For the Love of Boating, Sailing, Cruising

Meet Kirsten Neuschafer in a new video

WOMEN ON THE WATER
     A new series of videos, live events and other interviews called Women on the Water has been introduced by U.S. Harbors. The latest features Kirsten Neuschafer. Videos premier LIVE Wednesdays at Noon ET on the US Harbors channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/USHarbors1
For more information contact usharbors.com


HURTIGRUTEN SAILS

    Sail beautiful Norwegian fjords and other scenic, unspoiled waters with the small ships of Hurtigruten. After a successful return to sailing last month, Hurtigruten will increase operations to 14 of 16 ships returning in August and September. The line will also launch a series of new itineraries in the British Isles over the coming months.

    Hurtigruten marked the return of cruising as MS Finnmarken became the first ocean cruise ship in the world to return to sailing with her June 16 departure. With limiting capacity and strict hygiene measures, Hurtigruten currently operates five ships on international and domestic Norwegian itineraries.Now the world’s largest expedition cruise company has stepped up its rebound strategy, with plans to bring 14 of their 16 ships back in operation by the end of September.

JULY FLASH SAIL SALE

   Book with Star Clippers before July 31 and score a bunch of freebies. Go to starclippers,com

   
THE MAGIC OF THE GREEK ISLES

    Discover hidden coves and shoreside secrets when you book a boutique charter with husband and wife team  Yannis and Veneta Vasatis, who know the islands stem to stern.  www.spetsescruising.com








WANT TO SEE A REGATTA?

    Critics say that watching a sailboat race is like watching paint dry, but if you “get it” about the fun, skill and excitement about sailing races, see what’s upcoming in regattas at https://regattanetwork.com




NEW MARINA AND DEVELOPMENT  COMING TO JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA
 

This rendering shows hopes for Harbor Lights

   Still in the planning stages at Marker 22 is a mixed use development that’s good news for residents as well as north-south ICW traffic. The bad new is that it’s still hard to get information on progress. Plans call for upscale residential units, a restaurant and a 122-slip marina.  Current scuttlebutt is that construction at Harbor Lights  will begin in 2022.  If you want to get in on the “ground floor” so to speak, keep up with (www.) Harborlightsjacksonville.com

Farley Halladay’s
Grilled Turkey Tenderloin
    Discover unusual flavor bursts in this easy recipe for the grill. It makes 8 servings in a small space, so it’s ideal for a small boat with a small grill.

4 8-ounce turkey tenderloins
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lemon or lime juice
2 tablespoons Grey Poupon mustard
2 teaspoons each curry powder and dried tarragon

Cut tenderloins in half lengthwise. Whisk remaining ingredients until well blended and put in a plastic bag with the marinade. Chill 2 to 3 hours. Cook on an oiled grill about 8-9 minutes on each side, basting with marinade. Discard remaining marinade.  Good with chutney.
    This can be a knife-and-fork meal with rice and other fixings. The pieces also fit nicely in buttered  buns. 

FARLEY'S LATEST BOOK
     In May Misfire, Book 5 in the Yacht Yenta cozy mystery  Kindle series, widowed Farley returns to St. Thomas and the ketch where her husband died and shots ring out. A young man from Cap's past claims to be his son and a couple who live on a massive house barge are revealed to be in a most interesting business.
 
 https://amzn.to/2Z90kRB
 


   

Boating Life and Worldwide Sailing Fun

blog copyright janet groene. To donate $5 a year as a voluntary subscription use your PayPal account to janetgroene at yahoo.com

SCROLL DOWN FOR LINK TO A ZOOM SINGALONG OF SEA CHANTEYS ON JULY 5 FROM SOUTH STREET SEAPORT

NEW PODCAST FEATURES NEW YORK WATERS

    A new series of podcasts from U.S. Harbors is titled “All About Our Coasts”. The first podcast is “Navigating New York Waterways". It’s an interview with Nate Grove with the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, which owns 1/3 of the 530 miles of NYC waterfront—and 15 marinas—making it the largest landholder of shoreline across the 5 boroughs. Sign up at  https://usharbors.buzzsprout.com/


LET'S CHARTER IN THE BALTIC

See a video on everything you need to know about charter boating in the Baltic. It's from MarineMax.com. 

CARDBOARD  BOATS. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? 

The festival is free and the hilarity priceless at the annual Ohio Cardboard Boat Regatta on the Ohio River at New Richmond. The date is August 8.  Boatbuilders compete  in 26 categories including the Titanic Award.






