Marinalife Spring 2022 by Marinalife, LLC

SHARE A FATHER-SON ICW ADVENTURE

SPECIAL SECTION: NEW ENGLAND

TOP 10 NEW ENGLAND SAILING REGATTAS

E N H A N C I N G YO U R YA C H T I N G L I F E S T Y L E

marinalife.com SPRING 2022

Spring INTO A NEW BOATING SEASON!

Dive into

relaxation

Chart a course for waypoint N24° 45’ 48’ W80° 54’ 40’ and refuel, reload and relax in an island paradise known for some of the best ﬁshing and diving the world has to offer. Laid back luxury is a way of life at Hawks Cay Marina. Drop your anchor, tie up and indulge in the incomparable amenities and culinary excellence of our world-class resort while docked within reach of the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. Hawks Cay Marina features 85 boat slips, accommodation for vessels up to 110 feet in length, one spectacular resort, ﬁve pools, the Key’s only saltwater lagoon, award-winning restaurants and a full-service spa.

HAWKSCAY.COM | (888) 395-5539

AS FAITHFULLY AS THE TIDES

Ocean Reef is more than a club, it’s family; a family that holds tradition, privacy and belonging at its core. That’s why generations of Members continue to connect and to enjoy the countless amenities all within this private club community. There are only two ways to experience Ocean Reef Club’s Unique Way of Life – as a guest of a Member or through the pages of Living magazine. Visit OceanReefClubLiving.com or call 305.367.5921 to request your complimentary copy.

AMENITIES INCLUDE: 4 19 Dry Racks

( rated for 150 mph winds )

On-Site Rentals

Available

1 01 Wet Slips

LL‘s Test Kitchen

W aterfront Condo

Fitness Facility

Rentals

I ndoor & Outdoor

Event Space C lubhouse Access

to Private Pool & Beach

6000 Peninsular Ave, Key West (305) 292-3121 N 24° 33.850’ W 081° 43.600’ spottswoodmarinas.com

Spring 2022

CONTENTS >

ON THE COVER Edgartown Race Weekend. Photo by Daniel Forster

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

IN EVERY ISSUE Editors’ Log 12 / What’s New 14 / Nauti Shopper 22 / Smart Boater 40 / Port Personalities 61 / Captain’s Tips 84

76 50

EXPLORE MAGICAL BIOLUMINESCENT BAYS Take a kayak trip through lush mangroves and luminous waters.

ECO-FRIENDLY BOATING Renewable energy offers perks for boaters and anglers.

TALL SHIP ADVENTURES

120 95-137

SPECIAL SECTION: NEW ENGLAND 98 Top 10 New England Sailing Regattas

Either race or spectate – but don’t miss these exciting events!

106 Explore the Maine Island Trail

Cruise the 375-mile water trail that spans the state’s coast. Enjoy spring happenings all around the region.

120 Dock & Dine on Long Island Sound (Part 1)

LEARNING THE ROPES

128 New England’s Best Beaches

Getting to know our boat and her systems while gaining expertise.

Kick back and enjoy the best seafood in the Northeast.

Top spots to unwind in the sand and sun.

136 Destination: Cuttyhunk, MA

Marinalife magazine, Vol. 17, Iss. 2 is published quarterly by Marinalife, LLC, 101 West Dickman Street, Suite 1000, Baltimore, MD 21230, 410-752-0505. Annual subscription price $24.99; for subscription (please add $10 for Canadian addresses and $20 for all other international addresses), renewal or change of address, call 410-752-0505 or visit marinalife.com. Periodical Postage paid at the Baltimore, MD, post office and at additional mailing offices. ISSN #2152-2200 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marinalife, LLC, 101 West Dickman Street, Suite 1000, Baltimore, MD 21230

m arinalife.com

26 Cruise Itinerary Join a father and son trip up the ICW. 44 Cruising with Members

Exploring Antigua by land and sea.

56 Weekend Warrior Wickford Cove to Block Island, RI.

112 New England’s Calendar of Events

Under sail with the Pride of Baltimore II

Wikimedia Commons

112

25 Marina Spotlight Kingman Yacht Center 32 Food & Drink Cruising the Great Loop taught us how to cook

36 Destination Burlington, VT 39 This or That Lobsters v. Crabs 62 Destination Wilmington, NC 67 Marina Spotlight Morningstar Marinas

at Little Creek, VA

72 History Nantucket baskets woven by

lighthouse boat captains.

146 Cast Off

The World Awaits As we turn the calendar to a new year, we look forward to new opportunities and a renewed optimism for the future. Now is the time to break free, set sail, and enjoy the world in all her splendor once again.

Your next yacht charter escape awaits. MOORINGS.COM/MARINALIFE | 800 669 6529

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EDITORS’ LOG >

Dear Fellow Boaters: As the warmth of spring draws boaters back to marinas, we often hear the post-hibernation question, “So, what did you do in the off-season?” Responses run the gamut from planning new cruising destinations to boat repairs or taking a class to hone your boating skills. At Marinalife we were busy, too. During the cool months, we made it easier for you to receive discounts on fuel, dockage and other travel essentials. Now, you can quickly and easily access the Cruising Club Discount Directory online and scroll through thousands of cost-saving deals at our partner marinas. Please visit Marinalife.com/Discounts and tell us what you think about the new digital format. And stay tuned for more exciting changes on the horizon, such as a more user-friendly

marinalife.com

NEW FOR YOU –

DISCOUNTS ONLINE!

website and new features that enhance your boating lifestyle. In the meantime, we’re excited about kicking off the Marinalife.com/Discounts 2022 boating season. To get you geared up for spring, our Special New England Section showcases must-see Regattas & Races in the Northeast, and we share local secrets about the Best Long Island Dock & Dines. If you’re heading north along the ICW this season, don’t miss a heartwarming tale of a father-son journey from Florida to New Jersey along this waterway. And do not forget to snap some shots of your adventures on the water for the Marinalife 2022 Photography Contest (see announcement, p. 16). We wish you safe travels and happy boating,

Joy McPeters, Marinalife Founder

Susan Elnicki Wade, Editor in Chief

Marinalife magazine, published four times a year, is focused on the cruising lifestyle. The magazine includes articles on where to cruise, new marina destinations, upcoming events, boating stories and a directory of the many great discounts available to Cruising Club members. EDITOR IN CHIEF

Susan Elnicki Wade swade@marinalife.com FOUNDER & PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Joy McPeters ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Alexa Zizzi EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Liyana Ido

GET CRUISIN’ Join

THE CLUB AND

The Cruising Club has everything you need to get underway!

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Arrington Carol Bareuther James R. Barnett Heather Burke Lisa Carruthers Ellen Honey Paul Kekalos Richard Kern Jen Leroux Teri Miller Kate Raulin Carney Victor Walton April Winship

AWESOME DEALS

Thousands of deals, discounts and promotions to help you boat more and spend less.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Access to hundreds of articles featuring great coastal destinations, cruising itineraries, recipes and more.

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

Mid-Atlantic Custom Media jmann@midatlanticmedia.com Ebony Brown, Art Director Rachel Levitan, Designer Jay Sevidal, Designer

QUALITY SUPPORT

Amazing customer service and the best cruise-planning support available.

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Natasha Lee-Putnam 860-227-9190 sales@marinalife.com REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Amy Krimm, 410-693-8613 Kim Eaton, 401-932-8020 Bob Amberg, 203-257-2448 QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

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info@marinalife.com MARINALIFE, LLC 101 West Dickman Street, Suite 1000 Baltimore, MD 21230 Tel: 410-752-0505 Fax: 866-622-9488 S PR I N G 2 0 2 2

WHAT’s new

Marina Updates Oasis Marinas Expands across New England

WITH

BY ALEXA ZIZZI

The marina management company is pleased to announce its growth into New England with three Connecticut properties: Old Harbor Marina in Clinton, Mystic Point Marina in downtown Mystic and Glastonbury Marina (formerly Seaboard Marina) in Glastonbury. Since its founding on the East Coast in 2015, Oasis has spread out rapidly across the United States from the northern Great Lakes to southern Florida. The company is now stepping foot on the West Coast with plans to grow new team members and properties in the future. For updates, visit oasismarinas.com Seaboard Marina

SWITLIK SAR6 Offshore

Pursuit Boats Announces New Model Since 1977, Pursuit Boats has produced high-end, yacht-quality fishing and cruising vessels across tons of locations. Magnificently appointed and highly anticipated with possibilities for every angler, the OS 445 is Pursuit’s largest boat yet. Prepare to cruise in liveaboard luxury with this season’s new model. Visit pursuitboats.com or marinalife.com/ pursuit-concierge-club

SWITLIK Life Rafts are Back for the Season SWITLIK Life Rafts are back in stock, in every variety just in time for spring and summer boating. Short lead times are now offered on survival equipment, rafts and man overboard modules. For more than 100 years, this U.S.-based company has produced high quality safety equipment in Trenton, NJ. Visit switlik.com

Pursuit Boats rendering

Suntex Marinas Lands New Property in New York Suntex Marinas, a premier marina owner and operator, is proud to announce its recent acquisition of Sunset Harbour in Long Island, NY. Situated along the South Shore, this 332-slip marina provides easy access to the lovely Great South Bay. Visit suntexmarinas.com 1 4 m amarinalife.com r inalife.com

mixetto

PJD/DigiPic

Upcoming Boat Shows

2022 Photo Contest Is Open for Submissions! Marinalife is pleased to announce our third annual photo contest, where we welcome snapshots that capture moments of maritime merriment from photographers of all skill levels. For details, see page 16 or visit marinalife.com/2022PhotoContest

Bay Bridge Boat Show Stevensville, MD April 21 - 24, 2022 Suncoast Boat Show Sarasota, FL April 22-24, 2022 Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show Annapolis, MD April 29 - May 1, 2022

No Matter Where You Boat, We’ve Got Your Back These are just some of the faces of your local Chesapeake Bay TowBoatU.S. Captains. We are your friends, neighbors and local boaters who have spent our lives working on the Bay. With a TowBoatU.S. Membership, which is good anywhere you boat, you get community knowledge and fast response from local professional Captains supported by a national fleet and 24/7 service. No matter where you take your crew there is another local TowBoatU.S. guy, or gal, there for you! Purchase a Towing Membership today for a year of worry-free boating

Chesapeake City/C&D Canal

410-885-5988

Annapolis/Baltimore

410-255-8700

Kent/Knapps Narrows

410-745-3000

2022 Photography Contest to Celebrate the Boating Lifestyle

Contest Details MARINALIFE is pleased to announce this year’s photography contest that showcases the joy of boating and good times on the water. We welcome snapshots that capture moments of maritime merriment — the freedom of getting back on the water after a long winter, a memorable boating experience with family and friends, a special seaside vacation, the thrill of water sports, an epic fishing trip where you reeled in a trophy catch, or the face of a pet who’s too cute for words. Whatever floats your boat, we’d like to see it.

Who’s Eligible: Everybody is invited — from amateur shutterbugs to seasoned photographers — to send your favorite shots of what you love most about the cruising lifestyle and high seas adventures.

What to Submit: Limit of up to 3 photos per person, send high resolution images (300 dpi, 2 mb or 600 kb). Please include a brief description of the photo’s location, the photographer’s credit, and the contact info, email and phone.

Deadline: Spend the spring and summer taking great shots, then submit your favorite photos to marinalife.com/ 2022PhotoContest by Friday, September 9, 2022.

Winners: Our staff will select the first, second and third place winners and runners up whose photographs will appear in upcoming issues of Marinalife. Prizes will be announced soon.

For details, go to marinalife.com/2022PhotoContest or email questions to submissions@marinalife.com 16

marinalife.co m

Tama66/Pixnio

WHAT’S NEW >

Pixnio

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17 Spencer Wright/Flickr

Pixnio

Bicanski/Pixnio

Oscar Sutton/Unsplash

YOUR TOWING MEMBERSHIP IS

JUST THE BEGINNING. Sea Tow membership advantages go far beyond 24/7 towing with local navigation, mishap prevention, and getting members back underway by troubleshooting ﬁrst. ®

When on-water assistance is needed, Sea Tow Captains are on-scene in an average of 1-hour or less.

Are you a member?

ADD SEA TOW TO YOUR CRUISING CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE ON THE WATER. marinalife.com

DOCK. DINE. STAY.

Play!

40-ACRES OF FUN

The largest deep-water marina in the Florida Keys, The Perry Hotel & Marina is more than just a marina — it’s a world-class destination. Featuring the award-winning Perry Hotel, two waterfront pools, three dockside restaurants, an entire village of experiences right at your fingertips, and 5-star service, we guarantee an unforgettable Key West getaway.

7005 SHRIMP ROAD | KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 PERRYKEYWEST.COM | 855.421.0551

A LIFETIME OF ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA, FL

APRIL 22-24, 2022 SUNCOASTBOATSHOW.COM

Visit our remarkable destination along the ICW and explore the enchantment of Amelia Island, Florida! For more information and to book your slip, visit fernandinaharbormarina.com or call 904-310-3300

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Beach Party NECESSITIES

Whether you’re playing competitive games or relaxing with friends and family, celebrate spring by throwing a beach party.

BEACH TOYS HYDRO FORCE TROPICAL BREEZE ISLAND FLOAT

Bestway Stay cool, calm and comfortable on this inflatable breeze raft. Up to six people can recline on pillow backrests under a protective sunshade with easy access to cup holders for drinks. Complete with a swim-up platform, this raft lets you while away the day. ($229.99) vminnovations.com

CRUISE CARBON SUP PACKAGE

Bluefin If you’re in the mood for an exciting day on the water, Bluefin’s inflatable stand-up paddleboard gives the ultimate thrill. Your watersport buddies will love riding the waves on this advanced board. Complete with a kayak conversion kit and carbon rail and paddle, the board is customizable, so you can pick one shaped perfectly for you. ($699) bluefinsupboards.com

TROPICAL PALAPA RAFFIA TIKI HUT HAWAIIAN HULA BEACH UMBRELLA

22 m a r inalife.com

Bluefin SUP Boards

EasyGo Create your dream tiki party with this Hawaiian thatch patio umbrella. No need to worry about a windy day, because this umbrella is made of natural, weatherproof material. Grab a towel, a fruity drink and crank the reggae as you kick back under this eco-friendly tiki hut. ($119.77) easygo-products.myshopify.com

Cruise Carbon SUP Package

gstockstudio

NAUTI SHOPPER > BY ALEXA ZIZZI

Flamingo Toss Tropical Palapa Beach Umbrella

PARTY PLANNING ROBOCUP PORTABLE CADDY

RoboCup This multifunctional utility caddy provides a double cup holder and securely holds various items including fishing poles, tools, phones and keys. The spring-loaded clamps have a durable grip with UV-inhibitors to protect the resilient plastic material against the sun. ($24.99) therobocup.com

DOMETIC CFX3 25 POWERED COOLER

VM Innovations

Dometic Combining deep-freeze capabilities with power consumption, the Dometic cooler keeps items fresh all day long. It’s built with fender frames for outdoor durability and has a user-friendly interface for the powered cooler controls. The options may be a bit pricey, but the long-lasting guarantee will not disappoint. ($899.99) dometic.com

Hydro Force Tropical Breeze Island Float

Dometic.com

EasyGo

Dometic Powered Cooler

HELINOX BEACH CHAIR

Helinox Stick your feet in the sand and your face to the sun with this cozy beach lounger. The supportive back and neck rest allows for long-term comfort while sitting around in social gatherings. This beach chair converts to a pillow, so it’s easily compactable. ($149.95) helinox.com/collections/beach-chair

FUN & GAMES TIPSY TOSS GAME SET

GoSports Give your strength and balance the ultimate challenge and bring this classic lawn game to the beach party. The Tipsy Toss full set includes two target poles, two bottles, one flying disc and a portable carrying case. Get extra competitive with this high-energy game and drop the other team’s bottle off the pole with the flying disc to score. ($39.99) playgosports.com

TIDALBALL BEACH GAME

TidalBall This unique game is a fun twist on bocce ball combined with cornhole. You play by digging four-inch holes and trenches on each side to make a sandy court, and throwing an eight-ounce ball into the hole to receive points. What began as a Lowcountry classic game birthed on the sands of Folly Beach, SC, has blossomed into a popular item to bring along for beach parties. ($24.99) tidalball.com

FLAMINGO RING TOSS

Savita This pretty pink flamingo ring toss is a perfect go-to for a beach or pool party. It’s fun for tropical-themed events or just a chill day on the water. Toss a ring around the inflatable flamingo’s neck and watch this classic game be a hit with friends. ($49.24) fishpond.com

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MARINA SPOTLIGHT > CATAUMET, MA

KINGMAN YACHT CENTER MILES OF LUSH FOLIAGE, hiking trails and stunning Cape Cod views make up the tranquil scene at Kingman Yacht Center. This New England gem is an historic property and community along the northeast corner of Buzzards Bay. The spacious, full-service marina boasts 235 slips in renovated floating docks, as well as 130 moorings. That’s room for 365 boats — one for every day of the year! With easy access through the sevenmile canal, this destination is ideal for boaters looking for a calm, rural escape. Established in 1932, the site was originally a boat-building center for the U.S. Army, Navy and aircraft rescue boats during military conflicts such as the Korean War. The Kingman family ran this location until they sold it to current owner Scott Zeien in 2000. “It became a recreational

marina in the ‘50s. I grew up sailing here, and it really hasn’t changed much in terms of the personality and the harbor,” says Zeien. “Our premier boatyard is a community of boaters enjoying one of the most beautiful natural harbors in New England.” This retreat is centrally focused around two brands that make KYC: Kingman Yacht Center and Kingman Yacht Club, a thriving marina, service and sales facility, as well as social club where transients and members can enjoy exclusive benefits. Poised on a hilltop overlooking the marina, Red Brook Harbor Club townhomes span a luxury community alongside aquaculture farming and a water treatment plant that filters pollution out of local waterways. KYC’s on-site service center offers anything a boater could imagine such as repair, repower, electrical and more.

