock your boat overnight in No Name Harbor and canoe or kayak along Biscayne Bay’s seawall.

What to Do: Swimming, picnicking, dock and dine

Where to Dock: No Name Harbor anchorage

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Key Largo

Spanning 70 nautical miles of marine splendor, this underwater state park is one of Florida’s best-kept treasures. As the country’s first underwater park, the mangrove-lined waterways are known for snorkeling and scuba diving alongside colorful coral reefs and marine wildlife. Explore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour on the flagship vessel, Spirit of Pennekamp.

What to Do: Snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours, camping

Where to Dock: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina

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Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Islamorada

This region of the Keys holds geological treasures rooting back to Florida’s 20th century history. Eight foot-high walls and stones made of ancient fossilized coral make up a quarry that was used to build Henry Flagler’s railroad in the early 1900s. The quarry operated until the 1960s, and you can still witness some machinery preserved at the park. Hike tropical trails through a hardwood hammock to see more than 40 species of native foliage and historic remnants of Key Largo limestone.

What to Do: Hiking, guided tours, picnicking

Where to Dock: Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina

Why do so many yachtsmen hurriedly haul out their boats immediately after Labor Day? Sure, the kids are back to school, and the weather starts to change. But we have enjoyed some of our most clear, calm, beautiful days boating in the fall. I dare say don’t haul before fall, have a ball while everyone else is buttoning up their boats and turning to watch football or baseball. Perhaps those sun-soaked sandbar rafting days have passed until next summer, but from New England to the southern coasts you’ll still find glorious warm days, less boat wake and less boat traffic in general, which opens a world of late season cruising opportunities. My father always said boating is better once the “summer yahoos disappear.”

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Boating Experience: So soon in fall? 

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A FEW REASONS TO LOVE THE FALL BOATING SEASON

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Fall boating is just quieter. As most boaters vacate the water in lieu of other pursuits, September and October can offer brilliant blue-sky days. Waterways that were jam-packed with everything from inflatables to tour boats a month prior are now more open for you to explore. Loud two stroke “boater-cycles,” as my friend likes to call jet skis and sea-doos (personal propelled watercraft) are trailered away leaving in the absence of their wake- jumping a more serene scene.

Foliage starts to pop on the waterfront come mid-September into October from Maine to Virginia. The sparkling water reflects the kaleidoscope of autumn leaves in their shimmering crimson, gold and orange. It’s spectacular, truly a photographer’s dream, whether you’re on a lake, the ocean, a beautiful bay or waterway. Boating in September, October, even into November a bit farther south, is a gem. Just be mindful of the forecast, hurricane season, and significant temperature shifts that invite pop-up storms.

The weather. With cooler fall days, temps trend toward delightfully crisp and clear. Days are also shorter, so midday boating is best for peak sun. For your boating comfort, have sweatshirts, sweaters or jackets handy, even hats and gloves, especially if you’re in northern New England.

Good news: Gone are the hot humid mugginess and the bugs that accompany spring and summer heat. Bonus: you have less chance of that scorching summer sunburn. Still, be sure to apply sunscreen, refraction on the water is real even when a chill is in the air. You may want to eat steamed lobster by the waterfront, but you don’t want to look like one. Evenings on the water cool off, making for great sleeping aboard. Snuggle under covers and wake to fresh air and hot coffee on deck that never tasted so good in another season.

Fall means more available dock slips, moorings and anchorages as many are pulling their boots “up on the hard,” which frees up marina space for you. The same prime spots that were impossible to get in summer, with wait lists at places like Block Island, Newport and Annapolis, are now wide open. Same goes for waterfront restaurants with tie ups; their face docks are free and on a first come first served basis.

Just be prepared that dockhands and marina staff may not be as readily available in the fall, as students that typically manage the docks have returned to their campuses, and marine techs are pre-occupied prepping folks’ boats for winterization and storage. Be ready to tend your own lines.

‍Wildlife abounds in fall. Migratory birds are on the move. Enjoy watching geese, loons and birds-of-a-feather flocking south as winter approaches.

Speaking of marine life, if you like to fish, then fall is your wish. As temperatures decline, the fish sense that winter is coming. In preparation of the next season, fish begin their migrating south and their subsequent feeding frenzy.

Snowbirds of the human variety start their boating trek south too, if they aren’t storing their boat up north. Cruising the ICW in fall can be a social circuit where you may see the same boat owners and crew as you stop along your way at various harbors and marinas. It’s entertaining to compare ship logs and experiences from your adventures, favorite sights and seaports, with fellow boaters along your journey.

I have always loved how friendly boaters can be, and how an impromptu sharing of dock-side drinks aboard yours or their top deck can quickly transpire into an animated evening talking about best and worst boating with your nautical neighbors.

Word of caution: don’t be like my dear deceased, super-dedicated-to-boating Dad who insisted there’d be one more great boating day in late fall in New Hampshire. He would hold out on hauling his 28’ Eastern well into November, insisting it’s not winter till December. I recall more than once having to chip the ice of the dock lines to free up his pride- and-joy, then boating to the nearest icy ramp while frost clung to the windshield, and it was bitter cold on the slippery decks. That’s taking fall boating to an extreme.

From the Gulf to the Atlantic and every bay in between, boaters and their families have plenty to look forward to on the Florida coasts this fall. Start the season with a couple of pints at Oktoberfest and spooks at a haunted ghost tour, throw in a boating event or two, and round it out with a lighted boat parade.

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OCTOBER

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HAUNTED GHOST TOURS

St. Augustine

Daily/weekly

Learn about the haunted history in the oldest city in the United States through the lens of the undead. Get tickets for haunted pub crawls, trolly tours and walking tours. You’ll get in the Halloween spirit and learn the stories behind St. Augustine’s most spirited locations from professional storytellers with just the right amount of spook. Kids are welcome on trolly and walking tours, and pets are allowed on walking tours! Check out Ghost Tours of St. Augustine or Ghosts & Gravestones.

Where to Dock: Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor

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OKTOBERFEST

Jacksonville Beach, Tampa

October 7-9

Kick off the fall season with Oktoberfest on the Atlantic or Gulf Coast with Beaches Oktoberfest and Oktoberfest Tampa. With Tampa’s event ranking in the top five in the country and Jacksonville Beach’s being the largest in the state, you’re sure to find the brew for you! beachesoktoberfest.com

Where to Dock: Fort George Island Marina (Jacksonville), Westshore Yacht Club (Tampa)

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FLORIDA BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVAL

Apollo Beach

October 20-23

Just across the Bay from Tampa and St. Pete, Apollo Beach is teeming with wildlife on land and on the water. At this four-day festival, you’ll find a free expo with nature organizations and artwork, daily field and boat trips to sites not accessible to the public, and expert wildlife and conservation seminars. Nature aficionados won’t want to miss this opportunity at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Suncoast Youth Conservation Center.

Where to Dock: Apollo Beach Marina

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PALM BEACH KENNEL CLUB 2022 MUTT DERBY

West Palm Beach

October 22

Has your dog always wanted to be an (un)professional racer? Now is Fido’s time to shine! Register your pup for a day full of zoomies, Doggie Costume Contest, and plenty of BBQ and entertainment for the whole family. Proceeds benefit Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch.

Where to Dock: Palm Harbor Marina

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CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY

Clearwater

October 14-16

No matter your music taste, you’re sure to find something to jam out to at this three-day festival, from smooth jazz and blues to funk and zydeco. You’ll find plenty of vendors at the festival, and Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood offers old-school charm and Latin American eateries. St. Petersburg offers hip breweries, coffee shops and more.

Where to Dock: Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina

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SARASOTA WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL

Sarasota

October 22

Join in a celebration of life at the Water Lantern Festival this fall. Start the day with food trucks, music and family- friendly fun, and end by releasing your personalized lantern on the water at sunset.

Where to Dock: Marina Jack

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FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Fort Lauderdale

October 26-30

The largest in-water boat show in the world offers viewings and demos of everything from superyachts to kayaks and fishing gear. Stop by the Superyacht Village to sip a cocktail on one of the most luxurious boats in the world, the Convention Center for watersport and innovative boating gear demos, and take the family to a kid-friendly fishing seminar.

Where to Dock: 17th Street Yacht Basin, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Pier 66 Hotel & Marina

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NAPLES STONE CRAB FESTIVAL

Naples

October 28-30

Join the Old Naples Waterfront Association in the historic center to kick off stone crab season! Eat stone crab to your heart’s content in a prime harvesting location of the tasty crustacean and enjoy plenty of entertainment, from live music to local galleries and craft vendors. floridarambler.com/florida-festivals/ florida-seafood-festivals-calendar

Where to Dock: Naples Bay Resort & Marina

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NOVEMBER

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58TH ANNUAL FLORIDA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Apalachicola

November 4-5

Cruise to the charming Apalachicola, tucked away among expansive wildlife reserves and just a bay away from the Gulf. Along with some of the best oysters and seafood you can eat, the whole family will enjoy a parade, carnival, Blessing of the Fleet, hours of live music every day, and competitions such as the oyster shucking contest and blue crab races.  

Where to Dock: Apalachicola Marina

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RIGHT WHALE FESTIVAL

Fernandina Beach

November 5

Celebrate the annual return of the North Atlantic right whale to the coasts of Florida and Georgia to give birth and nurse their young in historic Fernandina Beach. Learn about threats and conservation efforts for these gentle giants, participate in a beach clean-up, and enjoy family fun at educational exhibits, athletic events, and food and craft vendors.

Where to Dock: Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Beach

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KEY WEST OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Key West

November 6-13

Cruise to Key West for three days of epic racing and a full week of family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the World’s Fastest Boat Parade on the first Sunday, or any three of the races throughout the week: the Truman Waterfront Cup, Southernmost Continental Champion, and Championship. Use downtime to explore the Race Village at Truman Waterfront and try out local pubs, shops and restaurants.

Where to Dock: Conch Harbor Marina

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SIESTA KEY CRYSTAL CLASSIC INTERNATIONAL SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL

Sarasota

November 11-14

Visit Siesta Key Beach to watch sculptors from around the world turn piles of white sand into sculpted masterpieces. Professional competitors have 24 hours to build their pieces, and visitors have the chance to participate in amateur sand-sculpting competitions and see the masters at work.  

Where to Dock: Safe Harbor Siesta Key

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SARASOTA FALL FINE ART FESTIVAL

Sarasota

November 19-20

Art connoisseurs and amateurs alike will love this boutique art competition and festival in the scenic cultural center of Sarasota. Masters of different media—ceramics, jewelry, graphic art, painting, and more—will put the best of their work on display for patrons to browse and buy to their hearts’ content.

Where to Dock: Marina Jack

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ST. AUGUSTINE NIGHT OF LIGHTS

St. Augustine

November 19-January 31

Ready to get in the holiday spirit? Cruise back to St. Augustine as early as before Thanksgiving for a dazzling display of more than 3 million lights in the historic district. Gaze in awe at the twinkly lights and find photo ops at the Bridge of Lions and the Christmas tree at the center of Plaza de la Constitución. Enjoy the sounds of the All Star Orchestra on the first night and stroll to businesses open later than usual.

Where to Dock: St. Augustine Municipal Marina

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DECEMBER

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ART BASEL

Miami Beach

December 1-3

Since the 1970s, this annual art extravaganza brings works of contemporary and modern pieces by renowed and emerging artists from around the world to showcase in Miami. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, for three days the public can gaze upon unique masterpieces presented by leading galleries from five continents.

Where to Dock: Sunset Harbour Yacht Club

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OCEAN REEF CLUB VINTAGE WEEKEND

Key Largo, FL

December 1-4

This annual four-day event showcases classic antique yachts, automobiles and aircraft to celebrate those who restore vintage collections. Experience a full schedule of events kicking off with a welcome party and dinner buffet on Thursday, then a weekend packed with drive-bys, shows, dinners, cocktail receptions, a costume party and more.

Where to Dock: Ocean Reef Club

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HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES

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With so many spectacular lighted boat parades on the coasts of Florida, we couldn’t choose just one! Dock at any of these coastal towns on the first three Saturdays of December to ring in the season on the festive Florida waterfronts.

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Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
December 3

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Palm Coast Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade
December 3

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The Seminole Hard Rock Winter Boat Parade
December 10

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St. Augustine Regatta of Lights
December 10

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Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade
December 10

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Northwest Cape Coral 2nd Annual Boat Parade
December 17

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Hurricanes are nature’s grandest, most ferocious storms. They fascinate us, and they repel us. As a radio news and weather reporter in Miami for 30 years, my grandfather was obsessed with hurricanes. (Confession: I am, too.) Using colored pencils and a wooden ruler, he meticulously plotted their paths onto an enormous paper map tacked up on the wall of his study. It was a beautiful and mesmerizing record of these ferocious and complicated storms that somehow feel alive as they zigzag and wobble across the ocean like drunken sailors.

Science has improved dramatically since my grandfather’s era. A fleet of Earth- observing satellites providing real-time data now help thousands of scientists around the world answer three age-old questions: Where and when will the hurricane hit and how strong will it be? Modern forecasts are pretty accurate. Long gone is the day when a storm could sneak up and hit without any warning. Here are the stories of three men who helped pave the way.

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Three Who Paved the Way for How We Track & Predict Hurricanes Today

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Father Hurricane

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When the regime of Queen Isabella II of Spain collapsed in 1868, many who supported her thought it wise to flee the country. Father Benito Viñes, a Jesuit priest and educator, was one of them. He emigrated to Cuba and found a position as director of the meteorological observatory in Havana. Shocked by the damage hurricanes regularly inflicted upon the island, he made it his mission to learn everything he could about them.

Within five years of arriving, Father Viñes knew more about hurricanes than any living person. He was the first to discover that the cloud pattern and the behavior of the wind well in advance of a storm could be used to track it accurately. Using this information, he designed the “Antilles cyclonoscope,” a kind of slide-rule that could estimate from a considerable distance the current position of a hurricane and calculate its likely path. Up until then, weather observers could tell when a hurricane was coming but not where it was going.

