Features

Kiteboarding

Sitting on the Peconic Bay beach on a windy afternoon, you may see people off shore who are defying gravity via flying kites. You’ll also hear them shout as they blast along the water while making huge jumps. They are kiteboarding (also known as kitesurfing), which is a truly three-dimensional sport, with riders mastering the air and the sea using... Read more of this article

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Harry’s Always Ready!

Since humans first went to sea thousands of years ago, animals have been on our vessels.  The reasons varied from food source to rodent control, or simply supplying companionship.  The crews of the U.S. Coast Guard have a tradition of bringing mascots along on voyages. Coast Guard dogs have acted as much more than just buddies; many actually see combat,... Read more of this article

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Women Making Waves

As Gail Palminteri travels her favorite waterways, she finds herself encouraging women to take the helm more and more. “I think women are sometimes afraid to grab the throttle or the steering wheel,” she says, “But I’d love to see more women out there taking the lead.” A strong believer in boater’s education, Captain Palminteri taught... Read more of this article

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Reduce Gas, Not Boating!

With the price of gas heading in the same direction as the temperature, I am looking for ways to minimize the impact of petrol prices on my boating season. While completing the U.S. Power Squadrons® Engine Maintenance course, I learned how important it is to have your engine running at its most efficient point, as an engine that is not in tune will... Read more of this article

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Boat Quest

It was a cold February weekend when we arrived in Kennebunkport, Maine.  The town looked completely different from the last time we were there, late August, when it was teeming with tourists. Today there were only a few people scurrying around town, mostly trying to stay warm. Although this was only our second trip to this quaint little town, it was... Read more of this article

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On the Water, Stay On the Ball!

Nat King Cole didn’t call the season stretching before us “those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” for no reason. Boaters need to be mindful that the heat of the sun can dull our senses and our judgment, causing us to operate our vessels in an unwise and potentially dangerous manner. A sunny and warm weekend brings out lots of boat traffic, so... Read more of this article

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Gifts of Love

Mothers’ Day is the time to delight and appreciate women who hold special places in our hearts. I’ve chosen gifts in many price points, so that no matter your budget, you can choose the perfect gifts for all the meaningful women in your life. These gifts work on lots of other occasions, too! -Help mom dream with oh-so-soft silk pajamas from Nordstrom... Read more of this article

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Sunscreen News

Last year an estimated 68,130 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with melanoma– the most dangerous form of skin cancer– and an estimated 8,700 died, according to the National Cancer Institute. After 33 years of consideration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released their new rules for labeling sunscreens, which will take effect... Read more of this article

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Moms-to-Be On the Sea

. . It’s that time of year when you are yearning to get on your boat and head out for a cruise. However, this year, something is different. You are literally carrying an extra passenger! When you are expecting a baby, it’s natural to question whether you should be on the boat at all (or hear that inquiry from others). Like many things in life,... Read more of this article

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The Eyes of Summer

With the promise of bright skies and warm temperatures, the season ahead looks perfect. Then suddenly, this clear picture becomes cloudy as eyes start to itch or tear and sneeze after sneeze erupts. As the sniffles abound, your boating season seems to fade into a foggy haze, and you despair over whether the summer can be saved before it even starts! Approximately... Read more of this article

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Unease at Sea

Face it. We’ve all been in exceedingly awkward situations, embarrassed or uncomfortable with someone or something. Our first reaction is to flee as fast as we can, but that won’t work when we’re embarrassed on a boat far from the shore! I asked readers to share instances in which they felt ill at ease, and the stories poured in. When I discarded... Read more of this article

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No Charge, Risk-Free

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a complimentary and risk-free inspection of your boat to confirm that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety.  Administered by members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, the VSC is available for all vessels. If you pass the VSC, you receive a decal to... Read more of this article

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Do-It-Yourself Boat Detailing

As the season gets underway, you’ve decided to detail your own boat. What do you need to do to make your hull look like new?  You start by gathering everything you’ll need:  a washing bucket, premium boat soap, a soft bristled brush, compound, polish, wax, buffer, wool pads, and microfiber towels.  Then ensure the spot you’ll be working in... Read more of this article

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Don’t Do What I Did

I’m a citizen of the Czech Republic, and I came to the United States in 1999. One of my first clients was Kevin, who later became my friend. As our friendship developed, he showed me a completely new world of adventure and freedom through boating. In my second year of boat ownership, I spent the winter excitedly waiting to get back on the water, and... Read more of this article

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