Tru Vu Sailing Systems

Archive for April, 2010

SINGER Whitney Houston was forced to ditch the trappings of stardom in favour of a car ferry across the Irish Sea to perform in Dublin, it was revealed.

The 46-year-old star, who is in the middle of her Nothing But Love world tour, said she opted for the boat after no-fly orders shut down airports across Ireland and the UK.

She is due to play the first of three nights at The O2 in the Irish capital tonight.

“When Whitney was made aware of the airport closures due to the volcanic ash, she made the decision to drive from Birmingham to Dublin via the ferry so that she would not disappoint her Irish fans,” promoters said.

“She is delighted to be in Ireland and is very much looking forward to performing.”

It is always important for one to check their boat instruments to ensure they are working properly, as it is common for anything mechanical or electrical to experience more problems under wet conditions. However, many boating accidents are caused more often by failing boat lights, which can lead to a serious night time accident. It is important to make sure that night time visibility is optimal, and a good way to guarantee that is to purchase a new light once a year. Magnalight.com has new boat lights available just for the occasion.

Kemp, TX (PRWEB) July 15, 2008 — These days, consumers are smarter about buying. For years, many were suckered into spending less money for products of lesser quality, thinking they were getting a good deal. However, as many come to learn sooner or later, whether by experience or through an external source of information, it is often better to spend more to get more. When it comes to electronics, this holds truer than most purchases will, since when evaluating the need for a new piece of electronics on which safety may depend, that purchase is more important.

Ready or not, summer is here, and with water activities becoming more permitted and more populated in certain areas, such as more boats inhabiting the lake or bay, safety is a huge concern. Although many will attest to the fact that electronics products and water don't mix well, some require the assistance of various pieces of electronics on their boats. Among these, boat lights may be the most important in relation to safety on the water. Larson Electronics realizes this, which is why they have put extra care and quality into their newest boat lights. Consider the importance of headlights on the highway, even when there are street lamps to show the way. How much more will one depend on a quality, functioning boat light in the middle of the pitch black water?

Most boat lights are known to break, which is where that Consumer's Digest or well-informed friend will come in handy. Almost as important as purchasing new boat lights regularly, buying the right one can be the difference between smooth sailing and a disaster. Although unfortunate, boating accidents are not uncommon, however, they are preventable most of the time. A working boat light is the best way to ensure that your boat will not show up on television as bad news. Additionally, purchasing that new boat light from a reputable distributor is the first step to finding a durable one.

For more information on quality boat lights, please visit Magnalight.com

Author: Rob Larson

National Safe Boating Council honors Sperry Top-Sider with its prestigious 50th Anniversary Golden Burgee.

Lexington, Mass (PRWEB) February 3, 2009 — The company who invented the first boat shoe, Sperry Top-Sider®, has been a proud member of the boating community for almost 75 years. And for a half century, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has worked tirelessly to educate boaters on safe, fun ways to enjoy the water.

Today, both organizations join together in recognition of the common mission of safe boating, as the NSBC honors Sperry Top-Sider with its prestigious 50th Anniversary Golden Burgee.

"Our work at NSBC would be impossible if not for the generous, continued support of true boating advocates like Sperry Top-Sider," said Virgil Chambers, executive director. "Their commitment allows us to focus on our important work of educating the public on safe boating habits."

Since inventing its famous siped outsole that provides sure footing and tracking on slick, wet surfaces, Sperry Top-Sider has played a natural role in safe and fun boating. The company's formal support of the NSBC allows for that mission to touch thousands each and every year through the organization's many programs.

"We're proud to be a part of the NSBC's effort, and are honored by this recognition," said Sperry Top-Sider President Craig Reingold. "Each day spent by the water is a gift and our work with NSBC is one illustration of our commitment to helping more people enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of life in, on and around the sea."

About Sperry Top-Sider
Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those who love the water. From its introduction of the world's first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction, to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear and apparel. Available around the globe in fine independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of US SAILING, National Safe Boating Council and Team Horton-Nichols. Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider supports a wide-range of water-related activities through its many sponsorships, including ACURA Key West, National Safe Boating Council, Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas. Sperry Top-Sider is a division of the Stride Rite Corporation, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE:PSS). For more information, please visit www.sperrytopsider.com.

About National Safe Boating Council
Formed in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education and outreach. The NSBC is comprised of over 333 national, regional, and local boating and water safety agencies, organizations and corporations that are all committed to boating safety.

Author: Tess Morton

The Sierra Club of B.C. has proudly announced a new eco partnership with Whitehall Rowing and Sail, North America's finest manufacturer of efficient, durable, environmentally friendly rowing boats.

