Come see what happened when I went boating this past weekend!

This past Memorial Day weekend, I traveled with some friends to my house in Seal Harbor, Maine. One of the highlights of being in that beautiful corner of the world is to spend a little time on the water. We went for a rather chilly cruise aboard my Hinckley Picnic boat – Skylands II. While off the coast of Mount Desert Island, we were paid a surprise visit from the US Coat Guard! Come see my photos.

Here we are being approached by the U.S. Coast Guard, who asked us to prepare for an inspection-boarding. The sea was a bit rough and they granted us permission to motor into Seal Harbor for the procedure.

Kevin was all wrapped up and napping soundly when the Coast Guard stopped us.

The Coast Guard has many boats like these patrolling the coastal waters - I always feel very safe when I see one of these very fast, well-equipped vessels.

The Coast Guard circling Skylands II, as I prepare to restart and move into the calmer waters of the
Harbor.

 

My 'Captain' Bryan Dow, talking to the officers.

Strong, handsome, and friendly - they were doing their job, inspecting pleasure craft, as well as fishing and commercial vessels for appropriate safety equipment and licenses.

Francesca could not figure out what was going on - I think she wanted to make sure she had her life jacket aboard - we always keep the halters and leashes on the dogs, just in case.

As we pulled up to one side of the Seal Harbor Yacht Club dock, the Coast Guard vessel pulled up on the other.

here they come

 

Bryan is also my property manager in Maine and is a retired coast guard officer himself.

This was our first day out in the boat this season and fortunately, I had carefully checked the safety equipment - the life jackets, the life preserver, the survival suits, and flares before we took off that afternoon -  Bryan had done an excellent job of readying the boat for the summer's outings.

Brian is discussing the EPIRB - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon - with one of the officers.  If needed, this location device uses satellite signals so that rescuers can find you.

My friend, Charles Simonyi, smiling during the boarding process - he has a boat, also, and understands the necessity of proper safety equipment, drills, and procedures.

The inspection was successful - we were not in violation and we passed muster.  As owner, I had to sign an electronic form.

 

Brian discussing more details

 

Notice that Francesca has watched the entire procedure with great interest - luckily, she didn't bark.

The Coast Guard left us in good humor and said it would be okay to post the experience on my blog.

 

Comments

[Pat Johnson]

My son just sent me the blog of your experience with the Coast Guard. His buddies were thrilled to meet you while conducting their inspection. My son is stationed at the same base and heard first hand of the random inspection of your boat.

I will be visiting him in the Fall and look forward to seeing the NorthEast for the first time.

[Robyn McGowan]

My husband was the one driving the boat!!!! He was so excited and won't stop talking about his experience.

[Margie]

I like the choice of words and the order you put them in. "strong, handsome, and friendly". You are so good at getting it right.
Thanks Martha, I love being an American.

[Barbara]

What a beautiful day! I'm glad you were all safe and happy! My daughter has "picked up the gauntlet" and we had a great day at her home and fun with the babies! Here's to a great summer!

[Shelley Johnson]

What a small world! The redheaded officer in those photos is a long time friend. Ours families have known each other for about 20yrs now.

[Sandra Mac Eachen]

Dear Martha, I just wanted to tell you we think you are the greatest. We love your show and enjoyed the pictures. Someday we want to visit Maine. It really looks beautiful.

Sandy

[Sandra Mac Eachen]

Hello Martha, It was nice to see your pictures. Maine looks really beautiful. Would like to visit there someday. Sandy

[Joseph Brennan]

Martha:

What a fun and informative post and what an adventure! Kevin looks surprised by the goings on and Francesca just looks like she's inspecting the US Coast Guard! I hope they passed muster with her.

Seriously, though, thank God for the USCG. I'm glad to know they are busy trying to keep us all safe.

Thanks for giving them the recognition they deserve.

Happy Sailing!

Joseph

[Kathy :)]

Glad to know you past muster. What a beautiful week-end we had weather wise huh???

Love your boat...don't love the repeats of your show though...lol sorry can't wait for some new ones.

Hope you had a nice week !!!

Kathy ;)

[MtDeserter]

My first visit to your blog, Ms. Martha. I was pointed in this direction by "Cappy" Dow and find it well and tastefully done (nothing new to your multitude of fans). Thank you for the understanding tone of your piece.

[cindy~My Romantic Home]

They must have been pleasantly surprised to find out it was your boat! I remember you doing a segment on your show about these amazing boats!

I was reading this post while watching TV and your Macy's commercial just came on (the one with the Calvin Klein model.) I have to tell you...I LOVE LOVE LOVE that commercial! I always stop what I'm doing to watch it! Whoever thought up that was a genius!