Marina amenities include gas and diesel, laundry, yacht valet services, plus dock and dine. Check out Buzzards Bay Yacht Sales boat dealer and yacht brokerage for convenient, top-of-the-line vessels. The marina’s famous Chart Room Restaurant serves fresh seafood garnished with beautiful sunsets from spring to fall. Try everything from fresh steamed mussels and seasonal fish to the creamy Chart Room Chowder. From May to October, KYC hosts weekly on-site activities, cruising rendezvous and events such as seminars, live music on the barge, fishing tournaments, lobster boil dinners and much more. ml

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/KingmanYachtCenter

Hawks Cay Marina

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Courtesy of Kingman Yacht Center

BY ALEXA ZIZZI

CRUISING ITINERARY > ICW

JOIN A

FATHER & SON TRIP UP THE ICW BY PAUL KEKALOS

Paul Kekalos and his father

marinalife.com

“Might as well get going” said my dad as we stood on the dock, fresh out of things to prepare. I laughed to myself and replied, “Yeah, I guess we might as well.” That conversation plays out in my head every time I set out on a boat — a sign that all preparations are complete, and it’s time to start the trip. When my father asked me to help him deliver his Hatteras 40 from Charleston to Cape May via the ICW, I jumped at the chance to return to a special place in my life (I spent my summers in Cape May growing up) and spend bonding time with my dad. But I was not without apprehension. It would be my first trip on the ICW, his first in years, and the first on a new-to-him vessel. While I spend a lot of time on the water as a sailor, the twin diesels of the Hatteras were new to me. As we were about to push off, dolphins showed up, easing the inevitable start-of-voyage jitters that accompany any trip. As we turned into Charleston Harbor and pointed toward the markers at the entrance to the first portion of the waterway heading north, our three dolphin friends escorted us through the channel markers. I took it as a good sign.

Jonas-von Werne on Pexels

With lessons learned along the way

Starting Point: Charleston, SC Estimated Mileage: 48 NM

ICW Canal connecting Pungo River with Alligator River

We were warned that the first stretch of waterway was known for scattered shallow spots in the first few miles, but we found none. As waterfront homes of Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms slowly peeled away to reveal the quiet wilderness of the Santee Coastal Reserve, I thought, “This is the ICW I imagined.” Pristine, undeveloped and peaceful. In the coming days, I would learn this was only part of the story. We pulled into Georgetown for the evening, and our first day was behind us. With that came the simple lesson: the only way to get over the nervousness of a trip is to start the journey. We slept well that night knowing we had done so.

Leg 1: Georgetown, SC to Southport, NC

Beaufort, NC

Estimated Mileage: 72 NM Leaving Georgetown and heading north up the Waccamaw River, the previous afternoon’s tranquility continued. The soft light over the marshlands showed that ours was the only wake in sight, save for a few passing southbound boats. It was an easy way to start the day. And then … Myrtle Beach ... on a Saturday... in June. The morning peacefulness gave way to a bustling stretch of waterway filled with all sorts of people enjoying the day — center consoles, water skiers, kayakers, stand-up paddlers, floating tiki bars. Mile after mile of developed waterfront checked

Jackie on Flickr

1778011 on Pixabay

Charleston, SC

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our speed and changed our perspective. Eventually, we cleared through the beautiful chaos of Myrtle Beach, crossed into North Carolina and preceded toward that night’s destination, Southport, NC. This was our first time experiencing the wonderful ICW phenomenon of just pulling over to dock on the proverbial “side of the road.” We settled into the facing fuel dock at Southport Marina and marveled at how the ICW contains multitudes of experiences.

Leg 2: Southport to Beaufort, NC The weather was mostly settled with morning showers, and thunderstorms were predicted, but clear skies were forecasted for the afternoon. Only on Day 3, we still were under the misguided illusion that the schedule was ours to keep. We wanted to cover some ground today, so we ducked out of the well-marked and relatively easy Masonboro Inlet for an “outside” run up the Atlantic to Beaufort, NC. As we approached the Inlet, a local Sunday morning sailing race was underway. Half the fleet made it out of the inlet with us before we heard on the radio that the race committee was recalling the fleet due to approaching thunderstorms. We debated staying inside, but the weather quickly passed us, and we rode the gentle swell up to Beaufort Inlet. It was good to get in the miles by going outside the ICW, but we realized that was not the point of this trip. Leaving the ICW, we missed the variety that the waterway provides. We stayed “inside” for the rest of the trip to enjoy the view.

Leg 3: Beaufort to Belhaven, NC Estimated Mileage: 50 NM On a trip up the ICW, you discover it’s anything but a highway. Leaving Beaufort, we noted how the waterway that we experienced thus far was a straight-line narrow cut with land close by on either side, often called the proverbial “ditch.” 28

marinalife.com

David Mark - pixabay.com

Estimated Mileage: 83 NM

Norfolk’s busy harbor

But the ICW also provides moments of wide-open beauty. Heading out of Beaufort and north up Adams Creek, the ICW gives way to the relative vastness of the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. Navigation aids are more spaced out, and the wind waves have more room to gather up. We traveled a short stretch of the Sound, pulled into beautiful Belhaven Marina for the night and found the sleepy but utterly charming town was a great place to stop.

Leg 4: Belhaven to Coinjock, NC Estimated Mileage: 58 NM Years of boating taught me that you seldom go five days without seeing

weather that you’d rather not see. The past four days were pretty good weather-wise, so we were due for something else. Pulling out of Belhaven in light sprinkles and overcast skies, we entered the famed Alligator-Pungo River Canal. This is truly “the ditch” — 21 miles of a virtual straight line that connects the Pungo and Alligator Rivers. It is narrow and long, and it helps to see where you are going. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, and we navigated the canal with ease. But just as we emerged into the wide-open Alligator River, heavy rains and stiff squalls closed in around us. I’m always nervous with weather, but my dad has a measured demeanor, so he put me at ease. We picked our way from buoy to buoy and emerged from the storm just as we passed

through Alligator River Swing Bridge and started across Albemarle Sound for the evening’s destination, Coinjock Marina & Restaurant. Here I learned the real lesson of the day — order the prime rib!

Leg 5: Coinjock, NC to Norfolk, VA On every trip, you reach a point where you’ve gone over the hump. With five days of ICW behind us, we hit that point and could sense a change coming. We left Coinjock and picked our way across the long, shallow Currituck Sound into Virginia. As we wound our way through the meandering and pristine North Landing River Natural Area Preserve, both of us were excited to make Norfolk that evening and enter the Chesapeake for our final stretch. Several bridges are on this stretch of the ICW, but our timing was good, and we passed each without much wait. Sliding through the Great Bridge Locks, we approached Norfolk. The city and its surrounding waterways’ bustle was an absolute eye-opener after the past few days. It made the pace of Myrtle Beach seem bucolic. We slept well, knowing that we had come to mile zero on the ICW safely.

Leg 6: Chesapeake Bay: Norfolk, VA to Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Estimated Mileage: 200 NM If approaching Norfolk from the south is eye-opening, then traveling into the

Lee Cannon on Flickr

Chesapeake Delaware Canal

Wikimedia Commons

Estimated Mileage: 34 NM

Cape May Beach Avenue from the sea

Chesapeake past the heart of the Naval docks is something else entirely. Mile after mile of grey steel. More naval ships that I’d ever seen in one place. Amazing! And just like that, you pass over Hampton Roads Tunnels, enter the Chesapeake and you’re back to wide-open beauty. Our time in the Bay was a bit rushed. I had to return to commitments at home, so we had to get in some miles now. The plan: proceed to Solomons for a night and then reach the C&D Canal. However, our optimistic timetable did not stop the Chesapeake from dealing us a few lessons along the way. The Chesapeake does not care about your schedule. The weather was too crummy in Solomons to leave, so we wisely decided to stay an extra day. When we finally poked out of the Patuxent River, we realized the residual effects of the rain was still evident. The Bay delivered a wild ride, with wind, rain, short chop and limited visibility for a few hours. We pondered cutting our day short, but the

weather lifted quickly. By the time we passed Annapolis, blue skies and flat seas surrounded us all the way to the C&D Canal. It was amazing how quickly and dramatically conditions on the Bay changed for the better.

Leg 7: Chesapeake City to Cape May, NJ Estimated Mileage: 54 NM After transiting the C&D Canal and entering the Delaware Bay for the final stretch, we were truly in “home waters.” But despite the time I spent on the Bay growing up, I had never navigated a boat down this tricky body of water. The Delaware is busy, with a narrow channel and many big working boats. We hugged the channel’s edge as we made our way down the Bay leaving ample room for others. As the bay widened out, we plotted our approach to Cape May Harbor. Our entry took us through the Cape May Canal and into the harbor, then on to the boats’ summer berth, not far from where I had spent my childhood summers. With the trip virtually complete, we experienced the bittersweet feeling of nearing our destination. And the final stretch provided perhaps the best lesson of all: When you get the opportunity to bring a boat from one place to another with your old man, take it. To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/FatherSonTripICW

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC

SHELTER COVE MARINA Located in the middle of Hilton Head Island across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and just off the Intracoastal Waterway, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina offers easy access to great shopping & restaurants plus bikes, watersports, golf, tennis & pickleball. The Ship’s Store offers a large selection of apparel, accessories, convenience items & fishing tackle. • Floating docks / vessels up to 150' • Electrical: 30, 50, 100 amp • 9' MLW, well marked channel • Pump-out boat • Monitor channel 16/71 • Restrooms, showers, laundry • Grocery store nearby • Full service yacht maintenance • Wi-Fi internet access & cable available • Seasonal resort shuttle • 70' transient dock at the slip fuel & pump-out for convenience

1 SHELTER COVE LN, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC 29928 • 844-264-0981 • SHELTERCOVEHILTONHEAD.COM

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Introducing: The 2022

Idea house Overlooking the Harbor - Boaters Welcome! Enjoy tours from July - December

Book your next ICW stop and enjoy more than an award-winning, protected marina with Dockage up to 130’, Fuel & Deep Water Slips. Onshore, tour the harborside Idea House, enjoy the thriving Harbor Village, waterfront dining, pool, luxurious spa, and more. (800) 348-7618

O R A N G E

B E A C H

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M A R I N A

Haven or Heaven Enjoy the experience.

Outstanding On Site Services and Local Attractions

• Exceptional Marina Staff • Upscale Dock Store • 2 Restaurants On Site • Courtesy Cars & Ample Parking - Dockside & Upstairs 'RFNDJH WR · • Saunders Marine Center • Covered Grilling & Picnic Areas • 24 Hour Security • Laundry Center • 6 Bay Fuel Dock • Private Shower & Restrooms • Free Wi-Fi & Cable TV

MOBILE BIG GAME FISHING CLUB

2016 - Best Large Marina 1st Place 2018 - Best Large Marina 2nd Place

2017 - Best Large Marina 1st Place 2019 - Best Large Marina 1st Place

Relax. Every need is met at our beautifully secluded, secure location with coveredd and open slips availabale. Enjoy on site

waterfront dining and shopping as your yacht gets all the attention it needs with on site service and repair. Located just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico at Perdidio Pass and the Intracoastal Waterway

27075 Marina Road • Orange Beach, AL • 251.981.4207 • OrangeBeachMarina.com S PR I N G 2 0 2 2

FOOD & DRINK >

Cruising the Great Loop Taught Us How to Cook BY KATE RAULIN CARNEY

EFORE EMBARKING on the Great Loop, my husband Tim and I lived in New York City, which helped prepare us somewhat for life on the water. We took our clothes to a laundromat, hand washed our dishes, and understood the challenges of living in a small space. But given it’s one of the culinary capitals of the world, living in Manhattan didn’t teach us how to cook. Since living on our boat, a 31-foot 1996 Camano Troll named Sweet Day, we had to change our relationship with the kitchen, which means we actually had to use it. Here’s what we learned.

Be creative with what we have

While cruising the Great Loop, we imagined tiki bars and restaurants dotting 32

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the shorelines everywhere we stopped. This is definitely true in some parts. But more times than expected, we found ourselves nowhere near a place to grab a meal, much less a grocery store. This means we’ve learned how to build meals with what we have onboard. We also realized that as long as we have flour and a little butter, homemade tortillas can easily transform a couple sides into tasty tacos and easily impress neighbors at the next docktail party.

Rarely waste food

In the daily hustle of our lives in the city, we ended up wasting a lot more food than we’d like to admit. The opposite has been true while cruising. We typically buy enough fresh food for three to four meals, because that’s all we can fit in our fridge. A homecooked dinner is easily stretched to lunch the

next day. And since we travel with our fridge, leftovers never get left behind.

No need for fancy kitchen gadgets

We have a small propane oven and a three-burner stove. We can use these with barely any electricity, making cooking underway and at anchor seamless. When we’re plugged into a marina or if we run our generator, we can also use our microwave (when it’s not being used as a food pantry). Some cruisers have Instapots and other gadgets, but our boat isn’t set up to handle that amount of electricity. Plus, we don’t have the space. So, we’ve had to learn (with a lot of practice) how to cook juicy chicken or tender salmon without the benefits of modern cooking technology.

Access our kitchen 24/7

One of the biggest (and underrated) benefits of cruising is that your stuff travels with you, including your kitchen. This means we can make a marinade while cruising and cook the chicken at anchor that night. Or knead a loaf of bread underway to make sure it’s ready to bake the next day. Plus, you never have to worry about forgetting olive oil or spices when on a trip. Spending time and experimenting in the kitchen helps break up those long cruising days too, all while rewarding us with a tasty meal once we reach our destination.

Know the steps ahead of time to plan a meal

One quirk of our galley is we can only run the oven or the stove, as our propane system can’t support running both at the same time. As a result, it requires knowing the recipe and its steps in advance to ensure we have the right equipment and ability to cook the meal. If the meal is good enough to be part of the rotation, the steps become easier to remember the next time we cook it.

Learn what meals we can make quickly

Just like land life, there are days when we may feel excited about prepping and cooking a more time-intensive meal, and others when we’re hungry, it’s 7:00 p.m. and we just need to get something in our stomach. In New York, that meant heading downstairs for a slice of pizza. That doesn’t work while cruising. Learning what meals take time (especially in Sweet Day’s kitchen) and what meals can be thrown together quickly (hello mac and cheese and tuna fish) is extremely helpful. When we’re stocking up on food, we make sure we have enough of those go-to meal items for those inevitable times when we just need something fast. To help you stock your galley, here are some of our favorite items: • High-quality all-purpose knife: Our Zwilling Santoku knife cuts pretty much everything we’ve cooked in the last year. • Dutch oven: This is perfect for baking fresh bread, making soups, rice and other meals. We store it in the oven while not in use.

• Stainless steel French press: We didn’t want to have to rely on electricity to make coffee, so our go-to is a sturdy French press. Plus, it’s fun to get beans from local coffee shops. • New York Times cooking subscription: This app allows us to easily search tons of recipes and discover new dishes with ingredients we have on board. • Pre-cut parchment paper: I learned this from my dad. It keeps food from sticking to the pan and makes cleaning easy — a big plus on a tiny boat, where you may need to clean the pan quickly to put another item in the oven. S PR I N G 2 02 2

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/GreatLoopCooks

SIMPLE FLOUR TORTILLAS

Here’s our go-to recipe for an easy batch of tortillas. Some of our favorite ingredients for stuffing inside are pantry staples — black beans and rice or roasted sweet potatoes with a charred scallion crema (Greek yogurt, mayo and scallions charred on a hot skillet).

INGREDIENTS 2½ cups of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking powder ½ teaspoon of salt ¼ cup room temperature butter (Can also replace with shortening, lard or vegetable oil) 7/8 to 1 cup of hot water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

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2. Add the butter (if you’re using

6. While the dough rests, preheat an

vegetable oil, add it in step 3). Use your fingers to work the fat into the flour until it disappears.

ungreased cast iron griddle or skillet over medium high heat, about 400°F.

3. Pour in the lesser amount of hot water (plus the oil, if you’re using it), and stir briskly with a fork or whisk to bring the dough together into a shaggy mass. Stir in additional water as needed to bring the dough together.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead briefly, just until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is very sticky, gradually add a bit more flour. 5. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Round the pieces into balls, flatten slightly and allow them to rest, covered, for about 30 minutes. If you wish, coat each ball lightly in oil before covering to ensure the dough doesn’t dry out.

7. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into a round about 8 inches in diameter. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work. Fry the tortilla in the ungreased pan for about 30 seconds on each side. Wrap the tortilla in a clean cloth when it comes off the griddle to keep it pliable. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

8. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in an ungreased skillet or for a few seconds in the microwave. Recipe is from King Arthur Baking Company, kingarthurbaking.com/ recipes/simple-tortillas-recipe. To follow Kate and Tim Carney’s cruising adventures aboard Sweet Day, go to lifeonsweetday.com or @lifeonsweetday on Instagram

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Church Street marketplace fountain

Don Shall

Park at University of Vermont Burlington

Burlington Battery Park

Explore the Spirited Lakefront of

BURLINGTON, VT BY ELLEN HONEY

vibrant, compact city hugging the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain, Burlington abounds in scenic beauty, four-season recreation, a college town vibe, arts and culture, and a quirky character all its own. Eclectic shops named Anjou & the Little Pear or Common Deer, and restaurants called Zabby & Elf ’s Stone Soup or The Skinny Pancake dot the urban landscape. A local artist’s satirical 36

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Burlington Breakwater North Lighthouse

comment on the bureaucracy of urban planning called File Under So. Co., Waiting for…, consists of 38 filing cabinets welded together to a 40-foot height. Birds frequently nest in the upper chambers. History buffs stroll through the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum or the Fleming Museum of Art’s multi-era artifact collection while hikers trek the 12.5-mile path at Burlington

Freddie Phillips

Gautam Krishnan on Unsplash

DESTINATION > BURLINGTON, VT

WHERE TO DOCK

Michelle Raponi on Pixabay

Burlington Community Boathouse Marina 802-865-3377 This full-service marina is the centerpiece of a growing waterfront. Amenities include 105 slips up to 65 feet, Splash Café and a fantastic sunset over the Adirondacks. Burlington Harbor Marina 802-540-6869 With 160 slips (60 transient slips up to 80 feet), this new marina’s tranquil harbor setting is convenient to downtown amenities and recreational activities.

Church Street

WHERE TO DINE Honey Road 802-497-2145 Savor sophisticated Mediterranean small plates, cocktails and creative desserts in a comfy tavern setting.

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Michelle_Raponi on Pixabay

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The Farmhouse Tap & Grill 802-859-0888 This farm-to-table gastropub dishes up local burgers, charcuterie and innovative specials. Sip on local brews in the beer garden.

Waterfront Park, which offers bicycle, rollerblade and kayak rentals. In season, the path connects to the Lake Champlain Islands via bike ferry. Since the 1800s, the Old North End has been the city’s melting pot, and global cuisine from Nepalese dumplings to the African Market can be found here today. Between munches, stroll over to historic Elmwood Cemetery, whose residents include Revolutionary War soldiers. Hear their stories and perhaps have a chance encounter with a local spirit on a Queen City Ghostwalk Tour. Liquid spirits rule when the internationally famous, regionally beloved and hidden gem breweries line up for the annual Vermont Brewers Festival. Year round, enjoy homemade bratwurst and drafts at Zero Gravity Craft Beer. At acclaimed Foam Brewers, the patio faces Lake Champlain waterfront and the Adirondack Mountains. Hop on the Sip of Burlington Brew Tour for a dozen tastings and the sights of this dynamic, energetic city. ml

RíRá 802-860-9401 According to Irish playwright Brendan Behan, “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.” RíRá fuses classic Irish with pub grub to satisfy the first two. Leunig’s Bistro & Café 802-863-3759 Step inside the lush garden courtyard to watch fresh local fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood transform into classic French dishes. Come enjoy a romantic evening meal. Hen of the Wood 802-540-0534 Enjoy a true Vermont dining experience in a romantic, rustic atmosphere adjacent to the Hotel Vermont.

