1. The Bahamas

   Popular among many Americans during the winter months, the Bahamas offer more than 700 islands and around 2,400 cays to explore. The warm, clear waters of the Atlantic offer splendid views with a variety of marine life. There are many safe anchorages behind some islands that will protect you from especially strong winds, but depending on weather conditions, there is usually a pleasant breeze in the Bahamas to aid you along your sailing expedition. You can almost always count on 20 knots from the East (with the exception of winds preceding a cold front.) In protected waters (designated “safe” areas), you can sail virtually any day.

 

2. Phuket, Thailand

   Phuket, Thailand is the base for sailing the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s maritime jewel. With stunning geography, crystalline waters, and warm weather, the climate is perfect for sailing. Many isolated islands are the main attraction that keeps tourists and avid sailors coming back year after year. Phuket’s famous international yachting and sailing event, The King’s Cup Regatta, takes place the first week of December and attracts the world’s best yachtsmen and sailors who showcase their best vessels while racing against one another.

 

3. Palermo, Sicily (Italy)

   It’s no surprise sailing through the Mediterranean makes for a life-changing experience. With world famous beaches, underrated fishing villages, and isolated anchorages, scenic bays offer a variety of activities and cultures. Leisurely sails can include a scuba excursion, diving stops, and exploring coastline towns. Popular trips are along the Ionian Coast, the Lipari Islands, or Favignana. Summer months (July and August) are usually popular times for sailing.

 

4. Baja, Mexico

   Red cliffs, secluded anchorages, mountainous backdrops, rare sea-life, and stunning waters make Baja, Mexico one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Prime cruising season is between November and June (past hurricane season). Periodically, strong winds from the north may surprise some novice sailors, so it’s best to check weather conditions before sailing. From November to March, northern winds can pick up to 40 knots. Sailors should also take note that the climate in the Sea of Cortes is not tropical during winter, so temperatures can fall into the 40s at night.

 

5. Bay of Islands, New Zealand

   This South Pacific, 50-mile stretch of coastline just so happens to be one of the most stunning places to set sail. With more than 80 scenic islands, sailors can feast their eyes on pristine white sand beaches and a great variety of wildlife. From dolphins to kingfish to blue penguins, you’re immersed in a nature reserve of sea life. The Westhaven Marina complex, the central sailing hub, is located near hiking trails where tired sailors can walk around and experience historic New Zealand.

 

6. Athens, Greece

   The birthplace of civilization, Athens is also home to popular sailing coastlines, with many open-water passages for yachts and sailboats. With ancient ruins, castles, and monasteries perched on hilltops, sailing in towards the city offers amazing vistas of classical architecture. The Aegean Sea offers protected cruising waters that are unparalleled anywhere on Earth. With 6,000 largely uninhabited islands, you’ll find many harbors in which to cast your anchor.

 

7. Boracay Island, Philippines

   Rare glistening white puka shells dot the Boracay Islands, which is said to be the best in the world. Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Boracay Island features coral lagoons, blue waters, and white sands perfect for windsurfing, sailing, kiteboarding, and snorkeling. Sail to remote Boracay Beaches like Puka Shell and Balinghai Beach, where you can incorporate other activities like dining and scuba diving into your excursion. Island-hopping is best by sailing. From December to July, sailors can enjoy almost continuous onshore winds that are ideal for novice and experienced sailors.

1. Blackbeard

   Blackbeard was the most feared pirate of the Atlantic, and delighted in pillaging towns, ambushing ships, and terrorizing anyone who came in his path. He was a real pirate, and bits of his ship Queen Anne’s Revenge are still being pulled out of the ocean from the battle that lead to his death in 1718. As the story goes, Robert Maynard of the Royal Navy and his men attacked Blackbeard and other pirates at his hideaway off Ocracoke Island. The battle was bloody, and Blackbeard could only be killed by decapitation. After Maynard threw Blackbeard’s body overboard, he tied his head to a high point on the ship and the head called out to the body. The body swam around the ship three times before finally drowning.

