Have you heard about the wandering yacht some call a ghost ship that beached itself in New Hampshire? It will have you checking your yacht insurance policy!

This past winter, a 70-foot yacht named the Guest List washed up along the shore of popular holiday town Hampton Beach. Residents wondered where it came from and who owned the vessel; and were even more curious to know the story behind the mystery vessel that showed up with no motor and devoid of furnishings.

Since no owners or yacht insurance company seemed to be claiming it naturally the population of a small town faced with such a strange occurrence as a mystery yacht turned to hearsay.

The rumor mill gained steam; and before long, people were convinced it had escaped from the set of a Denzel Washington action film. Well, except for those who were certain it was abandoned by drug smugglers. And, of course, there were other theories!

In May, the Boston Globe reported the real story behind the stray yacht marooned in Hampton Beach. It turned out to be a tale of very bad luck and lapsed yacht insurance.

Marcelo and Andresa Nunes bought the Guest List with the intention of having it refurbished at Hampton Harbor Boatworks. They had dreams of sailing to Florida where they would tie up at a marina and call the yacht home for themselves and their three children.

The couple alleged they paid thousands of dollars for twin diesel motors they never received (from someone who skipped town). Subsequently their business idea for Brazil during the soccer World Cup failed and they moved to Mexico.

Their hopes for the Guest List became more complicated when the yacht broke free of its mooring twice – the second time, of course, winding up a fixture on the shore of Hampton Beach. When it became lodged on the marshy shoreline, the bottom of the yacht was badly gashed. The closest boatyard capable of making the professional repairs needed is located out of town.

On the bright side, a yacht without motors isn’t as significant of a threat to the environment because it isn’t leaking anything.

What do you do with a massive yacht stranded on a beach when you’re living in another country? Well, it becomes more complicated when you’ve let your yacht insurance lapse. Costs for towing and repairs are now something that the Nunes family must try to raise and they’re looking at upwards of $16,000 for repairs – and more to get the vessel to a boatyard that can fix the damage.

What’s the moral of the story of the wandering yacht of New Hampshire?

Do background and/reference checks before giving an individual a significant amount of money for equipment or services. Better yet, work exclusively with trusted boat yards in your community and make sure they have adequate marine insurance coverage for their business.

• Don’t let your yacht insurance lapse – even if your yacht is moored and you leave the country!

• Create a budget for all of your yacht expenses including maintenance, repairs and insurance prior to selecting a vessel to purchase.

• If you will be unable to check on your yacht for long periods of time while you are on a trip, staying in a second home or perhaps living in another country. Have one or more contact people that will periodically check on your vessel and let you know if anything is askew as well as be prepared to transport it to safety in the event of an impending sever storm.

Be vigilant in watching swimmers closely, especially young children or older children who want to engage in horseplay. Learn CPR and have family members take water safety and swimming lessons. Anytime young children are near water – even the bathtub  ensure you have an eye out for water safety.

If you see signs of secondary or dry drowning, get the person to an emergency room right away. The person requires oxygen or ventilation before the breathing problem becomes dire and results in brain injury (which can happen quickly). For young children who have had any sort of incident in the water or have been near drowning, consult an emergency room doctor to rule out secondary or dry drowning. This mother’s story of her experience with secondary drowning explains why the time before treatment is critical, and it is better to err on the side of caution.

How will I know if someone is experiencing secondary drowning? The problem with secondary or dry drowning is that someone who has inhaled water may not exhibit signs or symptoms right away. It is rare experts estimate only one to two percent of drowning incidents, but without treatment, it can be fatal.

Some of common signs of secondary or dry drowning include trouble breathing, coughing, and overwhelming fatigue. Some people also complain of chest pain. The condition can be particularly tricky to diagnose in young children, who may be out of sorts after a near drowning incident or may have inhaled water for just seconds during what seems to be only a minor struggle. Symptoms usually present themselves within an hour to 24 hours after an incident.

If someone breathes in water, typically in a near-drowning experience, it triggers spasms in the airway. If too much fluid is inhaled into the lungs, the resulting pulmonary edema can cause breathing trouble.

