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Thursday, August 26th, 2010
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a possible missing boater after an empty yacht mysteriously washed ashore near Madeira Beach in Florida.
The search was suspended Wednesday night, Coast Guard officials said.
The empty 48-foot boat washed up on the beach about 1 p.m. Wednesday, triggering a police investigation and a Coast Guard rescue mission.
The Coast Guard sent out two rescue vessels and a helicopter but was not able to locate anybody.
Adding to the mystery is the fact that the vessel is registered to the federal government, CNN-affiliate WFTS reported.
Also when the ship came ashore the engine was still running and lights were on, witnesses told the affiliate.
The sight shocked some.
“We do not see something like this often. I have lived here since 1958 I have never seen a boat this size beached like this,” Rob Klingel told the affiliate.
Danita Gainey who lives in Redington Beach which is near Madeira Beach, said the sight gave her a bad feeling.
“I do not know what to say. I can’t explain it. I don’t want to say anything bad. It’s hard to say anything good when you see something like that,” Gainey said.
Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office are investigating the incident and trying to track down the owner of the boat.
Witnesses say boat’s engine was still running and lights on when it hits shore.
Source [TBO]
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Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Shawn Mattiuz, manager of the Hapuku Fish Shop in Market Hall, a collection of upscale food purveyors in Oakland’s bustling Rockridge district, has been watching the Gulf seafood saga play out in the ice-cooled trays of his display cases.
For a few days after the oil spill turned into a crisis this spring, demand stalled as “everybody freaked out,” he said. Since then, he says concern has died down and he’s selling about the same amount of Gulf shrimp as he did pre-spill.
“I get a lot of questions about it, definitely. They want to know if it’s regulated,” says Mattiuz. “The truth of the matter is from everything that I’ve read, it’s more highly regulated now than it ever has been.”
More Gulf waters are reopening to fishermen, and government officials say seafood cleared for sale has been thoroughly vetted. Whether consumers are buying those assurances — and the fish — remains to be seen.
Nationally, an Associated Press-GfK poll that surveyed 1,007 adults nationwide between Aug. 11-16 found that 54 percent did not trust the seafood.
But Jimmy Galle, founder of Sausalito-based Gulfish LP and supplier to Hapuku and a number of upscale restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area and elsewhere, says his business has begun to grow again after a few lean months. “And the shrimp has been nothing less than spectacular lately,” he said.
Ann Cashion, co-owner of Johnny’s Halfshell in Washington, D.C., one of Galle’s clients, sees concerns about Gulf seafood safety fading.
“I find that people aren’t even asking right now. It was more on top of people’s brains when the oil was still flowing,” she said.
Cashion believes the testing is thorough, particularly because state officials are involved. “The state of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast in general has so much to lose if there is any kind of problem with any seafood that gets through inspection, so I know the inspection is going to be thorough and is going to err on the side of ‘Let’s don’t take any chances,’” she said.
Not everyone shares that confidence in Gulf seafood, which accounts for about 2 percent of overall U.S. seafood consumed.
“I would say that I always have a skeptical eye toward government regulation and government certification of things,” said Genie Gratto, an Oakland food blogger. “It’s been proven time and time again that, first of all government certification of food is such a massive job — the USDA and the FDA tend to be pretty understaffed in those kind of inspection areas — there’s no way they can get everything.”
On the other hand, she does have confidence in buying from trusted suppliers, like the small meat and fish market she shops at. She also tries to buy local, which doesn’t include Gulf seafood.
The Natural Resources Defense Council and other groups recently asked the Food and Drug Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to strengthen procedures for determining whether seafood is safe and whether fishing areas should be reopened.
They also want sampling protocols and data published online.
“We’re not saying that the seafood is not safe,” said Gina Solomon, a senior scientist with NRDC. “We’re basically raising questions about the government’s procedures, their scientific procedures and their transparency.” One issue is whether government standards are strict enough to protect vulnerable populations, she said. “We want to make sure that the government is setting up a robust seafood safety testing program that will be able to protect the public for years to come, because that’s how long this problem is likely to last.”
The FDA is reviewing the NRDC letter, but officials are confident in the protocols, said agency spokeswoman Meghan Scott.
The main issue with oil contamination is potential cancer-causing substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. These are pollutants that show up in other foods as well, such as grilled meat.