 

2. The Kraken

   Tales of the kraken date back to 12th century Norway, in which sailors would mistake the Kraken’s partially surfaced body for an island. Once they set foot on the “island,” the kraken would awaken, capsize their boat, and kill them all. As sailing lore tells us, the kraken was a many-tentacled creature who was large enough to reach the boat’s top mast. In all likelihood, the kraken from sailor tales was actually the giant squid, which is also aggressive and could come to the water’s surface to attack. Reports exist from the 1930s that show at least three different occasions in which ships were attacked by giant squids, who likely mistook the boat’s bottom for a whale.

 

3. Davy Jones and his Locker

   Although popularized by pirate-related fiction, Davy Jones’ Locker is a sailor’s reference to describe the bottom of the sea. It is where sailors go when they drown in the ocean or perish and are thus thrown overboard. Davy Jones himself has many unclear origins. In one tale, he was a cruel pub owner who threw his intoxicated patrons into his ale locker. In other tales, Davy Jones is synonymous with Jonah of the Old Testament after he spent three days in the belly of a whale and became mad. He was consequently thought to be the evil version of Jonah, a malevolent spirit of the seas that exacted vengeance on hapless sailors.

 

4. Sailor’s Weather

   There is an old sailor adage that most people know that helps describe optimum sailing weather. It is “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.” This may seem like an old wives’ tale, but there is definite truth to the statement if you understand the science behind it. A red sky at night indicates that the setting sun is shining through highly concentrated dust particles, a sign of air stability and high pressure from the west. This should result in calm weather. However, a red sunrise shines through dust particles that have moved from the west, showing that a storm may be moving in from the East. Likewise, how deep a red the sky is indicates how concentrated the water content is in the air. Both of these clues point to stormy weather.

 

5. Lorelei, the Siren

   According to legend, Lorelei is the siren that could once be found atop some rocks on the Rhine River. When a warrior and his sailor friend traveled near Lorelei’s dwelling, the warrior heard her voice and uncontrollably steered the ship toward her. As he grew closer and saw her beauty, he dove into the water to swim toward her, but was eaten up by the tide. The sailor, who returned home with news of the warrior’s death, inspired an army of men to try to kill Lorelei. Yet, as they approached her, she spoke a spell to cause a storm and disappeared into the sea. She was never seen again, although sailors occasionally claimed to hear her singing when they passed the Rhine.

 

6. Old Betty

   Old Betty was a witch living in New Brunswick during the time that sailing vessels were being constructed there. A boat called The Black Swan was docked at her home when she demanded the captain of the ship gift her with a shawl. If he refused, she warned that his ship would never leave her port. In an act of defiance, the captain denied her request, claiming he would prove her threats to be empty. When the time came for the ship to leave the port, it at first would not move. It did move after some work, but the captain’s fingers were caught in some of the ropes in the process and were consequently broken.

 

7. Fiddler’s Green

   When a good sailor died, he was said to go to Fiddler’s Green, which was a heaven of sorts. Rum, women, and tobacco are in limitless supply here. Unlike Davy Jones’ Locker, which is more or less akin to hell, Fiddler’s Green is on land rather than under the sea and is thought to be a good place to end up. Likewise, some accounts of it state that a sailor goes to Fiddler’s Green after he’s served 50 years at sea.

Maintenance Checks

Before shoving off for a fun-filled adventure in your watercraft, check the following for necessary repairs or cleaning to ensure everything functions properly.

Oil Change: If your motor has seen little activity for the winter months, chances are the oil could use a refresher. Changing the oil removes built up crud and potential debris from harming the engine and performance.

Windshield Wipers: Give the wipers a swish to test and make sure they don’t streak or the rubber hasn’t disintegrated. Harsh winter temperatures can harden the rubber and cause it to crumble in places. Thankfully, replacing wipers is an inexpensive repair that is easy to do yourself.

