Over the years, I’ve driven Hunt-designed boats, and Hunt Yachts, from the Florida Keys to the top of the Bay of Fundy, in all kinds of weather and all kinds of sea conditions. From the original Bertram 31 to the latest Hunt (a new 32 is pictured above), these are all great sea boats. And pretty, too. Here’s a great story about Hunt Design, now 50 years old and going strong. http://www.boatingmag.com/hunt-design-celebrates-50-years-innovative-boat-design
Here’s a good look at the new Marlow Pilot 31, the entry-level boat in what used to be the Mainship lineup, that’s now has been revised and updated by David Marlow. It’s a basic couple’s single-diesel cruising boat, made for coastal cruising or, say, the Great Loop. http://www.boats.com/reviews/marlow-pilot-31-first-look-video/
There was no need for this to happen if both captains had followed the most basic rules of the road. A tragedy. I guess the moral is that you have to think defensively all the time, as if the other person is clueless. http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/after-lake-fatality-coast-guard-says-boaters-often-dont-follow-the-rules/Content?oid=3477159
Here’s a great blog and pictures of an American Tug 365 delivery from the factory in LaConner, Washington, 269 miles down the coast to Astoria, Oregon. (I’ve done this, and you definitely want to be careful out there.)http://americantugnews.blogspot.com/2016/04/delivering-american-tug-365-to-astoria.html
Here’s a scary very close-up video of a sudden storm hitting a boating area in Tennessee. It truly feels like you are there, as boats are caught in a microburst and a floating dock is torn apart. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/07/11/boaters-capture-epic-downburst-on-video-we-thought-we-were-going-to-be-picked-up/
Great story about Tangier Island in the lower Chesapeake, which is being threatened by rising sea levels, in The New York Times Magazine today. The future there seems pretty bleak. I took the picture above four years ago on Smith Island, just a few miles north of Tangier, which is facing the same fate. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/magazine/should-the-united-states-save-tangier-island-from-oblivion.html
It’s made in Turkey, but the new Reliant 40 Commuter, with its gorgeous tumblehome, long sheer, low profile and wide teak decks is just about as Downeast as they come. It also is developed by two of the most respected names in the U.S. marine industry: David MacFarlane, the former president and CEO of Alden and head of Cal, Ranger and Rampage, and Jim Ewing, the former president of Trumpy and executive VP of Alden (and now also an illustrator for Soundings). Together they formed Reliant Yachts, based in Newport, Rhode Island, to develop the new line of semi-custom boats.…
What are the most exclusive yacht clubs in the United States? Well, it’s probably not too hard to figure out number one. Spoiler alert: It’s on West 44th street in Manhattan (the Model Room is pictured above.) But take a look at the others: http://www.riyachting.com/programs/most-exclusive-yacht-clubs-in-america?utm_source=Multi-lead+List&utm_campaign=19b759f8ed-Wednesday_+July+7+_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c884307d0f-19b759f8ed-336878677
Take a look at this just-launched Palm Beach 42, with some of the most graceful lines, not to mention most gorgeous tumblehome, of any boat on the planet. It’s the first new model since Palm Beach Yachts, in Australia, was acquired by Grand Banks Yachts, in Malaysia, in 2014, and it’s heading for the fall boat shows in the U.S. I tested the first Palm Beach to be imported into the U.S. six years ago, and I was knocked out by the thoroughly modern but classic lines, the elegant fit and finish, and the world-class quality of the boat then.…
Knowing how to use flares in an emergency could save your life, but it isn’t as easy at seems. Here are some expert tips; read and remember them now so you’ll be prepared if you ever need them. http://www.skippertips.com/public/1708.cfmhttp://www.skippertips.com/public/1708.cfm