His first forecast was published in a Havana newspaper on September 11, 1875 — two days before an intense hurricane ravaged the southern coast of Cuba. Many lives were saved because of the timely warning. Throughout the 1880s he exchanged hurricane information with other weather observers across the Caribbean via telegraph. It was the first hurricane warning system and a model the United States. Weather Service later emulated it. Father Viñes was so well-respected that for a short time hurricanes were even called Viñesas and identified numerically. The pronunciation, however, was difficult for Americans, so the practice ceased. Father Viñes died in 1893.

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The Aerial Acrobat

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Len Povey was a self-taught pilot who flew with the new U.S. Army Air Service until 1922 when he left to pursue a more “colorful” career testing race planes, flying bootleg liquor and barnstorming over the Great Lakes as a headliner with a flying circus. His aerial acrobatics at the All-American Air Maneuvers show in Miami in 1934 caught the eye of a Cuban Air Force official who hired him to train Cuban pilots and serve as the personal pilot for Fulgencio Batista, the chief of the armed forces and later president and dictator of the island nation.

When Cuba’s Weather Service detected a storm intensifying several hundred miles east of the island in early September 1935, Len Povey volunteered to help pinpoint the location and movement of the storm. He jumped in his Curtiss Hawk II, an open cockpit biplane, and flew over the Straits of Florida where he located the hurricane farther north than predicted and moving northwestward toward the Florida Keys. The Cubans dispatched a warning, but it was too late. Later that same day, the storm roared ashore at Islamorada, FL, with winds of 200 m.p.h. and a 20-foot storm surge that drowned more than 400 people, mostly Army veterans who were building the Overseas Railroad.

Povey later joined the faculty at Embry-Riddle, a private Florida college focused on aviation and aerospace programs, where he was a tireless advocate for aerial hurricane patrols. However, the type of reconnaissance mission he envisioned didn’t happen until July 1943, when Air Force Colonel Joe Duckworth flew a plane directly into the eye of a hurricane churning toward Galveston, TX. Len Povey died in 1984. His obituary claimed he survived a mid-air collision and an encounter with a turkey buzzard that sheared off a portion of his plane’s wing.

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The Data Cruncher

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One of the most recognized voices on hurricanes in the late 20th century emanated ironically from a mile-high lab at Colorado State University. That voice was Dr. William Gray, a professor of tropical meteorology from 1961 until 2005.

Bill Gray grew up in Washington, DC, wanting to be a baseball player. He was a standout pitcher for George Washington University until he hurt his knee. During service in the Air Force, he turned to a career in climatology. He once told the Los Angeles Times he was inspired to study hurricanes after he flew a plane through one off the east coast of Florida in 1958.

Dr. Gray was an outlier when it came to hurricanes. He eschewed computer modeling, focusing instead on observational science: historical storm data, old maps featuring storm patterns, and statistics on wind speed, water temperatures and other meteorological factors. He was the first to determine that the intensity and frequency of storms in the Atlantic was cyclical and that likelihood of a hurricane reaching the East Coast of the United States depended on a variety of factors including the amount of rainfall in Africa and the impact of El Niño (the periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean that produces powerful winds that shear off the tops of storms developing in the Atlantic). In short, he figured out Mother Nature’s recipe for powerful storms.

In 1984 Dr. Gray unveiled the first Atlantic seasonal hurricane forecast and quickly became a hurricane superstar and media darling. He, however, considered his greatest legacy the students whom he taught and mentored, many of whom went on to become leaders in weather research and forecasting. He died in 2016.

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Check out Marinalife's recent article about How Hurricanes Get Their Names.

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Hurricane Tracking Apps for Your Phone

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You don’t need all six of these apps, but we’re certain you’ll find one here that you like. All are available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

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THE WEATHER CHANNEL

Rain radar, storm tracker and severe weather warnings help you prepare for hurricane season, as well as storms and heavy rain. Monitor live radar updates, an hourly rain tracker, storm radar news, and local weather forecast on the go. Free. Available in English and 30 other languages.

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER DATA

Official data, custom graphics, updates and maps from National Hurricane Center (NHC) experts. Considered the grandparent of all hurricane trackers. Free. Available in English and French.

WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Reliable, real-time and hyperlocal forecasts combining data from 250,000+ personal weather stations and a proprietary forecast model provide an incredibly accurate local forecast. Interactive radar and customizable severe weather alerts. Free. Available in English and 30 other languages.

CLIME

Previously called NOAA Radar, this is a good hurricane tracker app, because it lets you overlay rain, radar or satellite images on top of the tracker. This gives you a detailed look at what’s happening in the storm. Add multiple locations to the map to get alerted if you’re in the path of a hurricane. Free. Multiple languages. Paid upgrade packages available.

RADARSCOPE

If you’re willing to spend some money on an app favored by weather nerds and professional storm chasers, then check out RadarScope. The learning curve is steeper than with others, but it features high-resolution radar data sourced from NOAA’s next generation radar and Doppler Weather Radar. Available in English, French, German and Spanish.

HURRICANE – AMERICAN RED CROSS

Monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe. Free. Available in English and Spanish.

When cruising the Chesapeake Bay and reaching the midsection where the Bay Bridge straddles the Eastern and Western shores, many boaters think of Kent Island as just a convenient stop for fuel and provisions. But taking time to explore this island reveals a lovely destination teeming with an array of amenities and attractions.

As the largest island in the Bay (nearly 32 square miles), its 157 miles of shoreline offer plenty of places to dock. Most of the restaurants, bars, hotels and commercial activity happens along Route 50, especially around Kent Narrows, the passage spanned by a bridge that delivers guests to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The lower part of the island is home to gracious homes, cornfields and coves where watermen harvest their daily catch.

Terrapin Nature Park, on the northwest section of the island, is home to a 3.2-mile walking trail that presents spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and introduces hikers to woodlands, tidal pools and wildlife. Walkers and bikers relish the flat, easy terrain. A few miles south, Matapeake Park offers a clubhouse, picnic area, woods for shade and a beach with a canine section where the entire crew — including Fido — can take a dip.

Along Route 50, the busy highway that leads to the Delaware beaches, stands an historic marker that declares this land in 1631 became the first English settlement in Maryland and the third oldest in America after Jamestown, VA, and Plymouth, MA. For centuries, the island was home to fishing villages and farms. The walking tour of Stevensville showcases the Victorian architecture in restored houses and train station.

Modern attractions include some unexpected amenities: two small airports located near marinas and two vineyards (Love Point Vineyards and Cascia Vineyards) on gorgeous waterfront properties. Cult Classic Brewery and Oh My Chocolates round out the secret indulgences.

Take a tour of Paul Reed Smith Guitars that designs instruments for celebrity musicians such as Carlos Santana and John Mayer, putt on smooth greens at Blue Heron Golf Course, or enjoy a seagull’s perspective on Delmarva Balloon Rides.

When all this outdoor fun leaves you wanting a bite or a brew, Kent Island’s restaurants accommodate any whim from the casual Big Owl’s Tiki Bar to the upscale Kent Island Resort. Most are clustered around Kent Narrows; all present stellar sunsets.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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Bay Bridge Marina
410-643-3162
Conveniently located at the base of the Bay Bridge, this marina accommodates vessels from 30 to 50 feet. Resort-level amenities include fuel, full-service yacht yard, two ship stores, bar and restaurant, swimming pool and more.

Kentmorr Marina
410-643-0029
This angler’s paradise hosts 20 charter boat captains for excursions to hook rockfish, bluefish and other delicacies. Vessels up to 45 feet are welcome, and guests enjoy amenities such as fuel, two fish-cleaning stations, and a restaurant and tiki bar with a view of the bridge.

Piney Narrows Yacht Haven
410-643-6600
The sheltered marina offers 278 open and covered slips for boats up to 67 feet. Pump out is free with fuel purchase, and repair services are on-site. Other amenities: swimming pool, picnic area, boaters’ lounge, nearby restaurants, bars, charter captains and great destinations nearby.

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WHERE TO DINE

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Amalfi Coast
443-249-3426
Classic coastal Italian cuisine, from fresh insalate to pasta and pizza, gets rave reviews at this cozy eatery in historic downtown Stevensville.

Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen & Cocktails
410-604-0999
Under new management this year, Libbey’s presents spectacular sunsets over the Bay Bridge at its indoor seating and large outdoor deck, while serving a nice sampling of dishes from the land and sea.

Kentmorr Restaurant & Crab House & Dirty Dave’s Tiki Bar
410-643-2263
Since 1954, this crab house has impeccably prepared Chesapeake cuisine at a charming marina. The thatched roof tiki bar on the beach creates a kick-back summer vibe.

Harris Crab House
410-827-9500
Family-owned for five generations, this iconic Bay eatery serves regional seafood year-round, featuring local steamed crabs, oysters and fried rockfish. The seafood processing plant next door guarantees freshness with every bite.

Red Eye’s Dock Bar
410-304-2072
This recently expanded hot spot delivers entertainment from the lone acoustic guitarist to six-piece rock bands and the Father’s Day Bikini Contest. Pub food covers the standards with wings, sandwiches, nachos, crab cakes and more.

Fisherman’s Inn & Crab Deck
410-827-6666
For decades, this traditional crab deck and seafood house has welcomed visitors to Maryland’s Eastern Shore cooking with a fantastic waterfront view and steamed crabs and oysters from the region.

Bridges
410-827-0282
Bridges’ open and breezy design sets a beautiful stage for dining indoors or on its expansive deck. The chef takes a contemporary spin on fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads and pizza, while guests relish spectacular Kent Narrows views.

AS YOU CRUISE into the Great Salt Pond along Block Island’s western shore, Champlin’s Marina greets you with cool blue waters and a warm welcome.

Owned and operated by TPG Marinas, the spacious marina boasts 100 wet slips and floating docks accommodating vessels up to 225’ with 15’ drafts, as well as a floating dinghy dock. Amenities include a fuel station, shower facilities, gas fire pits and a swimming pool that overlooks a stunning waterfront view.

Guests can enjoy a plethora of activities on the island from watersports to sightseeing. Rent kayaks, paddleboats, paddleboards and pontoon bikes to putter around the pond or cruise along the shoreline on single-rider or tandem bicycles. Play outdoor games with the kids or kick back at the pool bar.

The hotel offers 42 nautical-themed guest rooms with waterfront views and easy access to on-site eateries. Dine al fresco and enjoy fresh New England seafood at The Galley House restaurant, sip classic cocktails at Pier 76 dock bar and indulge in sweets, treats and libations at The Sugar Shack ice cream shop. Café Boutique coffee shop offers a quick stop for convenient grab-and-go items.

In 2021, the property went under a complete renovation, updated dining offerings and added new event space with a tent area alongside the charming pier. The marina also launched the new Champlin’s Choice Program, which offers members unlimited access to bike rentals and non-motorized watersports.

Experience true island life with a 25-minute walk into town to visit attractions and unwind at the beaches. Notable sites to visit include South East Lighthouse at Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island North Light and Rodman’s Hollow. Animal lovers should visit 1661 Exotic Farm and Gardens, Abrams Animal Farm or the Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve across from Clay Head Nature Trail.

The resort neighbors a variety of Block Island’s sandy shores such as Crescent Beach, Frederick J. Benson Town Beach, Mansion Beach and Scotch Beach. At the south end of the island, gorgeous views at Black Rock Beach, Vaill Beach and Mohegan Bluffs are minutes away.

“Champlin’s is a staple in the Block Island community,” says Dockmaster Bailey Ziobro. “Whether you choose to relax poolside, sip on a mudslide or listen to live music under the stars, we know we’ll leave you with memories to last a lifetime.”

Catch local events through the year including a farmers’ market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in June, Blues on the Block concerts in July, movie nights on Tuesdays throughout the summer and the annual Run Around the Block Race in September.

Sugar Spice and Everything Nice

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When the end of the cruising season in the southern Caribbean was upon us, we did what many Caribbean cruisers do: We sailed south for Grenada. We delayed as long as possible, knowing the hurricane season was upon us, but we didn’t want to be forced south. I had one impression of Grenada, and that was of rotting boats and retired sailors. It was a cruisers graveyard, or so I thought, and I was far from accepting an end to our sailing days.

Grenada is the southernmost group of islands in the Lesser Antilles archipelago as well as the name of the main island in a cluster of eight smaller islands and about a dozen smaller islets and cays. The only thing I knew of its geography prior to arriving was that it was one of the few island groups in the Caribbean far enough south to be considered out of the hurricane belt. So, it was ironic that on our first day in the country we had to shelter in the mangroves from a Category 1 storm.

As we lashed our boat Ātea’s bow to densely bound tree roots and secured lines to the cleats of yachts on either side of us, our small unit became part of the larger, unified collective. Little did we realize that this interconnection would be representative of our Grenadian experience.

Safely through the storm, we disbanded and spread out to explore our new surroundings. We completed our clearance in Carriacou, Grenada’s northern sister island, and were amazed to see a hundred or so yachts anchored in Tyrell Bay, Carriacou’s main harbor. I knew Grenada was popular, but if the numbers of boats in Carriacou were anything to judge by, I’d have to cope with much larger crowds when we travelled farther south.

The south coast of Grenada not only provides the most settled weather, but it’s riddled with about a dozen safe harbors from the dominant easterly swell. It’s the reason cruisers gather on Grenada’s south coast and also the reason why they remain. Some stay for hurricane season, some use the island as a base for a few years, others retire from active cruising and either settle or sell. One thing was certain: Grenada was far more than the end of the line.

Before making the journey south, however, we wanted to stretch out the season by adding a short circumnavigation around Carriacou, known as “The Isle of Reefs” to the Kalinago people (the original Island Caribs). We spent our time there dodging bommies (submerged coral reefs) and soaking up the tropical island experience with our feet in the sand, our bellies in the water and our hands on a bottle of rum.

We stopped at Petite Martinique, the third and smallest of the three main islands. There we enjoyed rugged, rocky beaches and side-stepped clusters of goats grazing the green rolling hills as we hiked up Mount Piton for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. We climbed down into the Darant Bay Cave for framed views of the same islands at sea level.