Upholstery: Remove the seats and check for unwanted guests who might have taken up residency in the cushions over the winter. Typical creatures that like hiding in boats include moths, roaches, spiders, and on occasion, even mice. Since they’re not invited to the party, a quick extermination is advised.

Hull Hound: Although a sinking boat makes for an exciting movie scene, you rarely want to deal with it yourself. Get out your spectacles and scour the hull of your boat for holes, cracks, oxidation, or any other hazardous elements. Pay particular attention to the seams, as this area is prone to leakage.

DIY Repairs

After you’ve done the mandatory once-over, make a list of any necessary repairs. Smaller issues like windshield wipers can be replaced at a relatively low cost and without difficult installation. Other do-it-yourself fixes include sewing or patching seat cushions, scraping debris off the hull, and changing the oil. Even paint jobs can be done yourself with a steady hand and the correct color and type of paint.

It’s not crucial for safety’s sake that the bright colors on your boat be refreshed periodically but it certainly helps increase the visibility to others and improves the look of your craft in general. If you have special lights on your boat, replacing burnt bulbs is easy to do yourself as well. Certain lights have to be special ordered from a parts store, so if you’re planning to use them for a specific event, place your order well in advance.

Gel Coats

This is a resin-paint that seals most fiberglass boats to protect the hull and add a glossy shine. Gel coats can become dull or oxidized, or collect grease over time, which puts your hull at risk of deteriorating. All of these issues can be taken care of yourself with proper cleaning products and a little elbow grease. The first step is always cleaning, which preps the gel coat for everything else. A simple solution of detergent in a gallon of warm water is easily applied with a sponge to clean the surface. In the case of mildew, add about a cup of bleach to the solution, and for even tougher stains, apply the bleach in concentrated form directly to the stain.

Degreasing when necessary is the next step. Wax or polish will not stick properly if grease is present. On more porous fiberglass boats, a detergent cleaning may not remove all traces of grease but an all-over wipe with cloth soaked in acetone or the preferred Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) will sufficiently rid the hull of grease. In the case of oxidization, using a rubber compound as a scrub will eliminate the problem. Commercial scrubs are also available in the event of severe oxidization.

Following the cleaning and degreasing, the last step in proper gel coat maintenance is waxing. Prior to waxing, some people like to polish the surface of the gel coat and remove excess texture to provide the smoothest possible surface. Special abrasives and cleaning agents can be purchased to aid with this. As with most waxes, you can apply your boat wax by hand with a sponge or cloth in circular motions. After it dries, buff it with a clean cloth. Wax fills the pores in the gel coat and adds a beautiful reflective shine to the hull. It also protects the boat from water damage, oxidization, mold, and mildew.

Fiberglass

Most boats are made with fiberglass hulls that can be difficult to repair in the event of damage. Although commercial self-repair kits are available on the market, it requires a certain amount of expertise to ensure a decent repair. It may be less time-consuming and more cost effective to have a professional or competent friend do the repair for you. For those brave enough to repair fiberglass damage themselves check out this helpful guide on howstuffworks.com.