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/BurlingtonVermont

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Dock in beautiful St. Michaels, MD Open every day, CBMM’s members-only Marina offers 55 slips with electric, pump-out services, climate-controlled showers, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. Overnight docking privileges are available for Mariner Level members and above. Hourly docking is available for Household members and above. Call 410-745-4946 or email dockmaster@cbmm.org to make your reservation.

Not a member? Call 410-745-4991 to join or visit cbmm.org/join.

The adventure of a lifetime

America’s Great Loop Membership in America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association includes:

Join our group of likeminded boaters exploring the 6,000-mile waterway known as the Great Loop. There’s no better way to travel extensively while remaining socially distant than aboard your own vessel! Whether you’re brand new to the idea of the Great Loop, actively planning your trip, or ready to drop the dock lines and head out, we offer something for you!

• Access to hundreds of harbor hosts to assist you with local knowledge around the route • Participation in our discussion forum that offers a deep-dive into Great Loop-related questions and topics

• Webinars exclusively for members • Discounts on dockage, fuel, equipment.... • Monthly digital magazines and newsletters • Access to our distinctive AGLCA burgee • Members-only events • and so much more!

Join us for the

AGLCA Spring Rendezvous Norfolk, VA • May 2 – 5, 2022 • Details at www.greatloop.org marinalife.co m

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THIS OR THAT >

BATTLE OF THE CRUSTACEANS: LOBSTERS VS. CRABS

WHICH SHELLFISH TAKES THE THRONE AS KING OF THE SEA? BY ALEXA ZIZZI

LOBSTER

BEST REGION FOR THE SEASON New England and Canada are known as major lobster hubs along the Atlantic, and Maine is one of the most famous regions in the world for these mouth-watering delicacies. For the freshest catch, Maine’s top lobster-loving towns include Rockland, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Georgetown, Harpswell, Kennebunk and Ogunquit.

CRAB

More than 6,000 species of crabs across the world vary in everything from appearance to taste. For example, Maryland crab fans meticulously pick the meat from under the crab’s shell, while in Florida, they split open the legs and claws for a tasty treat. To experience the best Maryland blue crabs, visit cities such as Baltimore and Annapolis, as well as Kent Island on the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore and Solomons Island in southern Maryland.

HABITAT Although they are mostly ocean creatures, lobsters do frequently appear on land and sea. They are omnivores and sometimes eat their own when confined or stressed. You can find them throughout the world’s oceans in freshwater and brackish environments. Some of the most delicious species are caught in the Gulf of Maine and along coastal Nova Scotia.

Typically found in saltwater or brackish water, thousands of different crab species live in all of the world’s oceans. Like lobsters, some are land-crawlers. Many solely live in the water and others inhabit the edges along rocks and sandy shores. The best crustacean havens for crabbing include Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. Florida stone crabs are found in southern waters in shallow, rocky locations including knee-deep seagrass beds and reefs.

Lobster: JustineG; Steven Neal; BDMcIntosh; kamranaydinov; Crab: csundahl; connect11; Pakhnyushchyy; Boatyard Bar and Grill; GoIdeal

TRADITIONAL RECIPES The sweet taste of lobster pairs well with your taste buds in any variation. Cook it in a gamut of dishes from steaming, grilling or boiling, to chopped-up in a warm soup or cold salad. Some of the most famous classics include a New England lobster boil, baked lobster tail, lobster mac and cheese, creamy bisque and much more.

Pick-and-eat crab feasts are a beloved pastime across the mid-Atlantic region. Catch, steam, season, crack open and scarf down! Use a mallet to break the claws open and get the good thick meat. Two varieties of crab soup — creamy or tomato-based — are popular along the East Coast, as well as dishes such as crab dip, crab Rangoon, crab pretzels and best of all — the world-famous Maryland crab cakes.

FUN FACTS Lobsters actually have two stomachs and can detach a limb and grow it back during their molting cycle. Today, lobsters are among the pricier seafood selections and are considered a delicacy, but that wasn’t always the case. In early 19th century New England, lobsters were so abundant that their shells were used as fertilizer and their meat was fed to pigs as scraps.

Crabs are typically an aggressive crustacean and often fight with other crabs and aquatic creatures. They can walk in any direction and mostly scurry sideways. Unlike lobsters that can live to age 100, Atlantic crabs only survive for three to four years. Dungeness Crabs from Alaska can live up to 13 years, and the Japanese spider crab has the longest lifespan of all its fellow crustaceans, often reaching 80 to 100 years old.

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SMART BOATER >

How your Tax Dollars Make

Boating Better BY BOB ARRINGTON

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Tidewater Muse

U.S. Coast Guard

pring can be a mixed bag for many of our readers, for those in the northern latitudes who are looking forward to boating again, it’s also time to prepare your annual tax returns. Even if you’re civic minded, it’s easy to ask yourself exactly what do I get from all this money I pay the government? It just so happens boaters get more than the average citizen. Federal, state and local governments use a portion of the money they collect in taxes each year to support your favorite pastime. Actually, a surprising amount of money is spent annually to make boating safer and more enjoyable.

Keeping You Safely on Course Let’s begin with one of the most important yet least appreciated government agencies: the U. S. Coast Guard. I don’t mean just in the comfort we get knowing they’re there to save our bacon when we get in over our head. Can you imagine what it would be like to boat without navigation aids? No markers to tell if you’re in the channel or about to run aground? Put a price on the haul-out and repair from tearing up props and rudders, and you can already see tax dollars going back into your pocket. You can thank the men and women of the Coast Guard for being out in all kinds of weather making sure our route is clearly marked.

Keeping the marked channels dredged is a combined effort with funds provided by federal, state and local governments. Boaters regularly navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), may not think enough is spent on dredging and maintaining it, and they might be correct, but we can be thankful the Coast Guard does a good job of keeping the markers moved to identify where deeper water runs through trouble spots.

Watching the Weather for You Your favorite navigation app or chart plotter couldn’t work without the information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides for embedded charts. If you still use paper charts, you’re equally dependent on NOAA for those as well. NOAA also operates the National Weather Service. Can you imagine going boating without accurate weather forecasts? How about planning a day of fishing and not being able to predict what the wind and waves will be? Staying safe on the water involves staying in touch with help and services on shore, as well as other boaters around you. The Coast Guard and NOAA made this easier with advanced features in VHF radio

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Needpix

Boats passing under bridge in Chicago

like the emergency Digital Selective Calling (DSC) button, wherein boaters with a properly programmed radio can call help to their exact location by pressing a single button. Knowing what other boats around you are doing with Automated Identification Systems (AIS) has increased boater safety and enhanced the enjoyment of boating more than anything since the invention of VHF radios. The Coast Guard publishes everything you could possibly want to know about AIS, VHF and a host of other important information on the Coast Guard’s Navigation Center website. Check out this well-organized site and be amazed at the wealth of information for recreational boaters. The AIS link to frequently asked questions: navcen.uscg. gov/?pageName=AISFAQ

Building Nearby Boat Ramps For many, access to the water is the local boat ramp, and most in this country are public ramps constructed and maintained by state parks and natural resource agencies. Without these publicly funded facilities, we all may have a nice view of the water, but it would be difficult or expensive to get out on it. 42

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The quality of the coastal water these boat ramps give us access to has improved considerably in the last 50 years, thanks to four programs enacted by Congress. NOAA is celebrating its achievements of the last 50 years through “The Ocean Coastal Conservation Campaign” (noaa. gov/50-years-ocean-coastal-conservation) As reported on NOAA’s webpage: “Fifty years ago, in October 1972, the leaders of the nation took action and passed four key laws to help protect, conserve, study and inspire public appreciation for our coasts, Great Lakes and ocean: The Coastal Zone Management Act governs the use of our coastal zones through federal/state partnerships and created the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects and recovers marine mammals and their ecosystems. The National Marine Sanctuaries Act created the National Marine Sanctuary System. Lastly, the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of pollutants into our waters.” Anglers may benefit more than cruising boaters with additional funds going toward maintaining healthy fishing grounds. The National Marine Fisheries Service provides funds for habitat research and protection. They also shell out grants

to local communities to plant sea grasses and preserve wetlands, which act as nurseries for many coastal species, and develop artificial reef programs. If it were up to road builders, boaters would be severely restricted in movement, but thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Bridge Administration, bridges over navigable waterways are not allowed to restrict maritime commerce. The next time an operator opens a bridge to let your boat pass beneath it, thank the Coast Guard for making that possible. Except for a few public courses, the government doesn’t spend much money helping golfers enjoy a round of golf or for skiers to hit the slopes. Hikers and campers make out okay with the National Park Service, but no other recreation receives more money than boating. The reality is much of this funding is allocated to support maritime trade and commerce, but recreational boaters receive a direct benefit as well. So, if you haven’t paid your taxes yet, maybe knowing your next day on the water is made more enjoyable by government funds will make it easier to write the check. ml To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/TaxDollarsForBoating

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CRUISING WITH > JEN LEROUX

Antigua

ExploringAntigua By Land and Sea

STORY BY JEN LEROUX, CEO OF MARINALIFE; PHOTOS BY ANTHONY DESANTIS

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF ANTIGUA was our destination for a short Caribbean getaway. Having visited many of the Caribbean islands, we were looking forward to exploring a new tropical locale and experiencing the wonderful local charm, culture, vistas and beaches. In fact, this Eastern Caribbean island boasts 365 beaches: one for every day of the year! 44

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Jim and Jen on the catamaran

My travel companions for the week included my husband Jim, brother Anthony and sister-in-law, Amanda. Always a great group to travel with (our last adventure together led us to Greece, Italy and Croatia), so I knew a fun week filled with laughter was in store. As we peered out the airplane window on the approach to Antigua, we were instantly mesmerized by the pure turquoise blue waters and rolling green hills, and eager to get out on the water. For my brother, this trip was not just an ordinary vacation. While it was my first time visiting the island, my brother has incredibly fond memories of trips to Antigua during the 1970s as a child, traveling with his grandparents,

Jim, Jen, Amanda, Anthony

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Anthony on a childhood vacation

View from Shirley Heights

affectionately known to us as Meemah and Deedah. This week was an opportunity to share with us one of his favorite places in the world. Anthony decided the best way to explore the island was by land and by sea. The first part of our trip was spent touring the island with a local driver and

Anthony on Devil’s Bridge

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Anthony, Meemah and Deedah in Shirley Heights

tour guide named Elvis, who is a native Antiguan living in one of the six parishes on the island with his wife and children. When Anthony spotted him on the beach wearing a Yankee cap, he knew this was the tour guide for us. Anthony and Elvis instantly bonded (even discovering they shared a birthday) and together

planned our extraordinary excursion. Our tour of the island started with a visit to St. Johns, the capital city of Antigua. While part of the town is geared toward the large cruise ships that help support the local economy, St. Johns retains its charm, filled with farmers markets, stalls and local restaurants. Amanda was immediately enchanted by one of the young local shopkeepers selling souvenirs with his mom. The next stop was Betty’s Hope, one of the earliest sugar plantations dating back to 1651. The sugar mills are beautifully preserved, and we learned about the large role these sugar plantations played in Antigua’s history. While enjoying the scenery at Betty’s Hope, Elvis surprised us with homemade sandwiches and rum punch. A delightful snack to recharge us for the next stop — Devil’s Bridge in the Indian Town National Park. Devil’s Bridge is a natural stone arch that was carved from the rocky coast by the constant pounding of waves. Locals say its name comes from surges of water that snatch away people who stray too

Nelson’s Dockyard, a working Georgianera naval dockyard, designated as a world heritage site in 2016. We delighted in exploring the dockyard and gazing over the beautiful yachts and sailboats moored at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Driving through the lush dense greenery of the rainforest led us to an Antigua delicacy — the black pineapple. On the side of the road just outside the rain forest, we stopped at a local fruit stand and chatted with the proprietor while she carved us a fresh black pineapple, known as the sweetest in the world. It definitely lived up to its reputation.

Nelson’s Dockyard

Darkwood Beach Bar

close to the edge. The area around the arch features several natural blowholes that shoot up water and spray powered by waves from the Atlantic Ocean. While Jim and I stayed far from the edge, Anthony ventured out close to the bridge for a unique photo opportunity. Later in the week, we would have a chance to see this incredible rock formation from the ocean. We continued to travel up the rolling hills to Shirley Heights Lookout, first used during the Revolutionary War as a signal station and lookout for approaches to English Harbor. It is truly one of the most spectacular vistas I have ever seen. Having reached the highest point in Antigua, it was time to get back to sea level. Our next stop centered around View across from Nelson’s Dockyard

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The final stop on our island tour was my favorite — a chance to taste the island cuisine! Elvis called ahead of our arrival and requested a platter of local foods for us to sample. We arrived at Darkwood Beach Bar & Restaurant and were immediately welcomed by the staff. After selecting a table near the beach and ordering the national beer of Antigua, Wadidli (another name for the island itself ), we had the privilege of hearing Elvis’ story, learning more about his life and family, and even calling his wife to thank her for the yummy sandwiches. Then we feasted on fungee and pepperpot, a hearty meat stew with eggplant, pumpkin and squash, as well as local Caribbean lobster, curries and roti. All in all, an amazing way to end a spectacular day. We said goodbye to Elvis, exchanging addresses and knowing we had made a friend for life. After exploring Antigua north to south and east to west, we opted for a catamaran tour to circumnavigate the island as our next adventure. The morning was spent pleasantly motoring in the calm blue waters of the Caribbean Sea around the north side of the island. Before we knew it, we were sailing along in the open 48

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Atlantic Ocean passing by Long Island, also known as Jumby Bay and a popular destination for celebrities.

After a wonderful morning on the water, we anchored in a protected cove for a stop to swim, snorkel and eat lunch near Green Island. After a wonderful morning on the water, we anchored in a protected cove for a stop to swim, snorkel and eat lunch near Green Island. It was a perfect destination for Amanda’s first snorkeling excursion. After spotting a large sea turtle, magnificent coral reefs and exotic fish, we enjoyed a lazy

swim near the beautiful powdery white sand of Green Island Beach. Following a traditional lunch of jerk chicken, rice and plantains, we continued our journey around the island down to the southern tip to experience English Harbor and Devil’s Bridge from the water. It was even more extraordinary from this vantage point. As the sun started to dip low in the sky, we returned to the Caribbean Sea on the western side of the island watching a storm brewing in the distance. During the quiet sail back, each of us felt grateful for another magnificent day in paradise. While traveling with your closest friends is always fun, my favorite memories of our time on this magical island were Anthony’s reflections of his previous trips to Antigua with his grandparents, the excitement at sharing his favorite place with his new wife, and the joy that much of the island remained as he remembered it. We are already planning our next trip to Antigua! To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/AntiguaGetaway

The crew in Shirley Heights with Elvis

Antigua

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EXPLORE MAGICAL BIOLUMINESCENT BAYS of the Caribbean Take a dazzling kayak trip through lush mangroves and luminous waters

Bio Bay in Fajardo

ICTURE YOURSELF ON A MOONLIT EVENING CRUISE, and you see the water below your boat sparkling like the stars in the sky above. This magical light show is not just a fantasy — it’s a rare phenomenon that occurs in what’s called a bioluminescent bay, where you witness tiny lights that twinkle beneath you. Dip your oar down into what looks like static electricity in the waves or fling a handful of water into the air and it feels like you’re sprinkling stardust. Bioluminescent bays are created by tiny algae called dinoflagellates. These microorganisms produce a neon blue-green light from a chemical reaction involving a compound called luciferin, named for its devilish glow. According to Smithsonian Magazine, “Bioluminescence can serve a variety of purposes, such as signaling predators to stay away or beckoning mates to come closer.” Depending on the moon’s cycle, weather conditions and the disturbance of waves, you can catch this amazing experience at the following destinations. Some say a full moon is the best time to visit these bays.

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Discover Puerto Rico

BY ALEXA ZIZZI

Susan Elnicki Wade

Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico

LUMINOUS LAGOON

BIO BAY

Where the Martha Brae River meets the Caribbean Sea, shallow layers of salt and fresh water converge into a spectacular creation. Regarded as one of the brightest in the world, Jamaica’s Luminous Lagoon radiates as the water fills with phosphorous and illuminates when disturbed. Stretching along the marshlands of Trelawny, this lagoon once housed an 18th-century wharf where English vessels delivered goods. Years after Jamaica’s thriving sugar trade ended, glowing microorganisms were discovered within the warm waters. Visit Glistening Waters Hotel & Attraction in Falmouth, which boasts luxury accommodations, lagoon tours, a restaurant, pool and marina.

Witness high concentrations of phytoplankton shooting off tiny bursts of light in this region. These aquatic sparks last merely a fraction of a second, but when this occurs, the colors of the bay sync for a stunning light show. Located on the north side of the island near Rum Point, discover this hidden gem about 45 minutes from Seven Mile Beach. Take the short route from Starfish Point or challenge yourself by kayaking 2.5 km from Kaibo Beach Bar. Plan a bio bay adventure around the moon cycle with Cayman Kayaks, the original tour operator of the Bioluminescent Tours in Grand Cayman.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Where to Dock: The Barcadere Marina

Where to Dock: Glistening Waters Marina

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Laguna Grande, Puerto Rico

LA PARGUERA Lajas, Puerto Rico

There’s just something mesmerizing about the waters of Puerto Rico. The island is a treasure trove when it comes to bioluminescence as it is home to three active bioluminescent destinations. On the island’s southwest side, just a two-hour drive from from San Juan, explore this twinkling bay along the town of Lajas. When the waters of this coastline are stirred up by waves, the dinoflagellates are at an all-time high — a common occurrence here. You’ll witness a natural light show as you venture into the dark on a nighttime tour. Paraguera Watersports offers a special tour where you can enjoy a sunset swim along the cay before kayaking to see the bio bay when the light fades. This is the only location where swimming is allowed. Where to Dock: Marina Pescaderia

LAGUNA GRANDE Fajardo, Puerto Rico

On the other side of Puerto Rico lies Laguna Grande’s seaside sanctuary. On the way to your bioluminescent quest, check out three destinations: El Yunque, a nature preserve and towering mountain, Liquillo Beach, a lively beach town with great local food in bodegas and cantinas 52

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that line the street, and Fajardo, a quaint fishing village. The town of Fajardo is surrounded by beaches and nature preserves that swell with marine wildlife including dolphins, manatees and turtles. The stunning landscape exposes dry forests and lovely shorelines to explore by day, and a glowing bio bay to explore by night. Check out Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours for full moon kayak adventures. Witness the moonlight glimmer across the bay’s bioluminescent activity as you paddle through mangrove forests. Where to Dock: Puerto Del Rey Marina

MOSQUITO BAY Vieques, Puerto Rico

Also known as Bahía Bioluminiscente, Mosquito Bay is on the southern coast of Vieques, one of Puerto Rico’s eastern islands. Many consider this destination to be the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, containing up to 700,000 tiny dinoflagellates per gallon of water that live in a bay with a narrow mouth that prevents them from washing out to sea. Unlike Laguna Grande’s full moon tour, it’s best to visit during a different lunar cycle when the glowing micro-organisms are more visible. Book a two-hour Bio Bay tour in a transparent kayak with Taino Aqua Adventures, located in Esperanza, Vieques.

vanessa ruiz

Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

SALT RIVER BAY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK & PRESERVE Christiansted, St. Croix St. Croix is home to beautiful beaches, but this hidden gem is unique among the Caribbean islands. The historic park and preserve at the northern tip of the island sparkles depending on the night and location. In addition to spotting the common dinoflagellates, witness two other types of radiant creatures here: glow worms and ctenophore (comb jellyfish). Departing from Salt River Marina in Christiansted, get an up-close-and-personal view of the aquatic wonder with See Thru Kayaks VI’s nighttime journey along the Salt River Bay on the island’s only transparent kayak tour.

