BoatUS Foundation Reveals Top 3 Mistakes Boaters Make When Using VHF Radios
News & Updates
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March 2023
Speak slowly and clearly when communicating on the VHF radio.
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.
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE the winners of Marinalife’s2022 Photo Contest. Choosing three finalists and five runners-up was no easy task after reviewing more than 300 images from around the globe. The top eight shots caught our eye, because they exemplify what we love about boating — the breathtaking beauty of aquatic creatures, the exhilarating challenges of boat races, the serenity of marinas at sunset and the majestic charm of coastal towns. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the contest by sending memorable pictures of life on the water. For the first time in the history of the contest, aerial drone shots and black and white images were submitted, bringing spectacular new perspectives to our maritime activities.
WINNERS
Whale Spotting on Long Island — by Joanna Steidle
A massive humpback whale had wandered about 20 feet offshore, gracefully dipping down to feed upon a school of menhaden fish swimming off Two Mile Hollow Beach in East Hampton, NY. Joanna’s hands slightly trembled with excitement, but she waited for her target to rise back up to the water’s surface. When the whale emerged from the waves, she quickly switched her drone from video to camera and started snapping shots. Holding steady to capture the right moment paid off for this Long Island native, who started racing drones in 2015 and was certified as a commercial remote pilot in 2017. Since then, she’s built an extensive collection of aerial photos of sharks, rays and other aquatic creatures in the region. For her, drones offer a different bird’s eye perspective and new dimensions to places you think you already know. “I like to make people think, stare and wonder.” With this stunning whale photo, she certainly succeeded. For more, go to joannasteidle.com
A Spectacular Sailboat Regatta by — Dieter Vollmer
Sometimes when you least expect it, the opportunity for a great shot presents itself, so it’s wise to keep your camera handy. That’s what Dieter Vollmer learned while vacationing on the Italian Riviera. He put sunbathing on pause when he heard that the Vele d’Epoca in Imperia, Italy, was taking place offshore. This annual regatta of vintage sailboats from around the Mediterranean sounded interesting to the vocational education teacher and amateur photographer from Cologne, Germany. He grabbed his camera and snagged a ticket for an escort boat that was taking spectators out to the regatta. When he arrived at the race, Dieter was awed by the gorgeous historic sailboats, but as the waves swelled and rocked his small escort boat, he hung on for dear life while shooting photos as quickly as possible. Back home, he decided to convert the sailboat photo to black and white to give it a dramatic effect and old-fashioned feel to match the vintage boats.
Night Lights in Ocean City — by Moses Cohen
During the pandemic, some people binge-watched TV shows or taught themselves how to bake bread. Moses Cohen used his COVID down-time to learn about drone photography. After building a career at a healthcare agency, he was ready to take on a new skill. He bought a few drones and got his license in 2020, then began shooting photos for real estate clients. His business began to blossom in the Delmarva area, and Moses attended the White Marlin Open, one of his favorite fishing tournaments along the Atlantic. The weather and wind were especially rough one day, so most of the boats remained at the Sunset Marina in Ocean City, MD. That evening, he sent up his drone and captured this striking image of the vessels lined up along the docks. The colorful lights make this a stand-out shot, but Moses used no filters on the picture. Those are the brilliant hues that the captains chose for their boats.
RUNNERS-UP
Marinalife also extends congratulations to the five runners up in the 2022 Photo Contest. Their images showcase the whimsical nature of sea creatures, the rugged beauty of seascapes, and the magical play of light on the sky and water.
Battle of the Buoy in Depoe Bay — by Lisa Smith
Returning from Alice Kelly Billfish Tournament — by Terri Chabot
A Magical Sunset in Florida — by Mark Krancer
Golden Hour at the Marina — by Nicholas Heinemann
Cruising around Los Cabos — by Eduardo Arteago (Image featured on homepage)
Throughout the year, we look forward to Marinalife’s highly anticipated competition — the Best Marina Contest. We receive hundreds of votes for top-notch marinas with state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional customer service and hospitality. The winners are chosen by a survey of boaters in the United States, North America and the Caribbean. We are pleased to announce the winners of our 13th Annual Best Marina Contest. Thank you to all of the marina staff members and boaters who participated. Look for the 2023 Best Marina Contest announcement in our summer issue to cast this year’s vote!