1. Manual for First Aid In case of an emergency, it’s always best to be ready. Many different injuries can happen on a boat. Because of this, a manual can offer step-by-step instructions teaching you how to correct the problem.
2. Bandages A first aid kit should include a variety of bandages. These bandages should include waterproof adhesive brands, butterfly types to help close open wounds, and triangular bandages to help wrap body parts such as an ankle.
3. Sterile PadsThese pads are designed to help absorb heavy flow of fluids. In case of a bleeding wound, sterile pads are a great way to help reduce the bleeding.
4. Tweezers and Scissors Tweezers can help with problems such as splinters and other foreign objects that had made its way into the skin. Scissors are also recommended to help cut the bandage to size.
5. Adhesive Tape In order to make sure that the bandages stay in tact, adhesive tape can provide the adequate support needed.
6. Antiseptic An antiseptic is a solution that will instantly kill all germs and even help with minor burns. Keep this handy for fast acting wound cleaning.
7. Motion Sickness Pills A common problem that happens on many boats is that passengers can often find themselves seasick or woozy. Motion sickness pills can often help offset this problem preventing vomiting and that light-headed feeling. With these pills, be sure to pack away a few bags for when vomiting does occur.
8. Pain Relievers Minor headaches and pain can arise anywhere throughout the day. Pain relievers are also a great way to thin out the blood. In case of any minor aches or pain, keep a small bottle of ibuprofen in your kit.
9. Eyewash Eyewash bottles contain a solution that can flush out particles that get into the eye such as dust, salt and even smoke. In case of an eye emergency, eyewash can flush away the debris fast and easy.
10. Calamine Lotion This type of lotion can help prevent itches from happening. In case of a rash or allergy, this lotion will help protect the skin.

Any first aid kit that is put together doesn’t have to include hundreds of items. Instead, the items listed above can often be enough to get the job done. Always make sure that you have easy to read instructions and become familiar with how each item works. It’s also highly recommended that someone on the boat knows CPR so that if unthinkable does happen, a life could be saved.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/10-must-haves-in-your-boating-first-aid-kit/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/15-breathtaking-water-trips-for-a-day-on-the-boat/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/15-breathtaking-water-trips-for-a-day-on-the-boat/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 15:07:23 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1711 Summer days are perfect for spending time on the water. Keep reading to discover 15 of the best boating locations in the United States.



1. St. Joseph, Mich.
   Less than 10,000 people live in this small city on the coast of Lake Michigan, making it the perfect vacation destination for boaters who want to get away from it all.
2. Catalina Island, Calif.
   Recognized at the birthplace of glass-bottom boat tours, Catalina Island is a mecca for sailboat enthusiasts from around the world.
3. Biscayne National Park, Fla.
   Boating is the only way visitors can explore Biscayne National Park as water covers nearly all of its 172,000 acres.
4. Seattle, Wash.
   The weather may not always be sunny, but Seattle’s vast expanse of protected salt water is still a wonderful place for boating. Breathtaking mountains, lushly forested islands and uninhabited peninsulas contrast with an urban skyline to create unforgettable scenery.
5. Knoxville, Tenn.
   Home to several boat manufacturers, including Sea Ray and MasterCraft, Knoxville is a boater’s paradise. Visitors can join a tailgating party on the Tennessee River during football season or head to Tellico Lake to watch the boatbuilders’ newest crafts being tested.
6. Otter Tail County, Minn.
   No other county in the United States can lay claim to as many lakes at Otter Tail. The official count of lakes here reaches 1,048, making it a great place to plan a summer boating vacation.
7. Corpus Christi, Texas
   Year-round boating weather, pristine beaches and sparkling water help make Corpus Christi a great place to spend time on a boat.
8. Wilmington, N.C.
   Boaters in Wilmington can choose whether to spend their time drifting down the Cape Fear River or exploring the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Phoenix, Ariz.
   Arizona may not be a place that springs to mind when people think about boating, but it should be. Dams have created four picturesque waterways near Phoenix, perfect for boating, fishing and spelunking.
10. Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
    This 55,000 acre lake boasts nearly 1,200 miles of pristine shoreline, making it one of the largest man-made lakes in the country.
11. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    Also known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale boasts more than 150 miles of canals and waterways. Each October, Fort Lauderdale plays host to the largest in-water boat show in the world.
12. Austin, Texas
    Fishing and boating are popular activities in Austin’s Highland Lakes region. Large boats and watersports are best suited for Lake Austin and Lake Travis, the largest waterways in the area.
13. Lake Mead, Nev.
    The largest man-made lake in the United States is located near Las Vegas. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area features stunning scenery featuring towering cliffs and distant mountain ranges.
14. Smith Mountain Lake, Va.
    Crystal clear water awaits boaters in a small valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 32-square mile lake boast shaded inlets, natural beaches and plenty of foliage.
15. Finger Lakes, N.Y.
    Famous for its wine, the Finger Lakes region boasts 11 serene lakes. Visitors to the area can participate in a trout derby on Seneca Lake, spend the day at Cayuga Lake enjoying a picnic on the water or just float around enjoying the scenery on another famous waterway in the area, Lake Ontario.
]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/15-breathtaking-water-trips-for-a-day-on-the-boat/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/how-to-prepare-for-winter-fishing-trips/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/how-to-prepare-for-winter-fishing-trips/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 22:44:15 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1705 Preparing for winter fishing trips requires special precautions. If caught unprepared, sudden winter storms or falling overboard into icy rivers and lakes can often prove catastrophic. During the winter months water temperatures can fall to near freezing, making even a quick dunking in the water life threatening.



