The Maryland Yacht Club is located on Chesapeake Bay at the entrance to Rock Creek, near the Patapsco River in Pasadena, Maryland. The Club has had a long and rich history since its founding in 1908 with 48 members. The club includes over 8 acres of waterfront, clubhouse, swimming pool and 3 piers with slips up to 75ft in length. The clubhouse commands outstanding water views and is a popular location for wedding receptions and other events. Maryland Yacht Club welcomes both boat owners and non-owners as members. Its calendar of annual events and beautiful facilities make it one of the most popular East Coast yacht clubs on the Chesapeake Bay.
Pristine islands are among the most satisfying sailing destinations. Cumberland Island, a piece of the National Seashore system that lies off the coast of Georgia, is just such a destination. Located between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, the island offers over 14 miles of untouched beachfront. You can anchor on the protected side of the island, near the National Seashore Visitor Center.
Once you dinghy ashore, you can enjoy the peace of the island’s forests and beachfront. You may even glimpse one of the Cumberland Island’s herds of wild horses, or other wild animals including deer, boar, bobcats, armadillos and turkeys.
Check out this exciting YouTube video of crash tests for the Hobie 33 monohull sailboat. The Hobie 33 is a lift-keel boat designed to be ultralight and ultrafast. Between 1982 and 1986, a total of 187 Hobie 33’s were built. The Hobie 33 continues to be a competitive offshore sailing yacht. Find out more about Hobie 33 sailing events at the Hobie 33 website.
Buying a boat is a life-changing event. Besides requiring a major investment of money, owning a boat requires a time investment. Many people dream of buying a boat for years, but after they purchase one they find they don’t enjoy the challenges of boat ownership. The best way to find out what you’re getting into before buying a boat is to make sure you do all your homework ahead of time.
These are some questions to ask yourself before shopping for a boat:
How do you plan to use your boat? Do you see yourself in a sailboat or would you rather have a powerboat? Do you want to take your boat on overnight trips?
Where will you use your boat? Will you dock it or tow it? Will you use it on lakes, on the ocean, or both?
How many people do you plan on taking out on your boat?
The answers to these questions will give you a better idea about the type, size and model of boat to buy. You can research different types of boats online at a website like BoatTest.com. Compare different models and read articles about independent tests of each model. Attending boat shows is another great way to see and compare boats.
Queensland is being considered as a possible venue for February’s America’s Cup challenge. The location is currently being decided in court after Oracle, the challenging American team, disputed the Swiss team’s choice of the Persian Gulf. Now it appears that the Swiss are willing to move the event to the coast of Australia. Sydney was initially considered until it was conceded that the waters outside Sydney harbor are not conducive to yacht racing. Southport in Queensland was then suggested and is now under consideration. The decision is now before the New York State Supreme Court. Read more about the America’s Cup in Australia on the Sydney Morning Herald website.
The Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club in Rockaway Inlet is located on what is called the “most passable inlet” on the East Coast. Established in 1908, the Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club is a unique club that incorporates the character of its Brooklyn neighborhood. The Atlantic is accessible in just minutes via the inlet, and the Yacht Club can be reached by subway.
The Sheepshead Bay neighborhood is known for its quaint shops and restaurants. There are several commercial fishing piers in the area and Coney Island is just 10 minutes away by boat or car. Guests who moor at this Brooklyn yacht club can enjoy all the excitement of NYC after a 30-minute train ride from Sheepshead Bay to the heart of Manhattan.
The Sheepshead Bay YC clubhouse was originally the summer house for the founder of Rheingold Beer. The charming 3-story building features 2 large porches, one of which overlooks the club’s swimming pool. A cozy dining room, professional kitchen and fully stocked bar cater to member’s dining needs. The grounds include a large outdoor area with patio tables and BBQs. The Sheepshead Bay YC hosts a variety of events and races throughout the spring, summer and fall. Visit the Sheepshead Bay Yatch Club webpage for more information.
With today’s shifting yacht values, it’s a good time for yacht owners to re-evaluate their insurance coverage. A good place to start is by making sure you’re insured by the right company. The company should have a solid history in the yacht insurance business and have a strong financial track record. The next thing to consider is whether the amount of insurance carried reflects the current market value of the yacht. When a yacht is underinsured, it will be difficult to replace when market values begin to rise. Yacht owners who want to increase the insured value of their yacht should consult with the insurance carrier and be prepared to switch carriers if necessary.
For East Coast yachters, the British Virgin Islands offer a unique sailing and cruising opportunity. Sparkling blue water, pristine remote beaches and world-class snorkeling and fishing make the Virgin Islands a sailor’s paradise. Whether you visit the B.V.I. on your own yacht, or charter with a crew or bareboat, you will discover the magic of the Caribbean as you tour the British Virgin Islands. For more information, see the British Virgin Islands official website.
Royal Caribbean has launched their $1.5 billion Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever built. Set to operate out of Miami, the 1200 foot ship has 16 decks, weighs 220,000 tons and can hold a maximum capacity of 6000 people. This cruise ship is about 50% larger the Queen Mary II, the ship that previously held the record as largest ship. See this amazing YouTube video about the construction of the Oasis of the Seas:
Barnegat Bay is a shallow bay on the New Jersey coast, sheltered by barrier islands to the east. To the west are rivers, marshes and the forests of Pine Barrens. With several wildlife refuges and state parks on the nearby islands and mainland, the area is home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Water depths average six feet or less, so deep-draft sailboats are prohibited from these waters. During the summer season, the bay is crowded with powerboats on weekends but some peaceful sailing can still be had on weekdays. For more information about sailing on Barnegat Bay, see the Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Association website.
