Power, Sail, Marine Systems, Boats
Bill Parlatore
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the ...

It’s been a long time coming but we now see tangible progress emerging to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. If the U.S. Navy can prove that it works, isn’t it about time the concept of the modern cruising boat includes hybrid forms of propulsion?

Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?
Electronics, Power, Sail
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps

The end of the year is time to renew subscriptions and replace older apps with new ones. New technology and improved functionality promise a safer, faster, and easier user experience. In this case it is from Navionics, a Garmin Company. And General Motors.

Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps
Boats, Power, Sail, Travel
Bill Parlatore
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

The Rogue Wave
Boats, Sail
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out

Susie Goodall had a really close call, but she is safe after losing her Rustler 36 in the Southern Ocean. The 29-year-old was knocked unconscious when her boat pitchpoled end over end in rough seas and high winds.

She was eventually picked up by a cargo ship on its way to Argentina.

Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out
Power, Sail, Marine Systems
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

If you are an “experienced” cruiser (aka old person) you probably remember the days of Selective Availability (SA) and intentionally reduced GPS accuracy. The military only let us know our location within 100 meters. This continued for years, despite ongoing pleas from the FAA and USCG to provide everyone with the accuracy available from the GPS satellite system.

It took a jetliner being shot down to turn off this reduced-accuracy SA.

Today we could not live without accurate GPS information. At home, on the road, and on the water.

Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

Travel

, , ,

The Rogue Wave

, , ,
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

, ,

Monday Minute - Following Seas, Movie of Awahnee

, ,
Monday Minute - Following Seas, Movie of Awahnee

A movie worth watching, about a remarkable couple who went above and beyond the dreams of normal sailors. Whether it was to circumnavigate Antarctica, or follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook, this family lived a life at sea.

, ,

Monday Minute - More Reason to Stop in Southport, NC!

, ,
Monday Minute - More Reason to Stop in Southport, NC!

Announcing the start of the highly anticipated Daily Navigation and Weather Briefs at the Dock, conducted each day at Southport Marina, in Southport, North Carolina. This is the fifth year of this well-received briefing about current and forecasted weather, ICW issues and concerns, from experienced professionals specifically for transient cruisers headed south this fall.

, ,

ICW - Under Way At Last!

, ,
ICW - Under Way At Last!

Under way at last, heading down the Intracoastal Waterway to warm weather for the winter. It is the dream of many, and lots of cruisers and liveaboards make it an annual event.

Some continue on to the Bahamas and the islands.

, , ,

Monday Minute - The BVIs are Back!

, , ,
Monday Minute - The BVIs are Back!

The BVI Tourist Board hosted a Friends of the BVI Brunch on Saturday, to lure back the vibrant charter and tourism business the islands lost after the storms of September, 2017. Whether you charter a catamaran or stay at a lovely resort, they want you to come visit the islands.

Their message is clear. Come on back! We are open and welcome you to our lovely BVIs.

, , ,

ICW - Have A Plan To Not Have A Rigid Plan

, , ,
ICW - Have A Plan To Not Have A Rigid Plan

Let’s discuss various ways to keep the ICW trip south less tedious, and maybe inject a little fun along the way. But first let’s make sure the waterway is clear!

, , ,

ICW - Prepare Your Boat For The Trip

, , ,
ICW - Prepare Your Boat For The Trip

Preparing your boat for the trip south on the ICW is much the same for preparing for the Great Loop or other extended coastal cruising. The time spent before you leave will pay for itself in less trouble and preventable issues once you leave home waters.

, ,

Time to Think About Going South

, ,
Time to Think About Going South

It’s an exciting time of year, to begin planning for the fall trip south. So many choices, so many new things to see, it is a wonderful experience.

But let’s get squared away with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence first, which disrupted a lot of territory in both North and Sount Carolina. Thankfully, we don’t need to rely on social media, as the team at Cruisers’ Net has stepped up to the task.

, ,

Monday Minute - Look Out The Window!

, ,
Monday Minute - Look Out The Window!

Technology has made remarkable progress in the past decade, making navigation easier, safer, and more reliable. But we're not at the point of autonomous boating, so it is still the operator's responsibility to maintain situational awareness.

, ,

Piloting in Limited Visibility

, ,
Piloting in Limited Visibility

Sometimes we find ourselves traveling in less than ideal conditions. But if one is prepared, it is safe to keep going, but at slower speeds and using all the tools available.

Other times it is best to stay put. 

