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Atlantic Yacht Basin has 85 years experience!

Tag Archives: travel

Staying Connected on Your Boat

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In our highly connected world we have grown so accustomed to having immediate access to information that it can be a shock when we leave shore on our boat and find ourselves truly disconnected. While some may revel in the seclusion and escape, others find it stressful. Having internet access can also help to improve your boating experience by allowing you to keep those useful apps updated and keep up to date on current weather patterns. The issue then becomes, how do you get access to the internet from the middle of the ocean or lake? Luckily, technology has our backs. There are multiple devices designed to transfer signals long range and ways to connect via satellites.

WiFi

One option is to get a WiFi range extender. This device helps to boost the signal from your regular WiFi so that it can reach longer distances. If you have a WiFi connection close to where you are boating and aren’t planning on traveling too far offshore this could be a great option. The boosters are fairly inexpensive and work off the service you already use making them an inexpensive choice.

Cellular

Another pick is to use your mobile device. Upgrading to a larger data package will allow you to utilize your smartphone through your cellular data. You can also set your phone up as a hotspot and connect other devices to it. Signal boosters also exist for mobile phones and could be used to help extend the range of your device. Unfortunately, the coverage is still limited and dead spots will most certainly be an issue without cell towers in the middle of The Atlantic.

Satellite

The last choice is to utilize satellite internet. This will give you the best coverage and the most browsing opportunities. The downside is it is also one of the most expensive options. If you plan on long voyages across multiple countries however, this is the most feasible. Satellite is most known for its use in remote areas where landlines aren’t an option so it is well suited for the boating industry. Both the service and the equipment are going to be a large investment but could be worth the costs depending on your needs and the usage you will get out of them.

As with all things boat related, it is best to assess your needs and find the right choice for your situation. Being well informed and knowing how you use the internet will be key factors in your decision. How do you stay connected while you’re boating?

Image courtesy of GlobalCom
Image courtesy of GlobalCom

The Largest Naval Battles in Military History

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Naval Battles

In order to win a war you have to have a well-rounded military. Being able to bring the battle to the waterfront opens new opportunities and strategies. The use of boats in warfare rose in popularity with the invention of the cannon. Prior to that most naval warfare consisted of ramming boats and boarding enemy vessels. Since the cannon, naval warfare has made vast advancements, not only do we have cannons and guns but navy boats are now equipped with missiles and torpedos. Not to mention the huge aircraft carriers that have helped take our Air Force to the seas. The advancements in naval technology have helped to ensure safety along the coastlines as well as improve the technology on our own recreational boats. The following infographic covers the largest naval sea battles in history. The first one dating back to 480 BCE and the most recent during World War II.

Navy Influence

These battles have helped to shape the history of boating. Though warfare is just one aspect of boat usage, it has been one with some of the most funding and hard pressed for development. The ships used by the Navy are some of the most powerful boats in the oceans and don’t even compare to the ones we see coming into AYB. We are lucky to have the Naval Station Norfolk so close and can see these boats first hand. The station isn’t just the largest naval complex in the U.S., but also the world.  Naval Station Norfolk is home to Commander, Naval Air Force, US Atlantic Fleet, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic as well as the Defense Department’s largest supply center. We listed it as one of the places to visit around the Chesapeake Bay in a recent blog post. You can view their visitor information and times on their website.

Places to Visit Around the Chesapeake Bay

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Whether you’re visiting or already a resident there is a multitude of activities to explore around the Chesapeake Bay. It has a rich history, unique ecosystem and beautiful landscape that continue to amaze long time residents and newcomers alike. If you’re looking for some things to do here’s a few to check out during your visit the the Chesapeake Bay!

Fort McHenry-

Located in Maryland at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay, this fort is the famous place where Francis Scott Key wrote The National Anthem. There are tours offered daily and plenty of special exhibits to see. Fort McHenry is one of the celebrated historical landmarks around the Chesapeake Bay.

