The temperatures are moderating and there is more sunshine. But the life threatening danger of ending up in cold water still exists. So, once again the Coast Guard has issued a another warning as we approach the weekend. Please don't become another statistic, as there have already been two lives lost this season. Additionaly, do not forget that "paddlers on the waters of Massachusetts are required to wear a life jacket while underway through May 15, 2007, and in Connecticut through May 31, 2007"
Be safe, not sorry!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Yahtzee - The Game with a Nautical Past
I was reading the paper, when I saw an intersting short news clip. Did you know that the game Yahtzee has a nautical past? Apparently, the game was invented by some Canadians, as a entertainment for guests onboard their yacht. In 1956, calling it "The Yacht Game", they asked Edwin S. Lowe, entrepenuer and toymaker, if he would make up some of the games to share with their friends. Lowe had made the game Bingo very popular.
Two years later, Lowe bought the rights to the Yacht Game and changed the name to Yahtzee. In order to make the game popular, he organized 'Yahtzee parties'. In 1973, the Milton Bradlee Company bought out the Edwin Lowe Company and the rights to the Yahtzee game. The game is now being marketed by Hasboro
Two years later, Lowe bought the rights to the Yacht Game and changed the name to Yahtzee. In order to make the game popular, he organized 'Yahtzee parties'. In 1973, the Milton Bradlee Company bought out the Edwin Lowe Company and the rights to the Yahtzee game. The game is now being marketed by Hasboro
Monday, March 26, 2007
National Weather Service, Taunton Mass, Announces Training for Skywarn Observers
The National Weather Service has announced a series of upcoming Training Sessions. The SKYWARN Program consists of citizen volunteers who are trained to be weather observers. The Program does have their own site with many events listed.
While many of the observers are also Radio Amateur Operators, that is not a requirement for joining. Here is a LINK to frequencies they use.
Besides learning about the weather and having the opportunity to participate in improving the weather forecasting process, you can subscribe to their weather alert emails.
While many of the observers are also Radio Amateur Operators, that is not a requirement for joining. Here is a LINK to frequencies they use.
Besides learning about the weather and having the opportunity to participate in improving the weather forecasting process, you can subscribe to their weather alert emails.
Duck Boat Tours of Boston Start the 2007 Season
Today, March 26th, marks the openining of the 2007 season for the Boston Duck Boat Tours . This is a unique way to see Boston. From either of the two starting locations, in front of the Museum of Science or the Prudential Center, you will experience an historical tour of Boston by land and "sea" (the Charles River)! Originally built during WWII as an amphibious vehicle, its' original name DUKW is based on its classification:
D - the model year of it conception, 1942
U - the body style, utility (amphibious)
K - the all wheel drive
W - dual rear axle.
Moved through the water by a single propeller, these vehicles/vessels are driven/ captained by licensed drivers who are also Coast Guard licensed Captains.
You can find more information about their history at the site of The United States Army Transportation Museum .
There is also an interesing article about them in the Encyclopedia Britannica .
A Google search on the term DUKW will provide you with links to restoration sites and more, and for more pictures of old and restored DUCKS .
D - the model year of it conception, 1942
U - the body style, utility (amphibious)
K - the all wheel drive
W - dual rear axle.
Moved through the water by a single propeller, these vehicles/vessels are driven/ captained by licensed drivers who are also Coast Guard licensed Captains.
You can find more information about their history at the site of The United States Army Transportation Museum .
There is also an interesing article about them in the Encyclopedia Britannica .
A Google search on the term DUKW will provide you with links to restoration sites and more, and for more pictures of old and restored DUCKS .
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Quincy Bay Sail and Power Squadron to Offer Chart Smart Classes
Quincy Bay Sail and Power Squadron will start a Chart Smart Class on April 2, at Braintree High School. This short course will be held on Monday evenings and is meant to be an introduction to reading and using a nautical chart. Students will be shown how to plan and plot a multi legged cruise. You can find out more about the course by emailing Education Officer Steve Rodri at SRodri641@aol.com .
Topics in the course include: Mariner's Compass, Conventional Nautical Charts, Plotting a Course, Distance, Speed, Time, Determining Position,
Digital Charts and GPS Waypoint Navigation.
The purpose of Chart Smart is to teach the techniques to determine position-on-the-water when you are within the sight of, or the near proximity of, land. Thus, recreational boaters who spend time on large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs will benefit from knowing these essential techniques. This seminar is designed to give the student an introduction to the subject known as “Piloting”. Hands-on experience will be achieved in reading nautical charts and plotting courses, both central to determining position-on-the-water and navigating safely. Calculating a dead reckoning position depends upon straight forward distance vs speed-&-time calculations and being able to convert true courses to compass courses, and vice versus.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.