Victoria, BC, Canada (PRWEB) October 26, 2009 — The Sierra Club of B.C. has proudly announced a new eco partnership with Whitehall Rowing and Sail, North America's finest manufacturer of efficient, durable, environmentally friendly rowing boats.

Rowing the lake

We're a small busy company that has always believed in the proven health benefits people get from rowing and the clean foot print a human-powered craft leaves. We see the Sierra Club doing a good job of protecting the environment and educating the public and we want to help them When Sierra Club members purchase our products, whether boats, accessories or how-to-row DVD's our corporate sponsorship will include a 1.5% donation to the BC chapter. As long-time "boaters" and lovers of nature, Marie Hutchinson and Harold Aune, owners of Whitehall Rowing & Sail based in Victoria, have been looking for ways to give back to their community and nature.

Are you wondering how to help keep the earth's wild places pristine? Do you love the incredible variety of lakes, rivers and mystical ocean environments we are so lucky to have? Do you want to see them protected and cared for?

"We're a small busy company that has always believed in the proven health benefits people get from rowing and the clean foot print a human-powered craft leaves. We see the Sierra Club doing a good job of protecting the environment and educating the public and we want to help them," said Marie, who is also President of the company. "When Sierra Club members purchase our products, whether boats, accessories or how-to-row DVD's our corporate sponsorship will include a 1.5% donation to the BC chapter."

One of the many supporters of Whitehall Rowing and Sail is Adam Kreek, a gold winner Olympic rower who is featured on one of the company DVDs giving detailed rowing lessons. This DVD is also available to watch free online.

Whitehall Rowing and Sail invites you to join them in their water-loving "Quiet Revolution". It's a call to connect with nature, life and real values by purchasing locally made, top quality products that cause no noise, air or water pollution; they do not endanger delicate ecosystems and simultaneously build healthier bodies while reducing stress. Rowing and sailing these beautiful small craft is a totally green activity that will introduce you to your local marine areas and their inhabitants like nothing else.

Call 1-800-663-7481 in North America for further information or visit online at http://www.whitehallrow.com

To find out more about the Sierra Club of BC and this new eco partnership check out "In the Spotlight" Row Row Row Your Boat at http://www.sierraclub.bc.ca/campaign-spotlights/whitehall-rowing-sail/

For high rez pictures go to: http://whitehallrow.com/mediakit/oct_17th_08.php

Contact: Marie Hutchinson or Harold Aune 250-384-6574

Author: Marie Hutchinson

(ArticlesBase SC #134872)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – An Introduction to Boat Trailers

In the most basic terms, a boat trailer is a wheeled frame made to transport a boat across land by towing it behind any vehicle. The frame could be basic for all small boats, but larger boats may require more multifaceted designs. The boat’s weight, total length, width, center of gravity, engines and many more other factors decides the most excellent boat trailer model. For example, a sail boat requires a special boat trailer because of its deep keel and high winch stand.

A boat trailer might have a single, double or even triple axle, based on its rated weight capacity. While a small boat trailer sports a guide hoist to haul the boat on to the trailer, bigger models have one- or two-speed mechanical winches. Most frames are made of a welded steel manufacture, which features weather proof paint. Lights and axles are totally submersible for launching.

Powerboats are normally purchased with custom trailers particularly for the boat, right down to the matching paint scheme. A boat trailer might also come with custom chrome wheels, electronic brakes, which work in racing bike with the vehicle’s brakes, and as well the other option accessories.

The “bed” of the boat trailer comprises of one or more sets of “bunks” or as well treated by wood planks covered with tough indoor and outdoor material. The bunks are placed lengthwise on either side of the trailer, biased inward. The hull rests alongside these bunks. A boat trailer could be at times with adjustable bunks, but most have motionless bunks. The shape of the hull decides the necessary placement of the bunks.

The boat trailer joins to a car or truck by way of a locking “coupler” placed at the end of the tow bar. The coupler slides down over the ball catch on the vehicle. When the boat trailer is not been used, the coupler could also be fitted with an optional flat lip coupler lock that would protect the boat trailer from theft by making it not possible to drop the coupler on to a ball hitch.

Before towing a boat, make sure that the winch and coupler both have been locked and the boat is now secured. The electrical harness needs to be connected and all lights needs to work properly. Routinely confirm tire pressure and tread wear. Some boat trailers offer a frame-mounted spare tire. For those that do not, this is an alteration worth considering.

Author: Chris Anto

TEAMS are needed to take part in this year’s dragon boat race at Rudyard Lake.

The fund-raising event, organised by Rudyard-based Sailability, will be held on Saturday, June 26 at 10am.

The club, which offers disabled people the chance to go sailing, needs to raise around Pounds 300,000 after a compromise was reached over a new boat store.