 
ARE YOU A NEW LIVEBOARD LOOKING FOR A HOME BASE?
    There are many considerations in choosing a “home” address when you become a full-time liveaboard. It isn't just about getting mail. Insurance rates are based on your address, not just by state but by city.  Your home state also determines taxes, licensing, voting and inheritance rights and so much more.
    In many instances, taxes also depend on the source of your income. To see a list of states that do not tax social security benefits see (cut and paste) https://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/taxes/states-tax-social-security-benefit/
    If you are getting a pension from a state government, you may also be taxed differently depending on your “home” address.   

Plan to be in Sydney for Christmas in the Sunshine

If you plan to live  on board, choose your "home" address carefully

CHRISTMAS DOWN UNDER
    Spend next Christmas in the warm sunshine in Sydney on board a charter boat from ahoyclub.com.
 




SAIL EQUADOR IN STYLE

 
    A new charter yacht company will start sailing two itineraries out of Ecuador in December. Yachts are 128 feet and have nine staterooms and ten crew. See kontikiexpeditions.com. Warning: the website is cluttered and busy, so it takes patience to  find out what the product is really all about. 





COOL THE OPEN COCKPIT BOAT
    A new cooling system for open cockpit boats has been introduced by Webasto, makers of the original Breeze. Using an engine-mounted, belt-driven compressor it runs on 12V-DC. Three fans optimize air flow. See technical details at webasto.com or call (800) 215-7010.


NEWEST YACHT YENTA MYSTERY

    May Misfire has just been published on Kindle and other e-book formats worldwide.  It’s Book Five in the cozy mystery Yacht Yenta series by Farley Halladay. When Farley’s husband, Jud,  is killed in a fall from the mainmast on board their ketch Sea SEAL, Farley lost the love of her life as well as the boat that was their home and livelihood. Now an online charter boat booking agent in Florida, she takes readers on worldwide travels.
    In this book she is confronted with an honor killing, the challenge of going up the mast to see where Jud died, and a showdown with international jewel smugglers based in St. Thomas.
    Whether this is your first or fifth Farley Halladay mystery, prepare for a salty, sassy Farley and a fast-paced romp through the seven seas.  https://amzn.to/2Z90kRB


Farley Halladay’s
GALLEY RECIPE OF THE WEEK 

Freeze-Ahead Zucchini Soup
    Why take up room in the freezer with water? This condensed soup can be thawed, thinned and turned into a flavorful bowlful. You’ll need a large pot such as a lobster pot. 
 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 pounds lean bulk pork sausage
1 pounds lean ground beef, pork or turkey
1 bunch celery, chopped including small, tender leaves
2 cups chopped fennel bulb
3 large onions, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
8 cups diced zucchini and yellow squash
3 cans, 32 ounces each, diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons mixed Italian seasoning


    Heat oil and stir-fry meats in batches, breaking up sausage as it browns. Stir in vegetables to coat with pan juices. Add 2 cans tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat until vegetables are crisp-tender.  Remove from heat and add remaining can of tomatoes. Adjust seasonings. Cool and package. Allow 1 ½ cups per serving.
 
    Thaw and add ½ cup water for each 1 ½ cups concentrate. Heat and serve. Pass the salt and pepper. 

Optional: add a splash of sherry. Or serve over rice or other whole grain.  Or heat with up to ½ cup cooked beans per serving.
Cook’s note: Terms are often confused. A stalk of celery is a bunch. One piece is a rib.

Regatta, Sea Chanteys and Sailing, Cruising, Living Aboard

Blog copyright janet groene 2020. To donate $5 a year as a voluntary subscription to this weekly blog, use Paypal to janetgroene at yahoo.com

 

 

Sign in to
SING A SEA CHANTEY WITH 
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
   
Sing out with a sea chantey with no fear of catching something! South Street Seaport Museum's monthly sea-music Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music has gone virtual. From anywhere you can lSpritzedisten in, lead or request a song, and belt out the choruses for your neighbors to hear during a Virtual Chantey Sing on Sunday, July 5, 2020 from 2-4pm. The event is FREE. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link 24 hours prior: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=4pcqx8iab&oeidk=a07eh55kqffdc22ec73

.

YACHT YENTA BOOK FOUR
    In April Avenger by Farley Halladay, Farley’s drama queen of a sister is held captive on a luxurious yacht in the Mediterranean and is rescued by a nun and a freight boat operator. At home, Farley works to keep her online charteroat business afloat while trying to keep old Cap on the wagon and dealing with a serial killer. Ashore and afloat, grieving or raising hell, Farley’s  salty e-book mysteries are a fun read.
https://amzn.to/2WFQR4I



 



See a video explaining how to charter in the Baltic at MarineMax.com


Farley Halladay’s
Rum Spritzed  Cookies
    Bake these bars in a 15 X 10 X 1-inch pan, also known as a jelly roll pan.  They are extremely filling, just right to have in your pocket on night watch or when beach combing. 

