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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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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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.

Recreational Boaters Urged to Send Message to EPA to Stop the Summertime Sale of E15 Fuel

E15 gasoline is illegal for use in boats, many other vehicles, and power equipment. Can you find the E15 warning label? (credit: National Marine Manufacturers Association)

BoatUS: “E15 is the wrong fuel for boaters, consumers and the environment”

In an action that many are seeing as anti-environment, anti-consumer and a big nod to the ethanol lobby, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving toward permitting the sale of E15 (15% ethanol) fuels during the summer ozone season (June 1 to September 15). Currently available only in the colder months, E15’s summertime ban was implemented years ago to address concerns over its contribution to ground level ozone (smog) on hot days.

The nation’s largest boating advocacy, services, and safety group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), wants EPA to immediately halt any expansion of the fuel’s availability and is asking recreational boaters to speak up now to stop the summertime sale of E15 and offers an easy way contact the EPA by going to http://bit.ly/2UyyMFV.

Boaters have no love for ethanol in their gas because its proven to damage boat engines and fuel systems. If they had their choice of fuel, more than four out of five boat owners (83%) would choose E0 (ethanol-free) fuel – if it was available. Because of the harm it causes, E15 is prohibited by federal law for use in recreational boat engines and voids many marine engine warranties.

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U.S. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor to Host Safe Boating Expo, May 11

U.S. Coast Guard vessels will be open for tours at the Safe Boating Expo, but due to their popularity, reservations are required.

Boaters urged to drop off expired marine flares

Boating safety and family fun come together at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor 14th annual Safe Boating Expo on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4201 South Victoria Ave., Oxnard. Included at the event is a free life jacket exchange that provides a new life jacket for every worn-out one brought to the event, as well as a free marine flare disposal opportunity offered by the Ventura Bomb Squad.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is urging boaters to take advantage of the flare disposal opportunity as there are currently only two collection sites in California that will accept and dispose of outdated flares. Outdated or unserviceable flares present a safety hazard and disposal challenge for boat owners as these required emergency signaling devices must be replaced about every three seasons of boating.

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Are you looking after the environment as well as your boat

 

New green campaign focuses on antifouling

Boat owners are being urged to ‘Protect, Collect and Dispose’ as part of a new initiative promoting best practice for antifouling vessels.  

The RYA and British Marine joint environment initiative, The Green Blue, has joined forces with the British Coatings Federation (BCF) and The Yacht Harbour Association in a drive to encourage boaters to seek the best method for protecting boats and the environment.  

Launched today (April 25) at the 2019 Marina Conference in Bournemouth, the Protect, Collect and Dispose campaign offers plenty of advice for those who antifoul their own vessels, as well as for marinas and boatyards which offer professional antifouling services.  

Kate Fortnam, Campaign Manager for The Green Blue, says: “We have developed guidance with the BCF for antifoul application, removal and disposal to ensure hazardous paint does not enter the environment during these processes. The guidance explains how to best protect yourself and the environment, especially with regard to collecting paint debris and disposing of waste.  

52nd Newport Bermuda Race to Open Downtown Newport HQ in 2020

A new Race Headquarters and Village will be established at Bowen's Wharf and Seamen's Church Institute on Newport's historic waterfront.

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee announced today that the headquarters for the next running of the 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race will be centrally located on Newport's storied harbor.

The Bowen's Wharf Company and the Seamen's Church Institute, adjacent to each other, will anchor the race headquarters, providing easier access to competitors and a public profile for the race. Participant registration, Bermuda Customs pre-clearance, yacht tracker distribution, media communications, and exhibits will be included.

A convenient walking distance from most marinas and amidst the dozens of shops and restaurants on and near Bowen's Wharf, the downtown location for the Race will allow the 2,000 competing sailors as well as the public to fully enjoy the race activities and energy along the Newport waterfront.

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Bluewater Weekend set to inspire offshore sailors

Bluewater Weekend: 22-23 June 2019, Lymington UK

Rally organisers World Cruising Club, best known for the annual ARC - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, have joined together once again with leading offshore yacht broker Berthon International, to host a weekend of conversation about bluewater cruising at Berthon's Lymington UK base in June 2019.  This popular weekend is designed to encourage visitors think about all aspects of living their bluewater dream, providing the opportunity to view a wide range of offshore cruising boats and meet experts in refits, sails, communications and boat equipment, all whist mixing and chatting with experienced offshore cruisers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The two day event is free to attend, but prospective bluewater sailors will need to pre-register. During the weekend, a selection of fine examples of bluewater boats will be open for viewing, hosted by experienced offshore skippers, many of whom have sailed the ARC or around the world.  Mix, mingle and chat about bluewater sailing is the aim of the weekend.