[Marilyn Basadonna]

My daughter, Francesca, and I really enjoyed the photos of the beautiful boat, scenery, coast guard, etc. Just a word of caution, your Francesca should wear a life jacket. We had taken our jack russell terrier, Patch, on a boat trip from Guilford, CT to Fishers Island. Luckily he was wearing a life jacket because he fell off the boat. It had been about an hour before we missed him. We called the Coast Guard by radio and they alerted the area. Patch was found by a family who had been out fishing. Thanks to the Coast Guard and their alerting all the boaters in the area, the story had a happy ending. Patch loves being on the boat and we routinely put a life jacket on him because of the strong wakes that we experience at times.

[Michelle Kirby]

Hi Martha,

Thought I would also post on my sons experience with the Maine Coast Guard.
My father lives on the coast of Blue Hill, Maine and every year my sons go to Maine to help him on his lobster boats in the summer. Last year they were also stopped by the Coast Guard for the same random check. The inspection took about 45 min and my boys ages 13 and 10 were very nervous. This is the first time they had every had an inspection. At the end of the procedure, one of Coast Guards presented my sons with gift certificates to McDonalds and told them what good lobster man they were. All went well with the inspection, no fines. They were so pleased that the Coast Guard was so friendly.

Michelle Kirby R.PH
Hickory, NC.

[Cherry Menlove]

I loved this post. The pictures perfectly captured the day, the weather and the friends you came across. My fave pic is the one of Kevin being woken up!!!

Cherry Menlove xoxoxo

[Just a Girl in a Port]

Glad you had a positive experience. What great pictures!

[Dee Bee]

I love that commercial too! Gotta love Trump

[Jessica]

Dear martha, Thats my brother Joshua Mcgowanthe one driving the boat He is pretty cool isnt he yeah i know any ways Im a big fan bye

[June]

What I noticed about this blog, is that all the "strong, handsome" coast guards had life jackets on and noone in your boat did. What good does all the best equipment do if you do not use it?

[ann]

Hi Martha
I just finished reading all the comments about your boating trip last weekend and the comments about Franchesca not wearing a life vest cracked me up. I'm sure Franchesca not only has a life vest but also her own emergency flotation boat! Are these people for real? You are probably one of the most safety concious pet owners out there. Get real people - this is MARTHA you are talking about.

[NotYourAverageHousewife]

mmmm, love those boys in blue! something about those sailors... Thank you from a Seabees wife- these are the best pictures yet for the younger crowd!!!

[For Jessica~]

For> Jessica | June 01, 2008 at 06:36 PM

Here is a thought to answer your question>...maybe because Martha's boat was... perhaps docked?
But maybe Mz. Martha does need a Coastie vest AND utility belt with 9 mm firearm in a nice leg holster, 2 ammo speed loaders, mace, 2 sets of handcuffs, flash light, gloves, and the other additional 12 pounds of
government
required
work gear...
she might have fun! Heck she might just redesign the belt/vest so it works far better and look flattering too.

[Kimberly K.]

As a proud Coast Guard wife, I am very pleased to see your blog. I am glad that you had a great experience with the U.S. Coast Guard. Also, I appreciate that you acknowledge their hard & fine work and give them the recognition they need & deserve. They are definitely 'strong, handsome[/beautiful], and friendly!'

Thank you for sharing!!!

[Jannie Sue]

I am more than jealous of your beautiful Northern locale while Texas is gearing up to broil us for the next 4 months.

Cute dog. Hope she, and you, have a great summer.

Jannie

[John Harris]

Got your Blog entry from the Coast Guard website and enjoyed your comments and pictures. I'm a very proud retired "Coastie". Also, we were in NYC this past weekend and enjoyed pastries from Babycakes Bakery in Manhattan on your recommendation. Thanks,

[Dan McCormick]

In the picture of Francesca it looks like you have a foam life jacket stowed on the deck next to him. Because of the comfort factor, most people do not like wearing foam life jackets unless the specific activities require wearing a life jacket. I assume that is why Francesca is not wearing his life jacket, as it is not comfortable. I am writing to see if you are aware of my new product called Critter’s Inflatable pet life jacket (preserver). This is an automatic inflatable life jacket that works the same way people inflatable life jackets work. When the dog goes into the water within ten seconds the life jacket is automatically inflated by a CO2 cylinder. If you have not heard of this product I recommend that you view the two short videos at my website: www.crittersinflatalbe.com. I think you will be glad you did. Have a great and safe boating season.