2 sticks butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon each cinnamon, butter flavoring, rum flavoring
1 cup flour
4 cups coarsely chopped pecans
2 cups raisins
2 cups candied fruit (fruit cake mix)

1/3 cup amber rum

    Grease pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar until light, gradually adding flavorings and flour. Spread batter in the pan to make an even layer. Sprinkle with fruits and nuts, gently pressing them into the batter.
    Bake 45-60 minutes until bars test done with a toothpick. Drizzle with rum. Cool completely, cut in bars and wrap individually. Keep in a cool, dark place.

See a clear, colorful  InfoGraphic on making no-bake energy bars. They do require a blender or food processor.  (Cut and paste) 
https://www.quill.com/blog/lifestyle/diy-no-bake-bars.html?cm_mmc=NEW_Infographic
 

CHEER ON A REGATTA NEAR YOU

     See https://www.regattacentral.com/regattas for current dates and updates on regattas that are scheduled, postponed, rescheduled or canceled. 

 




CRUISERS FORUM KEEPS IN TOUCH
    If you’re not yet a member of Cruisers Forum, I recommend it highly. It’s a clearing house for all kinds of cruiser information and communication no matter where you are. Lots of liveboards, cruisers, real boaters who are really Out There. On your personal portal you can also keep in touch with your personal contact list. I’m still learning how to utilitize this powerful free tool but if you are a member, message  me as Janet Groene. See cruisersforum.com

Boating News for Cruising Liveaboards

Blog copyright 2020 Janet Groene.  To pay $5 a year as a voluntary subscription use your PayPal account to janetgroene at yahoo.com

CHARTER NOW OR RESERVE YOUR SLIP
    Next year’s Monaco Grand Prix Historique will be run on May and the the 78th Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix on May 20-23. It’s a time when yachties crowd into the harbor for good times ashore and afloat. 


 HOW TO ORGANIZE A SHORE CLEANUP

 
 

    Some communities do it once a month, some once a year, some never. This is a good time for concerned boaters to be at the forefront of beach and shore clean-ups along rivers, canals, oceans and lakes.

* First find out if a local organization already exists for such events. If so you can just sign on.

* Decide on a site and scope it out in advance. Keep it manageable for the number of volunteers.

* Choose at least one site coordinator to be on scene throughout the event

* Gather supplies such as protective gloves, masks, trash bags

* Consult waste management authorities for a plan to deal with recyclables. Communities aren’t all the same. Get expert advice too on handling hazardous waste

* Try to get sponsors to say, provide vests or tee shirts, snacks, prizes, drinking water

* Use social networks, posters, bulletin boars to promote the event 

* Have volunteers sign up in advance so they know the rules such as wearing sturdy, closed shoes, bring water bottle and sunscreen, wear layered clothing.

 NEW ITINERARIES FROM HURTIGRUTEN
 

    Expedition cruises out of Dover, Hamburg and Bergen are now offered by Norwegian cruise specialists Hurtigruten. The  routes  go deep into fjords, enjoy remote nature, see amazing wildlife and charming coastal cities, towns and villages while also enjoying the Northern Lights.
BLESSING OF THE FLEET RHODE ISLAND
 

    For two days join the fun in Naragansett for the blessing in the fleet and a city square filled with music, food , buskers and vendors. Boats large and small will sail Galilee in a colorful parade and compete for prizes. Dates are July 23-25. 

Have you started the the kicky new Yacht Yenta mysteries yet?  Travel the seven seas without leaving your sleeping bag and the glow of your Kindle. Start with April Avenger, then go back and read  January Justice, February Felony and March Malice while you wait for the release of May Misfire. 
 

January Justice https://amzn.to/32WBaqO

 February Felony https://amzn.to/3aEcZQP  
                     
March Malice https://amzn.to/2vOAho5

April Avenger https://amzn.to/2WFQR4I

Don’t have a Kindle? Get the free Kindle app and read ebooks on your laptop tablet, phone or pad. 
 PC  https://amzn.to/31lQT0u
For Mac  https://amzn.to/39wXmuh


Farley Halladay’s
VEGAN GREENS ‘N POT LIKKER
    In the American South, greens are stewed with pork or ham and served with cornbread to soak up the juices. Here’s a vegetarian dish rich in greens, meaty with olives and swimming in  flavorful “likker” for your cornbread, sourdough, garlic bread  or biscuits. The greens can be any number of leafy edibles or a mixture.