BEST LARGE MARINA
1st Place: Brunswick Landing Marina — Brunswick, GA
Courtesy of Brunswick Landing Marina
In the heart of historic downtown Brunswick, this getaway offers first-class service and amenities in a charming southern destination. The spacious marina boasts 445+ dry and wet slips and marine services by highly skilled technicians. The property is ideal for all seasons as it’s constructed in former U.S. Navy Hurricane Hole with concrete floating docks protected from storms by land on three sides. 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. brunswicklandingmarina.com
As the largest deep-water marina on Hilton Head Island, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is a secluded paradise in the center of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The marina boasts 190 wet slips on floating docks accommodating boats ranging from 15 to 150’ and offers an overnight dock with fuel and pump out at the slip. Shelter Cove Marina promenade is packed with seven waterfront restaurants and jewelry, clothing and gift shops. The property also offers seasonal entertainment, as well as shuttle service to the neighboring Palmetto Dunes Resort amenities. On-site activities include fishing, eco- and dolphin tours, water sport charters, kayak rentals and more. sheltercovehiltonhead.com
3rd Place: Spring Point Marina — South Portland, ME
Courtesy of Spring Point Marina
Overlooking Casco Bay from the tip of South Portland, this employeeowned full-service marina and dealership offers a 50-ton travel lift, 10-ton forklift and specializes in boat repair services. Boasting the largest selection of boats in Maine from 18 leading manufacturers and in-house brokerage services, the property also provides a boat club and rental programs that deliver to any destination in the state. Amenities include chandlery and tackle shop, access to transit hubs, a courtesy vehicle for provisioning, a sportfishing charter fleet and on-site restaurant, North 43 Bistro. The 2021 expansion of linear dockage by SF Marine now allows yachts up to 200’ with increased depth capabilities. springpointmarina.com
BEST SMALL MARINA
1st Place: Chicks Marina — Kennebunkport, ME
Photo by Heidi Kirn
Chicks is no stranger to Marinalife’s Best Marina Contest and retains the crown as reigning first place champ for the third year in a row! Tucked away in the idyllic southern coast of Maine, Chicks is known as one of New England’s cleanest marinas as it strives to continuously upgrade facilities to ensure safety and efficiency. The marina offers seasonal and transient dockage, custom boat care services and indoor, heated winter storage. The property has about 50 slips and is the only marina in Kennebunkport to offer 91 Octane gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. chicksmarina.com
2nd Place: Champlin's Marina & Resort — Block Island, RI
Photo by Aram Boghosian
Situated on the Great Salt Pond, this resort offers a laid-back vibe along Block Island’s western shore. Even though it falls in our best small marina category, Champlin’s is one of New England’s largest marina resorts. Owned and operated by TPG Marinas, the facility offers 100 wet slips and floating docks and accommodates vessels up to 225’ with 15’ drafts. The charming hotel boasts 42 nautical-themed guest rooms with waterfront views and on-site eateries. In addition to last year’s full guest room renovation, Champlin’s plans to update its electric service and pool and offer new fuel pumps on the dock this year. champlinsresort.com
3rd Place: Jekyll Harbor Marina — Jekyll Island, GA
Courtesy of Jekyll Harbor Marina
In a secluded cut along Jekyll Island’s Golden Isles, this full-service marina offers 50 interior wet slips for annual storage, accommodating vessels up to 150’. Amenities include dry storage, fuel dock, marina store, a fish-cleaning station and complimentary bike and golf cart rentals. Dine at Zachary’s Restaurant & Bar on-site, relax in the pool and hot tub, or grill out at the picnic areas. Explore the island’s 10 miles of beaches and attractions such as golf courses, bike paths and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center a few miles from the marina. jekyllharbor.com
Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, FL, is excited to announce that upgrades are underway. Construction recently began on new dock pilings and a new dockside store. The facility improvements should have minimal impact on its boaters. Recently added to the Hawks Cay experience is the Better Than Most SCUBA program. Divers of all levels can enjoy two tank reef scuba trips in the Florida Keys.