Concerns

Defined as the body’s internal core temperature falling to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia can cause death in a matter of minutes by compromising all necessary metabolic process, such a heart rate and brain function.

Being exposed to extremely cold temperatures begins to wick heat away from the body in a matter of seconds. Even in southern latitudes, where the water doesn’t approach freezing, hypothermia is still a threat, as even water as warm as 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause mild to severe hypothermia.

During the winter storms can crop up unexpectedly. Severe weather can cause rough water and high waves, causing boats to take on water or capsize. Additionally, sudden storms can prevent open water crossings, stranding boaters and fishermen in remote locations.

Preparation

Even though no one thinks it will happen to them, the U.S. Coast Guard reports during the winter months that 25 percent of all boating accidents result in fatalities, mostly from hypothermia. Compare this to only a 7 percent fatality rate of all accidents during the warmer summer months.

Preparation is the key to surviving a winter boating accident. To prevent hypothermia body temperature must be normalized as quickly as possible. When preparing for winter fishing trips special gear must be added to the inventory.

Because cold water reduces the body’s ability to function, life vests should be worn by everyone going out in a boat during winter fishing trips, regardless of how strong of a swimmer they may be.

Wool clothes are one of the best garment materials for cold, wet weather. Wool holds virtually all of it natural insulating abilities even when fully soaked with water. Some man-made materials, such as Thinsulate, also retain body heat when wet, but not to the extent of wool. At least one blanket, also made of wool, should be taken onboard.

An epinephrine syringe, such as those used to treat people allergic to bee stings, can prove lifesaving to someone suffering from extreme hypothermia as the adrenaline will temporary increase metabolic functions.

Becoming stranded miles from help may mean spending a night out in the open. A good tarp, emergency food rations, water and fire staring materials should always be carried.

Cell phones don’t always have reception in remote locations, so carrying signal flares and an emergency radio or Emergency Locator Transmitter, known as an ELT, can mean the difference between getting back alive, or not.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/how-to-prepare-for-winter-fishing-trips/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/boat-safety-for-dummies/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/boat-safety-for-dummies/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 17:07:31 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1702 According to Coast Guard statistics, there were 4,730 recreational boating accidents in 2009, of which there were 736 deaths, over 3,000 injuries, and around $36 million dollars in property damage. While boating may not seem as dangerous as skydiving or snorkeling with sharks off the coast of Africa, boating can still be a dangerous activity, especially if the right safety measures aren’t taken before boarding the boat.



A few simple safety measures can protect yourself, your passengers, and other boaters from becoming a Coast Guard statistic.

Begin by familiarizing yourself with whatever boat you‘re using or boarding before ever stepping foot on it. You should ensure that the boat has proper registration, is up to legal code, and is in good maintenance and working order. It’s too late to complete this check list once on the water and faced with an emergency situation or a pricey ticket for not obeying federal and state boating laws.

