View From The Marina

I cannot think of any time that has more built in quality than the time you can spend with a child on a boat cruise.

Well, you may reasonably ask, if guests are such a problem why do we even invite them to cruise with us? The challenge is how we gently educate new friends about the do’s and don’ts of cruising. The answer is what I call Cruising 101 for Newbies.

It’s also possible to get information about anything in an instant, and all of that keeps getting better every day, but hold on for just a second.

Etiquette, I believe, is our first line of defense against an uncivil society. To disregard a rule of boating etiquette is a sign that a person does not respect any rule of boating, etiquette or otherwise.

For our silver anniversary in 2009, Vic and I thought it would be a good idea if we came up with a slogan that could—hopefully—become our slogo. Shucks, if it’s good enough for Arby’s and Macy’s, why not Southwest Florida Yachts?

Barb takes some notes on Heaven and how after a loss, we are often inspired to be better. Boaters have always taken care of boaters, so here's the thing, be better.

So this is my prescription for our nation’s malaise. Go down to the waterfront and breathe in the sunshine and salt air. If you need a stronger medication, try to get on the water.

Lots of things give us rushes but that doesn't make them good. Shopping until you drop is a rush for some people. It may also be unhealthy physically, not to mention financially.

I’ve always tilted toward presidents who, in my mind’s eye, are in a boat. George Washington crossing the frigid Delaware with his soldiers in the dead of night makes him a star forever in my imagination. Teddy Roosevelt paddling a canoe down racing rivers is a boating hero, too.

This is a particularly popular time of year for families to go on cruises, and boy have cruise ships gotten bigger. But... is there a better way to see all that the cruising world has to offer (YES!)

You could say I’m a bit like a marriage counselor when it comes to boats. As with all relationships, the true test comes after the honeymoon.

Many families have bucket lists, comprised of things they have always wanted to do, but never seemed to have the time to; some of which are close to home. How about getting to that list this summer?

These days, “sailing into the sunset” is being redefined by retirees. With cruising, your castle is also your mode of transport. It’s fun, It’s scenic, It’s very economical and it’s romantic.

Like the vows spoken to our beloved, we each made unspoken promises to our new boat to have and to hold, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, and perform routine maintenance.

With the beginning of a new year, a lot of attention given to resolutions; from dropping a few pounds to trying to learn a new language and a whole lot of others. I have one more the add that could save your life on the water.

On occasion we find the captain to be more passionate about boating than his crew, often known as his wife. This has been manifest in Basic Power Boating Courses we have held over the past 30 years.

Boating and writing. Writing and boating. Somethings just belong together. Blogger, Barb Hansen, takes a look at how boating's crimson tide of cliches has contributed to the writing world. (See what we did there?)

My husband Vic says it best, “If your head is on right, a tin cup can be a silver chalice. It’s all about how you look at life.”

Boats should have a “gadget-free zone” at least while underway, unless they are being used as a navigational aid. Instead of looking down at your phone, look up and around at the beauty that surrounds you.