How to Boat Safely This Summer

Here's a few tips on how to stay safe on the water.

The following is from a press release.  Boating is a favorite summer activity for young and old, whether motoring around a lake or sailing across the whitecaps in the ocean. But boating can also be dangerous – more than 750 people were killed and 3,000 were injured in boating accidents last year, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. That’s why Amica Insurance offers some suggestions to stay safe on the water this summer. “Boats are fun, but they are also a tremendous responsibility,” said Lisa St. Onge, an assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. “It’s important to know how to operate a boat safely and to know the rules of the waterways to help protect everyone.” Operator error is the main cause of boating accidents, according to Coast…

• Photos (2)

Sunken Vessels Will Mean Higher Fees for Boaters

Boaters will pay anywhere from an extra $2 to $20 for the state to recover abandoned boats.

Boaters throughout the state will have to pay extra fees in order for the state to fund the removal of abandoned boats, reports The Providence Journal.  The state hopes to create a $100,000 yearly fund to remove waterway obstructions, according to The Journal article. Boaters will have to pay an extra $2 to $20 yearly.  A barge that had been hired to paint the Newport Pell Bridge recently sunk during a storm last October. It was later raised in December.  There have been a couple sunken vessels in Portsmouth in the last 12 months, especially after Hurricane Irene.  In March of this year, Portsmouth Patch blogger Doug Smith reported a boat still remained sunk in The Cove, just south of Spectacle Island, more than six months after the …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Newport International Boat Show Off to a Strong Start

Newport's waterfront has been filled with boating enthusiasts checking out the latest and greatest boating products at the 40th Newport International Boat Show this weekend.

This weekend's 40th Newport International Boat Show at the Newport Yachting Center is off to a great start. Other than a bit of rain at the end of Thursday, the weather has been perfect for perusing the latest and greatest in the boating industry, and that's exactly what thousands of people are doing. The Newport International Boat Show has something for every boat enthusiast, whether you are looking for a dinghy, a day cruiser or want to take your boat across the oceans. There are single hulls and monohulls, sailboats and power boats, and every technical device, boat accessory, and piece of gear you, your boat, and your pet could need while you're on the water. In addition, you'll find information on yacht clubs, boating magazines, and …

• Photos (11)

What to Wear?

Nautical Accessories Rock the Docks

Comfortable sailing gear paired with nautical accessories make for a perfect outfit while cruising the Newport Internaitonal Boat Show.

If you haven't noticed yet, America's Cup Avenue has been abuzz the past few days in preparation for this weekend's 40th annual Newport International Boat Show. The show winds through the Newport Yachting Center, The Mooring parking lot, and along the  docks over to the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, with additional displays on Bowen's Wharf. Attendees need to be ready to go from land to dock, and of course hop on all the latest and greatest boats being showcased. Patch headed over to Team One Newport on lower Thames Street to find the perfect outfit for the four-day event. Celebrating their 25th year in 2010, Team One Newport is the expert in sailing gear. We picked out a comfortable pair of Musto Stretch Twill Shorts ($38), paired with a…

• Photos (5)

How to Talk Like a Sailor

Beginner terms for the novice boater.

Whether you are a local or a visitor to town, it's always wonderful to get out on the water in Newport. But what do you do if you don't know a thing about boating? Even if you're just along for the ride, it's always good to know a few key terms for both your own safety (i.e. When someone yells "Boom!" you'll want to duck and know why) and to sound slightly knowledgeable about what is going on around you. There are a few words that are universal on all boats. The bow is the front of the vessel and the stern is the back. When referring to directions, starboard means to the right of the boat and port is to the left side. All boats also have cleats, which are a T-shaped piece of metal used to tie off the dock lines. On sailboats, two key parts…

• Photos (7)