Many states have boater safety education requirements for boat operators, which may require operators to complete a boat safety course and obtain a boating safety certificate if they’re under a certain age and/or operating a boat powered by a certain hp motor. However, it’s always advisable, law or not, for all boat operators to take a basic boating safety course that focuses on handling, operation, emergency action, and first aid.

There should always be a Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD), for each person on the boat. An off-shore life jacket, or type I PFD, is designed for choppy off-shore waters. A near-shore life vest, or type II PFD, is designed for calmer waters. A floatation aid, or type III PFD is commonly used in closed waters, such as lakes and bays. There are also “special use” floatation devices that are used for specific water activities, such as kayaking, cannoning, and so forth. It’s important to have the appropriate life jacket for the body of water and type of boating you’ll be doing.

In addition to the above, here are a few more safety tips to consider:

• Be sure to let someone on shore know where you’re boating and an approximate return time.
• Always check with your local weather service for a weather update before leaving shore.
• Never operate a boat while drinking alcohol and ensure passengers follow open container laws for your state.
• Don’t leave shore until everyone aboard has a PFD on.
• Keep a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and visual distress devices aboard for emergencies.
• Abide maximum loading and horsepower requirements, registration requirements, speed restrictions, equipment and lighting requirements, and other state-specific regulations.

Remember that it’s often a lack of awareness and disregard for boating safety laws that lead to boating accidents. Follow these boating safety tips to have a fun, safe boating experience.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/boat-safety-for-dummies/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/giant-squid-discoveries/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/giant-squid-discoveries/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 15:19:00 +0000 Leigha Fenster http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1726 From Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Michael Crichton’s Sphere, the giant squid has fascinated and terrified us. However, because it lives deep in the ocean, it is only within the past few years that scientists have even captured video of a live specimen. Previously, all we knew about this creature was from damaged and decayed remains that washed up on shore. Now, we’re finally learning about this animal that was, for a long time, thought to exist only in fiction.



The giant squid, genus Architeuthis, is able to grow so large due to an effect called deep-sea gigantism. Although scientists are not exactly sure what causes this, it affects many other types of sea life from fish to octopus. The giant squid can reach lengths of 43 feet for females and 33 feet for males. This massive size is second only to the colossal squid, genus Mesonychoteuthis, which grows to 39 to 46 feet and is the largest squid species in terms of mass. However, the two are completely different species: The colossal squid has a more bulbous body shape, as opposed to the sleek giant squid, and has rotating “claws” instead of the giant squid’s suckers with teeth. The two species also differ in geographical range.

Like most squid species, the giant squid has a torso, eight arms and two longer tentacles. The arms and tentacles are all lined with the previously mentioned suction cups with teeth. Giant squid also have a parrot-like beak at the base of the arms. Like other types of squid, giant squid use fins and jet propulsion for movement. Giant squid even use ink, like other squid, to deter predators.

Giant squid feed upon other types of squid as well as deep-sea fish. Since only individual giant squid have ever been captured, it is assumed that they hunt alone. The only known predator to the giant squid is the sperm whale, but it has been theorized that other species of whale may also prey upon the giant squid. Evidence of this relationship is often seen in the distinctive sucker-scarred skin of sperm whales as well as beaks from giant squid that have been recovered from sperm whales’ stomachs and digestive systems. In fact, these undigestible parts are often found coated in the mysterious yet sweet-smelling ambergris that sperm whales produce and that, for years, was an indispensable part of the perfume industry. Though popular culture usually shows the sperm whale and giant squid locked in battle, this is unlikely.

There are no estimates as to the giant squid’s population, but they are found in every ocean on the planet. They are more common in mid-latitude areas and more rare in polar and tropical regions. Although it is impossible to tell, evidence suggests that they live in depths of 300-1000 meters. Because the entire life cycle of the giant squid is unknown, there have been as of yet no studies or theories accounting for their environmental impact. They are not the primary food source for the sperm whale, nor are they the primary predator of any species.

