Soloing The Americas

Navigating the Northwest Passage is a task not many sailors would attempt, even in the best conditions. Not even in a large over-powered well equipped vessel with a full crew. Matt Rutherford, who is a seasoned sailor, is completing the task by single handedly sailing it in a 27 foot boat while also attempting to circumnavigate the Americas. Matt started and will end his mission in Annapolis, MD but his actual circumnavigation officially started when he crossed the tunnel of the Chesapeake Bay bridge, which he did so on the 13th of June. This is where his paths will cross. Matt is not attempting this undertaking for the mere challenge, but more-so for to raise money for 'C.R.A.B' (Chesapeake Regional Assessable Boating). C.R.A.B is an Annapolis based non-profit group that provides people with mental and physical disabilities sailing opportunities. Visit Matt's website where you can keep up with his daily updates and his current speed, which is updated by the second.

Docking by Joystick

It's been around for years in large motor yachts, but Beneteau's new Dock & Go System will soon be available on all of it's new spring 2011 sailboats powered by Yanmar's 75HP SD engines. The new docking system will be unveiled at the Annapolis Boat Show, October 7-11.

The Dock & Go will make docking in tight spaces relatively effortless and they claim that it is so simple even a child could steer a boat into port.

For more information visit the Beneteau website.

Novice Navigator

I love this story!!!

You have to admire this man's sense of adventure, but he might should limit his adventures to land, as I should limit myself to reading and not writing.

To sum up this story. An un-named novice boatsman set off to circumnavigate Great Britain, which is roughly 5,000 miles around. Thinking he was about to accomplish this feat, he finds instead, that he has only circumnavigated the Isle of Sheppy which is approximately 30 miles in circumference.

Visit Sail World for the complete story.

Jordan Highway Lift Bridge in Norfolk Area Closed

If you are a frequent traveler on the ICW, north or south, and you plan to be passing through the Norfolk area this year. Good news! You will have one less bridge to contend with. The Jordan Highway Lift Bridge, located at mile marker 2.8 of the waterway, was open permanently to vessel traffic as of 11/08/08. The bridge was deemed condemned for vehicle traffic and will be left in the up position for boaters.

Volvo Ocean Racers... Take notice!!!

Participants of the annual Volvo Ocean Race should take notice of the online game version of the race. With more than 150,000 participants in the online race, there are thousands of different tracks to the finish line. All kinds of scenario's, using actual wind conditions are being played out right before their eyes. Although the participants of the real race are highly experienced experts in navigation, which of course is needed to enter a race like the VOR. It is possible that they may be able to learn from the successes of some of the top and less experienced gamers, and maybe even learn from the failures of the rest of the field.

In recent years, participants of the VOR may have been curious, but fearful, of taking certain routes. Maybe the thought of failure kept them from plotting a heading, hundreds, if not thousands of miles out of their way. In many cases there's a good chance that someone participating in the game has traveled that route. Sure, the sailboats in the game are only controlled by wind directions and they don't take into account the wave conditions and ocean currents, but maybe it will at least give them a hint to possible routes to consider.

For All You Virtual Sailors!

You may have... or maybe you haven't noticed, but I haven't written in my blog these past few days. The reason for it? I found an online game that has consumed all of my extra online time. If you're like me, and are unable to participate in the real Volvo Ocean Race, or if you just don't have the time or a boat to go out sailing on your own. Then this might be the next best thing. OK... maybe not... but you'll find it addicting anyway. It's called the Volvo Ocean Race game. The game is a virtual race played out in 'real time', and the participants are in a sailboat race around the world. Currently, there are over 150,000 contestants, so you can imagine the competitiveness of the game. If the thrill of competition is not enough for you... they add the enticement of giving the winner a new Volvo, along with some other great prizes. Don't worry if you are a late entry, I was... you should enter anyway... the game will automatically inject you into the back of the pack, so you can get a feel of the game. The good thing is, you will be able to start anew in the next leg of the race.

I would tell you the name of my boat, but I won't, in fear of revealing how poor of even a virtual sailor I am. Check it out!!!

Scuba Olympics???

Scuba Olympics? Whoda thunk it. The events, which were held in Laro Florida, included a parade, the 100 meter dive buddy tow, balloon lift, three-legged buddy race, bicycle event, obstacle course for professionals, awards presentation and prize ceremony. Mayor Pat Gerard of Largo gave the opening remarks.

The event was held to raise money for their local Special Olympic Swim Team program.

Both Largo Aquatics Manager Mark N. Abdo and Bill Hardman, vice president of the Professional Association of Dive Operators, have high hopes that the event will be held annually.

I wish them many games to come. The money is going to a great cause.

Follow the link for the full story.

First Florida Scuba Olympics a breathtaking event for divers