Though not as commonly known and not necessarily large enough to be considered bioluminescent bays, if you visit the right place and the right time, you may catch a glimpse of bioluminescent activity at the following U.S. locations: MANASQUAN BEACH Manasquan, NJ BIG SOUTH FORK Tennessee/Kentucky INDIAN RIVER LAGOON Melbourne Beach, FL TORREY PINES BEACH La Jolla, CA MISSION BAY San Diego, CA GRIFFIN BAY San Juan Islands, WA

Where to Dock: Green Cay Marina at Tamarind Reef Resort To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/BioluminescentBays

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DOCK YOUR BOAT AT MARINEMAX BRICK MarineMax Brick offers a full-service marina and is the premier choice for boaters. Enjoy deepwater ocean access and the following amenities: On-site restaurant • Laundry facility • Grilling patio • Shower area • And more Visit us online or call to book your slip today!

MarineMax Brick 1500 Riverside Dr., N, Brick Township, NJ 08724 (866) 752-0984 | marinemax.com/brick

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HAVEN HARBOUR MARINA 20880 Rock Hall Ave Rock Hall, Maryland 410.778.6697

HAVEN HARBOUR SOUTH 21144 Green Lane Rock Hall, Maryland 410.778.6697

Chesapeake Bay Boating Bliss Our premier slips, conveniently situated on the prime cruising grounds of the Chesapeake Bay, offer you access to a wide array of amenities, services and experiences. Book your 2022 dockage today at HAVENHARBOUR.COM.

WEEKEND WARRIOR >

Rhode Island

UR NATION’S SMALLEST STATE has big boating opportunities. Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay is prime for cruising —

picturesque and protected with many beautiful

harbors. While not on everyone’s chart plan, Wickford is an historic hamlet with delightfully walkable shady streets lined with beautiful colonial homes. From quiet Wickford, you’re set for a straightforward passage out to The Bay, then poised to cross the broad blue expanse of Rhode Island Sound to the fun, boat- and bike-friendly Block Island. This Narragansett tour will have you feeling like a bold explorer while landing at easy modern marinas.

Buccaneer Island, Ocean Reef Club

WICKFORD COVE TO BLOCK ISLAND, RI BY HEATHER BURKE PHOTOS BY GREG BURKE

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DAY 1: WICKFORD COVE Wickford Cove is the smallest town in the smallest county of littlest Rhode Island. That’s not to minimize its quaint downtown full of waterfront gardens, charming architecture and tremendous yachting heritage. Stroll Wickford’s self-guided marker tour of historic seaside homes, then pop into some darling boutiques around the harbor like Serendipity and Pink Parasol. Conclude your walk at Wickford on the Waterfront with a salty cocktail, local oysters or stuffed clams (“stuffies” in Rhode Island lingo). Tate’s Italian Kitchen serves hearty classics across the village’s main Brown Street. Moorings can be reserved at Wickford Yacht Club or go to Safe Harbor Wickford Cove for a full-service marina with dock space. S PR I N G 2 0 2 2

DAY 2: BLOCK ISLAND Wickford to Block Island — 29 NM Cruising down the western shores of Narragansett Bay under the Jamestown Bridge, passing magnificent mansions then Point Judith Light, you are soon on your way across the open expanse of Rhode Island Sound to Block Island. The farthest island from land on the entire Eastern seaboard, Block Island is even more remote than Monhegan in Maine (10 miles out by comparison). Block Island has a vacation vibe, and everything is relaxed, truly on “island-time” with their moniker of “Bermuda of the North.” The 1,500 happy humble Block Island residents claim they’ve been “social distancing since 1661,” so they’ve got humor to carry them through the long off-season. Block’s pear-shaped 7 x 3-mile island is cool, casual and fun to explore for a few days, yet not so stuffy-chic or celebrity-crushed as Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Getting around by bike or moped is the best way to explore Block’s entire 16 miles of perimeter roads. 58

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Along the undulating country lanes, you may feel transported to Ireland with the lush rolling fields, stone walls, dramatic Mohegan Bluffs and the contrasting blue sea. Passing dozens of unique beaches, you may plan to return later. Highlight sights are Block Island’s two impressive lighthouses – North and South East – with the busier main village of Old Harbor in between. Block Island has two boating harbors: the more protected New Harbor in Great Salt Pond, which is preferred by pleasure boaters, and Old Harbor with its primary ferry landing and bustling downtown of shops and grand seaside hotels. Staying at Great Salt Pond overlooking your mooring or dock slip, you should enjoy sunsets, pub fare and a boaters’ block party atmosphere at The Oar or Dead Eye Dick’s (opens in May). While in the Old Harbor after browsing boutiques, find a perfect chair and cocktail at either grand seaside hotel: Spring House or Atlantic House. For a delicious local dinner, Kimberly’s serves littlenecks or calamari followed by lobster mac n’ cheese as a beautiful ending to a day of exploring. Live music may be piping out from next door Poor People’s Pub to lure you over for a nightcap. Block Island’s public moorings in New Harbor are assigned daily by the Harbormaster. Private slips can be reserved at Champlin’s Marina, the Boat Basin and Oar House. They book up quickly in prime summer season, which results in boats rafting-up with strangers (friends you haven’t yet met!).

DAY 3: NEWPORT

Block Island to Newport — 25 NM

Departing Block Island, perhaps after fresh coffee and pastries delivered to your boat by enterprising locals, you will be in the company of power boaters and sailing vessels, plus the occasional charging ferry heading to Newport. It’s a direct course northeast to the Sailing Capital of Newport. No boater worth his Sperry’s can miss out on the yachty harbor of Newport, established in 1639. As a visiting boater, contact the Harbormaster or Newport Yachting Center for an affordable mooring or a much pricier dock space in this prime harbor. Water taxis ply the harbor

frequently to take you to the town docks. Newport is full of magnificent vessels, lively waterfront pubs lining Bowens and Bannisters Wharfs, and scads of inviting seaside shops on cobblestone streets. Getting off your boat, stretch your sea legs with a scenic 3.5-mile cliff walk by the Gilded Age mansions of our fine affluent families (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Dupont, Astor and Morgan). Before sunset, head for Newport rooftop drinks overlooking the harbor at The Vanderbilt or the Hotel Viking to toast your good fortunate in this big little state.

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/WickfordCoveToNewport

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LEG

R OU

Y HARB AC

RINA

Welcome

Downtown Fort Myers, FL

SHIP STORE & FUEL INFORMATION: 561.735.7955

BoyntonHarborMarina.com

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Floating Docks Daily, Monthly, Annual Slips Live Aboard Facilities High-Speed Internet Heated Pool Showers & Restrooms Hotel & Suites Shops & Restaurants Nearby Length to 100’+ 7’ Draft

Tel: 239.461.0775

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PORT PERSONALITIES >

ERIC RAVENSCHLAG Harbourmaster Legacy Harbour Marina Fort Myers, FL

What or who brought you to this marina? Haywood Sullivan, founder of Legacy Harbour Marina. I lived across the street from the marina and watched it being built. At the time, I was commercial fishing in Alaska and raising a family in Fort Myers. Thankfully Haywood hired me, which enabled me to transition from fishing to eventually becoming Harbourmaster.

Dori Arrington

If you didn’t work at a marina, what would be your dream job? Flying a float plane in the Caribbean. I’ve always had a passion to fly floatplanes. It is the best of both worlds — flying and boating. If you could spend a day on the water with anyone in the world, whom would you choose? For ol’ times sake, I would like to spend a day on the water with Ron and Wes Kellow, the two brothers who owned the fishing vessel, Winona J, in Kodiak, AK.

They believed in a kid from Colorado and taught me a tremendous amount about seamanship and how to be a competent captain, as well as many other life lessons. Where do you like to send people for an authentic dining experience when they arrive at your marina? The Veranda, a Fort Myers tradition since 1978. The Veranda’s romantic setting in two turn-of-the-century homes, combined with their Southern cuisine is a must-visit while in Fort Myers. Describe yourself in three words. Loyal. Dedicated. Persevering. If you won a trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go? My favorite place in the world: the North shore of Kauai in Hanalei Bay. What is your favorite marine animal? Orca or killer whales. They are the largest of the dolphins and the world’s most powerful predator. It is an unbelievable display of

power to watch these very intelligent creatures hunt for their prey in nature. What’s the best safety tip you can give to a new boater? Marine education, education, education. You can never stop learning while on the water. My best advice is to practice with your crew what could go wrong and have a contingency plan for captain and crew. Some examples: man overboard, fire, sinking, medical emergency, grounding, dragging anchor, helping other vessels in distress, and operating your onboard ditch bag. What is the one thing that everyone should do or see in Fort Myers? It would have to be the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. You will explore 20 acres of historic gardens, a museum and a laboratory. It is amazing to think how many inventions these men are responsible for. ml

Wilmington Inlet Bay

David Mark

DESTINATION > WILMINGTON, NC

Savor the Southern Charm in

WILMINGTON, NC L

ike its neighbors to the south — Charleston and Savannah — Wilmington, NC, has become a magnet for tourists and transplants looking for authentic Southern culture, cuisine and climate. Many boaters are familiar with the area’s barrier islands and beaches such as Topsail, Wrightsville, Carolina, Kure, Bald Head, but not so much the city itself, located about 30 miles upstream from where Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Eastern Siouan people occupied the area when the first Europeans arrived in the early 1500s and Giovanni da Verrazzano explored the North American coast. His maps and travel accounts comprise the earliest description of North Carolina’s land and people. The city of Wilmington (then called New Carthage) was founded in 1739 on the banks of Cape Fear River. Its name comes from Sir Richard Grenville’s 1585 expedition when he sailed to Roanoke Island and his ship was stranded behind the cape. The crew was afraid they’d wreck, giving rise to the name Cape Fear.

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Battleship North Carolina

Also known as the Port City, Wilmington is experiencing a building boom and renaissance, with its well-preserved downtown and a bustling Port City waterfront area augmented by new condos and reclaimed riverside acreage that has been turned into parks, piers and promenades. Across from the city’s Riverwalk you can find the Battleship North Carolina Memorial and tour this famous warship. Front Street, Wilmington’s thriving commercial thoroughfare, is lined with chic shops, bars and restaurants populated by a mix of locals, UNC Wilmington college students and out-of-towners looking for R&R after a day of shopping, sight-seeing or cooling out at the beaches. Looking for lunch or a light alternative to a full-course dinner? Try Fun Bowl for ramen and poke bowl, Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub for pizza,

Wikimedia Commons

BY RICHARD KERN

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/WilmingtonNC

Kristina Gain/Pexels

wings and subs, or Beer Barrio for Mexican dishes. Microbreweries and brew pubs are booming here, and two are worth checking out: Front Street Brewery (craft beers and “hand scratched” food) and Pour Taproom & Bar (60+ different craft beers and ciders). Wilmington’s Azalea Festival in April and October’s Riverfest are just two of the local can’t-miss events, along with other cultural happenings throughout the year. Popular spots include Greenfield Lake Park (check the live music schedule at the park’s busy amphitheater), Arlie Gardens (botanical gardens, trails, birding and events) and the world-class Cameron Art Museum. For an interesting side-trip, visit Bald Head Island at Cape Fear’s southern tip. The remote village is only accessible by ferry from nearby Southport, and cars are not allowed on the island. The island is nationally recognized for sea turtle nesting activity. Accommodations are available at the Marsh Harbor Inn and the Inn at Bald Head Island. A handful of restaurants serve everything from to-go meals and pub fare to wine-bar and cantina-style cuisine. ml

Azaleas in full bloom

WHERE TO DOCK

WHERE TO DINE

Cape Fear Marina

Caprice Bistro

910-772-9277 Part of Off the Hook Yacht Services, this gated 70-slip marina offers water, pump-out and electric hookup at every slip, and the fully equipped dock house has shower and laundry facilities. Repair and refit services are also available.

910-815-0810 For authentic French cuisine, the chef delivers classics such as escargot, crepes and mussels, as well as boeuf bourguignon, duck confit and lamb shank tagine. Locals flock to this hidden gem that celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.

Dockside Marina

Circa 1922

910-256-3579 About one mile north of Masonboro Inlet near Wrightsville Beach, the marina has 180 feet of floating transient dockage and access to shore power, water and wireless Internet. It’s close to local grocers, ATMs, laundries, hotels and marine stores, and the highly rated Dockside Restaurant.

910-762-1922 A lush, romantic spot that sources ingredients for imaginative dishes from local farmers and seafood merchants. Serving a mix of small plates (charred octopus, beef carpaccio, tuna tataki) and classics like paella, scallops and short ribs, the emphasis is on seasonal American fare with a European flair.

Port City Marina

Indochine

910-251-6151 This full-service marina with 200+ floating concrete wet slips accommodates boats up to 400 feet and is in the heart of downtown. It offers rapid-fill fuel service, electric, free Wi-Fi, gated entrance, video surveillance, pump-out, on-site store and more. Marina Grill is steps away from the docks.

910-251-9229 This Far East café serves a mix of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine: satay, dumplings, pad Thai, nine different curries, bulgogi and braised catfish in an exotic, art-filled setting. Save room for sticky rice topped with warm coconut sauce and mangoes.

Pilot House Wilmington Marine Center 910-395-5055 Services include gas, water, electric, pump-out, wireless internet and more. The marina is in an enclosed basin off the Cape Fear River, offering 130 slips with fixed and floating docks for vessels up to 120 feet.

910-343-0200 This Wilmington institution serves indigenous seafood and fowl, and the area menu includes everything from down-home cooking to Cajun and traditional Southern fare with a contemporary twist, in a restored 19th century house with a riverside terrace.

Seabird 910-769-5996 Seafood rules at the sleek and chic Seabird, and fish, oysters and shellfish dominate the menu. Try the smoked catfish and oyster pie, or the swordfish schnitzel. Landlubbers can opt for sorghum pork ribs or grilled bavette steak.

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Unique Equity Memberships for Purchase with Slips up to 310'! Discover the hidden “jewel” of South Beach! w? o n K u o Did Y

Sunset Harbour YA C H T C LU B

Sunset Harbour Yacht Club is Miami Beach’s only private yacht club that sells equity memberships with berths in perpetuity.

Art Basel International Art Show Annual Miami International Boat Show Le Gorce Golf Course, The Forge and Nobu Restaurant Ocean Drive and South Beach 1 mile away with Bal Harbour Shops Located In Sunset Harbour Shops with 17 restaurants, 10 retail shops, 4 salons, 6 fitness/spa just across the street

Sunset Harbour Yacht Club | South Beach, FL | 305 398 6800 | www.sunsetharbouryc.com 1928 Sunset Harbour Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

EXPERIENCE BOATING AS IT SHOULD BE, LONG-TERM OR TRANSIENT

Come Visit Us This Spring Transient Season Our coastal marinas offer daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal and annual dockage. Our transient customers enjoy all of our wet slip amenities, which in many cases include: Showers and bathhouse  Laundry facilities  Clubhouse and/or picnic/grill pavilion Access to a courtesy car – at select locations  Electric and water hookups plus WiFi access

AT MAYPORT

AT GOLDEN ISLES (Pictured)

AT LITTLE CREEK

Premier Fishing: 2 Miles From Ocean & ICW 4852 Ocean St, Jacksonville, FL VHF Channel 16/74 . ( 9 04 ) 674 - 85 51

2020 Marina Dock Age Marina of the Year 206 Marina Drive, St Simons Island, GA VHF Channel 16 . (912)434-4214

Brand New Wet Slips 8166 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA VHF Channel 16 . (757)500-5684

MORNINGSTARMARINAS.COM

MARINA SPOTLIGHT > LITTLE CREEK, VA

MORNINGSTAR MARINAS AT LITTLE CREEK, VA BY SUSAN ELNICKI WADE

MORNINGSTAR MARINAS AT LITTLE CREEK, VA, a great cruising destination, has reached a new level of excellence with major renovations that every boater along the Atlantic Seaboard will want to stop by and see. After acquiring the marina, Morningstar received permits to not only replace all the wet slips with new Bellingham docks but also adjusted the configuration to better suit coastal boaters. The upgrades included widening the slips, installing full-length fingers, and achieving 100% clear main walks using tri-frames for dock box placement and cantilevered mid-basin power pedestal bump outs. When you consider they also replaced the fuel and electrical systems, Morningstar Marinas Little Creek will become a premiere marina on the East Coast. Morningstar will exceed all boaters’ expectations by offering 350 dry storage spaces in its fully enclosed building, 180 wet slips ranging from 25’ to 75’ and 400’ of side tie. Amenities include a bath house,

laundry room, and showers. Other upgrades include a new Toyota forklift, Wi-Fi, pump out, and new fueling stations with ValvTect gasoline and diesel. As a backdrop to all these improvements, the location is a dream for recreational boaters and anglers. “Being nestled in the back of Little Creek gives boaters a protected basin from weather, but they’re only minutes to the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, James River and the entrance to the ICW,” says Michael Quinn, General Manager. Stony’s Dockside Waterfront Bar & Grill allows our boaters to enjoy a wonderful meal within minutes of stepping off their vessel. Within walking distance are COVA Brewing Company, Longboards East Beach, and other local favorites. The warm waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay create a fishing paradise for anglers, and miles of easily accessible beaches entice visitors to dive in for a swim or just soak up the sun. “The proximity to Norfolk and Virginia

Beach’s restaurants, shops and entertainment gives marina guests the conveniences of a big city backed up to an abundance of open water,” notes Quinn. Regardless of whether you plan to stay annually or for a couple nights, a visit to Morningstar Marinas, next to Norfolk International Airport in the up-and-coming East Ocean View Section of Norfolk, presents endless opportunities and your gateway to all the Chesapeake Bay has to offer. Make sure you schedule your trip around one of the many festivals in the area including Harborfest, Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival, and Neptune Festival. If you plan a spring visit, don’t miss the Patriotic Festival Norfolk for family friendly activities, concerts with national performing artists, and celebrations for all branches of the U.S. armed forces. ml To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/MorningstarLittleCreek

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ECO-FRIENDLY BOATING >

RENEWABLE ENERGY WITH PERKS FOR BOATERS AND ANGLERS BY TERI MILLER

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THE BLOCK ISLAND WIND FARM’S 600-foot turbines stand like sentries along the coastal horizon, their blades slowly slicing through the sky. In 2016, the five-turbine project whirled to life generating enough energy to power 17,000 homes. A two-turbine pilot project for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Farm stands just off the coast of Virginia Beach. In March of 2021, the Biden administration announced a goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. This support for offshore wind farming is a boon to developers who already hold leases in Eastern seaboard locations. After more than a decade of planning, a May 2021 approval of the Vineyard Wind Project will allow developers to erect 62 turbines off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard with the capacity to power 400,000+ homes. What at one time seemed like a far-reaching concept, the offshore wind industry is finding its stride along our Eastern coastline.

