Readers invited to private R.I. boat show
Soundings readers are invited to an exclusive viewing of more than 30 exceptional yachts on July 16–17 at the Carnegie Abbey Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Newport Private Viewing is an invitation-only lifestyle and luxury exhibition showcasing high-end yachts and a curated selection of related premium products and services. There is no charge at the gate, and Soundings is a sponsor of the event.
Yachts on display will represent top builders, including Vicem Yachts, Riva, The Hinckley Company, Hunt Yachts, CW Hood Yachts, Protector, Naiad Inflatables, Trumpy Yachts, Grand Banks, Fortier Boats and Mochi Craft. According to Bob Peck of Atlass Insurance, one of the event’s creators, Newport Private Viewing describes itself as “exceptional yachts, autos, residences and diversions.” In addition to yachts, the show will present luxury automobiles, real estate offerings, gourmet food, art and designer apparel.
Peck explains that the event was created to help companies promote themselves and connect more directly with prospective buyers. This marks the third year for Newport Private Viewing and the first year the show will be held at the Carnegie Abbey Club. “Our customers are still buying,” Peck says. “Even if some shoppers opt for smaller or different types of boats than they originally planned, they still demand quality.”
The show hours are noon to 6 p.m. on July 16 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 17. The Carnegie Abbey Club is located at 125 Cory’s Lane in Portsmouth, R.I., and parking is available on site. For more information, visit www.newportprivateviewing.com.
SEA SCOUTS HONORED
The Sea Scout unit Minnow, Ship 1659 from the Houston area, has won Sea Scouting’s top honor, the BoatU.S. Flagship Award for 2010. The unit maintains a fleet of at least six cruising sailboats at South Shore Harbor Marina on Clear Lake in Kemah, Texas. Pictured at the award ceremony are Keith Christopher, National Sea Scouts Director; Spencer Rawlins Jr., skipper of Ship 1659; Sam Sexton, boatswain of Ship 1659; Connor Rieve, national boatswain 2009–2010; and Charles Wurster, National Sea Scouts commodore. For more on Sea Scouting, visit www.seascout.org.
Boston Fall Boat Show returns
After a one-year hiatus, the Boston Fall Boat Show returns October 1–3 at the Seaport World Trade Center. For the first time, the show will include a dedicated section for late-model used and brokerage boats in the 15- to 35-foot range; organizers say all used boats will be desirable brands less than 10 years old. The event is owned and operated by Boat Shows Inc., a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. For show details, visit www.bostonfallboatshow.com.
Yamaha summer promotion
Yamaha Marine Group has launched its VMax HPDI Summer Sale. The promotion offers buyers a credit of up to $3,000 based on MSRP toward the purchase of goods and services at participating authorized Yamaha outboard dealers. Eligible models are new 150- to 300-hp VMax HPDI 2-stroke outboards sold, warranty-registered and delivered to the consumer between June 1 and August 3.
Boston Whaler launches new magazine
Boston Whaler, headquartered in Edgewater, Florida, is launching a biannual lifestyle magazine titled Whaler. The publication will serve as a resource for current and prospective owners, highlighting Boston Whaler’s boat line, maritime heritage and the recreational lifestyle associated with the brand. For information, visit www.bostonwhaler.com.
Northeast sees record fatalities in 2010
The U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety reports that 21 recreational boaters and paddlers have died in the Northeast this year, the highest recorded figure for the region. Motorized vessels accounted for 10 of the fatalities, while kayakers and canoeists accounted for the remaining 11. Nationwide, roughly 700 people die annually in boating and paddling accidents; about 70 percent of those fatalities are drownings, and nearly 90 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. For more information on safe boating initiatives, see the 2010 North American Safe Boating Campaign at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.
Fleet to travel California coast
The Channel Islands Sea Ray Club and Valkyrie Yachts have organized the California Coastal Cruise, a nine-day powerboating voyage between Southern California and San Francisco. The round-trip covers approximately 750 miles with daylight-only passages and stops at less-frequented harbors along the coast, including Channel Islands Harbor, Morro Bay, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Monterey and San Luis Obispo/Avila. While all powerboats are welcome, organizers are focusing on vessels that routinely cruise at 15–20 knots and have a minimum fuel range of 150 miles. The cruise departs August 7 with a scheduled return the following weekend. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
50th Shelter Island Runabout splashed
Coecles Harbor Marine in Shelter Island, New York, has launched the 50th Shelter Island Runabout. The runabout design, conceived by singer-songwriter Billy Joel and penned by Doug Zurn, debuted in 1996. Hull No. 50 was built for a second-generation owner whose father launched hull No. 2 in 1997. This custom runabout is powered by twin Yanmar 315-hp diesel engines with Teleflex electronic engine controls. It reaches a top speed of 48 mph and cruises at 41 mph, with typical fuel burn of 11.2 gallons per hour at 29 mph and a cruising range of approximately 446 nautical miles at that speed. The cockpit reflects the new owner’s custom specifications and the boat features a Northstar 8000i touch-screen GPS/chartplotter, wired USB and Bluetooth connectivity for MP3 players and Apple devices, varnished teak trim and a teak-and-holly cabin sole. (June 2010)
This article originally appeared in the New England Home Waters section of the August 2010 issue.