Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 17, Denis and Allie - Mr. Badger & Co.

My guests for this episode are Denis and Allie of Mr. Badger & Co. Mr. Badger is their 41’ Concordia yawl. We recently got together and cracked open a few beers while they shared their tale of how they came to own Mr. Badger. But that wasn’t the only tale. Denis boasts an impressive sailing résumé and both are well traveled.

It’s a wide-ranging chat that covers: sailing the Greek islands; an unsuccessful attempt at purchasing a schooner; sailing a Carriacou Sloop thousands of miles; environmental stewardship; and how a great experience aboard can be transformative.

Learn more about Denis, Allie and Mr. Badger at www.mrbadger.co

Listen to "Denis and Allie - Mr. Badger & Co." on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 16, Anne Vandromme-Hood - Yacht Insider's Guide

My guest in this episode is Anne Vandromme-Hood. Anne is a partner and leading force behind the publication, Yacht Insider’s Guide. Originally from Paris, she spent much of her time sailing out of Brittney with her family on a variety of boats. Anne is also an avid windsurfer who brought her gear along with her as she pursued crew positions on charter yachts.

Her time spent working professionally on yachts lead her from crew, to chef, to shoreside management in Martinique, and now a publisher in Newport, Rhode Island.

She’s an animal lover and activist, a steward of the environment, and a supporter of many organizations that work to make the world a better place.  Anne lives a very examined life and thoughtfully governs her actions so that they remain aligned with her principles. 

A few of the worthy organizations she mentions in the podcast are: Sailors for the Sea; Clean Ocean Access; Save The Bay and Clean Bays. She also tells a wonderful story about a dog from Martinique finding a new home as a direct result of an article she wrote on the Nicholson Yachts blog. You can read that story here.

I enjoyed talking with Anne and and you can learn more about her, and the publication, by visiting yacthinsidersguide.com

Listen to "Anne Vandromme-Hood - Yacht Insider's Guide" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 15, Joe Cooper - Joe Cooper Sailing

My guest for episode 15 is Joe Cooper of Joe Cooper Sailing.

Joe arrived to the podcast straight from coaching a high school sailing team - still half decked out in his drysuit. Born in Sydney, Australia, Joe learned to sail just north of there in an estuary with similar characteristics to that of our Narragansett Bay. Joe has over 60,000 miles at sea and crewed for Australia in the 1977 and 1980 America’s Cup. He also has over 30 years as a sailmaker under his belt.

Joe runs Joe Cooper Sailing which provides coaching and consulting services to teams and boat owners looking to squeeze the maximum performance and value out of their program. He’s also written for major sailing publications and currently contributes to WindCheck magazine with a column called “Coop’s Corner”. You can learn more at http://www.joecoopersailing.com

Listen to "Joe Cooper - Joe Cooper Sailing" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 14, John Fulweiler - Admiralty Lawyer

My guest for this episode is John Fulweiler.  John is an attorney who specializes in Maritime and Admiralty law, but he is also a licensed US Coast Guard Captain; a former towing and salvage captain; a sailor and an author. John has written about the Jones Act as well as a book about a harrowing tale of survival when a local man falls off his boat. That book is called ‘A Swim’ and is available on Amazon.

Learn more at saltwaterlaw.com

Listen to "John Fulweiler - Admiralty Lawyer, Captain, Sailor, Author" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 13, Hank Kniskern - former Chairman of Newport Waterfront Commission

In this episode I speak with Hank Kniskern, former Chairman of the Newport Waterfront Commission, about the proposed changes to the mooring regulations in Newport Harbor. There have been two public meetings, and a first reading by the Newport City Council addressing the changes. There are passionate positions held by both current mooring holders, and those on the waiting list. Hank explains the process and the approach the waterfront commission has taken, as well as some examples of how other harbors manage their harbor and waterfront resources.

Listen to "Hank Kniskern - Former Chairman, Newport Waterfront Commission" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 12, Fair Leads - Jess

This episode features a talk with Fair Leads owner Jess. Jess produces custom hand made dog leashes and collars out of all marine grade materials. She's made and shipped over 3000 of them around the world. Jess is a marine scientist who also boasts an impressive sailing history covering over 40,000 miles in nearly every ocean, and she's the former Executive Director of the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry. You can learn more about her products by visiting thefairlead.com

Listen to "Fair Leads with Jess" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 11 - Antique Yacht Collection with Greg and Alana

I had a blast talking with Greg and Alana of the The Antique Yacht Collection in Newport, RI and Mystic, CT. They are a young, energetic, fun and ambitious couple who have a really cool vibe. They are entrepreneurs in the yacht charter and yacht management scene in southern New England. Their business has been featured in The Wall Street Journal's travel section, and they are the recipient of the 2018 Trip Advisor Award of Excellence. Learn more about their operation at: https://www.antiqueyachtcollection.com

Listen to "Antique Yacht Collection with Greg and Alana" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 10 - Onne van der Wal, Photographer

My guest for this episode is Onne van der Wal. Onne is a world renowned marine photographer based in Newport, Rhode Island where he also has a gallery that features his work.