If there is contamination, fish metabolize it fastest, oysters and crabs slowest and shrimp are somewhere between.
Testing includes “sniffers,” who check for traces of oil and lab tests on ground up seafood to check for signs of contaminants.
Because of strict adherence to procedures, the FDA “feels confident in the safety of seafood coming from these waters,” Scott said in an e-mail. “We also understand that we must remain vigilant to ensure the safety of seafood coming from the Gulf. As such, FDA and NOAA will continue to monitor both water and seafood to ensure that tainted fish is not allowed into the marketplace.”
Like Mattiuz, John Currence, chef/owner of the City Grocery Restaurant Group in Oxford, Miss., has been getting a lot of questions about Gulf seafood — but not because customers are nervous.
“People have, through the entirety of this crisis, actually questioned us about our seafood because they wanted to support the Gulf fisheries and the Gulf fishermen, not because they were afraid of the quality of what was available out there,” he said.
Like others, he’s concerned about the long-term effects of the spill, “but nobody has any idea of what the actual answer to that is. So the question is, are we going to sit here and wring our hands in fear for what the future may bring? Or are we going to do our best to make the Gulf heal and be glad for what’s coming through our doors every day that is entirely on par with what we were getting April 19 (before the spill began.)
In Oakland, about half a dozen customers stopping by Hapuku Fish during a recent lunch-hour seemed unfazed at the idea of buying Gulf seafood. One exception was Louise Booth, a homemaker in the east San Francisco Bay. She wasn’t ready to buy Gulf seafood “for a while. I know it’s been authorized, but ….” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
But regular customer Sharon Francis of Oakland happily selected some fresh Gulf shrimp to go with a paella. “I just trust my fishmonger,” she said. “I know these guys carry the best.”
Source [
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
The Le Boat 1500 Series will change the way boating holidays are both perceived and enjoyed forever. The three models (8+, 6+, 4+) boast a range of technical features and creature comforts that are set to revolutionise the holiday boating industry, giving customers the chance to enjoy luxurious, green boating holidays on Europe’s beautiful inland waterways
NEW HYBRID TECHNOLOGY ensures greener boating holidays for the future: The Le Boat 1500 Series allows the customer to cruise via a conventional diesel engine or under electric power with zero noise, zero pollution and zero fuel consumption – helping to preserve the waterways for the enjoyment of future generations.
Each boat has six solar panels to generate green energy that is stored in the boat’s industry-leading battery bank (produced by Valence Technology) making cruising possible even on cloudy days. Electric energy will also be provided via the boat’s generator and shore power connectivity.
The superior diesel engine is built using the latest marine technology by Volkswagen Marine and has very low CO2 emissions.
The low-wave making hull is specially designed to minimise bank erosion and large holding tanks store all grey and black water.
A range of other technology enhancements and benefits for the customer – such as low wattage LED lighting and minimal flush toilet systems are also being developed.
NEW JOYSTICK STEERING makes the Le Boat 1500 Series the easiest to drive and manoeuvre: The new Le Boat 1500 Series will without doubt be the easiest boat on the waterways to manoeuvre thanks to the introduction of revolutionary joystick technology and a steerable POD drive system which eliminates the need for a rudder. Le Boat is the first company to install these features into an inland waterways commercial hire fleet. The joystick will be in addition to two conventional interior and exterior steering positions with steering wheels.
The steerable POD drive system, which is connected to the boat’s bow thruster, will give customers greater cruising control while the joystick enables the boat to rotate 360 degrees and dock sideways alongside the canal bank. These unique features are set to revolutionise and simplify mooring and docking procedures, change the way cruising holidays are enjoyed for the better.
NEW LUXURIOUS INTERIOR – designer cruising arrives: With all models built on the same 14.97m x 4.65m hull, the new Le Boat 1500 Series is the most luxurious and spacious boat in the Le Boat fleet and designed to provide a home-from-home environment. All cabins have flat screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms and have individual air-conditioning. Cabins have flexible twin/double layouts with additional space for children via fold-down beds. All beds are standard-sized with proper mattresses for maximum comfort.