Most boaters are well aware of drowning prevention strategies and yacht safety during emergency situations, but have you heard of secondary drowning?

This dangerous possibility, also called dry drowning, occurs after someone has had a water incident or near-drowning experience. Like an aftershock after an earthquake, secondary drowning can sneak up just when you think all is well – with fatal consequences.

Just as adequate yacht insurance will guard against accidents or disasters, adhering to a regular schedule for maintenance and repairs will keep you out on the water in style for much longer.

Some routine tasks to remember:

• Use a mild detergent on the deck and topside of the hull.
• Apply a coat of wax to protect the finish from degradation or staining (regular waxing makes boat cleaning less arduous).
• Polish the metals to a shine.
• Keep the windows and hatches clean.
• Replace wiper blades if necessary (it doesn’t hurt to keep a replacement set on board).
• Clean upholstery as required before stains are set.
• Complete preventative engine maintenance so you aren’t surprised by a cracked fuel line or leaky fittings while out on the water.
• Ensure your first aid kit, emergency supplies (don’t forget to check the expiration date on flares!), and spare parts are all well stocked.
• Make sure your boater’s registration is current and on board.
• Check that your watercraft insurance is up to date and fits your boating needs.
• Test all your electronic equipment to ensure it’s working properly.

If you work these tasks into a regular maintenance schedule, it helps keep everything ship-shape; and you’re more apt to notice small issues before they become big problems.

Are you prepared for hurricane season? Protecting your marine investment consists of more than just having sufficient yacht insurance, although comprehensive coverage is very important.

The East Coast of the United States has been battered by hurricanes and super-storms in recent years, and experts predict that hurricane activity is going to increase. While the last thing recreational and commercial boaters and marine-related businesses want to hear about is more storm activity, especially in the Atlantic, we need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, as they say.

Here’s what our yacht insurance specialists would like you to know about hurricane preparedness for your boat or yacht:

• Create a hurricane plan.
• Review your marina, dock, or storage facility contract to determine what steps you are obliged to take in the event of a hurricane warning. Take the opportunity to also find out what the facility’s hurricane plan entails. Ensure these details are recorded in your plan.
• Protecting your yacht requires thought about the damaging forces of a hurricane: driving winds, lashing waves, and high water (also known as surge). Consider how you will secure your yacht at a dock or in storage. To guard against high tides inland, longer dock lines correctly positioned can protect your vessel.
• If your boat is on water with a hurricane en route, find a safe harbor. Somewhere sheltered from the open seas and protected by trees is best, and a sandy shore is even better – much gentler for a yacht to be washed up here than on rocks.
• If you need to leave your yacht at a fixed dock, the odds of your vessel surviving a hurricane are greatly improved when you use longer dock lines and chafe guards carefully arranged around your boat—almost like a spider web. Boat U.S. and other marine resources have fantastic illustrations to demonstrate this method.
• If your yacht is stored inland, secure the vessel and trailer with strong ropes or chains to something like pad eyes. It is also a good idea to remove some air from the trailer tires and secure them with cement blocks.
• Make a list of all the items that should be removed from your yacht if a hurricane is predicted. This might include electronic items, sails, and other expensive equipment.
• Check where your yacht insurance policy is stored and review your coverage.
• Get the supplies you will need in advance to secure your yacht. It is better to have items such as dock lines, chafe guards, fenders, and duct tape before a big storm hits than having to fight crowds of last-minute panicked boat owners.
• Ensure that someone trustworthy and capable knows your plan in case you aren’t able to take appropriate action. It is always wise to have a backup – or extra help – when disaster strikes.
• Execute a mock run through of your plan to test how long it takes. A test run is valuable for timing and practice.
• Monitor weather conditions and be ready to take action. Ideally, you will have between 48 and 72 hours to prepare.

The other very important step for hurricane preparedness is to review your yacht insurance coverage before hurricane season starts. Aside from benefiting from adequate coverage and extras like hurricane haul-out protection or marine salvage, it is essential to have the basics in place. Insurance companies will not take new insurance applications or requests for increased coverage once a hurricane or super storm is predicted to hit an area.