Of course, we couldn’t miss a few sundowners on Mopion, a tiny sand mound rising amid expansive coral reef with a single thatched beach umbrella perched in the center. While technically a part of the Grenadines, its proximity to Petite Martinique made a quick dash across the border for a sip in the shade of this unique little spot a worthwhile experience. Carriacou is an island surrounded by unspoiled reef, and it did not disappoint. A quick tour of her perimeter was the perfect way to salute the end of an amazing Caribbean season.

With a quick stop-over in Ronde Island, a beautiful private island that’s halfway between Carriacou and Grenada, we continued our transit south. Again, I hadn’t prepared myself for the wild beauty of Grenada’s west coast. Mile after mile of dense, lush forest cascade down the leeward side of the island from peak to sea.

We hugged the coastline as we sailed the 13 miles down the west coast, looking up at 2,700 feet of volcanic rock and shear waterfalls that fed small rivers that ran down the slopes of the mountainous interior to the coast. While Grenada is well reputed as a tourist destination for holidaymakers seeking either a sun- drenched party or quiet refuge on one of its 45 beaches, I knew from sailing the coast that my preferences would draw me inland.

Grenada’s coastline contains many large bays, but most yachts head for safe anchorage behind one of the many narrow peninsulas that split up the southern coastline. As we pulled into Prickly Bay, the first of Grenada’s southern harbors, I knew from the crowd of yachts that I would escape to the interior as soon as possible. As it turned out, I didn’t get that chance. As soon as we dropped anchor, we were invited ashore for a cruiser’s jam session to reconnect with friends from past seasons.

The following day we crammed into the back seat of a taxi on our way to an event for the annual Chocolate Festival, and our schedule quickly filled after that with tours of cocoa plantations, cocoa grinding competitions, chocolate tastings and chocolate drawing contests. In additional to the island’s cultural events, we were also immediately drawn into the cruiser’s social scene.

On our first week of arrival our mornings were already booked into early morning yoga and bootcamp on the beach. The kids joined a cruiser’s homeschooling collective and regular extracurricular activities that were held under the shade of the trees. If we weren’t listening to live music or joining the locals’ beach barbecues in the evenings, we were sitting poolside and sipping beers from a $5 bucket with other cruisers at Le Phare Bleu, a boutique hotel that opened its amenities and services to cruisers during the pandemic.

Every morning offered an activity, and every evening we joined a social get-to-gether, so the weeks flew by in a social extravaganza unlike any we’d experienced. As yachts gather in Grenada every year for the hurricane season, the regularity of this influx of boats resulted in a solid cruising community and a variety of services and events. Far more than a collection of retired boats and sunburnt seamen, my preconceived notions of Grenada didn’t come close to the reality of the vibrant cruising network that existed on this popular island.

As we made new friends and reconnected with old ones, we really enjoyed the buzz that the tight community offered.

Pulling myself out of continuous activity took a concerted effort, but I eventually dragged the family off the beach and up the mountains.

After our trip into the interior, I developed a new passion for my time in Grenada: A short bus journey followed by a hike into the forest would lead us to one of Grenada’s many waterfalls. Unlike other tourist destinations where fees were handed over and you’d stand under falls next to groups of other tourists, we had the rivers for free and all to ourselves. Some of the trails were near the road, and we’d hop on and off a bus to walk the short distance to the falls. Others, such as Seven Sisters and the Concord Falls, required planning as it took a full day to hike in and out of the forest, clambering up steep banks and crisscrossing the river to wind through deep forest and get a view from the top.

Each part of the river that ran down from one of the six inland lakes had its own magic, and I was enthusiastic to see what each had to offer. Later I appreciated all that I’d experienced of Grenada’s inland beauty. As I paid $20 per person to stand in crowds under cascading water at Costa Rica’s most popular waterfalls, I couldn’t help but compare it to all that I’d seen in Grenada’s secluded, remote interior.

In additional to nature, we explored some of the historical roots of Grenada’s past. Grenada’s original economy was based on sugar cane and indigo, and with that, slaves were imported in the mid-17th century to work and harvest crops. We set out to search for some of the old plantation houses and slave pens that remained from that period, which took us on a wild tramp through the backstreets of quiet neighborhoods and into unmarked bush to find these lost relics.

It was quite the education for our children to see small, dank, windowless, stone slave quarters set behind grand old houses, a potent reminder of darker times in this beautiful and vibrant country. We also smelled and sampled some of Grenada’s current crops, nutmeg, mace and cocoa at the top of the list of exports, and enjoyed local culinary treats such as oil down, a vegetable stew that is the country’s national dish. Thanks to these excursions we can say that Grenada is, both figuratively and literally, full of sugar and spice.

Cruising often leaves you tied to the boat and, therefore, the sea. Grenada offered a wonderful period of enjoying the most of both land and sea in equal balance, so we were able to get the most of what the country has to offer. To see the beaches but not the forest, lakes and rivers offers only half the experience; likewise, to spend time inland but not explore the coast leaves only half an impression. As Grenada offers safe anchorage throughout the hurricane season, cruisers remain nearby for an extended period, sharing experiences and building friendships. This is unique for a community that is typically very transient, and it offers plenty of opportunity to create a home away from home atmosphere.

In addition, suitable yacht services are available, so that time spent waiting for the next season gives everyone a chance to get much needed repair work done. Far from being the end of the line, Grenada offers an interim rest stop where friendships are forged and yachts are restored on an island that offers a range of activities and opportunities both on and above the waterline.

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Article and photos by Kia Koropp

Southern hospitality just got a bit cozier at this North Carolina marina community.

In the town of Oriental, River Dunes’ 28-acre inland basin marina boasts 126 slips with full-length finger piers for vessels up to 150 feet. The protected deep-water harbor along the Pamlico Sound and mouth of the Neuse River offers easy access from the ICW.

When you arrive at River Dunes, not only will you find upscale amenities and friendly customer service, but you also step into a bustling Harbor Village packed with provisions, shopping, activities and luxury accommodations.

Unwind in the 4,000 square-foot wellness and fitness facility overlooking views of Grace Harbor and the Neuse River, or have a spa day in the lounge offering three treatment rooms for massages, facials and relaxation.

Dine on-site at Yawl’s Café in the heart of Harbor Village, grab ice cream, snacks and shop retail at Grace Harbor Provision Company, or explore interior design at The Red Rickshaw home furnishings showroom. Enjoy activities such as biking, exploring beautiful scenery, paddling the backwaters and fishing at the Lakehouse. A fuel dock and concierge boating services are available.

River Dunes is pleased to announce that they were chosen as this year’s 2022 Southern Living Idea House, an annual tribute to home design. Gorgeous wrap-around porches, hardwood floors, hand-painted stairs and more than 4,000 square feet of art, lavish furniture and intricate details make up the design of this home.

“We’re honored that Southern Living chose River Dunes,” says President Ed Mitchell. “Their selected team; architect, interior designer, builder and many others came together to create a magnificent house.” “They’re familiar with River Dunes’ quality of architecture and design, and they wanted to put this year’s house in a community that shares those same standards as their publication,” says Mitchell.

Marina guests and visiting boaters can tour the Idea House Thursday-Sunday until December. Guests can witness the harbor transform into a holiday village as the Southern Living team will return in November to decorate the house with seasonal cheer. Take advantage of the River Dunes Harbor Club and Marina for a uniquely relaxing stopover on the ICW or a longer stay with monthly and annual leases also available.

Marinalife members can enjoy a 10% discount on Idea House Tours at riverdunesideahouse.com; code: MARINALIFE.

Our Journey Around the Big Bend Route

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For those traveling the Great Loop or cruising from Florida’s panhandle to its west coast, crossing the Gulf of Mexico is often one of the most anticipated stages of the trip.

You can generally choose between two ways to approach the crossing—the Direct Route or Big Bend Route. Both routes typically start in Carrabelle, FL, and end at Anclote Key/Tarpon Springs, FL. The direct route is 150 nautical miles in open water with zero stops. The Big Bend Route covers 224 nautical miles that keeps you closer to the coast and includes several stops.

During our Great Loop, we always had our eyes set on the Big Bend Route. We wanted to see the towns along the coast, and cruising at 7 knots for 20+ hours straight didn’t sound very appealing. The preference for each route depends on the boater, boat (some channels can get skinny) and weather. Because both routes involve cruising in open waters, a good weather window during all of your travel days is highly recommended. We had a great weather window, a 3.5-foot draft and a very fun group of boats to travel with, making the Big Bend Route a perfect choice for us.

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Starting Point: Carrabelle, FL

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After filling up our fuel and water tanks, we attended the nightly meeting-turned-docktails of cruisers who planned to cross the Gulf the next day. At the meeting, we divided into groups based on preferred routes and boat speeds, so we could find our “pack” to travel with. Some boats can go 20+ mph and can do the direct crossing in a day, others may go a little slower and decide to start at night. We had countless options.

We stayed at The Moorings of Carrabelle and formed our pack with two other boats that had a fun crew, went our speed and chose to take the same route as we did. If looking for something to do while waiting to cross, walk or bike to the Bottle House, a pentagon-shaped structure with an accompanying lighthouse made with more than 6,000 glass bottles built by a retired art professor in his backyard. On your way, take a photo at the world’s smallest police station.

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Stop 1: Dog Island

Estimated mileage: 7 NM

Instead of starting our crossing directly from Carrabelle, we decided to spend a night at Dog Island East Anchorage, the farthest protected waters from Carrabelle before entering the Gulf. While some start their Gulf crossing straight from Carrabelle, we wanted to have fun on the beach and dinghy around. Plus, it helped take an hour off the longest and most exposed leg of the journey. When approaching the island, follow the charts and use Google map satellite imaging to see where the shallow sections end.

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Stop 2: Steinhatchee, FL

Estimated mileage: 65 NM

Steinhatchee is undoubtedly a sport fishing town. When we pulled up to Sea Hag Marina, we were captivated by the huge fish cleaning stations where fishermen were cleaning their catch from the day. Some restaurants were located about a 1.5 mile walk from the marina, but otherwise we didn’t find much else to see within walking distance. But the marina is protected and a secure place to tie up for the night after accomplishing the longest open water crossing of the Big Bend Route. The four-mile channel for your approach is well marked, but it can get busy with fishing boats.

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Stop 3: Cedar Key, FL

Estimated mileage: 52 NM

Home to some of the best clam chowder in the country, Cedar Key has no shortage of things to do. It is almost entirely surrounded by water, tucked away in between islands where the town was originally located in the 1800s. You can find coffee shops, art co-ops, seafood restaurants (clamming is the big industry), a wildlife refuge and a local grocery store that has surprisingly good baby back ribs.

Also be sure to check out the cemetery on Atsena Otie Key Island to discover graves of early residents of Cedar Key from the 1800s. We stayed at Atsena Otie Key Anchorage and noted that a few channels flowed in and out of Cedar Key. We took the southern main shipping channel and didn’t have any issues with depth. The anchorage does not have a lot of protection if weather becomes rough.

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Stop 4: Crystal River, FL

Estimated mileage: 36 NM

Manatees can only tolerate water temperatures above 68 degrees, so when the Gulf gets cold in the winter, manatees head up to Crystal River where natural freshwater springs guzzle water at a constant 72 degrees. This means more than 400 manatees come each year to hang in the Crystal River waters and protected areas without being disturbed.

It’s not uncommon to see manatees swim right up to your boat in the anchorage, but the best place to swim with them is a short dinghy, kayak or paddleboard ride up to the entrance of Three Sisters Springs. No boats are allowed in the protected springs, so bring your snorkel set, tie up your boat near the entrance and hop in for the chance to get up close with the manatees. If you’d rather see them by land, grab a shuttle from the Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center downtown to the park.

The town also hosts a selection of fun restaurants and shops, making it worth a stop. Coffee at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters, lunch at Tea House 650 and seafood at The Crab Plant are some favorites. During this stop, we dropped anchor at Crystal River Anchorage, which is very protected and easy to get into town. Fuel is available nearby, and the pump out boat comes to you. We also noted that the marked channel is about 10 miles long and can be narrow and shallow at parts, so avoid going at low tide.

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Stop 5: Tarpon Springs, FL

Estimated mileage: 64 NM

Anclote Key is the start of the intercoastal waterway on the west coast of Florida and where many boaters anchor for the night after their Gulf crossing if they can’t find a slip in Tarpon Springs. We luckily got a slip and were so glad we did, otherwise we would never have experienced Tarpon Spring’s rich Greek history and natural sponge markets. Attracted by the sponge harvesting industry, Greek immigrants came to Tarpon Springs starting in the early 1900s, and now it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the entire country. That means no shortage of excellent Greek food, pastries and culture, as well as a robust natural sponge market. We stayed at Belle Harbour Marina, but Tarpon Springs City Marina is also a great spot.

While the two routes provide different experiences, there really is no “right route.” Whichever way you go, the waters guarantee dolphin action, crab-pot dodging (hopefully not snagged like happened to us), and a celebration when you make it into port.

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Article and Photos by Kate Carney

WHICH OF THESE RENOWNED SEAFOOD TOWNS WILL HOOK YOU?

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Location

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BEAUFORT, NC

Beaufort lies on an inlet leading south to the Atlantic and is considered part of North Carolina’s “Inner Banks” and the Crystal Coast. The Crystal Coast spans 85 miles of stunning coastline in southern North Carolina, including 56 miles of protected beach of the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

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FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

Located on historic Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Visitors will find easy access to Jacksonville, the mouth of the St. Mary’s River, and coastal destinations in southern Georgia such as Cumberland Island.

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HISTORY

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BEAUFORT, NC

Established in 1709, Beaufort was originally known as Fishtown, having been a fishing village and port of safety since the late 1600s. In addition to fishing, Beaufort was a hub for whaling, lumber, shipbuilding and farming. The earliest settlers made their mark by building Bahamian and West Indian-style homes, and the Plan of Beaufort Towne can still be seen in a 12-block historic district.