A spacious arc-shaped saloon will comfortably accommodate all passengers and provide access to the foredeck. A convertible settee sleeps one extra person if required. The open-plan kitchen galley has been designed for great on-board socialising while appliances such as the large fridge-freezer with ice compartment and regular-sized oven while make for easy catering for all onboard. There will be standing headroom and level flooring throughout and large windows on all sides will increase the feeling of light and space as well as provide panoramic views. The huge top deck (flybridge) has plenty of comfortable seating and a large bimini (sun canopy) as well as a gas BBQ, bar fridge and outer shower/sink.
The new Le Boat 1500 Series will be available as a range of models and will be available in France, Germany and Italy in 2011. The first 50 boats will join the Le Boat fleet at the start of the 2011 season, with more set to join the fleet in the coming years as Le Boat builds a greener and cleaner fleet for the future.
Commenting on the new boats Lex Raas, TUI Marine CEO, says: “It is a privilege to be involved in the creation of a totally new concept for the inland waterways boating industry. I believe the new Le Boat 1500 Series will not only become the most sought after model for our customers, but it will also set the standards for environmentally-conscious cruising for the future. Waterways authorities and tourism companies connected with the waterways have to work in partnership to protect and preserve the waterways for the enjoyment of future generations and I will personally ensure that Le Boat continues to push the boundaries.”
Models:
Le Boat 15-02: 2 luxurious equal-sized en-suite cabins each with fold-down child’s bed and comfortable seating (4+3)
Le Boat 15-03A 3 equal-sized cabins, each with optional fold-down child’s bed and en-suite bathrooms (6+4)
Le Boat 15-03 B: 1 master cabin with optional fold down child’s bed and 2 smaller cabins – all en-suite (6+2)
Le Boat 15-04 4 equal-sized cabins and 4 en-suite bathrooms (8+1)
Notes to Editor: Le Boat will be showcasing and officially launching the new boat at the Paris Boat Show in December. If you wish to discuss joining us at the show please contact Laura Hamlin laura.hamlin(at)tuiactivity(dot)com
Le Boat is the largest operator of self-drive boating holidays on the waterways of Europe, operating its own fleet of 1000+ self-drive cruisers from a network of over 40 different departure bases across eight European countries. Le Boat brings together over 40 years of expertise and experience of Crown Blue Line and Connoisseur in Europe and Emerald Star in Ireland.
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Nav Tracker 2.0 GPS
In January 2009, thieves ran PWCs up to a 35-foot Fountain that was docked in Fort Lauderdale, cut her lines, and quickly towed her away. Within seconds, the boat’s owner received a text message on his cellphone alerting him to the fact that the vessel was on the move and providing her exact positioning, speed, and heading. Armed with this information, he contacted the Broward County Sheriff’s Department, which immediately dispatched a helicopter to track and retrieve the stolen vessel. Though the would-be thieves escaped as the chopper hovered overhead, the $200,000 boat was recovered in good condition. And the total time for the entire operation? A mere 54 minutes.
Though this kind of retrieval might sound well suited to a cops-and-robbers flick, last January’s recovery was very real. In fact, it’s just one of a slew of similar tales that Paradox Marine proudly posts on its Web site, and deservedly so. There’s little doubt that the quick rescue was possible thanks to the company’s Inmarsat satellite-based Nav-Tracker 2.0 system, which—along with the Marine Magellan system—is one of its signature security offerings for boats of all sizes.
| The NAV-TRACKER 2.0 GPS TRACKING SYSTEM |
The The Nav-Tracker 2.0 will keep you informed of your boat’s location
through a GPS tracking service provided by the new Inmarsat Isat M2M
service. |
Key features:
|
Daily transmissions of location and status
Passive geofence arm and disarm
Real time GPS tracking through INMARSAT Isat M2M satellite service
When in geo-fence alarm, unit transmits location, speed and heading every 15 minutes
Stand alone system or wirelessly integrate with all Marine Magellan packages
Monitor one sensor, optional sensors include:
-High water
-SOS / panic button
-Door contact
-Temp sensor
-Beam sensor or any normally open sensing device
This extremely reliable service, formerly used exclusively by commercial vessels, is now available to the private boat owner. When armed, the system passively sets a 500 meter geo-fence (radius) around the vessel. In the event the geo-fence is breached, as many as 8 recipients you designate will receive an email and/or text message displaying the vessel name, its location in latitude and longitude, the closest city, its speed and heading. The unit will also send you a daily status report with the same information. Finally boat owners can have peace of mind knowing where their boat is at all times.