An application will now be submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Secretary Jackie Griffiths said: “New plans have been drawn up and the application will be submitted very soon.

“We now hope to be given the green light to start work in September.”

She added: “We are hoping to get 24 teams involved in the dragon boat race. It is our main fund-raising event of the year and helps keep the club going.”

For more details email Jackie at jackie.griffiths@rudyardsailability.org.uk.

(ArticlesBase SC #349978)

Author: Deborah

Cruise into the spirit of the holiday season as the 21st annual Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade returns to Southeastern Virginia on December 5, 2009. Over 30 boats are expected to participate in this FREE nautical light show.

Hampton, VA (Vocus/PRWEB ) November 3, 2009 — Cruise into the spirit of the holiday season as the 21st annual Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade (LBP), presented by Old Point National Bank, returns to Southeastern Virginia on December 5, 2009. Over 30 boats are expected to participate in this FREE nautical light show.

Beginning at 7:15 p.m., this highly anticipated parade of illuminated power and sail boats will be visible from anywhere along the Hampton River. However, spectators wanting to hear the narration will want to find a spot near the former Cousteau Society building (now the Hampton Maritime Center). Those who don’t have a boat but want to join the action can board the Miss Hampton II tour boat. Spectators interested in riding on the Miss Hampton II are encouraged to make reservations by calling 757/722-9102. The admission is an unwrapped toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Captains who wish to enter their vessel in the parade are encouraged to contact Gregory Harrison at 757/727-1276. The estimated length of the LBP is 30-45 minutes.

This year, the Hampton Public Piers will sponsor a less fortunate family or families for the holidays and is asking the public to please donate at least one non-perishable food item and/or an unwrapped toy to help a family or families in need. All items collected during the 21st annual Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade will go to Toys for Tots.

Downtown Hampton Waterfront
710 Settlers Landing Road
Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: 757/727-1276

Partially bordered by the Hampton Roads harbor and Chesapeake Bay, Hampton, with the 344,000 sq. ft. Hampton Roads Convention Center, is located in the center of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Hampton is the site of America's first continuous English-speaking settlement and is home to such visitor attractions as the Virginia Air & Space Center and Riverside IMAX ® Theater, the Cousteau Society, Hampton History Museum, harbor tours and cruises, Hampton University Museum, Fort Monroe, award-winning Hampton Coliseum, The American Theatre, among others. Hampton was twice-named All-America City, the nation's oldest and most prominent community recognition award.

Author: Ryan LaFata

Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours offers the ultimate romantic treat to celebrate lovers on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Two hearts become one on their Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail. On this very special ‘Romantic Route’ — sailing from Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril — a companion’s excursion is free for bookings made from February 1 through February 28, 2010, for travel through December 30, 2010. “The Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail is one of our most memorable outings for couples, and with a companion sailing free, it’s a truly amazing deal.”

Montego Bay, Jamaica, (PRWEB) January 29, 2010 — Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours offers the ultimate romantic treat to celebrate lovers on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Two hearts become one on their Lover's Rock Sunset Sail. On this very special ‘Romantic Route’ — sailing from Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril — a companion’s excursion is free for bookings made from February 1 through February 28, 2010, for travel February 1 through December 30, 2010.

Book now and your companion sails free on the Island Routes Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail.

“We wanted this year’s ‘Romantic Routes’ offer to commemorate the sentiment of Valentine’s Day not for just one day but for the entire year,” says Dominique Peterkin, General Manager of Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours. “The Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail is one of our most memorable outings for couples, and with a companion sailing free, it’s a truly amazing deal.”

On the Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail, sweethearts sail into the fiery Jamaican sunset on Island Routes’ luxury catamaran. Reggae music is the soundtrack as the sun hits the blue Caribbean with a hiss and the lights dotting the coastline sparkle. Couples can steal away to a quiet spot on deck to soak in the stunning views or join their fellow romantics to dance the night away. The Island Routes staff is on-hand to mix up exotic cocktails, serve gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and keep the boat pulsating with music.

This buy one, get one free offer is valid for each paid Island Routes Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail — US$69.00 from Montego Bay, and US$72.00 from Ocho Rios or Negril, for bookings made from February 1 through February 28, 2010, for travel February 1 through December 30, 2010. The excursion includes round-trip transfers to the Island Routes luxury catamaran, premium brand drinks, and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. This offer applies to new bookings only, it may not be combined with any other offer or promotion and is subject to availability and/or change without notice.

To book this Island Routes Lover’s Rock Sunset Sail special offer to partner with your Jamaica getaway call American Express Travel at 800-AXP-6895, visit www.americanexpressvacations.com/freetour, Island Routes at www.islandroutes.com or call toll free and talk to an Island Routes Specialist at 1-877-768-8370 from the U.S. and Canada.

