She can’t have been older than eight and had obviously been an unwilling participant in the fever which gripped Plymouth in the lead up to the second leg of the 34th America’s Cup World Series.

She had clearly been dragged up to The Hoe, reluctant and sullen of face, by parents determined to make sure she witnessed history in the making. They doubtless reasoned that she’d thank them for the precious memory some distant day in adulthood.

I didn’t exactly have to be dragged along but I went somewhat reluctantly – just because I felt I should. It was an historic event and I pride myself on being in the thick of things whenever anything momentous happens in Plymouth. I figured I could watch a few minutes of the race start, just so I could say I’d been there, then I could retire with impunity to one of the temporary cocktail bars which had been installed on The Hoe for this great occasion.

I know nothing about yachts and don’t particularly wish to. As for yacht racing – well, it’s always seemed to me to be on a par with cricket. In others words, akin to watching paint dry.

That little girl and I couldn’t have been more surprised by the sheer spectacle which exploded before us in Plymouth Sound. It was quite simply one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever seen in my life. Did I really just say that about a yacht race?!

Gone are the days when America’s Cup racers pottered along at a tame 12 miles per hour, processing regally (but not in the least bit dramatically) in a fairly orderly line, rarely overtaking each other.

This new breed of hi-tech, high speed catamarans have transformed the America’s Cup into a totally captivating and chaotic cross between Formula 1 and powerboat racing.

They seem to literally fly above the water at speeds of more than 30 miles an hour, with Navy Seals (acting as umpires) struggling to keep up with them on jet skis. They collide with each other, capsize to rapturous roars from the crowd, and generally supply enough thrills and spills for the most avid of adrenalin junkies.

Three helicopters swoop, duck and dive above the racers, beaming live pictures back to the giant screen on The Hoe. With 14 microphones and four cameras on each boat, every command and curse from the catapulting catamarans is captured to the delight of spectators. Hi-tech digital coverage of the race gives onlookers a feel of almost being in the front row of a 3D movie theatre.

It’s scintillating sailing at its best and the extraordinary images are transmitted live over the internet and to TV channels across the globe.

The world’s fastest boats, best sailors and one of the most stunning natural sports stadiums on the planet combined to make this second event in the America’s Cup World Series a unique and unforgettable experience.

The American commentators admitted to being completely overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd which packed The Hoe for the first day’s racing in Plymouth. More than 10,000 people – from toddlers to pensioners – turned out despite grey skies, gusting winds and occasional torrential downpours.

Of course Plymouth can boast something totally unique which even beautiful San Francisco Bay (which will host the America’s Cup finals in 2013) can’t match. Plymouth Sound is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and it makes an ideal amphitheater for major seaborne spectacles with Plymouth Hoe providing the perfect outdoor spectator gallery.

Even with 10,000 spectators amassed on The Hoe, on the breakwater at Mount Batten and on the clifftop overlooking The Sound’s eastern edge, there was no sense of overcrowding or jockeying for the best vantage positions. There were fantastic views to be had for miles on end.

Small wonder Plymouth has been chosen to host some of the biggest sporting events in the world including the start of the Transat (the single-handed trans-Atlantic race).

And when you’re watching these extraordinary events you can’t help but be stirred by thoughts of those giants of history who set sail from these same shores – Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook, Sir Walter Raleigh and Charles Darwin to name but a few.

Ann Knight lives and works in Plymouth, Devon, England. Her 30-year-career has encompassed various roles in newspaper journalism, public relations and communication.

She was a reporter for the Plymouth Herald for several years, was Head of Communications for the biggest NHS hospital in the South West and has also worked in the press office of Plymouth City Council.

Ann is passionate about Plymouth which she reckons is Britain’s best kept secret. That’s why she’s put together a guide to the city – its attractions, places to visit, accommodation, where to shop, eat, party (and where to avoid).

This is a warts and all guide which tells it exactly like it is – the good, the bad and the ugly. Plymouth isn’t perfect – but it’s as close as any English city gets to perfection! Find out why: http://www.goplymouth.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_F_Knight

http://EzineArticles.com/?And-I-Thought-Yacht-Racing-Was-Boring!&id=6563365

What is fractional boat ownership? As the name suggests you own a share in a boat, similar to time share of property, which allocates you time annually for the use of the boat.

What are the advantages?

Investment

Generally the cost of purchasing a boat is enough to stop most people from being able to attain their dream, however with fractional boat ownership a small investment gives you a share of a much larger boat that would not normally be possible through sole ownership. Additionally you can buy a share in more than one boat giving you a lot of flexibility should you want a yacht for holidays and a power boat for fishing.