Paradox Products Magellan
Another of Paradox’s signature products is the Magellan system, which comes in a variety of packages and models, including the Inmarsat- and cellular-based Insight. (Magellan package prices range from $1,499 to $7,000.) This system grants owners near-complete access to their boat from any computer or phone with Internet access, as long as she’s within Inmarsat’s satellite-network range (which Keenan says is basically, “everywhere except for the north and south poles”).
Like the Nav-Tracker, the Magellan Insight sends warnings via voice, e-mail, or text message, alerting owners to all manner of situations—say if there’s high water in the bilge or if the vessel’s batteries are running low. Owners can also log on to a personal Web page to view streaming video from their onboard cameras and can control all A.C. and D.C. accessories from their cellphone. Keenan reports that owners have been known to use this function to boot up the air conditioning before they arrive at their marina or make sure there’s ice ready if they’re heading out for a day of angling.
But the system isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about security. The Marine Magellan can accommodate as many as 32 wireless sensors to be hidden around a vessel, everything from smoke detectors to invisible, photoelectric beam sensors, which are often used in the cockpit and flying bridge. There are even canvas-snap sensors, which are exactly what they sound like: hidden triggers epoxied into boat-cover snaps that activate if the cover is tampered with. The Marine Magellan Insight then immediately sends location information to several prearranged individuals (just as with the Nav-Tracker), which can also be viewed on Google Earth and which are updated every 15 minutes. Plus, the two-way voice reporting that comes with the Insight means that once you’ve been alerted to a theft, it’s possible to dial into your boat’s system and actually communicate with the intruder onboard your vessel. “Owners can talk to the thief and say, ‘the police are on their way,’” explains Keenan. All from the safety of a remote location, of course.
Inferno Intenso Marine sound barrier
In response to past increased pirate activity, Paradox Marine offers the Inferno Intenso Marine sound barrier, a device that generates an unbearable noise frequency pattern that “immediately disrupts the activities of onboard intruders, i.e. terrorists, pirates or robbers, and buys time for crews to reach safe havens.”
It also works as a siren, has built-in sabotage protection, a long-life battery and a durable casing that withstands the elements of the marine environment, according to the manufacturer. One unit covers areas up to 750 square feet. The Inferno works in standalone mode or can be integrated with Paradox Marine’s vessel security, tracking and monitoring systems. What’s more, since May 25 the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Directive 104-6 has required U.S.-flagged vessels that operate in high-risk waters to have security protocols in place that are fit to deter, detect and disrupt piracy. MSRP starts at $2,199 for the marinized version. Paradox Marine, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The Inferno Intenso Sound Barrier machine from Protect Security Systems is a sound alarm security device that can be paired with other security machines like a fog cannon or strobe light. This product from Protect Security Systems Ltd if paired with these machines become the ultimate security machine.
The Inferno Intenso Sound Barrier machine comes in a compact size measuring 685 mm in length, 106 mm in width and 40 mm in height. A discreet sound alarm like this can be easily installed or mounted above doors or other access points. With improved built-in battery features, the Inferno Intenso Sound Barrier machine can send off an alarm continuously for more than 30 minutes and has a standby of 1 month on one full battery charge.
This wall mounted sound alarm system also has automatic battery checking, a battery backup feature and weighs only 1.7 kg. The Inferno Intenso Sound Barrier also has an anti-sabotage quality, with hidden cables and compatibility with several alarm system panels. Its sound alarm operates at a frequency area of 2.5 kHz, and acoustic effect of 125 to 127 dB (A), which is in full compliance with Danish decibel guidelines.
Source [Paradox Products]
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Monday, July 26th, 2010
1. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s mega-yacht Eclipse
Arrive on board the Eclipse by helicopter and choose to disembark on one of the two helipads that are closest to your quarters. A lift then takes you down the nine stories to your desired location, where no doubt a steward will meet you with a crystal flute of champagne. Each of the 24 guests that can be accommodated on board can enjoy the privacy of their own rooms, with each VIP suite having a balcony from where they can enjoy the fresh air and sublime views. Exciting features like a disco, a cinema, an outside pool, hot tubs, a bar, numerous lounges and even a rounded glass room in the stern which allows for panoramic views are all on offer to entertain guests. If cruising at 25 knots is not adventurous enough for you, there are 20 jet skis, numerous pleasure boats and even a submarine to get guests out on the ocean for some adrenalin-pumping action.
