Cruising Life

Tragic Video: Two Dead as Cat Flips on Potomac Radar Run

By Peter Janssen on October 18, 2016 Cruising Life

This is just a tragic accident: A 36-foot cat flipped during a timed radar run on the Potomac River near Fairview Beach, Virginia. The driver and throttle man were both thrown from the boat and died. The cat had been timed at 170 mph earlier in the day. I personally how how boats travel right on the edge of control/disaster at these speeds, since I once drove a 47-foot Fountain cat 162 mph. At that speed a puff of wind, something in the water or an error in judgment can easily mean an upside down boat and catastrophe for the…

Report from Annapolis: “Best Show in Years”

By Peter Janssen on October 17, 2016 Cruising Life

The Annapolis Powerboat Show just ended, and the reviews are coming in: “Best Annapolis in recent years” – Dave Northrop, director of sales and operations, Americas, for Grand Banks and Palm Beach Yachts. “Our attendance was 4.8% better than 2015 and the best since pre-2008.” – Paul Jacobs, show president and general manager. “The overall attitude of customers was more positive than any of us can remember.” – Jeff Messmer, VP of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats. “It looks like it will be a great show.” – Bentley Collins, VP of Sabre and Back Cove Yachts. “We were so busy,…

Incredible Video: Great White Inside Shark Cage

By Peter Janssen on October 16, 2016 Cruising Life

Off the coast of Mexico, a great white shark trying to eat some tuna actually bit through the side of a shark cage, with the diver inside, and then fought its way out, while the diver swam under the cage to safety. Here’s an incredible video, shot from the dive boat. https://gcaptain.com/viral-video-great-white-shark-breaches-dive-cage-diver-inside/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.com%29

Is the Great Barrier Reef Toast? Read this…

By Peter Janssen on October 14, 2016 Cruising Life

The Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast of Australia has been around for 25 million years, stretching over 1,400 miles and containing some 2,900 individual reefs, not to mention 1,625 species of fish and 450 species of coral. But now with climate change and warmer water and catastrophic bleaching, according to this story 50 percent of the coral in the warmer, northern section has already died. What happens next? http://www.outsideonline.com/2112086/obituary-great-barrier-reef-25-million-bc-2016?utm_content=buffera9dd8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=facebookpost

Boat Starts to Sink; Coast Guard Rescues Three Men, Two Dogs

By Peter Janssen on October 14, 2016 Cruising Life

I’m partial, but I’ve always got to hand it to the Coast Guard for being there when you need them. Latest example: When the Coast Guard near New Orleans got a call that a powerboat was sinking off Dauphin Island, Alabama, they launched a 45-foot fast response boat and two helicopters. The rescue boat got there first and plucked three men and two dogs from the water. If you look the picture, I think you’d agree that the Coast Guard got there just in time. http://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-rescues-3-people-2-dogs/2016/10/12/

David Cowper Conquers Most Dangerous Spot in Northwest Passage

By Peter Janssen on October 12, 2016 Cruising Life

There’s little doubt that David Cowper is one of the most accomplished blue-water adventurers in the world today. Back in 1982, he became the fastest person to sail single-handed around the world. He’s sailed around the world both ways. He’s also sailed around the world, single-handed, through the Northwest Passage, which has almost become a second home for Cowper, since he’s actually transited it five times. Now, in his 48-foot aluminum powerboat named Polar Bound, Cowper and his son transited one of the Northwest Passage’s most dangerous areas, the Hecla and Fiury Straits. They were the first people to…

After Matthew, Here’s What’s Open, What’s Still Damaged

By Peter Janssen on October 11, 2016 Cruising Life

Here’s a comprehensive list of marinas and facilities from the Carolinas to the Bahamas, telling what’s open, what’s closed and what’s somewhere in between. If you’re planning a trip to any of these areas, or if you’re already there, take a look. It also has an interactive element so you can help update the situation in your own area. http://ahoy.dockwa.com/hurricane-matthew-marina-status?utm_campaign=Hurricane%20Matthew%20-%20Hurricane%20Hole%20Marinas&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Here’s What To Do If Matthew Hit Your Boat

By Peter Janssen on October 10, 2016 Cruising Life

Here’s some good advice from BoatU.S. about what you should do right away if your boat was damaged during Hurricane Matthew: Remove Valuables. If your boat has washed ashore, remove as much equipment as possible and move it to a safe place to protect it from looters or vandals. It’s a good idea to put your contact information somewhere conspicuously on the boat — along with a “No Trespassing” sign. However, for your safety, never climb in or on boats that have piled up together or are dangling precariously from dock pilings or other obstructions. Minimize Further Damage. Protect your…

Best Way to Predict Matthew’s Path

By Peter Janssen on October 5, 2016 Cruising Life

Nothing is more important this time of year than knowing where Matthew – or any other hurricane – is heading your way. Here’s some great advice from a professional shipping weather expert about the best sites to look at for the most reliable predictions. You’ll want to look at this, and save it. https://gcaptain.com/best-online-hurricane-tracker/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.com%29

Great Video of Ray Hunt’s Designs and Why Deep-V Hulls Are So Good

By Peter Janssen on October 5, 2016 Cruising Life

If you like to think about what makes boats go fast – particularly in rough water – take a look at this video. It’s a really interesting presentation by Winn Willard, VP of C. Raymond Hunt Associates, about how Ray Hunt developed the Deep-V hull about 56 years ago, and why it is so good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-RbCLrN_Sk&feature=share

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