Author: Mary Brennan

LITTLE SHIPS

Your article on the Navy’s Little Ships, which appeared in rite February edition of Sea Classes, brought to mind a series of short stories I submitted to you nearly 10yrs ago in which I described some of my activities in the Army’s little Ship division during World War ?. The US Army’s Transportation Corps, Watercraft Division, Small Boat Department, were also commonly called the “little Ships” by those who sailed aboard them, be they GIs of the “Army Ship and Gun Crews” or the civilians who also manned the boats and received honorable Army Discharges many years later.

Today’s reader must be reminded of a war when there were no helicopters or landing fields and that small units of the Army were left behind to secure an area and whose only supplies were brought in by small, fast, shallow crafts.

I thoroughly enjoyed your article “Big Fight of the Little Ships” (Navy). Hopefully someday you will print an article of the Army’s “Little Ships.”

Ron Stahl

Seal Beach, CA

FOR AMERICA, READ KENNEDY

I was recently reading your article about the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in your June 2009 issue and wanted to point out a glaring mistake that you made. While you are correct in saying that the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) was the last fossilfuel-burning aircraft carrier, you were horribly wrong in implying that it was a class of its own.

The JFK is a Kitty Hawk-class carrier from the keel up, the misconception that the JFK is in a class of her own is based upon the tragic fate of her namesake. Also, the keels and hulls for the USS America (CV-66) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) were being laid at the same time, both intended to be outfitted with the A3W Westinghouse reactor. However there was a significant fire onboard the USS America. As a result, the hull for the JFK was completed and launched first. Not wanting to create confusion, they renamed that ship the USS America and what would have been the America was renamed the USS John F. Kennedy.

I know this for a fact because I was stationed on both the USS America and the USS John F. Kennedy, and earned my Enlisted Surface Warfare Speciahst pin on both. If you were to go down to the pitsword room on both ships, you would see the hull numbers they were intended to have stamped into their keel – i.e., the America has CV-67 stamped into her keel and the JFXTias CV-66 stamped into hers. The reason they were not given the A3W reactors is because none were available at the time they were due to be installed, so like the rest of the Kitty Hawk-dass, they were given four machinery rooms, each with two Babock & Wilcox Type ITD modified fuel oil boilers, and associated steam equipment. The Ad^niral in charge of the Bureau of Ships when the two ships were in the yards came aboard the JFK one Sunday afternoon and asked for a tour. I was on duty that day and jumped at the opportunity, it was there that I learned a great deal about the colorful past of those two ships.

The Kennedy is unique from the rest of the Kitty Hawk-c\ass in that it ran a 1200-psi steam system while the rest of the class operated with a 600-psi steam system. This upgrade came after the fire that turned the USS America’s hull into the USS John F. Kennedy.

Lastly, it sounds like you imply crew responsibility for “below standard upkeep and complete lack of care.” The crew ofthat ship did everything in their power to keep her running at 100%. Imagine for a minute that one day, out of the blue, your salary was cut 90%. Do you think you could still afford your house, car, utilities, and everthing else. No, you could not. The expression at the time was that our twelve-carrier fleet was fulfilling the obligations of a 15-carrier fleet on a ten-carrier budget.

Well, thank you for letting me rant and rave. I loved those old ships and wanted to let you know where you got the story wrong.

Christopher Flavin

via email

CHANGING FOCUS?

Your focus seems to be changing from sea to Navy. Perhaps you should change your magazime’s name to Navy Classics. It seems that you are ignoring or slighting the importance of the Merchant Service.

Also I find it offensive that the text of your articles refer to “Japs.” I don’t read any mentions of “Huns” or “Wops,” when referring to the rest of the Axis.

Terrence Ryan

San Francisco, CA

NO LONGER A MYSTERY

In response to the question on the mystery ATFs Sea Mail in the February 2010 issue, the tugs are the former USS Quapaw and USS Moctobi. The following info is from www.ussquapaw.com/main.cfm:

Quapaw News

I received the following from Gary Holmes (a former USS Moctobi sailor) who paid a vist to the Quapaw and Moctobi in September 2008:

The attached photos (on website) I took a couple of months ago are of the Quapaw (now named Tiger) along with the Moctobi (now named Lion). The Quapaw is in pretty sad shape but one of the tentative plans is to have it towed to Singpore by the Lion/ ‘Moctobi for a refit and made operational. Another “tentative” plan calls for scrapping one or both. The hope is that both ships will be made fully functional as ocean tugs and put to work. There was such a plan in place, but it’s presently on hold until at least one functioning ship is available. Both hulls are (apparently) sound and will be dry-docked soon for cleaning and inspection.