Living a Boater's Dream

The boating season has kicked into high gear. Along with the Tall Ships came the warm summer weather. For a while, it seemed as if the rain was going to keep us at the dock, but that isn't a problem if your dock is at the Hingham Shipyard Marina. Hats off to Mark and Jane Hirsh and the friendly staff at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. They have created a top notch marine community. Last week I and about 25 other boating families attended one of their "barbeque and author" nights. Author Michael Tougias was that night's speaker. His slide presentation and narration about "an incredible true tale of disaster and survival at sea" was excellent. This is what boating is all about! Camaraderie, sharing stories, and learning - all in a clubhouse next to where your boat is docked. And this wasn't a "one shot deal." This was just one of many in the marina's summer program series that are planned. Spending a night like this makes me want to become a liveaboard - sell the house and live on the boat. Do other boaters share this same dream? Seriously, living on a boat at the Hingham Shipyard Marina offers shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, and public transportation. Everything is at your fingertips. The same is true for all your boating needs. Supplies, service, travel lift, fuel dock, and moorings are right there. And if friends happen to show up, more friends than can comfortably sleep on your boat, the marina has a houseboat for rent. I am told it is like a 2 bedroom "floating hotel" with all the amenities. Boating is definitely a lifestyle and should always be a fun experience. The Hirshes and the Hingham Shipyard Marinas make it happen.


Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Coast Guard's Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

This Is the Place To Be

Without a doubt, the Hingham Shipyard Marinas is one of the premier marinas on the East coast. Nice, wide, floating fingers and docks, deep calm water, sturdy cleats, privacy gates, and a historic boardwalk. Waiting to meet a friend at the marina to give some docking lessons, I took advantage of one of the benches on the boardwalk and noticed a nearby sign: "Houseboat for rent - 2 bedroom floating hotel with full amenities. Call marina office." What a nice idea! Sort of like a "boat and breakfast" although no breakfast was mentioned. However, I hear there will be several restaurants opening in the new "marina village," so I do not think anyone will be disappointed. There will be plenty to eat! Anyway, I decided to inquire about the houseboat and headed for the marina office. Strolling down the boardwalk, a display board on a pedestal caught my eye. It listed the different types of Navy ships that were built at the former Hingham Shipyard during WWII. I was fascinated and surprised with it because it listed the warships that were built for our allies, mainly the British, before we entered the war. If I had known that we had built ships for the British during WWII, then I guess I forgot about it. What history! As I entered the marina office, I was in for another surprise! A little, nautical gift "boutique" store has evolved within the office. It included some interesting nautical books on the shelf. A copy of Discovering Boston Harbor Islands: a guide to the city's hidden shores, authored by Christopher Kline and published by Union Park Press should be on everyone's boat or library. I wouldn't leave the dock without it! Another book on the shelf that caught my eye was The Die-Hard Sports Fan's Guide To Boston: a spectator's handbook, also written by Christopher Kline and published by Union Park Press. These books were like finding buried treasure for me. I had to have them. As I was leaving the building, I was informed of the upcoming speaker series program at the marina. The next one will feature author Michael Tougias, June 30th, 7:30PM. Michael Tougias wrote the book Fatal Forecast- An Incredible True Tale of Disaster and Survival at Sea. A barbecue with beer and wine for sale will be available at 5PM prior to the program. I don't think I ever want to leave this place! Will I see you there?

Capt Lou


Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on http://www.959watd.com/. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at http://www.nauticaltalk.com/.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW" * Recipient of Coast Guard's Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service * Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD" * Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Boats Are In The Water

Now that it is June, boats are in the water and hopefully everything went well for your season's shakedown cruise. The Hingham Shipyard Marinas have come to life, and the grand opening of the retail marketplace is about a month away. Summer cruise and sailing plans are being made, and I am already looking forward to the 4th of July fireworks in Hingham Harbor and in Weymouth off Wessagusset. Watching them from a boat is spectacular. This June 6th is the 65th anniversary of D Day, the Day of the invasion in Normandy, France. The Hingham Shipyard played a very important role building ships that landed in Normandy. There are memorial plaques amongst the landscaping at the marina today so that we will never forget. This week June 6 - 14 is National Boating and Fishing Week, and June 8th is World Ocean Day. It has been designated as such by the United Nations, so it truly is a world event. This year's theme is one ocean, one climate, one future. You can participate in these events by keeping your dock, marina, and waterways free of debris like plastic bottles and discarded fishing line. It is a shame the amount of damage these items can cause to our fish and wildlife. Please do not take the ocean for granted. The ocean provides us with the most oxygen that we breathe, keeps us in supply of a healthy food supply, provides plenty of jobs and recreation, and dominates our weather and climate. The ocean covers 70% of the Earth and is what makes us the "blue planet." It is easy to forget these things, but as boat owners we can really appreciate and celebrate World Ocean Day. President John F. Kennedy noted that the amount of salt in our bodies is the exact same per centage of salt in the water in the ocean. Is there any doubt that we are all connected to the ocean?

