March 3, 2010 - Two passengers were killed and others injured when three waves estimated at 30' high smashed into the forward facing windows of a deck-level restaurant lounge on the 680' Louis Majesty. The two passengers were killed by shards of glass from broken windows. The ship was in the Mediterranean outside of the French port of Marseille on its way from Barcelona, Spain to Genoa, Italy.  1,350 passengers and 580 crew members on board at the time of the incident. Here's more from CBSNews.

 

 

February 21, 2010 - The 188' three masted Canadian sailing ship SV Concordia was 300 miles off the coast of Brazil when a microburst of wind knocked her down and sank her at 2pm last Thursday. The ship was operating a Class Afloat program for high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen. The Brazilian navy picked up the distress signal and alerted vessels in the area. All 64 students and crew were rescued after two harrowing nights at sea. The Concordia had twice as many life rafts as necessary. Here's more from Sail World.

February 18, 2010 - The 54th annual New England Boat Show cruises into the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) on Saturday and stays through the following weekend from February 20 - 28, 2010.  The show promises unprecedented deals on everything from luxury motor yachts and cruisers to sailboats and the newest electronics, plus attractions including the new Affordability Pavilion and the popular Boating Seminar Series.

The annual nine-day event has grown into New England’s largest boat show, attracting thousands from the east coast seaboard, filling 800,000 square feet with hundreds of the latest boats from the region’s top dealers, along with a wide selection of marine accessories and special features.  This year, more than 1,000 boats will be on display at the BCEC where the ceilings are tall enough to display fully rigged sailing yachts. “There is no other boating event in New England that offers boating enthusiasts the opportunity to shop and save on the best and biggest selection of boats and accessories.  With thousands of products to choose from, the New England Boat Show offers something for everyone and at every budget,” said Joe O’Neal, show manager.   

When:      February 20 - 28, 2010
        Saturdays 10am to 8pm
        Sunday, February 21, 11am to 6pm
        Monday – Friday noon to 8pm
        Sunday, February 28, 11am to 5:30p

Where:      Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC)
        415 Summer Street
        Boston, MA    

Tickets:     $13 for adults
        $7 for youth ages 6-12
        Children 5 and younger get in FREE
        Discounts: $2 off advance tickets can be purchased online
        Free with admission:  a one year subscription to Yachting, Cruising World, Motor Boating or Ski magazine.

Phone:    800-225-1577

Web:     NewEnglandBoatShow.com

 

 

 

February 16, 2010 - San Francisco Bay has steady winds that blow through the Golden Gate at 20+ knots nearly every afternoon. Jay Gardner, a co-founder of  Wind+Wing Technologies, believes that using the wind could save ferries up to 40% in fuel costs. His company is developing a carbon fiber wing sail that would supplement traditional engines. Blue & Gold Fleet, which runs 14 ferries and tourist boats on the Bay is interested. Read more from David R. Baker at SF Gate.