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FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

First settled in 1562, this town on historic Amelia Island went through many transformations under eight flags before it became what it is today. After the Civil War, Fernandina Beach became a bustling seaport and popular destination, called “The Queen of Summer Resorts” by many Northerners. Today’s visitors find themselves surrounded by the town’s lovely relics of the past — an historic district, Civil War port and the first cross-state railroad remain.

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BOATING ATTRACTIONS

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BEAUFORT, NC

Beaufort has a thriving scene for anglers. Cast your line off a dock downtown, book a charter or head north to Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge to catch flounder, trout and redfish. Boat tours and private charters are a popular way to experience the stunning views and wildlife of the Crystal Coast. See porpoises, dolphins and wild horses on the beach. Better yet, book with Cruisin’ Tikis Beaufort to imbibe while you observe. Dock at Beaufort Docks.

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FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

Pier fishing is huge on Amelia Island, and anglers should head to the George Crady Bridge, which spans one mile of Nassau Sound. Snag a variety of fish in the area, including redfish, whiting, seatrout, tarpon and flounder. Boaters can start aquatic excursions in either the Atlantic Ocean to the east or Amelia River to the west. Go on a solo adventure, or join a tour or charter by boat, kayak or watersport with the likes of Amelia River Tours, Amelia Adventures & Kayak or Riptide Watersports. Dock at Fernandina Harbor Marina.

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ACTIVITIES

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BEAUFORT, NC

History buffs will feel right at home in Beaufort. Visit the Beaufort Historic Site to learn the town’s story through nine preserved historic homes in the middle of town. Three different maritime museums, including the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and the Bonehenge Whale Center offer marine merriment for the whole family. And for a taste of Crystal Coast wildlife, head over to the Rachel Carson Reserve where wild horses and countless birds, reptiles and aquatic mammals roam free.

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FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

Fernandina Beach is known for its easy living. Amelia Island Welcome Center is a great place to revisit Fernandina’s history and plan your day. Make your way to Centre Street on the water to browse eclectic shops and bustling art galleries, taste wild-caught shrimp at a bistro, or grab a pint at the Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest tavern. If you’re in town on a Friday, you might stumble upon Sounds on Centre, a local concert series.

What in life prepared you for this job at The Wharf?

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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What’s new and exciting at The Wharf marina and waterfront district?

The Wharf Marina itself is new and exciting! The marina was just completed this past April. It’s a brand-new facility with amenities to match, including a club house, fuel dock with high-speed diesel, a dock shop and more!

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What is the number one attraction you recommend for first-time visitors to the Washington, DC, area?

It may be too obvious of a choice, but definitely the monuments on 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. Leigh Diemert General Manager The Wharf Marina Washington, DC What traits do you think every marina manager should possess? In this industry, adaptability is key, because every day has new challenges. I also think effective leaders know how to be assertive and kind simultaneously.

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If you didn’t work at a marina, what would your dream job be?

A chef! I love to cook; it brings out my creative side. It also gives me so much joy when my family tries a new dish that I prepare, and they enjoy it. I just love how food gathers everyone together.

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If you could own any type of boat or watercraft, what would it be?

Midnight Express. I love fishing and going FAST. So, they’re the perfect combo!

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What is your favorite marine animal and why?

Blue sharks. They are highly migratory and can be found off the coast of every continent, except Antarctica. Unfortunately, they’re the most fished shark species, so we should do more to protect them. What are the advantages or challenges to being a woman in the marina business? In the travel field, we often see women in secondary roles, like stewardess, housekeeping, etc. 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 have to work overtime to prove myself 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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What book do you believe every boater should read?

U.S.C.G. Safe Boating Regs

The Classic Beach Town

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Myrtle Beach has come a long way from its first hotel, Seaside Inn, which opened in 1901. Visitors at Seaside would pay a rate of $2 a night, and that included three meals. Now, Myrtle Beach is home to countless hotels and resorts.

The shifting dunes of Myrtle Beach have been home to Spanish colonists, pirates and U.S. military establishments, almost as transient as the seasonal hurricanes. The first inhabitants of the land, the Waccamaw and Winyah people, established the trail that is now Kings Highway, a local route to Savannah and Charleston. The South Carolina coast, also known as the Grand Strand, briefly hosted a Spanish settlement that was the site of the first rebellion by enslaved Africans in North America. Over the next 200 years, the South Carolina coast became a popular pirate hunting ground, most notably home to Blackbeard and Drunken Jack.

The pirates had the right idea. By land, colonizers found the Myrtle Beach area largely inaccessible, so it wasn’t until almost another 200 years that it became a vacation spot. However, by boat, Myrtle Beach is much more approachable.

For 50 years, beginning in the 1940s, Myrtle Beach was used as a military base, first for the U.S. Army Air Corps, then as the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. The demolition of the base in the 1990s made way for a shopping hub and town center, the current Market Common. There you find restaurants, shopping, a lake with walking paths and recreational fields. If you’re looking for a meal or more shop- ping after visiting the quirky souvenir shops near the shore, this is the place.

The modern developed ocean front is dotted with hotels, amusement parks and minigolf. Regular sized golfing opportunities are also abundant with many courses to choose from. Myrtle Beach doubles as a family friendly vacation spot and a lively destination for an adult getaway. If you’re with the kids, check out the Ripley’s locations. The aquarium is a crowd pleaser no matter your age. Broadway at the Beach is an entertainment center that caters to all ages with a museum, theater and more.

No matter your fancy, you’ll find something at Myrtle Beach. Make sure your itinerary includes a ride on the SkyWheel and a walk along the pier for amazing views of the South Carolina coast.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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Grande Dunes Marina
843-913-8530
Centrally located on the ICW, this full-service marina offers 126 wet slips accommodating power or sail up to 120’. The facilities are adjacent to Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, offering deluxe suites, vacation packages and easy access to local attractions.

Osprey Marina
843-215-5353
This secluded marina situated just off the ICW on a private, deepwater channel offers 135 wet slips and 142 indoor dry slips. The fuel dock accommodates vessels up to 90’, and complimentary pump-out services are available.

Harbourgate Marina Club
844-682-4223
This full-service 100-slip marina is located at an upscale resort in North Myrtle Beach. Amenities include a fuel dock, harbor store, plus activities including jetski rentals and dolphin cruises.

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WHERE TO DINE

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Sea Captain’s House
843-448-8082
Built in 1930, this iconic eatery is known for its stunning view of he water and delicious seafood, but their brunch menu has also become quite popular.

SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar
843-249-8800
Presenting fine dining on the Grand Strand, this upscale restaurant’s menu features contemporary, farm-to-table American dishes, paired with an award-winning wine list.

Fire & Smoke Gastropub
843-449-0085
The pub’s new menu features small plates, seafood and entrees, and brings some of the finer things, like handcrafted cocktails, to a family-friendly dining experience.

Dead Dog Saloon
843-651-0664
Located in Murrels Inlet just south of Myrtle Beach, this casual spot on a waterfront boardwalk dishes up seafood steam pots, fried local catch and meat dishes ranging from wings to BBQ. Come dance to music or watch goats nibble on marsh grasses nearby.

Beach Time All The Time

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If a West Coast trip is on your list, the largest recreational harbor should be at the top. The complex of Newport Beach, CA, is made up of multiple “villages’’ around the bay and farther south down the coast of Orange County. These smaller areas are Balboa Peninsula, Lido Marina Village, Mariner’s Mile, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Newport Center, Newport Coast and The Islands of Newport Harbor.

Balboa Peninsula, which separates Newport Bay from the Pacific Ocean, is home to the Wedge, a world-renowned destination for bodysurfing. Thanks to its beautiful weather, water sports are possible year-round. On the other end of Balboa Beach, you’ll find one of two piers on Newport Beach, including Balboa Pier with Balboa Fun Zone just across the street. The Oceanfront Walk on Balboa Peninsula is the quintessential beach trail, ideal for walking, running or biking along the water.

If you’re in the mood for hiking, the Newport area is riddled with trails. For some rugged and stunning views, make the journey to The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve where wildlife and rocky cliffs abound. Nature lovers also have the opportunity at Newport Beach to go whale watching and visit the Environmental Nature Center.

For your shopping pleasure, Fashion Island in Newport Center is a high-end mall serving as a one-stop-shop. Try not to shop until you drop at the mall, as the boutiques, galleries and other shops dispersed throughout the villages, especially at Lido and Balboa Island, are also worth a visit.

Top off your day at the beach with a classic Balboa bar ice cream and find a place to watch the sunset before heading to Corona del Mar as night falls to cozy up at the fire circles.

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WHERE TO DOCK

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CRC Marinas‍

With a total of 455 boat slips, upscale amenities and exclusive beachfront access, the Newport Harbor boasts four locations operated by CRC Marinas. From
west to east along Newport’s main channel, you can find Bayshore Marina, Balboa Marina, Villa Cove Marina and Bayside Marina, all with easy access to dining, local attractions and luxury resorts.

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WHERE TO DINE

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Nobu‍

949-429-4440

If you’re looking for a dining experience even celebrities would be envious of, reserve a table at the iconic Japanese restaurant for world-class sushi and a stunning view of the Lido Marina.

Tavern House Kitchen & Bar‍

949-673-8464

Two veteran Orange County restaurateurs, David Wilhelm and Gregg Solomon, offer beautiful meals with a view at this waterside location. Tavern House’s menu is dominated by seafood dishes and comfort food.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood‍

949-720-9925

With an in-house sommelier, your meal will be a perfectly balanced California experience. Steak and fresh seafood, served with a side of live music, is the name of the game at Eddie V’s.

Beachcomber Cafe at Crystal Cove‍

949-376-6900

Only steps from the sand this tropical eatery specializes in California fare and has a bar with a thatched roof that compliments cool, summery cocktails.

AS YOU AMBLE THE WHITE BEACHES of the Alabama Coast, you leave footprints on sands that once were the tops of the Appalachian Mountains. Transported south at the end of the last Ice Age, the sand is composed of pure white quartz crystals that create the legendary white sugar grains of Alabama beaches. A casual seaside village, an unspoiled natural island and a genteel cosmopolitan city thrive along the history-rich coastline.

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Day 1: Orange Beach

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A dynamic beach town surrounded by water in all directions, Orange Beach is a fishing wonderland nicknamed the “Red Snapper Capital of the World.” From the bayous to the reefs, and all the way out to the oil rigs, catches include several delicacies beside snapper. The abundance of fresh seafood dishes is found everywhere from shore shack to posh resort.

Unable to drag those toes away from the sand? Make tracks for The Gulf, a casual chic seaside hideaway with a unique shipping container design. Hang out at the bar or a communal table sipping and nibbling in the fragrant salty air.

For eclectic Southern and French-inspired dishes, head off the beaten path to Cosmo’s on Canal Road. Live music on the wooden deck makes Cosmo’s a happy hour favorite. Their Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish is on Alabama tourism’s list of “100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die.” Leave room for Soul Lovin’ Puddin’ or Peanut Butter Pie to finish.

Work off some of those Puddin’ calories on one of the 15 trails at Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail Complex. The hiking path winds among six distinct ecosystems within its 6,180 acres. For a more leisurely day, soak up the sunshine on one of the many public beaches.

Orange Beach Marina offers two retail stores and two award-winning restaurants. In a fully protected harbor off Terry Cove just minutes from the Gulf at Perdido Pass and the ICW, it accommodates yachts to 130 feet. Nearby Saunders Yachtworks is family-owned and offers a full-service boatyard.

Where to Dock: Orange Beach Marina

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Day 2: Dauphin Island

Orange Beach to Dauphin Island — 28 NM

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As a barrier island, Dauphin is part of a complex estuarine environment that includes sandy beaches, tidal marshes and shallow lagoons rich in sea life. Attractions on the east end of the island include historic Fort Gaines, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Indian Shell Mound Park and Audubon Bird Sanctuary. On the west end are beautiful shimmering beaches, public golf courses and parks shaded by ancient oaks.

Dauphin Island is among the top four spots in North America for viewing spring bird migrations. A wide variety of species rest and recuperate on the 137 acres of the Audubon sanctuary whose unique geographic features include forests, marshes and dunes.

For thousands of years, the abundance of food, fresh water and other essential resources made this area a popular seasonal settlement for indigenous people. Indian Shell Mound Park is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the south. The mounds are believed to be the remnants of seafood meals consumed by Native Americans between 1100 and 1550. Today, Southeastern tribes maintain an ancestral connection to the ancient mounds’ original occupants.

A few blocks from the park is Light- house Bakery. Housed in an historic home, the front porch is a perfect setting for breakfast or one of their infamous cinnamon rolls with pecans. From there, it’s a short walk to The Hippie Fish boutique for not-too-touristy shirts and jewelry.

Any time of day is perfect for a smoothie, a fresh fruit bowl, an amazing waffle or ice cream at Foxy’s Waffle Bar and Sugar Den. Their motto: ALL CHILL! NO FRILL!

The sunsets on Dauphin Island are totally spectacular. View them from one of the local eateries or pick up the highly rated steamer pot from Skinner’s Seafood on Bienville Boulevard and dine on board as the sun sets.

The 235-slip Dauphin Island Marina sits at the base of Dauphin Island Bridge between the ICW and Mobile Bay. The full-service marina amenities include fuel, maintenance and a restaurant.

Where to Dock: Dauphin Island Marina

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Day 3: Mobile, AL

Dauphin Island to Mobile — 27 NM

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Mobile is one of America’s oldest cities, well known for its miles of streets canopied by majestic oaks. The city’s oldest living resident, the massive 300-year-old Duffee Oak, is just one of the city’s many centenarian live oaks. Beneath the hanging branches, large homes with sweeping front porches are adorned with hanging plants, swings and rockers with colorful pillows, and often a huge cat curled around itself.