His photography has appeared in most of the top sailing magazines, boat brochures and the patagonia catalog. Onne is a member of the exclusive Canon Explorers of Light program which is home to some of the most influential photographers in the world. Learn more at his website https://vanderwal.com

Listen to "Onne van der Wal" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 09 - Patrick Abrecht, Sail On Hope San

In this episode I speak with Patrick Abrecht who, along with his wife Monika, own and operate the classic Alden yawl 'Hope San'. You can charter Hope San for a sailing adventure on Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. Patrick's story begins in his native Switzerland and takes us to Newport, Rhode Island through the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) and then on to their purchase and restoration of Hope San. Learn more about their operation at www.sailonhopesan.com or follow them on Instagram @sailonhopesan

Listen to "Patrick Abrecht - Sail on Hope San" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 08 - Fred Roy, Herreshoff S Boat

In this episode I talk with Fred Roy, owner and sailor of a 1930 Herreshoff S Boat. We learn about the restoration of his boat named Surprise, and what it's like to own and race an old wood boat. Fred goes into detail about what makes the S Boat unique and how some of Herreshoff's design features continue to stand the test of time. We learn about the regattas and activities scheduled for next summer as they celebrate the S Boat class 100th Anniversary.

Follow the activity on Instagram @herreshoff_s_class or on the web at nbsclass.org and sclass.org

Listen to "Fred Roy - Herreshoff S Boat" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 07 - Eli Dana, Newport Shipyard

My next guest is Eli Dana from the Newport Shipyard. Eli is the General Manager of the Newport Shipyard and he’s a busy guy with a young family, so really appreciate that he was able to sit down for a chat.

In addition to his duties at the Newport Shipyard, Eli is also a board member of the Rose Island Lighthouse, has experience working in another shipyard when he was away at college,  and he spent some time in New Zealand as a tender driver for an America’s Cup Team. Learn more about the Newport Shipyard at newportshipyard.com

Listen to "Eli Dana - Newport Shipyard" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 06 - John Hirschler from Sightsailing of Newport

In this episode I talk with John Hirschler, owner and entrepreneur behind Sightsailing of Newport. John gives us a great look into how he first got started taking people on sailing tours of Newport Harbor and Narragansett bay, his vision for his company and how he grew the business over the years. See his fleet at www.sightsailing.com

Listen to "Sightsailing" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 05. Stefan Nassaney - Dock Steward, Newport Yacht Club

In this episode, I talk with Stefan Nassaney. Stefan is the Dock Steward at the Newport Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island. He gives us a glimpse into his world of juggling boats, members and the boating public at an active waterfront club. We also talk about his large Siberian Husky, his favorite Magma Grill and a unique skiff he’s in the process of building.

Listen to "Dock Steward Stefan Nassaney - Newport Yacht Club" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 04. Kim Hapgood - Sail Newport

In this episode I talk with Kim Hapgood, Program Director for Sail Newport. Kim shares with us all of the programs and initiatives in which Sail Newport is currently engaged, fills us in on the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race stopover, and shares an entertaining story about retrieving a wedding ring in a box that went overboard.

Learn about the great programs at Sail Newport by visiting: sailnewport.org

Listen to "Kim Hapgood - Sail Newport" on Spreaker.

Podcast excerpt - Trash Skimmers

In this short excerpt from my talk with Dave McLaughlin at Clean Ocean Access, he explains the effectiveness of the Trash Skimmers at removing marine debris. Dave also gives us a brief history of how they were conceived and developed. You can listen to the full conversation with Dave in the previous post.

Learn more about Clean Ocean Access, their mission and how you can get involved by visiting:
http://www.cleanoceanaccess.org

Listen to "Dave McLaughlin from Clean Ocean Access on Trash Skimmers" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast episode 03 - Dave from Clean Ocean Access

In this episode, I speak with Dave McLaughlin. Dave is the Executive Director of Clean Ocean Access. Clean ocean access is a non-profit environmental group that works to promote a healthy ocean that is free of marine debris and water that is safe for all, as well as ocean activities and a shoreline that is accessible to the public. You can learn more and get involved with Clean Ocean Access by visiting their website at http://www.cleanoceanaccess.org

Listen to "Dave from Clean Ocean Access" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast Podcast - episode 02

In this second episode of our new Podcast series, I sat down with Capt. Kent Dresser founder of Confident Captain, a professional training and education company based in Rhode Island. We learn about his company and his experience on everything from small recreational boats to commercial tugs in New York. We talk seamanship and what it's like to be boarded by the Coast Guard for the first time after 28 years on the water.