Smith Island-

Accessible only by boat Smith Island offers a flashback to the English Settlers in America. It is one of the few places where the dialect of the West Country of England and the dialect of Cornwall are still rampantly heard. “The island was first mapped by Captain John Smith in 1608.  The island is named for Henry Smith of Jamestown, who was granted 1,000 acres there in 1679.  There are a little over 200 year around residents living on Smith Island”

Naval Station Norfolk Tour and Information Center-

If you’ve ever been interested in what a Naval base consists of, this tour is for you. See aircraft carriers, destroyers and freights along with dozens of other types of Navy ships. Located in Norfolk, Virginia.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse-

This lighthouse was constructed in 1873 and is the only remaining screw pile lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay. It is only open to the public three months out of the years o be sure to check ahead of your visit.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum-

The museum offers an ever changing array of events and exhibitions that are sure to please every member of the family. The museum will lead you through the evolution of the boating industry through tours of historic buildings and their very own lighthouse saved from condemnation in 1965. You can access the museum by both car and boat.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel-

Check out this engineering marvel! The bridge and tunnel, which opened in 1964, connects Virginia and Delaware and is 17.6 miles long. Not only is it a cool experience to travel both above and underwater but there is now a podcast tour that you can listen to as you follow the road and learn more in depth about the structure.

Naming Your Boat

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You may have thought naming your children would be the most difficult task you would encounter in life, but naming your boat can be equally as difficult. The name of your boat can say a lot about the person who owns it, and should reflect your personality well. Stick to names that express the things you enjoy, your occupation or why you bought the boat in the first place. Using puns and replacing words (or parts of words) with nautical homonyms can add character and make the name memorable. Unique and clever names tend to be the ones you remember. If you are struggling here’s a list of funny boat names for the creatively challenged.

Reel Nauti Broke But Afloat
Piece of Ship Row vs. Wade
Boatweiser Xsta-sea
Notta-Yachta Bare Bottom
Fishful Thinking Moby Debt
Tip-Sea Called In Sick
All for Knot About Time
Moor Often than Knot Rest a Shore
CostaLotta Weather Oar Knot

 

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect boat name think back on past experiences. A good story, a family saying or a childhood nickname could all be a source of inspiration. You can even borrow names from famous boats in history, literature or film. Naming your boat doesn’t have to be hard, something simple that makes you think of days on the water is all you need.
A name is what defines your boat. The name is how it will be identified amongst all the others and should be memorable as well as unique. Once you’ve settled on a name, bring it to Atlantic Yacht Basin to have it painted on your boat!

Best Boat and Yacht Toys

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Spending the day on your boat sounds great, until 3:00pm and you’ve run out of things to do. Wash away your boredom with these 10 toys to keep you and your friends entertained.

 

AERIS DIVE COMPUTER–

This dive computer has some of the best technology available. It has a hoseless air integration system that uses an algorithm to calculate airtime remaining.  The computer utilizes bluetooth and keeps track of data while also letting you seamlessly share your favorite dives on social media.

UNDERWATER CAMERA HOUSING-

Taking your favorite camera and encasing it in a waterproof housing allows you to take awesome photos of your friends underwater as well as the rarely seen ecosystems surrounding you.

POWERBREATHER–

Forget your old snorkel gear, this new age snorkel allows you to always breathe fresh air. You won’t accidentally inhale water that’s been sucked up in the tube and it’s less awkward design makes swimming and breathing more harmonious.

OCULUS VR–

These virtual reality goggles are pretty cool on any occasion, but add the movement of your boat and it can add to the experience. It’s also an easy way to watch a movie without bothering anyone else around you.

FAT BOYS HOUSEBOAT BLOB–

Who doesn’t want to have a giant, air-filled, blob to launch people off of? Just fnd a high point and jump away. Watch as you send your friends flying.

DRONE-

Drones are fun both in and out of the water. Get yours up in the air for a bird’s eye view of your boating fun. You can even use it to scout out new places on the water or get awesome shots of nature.

