The CT Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be temporarily closing the Thames River State Boat Launch in New London for renovations. The closure will be effective July 14, 2008 through August 28, 2008 while the State boat launch is being renovated.

Renovations to the Thames River State Boat Launch will include:

• Boat Ramp - installing a new ramp of pre-cast concrete, with a grooved surface

• Ramp Sides and Bottom - installing an interconnecting concrete block apron on the sides and bottom of the ramp to prevent erosion.

“The ramp replacement, which will be completed this summer, will improve boating operations and facilitate the safe and efficient launching and retrieval of boats,” said Eleanor Mariani, DEP’s Boating Division.

While the renovations are taking place, the public can utilize the following boat launches in the area: Dock Road in Waterford, and the K.E. Streeter and Bayberry Lane boat launches, both in Groton.

For additional state owned boat launches see the CT Boater’s Guide or visit www.ct.gov/dep

story & photo
by Chris Annino

The New London area is known for the annual regattas , the Harvard-Yale Race, and Mystic’s Battle Between the Bridges which is connected with Coast Week.

Battle Between the Bridges is unique because Olympic hopeful, Gold Medalist Anna Mickelson and local rowers from the area are invited to compete and sharpen their skills in a non-stressful, yet competitive environment.

Mystic resident, Hart Perry, Executive Director of the Mystic Seaport and world known rowing coach, was instrumental in the establishing of a National Rowing Hall of Fame at the Mystic Seaport..

Goran Buckhorn, Swedish native and current Mystic resident, is one key person to bring an international taste to this growing sport. He works at the Mystic Seaport Museum, and Groton Parks and Recreation. Through their boating club, he helped to generate an interest in the sport. There are some hopes that Mystic might become the next rowing capital of the world. “I started rowing in my early teens in my hometown of Malmo, I was instantly hooked on the sport. Rowing is for everyone, women and men alike, and at any age. You do not have to be “fit” to get something out of your rowing, although, of course your fitness will improve rapidly when you start rowing.”

Goran is the boating coordinatorfor the Groton Community Boating Club. He and a few other members of the club had the idea to invite “National Learn How to Row Day” to help fuel the fire of Mystic’s growing interest in the sport. The holiday is a world holiday that has been celebrated in our country for only eight years. The event was held June 7th. On the same day, the Groton Community Boating Club kicked off their “Go For a Row” series.

“‘Go For a Row’ is an event where we invite Groton residents and people from the surrounding areas to try out rowing for free at our boathouse by Beebe Cove in Noank. Everyone is welcome between 9:00 -11:00 a.m. Other dates during the summer for this event will be: June 28, July 26, and August 30,” Goran said.

Over twenty people came on the 7th of June, some were learning to row for the first time. Among those were Kellsey Butta, a rower for the Fitch Rowing Team, and her father Phil Butta who never rowed in his life. “It’s really cool to see something that I care about getting a second life to it,” said Kellsey.

For more information contact Groton Parks & Recreation at 860.536.5680, or e-mail Goran at gcbc-coordinator@hotmail.com

After months in storage, even the freshest boat can emerge covered in dust, dirt, mold and cobwebs. Weiman® Products offers some timely tips to get your vessel shipshape in no time.

Step 1: Clean Out the Dust & Cobwebs

Start by sweeping up loose dirt and cobwebs. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down exposed seating and consoles. This may seem time-consuming, but clearing away dirt and dust as a first step will prevent dust from settling on the exterior of your boat as you clean.

Electronics or controls located on exposed consoles should be cleaned with an ammonia-free formula designed to clean gently while repelling dust and dirt. Products in wipe form make for quick clean-up and can be stored on the boat. They also work great on CD/DVD players, computer screens and TVs you may have onboard.
Step 2: Scrub the Fiberglass

To clean the exterior, mix a cup of mild detergent with a gallon of warm water. Use a sponge to scrub the fiberglass. To remove mildew, include a cup of household bleach with the detergent solution.

For stubborn stains caused by fish blood or scum, use a heavy duty cleaner designed specifically for fiberglass. Be sure to use a non-abrasive formula to avoid scratches in the fiberglass.

Step 3: Pay Attention to the Details

Now that the interior is dust-free and the fiberglass is shining brightly, use specialty cleaning products to make details sparkle.

Glass: Use a no-drip glass cleaner to remove fingerprints, smudges, dust and dirt left on the windshield from last year. Pick one that leaves a streak-free shine along with a protective barrier that makes glass and mirrors less susceptible to visual marks and easier to clean in the future.

If possible, clean glass and mirrors on a cloudy day to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly. Also, cooler weather prevents streaking.