2. The Dubai, 524 feet
With her 524 feet in length, this unique vessel offers all an Owner can dream off. With her elegant and timeless designed exterior lines from renowned designer Andrew Winch, her true size and volume remain hidden from the eye.
Her unique interior styling designed by Platinum Yachts Interior Design department combines all the possible materials and colors together in a unsurpassed and unbelievable beautiful interior, made with the precision and quality in finishing as can be expected for this unique yacht.
Her dramatic open glass staircase with three elevators serving all the decks, connects a large number of guest suites, VIP suites and the full Owners deck with the large dinning area and a variety of formal and informal saloons. The exterior decks combine a variety of pools, Jacuzzi’s, sunbathing areas and exterior dinning areas together with the swimming platform for unlimited water-sports activities with a wide variety of water-sports-equipment and toys.
Capable of carrying a 9.5 ton helicopter with refueling capabilities, together with two large guest tenders accessible via the boarding platforms on the side of the vessel, the Owner and his guests can board in even the most remote areas.
The fully redundant engine room installation ensures trouble free operation anywhere in the world. The propulsion installation consists of two shaft lines with controllable pitch propellers, each driven through a gearbox by two MTU diesel engines; fully flexible mounted to guarantee the lowest possible noise and vibration levels onboard and powerful enough to sail 26 knots. An AC installation capable of handling the Middle East climate conditions ensure a comfortable stay on board in any condition or climate.
3. Al Said, 509 feet
The motor yacht AL SAID is a 155 m 509 (foot) imposing steel ship which was crafted at Lurssen Yachts and her design is by Lurssen and Espen Oeino. Sleeping 70 passengers and 154 crew members, motor yacht AL SAID was registered as (Project Sunflower). This balanced boat was designed with the naval architecture of Lurssen and Espen Oeino. Espen Oeino produced the interior design and styling. Motor yacht AL SAID was launched in 2007 for Sultan Sayyed Qabus bin Said as Said of Oman, also known as Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The enormous luxury yacht motor yacht AL SAID can sleep as many as 70 people and 154 professional crew. Al Said has a forward sundeck structure and a sandy color. Her tenders and amenities are kept secret, but aerial shots indicate at least a helipad aft on one of the upper decks.
4. Prince Abdulaziz, 482 feet
This floating mansion was launched in 1984 as the largest yacht in the world and held the title for more than 10 years until it was bumped from the top spot by the Dubai.The ship belonged to the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia for decades but was passed to Prince Abdullah (now King Abdullah), his brother, upon his death.The large lobby on the main deck was reportedly designed after the Titanic with large spaces and classical furniture. The yacht is equipped for 22 guests with 12 staterooms.
5. El Horriya, 475 feet
This Egyptian presidential yacht is not only one of the world’s largest but also one of the oldest. Built in 1865 in London, the yacht was intended for the King of Egypt. Originally named Mahroussa, El Horriya was extended in 1872 and again in 1905. Nowadays she is berthed in Alexandria and is listed as a training ship by the Egyptian Navy. Originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, this historic yacht was present at the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal in 1869, when she was used to receive visiting dignitaries. She was lengthened by 12.1m in 1872, when her paddle wheels were removed, and by a further 5.2m in 1905. Her last major rebuild was in 1950. El Horriya was the Egyptian representative at the Bicentennial Fleet Review in New York harbour in 1976, after which she slipped into disrepair while being used as a museum ship. In 1992 a major effort was put into making her seaworthy enough to travel to Italy for the Christopher Columbus Fleet Review. She now serves as the Presidential Yacht but is seldom seen in public. She is usually berthed in Alexandria, where she is cared for by the Egyptian Navy, which lists her as a training ship.
Sources[ boatinternational.com] [Yachtpals.com]
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Monday, July 19th, 2010
Like flying an airplane, expert boat handling takes both knowledge and some practice. Everyone fears docking a boat in a jam packed marina fearing they are gonna hit another boat and cause damage. There is no simple way to dock your boat but take these few tips to better help you prevent damaging your boat.
