View From The Marina: Manning The Helm (BLOG)
August 11, 2016
Let me begin by stating this is in no way a political commentary, but an observation on how current events are supporting a definite trend
Let me begin by stating this is in no way a political commentary, but an observation on how current events are supporting a definite trend
I cannot think of any time that has more built in quality than the time you can spend with a child on a boat cruise.
Well, you may reasonably ask, if guests are such a problem why do we even invite them to cruise with us? The challenge is how we gently educate new friends about the do’s and don’ts of cruising. The answer is what I call Cruising 101 for Newbies.
It’s also possible to get information about anything in an instant, and all of that keeps getting better every day, but hold on for just a second.
Etiquette, I believe, is our first line of defense against an uncivil society. To disregard a rule of boating etiquette is a sign that a person does not respect any rule of boating, etiquette or otherwise.
For our silver anniversary in 2009, Vic and I thought it would be a good idea if we came up with a slogan that could—hopefully—become our slogo. Shucks, if it’s good enough for Arby’s and Macy’s, why not Southwest Florida Yachts?
Most of our yacht chartering customers have cruised before. Many own or have owned yachts. When I go over the do’s and don’ts, they get
Barb takes some notes on Heaven and how after a loss, we are often inspired to be better. Boaters have always taken care of boaters, so here’s the thing, be better.
So this is my prescription for our nation’s malaise. Go down to the waterfront and breathe in the sunshine and salt air. If you need a stronger medication, try to get on the water.
I’ve always tilted toward presidents who, in my mind’s eye, are in a boat. George Washington crossing the frigid Delaware with his soldiers in the dead of night makes him a star forever in my imagination. Teddy Roosevelt paddling a canoe down racing rivers is a boating hero, too.
We can spend years planning for a bucket-list trip and then life gets in the way. Go now.
Splashing later this year.
Karly and Evan Nietzel—aka YouTube’s @Navigating Nietzels—tailored their careers for remote work after buying a trawler, moving onboard and completing the Great Loop. Along with their pup, Ripley, they’re just getting started.
This aluminum vessel’s throwback design belies its modern systems, all installed for a Great Loop cruise.
The three-stateroom, semidisplacement model has a range of power options and a low air draft.
A solar-power system on our classic trawler lets us spend time moored or anchored with more than enough juice to meet our energy needs.
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association has been helping boaters complete the ultimate voyage for a quarter century.
The steel-hull Nightfall, designed by William Garden, connects generations of this family through a love of cruising.
Larry Graf, the founder, designer and lead engineer of Aspen Power Catamarans, talks about Aspen’s proa hull designs and adventure cruising on his own creations from the Arctic to the Sea of Cortez.
With her vertical bow, reverse raked windshield and indoor-outdoor living space, the Galeon 430 EXP defies categorization.