There have been sightings of the giant squid since ancient times, including the Norse legend of the kraken. However, it is only recently that recorded sightings of living giant squid have occurred. In 2001, video footage of a larval giant squid was taken and later shown on the Discovery Channel. A live adult giant squid was captured in Japan in 2002, although it quickly died. It wasn’t until 2004 that the first photographs of a giant squid in the wild were taken: Two scientific teams, led by Tsunemi Kubodera and Kyoichi Mori and working together for two years, dropped a baited line into waters known to be hunting grounds for sperm whales. After multiple tries, a giant squid got caught on the line and was pulled for four hours while the attached camera took over 500 images. Scientists were later able to verify that the animal was a giant squid through its DNA.

Even more spectacularly, on December 4, 2006, an adult giant squid was finally videotaped. The team was near the Ogasawara Islands, the same location where the still images had been captured, and this expedition was also led by Tsunemi Kubodera. The team used a similar baited line that first attracted a more common species of squid, which, when caught, attracted a giant squid about 11 feet long. Researchers pulled the giant squid aboard the boat, but it died in the process. Although this was the first giant squid to be seen live by researchers, it was a relatively small specimen.

Other scientists are still attempting to understand this elusive creature: Marine biologist Steve O’Shea has the radical approach of attempting to find an infant, or paralarva, giant squid that he will grow to its full size.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the giant squid had been one of the few large creatures never photographed alive. In a few short years, this has changed drastically. Yet despite these advances, still so much is unknown about the giant squid. It has been a source of terror and fiction for centuries, and even now it is revisited in pop culture in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Clash of the Titans. Because this amazing animal is so large and lives at the bottom of the ocean, it is unlikely that we will never fully understand its life and habits.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/giant-squid-discoveries/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/protecting-your-family-during-your-next-boat-ride/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/protecting-your-family-during-your-next-boat-ride/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 15:10:20 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1699 Boating can be a great source of family fun, but it can also be a source of crisis if you do not attend to your family’s safety when you are out on the water. There are things that you can do to make sure that you and your family are safe when you are out on the water. The more steps you take to protect your family, the safer you will be when you are having fun out on your boat.



Let Someone Know Where You Will Be

Before you and your family head out on the water, you should let at least one person know where you will be going and when you expect to be back. When you are back on shore, you should call your contact to let them know you are safe. If you do not report back by a pre-determined time, then ask your contact to call for help.

Educate About Boater Safety

Sit your family down and go over the rules of boater safety with everyone and set guidelines for behavior. Things like hanging over the side of the boat or horseplay while on the boat should not be tolerated. If you plan on allowing people to go swimming off your boat, then only do so when the boat is anchored and have at least one person keeping an eye on swimmers at all times.

Safety Gear

There is certain safety gear you should have when you are taking your family out on the boat. Unless the boat is anchored, everyone on board should have a life jacket on. Each person on the boat should know where the emergency raft is located as well as the flare gun.

To protect from the sun, each person on your boat should have sun screen on and a broad-rimmed hat as well. Limit the time that each person spends out in the sunshine, especially during times when people are swimming.

Treat It Seriously

Just because a boat is not a road vehicle does not mean that it should not have all of the respect you would give a vehicle when on the road. The pilot should never be distracted by activities on the boat and there should be no moving around on the boat when it is in motion.

Passengers should not lean out over the boat when it is motion and you should always try to distribute weight evenly on the boat as much as possible.

