Those Ellusive Crab and Prawn Traps
August 14, 2007
If you are a boater, in particular a sea or ocean-going boater, you have probably tried your hand at catching prawns and/or crabs with their respective pots. And if you have tried this, then you know how many traps or pots you have lost over the years! But it is so rewarding when the traps come up with our dinner, that we try it again, over and over every year.
This is the story of our weekend boating trip and yet another lost prawn trap. My husband and I have been boating for several years with friends on their Bayliner on the west coast and enjoy our excursions through the San Juan Islands in Washington state and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Crabbing and prawn trapping is very popular among both pleasure boaters and commercial fisherman in these areas.
Summertime And Boats… And Boat Insurance
August 13, 2007
Early summertime is the time of year, when boat owners start getting back on the water. I am speaking about pleasure boaters, those who use their boats to make a living fishing are on the water when the fish are under it.
It’s the time of year when boaters need to look at what maintenance that their boats need and make sure that everything is in order like their licensing fees and boat insurance. Now boat insurance and licensing fees aren’t the reason somebody gets a boat, unless they are a masochist, but it is an important part of boat ownership.
People would rather slap another coat of varnish on or replace all the lanyards than think about the financial aspects of boat ownership. That is perfectly normal, part of the reason we get boats is the freedom. We see the boat as an escape from our normal humdrum life especially all those reminders of our day to day responsibilities.
This is especially true in late Spring and early Summer when our thoughts start turning from progress reports and daily production logs to nautical maps and tidal charts.
Crossing Paths With a Legend
August 13, 2007
When 13-year-old Bill Lefakinis first visited the famed yacht Christina O in 1959 on the Hudson River in New York City, little did he realize that a 45 year old bond was about to start with the legendary vessel.
Lefakinis, chairman of Valef Yachts, had an opportunity to visit the now-famous Aristotle Onassis yacht due to a family invitation extended to Spyros Skouras, by the owner. Skouras, chairman of 20th Century Fox, was invited to the yacht, with Winston Churchill and Maria Callas in attendance. This was heady stuff for a young lad, but it also instilled in Lefakinis a love of yachts in general and yachting in particular.
As a result, the Lefakinis love of yachting has led to his stewardship of a yacht chartering business, Valef Yachts.
He fondly relates how Valef Yachts and the Christina O share a joint tradition and history that is remarkable. The "M/Y Christina O" story actually originated in 1943 in Canada. Back then, the ship was known as the frigate Stormont, a convoy escort. Aristotle Onassis bought it in 1954, turning the frigate into the history’s most famous yacht. The Onassis concept for “Christina O” was to convert the vessel into a powerful symbol of his business empire with unique and total elegance.
How A Boat Can Make Retirement A Pleasure
August 12, 2007
Boats are a fine part of any man’s retirement. They give us something to do, offer us new places to see and keep us active mind, body and spirit. We in turn need to care for our boats. Repair and maintenance, proper crewing and proper financing including boat insurance are all things that we need to do to keep our boats safe.
Everyone needs something to do. When we retire far too many of us lose our will to keep striving. All of us, need to feel needed, we need to feel like we are doing something worthwhile. For women, this is often simply the continuation of home life and domestic tranquility that made up most of their lives.
Men on the other hand live their lives with a goal. We work for fifty or more years striving to bring home the bacon. Having a goal in front of us is necessary for our psyche. Many men simply die after retiring because they have nothing to do.
Having a boat gives a man something to do. Keeping it in good repair, learning the skills needed to keep it sailing smoothly and keeping track of the finances including things like boat insurance keeps them sharp.
Asia Cruise Expert Guide
August 11, 2007
Ever since Marco Polo returned from his 24-year trek to China at the end of the 13th century, Asia has beckoned travelers from around the world to explore its enchanted lands courtesy of an Asia cruise. Befitting of a continent that is the largest on Earth, the mesh of countries that make up this landmass embrace some mind-blowing extremes. The thickest forests, highest mountains and longest coastline on the planet all belong to Asia, as do some of the world’s most varied wildlife and plant species..
Few places on Earth can offer cruise visitors such a varied and dramatic experience. From the vestiges of ancient China to the modern day wealth and opulence of Singapore and Taipei, an Asia cruise encapsulates thousands of years of history and diverse cultures in a single voyage…
When choosing an Asia cruise, tourists are presented with a variety of cruise routes to pick from. Many Asia cruises offering a taste of the Orient depart from Beijing in China, taking in Hong Kong and ports of call in Japan and along the Chinese coastline. The more exotic Asia cruises may include stops in Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand…
Whats Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?
August 10, 2007
With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will provide the most romantic and relaxing environment for you and your loved one. The following tips should be helpful to anyone planning for honeymoon cruise vacations.
Be sure to specifically inform your travel agent that this will be a honeymoon cruise; the cruise line will usually prepare special gifts for newlywed couples.