MINIPRESSO–

Avoid your mid day crash by keeping this handy espresso machine on board. It’s compact size makes it easy to keep on the boat. The minipresso allows you to get great espresso on the go without sacrificing quality.

BOOMCO DARTSPLOSION BLASTER–

Nerf gun wars just aren’t as much fun when you’ve run out of ammo and can’t defend yourself. Get this dart gun and have 72 darts to shoot at your victims.

DEATH STAR BEACH BALL–

what day at the water is complete without a beach ball? Entertain your inner nerd and get this Death Star beach ball and let the Star Wars jokes ensue.

SCHILLER X1–

Riding a bike on the water? Not sure it gets much cooler than that. Take your own little trips around the bay on this cycling machine.


Spend a few extra hours out on the water. These cool toys will keep you entertained and give you valuable time with your friends and family on your boat.

Bringing Furry Friends Aboard Your Boat

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Adventures to sea just aren’t the same when you have to leave your favorite companion on land. People are able to take their dogs when they travel by car so why not when you travel by boat? Boating with your dog isn’t as challenging as you would think. With a few tips, lots of patience, and the right attitude you can learn to bring your furry first mate aboard.

Life Jackets

Although your dog may be an excellent swimmer it is always a good idea to have them wear a life jacket. As you well know, conditions on the water can change quickly. Your dog may also panic making it even more difficult to keep them above water or get them back to the boat. A bright colored life jacket with a handle will help immensely when trying to locate your dog and hoist them back into the boat.  

Water

You may be surrounded by it, but chances are you shouldn’t let your dog drink it. Make sure you have plenty of clean, cool water on board for your dog to drink. Dogs also need water to keep themselves cool, so it is especially important on hot summer days.

Dog-proof

You will need to get your boat as “dog-proof” as possible. Get things put away and try to keep fishing bait out of reach. The last thing you want is to be busy steering the boat and come back to find your dog has gotten into something.

Sunscreen

Short-haired dogs can actually get sunburned. It is always a good idea to protect them from the sun just like you would any other shipmate. Make sure they have access to shade and use a low SPF (15) sunscreen on them. Sprays are easiest to apply, but find something that is unscented to avoid irritating your dog.

Potty plan

This may be the most complicated of all the tips. It will require planning and training before hand. Unless you want to travel to shore every time your dog needs to do their business you will need to designate a spot on the boat or a litter box for your dog to use. Potty training is always a chore and trying to re-train them to go where you want them on a boat will require some patience. There are many ideas on how to handle the dog+potty+boat problem online. I would suggest some research and find a method that suits both you and your dog.

Remember that you know your dog best. Not all dogs are happy being on a boat and you should use your best judgement when bringing them aboard. You should also ensure your dog has proper identification on them both on and off land. Many mishaps can be prevented with a little planning. With a few steps and a little research boating with your four-legged friends can be a great experience.

dog on boat

Image Courtesy of: Dog Park Confessions http://rebloggy.com/blog/dogparkconfessions

Travel the World by Boating and Yachting

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In 2014, the Caribbean saw more than 26 million trips from foreigners, with over half of those being directly related to tourism. Maritime and coastal tourism have accounted for up to ⅓ of the marine economy in the E.U.. Hedy Lamarr (the actress) once said, “I’ve met the most interesting people while flying or on a boat. These methods of travel seem to attract the kind of people I want to be with.”

For those just getting into boating or traveling by boat (sail, power, trawler, sternwheelers, etc.), preparing for a trip on the high seas is more difficult than one might think. I have found that taking a trip by boat, without using a yacht charter service, can be surprisingly complicated. These trips aren’t your run of the mill drive by car or fly by plane trips, which still take time, effort, and planning. Knowing what to do and when to do it is essential for a seamless and fun trip, which is why planning is essential. Once the decision has been made to go on a trip, by boat, with your friends and family, it will finally be time to begin your journey.

