USCG Cutter Escanaba transits Cape Cod Bay during snowstorm

Santa gets a carbon fiber sled

Carbon fiber is not just for race boats and race cars. Now Santa is in on the game!

For the holidays, GE created a viral site where they developed a new sleigh concept for Santa utilizing 10 key technologies. First and foremost, they made the sled out of their specialized carbon fiber composite materials to make it lighter than metal, but just as strong. Check it out.

NMMA acquires New England Boat Show

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced the acquisition of the New England Boat Show from North America Expositions Company as part of a larger strategic repositioning of its boat show portfolio. The purchase of the New England Boat Show confirms NMMA’s belief in the long term value of boat shows and its stance that shows in large, populated boating markets are most viable and will remain a successful and important part of the boating industry. Press release.

Local Sailor nominated for Rolex Yachtsman of the Year

Rolex Farr 40 World Champion Jim Richardson (Boston, Mass. /Newport, R.I.) makes the nominees shortlisted for US SAILING’s 2009 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.

The nominees will be reviewed by a panel of noted sailing journalists who discuss the merits of each nominee and vote to determine US SAILING’s 2009 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year. The ultimate winners will be announced in mid-January and honored on February 26, 2010. More about the award here.

Ocean State Tackle closes Bristol store

fishingblog.projo.com Chalk up another casualty of the sour economy. Ocean State Tackle owner David Henault has closed his Bristol store, and his West Greenwich shop may be next. Story

USCG Tows Fishing Vessel into Provincetown

USCG Top 11 videos of 2009

The U.S. Coast Guard today released its top 11 video compilation for 2009 highlighting the year’s most compelling cases from the work done every day by America’s Guardians.

In 2009 America’s Coast Guard: Saved more than 4,747 lives and responded to 23,555 emergencies.

Relive the 2009 12 Metre Worlds

If you missed the 17 classic 12 Metres on the starting line of the Candy Store Cup here’s your chance to see it and own it. Place your order here.

A great gift idea for the 12 Metre fan on your list!

Shopping to benefit Rose Island Light

Friday December 18th the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation will hold its 3rd Annual Holiday Party & Gift Auction from 5:30pm to 8:30 pm at the Armory 365 Thames St, Newport. Details here.

Check out the gift shop here.

Manatee that visited RI is OK and back in Florida waters

projo.com - In this photo released by the United States Coast Guard, Maya Rodriguez, a veterinarian at Miami Seaquarium, keeps Ilya, a manatee, wet with bottled water after the mammal was put on a plane for a flight to Florida on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The maundering manatee that visited Rhode Island waters in September is back in his home waters in Florida after rehabilitation at the Miami Seaquarium, the Save the Manatee Club announced on Tuesday. Story

Power agreement

blockislandtimes.com - Governor Donald Carcieri announced late Wednesday that National Grid and developer Deepwater Wind have signed a 20-year power purchase agreement for the electricity to be generated by an eight-turbine wind farm planned for state waters within three miles of Block Island.

Construction could begin in 2011. The towers and turbines would be installed in 2012 and fully operational by 2013. Full story.

Put Race Week on Your Calendar

New York Yacht Club announces 2010 Race Week. Presented by Rolex!

The schedule includes One-Design, Classic, 12 Metre and PHRF championships in the beginning of the week (Saturday, July 17-Monday, July 19) and IRC racing at the back end (Wednesday, July 21- Saturday, July 24).

Large fleets are anticipated for this premier event, with many traveling to the area to compete in the 2010 Newport to Bermuda Race June 18th and Onion Patch Series, the latter of which kicks off with the 156th NYYC Annual Regatta presented by Rolex (June 11-13). Last year, 105 yachts entered the Annual Regatta; two years ago the Newport to Bermuda Race year drew 110 yachts.

Find all the details here.

Robot completes first underwater crossing of Atlantic Ocean.

Spain handed back to the United States a robot which last week completed the first underwater crossing of the Atlantic Ocean to help monitor climate change by tracking temperatures

The yellow glider, which resembles a rocket with wings on its sides, traveled the 7,400 kilometres (4,600 miles) between New Jersey on the US east coast and Galicia in Spain’s northwestern coast in 225 days using only a battery and aided ocean currents. Read on.

Here’s their video:

Santa Swims

Top 10 gifts for the fisherman

warwickonline.com - By, Captain Dave Monti.  - Captain Dave has been fishing and shell fishing on Narragansett Bay for over 40 years. He holds a captain’s master license and a charter fishing license. Here’s his Top 10.