Topics in the course include: Mariner's Compass, Conventional Nautical Charts, Plotting a Course, Distance, Speed, Time, Determining Position,
Digital Charts and GPS Waypoint Navigation.
The purpose of Chart Smart is to teach the techniques to determine position-on-the-water when you are within the sight of, or the near proximity of, land. Thus, recreational boaters who spend time on large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs will benefit from knowing these essential techniques. This seminar is designed to give the student an introduction to the subject known as “Piloting”. Hands-on experience will be achieved in reading nautical charts and plotting courses, both central to determining position-on-the-water and navigating safely. Calculating a dead reckoning position depends upon straight forward distance vs speed-&-time calculations and being able to convert true courses to compass courses, and vice versus.
Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instruction as a civic service. There is never a charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials, plus overhead costs such as classroom rental, shipping and handling, sales tax, etc.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Coast Guard Urges Caution and Issues Cold Water Safety Advisory
DATE: March 23, 2007 13:40:24 EST
Document Number: 941
First District Public AffairsU.S. Coast Guard
Press Release
Date: March 23, 2007
Contact: Al Johnson617-223-8464
Coast Guard Issues Cold Water Safety Advisory
BOSTON – The United States Coast Guard is issuing a cold water safety advisory for all early spring boaters, paddlers, sailors and fishers on the inland and coastal waters of the Northeast’s First Coast Guard District. With many inland lakes and ponds nearly free of ice and a forcasted warm weekend, the call to the open water may be strong - but deceptively dangerous.
“The water temperatures in the Northeast are closer to freezing than they are to being even remotely tolerable - despite the comfortable air temperature," said Al Johnson, Recreational Boating Safety Specialist for the First Coast Guard District.
“Unless you are properly dressed, properly equipped and mentally prepared for sudden cold water immersion, your chance of surviving a capsizing or fall overboard is extremely poor. Plain and simple: cold water kills!”
Johnson noted by the end of spring 2006 there were a total of 19 recreational boating and paddling fatalities in the Northeast. 74 percent occurred in non-motorized vessels with the exception of one – a boat crash in which the boat capsized and the operator fell overboard and died.
“Of the 19 incidents, only one person wore a life jacket, but he had no way to contact help after capsizing and he died as a result of hypothermia. His lifejacket might have saved his life, but he was unprepared for the cold water. Any accidental death is devastating, but it’s even more so when it could have been prevented.”
Johnson strongly recommends that anyone venturing out on the water at this time of year do a thorough risk assessment, envision the worst case scenario and have the mindset to survive. He also stresses to boaters the importance of wearing a life jacket, not just having one available, and insisting that passengers or paddling partners wear them as well.
“Wearing a life jacket is the first step in surviving sudden cold water immersion,” said Johnson. “Researching and understanding the latest concepts in cold water and hypothermia awareness and protection is the second. Remember, when you’re on the water, you're in command and your personal safety and that of your passengers is your responsibility.”
Additionally, paddlers on the waters of Massachusetts are required to wear a life jacket while underway through May 15 and in Connecticut through May 30.
For further inquires, Al Johnson can be reached at 617-223-8464.
-USCG-
Document Number: 941
First District Public AffairsU.S. Coast Guard
Press Release
Date: March 23, 2007
Contact: Al Johnson617-223-8464
Coast Guard Issues Cold Water Safety Advisory
BOSTON – The United States Coast Guard is issuing a cold water safety advisory for all early spring boaters, paddlers, sailors and fishers on the inland and coastal waters of the Northeast’s First Coast Guard District. With many inland lakes and ponds nearly free of ice and a forcasted warm weekend, the call to the open water may be strong - but deceptively dangerous.
“The water temperatures in the Northeast are closer to freezing than they are to being even remotely tolerable - despite the comfortable air temperature," said Al Johnson, Recreational Boating Safety Specialist for the First Coast Guard District.
“Unless you are properly dressed, properly equipped and mentally prepared for sudden cold water immersion, your chance of surviving a capsizing or fall overboard is extremely poor. Plain and simple: cold water kills!”
Johnson noted by the end of spring 2006 there were a total of 19 recreational boating and paddling fatalities in the Northeast. 74 percent occurred in non-motorized vessels with the exception of one – a boat crash in which the boat capsized and the operator fell overboard and died.
“Of the 19 incidents, only one person wore a life jacket, but he had no way to contact help after capsizing and he died as a result of hypothermia. His lifejacket might have saved his life, but he was unprepared for the cold water. Any accidental death is devastating, but it’s even more so when it could have been prevented.”
Johnson strongly recommends that anyone venturing out on the water at this time of year do a thorough risk assessment, envision the worst case scenario and have the mindset to survive. He also stresses to boaters the importance of wearing a life jacket, not just having one available, and insisting that passengers or paddling partners wear them as well.