If you think fall color tours are pretty along highways and byways, our yacht insurance specialists are confident that nothing can beat the vibrant autumn foliage seen from the water.

So much of America’s countryside truly comes alive in the fall. Naturally, as boat enthusiasts and yacht insurance providers we might be a bit biased; but we have to assert that if you’ve never enjoyed an excursion as a “leaf-peeper” by boat, you have been missing out!

Where should you go to enjoy color tours by boat? Here are some of our favorite areas:

• Northern Michigan, especially around Grand Traverse Bay and out along the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas
• New York State, notably the Finger Lakes
• New England with countless places to boat in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut
• Wisconsin, a state with miles and miles of shoreline to explore lakes and rivers
• When you head out on the water to soak in the autumn color palette and crisp, clean air, don’t forget:
• Ensure there are life jackets for each person on board.
• Check that the boat is ready for cold weather with adequate emergency supplies, including extra blankets, a change of clothing, and warming beverages in case someone falls overboard.
• File a detailed float plan in case of emergency.
• Ensure the emergency communication on-board works before you leave the shore – VHF radio, GPS, and locator beacons.
• Dress for the water, typically considerably colder than the air temperature on a nice fall day. Warm layers with a water-resistant outer layer are the best choice.

It is very important to ensure that your boat or yacht insurance coverage is adequate for your trip, particularly if you are heading out of state. If you are renting a vessel, you still need to be sure you are covered in the event of an accident or mishap including damages and personal liability.

One interesting new market that has opened up during tighter economic times is the peer-to-peer rental business. What does this have to do with boat or yacht insurance?

The popularity of renting goods or services that aren’t in use has had great success in real estate. Vacation homes and condos all around the world are easily rented online – Airbnb and HomeAway are two examples – where renters can check amenities and owners can earn a bit of extra cash when their properties aren’t occupied.

More and more peer-to-peer businesses have popped up on the Internet. Need a nanny, tutor, pet sitter, or senior care? One click gives you access to candidates from around the world on GreatAuPair. There are businesses connecting peer-to-peer for rentals of everything from tools and entertainment to high tech items and vehicles, including boats.

That’s right! Our yacht insurance specialists aren’t surprised that peer-to-peer has discovered the world of boating. Anyone looking to earn income or offset expenses when not using a boat or yacht can list their yacht and accept bookings online. Those looking to rent a marine vessel – with or without a captain – have many options such as Boatbound, Cruzin, and Boatsetter.

Naturally, the peer-to-peer rental business requires some careful scrutiny regarding boat and yacht insurance whether you are the lessor or the renter.

As veteran marine and yacht insurance providers, we have to caution anyone considering participating in peer-to-peer boat rentals. It is imperative to check with your insurance provider to determine whether your policy provides coverage during a rental period – specifically if you are participating in a peer-to-peer program.

You should find out if you need to expand the liability coverage if you are renting a boat to someone or from someone. Ensure that you fully understand exactly what is and is not covered by any supplemental yacht insurance, both in terms of damage to the vessel and for personal liability.

Some peer-to-peer businesses do offer insurance policies for boats in a rental agreement. As with all insurance coverage, you need to assess whether the insurance coverage offered is adequate.

Before you participate in a peer-to-peer boat rental, find out:

• What is covered if the boat is damaged
• What is covered if the boat is beyond repair
• If salvage or towing charges are covered
• If there is sufficient liability coverage in the event of injury

For most Americans, fall is the time to think about winterizing yachts and boats. Our yacht insurance specialists strive to help boat enthusiasts ensure they protect their marine investments with proper precautions.

No matter whether you are planning to store your yacht in climate-controlled storage or are going to protect it with a tarp, protective cover, or shrink-wrap, there are steps to follow for winterization.

