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"