Mobile celebrated the first Mardi Gras in the New World in 1703, long before the party began in New Orleans. Here it’s a family-oriented festival where Moon Pies are thrown along the parade route. Whether or not you’re in town for Mardi Gras, the Mobile Carnival Museum provides not only an excellent look into the history of one of the country’s oldest festivals, but also the design of the colorful costumes and the elaborate floats.

Beyond the usual must-see tourist stops—the blooms at Bellingrath Gardens, the retired battleship USS Alabama or the comprehensive GulfQuest National Maritime Museum— Mobile offers several unique adventures.

Treasure hunters and bargain chasers flock to the 800 booths spread over 30 acres at the daily Mobile Flea Market. For genuine treasures, the Mobile Museum of Art houses more than 6,400 pieces of American, European and Asian decorative items ranging from contemporary artwork to classical antiquity.

Three centuries of ghosts, hauntings and dark secrets are woven into Mobile’s history. Hear tales of darkness, death and dismemberment on a Dark Secrets Tour of antebellum mansions, overgrown gardens and a church with a mysterious past. The historic Church Street Graveyard is considered one of Alabama’s most haunted cemeteries.

With so much cultural and ethnic diversity in its past and present, Mobile is an excellent place to gain an under- standing of life in the South during the Civil War era. Begin with a narrated tour of the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, built in 1855. Then take the time to explore more than 40 stops along the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail. The historical stories highlighted include early Creoles of color and survivors from the Clotilda, the last African slave ship to enter America in 1860.

Need a break from all the shopping, history and culture? Braided River Brewing Company offers a range of seasonal brews and limited releases. Or, spend the day along the miles of shimmering sand on Mobile Bay accompanied by a colorful beach umbrella and the latest mystery penned by a local author.

The downtown district’s historic buildings, fronted with lacy cast-iron balconies, surround shaded city squares. Art galleries, boutiques and eateries serving traditional Southern cuisine with a sophisticated twist are concentrated along Dauphin Street.

Tuck into A Spot of Tea for daily breakfast, lunch and brunch. While known for its Bananas Foster French toast, (another on one of the state tourism’s “Top 100” lists), the chicken salad is equally notable.

Just down the street is The Noble South, an airy eatery with whitewash walls and orange metal chairs. The brunch menu has irrestibles like Fig Crepes with maple syrup, lemon anglaise and honey roasted pecans.

NoJa, an inviting Mediterranian restaurant housed in an 1840s townhouse, offers seasonal dishes and scrumptious desserts including a Ginger Donut crowned with popcorn ice cream and caramel sauce.

For classic seafood such as shrimp etouffee and gumbo, try Wintzell’s Oyster House which began as a six-stool oyster bar in 1938 and is now a Gulf Coast tradition. Get in the spirit with their signature Dragon Drink, inspired by Vernadean, a beloved fire-breathing Mardi Gras float.

Where to Dock: Dog River Marina

Personalized Items

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‍Life Ring Buoy Letter Kit

TAYLOR MADE‍‍

Add a personal touch to any boat or beach house with this marine-grade vinyl life ring. Decorate with letters, numbers and symbols to customize a creative design with your boat name, family name or nautical greeting. ($34.99+)

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‍Sea Glass Wine Chiller
Vinglacé

‍Insulated and made of of stainless steel, this lightweight, portable wine chiller is perfect for hot days by the water. Keep wine, champagne and water bottles as cool as North Pole snow for hours. The set includes a beautiful gift box, and some Vinglacé items offer custom engraving. ($89.95)
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Nautical Boat Name Sherpa Blanket
Zazzle‍‍

Make a statement with this luxurious navy blue fleece blanket by personalizing it with a beloved boat name. Available in three sizes, it’s the perfect holiday treat for someone who wants to accentuate their ship or cuddle up on a chilly night. ($40 - $105.50)

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Party Gifts

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Party Barge Cooler
RevoCoolers

This floating barge cooler is sure to make your boat party the talk of the town (and sea). Fully stock condiment trays with fruit, mixers, beer, etc. and use the condensation-free compartment for ice that lasts all day. ($168.88)

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Golf Cart Float
Funboy‍

This fabulous fringe-lined floating golf cart is a fun water toy for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Bring the golf course to the pool or lake and cruise around or lounge under the mesh sunshade in the comfy two-person seat. ($110)

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ON-THE-GO ITEMS

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‍Led RGB Fishing Rod Holder
Sea Dog

This LED translucent tube insert is the perfect gift for fishing lovers. Adjust speed, brightness and choose from dynamic color-changing modes, as the Bluetooth controller lets you operate the LED rod holder from your smartphone. ($90, prices vary)

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Big Joe Captain's Pool Float
BIG Joe‍

This lightweight, comfortable pool float is easily portable with a convenient on-the-go carrying handle and two front tie-downs for docking. Kick back and relax with a holiday punch in the side cup holder. ($85)

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Onshore Travel Bag
727 Sailbags

The Onshore weekender bag is large enough to pack several days worth of clothes, yet compact enough to take as a carry-on. Choose from a variety of neutral colors to match your swimsuit. ($290)

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For the Kiddos

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Inflatable Water Park Bounce House
Bountech

‍‍Bring the ultimate water park to your backyard with this fully loaded bounce house. The eight foot-tall inflatable park features a climbing wall, built-in basketball hoop, water cannon and double slides that drop kids into a giant splash pool. ($279)

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World Edition 6-Pack
Little Passports

This company provides elf-approved gifts for children of travel junkies. Easily occupy kids with this hands-on educational set that explores cultures of six countries through games, crafts and story adventures. ($159.95)

Are you willing to practice being a safe boater?
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Recreational boaters can learn a lot from commercial fishing fleets. While we may not spend days at sea with trained personnel aboard our boats, we share a common goal of departing and returning to the dock safely every time we go out on the water.

According to fishing vessel accident data compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard, commercial fishing has become safer since the requirement to conduct safety drills was implemented in the industry. Crews must perform and document safety drills on a regular basis for potential situations such as persons overboard, fire, flooding and personnel injuries.

Statistics show fishing vessels continue to sink due to poor maintenance or going out in adverse weather; however, the loss of life in these accidents has trended down over the years. This increased personnel safety largely attributed to the crews practicing safety drills.

Unfortunately, when most recreational boaters free their lines and head for open water, they do so in a mild state of denial, an innocent but dangerous unwillingness to admit something could go wrong aboard the boat. They are understandably but also unfortunately more focused on the day’s adventure.

You may believe you are heading out as a safe boater, after all, you carry all the required emergency equipment onboard, but having it and being prepared to use it are two very different things. Many who work in an environment where the unexpected could occur, regularly rehearse safety drills of emergency procedures and practice them repeatedly, so the response behavior becomes second nature.

Aboard your boat, you are not just the host to your friends for a fun day on the water, with your spouse or regular fishing buddies along as good company for the day, you are also the emergency personnel. Only through repeated practice and rehearsal of emergency situations will you be fully prepared to handle an unexpected event.

Most boaters, however, are reluctant to rehearse emergency drills, feel a little silly, or don’t want to ruin the excitement of the day with the dose of reality that an actual emergency could occur. But if you are not prepared and willing to practice safety drills, you are not prepared to be a safe boater.
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Wired for Safety

It is well known that different activities you perform are controlled from different regions in your brain. Routine activities like brushing your teeth and activities you do repeatedly in life are controlled from a specific part of your brain. You perform these activities with very little conscious thought.

You do them so frequently, they are permanently wired into your brain. On the other hand, activities that require reasoned thought come from a different place in your brain. If when turning on the faucet no water came out, the reasoning part of your brain would go into action to figure out why. In an emergency aboard your boat, wouldn’t it be nice to rely on response behavior that was well wired into your brain? Trust me, there will be plenty of need for the reasoning part of your brain to figure out what is going on, but the ability to place well-rehearsed behavior into action could make the difference between tomorrow’s dock story and something more tragic.

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State of Mind

Safety aboard the boat is more than the latest safety equipment, it is a state of mind, a willingness to say “what if ” and an unwillingness to become a statistic. A safety drill rehearsal is the only way you will know if your emergency equipment is in the right place and can be accessed quickly.

Safety drill rehearsals can be used to finds holes in your plan — problems that can be worked out before the boat or someone aboard is in real danger. Is the fire extinguisher easy to take out of its bracket when you’re in a hurry? Are the life jackets easy to get out of the locker quickly? Time yourself or a family member as you go through the drills. A safety drill rehearsal will allow you to determine critical roles each can fill quickly without time-consuming conversation when the emergency is real.

Unquestionably, it’s easier to get into the right state of mind when the danger is real. During a peaceful night at anchor recently, my wife was awoken by the boat anchored next to us engulfed in flames, it was a terrifying event to witness. Fortunately, those aboard escaped into the dinghy they were towing.

Suffice it to say while underway the next day, it didn’t seem silly for us to rehearse firefighting and abandoning ship procedures. This is not a tutorial in safety drills, this is a call to action. A plea to encourage you to take performing safety drills aboard your boat seriously.

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Different Boat, Same Risk

Every boat is different. The safety drills on a 30-foot center console fishing boat will be different from those rehearsed on a 60-foot motor yacht, but all boats share the same risks of fire, flooding, first aid emergencies or person overboard.

Decide the situation, determine what resources you have to address the problem and assign roles for each individual onboard to help. Walk and talk through the actions to address each situation. Literally, find the life jackets and put them on, take the fire extinguisher out of the holder and go to the galley with it. Time yourself and others on the boat to see how long it takes. If you regularly have children on board, it’s easy to make a game of it, while you know this is actually for their safety.

Of course, safety drills don’t have to be practiced every time you go out, but a few times each season would be helpful. If you boat regularly with the same people, include them in the drills. If you frequently have new or different guests aboard, script a non-alarming but thorough briefing of what they should do in an emergency and get over being embarrassed to deliver it. Be willing to practice “what if,” because only through practice are you truly prepared to be a safe boater.

Historically, hurricanes in the United States were referred to by their time period and/or geographic location, e.g., the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. In the West Indies, they were named after the particular saint’s day on which the hurricane occurred. A colorful Australian weatherman named Clement Wragge began assigning Greek and Roman mythological names to Pacific cyclones in the late 19th century. He later began naming them after politicians he particularly disliked.

During World War II, U.S. Air Force and Navy meteorologists plotting storms over the Pacific needed a better way to denote tropical cyclones while analyzing weather maps. Many began paying tribute to their wives and girlfriends back home by naming the cyclones after them. In 1954, the National Weather Bureau officially embraced the practice of giving hurricanes women’s names. Because America led the world in weather tracking technology, the practice was adopted elsewhere.

In response to pressure from women’s groups, the National Weather Service and the World Meteorological Association began using both men’s and women’s names starting in 1979. More recently, the lists of names, which are predetermined and rotate every six years, have been further diversified to reflect names used in the many regions where tropical cyclones strike. Names of devastating storms, such as Katrina in 2005, are permanently retired.

The days are growing shorter, and the final weeks of summer are upon us. So, before the school bell rings, Marinalife is wondering if you’ve checked off everything on your must-do list this season. If you’re looking for ways to wrap up summer, consider the following ideas for last-dash, fun activities.

- Learn how to do a back dive, canon ball or jump off the back of the boat into the water.  Rope swings are also an invigorating option.

- Have a tiki party on a boat and serve your guests tropical blender drinks. Bonus points for Hawaiian shirts and grilled pineapple or savory Polynesian snacks.

- Pick a dozen crabs on your boat or at a waterfront dock bar, along with all the classic fixins’ of corn on the cob, hushpuppies, coleslaw and a cold brew.  If crabs aren’t your preference, a lobster, clam or crawfish boil will do just fine.

- Ride down a giant slide, roller coaster or death-defying ride at a waterpark while letting out a mighty yell.

- Body surf in the Atlantic waves or build a sandcastle strong enough to withstand the tide.

- Explore a hidden cove or a dream destination that you’ve never visited before on your boat.

- Go fishing and catch something big enough for dinner.

- Get pulled on a raft or inflatable behind a boat or learn how to waterski.

- Catch lightening bugs in a jar to make a glowing lantern.  But be sure to poke holes in the lid and release them when the fun is done.

- Under the stars, go to an outdoor movie, music festival or seafood feast.

- Learn how to shuck an oyster, clean a fish or pick a crab, then invite friends over to taste dishes made from the fruits of your labor.

- Invent a nautical cocktail to commemorate the summer of 2022.

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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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Marinalife, the leading provider of tools and resources for the boating community,  is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website at https://marinalife.com. Created to make cruising easier and boating even more inspiring,  the streamlined, modern site offers a user-friendly interface, improved navigation and easy access to engaging content to allow boaters and marinas to fully embrace life on the water.

The new website builds upon Marinalife’s printed pages to give boaters access to a greater scope of nautical resources, data and services. A multitude of benefits await Marinalife visitors on the new website, where you can use simple online navigation and search tools to:

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• Chart a course for adventure with detailed itineraries crafted by seasoned seafarers, and book a slip in advance at your dream destinations
• Access an extensive database of marinas across North America and the Caribbean, while scoring discounts at Marinalife partner locations
• Enjoy tales of adventure by fellow boaters, pick new travel destinations, and get advice from maritime experts so you can boat with confidence
• Gain instant access to exclusive digital content that comes to life with videos, maps, charts and other visually engaging displays

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Marinalife invites you to explore our new website https://marinalife.com and encourages you to sign up as a digital subscriber to stay in the loop and up to date with all things boating! 

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About Marinalife: 

Founded by lifelong boaters, Marinalife delivers tools and resources that encourage the boating community to embrace life on the water. Marinalife joined with Snag-A-Slip in 2017 to create tech-enabled solutions that allow boaters and marinas to connect and transact easily. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, our crew is passionate about boating and delivering exceptional service to our customers. 

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It’s the moment you have all been waiting for… time to vote for your favorite marina! Cast your ballot for the top marinas of 2022. You can now vote for Best Large Marina (more than 100 slips) and Best Small Marina (less than 100 slips). Submit your selections by the form below by October 15, 2022.