Wikimedia Commons

OFFSHORE WIND FARMS

Windmills and sailboats on the ocean

Beyond the welcome advantages of securing a clean renewable energy resource, how will this impact our boating lifestyle?

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES Boaters benefit from healthy coastal communities. The offshore wind industry is poised to create numerous jobs. Each project will result in construction, manufacturing, installation, operations and management opportunities. Also, wind farms attract tourism. A recent University of Rhode Island study found a 19% increase in Airbnb leases since Block Island Wind Farm was established. Tourists visit the massive turbines by

boat or on the Block Island Ferry. Coastal communities could see renovations or expansions of local ports to create capable support for vessels used to build and install turbines.

BENEFITS FOR FISHING

Commercial and recreational fishermen are on the front lines when any industry or structures involve our waterways. Experienced fishermen have a deep understanding of the marine environment, often playing an important role in monitoring its health. Ongoing studies of current offshore wind farms and their effect on recreational fishing continues to note positive results. The turbine bases

The turbine bases function as artificial reefs.

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Wikimedia Commons

Oil rig supply boats at the Aberdeen Anchorage Point

function as artificial reefs. Reports of increased populations of mussels, crustaceans and desirable fish species are encouraging for local anglers. Commercial fishermen have a keen interest in offshore development. Ørsted, a Danish global leader in green energy systems, currently heads six projects on the East Coast. To gain local knowledge and build a relationship with commercial fishermen, Ørsted partnered with Sea Services North America, which gives fishermen the opportunity to diversify their maritime skills and assets. When not fishing, they provide developers with qualified vessels, trained captains and crews, and assist with monitoring and coordination. Gary Yerman, Seas Services North America fleet manager and co-founder, has worked extensively with Ørsted on the Block Island project. He says Ørsted is by far the safest company with which he has worked, “They don’t cut corners when it comes to safety or the environment, and with my 50 years in this industry that says a lot.” Yerman is aware of concerns about these developments long term. “No one likes change, but we need renewable resources. Wind farms may not be THE answer, but they are certainly part of the answer.” Collaborations like this will be instrumental as developers seek to expand operations while limiting negative impact. 70

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EASY NAVIGATION

Offshore turbines can measure up to 800 feet tall with blades the length of a football field. Offshore wind farms are sure to be an imposing sight. Keep in mind three factors when considering wind farm navigation: location, location, location.

• The location of offshore wind

farms is determined by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Areas leased to developers through BOEM are located on the outer Continental Shelf. The unique topography of the Continental Shelf provides acceptable depths for installations three or more miles offshore. This allows for maximizing ocean wind harnessing while avoiding recreational boating areas and shipping channels.

• The location of each turbine in

relation to one another should be at least one nautical mile. Due to their size, the physics of wind collection and wind wakes, turbines will be significantly separated. This space should allow transiting vessels adequate passage even if encountering other ships.

• The location of each structure will

be stationary. Turbines will be well marked, lit and easily identifiable on radar. Eventual placement of numerous turbines should result in a grid of dots on a radar allowing for clear routing through the fields. Boaters should be able to navigate the structures much the same way they would a fixed marker or bridge.

The balance between protecting coastal resources and marine life while accessing clean renewable energy can be difficult. When the Coastal Virginia Wind Farm project expands beyond its pilot phase, over 100 turbines are planned to produce energy for more than 660,000 homes, decreasing carbon emissions by 5 million tons annually. With estimates like this, it is easy to see the value of finding that balance. Boaters are always navigating changing winds, waves, and weather. This mindset will serve us well as we navigate the changes in offshore wind farming on the horizon.

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/WindFarms

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CRUISING THROUGH HISTORY >

THERE ONCE WAS A

BASKET FROM NANTUCKET

Friendship basket purse made by José Formoso Reyes in 1950

BY JAMES R. BARNETT

FOR MANY REASONS, boat lovers and landlubbers love Nantucket. The well-known island 30 miles off the Massachusetts coast has great maritime history, picturesque scenery, unspoiled beaches, boutique shopping, a nice marina and seafood galore. It’s also home to a unique basketmaking tradition developed in the second half of the 19th century by manly men who manned the lightships that warned of dangerous waters around the island. Today, the Nantucket baskets they wove are ubiquitous to the island as both a popular souvenir and a highly collectible object that reflects the island’s fascinating history and heritage.

Baskets Born of Necessity and Boredom

In 1820, the United States began building and converting ships into lightships in coastal waters and the Great Lakes. These vessels served as floating beacons to identify perilous shoals, reefs and shifting channels in places where lighthouse construction wasn’t possible. The ships housed bright and navigational light beacons atop their masts to guide maritime traffic. The waters around Nantucket were well traversed and very treacherous. In Nantucket Sound, sandbars muddled traffic, so the U.S. government placed a lightship there in 1823 to help mark a safe path by the island along a popular commercial route between New York and Boston. It 72

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Nest of lightship baskets made by former whaling captain James Wyer, circa 1870

Association

became known as the Cross Rip Lightship. The Nantucket South Shoals off the island’s southeast coast proved hazardous for transatlantic shipping. In some locations, the water can be as shallow as three feet. The shoals were a notorious shipwreck site, so the government stationed a lightship at the South Shoals in 1854. A lightship operated at the South Shoals until 1983 when it was replaced by a large navigation buoy. It was at the time America’s last working lightship. By 1985, new technologies rendered the old lightship program obsolete. Lightships were manned vessels, and many Nantucket men were hired to work on the ones around the island. Some of these men had been whalers from back when Nantucket was the epicenter of the whaling industry. Rough coastal weather made the lightboat service perilous. For example, they had no onboard electricity, and the crew’s only warmth was furnished by manually tending coal-burning stoves — always at risk of breaking loose from Nantucket LV-1 during a winter storm on Nantucket Shoals station: Life on the New Shoal Lightship

US Lighthouse Museum

Courtesy of the Nantucket Historical

Courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association Courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association

ion, circa 1930s

Cross Rip Lightship on stat

Light beacon

Credit: The

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ine, Volume

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Pexels Mohan Nnannapaneni/

Nantucket harbor ship

Life on a lightship was likened to a term of solitary confinement combined with the horrors of seasickness 74

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their mounts and spilling hot coals during fierce storms that churned up mountainous waves that crashed over the ship. It was lonely, too. I’ve read how life on a lightship was likened to a term of solitary confinement combined with the horrors of seasickness. It’s no wonder these men began making baskets to while away the time. According to several sources, it is likely a man named Thomas James introduced basketmaking to men on the lightships. James, the story goes, had worked in the whaling industry and during his voyages supposedly made baskets in his spare time. When he began working on the South Shoals Lightboat, he took up his old pastime while on duty and sold his work on leave in Nantucket town. It wasn’t long before he taught his skill to his fellow lightship men. Though the classic Nantucket basket is attributed to men aboard lightships in the mid-19th century, it’s important to remember that its distinctive design was probably inspired by baskets originally woven with ash wood by the Wampanoags, the island’s indigenous people.

Lighthouse baskets typically were round and built on a mold with flat wooden bottoms to which staves (ribs) were attached to form the basic shape. Cane, also known as rattan, was then woven in and around the staves from bottom to top. Each basket was finished with a wooden handle. Tops and decorative elements weren’t added until later. These baskets became popular with locals and tourists and thus became known as Nantucket lightship baskets. They’re very desirable today among collectors.

Basketmaking Enters the 20th Century

By 1905, the last man from Nantucket manned a local lightship. Shortly thereafter, the federal government banned basketmaking aboard lightships to end moonlighting commerce. The craft then moved on island where it was taken up by a new generation of basket weavers who began personalizing their work and looking for ways to make them stand out and appeal to the growing tourist trade. One of the most significant of this new generation of basket makers was

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country with other competition winners as part of a traveling exhibit. Whitten’s basket was purchased by the Smithsonian for its permanent collection. Whitten also wrote extensively about Nantucket baskets, which has been important to preserving the history of this unique craft. Today the lightship basket influence can be seen in jewelry, cribs, bike baskets and all sorts of decorative pieces sold on and off island. Yours truly even owns a pair of tall handsome lamps modeled on the classic Nantucket Basket. There’s even an auction market for exceptional baskets woven on Nantucket. A recent piece went for more than $100,000. Who’d have thunk it?

José Reyes, a Filipino with an Education degree from Harvard, who served in the U.S. Navy fighting the Japanese and then after the war immigrated to Nantucket where his wife’s family had a home. Unable to find a job in education, he repaired cane furniture and learned to make Nantucket lighthouse style baskets. Reyes is credited in 1948 for adding a top to the lightship basket and turning it into a purse for women. These purses, later known as “friendship purses,” quickly became de rigour for well-to-do summer residents. Reyes later included ivory carvings to adorn the purse tops. Rumor has it the name originated when a woman carrying one of Reyes’ purses while visiting

Nantucket

thouse

coast ligh

Paris noticed another woman with the same purse. She yelled out “Friendship!” and the two strangers became lifelong friends linked by their shared love of Nantucket. Paul Whitten, another basket maker, helped elevate artistic appreciation for the Nantucket basket when he was invited in 1974 by the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery to submit one of his pieces in a national arts and crafts competition. His basket was selected to appear in the gallery and then tour the

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/NantucketBaskets

NANTUCKET LIGHTHOUSE BASKET MUSEUM If you’re visiting Nantucket and want to delve deeper into the history of these unique baskets and learn more about their makers, you won’t want to miss the Nantucket Lighthouse Basket Museum. It features a permanent collection of baskets, special exhibits and basket weaving classes. The museum website also has a variety of

fascinating videos, including an interview with noted basket weaver José Reyes. Location: 96 Main St., Nantucket, MA 02554 Hours: May 28 – October 17, open daily 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. nantucketlightshipbasketmuseum.org

The author and Nantucket basket lamp

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Tall Ship

Ad ventures Under Sail with the Pride of Baltimore II BY VICTOR WALTON

Pride of Baltimore II is a replica of a Baltimore Clipper topsail schooner and the only one of its kind in the world. She is 157 feet overall and has a sail area of 9,705 square feet. She represents Maryland and is considered the state’s Goodwill Ambassador. She has sailed nearly 200,000 miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries. Pride II usually has a superb crew of 11 and often hosts a guest crew of six, who works as deck hands with the permanent crew in nearly every aspect of the ship’s operation.

Pride of Baltimore II in Maryland

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Wikimedia Commons

Sailing on a tall ship is an experience most people seldom have the opportunity to do. These grand vessels hold a particular fascination, evoking thoughts of sea battles and pirates, whale hunting, and historic voyages. They reek of adventure, as well as a good bit of mystery and curiosity. What’s it like to be aboard a tall ship and part of the crew? This is what happens. When boarding, you note that it is kept in pristine condition, evidence of many hours of the crew’s maintenance work. You can only bring what you absolutely need for a voyage. Usually 17 or 18 people, both men and women, live closely together in a living space of 106 feet long and 26 feet wide for extended periods. The permanent crew of 11 lives in the “fo’c’s’le” (forecastle— forward portion of the boat). The six guest crew get small cabins in the middle, and the aft-cabin (the back of the boat) is the captain’s and other officers’ quarters. In such a tight space, privacy rules and considerations are strictly observed. The crew has very little storage space — either an upper or lower bunk, a couple small shelves, and a hanging hook or two. That’s it. The salon, in the mid-section of the boat, shares space with the guest crew bunks and consists of a long table where the crew eats and relaxes. In a small compact kitchen, food is prepared and stored by the cook. Power is generated by batteries, so great care is taken to conserve electricity. Two toilets are on board, with a small shower and sink in one of them. You must learn how to pump out the

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toilet and shower day tank. Not doing so … well, you don’t even want to go there. Fresh water is limited, so you must carefully follow a shower procedure. No more 15-minute hot showers, especially on long sea voyages. In the galley, many rules ensure that everyone is safe, well fed and accommodated. Nobody does anything in the galley without the cook’s permission. Daily life on board is an ongoing process of sharing, and for everyone, the learning curve is endless. The entire crew is divided into “watches.” Each four-hour watch takes on the duties of cleaning, operating and maintaining Pride II. While under sail, there are three watches; in port there are 78

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two. During each watch, a group of six oversees the boat. Everyone takes a turn at the helm, checks the readings in the engine room, monitors conditions in the galley and both bathrooms, and stands watch at the boat’s bow. That rotation goes on day and night. The crew follows safety and emergency procedures, general rules of operation like the 144 lines on board, and the proper way to do things. Adventures are plentiful on a tall ship. I’ve had the great pleasure of sailing on the Pride II on nine occasions. One memorable voyage in 1998 was from Los Angeles to San Diego and then south along the Baja Peninsula to Acapulco. One sunny afternoon while I was on watch, our

Second Mate noted a stretch on the fishing line that we drew behind the boat. The call went out, “Fish on!” Soon a 7’5” swordfish was hauled aboard and became delicious crew meal that evening. On a voyage on October 14, Captain Dan Perrot came on deck, had a good look around and seemed deep in thought. I heard him say, “We have a lurid sky and an oily sea,” but I had no idea what he was talking about. I learned that that description is typical of tropical trouble. A pretty good storm, “Kay” was brewing well to our south. On the night of October 15, we were about 400 nautical miles at sea nearing the cape at the eastern mouth of the Sea of Cortez when weather maps showed a new disturbance in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. We were warned to “Watch out for this one.” About 11:00 p.m. a steady breeze appeared, we put it to good use setting additional sail and made good headway. About midnight, a storm came in with a wallop. The standby watch hit the deck like they were shot from our cannon, and within a few minutes our heading changed to northwest to sail with the wind as the seas and wind steadily increased. I was about to get a memorable lesson from Mother Nature. Suddenly I had a new understanding of what a true storm at sea was about — being pitched about like a cork, listening to orders and working together. I realized that I didn’t know as much about the sea and sailing as I thought I did, such as how not to get flipped out of a bunk, how to use the bathroom at a 45 degree angle, how to prepare food for hungry shipmates without scraping it off the cabin ceiling and how to hold on.

Flag: Wikimedia Commons; Background: ©iStockphotos.com/Max2611; All other photos by Victor Walton

The author at sea at sea

er the storm

Vic aft Captain’s letter to

The rain came like bullets, and we had to be tethered while on deck. To this day, I’m amazed that nobody got sick. I was told that we were just too busy for that nonsense. We spent a lot of time adjusting sails to accommodate the conditions. A wicked sea was running that pulled at our well-ordered world and flung any unsecured item as far as gravity would allow.

A few comic moments lightened the mood. Washed dishes in the galley were air dried as they were placed in the drying rack and then flew out of the rack over our shoulders and onto the cabinets behind us as the boat pitched. It looked like an international game of free-for-all-frisbee. Ah yes, and then there was a visitor — a blue-footed booby who landed on deck during the storm and took up residence. He or she faced into the wind waiting a day or so for the weather to clear. We called him or her Bobbie the Boobie. Finally, by about 5:30 a.m. on October 16, dawn’s light revealed rips in the foresail and broken mast hoops, which were eventually repaired. Around 7:00 a.m. weather information confirmed that the “loosely organized” disturbance that was 300 nautical miles south had become tropical storm Madeline. She was developing into a hurricane and headed our way. Again, we changed course and made way for safe harbor. As if that weren’t enough, we also heard reports that

the depression in the Gulf of Tehuantepec was now to our east and heading west toward us as tropical storm Lester and soon it became Hurricane Lester. By 1:00 a.m. the wind velocity dropped, and we set sail in a pattern that allowed us to move as close into the wind as possible. That made for slow going but we did make headway and decided to try to reach Puerto Vallarta some 70 nautical miles away before nightfall. Despite the steadily falling breeze, the seas were still large enough that it was well past 9:30 p.m. before we passed through Puerto Vallarta’s breakwaters. Inside the harbor, all was completely still. The hotel and resort lights illuminated the harbor. A voice called from the darkness, “Welcome to paradise, amigos!” Captain Parrot shouted back, “We’re running from a hurricane.” We were warmly greeted, and the party that next evening to celebrate our survival … well, never in nautical history has there been such a party! Participating in those voyages taught my wife Bernadette and me much about life. They pushed our emotions and our sense of wonder to the maximum. We are so thankful for having the opportunity to be aboard such a wonderful sailing vessel with warm, skilled and professional captains and crew. For more info about the Pride of Baltimore II, go to pride2.org To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/TallShipAdventures

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Wikimedia Commons

Pride of Baltimore II

Vic and wife Bernie

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Frequent analogies are made

between piloting an aircraft and piloting a boat. Both require similar skills and place you at the mercy of the elements in a medium that’s foreign to our bodies. Granted, being suspended in the air may be a tad more precarious than floating on the water, but when the downward spiral of a problem begins in either setting, it typically doesn’t end well. For this reason, an aircraft pilot wouldn’t dream of taking off without performing a pre-flight checklist. Boating is safer when using checklists, too. The concept of a pre-flight checklist was developed following the fatal crash of a test flight in 1935. Leading up to WWII, the U.S. Army Air Corps was looking for a new bomber to meet the demanding needs of long distant flights with heavy payloads. U.S. aircraft company, Boeing, submitted a new plane model for the Army to consider. The Army agreed to try it and scheduled a test flight to see how it would perform. Flying the plane that day were two

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k c e h C and e c i w T It ON

highly experienced Army pilots, Boeing’s chief test pilot, along with a Boeing mechanic and a representative of the engine manufacturer. After takeoff the plane began to climb, but suddenly pitched up, stalled and crashed into a ball of fire upon impact. All on board were initially rescued, but both pilots died from injuries sustained in the crash. The accident investigation determined that before takeoff, the pilots overlooked a safety lock on the elevator and rudder controls, which kept them from controlling the plane’s pitch or attitude. Following the accident, a newspaper stated that the Boeing plane was “just too much plane for one man to fly.” Fortunately, this was not the end of the story, but the beginning of a life-saving idea that would transform how highly complex systems can be operated by average people. Out of this tragedy came the simple and effective concept of the pilot’s pre-departure checklist. Time would prove the Boeing plane was not too much for one person, but just too much

for one person’s memory. Using a simple checklist on future flights would ensure that important steps required prior to takeoff were not forgotten. Checklists were developed for more and more parts of a flight, for emergency situations as well as more routine situations. NASA adopted the use of checklists for almost every part of the Gemini and Apollo space missions, and all astronauts were trained in how to use them. Astronauts logged hundreds of hours familiarizing themselves with and learning how to use these checklists. In fact, checklists were so important to the success of the Apollo moon landings that astronaut Michael Collins called them “The fourth crew member.”