 
2 pounds greens (spinach, kale, mustard, turnip, collard, callaloo, dasheen,  ad inf.)
Heaping tablespoon minced garlic
2/3 cup olive oil
Small can sliced black olives, drained
½ cup pitted, cut up  Kalamata olives
14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt, pepper to taste

Hot sauce

    To prepare greens remove large, tough stems. Cut up. Wash greens throrughly to remove sand. Put in a large pot with garlic and a cup of water. Steam 5 minutes until greens are limp. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook long and slow until greens are very tender. Season to taste. Serves 6.  Pass the hot sauce.

Variation: For an even meatier dish, fold in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini.

All of Farley Halladay’s Yacht Yenta e-books contain delicious, galley-easy recipes

Tips for Boating, Sailing, Cruising, Liveaboards

Blog copyright Janet Groene, all rights reserved. To donate $5 once a year as a voluntary subscription to this weekly blog, use your Paypal account to janetgroene at yahoo.com

HOW TO CHOOSE A DOCK BOX

Why Pay more Than $1,000 for a Dock Box?  

Check features on this top-of-the-line Taylormaid

    Read on to see why some boat owners pay top dollar for top quality features in a box for deck or dock.  https://amzn.to/2y1Osrb

Custom made, gorgeous, but high maintenance

    * Is it to be used on deck or on the dock?  Both? Neither?

    * A dock box with a flat top can substitute as a shelf or  seat.  Some are even long enough to serve as a spare bunk. A rounded top, on the other hand,  sheds rain and splashes, and removes any temptation to pile stuff atop it. 




    * Is it UV resistant ? Cheaper plastics are too thin, too weak and will get brittle after a while.  Some marine dock boxes are also made of durable fiberglass. 

* Here's a fiberglass dock box from marine specialist Taylormaid.
 https://amzn.to/2WwwFBW
 
    * How easy is it to stay the lid where you want it? Gas struts, also called gas shocks, keep the lid open.

    * Is it suitable for rod storage? Some dock boxes have built-in rod storage under the lid.
    * Is it waterpoof or merely “weatherproof” or “leak resistant”

    * How lockable is it?

    * Is it made for saltwater use? Many great waterproof boxes are made for patio use. Their hinges, hasp and other fittings may rust. Top marine dock boxes have fittings made from stainless steel, marine grade aluminum or brass.

    * Size it up before adding a high box to the foredeck.  Will it block the view from the helm?


STOCK UP FOR CRUISE, PASSAGE, EMERGENCY
    Survival Food Handbook is the guide to provisioning for some serious cruising. An ample pantry is the ultimate insurance.

     Stuff happens. Refrigeration fails.  The island is out of propane. You can’t dock because of a quarantine. You arrive in a strange port and find out you’re dead broke, or your credit card is maxed out or your mail didn’t arrive with the check you are looking for.  You’re becalmed, or stuck in a deserted harbor because of weather. Or maybe you just prefers the simple life, cruising without electrical appliances or a big freezer. 

This isn't about pricey survival foods. show to shop at the supermarket for familiar, affordable,stow-able provisions. 





    Let Amazon send it in Kindle or paperback. https://amzn.to/2IoKevc

FARLEY’S SMALL GALLEY 
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Farley Halladay’s
Bodacious Breakfast Skillet

    Good quality deli corned beef is the key to this recipe. Do not add salt and pepper. Everything else is salty. Salt can always be added at the table. Pass the pepper mill. 

½ pound deli corned beef, cut up
1 tablespoon olive oil
Small onion, finely diced
1 or two cans corned beef hash
8-ounce can tomato sauce
6 to 8 eggs
Grated cheese (optional)
Minced parsley or cilantro (optional)

    In a 12-inch skillet sizzle corned beef and onion in hot oil. Add hash and heat to soften so it can be spread in an even layer.
    Drizzle with tomato sauce. Using the back of a large spoon, make 6 to 8 depressions in the hash and break an egg in each. Cover and cook to taste.
    Serve as is or sprinkle with grated cheese and/or minced herbs. 

The fictional Farley Halladay lived on a charterboat ketch until her husband was killed in a fall from the mainmast while changing the steaming light. Now she operates an online charterboat business and solves mysteries while living the boating life vicariously with a funny-as-hell cast of characters at sea and ashore.

The Yacht Yenta Mysteries so far are January Justice, February Felony, March Malice and April Avenger.

January Justice https://amzn.to/32WBaqO
 
February Felony https://amzn.to/3aEcZQP                       

March Malice https://amzn.to/2vOAho5

April Avenger   https://amzn.to/2WFQR4I


FREE KINDLE APPS LET YOU READ EBOOKS ON YOUR PC, LAPTOP, TABLET, PHONE
Don’t have a Kindle? Use your Amazon account to get the
Kindle app free and read e-books on your phone, tablet, PC or laptop
Kindle app free for for PC  https://amzn.to/31lQT0u

Kindle app free for  Mac  https://amzn.to/39wXmuh