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Route planning can sometimes be more about what you choose to miss rather than what you include. Time in country can be surprisingly short for many cruisers, as seasonal weather requires you to plot a destination and move toward it on a relatively strict timeframe. Often you leave little room for detours and deviations. If a country isn’t on your track, it is left in your wake forever. 

The problem is, unplanned destinations often crop up and fitting them in can become a priority.  Colombia was never a name on our cruising destinations list until we arrived in the Southern Caribbean, but the closer we got to South America the more frequently the name Cartagena cropped up. At the time our focus was on transiting the Panama Canal and cruising the remote Pacific Islands, so detouring to a big city didn’t appeal. However, we were going from low-key islands in the Atlantic to low-key islands in the Pacific, so an injection of high-speed would be a nice change of pace. With a large, sheltered bay, busy metropolitan city, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the vivacious Latin culture, Colombia was our unexpected add-on. 

As the date for our transit to Colombia neared, rumors started to spread concern. We heard reports of strong winds, poor anchorages and crime off the north coast of Colombia, as reasons to avoid the country. The winds that funnel around the coast create a wind acceleration zone, resulting in high winds and steep seas. Would we be driving our boat Aeta into a chaotic washing machine? Colombia has a history of violent crime. Would we lose everything not padlocked to the deck or hidden on our bodies? Everyone spoke of rough anchorages and the need to stay in marinas. Could our budget survive? 

The more we heard of Colombia, however, the more the sense of adventure outweighed calls for caution. As sailors, how could we not be drawn to a city steeped in piracy, conquest and gold? As travelers, how could we not fall under the spell of a vibrant city thriving behind old, fortified walls? Plus, we’d get a break from our lazy sun-drenched Caribbean beach days to drink “aquadentes” under the twinkling lights strung above Cartagena’s rooftop bars and dance until dawn in the city’s famous salsa clubs. We re-drew the travel plan for the season and decided to sail for Cartagena. 

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The Old Amid the New

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Cartagena’s dramatic high-rise skyline rose up on the horizon as we closed our two-day passage from Bonaire to Colombia, giving our first indication of the different pace that lay ahead of us. As we entered through the eastern entrance to Bocagrande, our echo-sounder bounced from 10 to 3 meters, registering an underwater breakwater that was built in the mid-1700s to close off the northern entrance to the bay and force access to Cartegena by sea past the heavily fortified southern entrance. 

Old military forts that once protected the Spanish from foreign invaders now stood idle, welcoming inbound traffic from all over the world. Today, Cartagena is Colombia’s main container port and processes around 1,600 vessels each year, including container ships, cruise ships, bulk carriers and the odd cruising yacht. The cannons that point seaward are no longer a threat to foreign interest.

Sailing past these 500-year-old fortifications is a reminder that much of Cartagena’s past is deeply woven into its present. Old forts stand beside modern skyscrapers that line the shoreline of Playa de Bocagrande, Cartagena’s version of Miami Beach. Empty turrets stand next to busy modern housing complexes and sections of fortress break way to streets and pedestrian walkways. La Ciudad Amurallada, Cartagena’s historic walled city, is the most well-preserved and complete fortification in South America. As in the past, horse and cart roll down old cobblestone streets; however, they are now interrupted by lengthy traffic jams. 

Perfectly preserved colonial architecture has been repurposed into swanky cafés, upmarket restaurants, local residences and boutique shops. The 11 kilometers of old city wall are a unique feature, as you can circumnavigate the city by walking on top of them. The old, exposed brick covered in beautifully painted graffiti and covered in brightly blooming jacaranda is a perfect example of how the past has been woven into the present, creating one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

We enjoyed every minute of our time in Cartagena. We wandered through San Felipe de Barajas Castle and learned about the constant pirate assaults and colonial invasions, then strolled through the convent and chapel of La Candelaria de la Popa, a beautiful church that sits atop the city’s highest hilltop, Mount Popa. We walked throughout the old walled city a dozen times, seeing popular landmarks from statues of Simón Bolivar and India Catalina that stand in central plazas to gold museums, theater houses, slave quarters and bull rings held within beautiful colonial buildings. We found a dozen or so Spanish colonial-style churches and cathedrals spread throughout the city. 

When we were done sightseeing, we soaked up the colorful Colombian environment. We relaxed in street side cafés, listened to buskers strumming local tunes, window-shopped outside upmarket designer boutiques, ate scrumptious local chow in hole-in-the-wall restaurants and gazed at the provocative murals and graffiti that are displayed throughout the city. 

While ambling through backstreets and staring at magnificent street art, I remembered the list of reasons not to come to Cartagena, and crime topped the list. When everything around me left me buzzing with delight, I wondered what the negative comments were about.

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Little Reason for Concern

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After gaining first-hand experience, we saw that many of the streets considered too dangerous 20 years ago are now popular hangout spots filled with funky cafes and swanky bars, trendy artisan shops and local art galleries. Rough turned bohemian, and the historically volatile neighborhoods had transformed into a hip, artistic quarter that drew international visitors by the thousands. While I was wary of pickpockets, I had no cause for concern regarding serious crime.

Poor anchorages and restrictions to marinas were also mentioned, but we stayed just outside the Club Nautico de Cartagena marina with our anchor buried deep in the mud. The only rough movement we experienced was created by daily tour boats rushing past us and stirring up significant chop. If you do Cartagena right as a busy tourist, daytime discomfort is irrelevant. By the time you return to your slip, tour boats are tucked in their berths and the peaceful quiet of a flat, calm anchorage surrounded by a city full of sparkling lights presents a view no fancy hotel could match.

Regarding caution with strong winds, the place of greatest intensity is the water between Punta Gallinas and Cabo Augusta. Approach the area with a good forecast, but it requires nothing more than standard good seamanship. The winds can be strong, and the swell can be large, but with a proper forecast you need not avoid the north coast of Colombia. We enjoyed remote, peaceful bays of the Tayrona National Park and the bustle of our anchorage in Cartagena’s busy port, but planned our movement between them with a quick weather check. With time and prudence, entry into the country doesn’t warrant precautions out of the norm.

After experiencing Colombia firsthand, we start a new rumor — Cartagena is a fantastic cruising destination. The winds are manageable, safe anchorages are plentiful and serious crime is a carryover from a bygone era. Take your time, check your weather, trust your anchor and go have big city fun. I came to Cartagena uncertain about what lay ahead, but in a matter of days I’d fallen for its charm. I could stay in the area for weeks, months, even years. Given a sturdy A/C unit, I could stay indefinitely. 

The people are friendly, the topography varied, the cruising options abundant. The city is a living history, blending the old and the new, the past and the present. It is radiant, vibrant and absorbing. 

Adding Colombia to our itinerary was a fantastic diversion, and if it lays as a detour from your route, do yourself a favor: rewrite the plan. Make sure you don’t look back and see it left behind in your wake. A dog-leg isn’t a detour when it holds all that Cartagena offers. It is the destination.

Meet newcomers to the Bay’s waterfront dock-and-dine scene

If the pandemic hampered your travels and you haven’t cruised into the Chesapeake Bay for a while, then welcome back to its sunny shores. While you were away, the oyster and striped bass populations blossomed, and blue crabs grew plump in the shallow marshlands. 

During the past few years, quite a few new restaurants have opened and tapped into the cornucopia of fine local seafood.  Some innovative chefs grace plates with creative flavors and ingredients, while others take a traditional path with family recipes handed down for generations by watermen’s wives. Many concoct ways to consume invasive species, such as the blue catfish and northern snakehead, but eateries that nail up a sign declaring “Steamed Maryland Crabs!” attract the most attention.

To help you rediscover the bounty of the Bay, Marinalife has handpicked 10 terrific crab shacks and seafood houses for you to explore.

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Maryland

Bowleys on the Bay Bar & Restaurant
Middle River, MD

For a tropical getaway without long-distance travel, Bowleys on the Bay has created a resort destination groove on Frog Mortar Creek in Baltimore County. Push your toes into the sand on 300 feet of beach surrounded by palm trees while sipping a rummy cocktail and listening to a steel drum band. You can watch boats glide into Long Beach Marina or see planes take flight at Martin State Airport as you nibble on fresh local seafood, hearty sandwiches, and meat dishes.

Where to Dock:  Long Beach Marina

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The Choptank
Baltimore, MD

In the heart of the historic Fells Point district, The Choptank has risen from the foundation of the 200-year-old Broadway Market. Its menu reads like a culinary voyage around the Chesapeake Bay with steamed crabs, just-shucked oysters, steamed mussels, crab soup and fried chicken. On the spacious outdoor deck, sample 20 draft beers while live bands play tunes, and the stars twinkle above the urban skyline.

Where to Dock:  The Sagamore Pendry Hotel & Dock

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Watershed

Baltimore, MD

It’s hard to say what Baltimore loves more — seafood or sports. But if you’d like to indulge in both, head over to Watershed in the Federal Hill neighborhood, which is in easy walking distance from Orioles Park and the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium. A menu laced with classic dishes harvested from the Chesapeake waters entices you to pick a dozen steamed crabs or slurp fresh local oysters while watching games on big-screen TVs. Located in the newly remodeled Cross Street Market, you can belly up to the long wooden bar on the main floor and wash down a platter of Old Bay wings with a cold Natty Boh. Or step up to the roof deck to watch the bustle below on South Charles Street with an orange crush in hand. A casual vibe and live music create an upbeat place to hang out with friends. ‍

Where to Dock: Inner Harbor Marina

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Latitude 38 Waterfront Dining
Annapolis, MD

Where the Severn River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, you can order local seafood with a view of boats cruising into Ego Alley, the showplace for vessels visiting Maryland’s state capital. With the new Upper Deck Bar and plenty of event space, this waterfront eatery accommodates groups of all sizes. Take your pick of regional favorites from crab cakes and peel-and-eat shrimp to herb-crusted rockfish and oysters Rockefeller. Chicken, beef and bourbon meat loaf ensure carnivores won’t go hungry.

Where to Dock:  Annapolis Town Dock

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Marker Five
Tilghman, MD

Every visit to the Bay’s Eastern Shore holds the promise of exceptional seafood along unforgettable waterfronts. From Marker Five’s outdoor patio, you can watch watermen chug along Knapp’s Narrows and marvel as the Tilghman Island Drawbridge rises to let boats pass through. Eagles soar overhead while you peruse the menu of classic Chesapeake fare.  It’s almost impossible to resist starters such as Maryland crab soup or smoked corn and crab fritters, and your first bite of pulled pork, buttermilk fried chicken biscuit or pan-fried monkfish will delight your tastebuds.

Where to Dock:  Knapp’s Narrows Marina & Inn

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Virginia

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Portside Grill on Urbanna Creek
Urbanna, VA

Located in the heart of Virginia’s oyster-growing region, this family-owned and pet-friendly restaurant specializes in taking local seafood from the water to the table. At Urbanna’s only waterfront eatery, you can tie up along the bulkhead and kick back on the patio for casual dining with a spectacular view.  Crab tots and fresh oysters will whet your appetite for a Southern style meal of crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and chicken stuffed with Smithfield ham and goat cheese.

Where to Dock:  Regatta Point Yachting Center

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Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar
Deltaville, VA

In a charming cove along Jackson Creek where the Piankatank River flows into the Bay, you’ll find a seafood eatery with an energetic vibe, live music and a nice sampling of craft brews and cocktails. The expansive view from the back deck matches the extensive list of dishes on the menu.  Highlights include hush puppies packed with crab and corn, Jonah crab claws, shucked oysters, and Lowcountry boils with crawfish, shrimp and other local catch. Try to leave room for dessert favorites: deluxe peanut butter pie or raspberry cheesecake.

Where to Dock:  Deltaville Yachting Center

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The Surry Seafood Company
Surry, VA

A leisurely cruise up the James River to Gray’s Creek will deliver you to a seafood-centric destination where you can dock, dine and decompress.  Surry’s chefs present delicacies from the local waters such as golden fried oysters, bacon-wrapped salmon and flounder stuffed with crab imperial. If the serene view of the grassy marshlands makes you want to linger longer, spacious hotel suites are available above the restaurant. Boater bonuses: 45 new floating docks, fuel, ship store and bathhouse.

Where to Dock:  The Marina at Smithfield Station

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Longboards at East Beach

Norfolk, VA

The green bamboo shoots on the menu’s border give a clue that this restaurant is blessed with a touch of tiki.  While seafood standards remain popular — she-crab soup, cod fish and chips, and Old Bay wings — Longboards also takes you on a culinary journey to Polynesia to taste Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as Singapore shrimp with veggies and Waikiki wings. Enjoy the restaurant’s upbeat atmosphere and stellar sunsets at the marina.

Where to Dock:  Morningstar Marinas at Little Creek

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Stripers Waterside
Norfolk, VA

The bustle of Norfolk’s recently renovated Waterside District is attracting newcomers from along the Atlantic seaboard. Among the new eateries is Stripers, a seafood haven from the Outer Banks that features 30 beers on tap and a panoramic view of the Elizabeth River. Take a seat on the patio and savor dishes made from scratch, from clams and cod to mussels and shrimp.  After a hearty meal, explore the area’s attractions and nightlife.

Where to Dock: Ocean Yacht Marina or Tidewater Yacht Marina

In Marinalife's spring issue we explored the wonderful restaurant offerings along the Connecticut shore of Long Island Sound (LIS). Of course, the Sound has correspond-ingly delicious and tempting culinary delights along the New York side as well. In this issue, we will explore them as we make our way from the eastern end of LIS where it joins with The Race and Block Island Sound to its western end approaching New York City. The following destinations offer a sampling of the many fabulous restaurants on Long Island. We also hope they introduce you to the quaint and historic maritime villages that also abound.

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East to West on the Long Island, New York Shore

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At the Eastern end of Long Island Sound to the south lies Gardiners Bay between the two forks of Eastern Long Island. Many great restaurant options await you here, including Claudio’s in Greenport, Il Capuccino in Sag Harbor, and Inlet Seafood in Montauk.