Decide with your new spouse the general area you would like to visit. When people think of honeymoon cruise vacations, the Carribean Sea is usually the first image that comes to mind. Most cruises do tend to cater to the sunbather, but there are incredible honeymoon cruises to hundreds of areas around all continents of the world. Consider them all before you leap forward with your plans!
Think about the size of the vessel before you book. The larger ships can host 3,000 passengers or more. It is literally like a little city on the sea! For a more private and personal setting, there are some which carry only a few dozen people at a time. These smaller yachts, however, are more unstable during storms and heavy winds. This turbulence can make some people nervous or even slightly ill. It’s just something to keep in mind.
Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality
August 9, 2007
Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is the "Ultra Plus" in the elite cruise domain. Their promise is to always go above and beyond. Their passion is to exceed your expectations. Their reward is achieving excellence in your eyes. "Faultless"!
Silversea offers flexible “Personalized Voyages” where guests choose the length of their voyage and ports of embarkation and disembarkation. Prices are based on a simple daily rate. For as little as US$100 per person, guests on all ships may embark earlier than the standard 3PM and disembark as late as 5PM.
Atmosphere:
Genuinely hospitable, and sociable with the emphasis on excellence. Each and every special touch is introduced with such style and finesse you’ll quickly feel like a preferred member of the world’s most intimate country club. A ceremonious white gloves greeting and flute of chilled champagne welcomes you. Available in your suite is Bvlgari toiletries and plush robes. Placed on your pillow, Godiva chocolates.
Service:
Silversea’s mission is to deliver guest comfort and benefits at a level unparalleled in the hospitality industry. Which is why the crew to guest ratio is (1.34:1). Expect to be treated with loving care with your space and privacy respected (there is no ship photographer to insist upon a pose). Dining staff is handpicked from the very best hotels and restaurants. Gratuities are not required.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises! Where Luxury Goes Exploring
August 8, 2007
Luxury goes exploring! How faithfully these words portray the elegance, exemplary service and much-lauded itineraries, which are the very hallmark of Radisson’s Cruises. Long ensconced in the upper niche of 6-star cruising, Radisson welcomes guests to its five eclectic, trend setting ships as old and valued friends!
Atmosphere:
Atmospheres are luxurious of course, yet there is also the feeling of unpretentious informality and a relaxed conviviality, which quickly brings guests together. You are always in your element no matter which ship you select. No noisome crowds, no bothersome announcements interrupt.
Accommodations:
Blissful, private cocoons scrupulously maintained by discreet hotel staff who seems to sense by osmosis when they are necessary.
Service:
Old World civility, Radisson’s top to bottom insistence on uncompromising quality results in matchless service happily unobtrusive and defined in very personal terms. In restaurants servers are observant, never obsequious.
Dining:
Naturally there are times when guests would prefer to savor the pleasures of the table privately en suite, and so on all Radisson ships, 24 hour room service is available featuring the chef’s entrées during dining hours and a select menu at other times.
Crystal Cruises: An Air Of Elegance, Presence Of Beauty, And Incredible Spirit Of Adventure
August 8, 2007
On a Crystal cruise it is not difficult to find what you seek. In fact, your search for a place beyond ordinary is over. "Splendidly Uncommon"! Ablaze with intoxicating color and high style, Crystal Cruises’ Harmony, Symphony and Serenity are ships of superlatives that capture the aura of extravagant parties, big, snazzy cars and high tea in the Palm Court while Porter, Gershwin, Mozart and Bach float on the air.
The Experience:
Six-star elegance and style personified! Accommodations include ocean-view staterooms and suites, which many are with private verandahs (Crystal Harmony offers a small number of inside staterooms as well). Full 360-degree teak promenade deck, In-stateroom Internet access, and Butler Service in categories (PH, PS and CP). Choice of classic, main, or late seating in the Crystal Dining Room. Several alternatives to dining venues, 24-hour room service, and wine cellar with over 20,000 bottles (200 vintages and a special Reserve Wine List).
Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To Yachting Vacations
August 7, 2007
Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the rich or famous; the price being unachievable for most people. Prices have now dropped considerably with the introduction of chartering and many yacht owners now offer other potential seafarers the opportunity to ‘rent’ their boat for their dream vacation.
Yachting means you aren’t confined to any one area, or even any one island; giving you the opportunity to visit various beaches, coves and beautiful coastlines on your travels. Alternatively, you can remain on your boat and watch the sun rises and the sun set over the clear horizon of the sea. Whether you are looking for an action packed vacation in the destinations of your dreams or a tranquil, even romantic getaway for you, your family and loved ones. The possibilities are endless.
Where you can go on your yachting vacation.
Whether you choose to go bareboat, take a captain, or even an entire crew there is bound to be a destination to suit you. Many destinations offer the complete package for your vacation. Spend a couple of days in a secluded cove, exploring the beaches and seeing the beautiful plants and wildlife and then the rest of your vacation in the exotic harbour on the next island. Everything is possible on a yachting vacation.