Capt Lou


Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at http://www.nauticaltalk.com/.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Coast Guard's Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

National Safe Boating Week

May 16th starts National Safe Boating Week. Like every day should be Mother's Day, every week should be National Safe Boating Week. The message boaters will hear is “Wear It!" referring to lifejackets. That is because lifejackets save lives. You wouldn't put on your car's seat belt after an accident and the same is true with a lifejacket. It is too late to put one on after you fall into the water. Not only will a lifejacket keep you afloat, it will make it easier for you to be seen and rescued. And lifejackets are not just for people. There are lifejackets for dogs and cats. No matter which member of the family or friend on your boat, make sure the lifejacket is one of the proper size. Also, as part of National Safe Boating Week, you are urged to take a safe boating course. Even if you have taken one before, take it again as a "refresher" course. With boaters relying so much on their GPS navigation systems, it is important to remember how to navigate using a compass and a watch in case an electrical malfunction occurs or the GPS signal is inaccessible. And finally, get your boat inspected by a volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarist or by someone in your local Power Squadron. Upon passing the examination, your boat will be issued a Vessel Safe Boating decal which will tell everyone that you practice safe boating techniques and it could also quite easily prevent the Coast Guard from boarding your boat on a hot Sunday afternoon. This coming weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, vessel examiners will be walking the docks at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. Don't be afraid to ask one of them to inspect your boat. There are no penalties or fines if something is found wrong. The examiner will merely ask you to correct it so that you can display the Safe Vessel decal. The staff at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas wishes all boaters a safe and enjoyable 2009 boating season, and we look forward to servicing you.

Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW" * Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service * Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD" * Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Beautiful Back River

We just celebrated Earth Day and I just received word that the herring are running up the Back River to spawn. Reports of herring have come in for other Massachusetts rivers as well. For anadromous species, this is an amazing annual ritual created by Mother Nature. Anadromous species are fish that live in saltwater, but return to fresh water to spawn. Amazingly, the herring know how to navigate hundreds of miles in the Atlantic Ocean to return to the exact river where they were born. However, it is not an easy journey for the fish. Near the end of their journey they must climb a man made ladder to enter the body of fresh water to spawn. Only the fittest can climb the ladder, ensuring strong offspring. The Back River herring run can be observed in Jackson Square, Weymouth. The return of the herring is good news for fishermen, fish, birds, and our environment. It is also a testament that Mother Nature can live in harmony with boaters and the Hingham Shipyard Marinas, which are located on the beautiful Back River. This year, warmer days accompanied the herring. Record high temperatures are predicted. This is a wonderful time to be on a boat or walking the docks. For those thinking about getting a boat or maybe a bigger boat, you will have a chance to get a great deal at the first annual South Shore In Water Boat Show at the Hingham Shipyard Marina May 2nd and 3rd (www.southshoreinwaterboatshow.com). There will be plenty to see and do for the entire family. The Back River is a beautiful spot on our planet Earth. The herring know it. Come see for yourself.


Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW" * Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service * Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD" * Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Calling All Skippers

The first South Shore In Water Boat Show happens May 2nd and 3rd, Saturday and Sunday, at the Hingham Shipyard Marina. South Shore boat dealers in attendance will be offering great deals on 2008 and 2009 models, and marine vendors will be offering everything from bait and tackle to the newest electronics. Come down to attend Informative seminars. This show promises to be fun for the entire family, and the beauty of this show is that there is no admission fee, no charge for parking, and no fighting city traffic. More than 25 different boat lines will be represented, ranging in size from 14 feet to 60 feet. Families will also have the chance to go aboard a Coast Guard boat as well as the Hingham and Weymouth Harbormasters' boats. Anyone who purchases a boat at the show will be eligible to receive a discount on a summer slip at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas, which will soon be home to a brand new "marina village" consisting of 8 restaurants, a movie theater complex, along with some fantastic shops and homes. Experience the friendly atmosphere. Meet the marina management team. Hot dogs and hamburgs will be served. T-shirts given away while supply lasts. On Saturday, you will even have an opportunity to be a part of a "Nautical Talk Radio" broadcast. The Hingham Shipyard Marinas are conveniently located on Route 3A, just south of the Hingham/Weymouth town lines on the Back River. For more information about the South Shore In Water Boat Show, visit their website: www.SouthShoreInWaterBoatShow.com.


Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com. * Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW" * Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service * Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD" * Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Make Summer Reservations Now

Finally some good financial news coming from Wall Street. The stock market is moving up and my IRA has doubled in the past couple of weeks. However, it would have to double three more times to eliminate my loss, but I am feeling optimistic in that it is going in the right direction. My broker assures me that it will surpass its previous high. He just doesn’t know in which year! Even so, I am now in a good, positive mood, and already thinking about the upcoming boating season. If gas and diesel fuel prices stay at this level, more boaters will be out on the water, and without a doubt, the Hingham Shipyard Marinas will become New England’s premier destination and place to keep a boat. Every day that I drive down Route 3A, I am amazed at the progress of the construction of the stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and homes. The "marina village" appears to be right on schedule and will be finished this summer, and although all those restaurants and shops are great amenities, let’s not forget about all the great virtues the marinas originally offered like deep water floating slips on a very protected river; easy access to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park and great swimming and fishing on the Back River and the World’s End Reservation and Nantasket Beach. If you have not spoken to the friendly staff to reserve your slip, you will miss out on all the fun and enjoyment of boat ownership. Experienced boaters know that summer plans and reservations must be made now or else you simply will not get in. Call now. Hopefully, you are not too late.

Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.

* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Spring Is Around The Corner

Spring is around the corner. It will not be long now before this long, snowy winter is history; a fleeting blur in our minds. I am tired of hearing about all the bailouts, even though the word "bailout" has a nautical connotation. I want to relax, have some fun, and put the world's problems out of my mind. Boating can do that for you. Put your snow boots and skis away and take out your boat shoes and shorts. After the Ides of March, winter covers will be removed, the boats' bottoms painted, the zincs replaced, and the boats launched. Am I pushing the season? You bet I am! I want to go boating. Especially after that 64 degree day that teased us last weekend. It is time to get the boat ready and it is nice to know that we have the services of the "professionals" right here at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. Let them go through their checklist. Get the work scheduled now. There is nothing worse than having "downtime" when your time is so precious. If your batteries are more than three years old, consider replacing them. Don't wait until they are so weak you have to call Sea Tow. Have your engine's oil and fuel filters changed to remove the moisture from condensation. And don't overlook your safety gear. Make sure your lifejackets are dry and free of cracks and mildew. Check your VHF radio, but please do not ask for a radio check on Channel 16. Pick a proper working channel that does not interfere with the Coast Guard. Check the dates on your flares. Are the navigation lights working? Sound your horn. Then, after you think you have done it all, get a Vessel Safety Check decal from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. That decal can save you a Coast Guard "boarding" on a Sunday afternoon. A warrant officer at USCG Station Pt. Allerton once explained it to me this way. "If we have to choose between two boats to board, and one of the boats is displaying the Vessel Safety Check decal, which boat do you think we stop?

"Let's think boating! Any comments?

Capt Lou, Host of "Nautical Talk Radio" Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon 95.9FM WATD http://www.nauticaltalk.com/.

* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Boat Show in Boston

Who went to the boat show in Boston?

I went and thoroughly enjoyed the show this year. Truthfully, I thought it was "a breath of fresh air." People were excited and enthusiastic about all the new boats.

Reports from the annual winter boat show in Boston indicated attendance was up and many happy people purchased boats. Exhibitors said they did "better than they expected."

As I was standing next to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary booth, I overheard new boaters asking questions. One person turned to me and asked, "What does your boat mean to you?"

Maybe I was caught by surprise by the question, but once I started answering, I couldn't stop. "To me, it is a way of life. A necessity. A second home. A vessel to freedom and adventure. Boat ownership is a way to have fun and bring family and friends together. To go on vacation. To hang out on the dock" The man gave a big smile, said "thanks" and then asked what's the key to making sure that he would have the same feelings about his boat. The answer is "simple," I said. "The key is where you KEEP your boat. There is no better place than the brand new Hingham Shipyard Marinas complex. The marina is a full service marina."

In case you haven't seen or heard, the historic Hingham Shipyard is being transformed into a "destination marina village." There will be 8 restaurants, Movie Theaters, 40 stores, Fresh Market, Fitness Club, plus luxury residences.

On my way home from the boat show, I heard on the radio that Daylight Savings Time happens early this year. We spring forward one hour March 8th. I just checked my tide chart to confirm that fact. The sun will be setting at 7 o'clock. Thoughts of getting the boat ready for the season quickly come to mind now with the longer days.

No bad news here!

Capt Lou

Ahoy!

Ahoy Boaters at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas!

Welcome to the Hingham Shipyard Marinas "BLOG." I am Captain Lou, host of "Nautical Talk Radio" (www.NauticalTalk.com) and I will be bringing you the latest news and happenings for you via this BLOG to enjoy keeping your boats at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. I look forward to meeting all of you, and hope you participate in this BLOG by adding your comments.

If it has to do with the Hingham Shipyard Marinas, hot spots for fishing, visiting the Boston Harbor Islands, or boating news in general, we will keep you informed, but it is important for us to hear from you!

As you know, we have a lot happening this year in, on, and around the water. New housing, shops, restaurants, and movie theaters will be opened this Spring at the former Hingham shipyard, which will make our marinas the number one place to dock your boat. In addition, the Hingham Shipyard Marinas will be offering during the summer a weekly "SPEAKER SERIES" in the new clubhouse, a fishing tournament, and lots of fun "get togethers" for the entire family. We will also keep you informed about sailing regattas and races in our area.

With the boat show opening February 14th and continuing to the 22nd at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, it won't be long now before the winter shrink wrapping comes off and we will be starting our engines.

Let's forget about these Winter blues and think BOATING!

Capt Lou