When you decide to take your family out for a fun day on a boat, it can create memories that will last a lifetime. To make certain that those memories remain positive, you should take every precaution necessary to make sure that everyone on board is safe at all times.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/protecting-your-family-during-your-next-boat-ride/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/will-budget-cuts-sink-the-united-states-navy/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/will-budget-cuts-sink-the-united-states-navy/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 14:22:11 +0000 Amanda Rodriguez http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1691 After seeing significant cuts to the defense budget over the last presidential term, concerns have risen over the future of certain branches of the military. In the case of the United States Navy, former Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman, was particularly worried about the impact that future cuts would have on our security. Lehman is not alone in his concerns either. The entire Republican party is worried about the impact budgetary cuts would have on the future of the Navy and other branches of the military as well as the security of our nation.



 

Budgetary Cuts

There are a couple of reasons Lehman might be overreacting. First of all, The Wall Street Journal states that the U.S. spends more on its military than twice what the next five countries spend combined. Of the money spent on military world-wide, the U.S. Military accounted for about 41 cents to every dollar. Compare that to China’s numbers, at 8.2 cents per dollar, Russia at 4.1 cents, and the U.K. and France at a mere 3.6 cents each.

It would seem that Lehman is not looking at the big picture of compared worldwide spending however. Rather, he and many others are more worried about the impact the spending cuts would have on the Navy’s ability to perform. But did previous cuts really have a significant negative impact on the Navy or did it actually help? And will future cuts do the same? These are the questions we ought to be asking ourselves when evaluating performance compared to funding.

 

Littoral Combat Ship Program

The U.S. Navy has a few projects it is working on but has recently requested additional funding from the government to continue its work. For the Littoral Combat Ship program, the Navy asked for an additional $2.24 billion in the next fiscal year for four ships. The program is already slated to cost $37 billion as estimated by the Project on Government Oversight and $8 billion thus far has been spent without a single ship to show for it. In response to the controversy over the program, the Navy worked hard to cut costs as much as possible. Substantial improvements in the way funds are spent and used was necessary in order to even be considered for additional funding.

An article released by the Official Website of the United States Navy reports that the Lockheed Martin Corporation has added more than $715 million so far for the construction of two ships for the fiscal year 2012 and Austal USA added nearly $700 million for two additional ships for the same year. Both Lockheed Martin and Austal are under “block buy” contracts with the U.S. Navy to fund the construction of 20 ships under the Littoral Combat Ship program. The success of increased funding may depend on the Navy’s innovations with how it uses the income. Regardless of the success of this particular program, the Navy has other areas — such as health care, pay, and retirement for the military personnel — that could certainly use relief from a tight budget.

 

The Future

The Huffington Post reported on January 26, 2012 that the Pentagon released a 2013 budget plan that aims to cut $487 billion in spending over the next 10 years by eliminating 100,000 ground troops, storing ships, and reducing air squadrons to supposedly create a more agile force as part of a reinvented strategic focus. These cuts may just be the first in a string of cuts the budget could take as part of Congress’s initiative to cut $1.2 trillion — something it failed to do last year after the Standard & Poor’s review of the spending habits. Among possible future cuts, we could see a portion taken from the war veterans’ retirement benefits and health care.

In contrast to the proposed nearly half-trillion cuts, the GOP released a counter plan that would cut funds from federal entitlements like Medicare and spare the military from having to face additional shortages. The GOP budget focuses less on long-term debt reduction and more on protecting the military from drastic reductions. True, we have less of a need for active duty military, but military security is not based on wars currently happening but on what could happen in the future. If we reduce our military numbers, our security is compromised.

History has taught us one thing for certain, there will always be wars. Each war is more expensive than the last because of innovations on both sides. The U.S. has managed to stay one step ahead of the game because of its ability to fund research and development. Without these crucial military advantages, we would not be the superpower that we are today. Compromising this advantage seems unwise to say the least, especially given our current economic situation and unstable international relationships. Now is not the time for the United States to cut funding to our strongest remaining leverage over other nations. Universal health care is useless without a military to protect the citizens receiving it. Furthermore, cutting benefits from the men and women how have sacrificed greatly to protect our nation would be disrespectful and a major disincentive for recruitment in the future.

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