“Wearing a life jacket is the first step in surviving sudden cold water immersion,” said Johnson. “Researching and understanding the latest concepts in cold water and hypothermia awareness and protection is the second. Remember, when you’re on the water, you're in command and your personal safety and that of your passengers is your responsibility.”
Additionally, paddlers on the waters of Massachusetts are required to wear a life jacket while underway through May 15 and in Connecticut through May 30.
For further inquires, Al Johnson can be reached at 617-223-8464.
-USCG-
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Lady Luck Discovered by Coast Guard in 530 Feet of Water
The Coast Guard released information today about the successful location of the hull of the fishing vessel Lady Luck. Misssing since February 1st, the vessel is in approximately 20 miles south east of Portland, Me, in about 530 feet of water. No bodies were found.
The Coast Guard Cutter Marcus Hanna,
The Coast Guard Cutter Marcus Hanna,
using equipment from VideoRay is participating in the investigation of the sinking. A video tape was made of parts of the search. Because the vessel disappeared suddenly, and there being no evidence as to the cause of the loss, the Coast Guard hopes to learn what lead to the sinking.
The Coast Guard intends to provide safety information as to the location as the vessel may serve as a hazard to other fishermen.
The Coast Guard intends to provide safety information as to the location as the vessel may serve as a hazard to other fishermen.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Steamship Authority Retires MV Islander and Commissions MV Island Home
Steamship Authority celebrates commissioning of the M/V Island Home today in Vineyard Haven
Vineyard Haven (March 3, 2007) -- The Steamship Authority today celebrated the commissioning of its newest vessel, the M/V Island Home. Local residents and officials were on hand for the ceremony, which took place at the Vineyard Haven Terminal following the ferry’s maiden voyage from Woods Hole.
Steamship Authority General Manager Wayne Lamson and Chairman of the Steamship Authority Board David Oliveira were joined by town officials and local residents for the event. Reverend Alden Besse delivered the invocation.
The new, $32 million M/V Island Home replaces the fifty-seven year-old Islander ferry and far surpasses her in size, capacity and speed. The Island Home is capable of carrying 1200 passengers and 60 vehicles, compared to the Islander’s capacity of 770 passengers and 48 vehicles. The vessel has
approximately 625 seats inside and 422 outdoor seats. Two hydraulic ramps on the Island Home’s freight deck make it possible to carry up to an additional 16 vehicles above the deck when necessary. At 255 feet long, the M/V Island Home is 55 feet longer than her predecessor. With horsepower of 6,000 in her twin engines and can make the crossing from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard in 35 minutes at her top speed of 16 knots. The Islander’s top speed was 11 knots.
Similar to the Islander, she’s a double-ended ferry with identical bridges on the stern and bow, alleviating the need to ever turn around.
The state-of-the-art vessel also possesses the latest in passenger comfort and amenities, including Wi- Fi access and a cell-phone-free quiet area with desks and reading lamps. New cushioned chairs, larger restrooms and windows providing panoramic views of the water and natural light are among the upgrades. The vessel also includes two elevators for those in wheelchairs or who need extra help.
Walls throughout the vessel are adorned with historic prints provided by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
Vineyard Haven (March 3, 2007) -- The Steamship Authority today celebrated the commissioning of its newest vessel, the M/V Island Home. Local residents and officials were on hand for the ceremony, which took place at the Vineyard Haven Terminal following the ferry’s maiden voyage from Woods Hole.
Steamship Authority General Manager Wayne Lamson and Chairman of the Steamship Authority Board David Oliveira were joined by town officials and local residents for the event. Reverend Alden Besse delivered the invocation.
The new, $32 million M/V Island Home replaces the fifty-seven year-old Islander ferry and far surpasses her in size, capacity and speed. The Island Home is capable of carrying 1200 passengers and 60 vehicles, compared to the Islander’s capacity of 770 passengers and 48 vehicles. The vessel has
approximately 625 seats inside and 422 outdoor seats. Two hydraulic ramps on the Island Home’s freight deck make it possible to carry up to an additional 16 vehicles above the deck when necessary. At 255 feet long, the M/V Island Home is 55 feet longer than her predecessor. With horsepower of 6,000 in her twin engines and can make the crossing from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard in 35 minutes at her top speed of 16 knots. The Islander’s top speed was 11 knots.
Similar to the Islander, she’s a double-ended ferry with identical bridges on the stern and bow, alleviating the need to ever turn around.
The state-of-the-art vessel also possesses the latest in passenger comfort and amenities, including Wi- Fi access and a cell-phone-free quiet area with desks and reading lamps. New cushioned chairs, larger restrooms and windows providing panoramic views of the water and natural light are among the upgrades. The vessel also includes two elevators for those in wheelchairs or who need extra help.
Walls throughout the vessel are adorned with historic prints provided by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
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