Honda Recalls Over 200,000 Portable Generators

The popular EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EB2200i Portable Generators have been recalled due to fire and burn hazards.

American Honda has recalled more than 200,000 portable generators due to fire and burn hazards. The recall involves the Honda EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, and EB2200i Portable Generators, according to an announcement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Honda advises customers to immediately stop using the recalled generators and contact a local authorized Honda Power Equipment service dealer to schedule a free repair. The CPSC reports that Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.

The generators were sold February 2018 through February 2019.

What is the problem?

In some EB2200i and EU2200i generators, the screws used to assemble the fuel valve may loosen during use allowing the valve to leak fuel. If gasoline or gasoline vapors leak, a fire or explosion could occur.

A fuel leak caused by this issue typically is identified by a strong smell before, during, or after operation, or the presence of fuel underneath the generator.

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Advice re Use of Appropriate Marker Buoys/Ropes when Engaged in Pot Fishing for Lobster, Crab or other Fish or Shellfish

Marine Notice No. 10 of 2019

Notice to all Shipowners, Fishing Vessel Owners, Agents, Shipmasters, Skippers, Fishers, Yachtsmen, Seafarers and all those engaged in Pot Fishing

NOTE: This Marine Notice supersedes Marine Notice No. 26 of 2016 which is now withdrawn.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport reminds all vessel owners, agents, shipmasters, skippers, fishers, yachtsmen, seafarers and those engaged in pot fishing about the risks of vessels’ propellers becoming entangled in ropes of marker buoys used to indicate the position of pots used for fishing lobster, crab, or other fish or shellfish.  This can occur because the length of rope used to fix marker buoys is too long, resulting in the line floating on or just below the surface.

The use of too long a line of rope can result in a situation where even vessels that have taken a wide berth around marker buoys could have their propellers fouled by the rope.

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Step Away from the Screens and Get Active Outdoors as a Family

Escape from modern day life, switch off the screens and get active outdoors, as hundreds of venues across the UK offer free or low cost opportunities to try sailing and windsurfing this May.

The family friendly ‘RYA Push the Boat Out’ (PTBO) open days offer something for everyone, with a variety of both on-the-water and shore-side activities, as well as BBQs and entertainment for the kids.  And with more and more of us looking to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, this could be the new outdoor activity you’ve been looking for.   

As well as positively impacting physical and mental health, outdoor activities like sailing and windsurfing have also been shown to aid character development in young people.  The broader benefits include; independence, creativity, teamwork, determination, communication and confidence; providing youngsters with the attributes to help them succeed in life.

But is it for me?  PTBO events are your chance to find out!  Have a go in a welcoming, safe and low-pressure environment - no experience or equipment necessary -come along and give it a try!

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Coast Guard working dog retires after eight years of service during ceremony in Chesapeake, Va

Coast Guard working dog, Senior Chief Petty Officer Tin, was honored at a retirement ceremony held by the Maritime Security Response Team in Chesapeake, Thursday morning.

The ceremony marked Tin’s retirement from the Coast Guard after eight distinguished years of service.

Tin served as an explosive ordnance detection canine for the Coast Guard from 2011 to 2019. He was named after Santos Valentin, a New York Police Department officer who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

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NWSA Women’s Sailing Conference Just One Month Away

Women get a hands-on line-throwing lesson at the NWSA Women’s Sailing Conference.

Hands-on land- and water-based workshops and seminars offer women a fantastic opportunity to learn on June 1

In just about one month, beginning and experienced woman sailors will jump-start their sailing lives by heading to the National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) 18^th Annual Women’s Sailing Conference slated for Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The event, which features hands-on land- and water-based workshops and seminars, offers women a fantastic opportunity to learn or hone sailing skills, network with other women sailors from all over the United States, and gain the confidence necessary to become a valuable crew member or knowledgeable skipper.

“Women of all sailing abilities are encouraged to sign up now to attend,” said event Chair Joan Thayer. “By sharing experiences, women leave with improved skills and knowledge that contribute to better days on the water. There is something of interest for everyone in the 20 different workshops.” Through May 4, early bird registration is $180 and $200 thereafter. To register go to womensailing.org.

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Sailing Scotland – the land of islands, lochs, and whiskies

The Hebrides, especially the Inner Hebrides, are ideal for coastal cruising and chartering. The islands and lochs (bays or sea lakes) are spaced close together so short jaunts between harbors are easily made.  There is shelter in marinas and snug harbors, and the navigation is fairly straightforward. The major challenges in sailing these waters are the currents, the weather, and the midges.  Fortunately for us, we picked a year when the weather for the entire month of July was warm, dry and settled, and there were no midges!  All we had to figure out were the tidal currents.  We were on neap tides so the currents were running less strong than they might during spring tides. In places they still topped 10 knots!

With Reed’s Almanac in hand, we were soon arguing about which route to take and what time to leave to catch the favorable current.  In fact, just about every pub we visited had groups of sailors “discussing” the next day’s tides and currents. Get it wrong and you might face a hellish current, whirlpools, or standing waves. Get it right and you’ll have a nice sleigh ride to your next destination.

What I didn’t expect was the diversity of topography and wildlife. Some of the islands are flat and sandy, others are mountainous and volcanic. It’s all very interesting geologically. Add to that wild deer, cattle and goats, along with seals, otters, whales, dolphins and basking sharks, and huge bird populations, and you’ve got a natural environment that never fails to entertain. The waters are pristine, the beaches have no footprints, and the forests offer trails for hiking into the wild. All this interspersed with charming villages, castles and archaeological remains of ancient civilizations. 

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Newport International Boat Show Teams with The Leukemia Cup Regatta – Its 2019 Charitable Partner

Boat Show’s Annual Giving to Help Raise Awareness for Non-Profit’s Regatta

Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Leukemia Cup Regatta is its official Charitable Partner for the 49^th Annual Newport International Boat Show. The organization will receive complimentary exhibit space at the event and the opportunity to educate and share information regarding their important mission to cure blood cancer.

“We have worked with LLS in the past and are inspired by their tireless dedication to eradicating cancer and improving the quality of life for patients and their families,” said Nancy Piffard, Show Director of Newport Exhibition Group. “The organization raises awareness and funds through a series of sailing regattas and we are fully committed to assisting them in achieving their goals.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Leukemia Cup Regatta is a thrilling series of sailing events that combines the joy of recreational boating with fund-raising dedicated to helping LLS find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.