Boat Hardware: Use a gentle, all-purpose polish to remove tarnish from numerous surfaces, including chrome, aluminum and stainless steel.

Dampen a sponge or clean cloth and dip into polishing cream. Spread the cream onto the surface and gently rub it in until tarnish disappears and surface is shiny.

by Don Greene

Know Before You Go

Know the waters you plan to paddle in. Keep a chart aboard of the waters you are going to paddle in. Let others know where you are heading - write a float trip which lists estimated time to return and who is with you. Do not paddle alone. Check the weather report. Changes of weather conditions can effect your trip plans.

Best Paddling Practices

Stay alert and be ready to move out of danger. Stay visible as others may not see you. Carry a horn, whistle, and flashlight onboard.

Prepare to Paddle Safely

A type 3 life jacket is recommended. Choose one that fits you comfortably. Read the life jacket label. Buckle it or zip it, having it aboard will not do you any good if you do not wear it.

Dress for Success

Besides your life jacket, there are important things you should wear for your safety. Wear a wide brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun. Even on a cloudy day, UV rays bounce off the water and can leave you with an awful sunburn. The hat and sunglasses will help with glare that can impare your vision. Also, wear shoes that will stay on your feet if you go in the water.

Stay Clear of Channels

When crossing a channel, check for other boats moving in the channel. Check the wind and tide. Stop paddling to check drift. Choose the closest place to cross and go quickly. Pass off the stern of a moving boat.

Boarding and Re-entry

Any number of incidents can put you in the water. Practice with a partner re-entrying the boat from the water. A powerboat bow wave can put you in the water quickly. Stay calm and stay with the boat.
Plan to get wet and bring a change of dry clothes. To minimize your chances of going overboard, keep your weight balanced. When fishing, try to keep your shoulders inside the gunnel to reduce a chance of capsizing.

Never Boat Under the Influence

Bring plenty of water - and drink it! A group of paddlers is safer and more fun but do not make it a drinking party.

Don Greene, Flotilla Support Officer - Vessel Examination, USCG Aux, Mystic Flotilla 25-3, has been doing vessel inspections for three years. For more information on getting your free safety inspection please call Don at 860.608.1075. For more information on safe paddling, visit the American Canoe Association website at www.americancanoe.org.

photo & story
by Don Greene

Engine and Fuel Storage and Ventilation

For in board gasoline engine, you can use your nose to check for gas leaks. Also, look for the oil pollution placard. Look for signs of uncontrolled oil in the bilge.

If you have a gasoline engine you need to have a backfire flame control arrester on each carburetor.

Engines and bilge should be clean. Check fuel tank ventilation, older boats free airflow, or powered airflow system. Vessels built after August 31, 1980 require working power-venting system.

Recommended Items

• First Aid Kit: Small commercial first aid kits are OK, but supplement them to reflect the type of boating and activities you do on your boat (Pliers if you are going to be fishing).

• All vessels should have a means to dewater the boat (a pail) in addition to an electric bilge pump.

VHF Radios

A marine radio “VHF” should be aboard your vessel. In an emergency when you make a VHF call for help many people around you will hear you and try to help. A cell phone is a good secondary device. A 911 call may end up in New York or Massachusetts.

Boating Accidents Reports

A “Mayday” call is used in the event of fire, wounded people in the water, or the need to abandon ship.

Call the Coast Guard on Channel 16 and give them the nature of your problem. They will suggest safety precautions for you to take and begin a procedure to bring help to you.

Fatal accidents or persons lost overboard must be reported to US Coast Guard on Channel 16 immediately. A written report must be filed with the CT DEP no later than 48 hours after the accident.

If you have a VHF radio onboard you must maintain a watch on Channel 16 distress channel when not talking to other persons.

In the event you come upon a boater in distress you are required by Federal law to assist, providing you can do so without endangering your crew, passengers vessel and your self.

Safe Boating Decal Award

If your vessel passed the inspection, we will be happy to ask you to put a decal on your port side window or wherever it can be easily seen on the port side.

Sound Producing Devices

Sound Signals are necessary in many instances. They should be used in overtaking situations or reduced visibility. A bell is useful when anchored in fog. The size of the bell is determined by the size of the vessel. Vessels over 39.4 feet must have a 7 7/8 inch bell on board in operating condition. Also a vessel 39.4 feet or larger must have a current Navigation Rules Book on board.

Don Greene, Flotilla Support Officer - Vessel Examination, USCG Aux, Mystic Flotilla 25-3, has been doing vessel inspections for three years. For more information on getting your free safety inspection please call Don at 860.608.1075.