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"