You can learn more about Confident Captain by visiting http://confidentcaptain.com

Listen to "Capt. Kent on being a Confident Captain" on Spreaker.

Standing Before The Mast podcast episode 01 - Capt. Eric and Save The Bay

We have a new Podcast series called Standing Before the Mast. This is the first episode. It's a fun and relaxing talk with Chris Heaton from Newport Nautical Supply about the waterfront, marine businesses, important groups, events, boating, sailing and interesting characters.

For our inaugural episode, we chat with Capt. Eric Pfirrmann from Save The Bay in Rhode Island. Eric gives us an overview of the mission of Save The Bay, his role there and a bit about his maritime history.

You can learn more about Save The Bay by visiting www.savebay.org

Listen to "Capt. Eric and Save The Bay" on Spreaker.

National Boating Safety Week: May 21-27, 2016

National Boating Safety Week is May 21-27, 2016

As many of us rush to get our boats in the water - often under pressure from marinas and yards - it’s easy to find yourself on the mooring or in your slip having failed to quickly take inventory of your safety equipment.

Boating Safety, Life Jackets, Top Priority of National Safe Boating Week:

Manassas, VA (May 16, 2016) – Boating safety advocates across the United States and Canada have teamed up to promote safe and responsible boating, including consistent life jacket wear during recreational water activities, during National Safe Boating Week to be held from May 21-27, 2016.  

For More information, visit:
ttp://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/boating-safety-life-jackets-top-priority-of-national-safe-boating-week/

You can also keep up with current information by following their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/NationalSafeBoatingCouncil

Life Jackets Required in Rhode Island

According to the Handbook of Rhode Island Boating Laws and Responsibilities, you are required to have the following PFD’s aboard:

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All vessels must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III life jacket for each person on board.

In addition to the above requirement, one U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type IV PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer.

Children under 13 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD (life jacket) while underway in a recreational vessel less than 65 feet in length unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis, a surfboard, or other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.

Each person riding on a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III life jacket.

A Type V life jacket may be substituted for any other type if it is specifically approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the activity at hand.

Besides being USCG–approved, all PFDs must be:

    •    In good and serviceable condition.

    •    Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.

    •    Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for wearable PFDs (life jackets) is based     on body weight and chest size.

Your life jacket won’t work if you don’t wear it. Protect yourself and others—“wear your life jacket.”

In addition to identifying the required PFD’s, this link will also provide you with all other safety equipment you are required to carry based on your vessel size. The page contains helpful pictures that clearly identify the different types of PFD’s mentioned above:
https://www.boat-ed.com/rhodeisland/handbook/page/36/Chapter-6-Required-Equipment/

Additional Resources:

Does your Rhode Island boat registration need renewing?  
https://www.ri.gov/dem/boatrenewal/

Need to take a boating safety course? According to DEM, you need education if you will be operating a PWC or if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, and will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp in Rhode Island. Information on those requirements and how to prepare for and take the test, visit: 
https://www.boat-ed.com/rhodeisland/

Our friends at Confident Captain / Ocean Pros also offer a 2-day course that is ideal for the eager 10-16 year old in your family. It's called Youth Powerboat Camp and you can learn more by visiting their page here: 
http://www.confidentcaptain.com/courses/powerboat-camp

And for a comprehensive listing of Recreational Boater Training by seasoned professionals:
http://www.confidentcaptain.com/recreational-boater-training

If you’re already a seasoned boater and would like to take your learning further by obtaining a USCG License or other advanced certifications, visit our friends at Confident Captain:
http://www.confidentcaptain.com

So have fun on the water, and be safe while doing it!

Our Winter Project

Every now and then you get cabin fever and feel like knocking out a wall or two. This winter was no different for us as we found an opportunity to re-arrange and display our products through a bit of interior expansion, a fresh coat of paint and some new lighting.

Our improved product display space adds 350 square feet for cleaning and maintenance supplies, the Shurhold line of brushes, tools and accessories. With this additional shelf space, we’re also adding to the product lines: Collinite, 3M, StarBrite and Sudbury.

The improved area also accommodates our Trident hose selection, complete with a display board showing all available hoses and their designated application.

So this spring when you stop in, you’ll find our selection has more to offer and it’s easier to find what you’re looking for.