Maintenance

Caring for a boat to keep it in tip-top sea worthy condition is very time consuming and if not carried out regularly and correctly can lead to a lot of damage to your boat which will means costly repairs before you can take it back out onto the water. With fractional boat ownership the maintenance is all handled by the management company, you never have to worry.

Walk On – Walk Off

Imagine just turning up at the dock, your boat is sparkling clean, the beds have fresh linen on them and all you have to do is unpack your personal belongings, food and drink and you are ready to go? Another thing taken care of by the management company – you simply walk on, start your holiday or fishing trip and then at the end of the day you simply walk off again.

Transport and Storage

One of the more obvious problems with owning a boat is storing it when not in use. Yes you can berth it at the local marina but the cost of this alone can be very prohibitive the other option is to keep it at your place of residence however this means you a) have to have the space available and b) have to transport your boat to the water every time you want to take it out. With fractional boat ownership you never have to worry about this, you boat will always be docked and ready when you want to take it out.

Ownaship is a New Zealand company with a new and excitingly different concept of actual boat ownership at a fraction of the cost of sole boat ownership. Research indicates that the average boat owner does not use his boat more than 33 days in any one year, but the expenses of owning / maintaining the boat are endless. Ownaship lets you own a share in a boat, so you don’t have to pay the full amount, and you never have to clean or maintain it. Peace of mind is assured because we are the only New Zealand fractional boat ownership company with a fully approved Prospectus from the New Zealand Securities Commission for your legal protection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lachlan_Wilkinson

http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Advantages-of-Fractional-Boat-Ownership-Over-Sole-Ownership&id=6590145

If only there was another way; a way to transform a standard, store-bought piece of hardware into something special and tailored specifically to your needs. Well, now there is.

Custom front panel designing companies are on hand to help you build custom paneling and switch boards that will outfit your boat, RV, or stock amplifier with a sleek personalized look that can also give you all those other options you’ve been waiting for.

When you install that extra set of fog lights on your yacht’s bow, you can run the wires up to your newly installed boat panel board complete with an on/off switch and dimmer. Looking to add a second input switch on the front panel of your bass amplifier before your next show? Now you can affix a microphone jack to a sleek looking new front panel that can easily be built to your existing enclosure specs. Or if you run host servers for a large business or online website, now you can configure your rack panels with those circuit switches in the front instead of behind, saving your technician’s time and you money.

Now it’s easier than ever to custom build these front panels and give yourself all the options you’ve been looking for and transform that mundane and useless stock piece of equipment into your own problem-solving design.

The best panel design firms offer free online software that allows you to customize everything from counter sink screw size and knob color, to implementing beveled edges and enclosure material. These step-by-step computer aided design programs are easy to follow if you’re just looking to incorporate a few additions or logo attachments to their standard panel designs, but also allows for complex modeling, power-coated switch finishes, and custom engravings.

Now, all of a sudden, that old boat switch panel has got a fresh new look with acrylic buttons that highlight your new gauges and built-in underwater fish-finder. That old set of speakers you use at every gig and managed to get beat up over the years, now sport a new custom enclosure that, now offer a second input jack and is color matched to your guitar. Your company now has a fresh new set of rack computers that also include your business logo engraved on the side panel as well as two extra ports that allow you to incorporate more hubs on your private network.

Using a front panel design company to update or create custom modeled equipment for your boat panel, music equipment, or computer hardware allows you the ability to fully utilize your equipment. This service will transform your old boat switch panel into a flashy new custom gauge reader, your audio amp into a versatile stage piece promoting your band, or help you use your computer equipment just the way you would have designed it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Barone

http://EzineArticles.com/?Boat-Panel-Custom-Designs&id=6560892

But how good are you at maneuvering this kind of inflatable boat? There are symmetrical and asymmetrical kayaks, the latter being divided into fish-form and swede-form ones. Symmetrical kayaks are easier to handle because the front half of one, that is the bow matches its rear part that is the stern. As the paddler is positioned more close to the pivot point, it becomes easier for him to turn the kayak as he pleases. The fish-form kayak though is wider in the bow part and the swede-form one is wider in the rear part.