Safety from the skies to the seas

Aboard our boat, we have several checklists for different applications. For example, we’ve found it useful to have two pre-departure checklists: one for leaving a marina and another for leaving an anchorage or mooring.

VidarHAndersen/Pixabay

Preparing for each is different enough that having a specific list for the different situations ensures that everything is safe to get underway. A checklist is also one of the best ways to manage your boat maintenance and personal safety. When your boat breaks down out in open water, you become vulnerable to additional problems. Reminder and to-do apps popular on smart devices today are a great platform for building a list of regularly scheduled maintenance tasks. The apps allow you to set a date to inspect items like fire extinguishers, or when engine fluids or anodes need to be changed. Using apps with reminders set, relieves you from having to remember critical items that need attention. They also have a notes section where you can record engine hours of the last change and numbers for any parts used in the process. Checklists are most useful for regularly reoccurring tasks, ones we believe we do so often we’ve memorized them — tasks like

starting your boat and leaving the marina. Therein lies the problem: It’s easy to become complacent with reoccurring tasks and believe you’ve done this so many times you don’t need reminders of how to do it. For most people, life is busy, so it’s easy to get distracted while going through a task. I’ve seen it happen on many occasions — the ever-present phone rings or a boat neighbor asks a question as you’re preparing to get underway — and the next thing you know you’re pulling out with the shore power cord still connected. Before we started making checklists a habit, I was occasionally upset by a boat passing close by, without calling us on the VHF radio, only to realize I’d forgotten to turn it on. Checklists are also important when multiple people are involved in the same process, so we use checklists for departing from the boat as well. More than once on our Sunday drive home from the boat, we looked at each other and asked, did you take out the trash or did you turn off the propane? Using a boat departure checklist

makes sure important items don’t get missed and you don’t assume the other turned off the water pump breaker or turned on the battery charger. Using checklists also has unforeseen benefits: The more you follow them, the more you benefit. The more you follow a routine process in the same order, the more you understand its faults and failings, allowing you to make improvements. It’s easy to see the benefit when developing a checklist and when you first begin using them, but the real benefit comes into play when you continue using them even though you feel like you don’t have to anymore. That’s when they keep you from forgetting something important. ml

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/MakingLists

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Becoming Boat Wise BY APRIL WINSHIP

hen meeting a new friend, I find there’s loads to discover … and a new boat is no different. As Rogue One was awakened from her yearlong COVID hiatus and lowered gently back into the water, we were grinning ear-to-ear. Under the watchful eye of the previous owner, my husband Bruce fired up the engine, shifted her into gear and motored toward the marina. Just as he nervously angled us into our assigned slip, a sudden gust of wind broadsided us. Stretching beyond my normal abilities, I barely lassoed the dock cleat for a safe landing. Whew! First challenge accomplished. Blame it on the excitement, adrenaline or my fourth cup of joe, but instead of counting sheep that night, I laid awake tallying up the barrage of questions swirling in my head. Morning came too quickly, and I grabbed a pen to jot down what I could remember from my brain’s overnight wanderings. What does that yellow knob beneath the steering station do? Why is the red fault light on the invertor panel blinking at me? And the most pressing question, what if the contents of the holding tank that sat for way too long is a rock-solid block of you know what? The growing to-do list beckoned us to action. As I ruminated about where to begin, Julie Andrews’ sage advice from The Sound of Music spilled from my lips … “Let’s start at the very beginning… a very good place to start. When you read you begin with A-B-C…” With this in mind, we began from stem to stern nosing through and emptying out every compartment, locker and cubby. I took inventory of what treasures of the 90

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bilge we had inherited, what we would keep and what we would discard. This helped us uncover and scrutinize every square inch of our new home, and the process revealed additional projects that melded into our workload. We focused on assessing systems that were imperative to our new lifestyle, then graduated outward to the ones necessary for venturing beyond the breakwater. We first familiarized ourselves with the plumbing, refrigeration, shore power and battery banks necessary for comfortable dockside living. Because of Bruce’s engineering background, he is compelled to use check-off lists to keep us on track. Handing the list over for my review, I playfully penciled in a few items of my own. It wasn’t even 9:00 a.m., and I had already completed my first two tasks: wake up and have my morning coffee. Crossing off a few simple jobs such as installing shelving in the hanging lockers, upgrading the dozen cabin lights to modern LED fixtures and repairing the torn seams on our canvas bimini top led to greater confidence to tackle more substantial projects. With fresh bravado under our belts, we hoisted aboard 450 pounds of fresh house batteries and tamed the colorful bird’s nest of wiring lurking behind the electrical panel. I took sole charge of the sanding and varnishing of all the interior teak, which evidently shamed Bruce into elevating my galley fantasies into reality. Measuring twice and cutting once he took his jigsaw to the kitchen counter and replaced the outdated alcohol stove with a newfangled induction cook top. On a roll, he tore out the frustratingly shallow sink and swapped it for a larger, deeper one. Life was looking pretty good. Since all work and no play isn’t a healthy combination, we took time to walk the

& Learning the Ropes

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docks and meet our neighbors. We were surrounded by a potpourri of boaters: weekenders, cruisers making their way south, and others like ourselves adapting to liveaboard life and learning about their new vessels. New friendships were kindled, and boating experiences were shared.

Ready for Safety Inspection Maintaining a safe boat, practicing good seamanship habits and being prepared for the unthinkable is of paramount importance to us. So, we enrolled in the free America’s Boating Course by the United States Power Squadron. The course not only covered basic boating skills and navigation, but also highlighted what safety equipment was required onboard. After completing the eight-week course, we wanted to have a fresh set of eyes look over our boat and invited a Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer to 92

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perform a courtesy safety inspection. Before the visit, I took out a three-ring notebook and gathered copies of our boat’s legal documents such as proof of current registration and insurance and detailed the locations of all safety gear aboard. A pre-printed form with the emergency MAYDAY procedures gravitated to the front of the book along with the boattowing service information and a check list of Coast Guard requirements. Our focus on personal and vessel safety had paid off as the auxiliary volunteer came aboard and in less that an hour ticked off each item as he worked his way through the inspection. Being prepared earned us a Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check decal, which we displayed next to our boat registration sticker. As the Florida winter unfolded, confidence in our vessel grew and those nagging first questions and many more were resolved. Surprisingly, my most gratifying

moment had nothing to do with decoding our two-month electrical mystery or successfully replacing an impossible to reach bilge pump. I was caught off guard by the burst of emotions that swept over me as I smoothed out the edges of our new name decal on the once-empty transom. I sprinted to the next dock to snap photos of our newly christened Rogue One. That pretty little vessel, this new friend I adored, was all ours, and becoming more so with each new day. Set Sail and Live Your Dreams (Seaworthy Publications, 2019) is the Winships’ book about their family’s 10-year adventure cruising aboard their 33-foot catamaran Chewbacca. It is available in paperback and e-book editions at Amazon. To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/LearningTheRopes

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Top 10 New England Sailing Regattas Either race or spectate – but don’t miss these exciting events! BY CAROL BAREUTHER

What do a media mogul, movie maker and American President have in common? Taking part in

Daniel For

yacht racing, one of our nation’s oldest sports, and New England, the cradle of this sport in America. Ted Turner won the 1977 America’s Cup in Newport. Roy Disney sailed from Newport to Bermuda with record-breaking speed in 2002. And in 1936, JFK earned a winner’s cup racing Stars in the Hyannis Port Yacht Club race to Edgartown. With more than 6,000 miles of shoreline, survival built on the sea from olden days of fishing and trading to today’s seasonal tourist dollars, it’s a natural that racing sailboats is a time-honored tradition and rite of passion for most New Englanders. Many sailors here boast blood as blue as the surrounding seas, yet everyone can find a home to race. Here’s a sampling of some of the region’s best-known regattas.

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Edgartown Race Weekend

MAINE

Camden Classics Cup

Alison Langle

July 28-30

Competition and camaraderie combine in this relative newcomer event sailed in Penobscot Bay and celebrated shoreside in downtown Camden. Over 100 sailboats, everything from vintage yachts to very fast one-designs like J/46s and J/42s, race. Classes are available for day sailors and cruising yachts, too. “Dockage at Lyman-Morse is included in the race fee, so the party starts ashore when the racing ends,” says organizer Mackenzie Lyman, who adds the marina operator and boatbuilders have rebuilt the waterfront after a fire in 2020. Spectators can have just as much fun. Maine’s Windjammers offer two-hour tours to view the racing, while landlubber’s best bet is watching the parade of sail as dressed yachts with costumed crew parade through Camden harbor on the morning of July 30. camdenclassicscup.com

Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Annual Regatta & Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge July 23-24

A trend toward classic yacht racing and a nod to the area’s deep sailing roots combined for the first time last year at the Shipyard Cup. This new addition to the nearly 50-year-old annual regatta put lots of eye-candy on the water. The 1926-built NY-40, Marilee and 1937-constructed 12-meter America’s Cup contender, Gleam, plus classic Boothbay Harbor one-designs like the 21-foot, Geerd Hendel-designed, 1938-launched sloops, are expected back this year along with contemporary race yachts. “We invited several

America’s Cup contenders to join Gleam this year on the start line,” says co-chair Bob Scribner. Spectators can observe from Spruce Point, McKeown Point or Southport. A narrated parade of participants in the inner harbor starts at 10:00 a.m. on July 24. boothbayregatta.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series – Marblehead July 28-31

The 1889-founded Marblehead Race Week joined with National Offshore One-Design concept a few years back, and the result is close to 200 boats racing. “We now have all our regular classes like J/70s, Rhodes 19s and Viper 640, plus there are usually one

or two guest classes like RS21s, Skuds, 2.4’s and J/24s, that hold regional championships as part of the week,” says Leslie Rousseau, race committee chair for the host Boston Yacht Club. “We expect to see the return of Jud Smith, two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and local J-70 favorite.” Spectators on land can get a bird’s eye view of the racing from Chandler Hovey Park on Marblehead Neck. Those with a fast center console can watch the boats line up to start off Turkey Point in Middle River or set their chutes at the windward mark in Middle River. sailingworld.com/regatta-seriesmarblehead

Edgartown Race Weekend June 23-25

Since 1938, celebrity-studded Martha’s S PR I N G 2 0 2 2

Bruce Durkee

NOOD Marblehead Regatta

Vineyard is home to this week of combo coastal, offshore and roundthe-island racing hosted by Edgartown Yacht Club. “The history, charm and summer activity on Martha’s Vineyard is a meaningful draw, in addition to fantastic wind and ideal sailing conditions,” says Alex Nugent, one of the event’s co-chairs. “Plus, we typically host a big welcome party that’s sponsored by Mount Gay Rum.” New is the ‘Round-the-Sound series of races, which features 20-some nautical mile coastal sprints around Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound and replaces the around-the-buoy series. There’s monohull and multihull, racing and cruising, double-handed and many-handed entrants including teams from state and federal service and maritime academies. edgartownyc.org

Nantucket Race Week August 13-21

Nine days of racing, parties and awards ceremonies take the concept of race week to the extreme. There’s something afloat for everyone: kids in Optis and 420s, women in Rhodes 19s, 1 00

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kiteboarders, radio-controlled model boats and some of the country’s top sailors competing in high-performance big boats and classic wooden yachts. “This year we celebrate the 50th Opera House Cup Regatta, the grand dame of classic wooden boat regattas. The Cup, named after a legendary Nantucket restaurant, attracts some of the finest wooden boats on the East Coast and Europe. There is a big awards party on the beach after the race,” says Diana Brown, chief executive of Nantucket Community Sailing. The Parade of Wooden Boats offers a brochure that describes each participating boat. The public can watch the parade from Brant Point Beach. nantucketraceweek.org

RHODE ISLAND Annual Regatta June 10-12

Hosted by the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) out of its facilities in Newport, this is North America’s oldest continuously held sailing event going on its 168th year. The format features two days of buoy racing, prefaced by a race around Conanicut Island. The

sight of 100-plus spinnakers running north in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay from Fort Adams, Castle Hill or Beavertail Light is breathtaking. Entries are invited to one-design classes, and boats more than 24 feet race under a variety of handicaps. “The Annual Regatta is one of my perennial favorites,” says Paul Zabetakis, NYYC commodore and a regular participant on his Swan 42, Impetuous. “The race management is impeccable with multiple course configurations. Few other venues offer the perfect combination of offshore racing in Rhode Island Sound and inshore racing on Narragansett Bay.” The Saturday night regatta party is one of the biggest occasions of the Newport regatta season with sailors converging on Harbour Court for cocktails and dinner. nyyc.org/168th-annual-regatta

Newport to Bermuda Race June 17

The lawn at Castle Hill Inn in Newport and Fort Wetherill in Jamestown are ringside seats to watch nearly 200 vessels start in the East Passage on a

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Paul Todd

NYYC annual regatta

NOOD Marblehead Regatta

Alison Langley

Camden Classics Cup

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Ida Lewis Yacht Club, host of the Ida Lewis Distance Race

635-mile passage south to Bermuda. “Fort Adams State Park also provides close-up views of many of the boats as they depart from Newport Harbor. The fleet then sails past Brenton State Park as it clears Brenton Reef and turns to the southeast. Charter boats and private yachts assemble to watch the start from the water as well,” says John Burnham. It’s one of the oldest regularly scheduled ocean races, happening biennially since 1906. This year, three high-speed multihulls – two MOD 70s, Argo and Snowflake, and the 78’ trimaran Ultim’Emotion 2 – are entered, and each has a good chance of breaking the elapsed time race record of 34h:42m:53s set in 2016 by the 100’ maxi yacht, Comanche. bermudarace.com

Ida Lewis Distance Race August 18-20

The fleet goes where the wind blows. “The Ida Lewis Distance Race is like no other in that the Race Committee chooses from among four different courses, based on the weather. Each course incorporates some of the most 1 02

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storied cruising grounds in New England and is just long enough for the fleet to be offshore overnight, yet not so long to prohibit inviting family and friends to join for a first-time adventure,” says Anselm Richards, event chair. The goal: get about 60-some teams to compete on race boats 28-foot and longer in double-handed, youth, collegiate and different handicap classes back to the dock in under 24 hours. The start happens off Fort Adams and ends inside Newport Harbor, where each team is handed a congratulatory bottle of Prosecco. ilyc.org/distancerace

CONNECTICUT

Block Island Race May 27

Stamford is the start of this Memorial Day weekend regatta that for many sailors kicks New England’s offshore racing season. “The 186-nautical mile course down Long Island Sound and around Block Island and back also acts as a ‘warm up’ for many teams that are racing some two weeks later in the Newport to Bermuda Race,” says Kate Wilson Somers, who handles media

for the event. The race marks its 75th anniversary this year and is organized by the Storm Trysail Club, based in Larchmont, NY. stormtrysail.org/ regattas/block-island-race

Cedar Point One Design Regatta June 4-5

A 20-year+ tradition on the first weekend in June, this one-design keelboat event hosted out of the Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT, can draw as many as 800 competitors on over 100 boats. The key is that all the boats in a class are the same; no handicap scoring is needed. This makes it easy to watch, as first over the finish line is the winner. “Currently, the event is open to J70, J88, J105 and J109, and Beneteau 36.7 fleets, but other fleets are welcome if they meet the requirements,” says Joyce Oberdorf, who handles the club’s communications. cedarpointyc.org/odr

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/NewEnglandRegattas

Daniel For

Edgartown Race Weekend

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SEPTEMBER 15–18, 2022

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NEW ENGLAND >

The Maine Island Trail

Sail, Power or Paddle on the Wild Side BY CAROL BAREUTHER

in New York’s Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, in the Wharton and Lebanon State Forests in my native New Jersey, and even sections of the famed Maine to Georgia Appalachian Trail. So, imagine my surprise when I listened to Jordi St. John, business engagement manager for the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), describe the Maine Island Trail. St. John’s answer reminded me of a scene from the movie, The Wizard of Oz. He first said there is no set route. You can go north or south or some people go both ways, just like the Scarecrow directed Dorothy in her search for the Emerald City. Then, it got even better. St. John added that there is no starting point or ending point. Some 246 sites make up this 375-mile water-based recreational “trail” of islands that spans the length of the state’s coast from the New Hampshire border north to the Canadian line.

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Vist Maine Vist Maine

I’ve hiked trails

Dan Smith camping

“You can visit one, or visit them all,” says St. John, who spent summers as a kid cruising with his parents on the family’s Hood 38 sailboat and today does the same in a 22-foot Grady White with his wife and eight- and 10-year-old children. “You can go out for just an afternoon, or a day, or several days and camp on your boat or one of the islands. You can visit on a megayacht, or cruise on a 40- to 50-foot sailer, powerboat, or explore in a small powerboat, or by paddle in a kayak or paddleboard. There is no right way or wrong way, only what you enjoy,” he says. The whim of the weather is another reason for no hard and fast routes. Ten-foot tides, tidal currents, wind and dense fog can make some parts of the trail less accessible at times. So, planning is imperative.

THE TRAIL

What would formally become the Maine Island Trail started several thousand years ago when miles-deep mega-glaciers depressed areas of land along what is now the state’s coast. As these frozen behemoths melted, portions of land popped back up while others laid low and filled with water. Along the way, craggy rock cliffs, pebbly coastlines and sandy beaches formed. Today, more than 3,000 islands are located along Maine’s 3,500-mile coastline. While nowadays many are uninhabited, through history they’ve served as grazing grounds for sheep, granite quarries, homesteads for fishermen and shipbuilders, perches for lighthouses, and some even have leftover military

structures from World War II. The launch of a land survey in the 1970s revealed the State of Maine held title to over a thousand of these islands. A decade later, the state collaborated with the nonprofit Island Institute with an eye toward these properties’ recreational potential. This springboard, along with a grassroots effort by residents to visit and protect these islands, led to the MITA’s founding in 1988. At first, the trail included 30 to 40 islands owned by either state or federal entities. Over the years, the trail grew through a series of unique handshake agreements with private landholders that allow public visitation. This handshake comes with the MITA’s stewardship, which includes monitoring and trash removal to maintain a pristine, leave-noS PR I N G 2 0 2 2

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trace character. The trail is now roughly made up of one-third privately owned islands, one-third state-owned and one-third federal lands. All are accessible. The MITA’s trail guide app offers a wealth of detailed information for trip planning. The organization also offers educational talks and events throughout the year. “The interface of land and sea is a big part of the enjoyment of boating,” says Bob Arrington, a marine journalist who has cruised much of the trail with his wife on their 54-foot trawler, often anchoring overnight as well as exploring nooks and crannies of coves and coastline by kayak. “The ability to explore, to visit these islands and know that you’re not trespassing is a huge draw.” Indeed, in 2018, National Geographic named the Maine Island Trail as one of the 50 Best American Adventures.