Suntex Marinas Expands to the Florida Panhandle
This past fall, premier marina owner and operator, Suntex Marinas, announced its latest acquisition of Legendary Marina in Destin, FL. The spacious property along the panhandle is one of the largest dry storage facilities in the United States with more than 180,000 square feet, accommodating up to 780 vessels. Amenities include in-and-out water services, fuel, ships store and more. Enjoy the close proximity to Destin’s 24 miles of gorgeous beaches.
Oasis Marinas Welcomes More New Properties
The mid-Atlantic-based marina management company continues to grow, coining its eighth property in Florida, Four Fish Marina in Jensen Beach. Located on the Indian River, the marina offers 30 slips accommodating vessels up to 90 feet. Amenities include dry storage, a fuel dock, and lovely cottages and accommodations at Four Fish Inn & Marina. Recent additions to the Oasis family also include Cape Charles Yacht Center in Cape Charles, VA, and Port Conneaut Marina in Conneaut, OH.
Upcoming Boat Shows
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show St. Petersburg, FL January 19-22, 2023
Seattle Boat Show Seattle, WA February 3-11, 2023
Miami International Boat Show Miami, FL February 15-19, 2023
Palm Beach International Boat Show West Palm Beach, FL March 23-26, 2023
‘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.
ONGOING EVENTS
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.
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
Photo by Aruba Tourism Authority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
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
FEBRUARY
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)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Zephyr: Last appearing on the top 10 in 2010, sailors will welcome this reference to a gentle breeze back to the list.
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.
Adventure: A boat with this name is usually out of the slip every weekend putting miles of water under the keel.
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.
Shenanigans:Quit fooling around. Shenanigans are a part of every boating culture.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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:
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
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!
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.
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.
Chesapeake oyster lovers have a reason to cheer this summer as the region’s oyster population reached its highest level in 35 years. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) recently chose 10 sites for large-scale oyster reef restoration in Maryland and Virginia, aiming to improve tributaries by 2025.
Even though the male blue crab population was down last year, causing prices to go up, the female crab population increased. According to the 2021 Bay Barometer, “Between 2020 and 2021, the abundance of adult female blue crabs in the Bay increased from 141 million to 158 million,” reports CBF. This jump gives a boost to the Bay’s wildlife habitats.
To celebrate the success of reef restoration initiatives and the return of a healthy wildlife population, CBF will host the Maryland Rod & Reef Slam in October. This unique fishing tournament awards the biggest catch like traditional tournaments, but also focuses on finding as many species as you can. Prizes go to anglers with the most different species first, then for how long the fish measure.
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD FOR THE BAY
To have a healthy aquaculture requires maintaining a pollution-free ecosystem. CBF pioneers marine cleanup partnerships between state and local governments and conservation groups and is crucial to implementing clean water coalitions.
This past winter, the Congress signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) containing a $238 million dollar-increase over five years for CBF.
Funding was also granted through the EPA for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which will contribute to upgrading sewage treatment facilities to reduce the Bay’s polluted runoff. For more info or to get involved, visit cbf.org
MARITIME MUSEUM HOSTS SUMMER HAPPENINGS
Cruise to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) this season to experience fun in historic St. Michaels, MD. Events include an Independence Day celebration of fireworks and entertainment with Big Band Night in July and Watermen’s Appreciation Day on August 14 featuring live music and a “watermen’s rodeo” you don’t want to miss.
CBMM’S WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
“Apprentice for a Day” shipyard programs
Mixed-level yoga classes
Artist workshops
Boater safety courses
Kayak paddle programs
Log canoe cruises
Community ecology cruises
LIVING CLASSROOMS HOSTS 34TH ANNUAL MARITIME MAGIC
This nonprofit offers interactive educational classes — or as they call it “learning by doing” — to local students of diverse backgrounds and economic means. With two locations serving both the Baltimore and Washington, DC, areas, the organization hosts seasonal maritime youth programs that benefit communities.
On September 30, Living Classrooms in Baltimore will celebrate its 34th Maritime Magic event with food, drinks, live music and seafaring history at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park. Located directly between Harbor East and Fells Point, this site is the former location of the Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company, the first African American-owned shipyard in the country.
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