All idle speed handling is accomplished with the shifters and throttles, never the steering wheel. If you are attempting to use the wheel while docking STOP! The rudders are of little or no help at slow speeds. Why? Because like an aircraft wing, if there is no air flowing over the wing, the plane won’t fly. If there is no water flowing around the rudder, the boat won’t steer, so there’s no point in trying to steer your way into a dock. It won’t work.
The first step in learning precision control is to become skilled at the use of throttles and shifters. You do that by finding the time and right place to practice. A good time is on a weekday when there is little traffic; a good place is something like a gas dock at the end of a T dock where you have lots of maneuvering room. The objective here is to have a place near a large bulkhead dock where you can use the dock as a point of reference. You know that if you put one engine in forward, and the other in reverse, the boat is going to pivot on its axis. Some boats will pivot precisely on it’s axis, others will not.
The most common mistake boater’s make when attempting to dock their boats is to try and approach the dock in a straight line. By approaching the dock from an angle, however, it will much easier to get close without scraping and to hit the spot you’re aiming for. Thirdly, the speed at which you come in to the dock must be controlled. Anything you’ve ever been told about the best docking techniques in boating probably mentioned that it requires you to run your boat in at the slowest possible speed.
Angled Docking
You already know that trying to dock by driving the boat into the dock at an angle doesn’t work too well. At least not if you don’t know what to do once you get there. This method is similar to pulling up to a curb where no other cars are present and you don’t have to parallel park between two cars. We can use a variation of the Head-in technique shown in the top illustration by angling in, but then put the bow right up against a piling, and again use that piling as a pivot point, by pushing against it as the boat rotates on its axis. This is the preferred method if you have strong winds or tides. Holding the bow against the piling means that the boat is staying in the same place so that you’re less likely to slide forward hit the boat in front of you. However, be aware that the farther the boat is into the turn, the more the bow is going to want to slip off the piling, and the more you have to use the reversed engine to hold it back. Keep in mind that is it possible to make the boat go sideways, or rather pivot the stern toward the dock, by using the piling as a push-point.
Whether you are right or left handed will make a difference on which side you are docking. Right handed people will probably find it more difficult to dock starboard side to, so practice on both sides. Believe me, its really worth taking the time to practice this because once you do, never again will you be embarrassed by a clumsy docking job in front of a crowd of people. Just remember that you will encounter all sorts of unexpected docking conditions, so you need to learn all three techniques.
Winds and Tides
Most people have terrible problems with strong winds or tides because they never learned how to deal with them. The fact is that you can always use the wind and tide to your advantage rather than letting it be your enemy. I’m not going to be able to explain this in much detail, but the basic principle is: Always dock into the wind or tide if that is possible. Even if its not, you can still turn adverse conditions to advantage. On face piers, the current is usually parallel to the dock, so it can be used to advantage. The wind is a different story because it can be from any direction.
Slip Docking
Backing into a slip is the most difficult docking maneuver of all, where it is imperative that you are constantly alert to wind and current. And to be successful, you must use these conditions to your advantage. I don’t have to tell you about the Chinese fire drills that go on all weekend long at crowed marinas, and I’m sure you’d like to graduate from these Keystone Kops routines. Everything you’ve done so far is going to help you become one of those guys standing on the dock with a smug grin.
There are two ways to back a boat into a slip: Straight in or pivot the boat around a piling, if a piling is available, which it usually is. Obviously, you can only back straight in when there is no wind or tide, or at least not until you become very adept. So let’s take pivoting first since its easiest. Essentially, you’re going to do the same thing as you did when approaching a bulkhead dock, putting the bow up against a piling and turning off it. Only now you’re going to put the stern quarter up against the piling and pivot in reverse. Now that you can move your boat nice and slowly into position, again using wind and tide to advantage because you’re checked these conditions out BEFORE you started the operation, you won’t have any trouble laying your stern quarter up against a piling at the head of the slip.
The best advice that one could ever receive when looking for information on the best docking techniques in boating would be to take it slow, don’t get nervous or discouraged and most importantly, remember that every time you try it, will make it a little easier the next time.
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