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| June 2000 | July 2000 | | ||
| Lucky Reader Wins Free Tape! |
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| Congratulations to long-time newsletter reader, Gary Gagne, who wins this month's free tape from Bennett Marine Video, just by being on the mailing list. |
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| How to Survive on a Desert Island Have you been watching "Survivor"? Wonder how Richard actually catches those fish? I think he's been using some sort of spear. But it's clear, hearing the other tribe members' complaints about their mainly rice diet, that he's not The World's Greatest Fisherman. If I were heading out to Survivor Island, I'd refresh my saltwater fishing technique. The Rattana Tribesmen should start with "Fishing 101 For Beginners" or "Look Mom I'm Fishing". I've had a lot of practice, but I can always learn a new trick. I'd take a look at "How To Become A Better Fisherman". And I might take a look at "Secrets Of The Party Boat Captains - New Jersey", because I think a New Jersey party boat Captain just might have some interesting secrets. |
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| I've Got Friends in Close Spaces Every day, I drive along the coast, and I see sailboats. Lots of sailboats. It's the best time of year to be out on the water. But it's the hardest time of year to get in and out of the Marina. There are a lot of folks coming and going, and it's better to be part of the traffic solution, not part of the problem. If you need to refresh your handling skills, "Boating's Top 60 Tips - Boat Handling", produced with Boating Magazine , shows you how to handle your boat in close quarters and in open water. |
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| Summer Sale Rages On! |
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| We're still "almost giving them away". While supplies last, you can pick up titles like "Beginning Board Sailing" or "Rigging and Trolling Strip Baits" or "Adventure in Baja" for up to 65% off! I think I'll pick up "Shrimp'n With Les Igoe", I'm just a little curious. |
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| My First Time I took sailing lessons when I was a kid. I lived in a Big City on The Water and the lessons were part of the City Recreation Program. Every Saturday one summer, I'd take the bus down to the Public Marina in the Harbor and watch rigging demonstrations, knot tying demonstrations, chalkboard descriptions of wind vs. sail. But when I finally got in a SunBird, and the breeze filled the sail, and I was sailing across the Harbor faster than I thought I would ever be travelling across the Harbor, I finally felt the remarkable thrill of the sailor, the boat and the sea. If you remember your first time sailing, you'll agree it's an experience young people should have. Teaching Kids How to Sail is an excellent way to start their training. |
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| Ask Mr. Boating Guy | ||
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Mr. Boating Guy, What is the Coast Guard License? Is that something I need to legally operate my boat? Only if you're taking folks out on your boat for money. It's a requirement for commercial operators. In some states, you need a license or certificate of training, depending on your age or drinking habits, to operate a boat. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the civilian branch of the Coast Guard that provides free safety checks, has classes for recreation boaters. But commercial mariners take a test, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, that permits them to operate commercial vessels. To quote the USCG: "Merchant mariner licenses are issued to officers in the deck and engineering departments, and radio officers. The navigation of a vessel and management of the deck department is the responsibility of the Deck Officers. Deck officers' licenses are issued by grade (e.g., Master, Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate, Mate and Operator) . . . " you get the idea. The Coast Guard doesn't provide training for the license test, but The Coast Guard License Video does. It's considered to be one of the best preparations for the Exam. |
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To Ask Mr. Boating Guy . . . Mr. Boating Guy will answer your questions in this column, submitted from the Ask A Question Page. |
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