Here is a checklist of essential steps for winterizing that our yacht insurance specialists hope you will consider:

• Clean the exterior: pressure-wash the hull, remove barnacles, check for damage, make repairs, and wax the hull.
• Clean the interior: scrub the kitchen, empty the fridge, clean out all storage lockers and compartments, and either remove cushions or set them on edge to promote air circulation.
• Remove onboard items to guard against theft or damage during storms (no sense leaving them and having to add them to a yacht insurance claim!); bring home first aid and survival gear to inspect them for damage in case they need replacing before the next boating season.
• Always consult the owner’s manual for specific requirements pertaining to your yacht’s maintenance and care.
• Inspect and prepare the inboard engine for the idle season: change the oil and filter, flush the engine, add antifreeze to the manifold, remove spark plugs, and use fogging oil on the cylinders.
• Inspect the stern drive: rid it of debris, drain the gear case, check for damage, and follow the owner’s manual for maintenance recommendations.
• Ensure that the fuel tanks are full to guard against water condensation during the cold weather.
• Bilges should be clean and dry.
• Inspect and prepare the freshwater – draining the freshwater and hot water tank before flushing with non-toxic antifreeze.
• Empty the waste tank and pump with fresh water; follow the protocol outlined in the owner’s manual.
• Conduct a full inspection of your yacht before you secure and cover it for the winter.

If all this work seems beyond your skillset, hire professionals to properly winterize your yacht for you.

These measures for those who violate the law include bonds of good behaviour license revokation. No formal complaints have been filed with the authorities,” said Mr. Nukul. The Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Cha-Am, Mr. Akkharawit Thephasit added that the TAT of Cha-Am and the Municipality frequently monitor boat owners on Cha-Am beaches. They asked them not to overcharge customers and everyone who rides banana boat or any other types of the boat should wear a life vest for safety. “I’d like to thank the Cha-Am Municipality for taking care of the businesses and solving problems that tourists may face. Cooperation is also offered by the Cha- Am tourist police and all police officers here,” he said. The Chairman of the local boat owners association, Montree Meerit said that are 125 members of the Association.

Customers can file complaint concerning overcharging with supervisors at six locations along the Cha-Am beaches. “So far, no one has complained about overcharging although some have commented on boats that enter into swimming areas. All boat owners are asked to provide correct pricing information and insist that customers wear life vests for safety. Children are advised not to ride the boats even when accompanied by parents and drivers,” concluded Mr. Akkharawit.

For marina fuel docks to be boater friendly they need to be safe.  Here are some recommendations for marina fuel docks to take preventative action to protect boaters on all vessels from fishing boats to yachts:

• Ensure that all electric sources on land and water comply with state regulations and follow acceptable safety codes.

• Make sure marina staff know how to recognize and minimize risks and hazards of power sources near the water.

• Consider ways to protect your marina, staff, and boaters from dangerous faulty electrical systems with ground fault protection devices or ground fault monitoring systems equipped with shunt trip circuit breakers.

• Ensure the proper grounding of all electrical devices.

• Use corrosion-resistant or corrosion-protected materials, especially for electrical conduit and fittings.

• Install an emergency shutoff button(s) on fuel docks that, with one touch, will shut down power to all pumps and electrical circuits. It must be easily accessible from all dispensing devices and very clearly identified as the emergency pump shut off.

• Regularly inspect the electrical system and watch for degradation or other issues; ensure any deficiencies are repaired immediately.

• Install protective measures including fire extinguishers, mandate clear passageways, hire security to guard against vandalism or theft, and invest in adequate lighting.

• Ensure that employees wear non-slip shoes and life jackets when working on the docks and request that all boaters (especially children) wear life jackets as well.

• Do not allow swimming in marina waters. Risk for injury from yachts, currents, or improperly grounded electrical equipment is too high.

• Insist on proper disposal of engine parts, oily rags, and chemicals of any kind.

• Recommend biodegradable cleaning products for boats for the safety of the environment.

• Immediately respond to any reports of hazards ranging from messy debris on the docks and worn electrical materials to expired fire extinguishers or fuel spillage.

A young American-led team took the opening honors of the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 with a surprise victory in the in-port race in Alicante, Spain. Team Alvimedica, whose skipper, Charlie Enright, 30, was making his debut in offshore sailing’s leading crewed competition, completed the 7.8-nautical-mile course in 52 minutes 5 seconds, six seconds better than Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Mapfre, of Spain, was third a further 25 seconds back.