Situated between the often-crowded shores of Daytona Beach and city skyline of Jacksonville, St. Augustine is something of a time capsule town. Originally established 450 years ago, this former Spanish, English, Spanish again, and finally American port town is actually regarded as America’s oldest city and first seaport. So what nautical history can you find while exploring St. Augustine for yourself? A lot, as it turns out.
Historic Sites in St. Augustine
The Lighthouse: One of St. Augustine’s most iconic landmarks is the old lighthouse that has helped boaters navigate the formerly treacherous, shallow waters off the coast since the 19th century. Still standing and shining as brightly as ever, St. Augustine’s oldest brick structure shouldn’t be missed by any boating or history buffs.
Castillo de San Marcos: Sitting off the western shore of Matanzas Bay, Castillo de San Marcos represents some truly stunning living history. As the oldest masonry fort in the United States, the Castillo was originally constructed in the late 1600’s under Spanish rule and is open to the public as a monument to this very day. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more historically impressive sight, especially from your boat.
El Galeón Tall Ship: If you’ve heard the phrase, “we’re going to need a bigger boat,” this one may have done the trick. This ship is a historically accurate replica of the galleon ships that sailed the seas during the 16th and 17th centuries. Keep an eye out for this beautiful ship while boating in the Matanzas River, not far from the Castillo.
Only in Florida can you find such history so near popular beaches, attractions and fishing spots. A perfect mix for history and boating buffs alike, we couldn’t think of a better excuse to hit the waters near historic St. Augustine than these beautiful blasts from Florida’s past. As always, boat responsibly and we’ll see you on the water!
We have all seen them; people slow to notice a changed streetlight or swerving between lanes with their heads bowed, transfixed on the glowing light of their cell phone like a moth to flame. Texting, updating social media or yes, even talking on your cell phone is extremely dangerous and downright irresponsible to yourself, your passengers and everyone you encounter while on the road.
You rarely hear much about the dangers of texting and boating, however. So, is texting, talking and Tweeting as big a distraction once you hit the water? Let’s unpack the topic a bit.
Distracted Boating Facts and Factors
Boating requires focus at all times. Whether it is looking out for fellow boaters and obstructions or keeping track of the weather and your charted course, boaters are forced to already multitask at an equal or greater level as drivers.
Even the U.S. Coast Guard has been reportedly cracking down on crew member texting and talking while operating vessels after multiple crashes, thought to be caused by distracted boating.
In 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board began a movement to cut down on both distracted driving and distracted boating, especially within U.S. Coast Guard crews.
Much like distracted driving, it is rather difficult to pinpoint all of the instances that were directly caused by cellphone use. Regardless, it only takes common sense to realize that operating a vessel or vehicle of any size can be dangerous if your full attention is not on the safety of yourself and those around you.
So, the next time you’re on the water, consider putting your phone on silent and taking advantage of the relaxation and fun that us boaters know and love.
Whether you’re a new boater or hitting the water for the first time in a long time, boating for beginners has never been easier thanks to some great online resources and a worldwide community of boating enthusiasts that are often happy to lend advice. We love being one of these ambassadors to boating, so before your next (or first) boating trip, keep the following beginner tips in mind to have both a safety conscious and fun time with your friends and family on the water.
Boating for Beginners
Make a List and Check it Twice: Good advice for not only the inexperienced, you should always prepare and utilize a pre-departure checklist. These checklists often include the likes of battery, gas, and oil checks, life vest and safety equipment review and weather analysis to name a few. Proper preparation can make all the difference when taking your boat on the water.
Keep the Alcohol on Land: Though you may be the life of the party on land, leave the drinking for after your day of boating is done. Alcohol drastically increases the risk of boating accidents for even the most experienced of boaters.
Safety (Check) First: Did you know that the U.S. Coast Guard offers free vessel safety checks? Not only do these checks help ensure that your boat is in good shape for your next boating trip, but your inspector is also available to give you some key safety advice and answer questions that first-time boaters may have.