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DAY TRIPPING

A good way for the trail’s first timers to get their feet wet is on a day trip. The Portland area is a good launching place as it’s easy to reach and has facilities such as marinas, lodgings, restaurants and more as a home base. Portland sits to the south of Casco Bay, an inlet in the Gulf of Maine. “Casco Bay is busy because of its proximity to Portland, plus it has over 60 islands within easy public access. Several islands are part of MITA here,” says Maria Jenness, MITA’s regional stewardship manager, who is a Master Maine Sea Kayak guide and travels among the islands in an 18-foot skiff. One of these islands, Little Chebeague, is a mix of gravel and sand beaches that makes this 86-acre island ideal for a picnic trip. Trails with interpretive signs talk about the late 19th-century summer resort

that once thrived here. Remnants of World War II are here too, evidenced by a steel building on the southeast beach once used for Naval shipboard firefighter training. To the northeast, passing Great Chebeague along the way, is 55-acre Bangs Island. The island’s north end boasts a couple of picnic-perfect beaches, as well as picturesque views of northern Casco Bay. In 2020, the Freedom Boat Club (FBC) of Maine partnered with MITA to provide free membership to its members and in turn adopted Bangs Island to make sure its public areas were clean and well-maintained. “This came at a time when visitation to the island skyrocketed as people sought safety and solitude from the pandemic,” says Tracy Coughlin, FBC’s marketing director. Club membership offers use of

Haley Fong

a fleet of 22- to 25-foot inflatables and center consoles, which makes a nice way to explore the MITA for someone who doesn’t have or can’t BYOB (bring your own boat).

CAMP OUT

Overnight or multi-night camping is a big draw on many MITA islands. In the Casco Bay area, this includes 221-acre Jewell, located about 3 miles southeast of Little Chebeague and 15 miles offshore from Portland. Visitors find 12 campsites and primitive privies, and fires are allowed in designated fire rings. Raccoons make it imperative to lock up food. Those who want to camp overnight on their boats can drop anchor in Cocktail Cove on the island’s northwest side. “Jewell has several campsites and is most likely the busiest on the weekends. There are several campsites in the cove or

punch bowl, which is a huge tidal pool with lots of marine life, including lobsters. My favorite is the campsite located in the middle of the island on the west shore. A private area with a spectacular sunset view and sand beach,” says Chris Saxton, manager and second-generation family owner of the 60-slip Dolphin Marina & Restaurant, located in Harpswell, ME, on Casco Bay.

OFF THE BEATEN TRAIL

The trail also offers great opportunities for day and overnight camping trips farther north. Seventy-acre Warren Island State Park, about 9 miles northeast of Camden in Penobscot Bay, has a dock and beach on the east side of the island, as well as a small campground. Even more off the beaten track near Jonesport, Molly Cove on the 71-acre

Great Wass Island Preserve is day-use only with a beautiful, sheltered cove rimmed with a beach ideal for picnicking. There’s also a four-mile hiking trail with rare flora along the way from the beachhead iris to huge stands of coastal jack pine and bogs where the rare edible baked-apple berry grows. Overnighters can go farther down east less than a mile across the Mud Hole Channel to the one-acre Little Water Island. There’s enough camping room for two among the spruce trees on this grassy rock of an island. It’s a location surreal enough to think you’re in Oz. But this isn’t Kansas, it’s Maine, with a jewel of an island-lined coast at its best. For more info, go to mita.org

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/MaineIslandTrail

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New England’s Spring

Calendar of Events BY LIYANA IDO

There’s no better place to celebrate the change of the seasons than in a

quaint New England town. Better yet, cruise along the coast this spring so you don’t have to choose just one! Read on for regional waterfront events fit for wildlife enthusiasts, art lovers, foodies and race aficionados alike. We think you’ll love the rich maritime history woven into every one of these events.

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APRIL Nantucket Daffodil Festival Nantucket Island, MA April 22-24 Celebrate spring with fun for the whole family at the 2022 Nantucket Daffodil Festival. Visit the greenhouses at Bartlett’s Farm for the 46th Annual Daffodil Show, attend the Nantucket Garden Club’s antique car parade and tailgate, or see kids’ daffodil-donned rides in the bike parade. (daffodilfestival.com)

Tetyana Kovyrina

NEW ENGLAND >

Whale Watch Plymouth Plymouth, MA April-June

Cherry Blossom Festival New Haven, CT April 24 Dock in scenic New Haven to attend this lively festival in historic Wooster Square Park. Beside the beautiful cherry blossoms symbolic of the beginning of spring, take in the tunes of R&B, Latin, and Caribbean music groups and check out local food and artists. You’ll find activities for your little ones and four-legged friends, too. (historicwoostersquare.org)

Connecticut Spring Boat Show Essex, CT April 29-May 1

MAY Children’s Day Portsmouth, NH May 1 On the first Sunday of May every year, downtown Portsmouth transforms into an interactive playground for kids of all ages. Sponsored and hosted by merchants and volunteers from across the seacoast, local nonprofit Pro Portsmouth creates a map from A to Z for kids to scavenge fun activities while exploring shops and restaurants and celebrating at the Block Party on Pleasant. Prior to the event, a traditional

logo contest allows kids to showcase their skills for a chance to have their artwork displayed as the face of the festival’s maps and t-shirts. (proportsmouth.org/events/childrens-day)

Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair Tilton, NH May 21 Joyce’s Craft Shows hosts 16 New Hampshire shows throughout the year presenting exhibitors from across New England and focusing on Americanmade arts. The season kicks off with the Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair

Hosted at the Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina, the 2021 show raised over $22,000 in funds for Sails Up 4 Cancer. This year, they plan to not only double that number but also add to their event line-up. In addition to the show’s inventory, look forward to the first-ever Taste of Essex exhibits and seminars on the Newport Bermuda race and Fishing the Sound and beyond. (ctspringboatshow.com)

Downtown Portsmouth

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New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Any time this season, book a whale watching excursion with Captain John Boats’ Whale Watch Plymouth. Cruise the Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank and witness the many species of gentle giants in the area: humpback, right, finback, pilot and minke. (captjohn.com/ whale-watch-plymouth)

digboston/Flickr

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival

held at the Tangier Outlets in Tilton. More than 90 exhibitors fill the area displaying everything from home décor to handmade jewelry. Held outside under canopies, this event is free and pet-friendly. (joycescraftshows.com/ nh-craft-fairs-schedule)

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival Newport, RI May 21-22 Make your way to Bowen’s Wharf for a weekend of dining and imbibing on the waterfront. Sample freshly shucked oysters from 45 aquafarms across the state and seafood from local restaurants. (bowenswharf.com/events/newportoyster-chowder-festival)

Down East Spring Birding Festival Trescott, ME May 26-29 Spend this spring basking in the natural beauty of Down East Maine’s 114

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Cobscook Bay area. Witness a breathtaking birding experience during peak spring migration and breeding season with four days of guided hikes, presentations and boat tours led by local experts. Explore a variety of habitats and species in sanctuaries such as Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Machias Seal Island (home to Atlantic puffins) and much more. (cobscookinstitute.org/birdfest)

JUNE Provincetown Coastal Rowing Regatta & Mini Triathlon Provincetown, MA June 4-5 Cruise to Provincetown, the first great fishing port on the eastern seaboard, for your first New England regatta of the season! Watch schooners, catboats, modern yachts and boats race, tour historic vessels, and join

the mini-triathlon if you’re feeling athletic. (ptowntourism.com/events/ provincetown-coastal-rowingregatta-mini-triathlon)

Kennebunkport Festival Kennebunkport, ME June 4-9 What used to be a food and wine fest has evolved into a weeklong lineup of local art, top chefs from around Maine and live music in the seaside village of Kennebunkport. Visit the historic Goat Island Lighthouse off Cape Porpoise while you’re there. (kennebunkportmainelodging.com/ kennebunkport-festival)

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Science Showcase Nantucket Island, MA June 6-12 Celebrate Nantucket Preservation Month by learning about the diverse flora and fauna on the island. Join scientists, researchers and naturalists for ecological field trips, research

Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Provincetown Portuguese Festival & Blessing of the Fleet

data collection and take in the breathtaking island scenery. (nantucketbiodiversity.org/ science-showcase)

Branford Festival on the Green There’s no better way to spend Father’s Day than a weekend-long festival on the historic Branford Town Green. Expect something for the entire family: a car show, road race, craft fair, live music, food and kid’s activities. While you’re in Branford, sample a local brewery or explore Thimble Islands. (branfordfestival.com)

Provincetown Portuguese Festival & Blessing of the Fleet Provincetown, MA June 23-26 Most of Provincetown’s fishermen immigrated from Portugal. The city’s custom of honoring its fishing community has expanded into a four-day cultural celebration. Don’t miss this colorful, lively gathering of

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Branford, CT June 17-19

Mystic boats

New England boaters both on and off the water. (ptownie.com/provincetownportuguese-festival-2022)

30th Annual Wooden Boat Show at Mystic Seaport

museum in the country. Enjoy skilled craftsmen’s creations, hear from storied sailors, and enjoy Mystic’s charm and shipbuilding history. (thewoodenboatshow.com)

Mystic, CT June 24-26 Round out your New England spring by spending a weekend at the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/2022NewEnglandEvents

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Atlantic puffins at Machias Seal Island, ME

Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair

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Tom Spine

Provincetown Portuguese Festival & Blessing of the Fleet

welcome

Hyannis Marina is your gateway to the beautiful clear waters of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. With over 180 slips we accommodate everything from small motorboats to deep draft sailboats and megayachts up to 200 feet in length. Slip into the heart of Cape Cod, then walk to nearby beaches, restaurants, town and much more. • 15’+ MLW approach & dockside depth • Exclusive harborside pool & cabana bar • 2 full menu restaurants onsite • Private showers & bathrooms • Courtesy & rental cars

• High speed fuel, volume discounts • Municipal & Private Airport within 3 miles • Ships store • Parts Service Department • Dockside TV & WiFi • Close to town, beaches and shopping

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TI E U P.

WIND DOWN. Only a block from the quintessential charm of downtown Nantucket, come ashore and embrace life on island time at Nantucket Boat Basin and our harborside cottages.

SPRING ON NANTUCKET AWAITS Reserve your slip today at nantucketboatbasin.com or call (844) 213- 6500. To extend your escape on land, visit thecottagesnantucket.com and book your stay at The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin.

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Your Destination For World- Class Service As we continue to grow, our premiere network of marinas offer everything from annual and transient boat slips (both wet and dry) to boat clubs, watersport rentals, and even houseboat vacations - all with first-class services and amenities. We are proud of all our marinas, staffed with experienced and attentive teams who are here to assist you from arrival to departure. At any of our Suntex Marinas you’re sure to enjoy a great time along with a safe, comfortable and stress-free experience.

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NEW ENGLAND >

Dock & Dine on

LONG ISLAND SOUND

(PART 1)

Kick back and enjoy the best seafood in the Northeast BY LISA CARRUTHERS

an insurmountable problem, especially along the Northeastern Seaboard. While looking around Long Island Sound to create a guide to its gastronomic offerings, we realized that this region hosted so many great dining options that it merited a two-part series. In this issue of Marinalife, we present a delicious sampling of the Connecticut Shore’s waterfront establishments that feature fresh seafood and local cuisine. Stay tuned for our summer edition when we tour the culinary treasures along the Long Island New York Shore. 1 20

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Wikimedia Commons

WHERE TO EAT WHEN YOU’RE CRUISING into unfamiliar harbors often feels like

West to East on the Connecticut Shore MAMARONECK, NY La Piccola Casa Ristorante Dock at Nichols Yacht Yard and treat your crew to great Northern Italian cuisine in an historic house on the waterfront with terrific harbor views. (facebook.com/LaPiccolaCasa Ristorante)

STAMFORD, CT The Crab Shell For waterfront dining at Harbor Landing Marina, savor excellent seafood and local favorites. Also check out the outdoor bar with a crab shack and live music. (crabshell.com)

NORWALK Sunset Grille On the dock and right near the fuel dock at Norwalk Cove Marina, guests

can enjoy gourmet seafood offered at a lively seasonal, outdoor venue. (sunsetgrille.net) (Note: Dozens of restaurants are accessible from Norwalk Cove Marina or Rex Marine Center (via the Cove/Rex shuttle) or from the Norwalk Town Dock.)

BRIDGEPORT Dolphin’s Cove Located at Dolphin’s Cove Restaurant & Marina and an easy spot to meet crew coming by Rt. 95 or the Port Jefferson Ferry, this family-oriented eatery offers a wide array of dishes from the sea and land and a kids’ menu. (dolphinscovect.com)

Captain’s Cove Seaport Restaurant, Bar & Marina Nested in the waterfront on Black Rock Harbor, it serves battered and fried seafood and shellfish, and has a decent kids’ menu. Check out lots of attractions in the area. (captainscoveseaport.com)

STRATFORD Outriggers Located at Brewer’s Stratford Marina, this restaurant presents fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Sample fresh fish and other seafood delights prepared to order. (outriggersrestaurant.com)

The Chowder Spot This food truck at the boat launch ramp in Stratford Harbor dishes up the ultimate in casual grub with a fantastic waterfront view.

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Shrimp Po’ boy

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Needpix.com An array of foods in New England Colorful seafood sign in Rockport, Massachusetts

HOUSATONIC RIVER (between Stratford and Milford on the Connecticut coast)

Joey C’s Boathouse Cantina & Grill Raise a fork to an all-around good menu with Mexican specialties, as well as local seafood, vegan and gluten-free options, and a large outdoor deck. (joeycsboathouse.com)

Riverview Bistro Enjoy excellent seafood and classic dishes in a graceful venue overlooking the Housatonic River. Find a nice, secluded bar and lovely banquet room. (riverviewstratford.com)

Knapp’s Landing Located right on the water with a wonderful menu to match the view. Choose from a variety of seafood dishes ranging from clam chowder to lobster ravioli accompanied by a good raw bar. (knapps-landing.business.site)

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MILFORD After docking at Milford Landing Marina, a one-block walk takes you to lots of great dining choices including:

Archie Moore’s Serving craft beer in a rustic atmosphere since 1898, the pub’s regular patrons come for the casual vibe and nibble on the famous buffalo wings. (archiemoores.com)

7 Seas Open for lunch and dinner and specializes in New England-style lobster rolls and fried seafood in a casual setting. (7seasmilford.com)

Stonebridge Restaurant American fare, fresh seafood and great appetizers. Take your pick of seating in a formal dining room, lively pub or outside on the deck. (stonebridgerestaurant.com)

Wikimedia Commons

Clam chowder in Boudin sourdough bowl

SBC Restaurant & Beer Hall

Nellie’s

Enjoy the neighborhood bar groove with handmade cocktails, local craft beer and farm-fresh American dishes at the end of the Wepawaug River. (SBCrestaurants.com)

Experience casual waterfront dining on a large patio on the Branford River with a good grilled seafood menu mixed with SoCal and classic New England cuisine, topped off with craft cocktails. (nelliesbranford.com)

BRANFORD Dockside Seafood & Grill Located at Safe Harbor Marina at Bruce & Johnson’s. Casual nautical atmosphere with extensive menu of seafood, pasta, and lots more. (docksidebranford.com)

CLINTON Lobster Landing Located right on the water in Clinton Harbor, it’s rumored by Yankee Magazine to have the best lobster roll in New England. (facebook.com/LobsterLandingLLC)

WESTBROOK Liv’s Shack Located at the site of the former BOOM restaurant at Pilot’s Point Marina and specializes in hot buttered lobster rolls, fish tacos, hamburgers and more. (livsshack.com)

Bill’s Seafood A short walk or dinghy ride brings you to Bill’s at the Singing Bridge. The seafood shack serves fried fish, lobster rolls and chowder on an outdoor deck. Kids love to throw French fries to the gulls and ducks. (billsseafood.com)

Stony Creek Brewery Head all the way up river and dock at the brewery for craft brews with a view, cocktails and hot pizza. (stonycreekbeer.com)

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OLD SAYBROOK Fresh Salt Enjoy fine dining of locally sourced produce, seafood and meats at the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (saybrook.com/eat-drink/fresh-salt)

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Note: Head up the Connecticut River to discover other interesting restaurants such as The Griswold Inn in Essex (griswoldinn.com) and The Blue Oar in Haddam (blueoarct.wixsite.com/ctrestaurants) where you can BYOB, tablecloth and candles.

NEW LONDON Fred’s Shanty

Locals love this classic destination for seafood take out with picnic tables on the water. (freds-shanty.com)

Kindel MediaPixels

Relax in casual elegance while dining on Italian-influenced seafood and steaks with stellar views of the Thames River. (onthewaterfrontnl.com)

Muddy Waters Cafe Come here for coffees, baked goods, and breakfast or lunch options. It’s home of the famous

Love Salad, a generous Italian antipasto-type salad with garlic bread. Closest access by water is at the dinghy dock by the town moorings. (muddywaterscafenl.com) Note: Visit the eastern end where Long Island Sound meets Fisher’s Island Sound. In Fisher’s Island Sound, head up the Mystic River to find Abbott’s Lobster in the

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Kindel MediaPixels

On the Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

Rough (abbottslobster.com), Red 36 (red36ct.com) and lots of restaurants in downtown Mystic by the Bascule Bridge. Also explore Stonington’s many culinary offerings including Breakwater (breakwaterstonington.com) and Dog Watch Café (dogwatchcafe.com/cafe).

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/LongIslandDockDine-Part1

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NEW ENGLAND >

New England’s

Best Beaches BY ELLEN HONEY

FROM THE CRAGGY CLIFFS OF MAINE’S rugged shoreline to the

tranquil beaches of Connecticut, visitors can explore more than 1,000 miles of wandering salt marshes, rolling sand dunes and clusters of wind-battered cedar cottages. The New England coast has grainier sand and chillier temps than its southern neighbors, but you can’t beat its legendary postcard scenery and bewitching charm. To help you navigate the vast New England coastline and chose a destination that’s just right for you, Marinalife presents our picks for the best beaches in the region, listed from north to south.