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PORT JEFFERSON

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Wave Seafood Kitchen‍

Located at Danfords Hotel, Marina & Spa, the eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can find this charming spot on the waterfront near historic Port Jefferson Village and enjoy the delicious results of its “farm to table” concept.

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Joey Z’s‍

This is where the locals go in Port Jeff Village. The menu is extensive and eclectic, from Mediterranean to Greek and seafood to waffles and even fondue. Come for breakfast, lunch and dinner to enjoy indoor and outdoor dining.

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Tommy’s Place

Visit this great family dining spot located just a five-minute walk from the Port Jeff Ferry. Find your favorite among 30+ beers on tap including local craft brews. Guests like the energetic American tavern vibe with some twists on the usual pub fare and seafood.

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Gourmet Burger Bistro

This casual dining eatery is known for good upscale burgers and toppings, plus a creative menu that includes mushroom caps on pretzel roll and specialty drinks.

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PJ Lobster House

Visit this Port Jeff institution since 1995 that offers fresh and varied dishes. PJ’s supports local commercial fishermen and diggers to provide top quality fish and seafood. Large dining room and sports bar feature plasma TVs with a casual and friendly vibe. It’s very popular; reservations suggested.

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STONY BROOK

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Mirabelle Tavern

The historic Three Village Inn’s elegant eatery offers refined French cuisine in a casual and comfortable setting. Savor French bistro classics with American comfort foods, as well as fresh-meets-French, farm-to-table prix fixe.

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NORTHPORT

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The Whales Tale

Located at Brittania Yachting Center, The Whales Tale reflects the eclectic nautical vibe of the Northport area. They offer craft beers and local seafood such as fish tacos, soft shell crab and other uniquely prepared dishes. Laid back indoor and outdoor seating available.

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The Ritz Cafe

Stroll into this unassuming little bar near the waterfront to discover continental fare and a bargain prix fixe brunch (try the crab benedict and a Bloody Mary). Savor the seafood, steaks and pasta, as well as comfort foods for the kids. Choose indoor or patio dining.

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Bistro 44

Treat yourself to New American cuisine with an elegant, modern and chic ambiance. The classy setting with 1850s woodwork and heated patio offers pre-theater dining steps away from Long Island’s only year-round Broadway music hall, The John W Engeman Theater.

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Tim’s Shipwreck Diner

Homemade blintzes, pancakes and burgers star at this vintage railroad car diner for breakfast and lunch. Family run for over 50 years, their friendly service and homemade classic food are featured with a nod to updates like cold brew coffee and stuffed crab.

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HUNTINGTON

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Il Posto di Joey

This classic northern Italian eatery with Tuscan-style decor offers a waterfront view, patio dining and late-night dancing. Run by an Italian family that values old world charm and fine dining that showcases seafood. Great location for lunch and dinner groups.

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Prime

Spoil yourself at this high-end restaurant with surf, turf and brunch at a place with a refined interior and heated deck overlooking the harbor. Business casual attire. Reservations needed.

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OYSTER BAY

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Wall’s Wharf

Panoramic views of the sound draw fans to this upscale seafood venue in Bayville with beachfront seating. For years, the historical centerpiece in the town has served seafood from the local catch, sushi, baked stuffed clams, and homemade soups to the locals and visitors. Spectacular views.

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MANHASSET BAY

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La Motta’s Dockside Restaurant

Festive locale on the water with beautiful views of Manhasset Bay Marina and historic Port Washington. The kitchen favors seafood and contemporary American cuisine.
An outdoor tiki bar features food, tropical cocktails, live music and dancing. The new boat-side service sends a waiter to your boat who serves you on board.

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Louie’s Grill & Liquors

Have fun at this iconic seafood spot dating to 1905 with deck seating and bay view, plus an oyster bar, large selection of seafood, weekly bands, mahogany bar, and Saturday and Sunday brunch. Plenty of boat parking (cars, too).

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Ayhan’s Mediterranean Marketplace

Take a seat at the roomy gourmet deli featuring breakfast, sandwiches and pita pizzas, plus big windows with waterfront views. Sample a unique selection of Mediterranean hot and cold appetizers, salads, dips, entrees and pastries. Freshly prepared sandwiches and wraps are popular.

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Bosphorus Cafe Grill

This Mediterranean restaurant specializes in authentic Turkish cuisine and seafood offerings such as Branzino, sea bass served fileted or grilled. Bosphorus is a short walk from Manhasset Bay.

They come in all shapes and sizes, lengths and locations, ages and angles. For boaters, America’s coastal bridges are a fairly common sight, one that often goes unappreciated and undervalued, especially when most of us only get to see them up close from underneath — a unique perspective not often enjoyed by the general public.

Here are the stories of nine of our country’s famous bridges that span America’s frequently traveled waterways, along with fascinating facts that you can share as you sail under or drive over them.

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Brooklyn Bridge

Perhaps the world’s most recognized span, this 139-year-old granddaddy of bridges took about 13 years to construct, linking Manhattan to Brooklyn and comprising the East River’s first fixed crossing. As the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1883, its main span measures 1,595 feet and deck rises 127 feet above the river’s surface.

Its building was a true family affair, designed by John Roebling who died unexpectedly after an injury he sustained in the early stages of the bridge’s construction. He was succeeded by his son, Washington who suffered a paralyzing caseof caisson disease. Unable to supervise construction in person, he directed the work from his nearby apartment using a telescope overlooking the site, while his wife Emily delivered handwritten instruction notes to the engineers.

Located between Piers 4 & 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on the East River is the new ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina with 100 slips for vessels up to 300+ feet. Estuary, the marina’s flagship restaurant, features new American cuisine, and the park is home to numerous restaurants, shops and cafes.

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Chesapeake Bay Bridge (aka the Bay Bridge)

Soaring above Chesapeake Bay, this dual-span bridge connects Maryland’s densely populated Western Shore with the more rural Eastern Shore, running between Annapolis and Stevensville. The original two-way span opened in 1952; a parallel span was added in 1973 to alleviate congestion. It was only marginally successful.

Especially in summer, the bridge is often referred to as “the world’s tallest traffic jam,” packed bumper-to-bumper nearly 200 feet above the Bay. Because of its height, narrow spans, low guardrails and frequent high winds, the Bay Bridge is cited by some as one of the scariest crossings in America. But to west-bound travels, the sun setting over its tall towers and curved steel girders is a spectacular sight.

Located at the eastern base of the bridge on Kent Island is Bay Bridge Marina, which accommodates boats up to 70 feet. Sandy Point State Park Marina awaits on the westside for day use and fueling. Several other marinas are nearby.

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Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)

Hailed as one of the great engineering marvels in the world when it opened in 1964, the original CBBT required the construction of four artificial islands, two miles of causeway, nearly six miles of approach roads, two-mile-long tunnels, four high-level bridges and 12 miles of trestle. It crosses the Chesapeake Bay between Cape Charles on the Delmarva Peninsula and Virginia Beach on the mainland.

The CBBT crosses two key East Coast shipping lanes. High-level bridges were initially proposed to span these channels, but the U.S. Navy objected to a bridge over one of the channels, because a collapse could cut off the Norfolk Naval Station from the Atlantic.

Cape Charles Yacht Center and Cape Charles Harbor Marina on the west side of the Delmarva Peninsula put you in the middle of the quaint shoreside town of Cape Charles and its charming shops, restaurants and accommodations.

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‍Florida Keys Seven Mile Bridge

Among the world’s longest bridges when it was built, Seven Mile Bridge connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. Actually two bridges, the newer span is open to vehicular traffic; the older is only for pedestrians and cyclists.

The older bridge was constructed in the early 1900s as part of the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway. After the Keys section of the railroad was damaged by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Flagler sold it to the U.S. government, which convert edit to automobile use. Unsupported sections were added in 1935 to widen it for vehicular traffic, and the railroad tracks were recycled, painted white and used as guardrails.

Near the center, the bridge rises, providing a 65-foot clearance for boat passage in Moser Channel on the ICW. The remainder of the bridge is considerably closer to the water’s surface. Several marinas are on the Marathon end of the bridge.

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‍Golden Gate Bridge

Named one of the Wonders of the Modern World by American Society of Civil Engineers, the 1.7-mile bridge was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge when it opened in 1937. Originally designed by engineer Joseph Strauss in 1917, the final design was conceived by Leon Moisseiff, engineer of New York City’s Manhattan Bridge.

The relatively unknown residential architect Irving Morrow designed many of the bridge’s Art Deco features, but his most famous contribution was its unique color, international orange. Others preferred that it was painted aluminum, dull gray, and the U.S. Navy suggested black and yellow stripes to ensure visibility by passing ships.

The water under the bridge is often turbulent, given the clash of the silt-heavy Bay waters and the cold Pacific Ocean currents. Consequently, recreational and commercial traffic are carefully monitored and regulated. Looking to dock and dine nearby? Try the north end of the bridge. Le Garage at Schoonmaker Point Marina in Sausalito serves innovative French cuisine, and at the casual eatery, Fish, place an order at the counter and sit at one of the picnic tables overlooking Clipper Yacht Harbor.

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‍Mackinac Bridge

The engineering marvel often called “Mighty Mac” is the longest suspension bridge with two towers between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere, with a shoreline-to-shoreline length of five miles. Opened in 1957, it took three and a half years to build, because Michigan’s harsh winters limited construction to the summer months. Engineers faced daunting challenges. The Great Lakes freeze during the winter, causing large icebergs to place enormous stress on the bridge’s base.

The total length of wire in the main cables is an amazing 42,000 miles, enough to wrap around the Earth nearly twice. Painting the bridge takes seven years; when workers finish, they immediately start again. Locals note that the current in the Straits of Mackinac frequently changes direction, and when combined with wind-blown waves, churn from passing freighters and rebound off the bridge pilings, boating under and near the bridge can be challenging.

St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula has a full-service public marina with 136 slips and is close to shops, cafes and restaurants, like the Mackinac Grille & Patio Bar.

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Sunshine Skyway Bridge

One of Florida’s most iconic sights, the current Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on this site. The striking cable-stayed span connects the St. Petersburg peninsula to Terra Ceia, just north of Bradenton. The original bridge opened in 1954. A similar structure was built parallel and to the west of it in 1969 to make it a four-lane bridge.

In 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with one of the bridge’s supports during a storm, causing the
southbound span to collapse and sending vehicles into Tampa Bay. After the disaster, the northbound span was converted to carry one lane in either direction until the current bridge opened.

If you’re headed into Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is on your starboard side, a 2,000-acre mangrove forest and wetlands offering kayaking, fishing and nine miles of hiking trails. At the St. Pete end of the bridge, check out O’Neill’s Marina near Maximo Park.

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Tacoma Narrows Bridge

The name Tacoma Narrows Bridge has been given to three different incarnations of this span connecting the city of Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula to the west. The original bridge opened in 1940 and spectacularly collapsed just four months later due to design flaws that resulted in what was termed “aeroelastic flutter.” It was replaced by the second Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1950, which is still used for westbound traffic. A third parallel span opened in 2007 to carry eastbound traffic.

The collapse of the original bridge — nicknamed Galloping Gertie — had a major impact on the field of bridge aerodynamics, which influenced the design of all the world’s long-span bridges built since 1940. The newsreel footage of the collapse can still be viewed on
YouTube today.

Just south of the bridge you find Narrows Marina with transient docks that offer 375 linear feet of three-hour complimentary
guest side ties and 13 overnight moorage slips. The Narrows Brewing Company and Boathouse 19 restaurant are steps away.

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Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge

This massive suspension bridge connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island opened in 1964 after decades of on-again off-again planning and five years of construction.
Each tower is made up of more than a million tons of metal, one million bolts and three million rivets. The four main suspension cables are 36 inches in diameter, and each is composed of 26,108 wires totaling 142,520 miles in length. Due to thermal expansion of the steel cables, the upper roadway’s height is 12 feet lower in summer than in winter.

The double-decker bridge carries 13 lanes of traffic, seven on the upper level and six on the lower level. Both the upper and lower roadways are supported by trusses that stiffen the bridge against vertical, torsional and lateral pressure — thanks to lessons learned from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse in 1940.

Fort Wadsworth, at the Staten Island end of the bridge, is one of the oldest military installations in America, built in the early 1800s to protect the Narrows. In 1994, the U.S. Navy turned Fort Wadsworth over to the National Park Service.

My husband Tim and I spent 2021 traveling 8,000 miles around the Great Loop. Like many, we wanted to cruise in Canada, but we didn’t get the green light for entry in time. We were initially bummed, but our mood quickly shifted as we discovered some of our favorite stops on the stretch that kept us in U.S. waters, including our journey between Lake Erie and Lake Huron.

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Stop 1: Belle Isle

Estimated Mileage: 2 NM

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Belle Isle is the largest city-owned island park in America, located on the Detroit River between the United States and Canada. The island’s only marina is the Detroit Yacht Club, which has a limited number of transient slips for reciprocal members, so it’s best to explore while keeping your boat at Milliken Marina. 

Roughly 1,000 acres, Belle Isle is home to an aquarium, maritime museum, botanical garden, beach, picnic areas and playgrounds that provide a plethora of options to explore. You won’t find great spots to grab a bite to eat, so we recommend stopping at Atwater Brewery on the way back to the marina.

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Stop 2: Harrison Township, Lake St. Clair

Estimated Mileage: 24 NM

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Often referred to as the Great Lake’s smaller cousin, Lake St. Clair is large enough to easily keep your distance from freighters yet small enough to explore in a day.

By boat, you can visit several of the lake’s swimming spots in Anchor and Bouvier Bays (or “Munchies” Bay as the locals say), popular for their clear water and hard bottoms. After an afternoon of swimming, cruise through the Clinton River and tie up at one of several restaurants catering to a lively boater scene for a drink and meal. Crews Inn is one of our favorites for their fun atmosphere and great food.

Lake St. Clair Metropark Marina is a popular spot for transients. The marina is located in the park, so after docking, enjoy the expansive park’s beaches, trails, picnic areas and swimming pool.

