From the Captain of the Port

This is the essence of “Set and Drift” when navigating as well.

By Vincent Pica, Commodore, First District, Southern Region (D1SR), United States Coast Guard Auxiliary When I wrote in the past about the need and use of a VHF radio, I noted that if you didn’t have a radio aboard that you were risking your life over a couple of hundred dollars – it was “nutty” not to have a radio aboard. Nonetheless, many don’t! And those skippers rely on their cell phone for emergency assistance. OK, I…

However, even then the water will be cold for several weeks and you need to be aware of how dangerous that can be – if you aren’t prepared and savvy. This column is about that.

So, I turned to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, an integral part of the United States Coast Guard Forces. I submit that it is among the most effective ways to “get in this thing…”

But why do so many boats sink at their docks?

On the sea, especially in cold water environments, it’s all about rescue, recovery and re-warming.

By Vincent Pica, Commodore, First District, Southern Region (D1SR), United States Coast Guard Auxiliary As an avid student of the sea, I am always amazed when I read that even some of the ‘round the world sailors get “mal de mer” – seasickness. While they get over it in a few days, which everyone will if they are just out there long enough, I wonder how they can put to sea knowing with certainty that they will…

We’ve had some foggy mornings and as we make the “clubhouse turn” towards cool air and warm water, we will have more. For those of a more scientific-bent, fog that forms when water is warmer than the air is called “steam” fog (fall).

Understanding boat trim and boat squat is all about control and avoiding running aground.

Unlike any other law enforcement arm, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) may board your boat at their discretion — they need no search warrant, no provocation, and no reason other than ensuring your boat is in full compliance with all applicable federal laws and regulations.