Future Fisherman Foundation Has a New Executive Director

The Future Fisherman Foundation has introduced Keith Sutton of Alexander, Arkansas as the new Executive Director. You can read the full press release at the FFF web site.

The Future Fisherman Foundation is an organization "dedicated to introducing America's youth to angling and the outdoors." They work with a number of angling clubs, conservations groups, Sportfishing Industry members and youth programs to fulfill thier mission.

If you enjoy fishing, thank the person that introduced you to it, and remember to pass it on to the next generation.

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If you are looking for a fun and effective way to teach the children in your life some basic fishing skills, try the Backyard Bass. These fish shaped casting targets and plugs allow you to make a number of games and activities that all reinforce casting skills and allow you to advance the level. They are used by angler educators across the country, but they can be just as effective at home. Kids are playing not practicing and they love it. I got a set for my niece and nephew and they are playing with it in the back yard every time we are over. That is if the adults aren't already playing with them.

2 new articles on boat covers

Joanna, recently published 2 new article.

• The Secret to Finding the Perfect Boat Cover by Joanna Shratter
• How to use a Pontoon cover for Mooring and Trailering by Joanna Shratter

These are first two of a series of articles she will be preparing on boat covers.

Green Boating the Old Fashioned Way - Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival

The Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009 starts today and runs through August 1. If you are in the area, this looks like a lot of fun. Their Confirmed Ships page lists and pictures over 40 tall ships from around the world that will be visiting during the event.

According to the site, ships will arrive in Halifax today, parade in Halifax on July 20, 2009, then selected ships will head north to Cape Breton stopping in various ports over the following two weeks.

This looks like it would be a lot of fun if you get a chance to participate. While I'm not a sailor, there is somethign about seeing and standing on a tall ship that kind of makes me want to run away to sea....

Protecting Yourself and Your Family Against Skin Cancer

Yachtpals published an interesting article today on Preventing Skin Cancer - The Sailor's Disease by Brad Hampton. While the bent of the story is on sailing, the same warnings and suggestions hold true for anglers and recreational boaters.

Brad's story is worth the read, but to sum it up, the most important things to do in order of importance are:

1. Wear big, stupid hats


2. Use awnings and dodgers (or bimini tops for power boaters)


3. Wear long sleeves and long pants during peak sun hours


4. Wear sunglasses


5. Use sun screen or sun block

The author explains his logic and offers some compelling reasons to change your habits, so take a minute and give it a read.

SavvyBoater can help you out with item #2 - physical sun protection from an awning or dodger on your boat. We offer bimini tops in sizes to fit most any boat. We also offer special Pontoon tops with square tubes, and bimini tops for wake board towers too.

Our bimini tops feature heavy duty aluminum frames, Sunbrella Covers and matching storage boots. We've got brace kits and bimini top slides to assist with proper mounting of your top, and we are always happy to answer questions help you find the right bimini top for your boat.
We are offering Free Shipping on Bimini Tops through the month of July! Check out our other great July Specials.

Still More Electric Boats - This is a big one....

We ran across this article "Solar-Powered Cargo Ship Debuts in Long Beach" on the Ecogeek Blog today. It's about the MV Auriga Leader which is a joint demonstration project between Toyota, the Port of Long beach and NYK Line Shipping company. The ship is outfitted with 328 solar panels that help off-set the power the ship uses while in port. Not exactly an electric boat, but interesting none the same.
In the same vein, the This is Green Blog has a posting on a "Kite Used to Power Cargo Ship." This article covers the 462 ft cargo ship MS Beluga which hopes to cut fuel use by deploying a huge kite to act as a sail theoretically cutting diesel use by 20%.

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Want to add a little solar flare to your waterfront? Check out the new Aqua Lantern Solar Lighted Marker Buoys! These durable 20" buoys are available in 5 colors, illuminate for up to 20 hours on a 4 hour charge and will last up to 2 years between battery replacements.

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33rd Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Show in Seattle

If you are in the Seattle area this weekend, be sure to check out the 33 Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Show at the Center for Wooden Boats. The event takes place 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday July 4, and Sunday July 5, 2009 at the Lake Union Park and The Center for Wooden Boats

Visit the Center for Wooden Boats (www.cwb.org) and their events page for more details on their organization and the event.



If you get pictures, send us a few. I'm headed south this weekend and hope to check out the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in Sauaslito.

Have a safe and happy 4th!