"There was great mix of people and a number of boats to have a nose around." said Chris Regnart who attended last year's event. He will soon be setting off on his own ocean adventures with ARC 2019, and circumnavigating with World ARC in 2020. "A really worthwhile event for anyone starting to plan a bluewater cruising trip. During the weekend, meeting other owners was really helpful and I got a few really useful tips to consider for my own boat. It was inspiring and well worth attending."

Balancing out the dockside chat will be a series of seminar presentations and discussions about how to embark on your bluewater dream. For those in the market, Berthon's brokerage team will share the story of a boat purchase and refit, drawing on their years of experience guiding purchasers through the process. Using practical examples, the session will cover the journey of a boat from a broker's cradle ashore to far afield cruising grounds, covering common questions on surveys, VAT, refitting priorities and budgets.

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Saint Lucia Welcomes the Return of World ARC Circumnavigators

Rally concludes with a special day of celebrations for round the world sailors

Fiji, Musket Cove

Round-the-world rally World ARC 2018-19 officially came to an end on Saturday 13th April with a special day of celebrations to mark the conclusion of this unique sailing journey. Returning to the shores of Saint Lucia, thirty-eight crew members of sixteen yachts completed their global circumnavigation that has seen them cross three oceans and visit in excess of eighteen countries during an unforgettable voyage supported by rally organisers World Cruising Club. Sailing in company to beautiful, fascinating and welcoming places and covering some 26,000nm has been 'a truly memorable experience', bringing together a diverse band of sailors from all over the world who now join a select group of people who have circumnavigated the world on board their own boats.

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To wrap or not to wrap? – that should not be a question - Preserving your headsai

Sails are an expensive part of a sailboats inventory, costing thousands apiece. As such, they warrant a modicum of due care and attention.

Wherever one goes, one will see boats where the headsail has been furled up with a triangle showing. It is assumed that there is some aesthetic reason for the skipper doing this. Then there is the lazy furling job. The headsail is furled, but the sheets are left loose.

Even though it may be thought to look good or perhaps seaman-like, the problem is that in either of these scenarios, the wind can and will catch the sail. It does not the even require a particularly strong wind for the headsail to become partially of even completely unrolled. The resulting flapping can and will cause catastrophic damage.

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New Research Shows Water Sports Participation Is on the Rise

 

According to new research released today (15 April 2019), more people are participating in water sports, a trend that has continued for the past three years.

The annual Water Sports Participation Survey showed that approximately 3.9m UK adults took part in one or more of 12 core boating activities¹ in 2018.  The overall activity rise of around 1.1% on the previous year, is thanks in part to 2018 being the UK’s joint hottest summer on record.

This equates to a volume increase of 700,000 people, with the highest participation rates for any activity coming from family groups. The number of young people and women also increased significantly in 2018.

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Not all navigation lights are created equal.

Navigation lights intended for use on power driven vessels may be different from navigation lights intended for use on sailing vessels. Although the horizontal arc of visibility is the same for all lights, the vertical divergence (i.e. vertical arc of visibility) requirements for lights on vessels under sail are larger to accommodate greater heeling. Manufacturer labeling may not discriminate between the different requirements. Navigation lights that claim compliance with the navigation rules1 may meet the vertical visibility requirements for a power-driven vessel, however, they may not comply with the vertical visibility standards for sailing vessels. Manufacturer labeling may not indicate that the lights are designed for use on power-driven vessels only.

Annex I (COLREGs section 10 and Inland 33 C.F.R. part 84.16 “Vertical sectors”) prescribes the degrees and intensities that navigation lights must meet on the vertical plane. Many boat owners may not be aware of the +/- 25° vertical light divergence requirement for sailing vessels, a 17.5° increase from the power-driven vessel standard. Installing a navigation light, designed for use on a power-driven vessel, on a sailing vessel may result in the light losing visibility when the vessel heels beyond the narrower +/- 7.5° vertical divergence angle established for power-driven vessels. A sailing vessel operator in this situation would likely not realize that the sailing vessel’s lights were not visible when heeling beyond 7.5°.

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Free Floating Health Care Clinics

Sea Mercy’s Mission

In the USA, one is blessed with the medical infrastructure and staff that is available to the majority of our population, but in the South Pacific, there are no roads, power lines, or phone systems to connect the smaller, less populated, islands to the same health care services offered on the more populated, primary islands. Sadly, these remote islands are left without even the most basic of health care services, creating an incredible disparity between the remote islands and primary islands in terms of overall health, infant mortality and immunization rates, and longevity.