Because the cock-pit is not in the middle of the kayaks, the paddlers have a more difficult time handling them, but have other advantages. When riding a fish-form kayak it is easier to maintain stability, while when riding a swede-form one, the speed may be increased. But in both cases, the effort of the paddler is bigger than when riding a symmetrical kayak. The form of a kayak is not the only feature one you should think of before buying such a boat. Hull-shapes are also important. There are three kinds of hull-shapes: V-shaped, U-shaped and Greenland hard-chines. The V-shaped ones cut waves easier and efficiently, the U-shaped ones offer a smoother transition when cutting the waves, and the Greenland hard-chines give a more stable feel when leaning and carving tighter turns.

When you decide on what type to buy in terms of form, you still have two questions to answer before doing the last move. What capacity do you want to have and what activities do you want to do when using it? The capacity of kayaks can be of one and of two persons. If you have a family or you want to ride it along with friends, then go for a double-passenger kayak. Although they are not as easy to maneuver as the single-passenger ones, they are still stable and very fast.

Even if you decide on a single kayak, remember that you have to carry along with you some luggage when you ride a kayak, so space should be available. Either you buy a single-seated or a double-one, be sure that it is comfortable and that it’s able to satisfy your needs. In what concerns the activities you want to perform while in a kayak, there are different ones which can perform diverse functions, as sea, turning, recreational, sit-on-top ones, inflatable, fishing and whitewater kayaks. Whichever you choose though, make sure you enjoy it!

For reviews on a range Kayaks such as the Emotion Comet Kayak visit Kayak Reviews

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_D_White

http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-the-Right-Kayak-for-You&id=6565836

- Cleaning: You need to wash your boat after each use to help keep it looking great, sea salt can be very damaging especially if left unattended. Using wax and anti-fouling paint will also help ensure that your boat stays strong and looking great at all times. During cleaning a hull inspection should be undertaken to note any damage and remove barnacles and the like.

- Battery and engine/motor care: Whether you have an inboard or outboard motor, you need to make sure that you check it regularly and take care of replacement parts as well as regular attention of the battery. With the constant water around, it’s easy for your boat to get damaged faster and you need to make sure that you keep up on it.

- Routine inspections: Keeping track of routine maintenance will ensure that your boat is in good working order. Checking items for wear and tear is essential to ensure you boat is always operational and safe to be out on the water. Salt water is extremely corrosive so regular checks need to be undertaken to keep you boat in tip top operational order.

- Winterizing: Maintenance isn’t just about keeping your boat running when you’re actually using it, but when you’re storing it, as well. Winterization is a must and it needs to be done correctly to keep your boat safe until spring. This part of looking after your boat is very comprehensive and includes hull inspection and where necessary repairs, particular cleaning and flushing of the motor and protecting against corrosion.

- Transporting: Making sure you transport your boat safely goes without saying, having the correct trailer for the hull design of your boat, protective equipment as well as being easy to launch from and retrieve.

Making sure that you take care of your boat is one of the most important elements. No matter what type of boat you choose to buy or how much you have to spend, taking care of your investment is critical to your success. Alternatively, most yacht share organisations allow you to enjoy the ownership benefits of a vessel, without the hassle of maintenance; you simply leave the care duties to the staff managing the vessel.

Ownaship is a New Zealand company with a new and excitingly different concept of actual boat ownership at a fraction of the cost of sole boat ownership. Research indicates that the average boat owner does not use his boat more than 33 days in any one year, but the expenses of owning / maintaining the boat are endless. Ownaship lets you own a share in a boat, so you don’t have to pay the full amount, and you never have to clean or maintain it. Peace of mind is assured because we are the only New Zealand fractional boat ownership company with a fully approved Prospectus from the New Zealand Securities Commission for your legal protection.

Find out more about yacht share today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lachlan_Wilkinson

http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Basic-Boat-Maintenance-and-Care&id=6590148

When it comes to efficiency, LEDs are hard to beat. The lights require very little power to operate and give off remarkably little heat, yet the light quality is superior to any other option on the market. In terms of visibility and clarity, LEDs are superior to fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. The lower heat means significantly lower risk of fire, and LED light strips offer the added benefit of being completely waterproof- a very important quality when considering marine lighting.

LED marine lighting is also the more effective solution. You will find that it provides a much clearer and stronger light, yet one that is not blinding. The added clarity allows you to get much more benefit from far fewer or smaller lights. LED light strips are also designed to be flexible and can be easily connected together, making it easy to set up lighting that goes with the contours of your boat. These strips are a perfect fit anywhere, as they can literally be installed within minutes on any part of your boat.

