Can All-Women Team Conquer ‘Everest of Sailing?’ Sea Magazine article

 Here is a link to an article from Sea Magazine you might find interesting. The achievements of these gals should be celebrated.

By: Ben Monro-Davies, Sheena McKenzie [CNN]

(CNN) — Sailing around the world is one of the most grueling challenges on the planet, with muscle-bound skippers steering 20-meter yachts through everything from tropical cyclones to Antarctic storms.

Forced to endure the most brutal conditions on the globe, sailors must not only be emotionally resilient — but physical dynamos.

Which raises the question: Are women — the stereotypical “weaker gender” — up to the task?

Organizers of the Volvo Ocean Race — the prestigious round-the-world sailing competition — seem to think so, and are gearing up for the first all-female team in over a decade.
Click here to read more.

National Boating Safety Week – Great Resources

USCG emphasizes the importance of boating safety during NSBW

SEATTLE — In recognition of the start of National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, 2013, the Thirteenth Coast Guard District is emphasizing boating safety for all Pacific Northwest boaters.

In conjunction with the North American Safe Boating “Wear it! Always wear your life jacket!” campaign, the Coast Guard reinforces the following boating safety messages:

• Take a paddler education course. Paddlesports are the fastest growing segment of recreational boating, with more than 300,000 paddlecraft (primarily kayaks) now being sold annually. Paddlecraft are an extremely affordable entry point to recreational boating.  Like any other watercraft, paddlers should seek out paddler education before heading out on the water.  CLICK HERE to obtain more information on paddlesport safety.
• Wear a personal floatation device/life jacket at all times.  The law states you must have a PFD for every person on board, but the Coast Guard suggests you go one step further and wear your PFD at all times when boating.  It is much more difficult to locate, access, or don a PFD at the moment the accident occurs.  CLICK HERE for more information on personal floatation devices/PFDs.
• File a float plan and leave it with someone who is not recreating on the water.  A float plan is a lifesaving device on paper and can assist emergency responders with locating a distressed mariner. To learn more about a float plan CLICK HERE.  For a blank float plan CLICK HERE.
• Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals.  All of these devices will greatly assist you if you are in distress.  CLICK HERE for more information on visual distress signals.
• Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.  CLICK HERE to learn more about EPIRBs and registering your EPIRB.
• DO NOT boat under the influence of alcohol.  Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.  Factor in boat motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray and a drinker’s impairment is accelerated.  CLICK HERE for more information on boating under the influence.
• Start the season off right with a thorough boat inspection, including the hull and propulsion equipment. Pay particular attention to through-hull fittings and hoses that may have cracked or become brittle over the winter.
• Obtain a free boat inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boating safety courses are also available.

For additional boating safety tips, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/default.aspx. Click on the “REGULATIONS” tab to get additional information on federal laws, federal regulations, state boating laws and navigation rules.

For media inquiries, to arrange a boating safety interview with a Coast Guard member or to obtain additional boating safety information, contact the Thirteenth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (206) 220-7237.

###

Date: May 17, 2013

13th District External Affairs

Contact: PA3 Jordan Akiyama

Office: (206) 220-7237

NWWB May 20th Meeting DIY Safety Ladder

Hi Gals,

Ideas for greater safety onboard has been an ongoing theme of many of our meetings. The May meeting offers you a valuable, and possibly lifesaving, opportunity.

Vivian Strolis and Julie Tallino will be demonstrating how to make a useful and affordable safety ladder. It’s a DIY project that anyone can do with a few simple tools and a sewing machine. The ladder folds up into a bag and is easily deployed by pulling on a tab. For many it could mean the difference of being able to get back on the boat. And what a great gift idea for another boater you care about. This safety ladder could be used on a boat or the dock (do the docks in your marina have ladders) or in the home. If you can come, Please RSVP to Vivian at nwwbviv@gmail.com or Marilyn at lkunion@aol.com

Vivian Strolis is creating the bag and Juli Tallino is building the ladder components. They will assemble the finished project during the meeting. This is a first time project and they hope the group will have comments and suggestions on improvements to the simple design. They will also provide printed instructions so everyone who wants to can build their own at home. We look forward to seeing all of you.

MEETING DATE AND TIME: Monday, May 20, 2013 7:00pm – until 9:00 pm or so

LOCATION: 1900 N Northlake Way, #233 Seattle, WA 98103

We meet at the Northwest Marine Trade Association conference room. Park at Fisheries Supply and walk into the courtyard beside Fisheries, take the stairs and turn right. We are the furthest door on the left. The Northwest Marine Trade Association has graciously welcomed our group of Northwest Women in Boating to use their office for our meetings.

There’s great parking and it’s a comfortable and professional place to meet. Thank you Northwest Marine Trade Association for your support.

Please RSVP to Vivian at nwwbviv@gmail.com or Marilyn at lkunion@aol.com

Bring an hors d oeuvre or something to drink if you desire. Wine is fine. Coffee (reg or decaf) provided. Vivian and Marilyn Vivian Strolis – nwwbviv@gmail.com 425-827-9967/206-819-2265 Marilyn Michael – lkunion@aol.com (206) 322-0633 Remember: Investigate our blog you can sign-up to crew or for crew and find lots of other great information. Go to http://www.nwwb.wordpress.com

Vessel inspections, flare disposal and seminars part of free safety day

Click below for the full article by member Deborah Bach, owner of Three Sheets Northwest. If you haven’t subscribed for a free, once a week delivery of Three Sheets Northwest in your email box, do it. It’s a great way to keep up on boating issues and news in the Northwest.

Vessel inspections, flare disposal and seminars part of free safety day

By Deborah Bach on Apr 25, 2013 04:00 am

Boaters can get rid of expired flares, have their fire extinguishers certified and get free vessel safety checks during Elliott Bay Marina‘s annual safety day May 18. The marina is also offering free guest moorage to visiting boats whose owners want to participate. Marina management organized the event in an effort to help boaters get …

Penny Braden suggested that some of you might not be aware of BoatPop deals and particularly this one that just came up.

BoatPop’s Deal of the Week: $100 for a boat haulout Dunato’s Marine Services $100 Value $343 Savings 77% ($243) Location Dunato’s Marine Services – 2309 North Northlake Way, Seattle Details Does having your boat hauled out leave you feeling a little light in the wallet? Not with this deal, it won’t. Get a $100 haulout for boats 20 to 55 feet at Dunato’s Marine Services on Seattle’s Lake Union, a discount of up to 77 percent. A full-service boatyard in business on Lake Union since 1970, Dunato’s does everything from bottom-painting and zinc replacement to boat extensions. Need a fiberglass or wood repair? A heating system installed? Help with an electrical problem? Maybe you’ve been thinking about installing a bow thruster or a new steering system. Dunato’s skilled and professional crew can do that, and much more. A list of services offered can be found here. To accommodate boats of varying sizes, the yard has a 60-ton Travelift and a 20-ton crane. New docks can provide moorage for vessels of 40 to 120 feet. And, yes, the haulout deal includes putting your boat back into the water.

Knot Pillow

I saw this pillow on Pinterest and thought it might make an interesting design element on some boats. http://pinterest.com/pin/95349717083351170/

Marilyn

NWWB Meeting Date Correction – Mon. April 15th for Whale Research Program

Sorry for the date error on the last email.

Mark down MONDAY APRIL 15th as the date for the Whale Research Program by Amy Kennedy. It will be a great program, we look forward to seeing you.