, ,

It's a Risky World

, ,
It's a Risky World

A couple of incidents worth reading about bring up the subject of maritime security. Military branches from many countries are working together to address these issues, but it is a complicated.

And an outstanding effort by the Australian Navy makes a miracle happen.

, ,

Monday Minute - A Slick Way to Carry Documents

, ,
Monday Minute - A Slick Way to Carry Documents

A nice solution for carrying one's license, credit cards, and cash when a wallet or purse is vulnerable, such as wet dinghy ride going ashore.

, ,

Monday Minute - Refresh Your Passing Skills

, ,
Monday Minute - Refresh Your Passing Skills

If you are doing the Loop, ICW, northern canals, or other waterway cruises that involves narrow rivers or canals, reacquaint yourself with the proper signals for passing other boats and marine traffic.

Is it one toot or two?

, ,

Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

, ,
Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

As the new cruising season is on the horizon, it's not a bad idea to review some basic cruising information that not every cruiser deals with often. In this case, we clarify bridge clearance.

, ,

EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - Andratx, the Balearic Islands

, ,
EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - Andratx, the Balearic Islands

Scott and Mary Flanders continue sharing their Med cruise with a visit to the Balearic Islands off Spain. This post is about the seaside town of Andratx, on the island of Mallorca.

, ,

EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - The Med - Part 3

, ,
EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - The Med - Part 3

To cruise the Med, one has to get there. Scott and Mary Flanders share their thoughts on that in this third post on general Med cruising.

Hopefully, it will give you some ideas and perhaps even some inspiration.

, ,

EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - The Med - Part 2

, ,
EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - The Med - Part 2

In this second post about Med cruising, Scott and Mary Flanders share tips about cruising, what it costs, what you'll need, and about sharing the experience with friends and family.

, ,

EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - THE MEDITERRANEAN, WHY, AND HOW - Part 1

, ,
EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - THE MEDITERRANEAN, WHY, AND HOW - Part 1

In this first of a three-part series, Scott and Mary Flanders discuss the reality of Mediterranean cruising, and why it is easier than you might think to enjoy this wonderful area. Their experiences on Egret, their Nordhavn 46, should inspire you to enjoy your own world cruise. 

, ,

EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - Cruising Regions, Why and How

, ,
EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - Cruising Regions, Why and How

Scott and Mary Flanders reflect on their world cruising adventures and highlight those areas they found most appealing to North Americans. Not everyone has the means to travel the world in a full displacement passagemaker, and this cruising couple explains us how we can explore the world in a way that is more attainable.

, ,

EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - The Island of Ponza

, ,
EGRET TALES OF THE SEA - The Island of Ponza

Cruising the Mediterranean is a unique experience, with rich history, fabulous cuisine, and crystal clear waters. The crew of Egret share their visit to Ponza off the Italian coast, a wonderful island that called them back several times. Scot and Mary urge you to go there on your own boat.

Subscribe to Following Seas

Sign up with your email address to receive the latest Following Seas articles.

Interests

Featured Articles

Featured
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?

It’s been a long time coming but we now see tangible progress emerging to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. If the U.S. Navy can prove that it works, isn’t it about time the concept of the modern cruising boat includes hybrid forms of propulsion?

Read More →
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps

The end of the year is time to renew subscriptions and replace older apps with new ones. New technology and improved functionality promise a safer, faster, and easier user experience. In this case it is from Navionics, a Garmin Company. And General Motors.

Read More →
The Rogue Wave
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

Read More →
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out

Susie Goodall had a really close call, but she is safe after losing her Rustler 36 in the Southern Ocean. The 29-year-old was knocked unconscious when her boat pitchpoled end over end in rough seas and high winds.

She was eventually picked up by a cargo ship on its way to Argentina.

Read More →
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

If you are an “experienced” cruiser (aka old person) you probably remember the days of Selective Availability (SA) and intentionally reduced GPS accuracy. The military only let us know our location within 100 meters. This continued for years, despite ongoing pleas from the FAA and USCG to provide everyone with the accuracy available from the GPS satellite system.

It took a jetliner being shot down to turn off this reduced-accuracy SA.

Today we could not live without accurate GPS information. At home, on the road, and on the water.

Read More →
The Cost of Cruising - Part 4 - Cutting Expenses
The Cost of Cruising - Part 4 - Cutting Expenses

Let’s take a look at some ways to cut expenses, and conversely, how to make money while cruising. They both contribute to allow you to keep enjoying the lifestyle.

Not many couples can get by making video vlogs on YouTube of their adventures, and expect others to pay for their experience through donations and Patreon.

Read More →