The bottom line is simply that LED marine lighting is the option that makes the most sense. When you need a lighting solution that is cost effective, high quality, and durable, nothing can beat LEDs. Operating costs are far lower than with other lighting solutions, and you will find that installation takes only a few moments. LED lighting is also nearly maintenance free, which can make these solutions perfect whether you operate your boat throughout the year or only on a seasonal basis. LED strips come in a variety of colors, and you will even find that you can install a dimmer switch with ease, helping you to change the look and vibe of your lighting with minimal effort.

If you are looking to make your boat brighter or simply to give it a new look and anew sense of style, LED marine lighting is the solution that you have been looking for. These lights are resistant to the shaking and rocking of your craft, are simple to install and use, and offer perfect clarity. When you need a solution that can work in any situation and on any boat, you would be hard pressed to find any form of lighting that can compare. LED lights are quickly becoming the most popular form of lighting in the world, and they are just as functional on a boat as they are in your home.

Visit LED strips to find out the latest LED linear flexible lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is a top author of LED strip lighting articles, an expertize Led strip designer, engineer for 5 years in LED-Mate. He conducted broad research and study about how super bright SMD based LED lighting can bring you not only superior high brightness and top quality environmentally friendly illuminations, but also provide you cost effective lighting solutions compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. LED is the next generation lighting, act now to replace your conventional linear lighting with LED ribbon for numerous benefits for residential and commercial applications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Zheng

http://EzineArticles.com/?LED-Marine-Lighting-Is-More-Efficient-and-Effective&id=6597197

The paint should be applied within the minimum and maximum re-coat times, too soon and they will attack the first coat which may cause wrinkling, and too late and they will not adhere properly. This is particularly true of polyurethanes including the time between primer and top coat. Problems can also be encountered when overlapping one paint with the later application of a different paint, such as an enamel being overlapped by polyurethane. Because of the powerful thinning agents in the urethane, it can cause wrinkling of enamel which has not hardened.

Care must be taken especially with the two-pack paints to add the correct amount of thinner. In hot weather, more is required to keep the paint at the correct consistency. Too little thinner will cause the paint to be hard to apply, and go on so thickly that it will sag before setting. Too much thinner will make the paint transparent.

Teak can be left in its natural state, and just sanded and oiled from time to time. When oiling grabrails, adequate time should be allowed (a few days) before sails come in contact with the wood. This will avoid staining on the sails. Before varnishing teak, it should be swabbed with acetone to remove the natural oil in the wood and let the varnish penetrate.

Sealing of hatches, windows and other through-hull or deck fittings is made easier with silicone or urethane sealants. Butyl mastic although shrinks and hardens in time, should never be used under water. Silicon or polyurethane should be used whenever a good seal is required. They have similar properties and form flexible, long-lasting and waterproof joints. Work for as neat a fit as possible, big gobs of silicone do not help the seal and merely ruin the appearance. Mating surfaces should be just covered with a thin even layer, so that when drawn tight a little is squeezed out all the way round. Carefully trim with a sharp blade after setting.

Threaded fittings such as seacocks, should have at least two turns of teflon thread sealant tape applied to the male thread before they are installed. This ensures a good seal with the cock handle facing in the right direction, and makes it easier to remove later.

Proper painting and sealing is of paramount importance in prolonging the life and good looks of your craft.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_D_Manning

http://EzineArticles.com/?Painting-And-Sealing-Your-Boat&id=6119566

Waterskiing

Waterskiing is probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of boating sports. Waterskiing is a lot of fun, very exciting, and doesn’t require that much equipment. A set of water skis, a tow rope, and a life jacket is really all you need. Like any other sport, however, depending on how serious you are about it, you can easily spend quite a bit of money buying your equipment. An online search for water skis gives prices of around two hundred dollars and up for a basic set, with slalom skis costing about twice as much. If you are a member of a good boat club, however, they often own the equipment and make it available for you as part of your membership.

Need it More Extreme?

Wakeboarding is becoming hugely popular these days, and if it isn’t already, will soon be more popular than waterskiing. Instead of riding on a regular ski, you ride on one that resembles a snowboard instead. This lets you do more tricks and jumps, and is more of an extreme sport than waterskiing. Wakeboards are not cheap either, but again, a good boat club will have this equipment for you to use.

For the More Faint of Heart

For those who aren’t into waterskiing or wakeboarding, there is always tubing. It’s great for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the other sports yet. You just get on the giant inner tube, grab on to the handles, and hope your driver doesn’t go too fast as he drags you around the lake! It is tons of fun!

Get Your Line Wet

Of course, we can’t forget fishing. That’s whole topic in and of itself! Fishermen (and women!) are happy to spend hours waiting to catch the big one. And if they don’t catch it, they are more than happy to tell you about how it got away. Fishing can be both relaxing and exciting! A leisurely day of drowning worms can suddenly turn exciting when that big one hits, and you are fighting to reel it in! It’s another great way boaters can escape from the day to day grind on the water.