“I Can Do This by Myself”

        Too many individuals go into travel planning processes (especially those involving boats, excluding chartered cruises) with the idea that they will be planning the entire trip without the help or advice of others, for a myriad of reasons. For example, maybe they don’t work well with others or maybe they get embarrassed asking for help. Regardless, one of the first things to do it rid yourself of this mindset. Yes, there are hundreds of thousands of travel sites, however, this should only be the start of your travel planning.

Begin with the internet. Then start enlisting the help of people on boating and sailing related forums. Meeting up with crews and owners at marinas can also be a great source of information. Travel agents are another group you can speak with during the planning process. Not only do travel agents know the ins and outs of multiple destinations, but they know more than you do. They also have better connections, and can be safety nets if you choose to work with them during the entirety of your travel process. Finally, be sure to visit and play with a number of boat travel planners, such as this one. Online tools can give you a sense of how many nautical miles you will be traveling or how much fuel you may need.

Decide Where You Are Going

        You likely already have an idea of the route you plan on taking, which is a start. A thorough travel route should be a priority though and should include a multitude of specifics. Plotting your route on a map can eliminate any questions about where you are going, how much fuel may be needed, what ports you plan to stop at, what ports can be emergency backups, etcetera. Additionally, once you know the route you are taking and the dates, you can begin to look at weather patterns. On the water, one must consider wind and waves, the potential for tsunamis, and, most likely, hurricanes. Understanding the potential for storm surges, winds, and the path of hurricanes could significantly alter the course of a boat trip. Have your hurricane preparedness plan arranged before leaving.

Budget, Budget, Budget

        Once a clear route and time range has been established, evaluating the budget of the trip will come next. One must account for food, water, pre-departure maintenance, fuel for along the way, the cost of staying at ports, and any fees and papers for coming or going from your destination. Keeping your food costs down, watching fuel prices from numerous resources, and preplanning your stays will likely save you a few bucks. Remember to account for several days extra worth of water and food in case of emergencies.

“A boat is a hole in the water that you throw your money into.” This is a fairly accurate description if something bad happens to your boat. What happens when you haven’t budgeted or aren’t prepared for those costs? You may need to buy parts or visit a marina for repairs. This is why you should consider your options.

Safety First is Safety Always

        There are a countless number of boating safety related infographics, articles, and videos out there on the web. First, use your common sense. If you don’t know your way around boats very well, hire someone who does. Alternatively, have someone aboard that can serve as an assistant skipper in case you are injured or for some other reason incapable of operating the boat. As mentioned earlier, be weather aware, and download and complete a safety checklist to help you prepare.

Furthermore, consider the safety of the wildlife and ocean around you. There have been several maritime laws that have been put into place in order to protect the environment. In 2010, there were approximately 10.2 million pieces of trash collected along just U.S. coastline. Protecting the environment and protecting travelers should be of the utmost importance during a long excursion on a boat. Should one of the travelers jump in for a dive, they may encounter ocean pollution, which is not only toxic for the oceans but can be dangerous for
those in the water. Keep an eye on the water around you and remember to dispose
of your trash appropriately.

Befriend Fellow Travelers

        Now comes the fun. From here on out, you are boating for the reasons that made you want to travel initially- minus regularly making pit stops for supplies and doing daily chores. During your journey, be sure to meet up with other people who are traveling by boat. As Hedy Lamarr acknowledged, this traveling crowd tends to be light hearted, and are actually some of the most active and healthy individuals. When speaking with other boaters, you may learn a thing or two about the next destination on your list. Plus, as a side bonus, you have the potential of meeting and making lifelong friends.

Remember Why You are Boating and Yachting

        Boating and traveling are, in several ways, ideal leisure activities for many. Don’t forget this while you are traveling. Yes, there will be work involved. Yes, there may be small problems here and there. But you are traveling on a boat for your own (hopefully positive) reasons. Relax, turn on some of your favorite tunes, do the activities you planned, enjoy the company around you, and have safe travels.