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Stop 3: Port Huron, MI

Estimated Mileage: 44 NM

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Port Huron is home to the start of one of the longest fresh-water races in the world called the Port Huron to Mackinac Sailing Race, and the port is a charming and boater-friendly destination.

Ideal for its central location and friendly members, Port Huron Yacht Club is a great place for tying up, sipping a drink at the clubhouse and avoiding the drawbridges on the Black River. Another popular spot is about a mile farther down the river at the 95-slip River Street Marina.

Port Huron is home to the Island Loop Route National Water Trail, a 10-mile loop through the Black River, Lake Huron and St. Clair River. Your dinghy is a must through the Black River and for exploring the town and clear waters by boat.

Walk a mile along the Blue Water River Walk that runs along the St. Clair River. Be sure to leave enough time to watch the freighters go by and delve into the area’s history that is shared along the route. Continue a couple of miles farther to Lighthouse Park, where you can enjoy an afternoon at the beach and swim in Lake Huron’s crystal clear water.

During a stroll downtown, check out the Knowlton’s Ice Museum of North America to discover the history of local ice harvesting that took place along the Great Lakes.

When you’ve done enough activities to work up an appetite, Casey’s is the place for delicious breadsticks and pizza. For a more upscale option, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at The Vintage Tavern. Maria’s Downtown Café offers a hearty breakfast, and Raven Café or Exquisite Corpse Coffee House are great options for a cup of coffee.

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‍Kate Carney is a writer and Great Gold Looper who traveled 8,000 miles on Sweet Day, a 31-foot Camano trawler. Learn more about her and her husband’s adventures on lifeonsweetday.com

With its sandy beaches and boardwalk attractions, Ocean City is the quintessential family summer vacation destination. It’s also a popular spot for sport fishermen and boaters traveling up and down the East Coast. But it wasn’t always that way. 

Ocean City was established on a barrier island called Assateague that extended 60 miles from the Indian River Inlet in Delaware to Chincoteague, VA. The section of the island belonging to the State of Maryland had no outlet to the sea, and early visitors came to bathe in the surf and take in the fresh ocean breezes. These travelers arrived by ferry boat from the mainland until 1876 when a wooden trestle train bridge was built. 

In its younger days, Ocean City was half resort town and half fishing village. The fishing was “pound fishing,” a style I’d wager few people today have ever seen. It was practiced originally by Native Americans and became popular in the 19 century along the East Coast from Maritime Canada to the Carolinas.

Pound fisherman used wide nets attached to wooden poles to catch fish. They drove these tall poles into the ocean floor about a half mile from shore, creating permanent structures called pounds. When fish entered the open end of a pound, they were then corralled by the nets and couldn’t escape. 

With no passage into the Atlantic, crews of Ocean City fishermen needed to launch 40-foot boats from the beach directly into the ocean and row out to the pounds. To harvest the fish, the crew would remove the ends of the nets from the poles and pull them up by hand. The fish were then brought back to shore, carted across the island, packed in barrels of ice and shipped via railroad to fish markets in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

It was laborious work, and for years local businessmen petitioned state and federal agencies to create a manmade inlet to connect the bay directly to more fertile fishing grounds farther off the coast.

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A Fierce Storm Carves Out a New Inlet

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In August of 1933, a hurricane came ashore in Norfolk, VA, and then tracked up the center of the Chesapeake Bay, bringing up to 10 inches of rain per day and flooding the back bays to the west of Ocean City. Oceanside, wind and waves destroyed homes, hotels and businesses on the town’s boardwalk. 

When the storm subsided, the railroad bridge and fish camps had been washed away, replaced by an inlet 50 feet wide and eight feet deep that formed when built-up water driven by high tides rushed east over the barrier island from the swollen back bays to the ocean. Mother Nature did what governments wouldn’t do, and it changed Ocean City forever.

It didn’t take long for officials to take advantage of this event and enlarge the inlet to ensure its permanence. As a result, a commercial harbor, marinas and docks began sprouting up around the inlet and across the bay on the mainland. Most fishing was commercial in those immediate post-hurricane years, but a few captains realized the recreational fishing potential in the shoals and fertile canyons offshore that were teaming with billfish and other species. During World War II, a lack of fuel and the presence of German U-Boats in the Atlantic virtually shut down offshore fishing. Things picked up after the war, and by the late 1950s and 1960s more and more fishermen were coming to Ocean City. 

But it was the white marlin that really put Ocean City on the sport fishing map. A challenging fish known for its beauty, the white marlin wows anglers with its speed and jumping antics. These fish travel in packs and are prevalent in Maryland waters in late summer and early fall. 

Sport fishermen have been chasing white marlins off the coast of Maryland since 1934 when President Franklin Roosevelt visited and caught two of the feisty billfish. To celebrate this exceptional fish and attract more attention to Ocean City, local fishermen launched the White Marlin Open in 1974. Fifty-seven boats entered that first year. By contrast, the 2021 Open drew 444 boats, more than 3,500 contestants – including NBA superstar Michael Jordan – and awarded $9.2 million dollars in prize money making Ocean City the undisputed “White Marlin Capital of the World.”

Ocean City today counts eight marinas, 20 fishing tournaments and numerous charter boats. According to the city council, boating and sportfishing are significant economic drivers bringing tens of millions of dollars annually to the local economy. 

So, whether you’re a hardcore sport fisherman, casual angler or a boater who simply enjoys a cocktail dockside at sunset, there’s something for everyone “Goin’ downy O, Hon!” as native Marylanders like to say about a visit to their beloved Ocean City.

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Check Out Three World-Class OC Fishing Tournaments

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Ocean City Tuna Tournament‍
July 8-10, 2022
Entering its 35th year, this has become the world’s largest tuna tournament with more than 100 participating boats and a record payout that eclipsed $1 million in 2021. 

White Marlin Open
August 8-12, 2022
First held in 1974, the WMO is inarguably the highlight of the Ocean City fishing tournament calendar. Now the biggest and richest billfish tournament in the world, the WMO drew 444 boats and 3,500+ contestants last year.

Poor Girls Open
August 17-20, 2022
‍Launched in 1994, this is the largest ladies-only billfish release tournament benefitting breast cancer research. Despite its charitable overtones, the tournament is all about the fishing, and the hundreds of boats and hundreds of competitors take it very seriously.

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The Orange Crush: A Cocktail Born on the OC Docks

The Orange Crush is a staple cocktail in most Maryland bars. It’s basically a screwdriver with a shot of triple sec and a splash of lemon-lime soda. The secret to a good one, though, is fresh-squeezed orange juice. And there’s no place better to try one than the Harborside Bar & Grill in Ocean City where the cocktail is said to have originated on a slow night in 1995 when a couple of bartenders were bored and playing around with a bottle of orange-flavored vodka.

Harborside is a wooden establishment whose backside opens onto the commercial harbor in West Ocean City. Gritty is the word that comes to mind. As you would expect, the sign out front boldly announces the home of the Orange Crush, as do newspaper articles framed on the walls and t-shirts for sale. Inside, people pound crabs and watch the Orioles play baseball. Ceiling fans whirl, and it smells of Old Bay and French fries. White lights strung across the ceiling add a festive touch. It doesn’t get more Maryland than that. 

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To try your first Orange Crush, visit Harborside Bar & Grill, in Ocean City, MD, 410-213-1846.

Summer is here, and it’s time to soak up the sun, visit bustling beaches, learn about boating history and relish the small-town charm around the Chesapeake Bay. Read on for hidden gems and tried-and-true events along the Bay, all the way from Havre de Grace to Cape Charles. Whether you’re a fan of watersports, arts and crafts, street festivals, or coastal cuisine, you’ll find something worth docking for a while.

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July

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Yorktown Market Days, Fun in the Sun Market

Yorktown, VA

July 16 - Fun in the Sun Market;

August 6 - National Farmers Market Week

Experience a coastal Hampton Roads market on the York River. Check out local produce, meats, seafood, gourmet dog treats, art and more every Saturday this summer, and stop by one of the dates above for a themed, family-friendly extended market.

Where to Dock: Riverwalk Landing

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Spirit of America

Havre de Grace, MD

July 2

Enjoy this beautiful town through a mid-century Americana lens at the Independence Day festival. You won’t want to miss the Patriotic Pooch contest, 50s throwback entertainers and best of all, derby races on Pennington Avenue.

Where to Dock: Tidewater Marina

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Sea Glass & Beach Crafts Market at Annmarie

Solomons, MD

July 2

Kick off the holiday weekend at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center’s annual beach-themed market. Browse all things crafty and sea glass at over 50 booths!

Where to Dock: Solomons Harbor Marina

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Kent County Waterman’s Day

Rock Hall, MD

July 3

For the first time since 2019, stop by and celebrate watermen who dedicate their lives to working on the Chesapeake! Enjoy a day of family fun, including anchor tosses and a raffle, culminating in the infamous boat docking.

Where to Dock: Haven Harbor Marina Resorts

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Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Association’s 49th Annual Show

Easton, MD

July 7-10

Calling all car, truck and train enthusiasts! This multi-day show will be packed with steam and gas engines; antique tractors, trucks and cars; live steam train models; and even a horse pull.

Where to Dock: Easton Point Marina

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Chesapeake Stand Up Challenge

Annapolis, MD

July 9 

Sponsored by the Eastport Yacht Club, this open water race has something for all levels. Experienced paddlers can fight it out in the seven-mile Challenge, and recreational paddlers will enjoy the 3.5-mile Challenge or one-mile Just for Fun race.

Where to Dock: Eastport Yacht Center

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Plein Air Easton Art Festival

Easton, MD

July 17-24

Plein air painters express their craft from life instead of the studio, so you’ll see artists from across the country painting all around town. Also attend lectures and workshops, and buy art and other goods downtown all week. 

Where to Dock: Easton Point Marina

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14th Annual Hampton Heat

Hampton, VA

July 23

Dock at the transient slips in downtown Hampton, then join the landlubbers at Langley Speedway, one of NASCAR’s best weekly tracks, for the annual Hampton Heat races.

Where to Dock: Bluewater Yachting Center

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Southern Maryland Boat Club Bash on the Bay

Leonardtown, MD

July 29-31

Since the Calvert Marine Museum opened an exhibit on the golden era of powerboat racing in 2013, this vintage boat club has put on several races a year. Make your way to the historic Leonardtown Wharf to see vintage powerboats in action.

Where to Dock: Combs Creek Marina

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2022 Snakehead Summer Slam

July 30

Annapolis, MD

Things are sure to heat up at the fourth of five tournaments in the 2022 Snakehead Championship Series at Anglers Sport Center. Anglers in kayak/shoreline and boating divisions will be up for all kinds of prizes, including one from the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Invasive Count.

Where to Dock: Podickory Point Marina

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Annapolis Yacht Club Two Bridge Fiasco Race

Annapolis, MD

July 31

Cruise to the southern Chesapeake to witness this pursuit style race starting between the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Severn River Bridge. Look out for all types of boats in the competition, and even a foiler or two if you’re lucky.

Where to Dock: Annapolis Yacht Club

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August

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Annual Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival

Cordova, MD

August 5-7

Embrace the Eastern Shore summer lifestyle at this family-friendly festival. Feel the adrenaline rush of hot air balloon rides and keep the thrill going on the mechanical bull and bouncy house on land.

Where to Dock: Easton Point Marina

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A Day of Celebration & Remembrance of Harriet Tubman

Cambridge, MD

August 6 

Celebrate Harriet Tubman’s life, bicentennial and antislavery activism on the Underground Railroad just miles from where she lived as a child. Join the commemorative parade through the streets of Cambridge and enjoy local vendors and entertainment at the festival.

Where to Dock: Cambridge Yacht Basin

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Pirates & Wenches Weekend

Rock Hall, MD

August 12-14

Presented by Main Street Rock Hall, you can dock at a local bayfront marina ready for an immersive, family-friendly weekend. The whole family will love the marketplace on Main Street, pirate and mermaid performers, and costume contests, and there will be no shortage of grub and grog.

Where to Dock: Haven Harbor Marina Resorts

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Solomons Dragon Boat Festival 2022

Solomons Island

August 13

Cruise to scenic Solomons Island to watch 30 dragon boat teams compete for glory on the Patuxent River and explore the local vendor village. Arrive the week before and you might catch a Dotting of the Eye Ceremony or even a flash mob.

Where to dock: Solomons Harbor Marina

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Leo Wardrup Memorial Cape Charles Cup Regatta

Cape Charles, VA

August 20-21

Make your way to Virginia’s Eastern Shore for two days of racing on the Chesapeake. While you’re there, lounge on the Cape Charles town beach, stroll around the retail district and check out Victorian homes in the historic district.

Where to Dock: Cape Charles Yacht Center & Marine Services

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7th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival

Virginia Beach, VA

August 27

Spend your Saturday at the waterfront Neptune’s Park, tasting your way through 60+ beers, ciders and seltzers from 30 breweries. Learn about all Virginia breweries have to offer or branch out with some regional or national craft brews.

Where to Dock: Rudee's Inlet Station Marina

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September

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The Waterfront Festival

Havre de Grace, MD

September 9-10

Cruise to the northern Bay to round out your summer with this annual festival, kicking off with a lighted boat parade. Enjoy fun for the whole family with fresh crab and seafood, beer gardens, live music, hot air balloons and a youth fishing derby!

Where to Dock: Tidewater Marina

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2nd Annual Portsmouth Paddle Battle

Portsmouth, VA

September 10 

Whether you kayak or paddleboard as a novice or a pro, or enjoy waterfront live music, food and drink, there’s a place for you in the Paddle Battle on the Elizabeth River. Proceeds will support the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth Museum.

Where to Dock: Tidewater Yacht Marina

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‍TrawlerFest Baltimore

‍Baltimore, MD

September 27-October 1

Close out your summer season with Passagemaker’s annual boat show held at Harbor East Marina in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The show hosts impression in-water selections of new and pre-owned long-rang cruisers, coastal cruisers and of course, tons of trawlers. Free seminars and educational demonstrations are held throughout the weekend.

Where to Dock: Harbor East Marina