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Maine

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

OGUNQUIT BEACH

Visitors have been celebrating fun times at this grande dame of resort towns for 170 years. Despite being updated and modernized for the 21st century, the town’s Victorian-era beach vibe remains intact. The hub of activities on the seven miles of sandy beach is Old Orchard Pier. Beside drinking, dining and shopping above the waves, the pier has surfboard, umbrella and chair rentals. At nightfall the historic pier comes alive with fireworks, concerts and dancing.

In the town’s native Abenaki language, Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea,” the perfect description for a 3.5-mile stretch of clean, white sand. The local trolley has a beach stop on its path around the quaint buildings, tiny shops and pedestrian bridges of this seaside village. Marginal Way is a spectacular mile walk beginning at the beach and winding along the windswept cliff edge to Perkins Cove, a popular anchorage with a working dock for local fishing boats.

43.5148° N, 70.3721° W

43.2559° N, 70.5917° W

New Hampshire HAMPTON BEACH 42.9113° N, 70.8135° W

Folks from “away” are often surprised by the dramatic waves breaking along the state’s 13 miles of oceanfront. The beach is near the top on lists of cleanest in the country, and the Hampton Beach Boardwalk is ranked in the top 10 for its cafes and local shops, scenic setting, and lively atmosphere. Local bands tune up every evening on the Sea Shell Stage. For those seeking less honky-tonk, more reserve, nearby Jenness Beach in Rye is a smaller, less crowded option.

Andy Oleksy

Old Orchard Beach Pier

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barrier beach, oak and pine forest, and coastal salt ponds. From Vineyard Sound, Washburn is accessed through either Waquoit Bay Inlet or Eel Pond.

HADLEY HARBOR, CAPE COD

41.5153864 N, -70.6994748 W Well known as a protected and scenic anchorage, Hadley Harbor is perfect for an afternoon or an overnight. The harbor is surrounded by appealing islands, and the Vineyard, Cuttyhunk and Tarpaulin Cove are all within a few miles.

kzzzkc/Flickr

Rhode Island 40.741895, -73.989308

Hampton Beach, NH

Vermont

LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURTON ISLAND 44.7745° N, 73.2043° W

Although it lacks ocean frontage, Vermont has state parks with beaches and camping along the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain and along the narrow Lake Champlain Islands, mid-lake. Burton Island, a 253-acre park off the southwestern tip of St. Albans, offers solitude along its hiking trails and back-to-basics waterfront campsites. There’s plenty of social activity around the snack bar and 100-slip marina.

Massachusetts SINGING BEACH, MANCHESTER-BYTHE-SEA 42.5702° N, 70.7604° W

Due to its location in this quintessential New England town, Singing Beach often ranks near the top of beach 1 30

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GOOSEWING BEACH PRESERVE, LITTLE COMPTON

lovers’ favorites. As they approach the water, visitors are certain that the sound the sand makes is the sand singing, hence the name. Amenities include public restrooms, a small snack bar and changing rooms. Surrounded by stately mansions high atop the rocky coastline, the beach is also close to notable gourmet eateries dotting the village.

WORLD’S END, HINGHAM

42.2584° N, 70.8740° W Only about 10 NM from Boston Harbor, on the east side of World’s End is the gorgeous, protected Martin’s Cove. You’ll find some moorings, but it’s a busy weekend anchorage where the views of Boston Harbor are spectacular.

WASHBURN ISLAND 41.5598° N, 70.5339° W

This island gem is located within Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the last large undeveloped coastal properties on the south side of Cape Cod. Island trails wind through habitats consisting of a

A one-of-a-kind exquisite coastal ecosystem of pristine coastal pond, barrier beach and grassy dune system creates a spectacular space to be enjoyed year-round. The preserve feels like a hidden secret: quiet even in season, and the perfect spot to spend the day swimming, beachcombing or fishing. The shoreline is scattered with rocks discarded by the glaciers that molded this region. Nature Conservancy manages the breeding of two year-round beach residents — the globally scarce piping plover and the rare Least Tern.

NARRAGANSETT TOWN BEACH 41.4354° N, 71.4558° W

In the Gay 1890s, The Towers (then called Narragansett Pier Casino) was the centerpiece of summer living, gambling, partying and beachside fun. The casino’s remaining stone towers have survived fires, hurricanes and Nor’easters to become the town’s good luck symbol. One of the state’s cleanest, most frequently visited beaches, Narragansett has lifeguards, first aid stations and all the necessary

Putneypics

Hadley Harbor, Cape Cod

amenities throughout the 20 acres of smooth sandy beach. Vigorous wave action makes it a popular surfing spot.

BLOCK ISLAND 41.1617° N, 71.5843° W

Nicknamed the Bermuda of the North, the island is an intriguing combination of 17 miles of fantastic beaches, curvy bronze bluffs and rolling dunes. Some places have amenities suitable to welcome international vacationers; other beaches are untouched providing outstanding scenery. Like a time capsule from the 19th century, much of the Victorian-era design has been preserved, and the island is ideal for exploration via bicycle or moped.

Connecticut

CHARLES ISLAND, SILVER SANDS STATE PARK, MILFORD 51.233547° N, -0.739495° W

Beaches in the Nutmeg State deserve more hype than they receive. As the

shoreline slopes into Long Island Sound, the waters are warmer and the sand gentler. Charles Island is a favorite anchorage where, at low tide, the island connects via a tombolo (sandbar of rocks and shells) to the little known shallow waters and less-crowded beaches of Silver Sands State Park. The park’s 297 acres of dunes, beach, woods and salt marsh create a wild backdrop for the daily concert of whoops, squawks, whistles and hoots given by the native inhabitants. The quintessential town green stretches for blocks through an inviting center dotted with shops, bars and restaurants.

HAMMONASSET BEACH, MADISON

cabins provide shoreside overnights. On the far east end at Meigs Point is a dinghy dock and nature center offering an in-depth look at the area’s natural wonders.

DUBOIS BEACH, STONINGTON 41.3284° N, 71.9065° W

Breezy DuBois Beach, on the tip of a narrow peninsula jutting into Fishers Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay, has an abundance of nature trails and seaside meadows filled with wildflowers and beach roses. Take time to explore the wealth of Colonial, Federal and Greek revival buildings in this captivating village dating back to 1649.

41.2667° N, 72.5584° W

The Hammonasset Beach State Park sprawls along two miles of beach front, wetlands and woodlands on Long Island Sound. Stroll the boardwalk enjoying the salty air or trek several different walking trails winding through the park. More than 500 grassy campsites and several rustic

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/NewEnglandTopBeaches

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Jack Parrott

Block Island

Timothy J. Quill/Wikimedia Commons

Hammonasset State Park, Madison, CT

keith thom

James Robertson

Silver Sands State Park, Milford

Friends Hammonasset

Yoga on Hammonasset Beach

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Bob-Flickr

DESTINATION > CUTTYHUNK, MA

Discover the Island Charm of

CUTTYHUNK, MA BY RICHARD KERN

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Margo_Steve-Flickr

ver wish you could hop in a time machine and go back 50 or 60 years to experience a less frenetic pace of life? It’s not as far-fetched as it might sound. There’s a place off the coast of Massachusetts where you can do just that ... at least for a weekend. “It’s like 1960 — you’re stepping back in time,” notes Captain Jono Billings, who owns and operates the Cuttyhunk Ferry out of New Bedford, about 18 miles north of Cuttyhunk Island, a 580-acre arc of stone and sand that’s the westernmost of the Elizabeth Islands that lie between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. For such a small place, Cuttyhunk has a long, colorful history. In 1602 — nearly 20 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock — Bartholomew Gosnold sailed from Falmouth, England to establish a colony in the New World, explored the areas near present-day Kennebunkport, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, and built a small fort on what he christened Cuttyhunk Island. A 70-foot stone tower was constructed in 1902 commemorating the 300th anniversary of that historic landing. After passing through the hands of several English earls and dukes, Peleg Slocum purchased the island in 1693, and her family continued to live on Cuttyhunk for the next 165 years. In 1865, a group of Rhode Island fishing enthusiasts bought a large portion of the island and built the Cuttyhunk Club and a few fishing stands, enhancing its reputation as a prime spot for sport

fishing. In fact, two 73-pound, world-record striped bass have been caught off Cuttyhunk in 1913 and more recently in 1967. Local fishermen know all the qualities and quirks of the area’s waters, offering their services to visiting anglers and acting as expert navigators for ships sailing into New Bedford Harbor, piloting them through the dangerous Sow and Pig Reef on the west end of the island. Fishing isn’t the only way to interact with nature on Cuttyhunk. Half the island is a nature preserve, home to a variety of birds and mammals, as well as wildflowers, sweet peas, bayberry and a host of other flora. Plenty of hiking trails wind through the landscape that’s largely craggy and reflects Cuttyhunk’s glacial

WHERE TO DOCK

Ben McLaugnlin

Cuttyhunk Marina 508-990-7578 The marina offers 50 transient slips that can accommodate vessels up to 110 feet and have freshwater hookups and 30- and 50-amp electricity capability. About 50 moorings accommodate vessels up to 50 feet. Pump out, ice, picnic area and restrooms are available. Frog Pond Marine Moorings 508-992-7530 This mooring field is located in the outer harbor off the port side of Bell 6 upon entering Cuttyhunk. Bright white balls mark the moorings, which are first-come, first-serve. Tie up to any mooring that doesn’t say “PRIVATE,” and the mooring collector will come to your boat to collect a $45 rental fee. Jenkins Moorings 508-996-9294 Located in the outer harbor to the right of the channel’s entrance, moorings are first-come, first-serve during the high season. If you spend the night, call and they’ll deliver fresh oysters and raw-bar items to your boat.

WHERE TO DINE Cuttyhunk Café 508-802-8633 This coffee shop is located on the town fish dock. Start your day with coffee and pastries, pick up chowder and sandwiches for lunch, and finish the day chowing down on fresh lobster boils with corn, potatoes, onion, chorizo and steamers. Cuttyhunk Fishing Club 508-992-5585 Just south of town on Cemetery Road, this B&B offers the best breakfasts/brunches on the island, and you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy it. They don’t take reservations, so grab a cup of coffee and an Adirondack chair while you wait for your table and enjoy “the porch with a million-dollar view.”

tkesner1-Flickr

Naples Botanical Garden

Cuttyhunk Island

origins. It’s covered with the same kind of rocks and stones found in the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont. Although largely a day-tripper destination, visitors can overnight on Cuttyhunk with some advance planning. Most boaters prefer to stay aboard their own craft if properly outfitted, but limited accommodations are on land as well. Avalon, the Inn on Cuttyhunk Island, offers seven rooms, while Cuttyhunk Fishing Club has eight. A few cottage and house rentals are also available through Pete’s Place Rentals. ml

Cuttyhunk Island Market 508-538-1218 Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this rustic spot offers all the essentials: dry goods, sundries, bread, dairy, fresh veggies, plus 10-inch subs with a bag of chips. “We may be small, but we have it all.” Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms 508-990-1317 This floating raw bar provides fresh Cuttyhunk oysters and clams, along with stuffed quahog and hot clam chowder to boaters during the summer, delivered right to your boat. Call them on VHF Channel 72 or stop in at their shack on the fish dock during the day to place your order. Soprano’s Pizza 508-992-7530 The only sit-down restaurant on Cuttyhunk, this in-season eatery serves gourmet brick oven pizzas and seafood specials. Think a pizza oven held hostage in a garage, four picnic tables in a driveway lit by tiki torches, and a croaking bullfrog in the pond! Can’t beat that kind of ambiance.

To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/ CuttyhunkIsland

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Our members trust Marinalife to serve only the best marinas, products, and services. The Marinalife Affinity Program will not only highlight your business to active boaters but drive purchases from our customers. As part of the Marinalife Affinity Program, your business provides discounts on a product or service, such as fuel or dockage, as an incentive to our Marinalife members. In return, your business will gain access to our network of over 275k unique users. Our boaters earn an average household income of $420K a year and own at least one boat. Become a preferred destination recommended by our Concierge Desk Quarterly listing in the Affinity Directory of Marinalife Magazine Listing in Marinalife.com's discount search

Marinalife just made saving money while cruising a lot easier.

The Marinalife Discount Directory is now exclusively available in an easy, online format that allows you to search for costsavings with a simple click from your phone or mobile device. To get started, scan the QR code below with your phone or visit our web site marinalife.com/discounts to search for discounts wherever you travel! When you pull up to our marina partners’ docks, don’t forget to present your Marinalife membership card before your purchase to receive instant savings. When booking on Snag-A-Slip, add your Membership Number to your online account before checking out. With great benefits comes easy, convenient and affordable boating.

Search through our online discount directory and enhance your cruising experience today!

DUFFY CREEK MARINA

The Sheltered Harbor on the Sassafras

Make this your year-round home!

Marine Store • Pool • Diesel Fuel • Yacht Sales Pump Out • Laundry • Double Launching Ramp

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ADVERTISING INDEX > Abaco Beach Resort.....................................................................11 ABBRA.......................................................................................... 145 Ahoy Insurance............................................................................ 43 America’s Great Loop.................................................................38 Argo Navigation .......................................................................... 43 Association of Bahamas Marinas.............................................10 Bay Bridge Marina.......................................................................82 Beacon Light Marina................................................................. 139 Boynton Harbor Marina.............................................................60 Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, Inc....................................... 145 Cambridge Yacht Basin..............................................................82 CDeeds........................................................................................ 136

Look for the ABBRA Logo

Charm City Marine Canvas..................................................... 145 Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.......................................38 Chesapeake Oyster Lovers’ Handbook...............................142 Chicks Marina............................................................................... 97 Coastal Climate Control.............................................................. 71 Conch Harbor Marina..................................................................21 Constitution Marina.....................................................................96 Crab Decks & Tiki Bars.............................................................142 Creative Spaces Remodeling..................................................... 2 Crocker’s Boat Yard.................................................................. 105 Diesel Dr.......................................................................................134 Duffy Creek Marina................................................................... 136 Fernandina Harbor Marina.........................................................21 Grande Dunes.............................................................................. 87 Great Lakes Scuttlebutt.............................................................54 Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina...........................................30 Hadley Photgraphy..................................................................... 87 Harbor East Marina.....................................................................83 Haven Harbour Marina Resorts...............................................55 Hawks Cay Resort & Marina........................................................4 Hyannis Marina............................................................................117 Indian River Marina................................................................... 136 Informa Exhibitions: Suncoast Boat Show............................20 Kingman Yacht Center...............................................................24 Legacy Harbour Marina.............................................................60 Lyman-Morse.................................................................................12 Maptech........................................................................................144 Marina Casa de Campo................................................................7 Marinalife .......................................................................13, 127, 145 Marinalife Affinity Program ......................................................138 MarineMax.....................................................................................54 Massachusetts Marine Trades Association...........................111 Morningstar Marinas ..................................................................66 Nantucket Boat Basin.................................................................117 National Aquarium......................................................................83 National Harbor Marina............................................................142 Newport International Boat Show......................................... 104 Oasis Marinas.........................................................................88-89 Oasis Marinas Lake Erie........................................................... 119 Ocean Havens............................................................................147 Ocean Point Marine Lending.................................................. 145 Ocean Reef Club........................................................................... 5 Off the Hook Yacht Sales..........................................................93 Orange Beach Marina................................................................. 31 Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina...........................................60 Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina............................................... 87 Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina......................................60 Pursuit Boats....................................................................................3 River Dunes.................................................................................... 31 Salt N Rays.................................................................................. 135 Saunders Yachtworks.................................................................54 Sea Bags...................................................................................... 105 Sea Tow..........................................................................................18 Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina..............................................30 Snag-A-Slip.........................................................................126, 145

South Jersey Marina..................................................................143 Southern Boating........................................................................86 Steelpointe Harbor......................................................................94 Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina............................................. 6 Sunset Harbour Yacht Club................................................64-65 Suntex Marinas...................................................................118, 148 Switlik.............................................................................................. 71 The Moorings................................................................................. 9 The Perry Hotel & Marina...........................................................19 The Wharf.................................................................................... 135 TowBoatUS.....................................................................................15 ugo wear.......................................................................................134 ValvTect Petroleum Products.................................................... 43

More deals, discounts and promotions to help you boat more and spend less. www.snagaslip.com

Boater’s Resource Directory, email: info@abbra.org

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CAST OFF >

Tall Ships Photo by jgroup

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Three great destinations in Boston!

Boston Yacht Haven

Charlestown Marina

Fan Pier Marina

Three beautiful, state-of-the-art marinas offering you the best of Boston Harbor. Whether you opt for the history of Charlestown, or the luxury of the North End and Seaport districts, you’ll be able to take advantage of everything being in the heart of Boston has to offer – even a beautifully appointed 10-room Inn with premier amenities and services at Boston Yacht Haven. • Combined 586 slips accommodating vessels up to 650’ • Steel/concrete hybrid breakwaters • Convenient locations to restaurants and shops

• Electrical services up to 480 volt 3 phase • Complimentary Wi-Fi, restrooms • Paid Parking • Security Staff and Cameras • Pier 6 Restaurant (Charlestown)

• Water connections and complimentary pump-out

• Tender access to all locations

charlestownmamarina.com 617-242-2020

thebostonyachthaven.com 617-367-5050

• In-slip fueling

• NEW! Ocean Access Free Loyalty Program for fuel discounts and more • Captain’s lounge (BYH) • Locker rooms with showers, laundry facilities (BYH and Charlestown) • Close proximity to Logan Airport and Northeast cruising grounds

fanpiermarina.com 617-865-5757

OCEAN HAVENS yachting destinations • oceanhavens.com

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THE NEWEST SUNTEX ADDITIONS

Little Harbor Marinas, Ruskin, FL (Pictured) Faro Blanco Marina, Marathon, FL Caloosa Cove Marina, Islamorada, FL Garrison Bight Marina, Key West, FL Tahoe Keys Marina, S. Lake Tahoe, CA Lynn Creek Marina, Grand Prairie, TX Sunset Harbour, E. Patchogue, NY

Your Premiere Destination

In February, Suntex merged with Westrec Marinas and we welcome them along with the marinas listed above. We are proud of all our marinas, staffed with experienced and attentive teams who will be there to assist you from arrival to departure. We’ve got it all, including gyms, pools, waterfront restaurants, fully-stocked marine centers, captain’s lounges, and more. Enjoying first-class amenities, you’re sure to have a great time, along with a safe, comfortable and stress-free experience.

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#YOURPLACEINTHESUN Suntex.com

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SO COME ENJOY THE WATER. WE’LL DO THE REST!

SPRING 2022

MARINALIFE

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Marinalife Spring 2022

Articles inside

New England’s Best Beaches

Explore the Maine Island Trail

Top 10 New England Sailing Regattas

New England’s Calendar of Events