So whatever you are looking for – excitement, relaxation or both – boating can provide it! IT’s fun and relaxing, but can also give you a heart-pumping adrenaline rush as well! So hop aboard and start enjoying the water!

Why own just one boat when you can use our entire fleet? Bartlett Lake Boat Club enables you, your family and friends to experience all the joys of boating without all the hassles, time and expense associated with boat ownership. Check it out! www.facebook.com/bartlettlakeboatclub

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Jung

http://EzineArticles.com/?Relaxation-or-Excitement?-Boating-Gives-You-Both!&id=6105531

A common mistake that people make when selecting from dory boat designs is choosing to build from a free set of plans. Where a free set of plans may initially look like a good idea, the lack of quality and step-by-step instructions will likely leave you wishing you had purchased the plans instead. It is likely that you will end up purchasing plans in the end, once you realize that the free plans won’t server your purpose. It makes more sense to purchase the right set of plans from the outset.

Plans for boats are available for nearly every type of boat, from dories and canoes to houseboats and yachts and from small sailboats to jet boats. If you haven’t built a boat before, a good boat to start with is a dory. With so many dory boat designs available, a dory is a great choice regardless of if you want to sail or row. Even though building a dory is an easier boat to build, it is likely to stretch your abilities if you haven’t built a boat before. With persistence, however, it can be built by anyone.

Dories were originally used as fishing boats that were deployed in the middle of the ocean from larger mother ships. Later a different style of dory was deployed from the shore as rescue boats. Building a boat today using one of the original dory boat designs will leave you with a versatile boat that you will enjoy for years to come.

Another thing to consider when selecting your dory boat design is the size of the dory you are building. The most important consideration when determining size, is how you are going to use the boat. Is this going to be primarily a sailboat, a rowboat, or a sailboat? How many people and gear do you anticipate hauling?

Answering the above questions and many more are important before selecting which of the dory boat designs you want to build and selecting the boat plans for that build.

I have created a website to answer these exact questions and guide you, step by step through the boat plan selection process. To visit this valuable site, click Dory Boat Designs. We also have a free mini-course that will be delivered by e-mail called “the Secrets of Selecting the Right Boat Plans.” I don’t know how long I can keep this popular course free, so don’t miss this opportunity to sign up now by clicking Boat Plans Now!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_E._Smith

http://EzineArticles.com/?Dory-Boat-Designs:-Top-Tips-for-Selecting-Your-Plans&id=6008640

The paint should be applied within the minimum and maximum re-coat times, too soon and they will attack the first coat which may cause wrinkling, and too late and they will not adhere properly. This is particularly true of polyurethanes including the time between primer and top coat. Problems can also be encountered when overlapping one paint with the later application of a different paint, such as an enamel being overlapped by polyurethane. Because of the powerful thinning agents in the urethane, it can cause wrinkling of enamel which has not hardened.

Care must be taken especially with the two-pack paints to add the correct amount of thinner. In hot weather, more is required to keep the paint at the correct consistency. Too little thinner will cause the paint to be hard to apply, and go on so thickly that it will sag before setting. Too much thinner will make the paint transparent.

Teak can be left in its natural state, and just sanded and oiled from time to time. When oiling grabrails, adequate time should be allowed (a few days) before sails come in contact with the wood. This will avoid staining on the sails. Before varnishing teak, it should be swabbed with acetone to remove the natural oil in the wood and let the varnish penetrate.

Sealing of hatches, windows and other through-hull or deck fittings is made easier with silicone or urethane sealants. Butyl mastic although shrinks and hardens in time, should never be used under water. Silicon or polyurethane should be used whenever a good seal is required. They have similar properties and form flexible, long-lasting and waterproof joints. Work for as neat a fit as possible, big gobs of silicone do not help the seal and merely ruin the appearance. Mating surfaces should be just covered with a thin even layer, so that when drawn tight a little is squeezed out all the way round. Carefully trim with a sharp blade after setting.

Threaded fittings such as seacocks, should have at least two turns of teflon thread sealant tape applied to the male thread before they are installed. This ensures a good seal with the cock handle facing in the right direction, and makes it easier to remove later.

Proper painting and sealing is of paramount importance in prolonging the life and good looks of your craft.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_D_Manning

http://EzineArticles.com/?Painting-And-Sealing-Your-Boat&id=6119566