Sea Mercy (www.seamercy.org) is a US based 501(c)

3 non-profit organization with a simple vision and mission to "stand in the gap" with a service delivery vessel, trained health volunteers, support equipment, and critical care services as our island nation partners develop their "outer island" health care infrastructure. Operating from a fleet of large sailing catamarans, Sea Mercy provides and staffs free Floating  Health Care Clinics  (FHCC) for our island nation partners remote islands.

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Hydrographic and Geophysical Surveys in the Celtic Sea and Atlantic Ocean during 2019

Marine Notice No. 08 of 2019
Notice to all Shipowners, Fishing Vessel Owners, Agents, Shipmasters, Skippers, Fishers and Seafarers

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been advised that hydrographic and geophysical surveys will be undertaken in the Celtic sea andAtlantic Ocean under the INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the SustainableDevelopment of Ireland’s Marine Resources) programme, between April andOctober 2019.

The vessels involved are as follows, Marine Institute vessels: the ‘RV CelticVoyager’ (Callsign: EIQN) and the ‘RV Celtic Explorer’ (Callsign: EIGB) and Geological Survey Ireland Vessels: the ‘RV Keary’ (Callsign: EI-GO-9), the ‘RVGeo’ (Callsign: EI-DK-6), the ‘RV Mallet’ (Callsign: EI-SN-9), and the ‘RV Lir’ (Callsign: EI-HI-2).

The ‘RV Celtic Voyager’ and the ‘RV Celtic Explorer’ will be towing amagnetometer sensor  with  a  single  cable  of  up  to  200  metres  in  length.  The  vessels  will  display appropriate  lights  and  markers.  The  vessels  will  be  listening  on  VHF  Channel  16 throughout the course of the surveys.

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Lowrance®, Simrad® & B&G® Announce Products Will Not Be Affected by GPS Week Rollover

Lowrance, Simrad and B&G – leading brands in the design and manufacture of world-class marine navigation, autopilot, radar, communications and fishfinding systems – announced today that the 2019 GPS Week Rollover will not adversely impact their products. Experts in Research and Development from Lowrance, Simrad and B&G have been preparing for the upcoming event for months, testing a wide range of equipment and have confirmed that all current generation devices are 100-percent compatible with the GPS rollover event.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has its own date and time scale based on counting weeks and seconds within a week; however, the field that contains the week number is limited to 1024. A GPS rollover event occurs when this counter reaches week 1023 and then rolls back to week 0. The event happens approximately every 20 years, with the upcoming GPS Week Rollover taking place on April 6, 2019. This will be the second time the rollover has occurred.

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Greek Cruising Tax delayed by one month

The long running saga of the Greek Cruising tax, known as the TEPAI, was due for implementation on 2 April 2019 following the first attempt to introduce it in 2014. However, the Cruising Association (CA) reports that there has at last been a breakthrough regarding the TEPAI, with the Greeks agreeing to delay this new tax until 2nd May.

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Do These 4 Things Now to Help Ensure a Summer of Safe Boating

If your DSC VHF is not registered, or still registered to the prior boat owner, you’re not helping yourself and could likely waste valuable response time in an emergency.

Boatyards, marinas and clubs are waking up after a long winter’s nap, and boaters have begun preparing their vessels for the season. While the boat needs to be looked at and readied for a summer of fun, so does your safety. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that doing these four free or low-cost things now will help ensure a summer of safe boating.

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San Francisco Boaters: Bring Your Expired Flares to the Collection Event, Sunday, April 14, at East Marina Green Triangle

What to do with old marine flares? Bring them to a special collection event on Sunday, April 14, in the Marina District at East Marina Green Triangle.

SF Environment pilot event helps address proper disposal of marine flares

The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is urging San Francisco boaters to take advantage of a marine flare collection event held by the San Francisco Department of Environment (SF Environment) on Sunday, April 14, at East Marina Green Triangle in the Marina District of San Francisco. Boat owners are encouraged to drop off old, damaged, or expired hand-held flares, aerial flares and smoke signals to ensure safe and proper disposal.

“There probably isn’t a Bay Area boater who hasn’t had to store old, expired flares aboard their boat because there is simply no way to safely dispose of them,” said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Edmonston. “We applaud the San Francisco Department of Environment for helping to address this age-old boater’s dilemma through this pilot collection event.”

Marine flares are carried aboard recreational boats in the event a vessel may need to signal for emergency response. Because of a mandated 42-month expiration date from the date of manufacture, marine flares need to be replaced about every three seasons of boating. Yet, there are currently only two collection sites in California that will accept and dispose of outdated flares. This presents a safety hazard and disposal challenge for Bay Area boat owners.

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