Plan on a Float Plan: An easy way to give yourself an additional level of safety is to create a float plan. By filling out a float plan and leaving in the hands of a trusted individual on shore, you give yourself a safety net that provides a description of your vessel, a list of your passengers and planned whereabouts, all of which can be vital to your rescue if you don’t report
Don’t be a Showboat: Operate your vessel safely and obey all posted speed and wake limits. Especially when just getting the hang of your vessel, it’s important to never be reckless while on the water. Stay vigilant and obey the laws of the waterway.
Boating can seem intimidating to some newcomers, but if you’re armed with these safety best practices, you and yours can enjoy the passion of boating that we all share. With a bit of practice, knowledge and experience, boating for beginners can be a breeze.
Information Cited: http://www.discoverboating.com/beginner/safety/tips.aspx
When you think “yacht,” images of caviar, champagne and flamboyant billionaires may come to mind. However, the definition of what exactly a yacht is varies with almost every person you ask. Is yacht simply a term for a large, luxury ship? What are the defining factors of yachts? Are there any considerations that yacht owners must take that other boaters do not? We explore exactly what a yacht is and why it may not be what you assumed all along.
What is a Yacht?
Well, the definition has changed over time. A yacht, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is basically any recreational watercraft, such as a motorboat used for pleasure cruising or a sailboat used for racing. OK, so not the most specific of definitions, but it’s a good starting place for us. Upon further investigation, it seems that some further refine this definition by adding some simple parameters that separate ships from yachts.
In general terms, yachts tend to be larger than 30 feet and steer towards luxury above all else. It’s important to note that yachts can be considered boats or ships, yet still rightfully retain their claim as yachts. The key differentiator here is the luxury element. Even if a boat isn’t very large, many will still consider it a yacht if it matches a set of luxury standards.
On the high end, megayachts measure in at over 100 feet in length, and superyachts supersede even those, spanning more than 150 feet. Believe it or not, the largest yachts rank in at more than 400 feet.
Consider This
Though you may not have a superyacht, any large vessel requires care when looking for the right lift. Large ships can weigh literal tons and require a special design to hold and evenly distribute such weight. Since boat lifts are our specialty, we can provide the perfect solution to your yacht storage problems.
Can conform to custom, special sizes and configurations
Utilize the sealed aluminum Hi-Tide Gear Drive® gear box
Use 6061-T6 marine-grade aluminum throughout the design
The bottom line: if you’re shopping for a ship and see the buzzword, “yacht,” displayed prominently, make sure you do your research and find out if the seller’s definition meets yours before you’re met with disappointment. Once the yacht of your dreams is yours, you know who to call to give you a lift.
Florida: a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, just above the crystal waters of the Caribbean, and covered in freshwater lakes, streams and ponds. All of this considered, Hi-Tide’s home is every boater’s dream when it comes to the sheer variety that Florida provides for fishing.
Though we could write a phonebook’s worth of information on the vast variety of Florida fish you may encounter, we’ve narrowed down our list to five that you should try to reel in on your next boating trip in the Sunshine State.
Sailfish: Regarded as the fastest fish in the ocean (clocked at speeds of 68 mph) and Florida’s official state saltwater fish, the sailfish is one gamefish that’s sure to give you a good story to tell once you’re back on shore. Look out for its iconic dorsal fin and long, spear-like upper jaw.
Spanish Mackerel: Holy mackerel, indeed. These fish a relatively easy catches in warm, clear waters and are often found migrating south during the fall and winter months.
Largemouth Bass: This Florida fish is a thing of legend. People come from around the world to try their luck at reeling in Florida’s official freshwater fish, known as North America’s most popular gamefish.
Red Drum: Also known as redfish, the Red Drum is commonly found in the Mosquito Lagoon, referred to as the “Redfish Capital of the World.” Look for this fish in salt and brackish waters.
Tarpon: Though not necessarily a good fish for eating, this is one of Florida’s most popular gamefish. This is a great Florida fish for those looking for a challenge, as the tarpon is known to be a fighter once hooked.
These fish are just the tip of the fin when it comes to the wide and eclectic variety of fish available in and around the Sunshine State. Whether you’re a Florida native or just visiting for a weekend, take the time to hit the water and reel in some fishing fun with your family and loved ones. As always, we’ll see you on the water. Information cited from: Visit Florida
