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    • BOARDING SOLO – Janice Anne Wheeler

         
       
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      SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE brings you aboard as we joust our way back onto the water. We’ve come a long way with a ways to go… Your support is essential. Thank you. J

        

      If you’ve just joined our engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, my introductory piece.…. ~J


      BOARDING SOLO

      And the Power of the Universe

      Please find this interconnectedness story a pleasant diversion from boatwork. For all of us.

      I recounted this story at a friend’s dinner party and we could not stop raising our eyebrows. I’m not a big believer in coincidence; there are higher powers at work. This tale is not fiction. Let’s consider it the power of the universe, if you believe in such things. Or even if you don’t.

      A handful of years ago, I booked a window ticket on one of those bulky, world-covering Boeings from Washington, DC southeast across a large portion of the planet; a trip through both time and space to Johannesburg, South Africa. My receipt indicated no stops, seventeen hours in the air. I settled in, gazing out and about. I can never stop myself from wondering how so many people can be going to the same place from the same place at the very same time as I am.

      The passenger assigned next to me arrived as late as possible with an eclectic assortment of carry-ons. She settled in as well, clearly a seasoned traveler in colorful garb that emphasized her shiny, exotic, elephant-wrinkled ebony skin and regal air. A brilliantly aged African character in a tall head wrap straight out of National Geographic Magazine was sitting in 29B.

      I was awed, and, for once, quietly considered protocol. She leaned her cane between us, greeting me politely but not openly, socks pulled high. The standard take-off rigamarole ensued with the pilot announcing that our arrival in Ghana was estimated to be slightly ahead of schedule. Ghana? Seriously? I scanned the cabin. “You are leaving me there,” she told me in a stunning mix of accents, and then, a completely different topic, “Where’s your husband?” she asked gently while somehow also eyeing me suspiciously. I explained my rendezvous plan to no avail or approval and we settled in, she watching a movie and me reading, dozing, gazing. With barely a glance in my direction, as sunrise arrived with croissants and tea, she began to speak, the same low, lyrical tone and clear command of English I had been treated to the evening prior.

        
      Borrowed from SAA, couldn’t locate mine…

      “In my country you pick your husband by his foofoo soup,” was her opening line. I raised my eyebrows, universal for that was unexpected….among other thingsshe continued, unphased. “Now, you remember dis,” it was a softly commanded request that I pay attention to her story, and her culture, and the importance of both.” In order to be a good husband you have to make foofoo soup. And just right. If he can’t make foofoo soup, he’s no good.” She nodded her elegant, wisened visage seriously, “I taught my son, and he married happy. I just saw him, two months, with a grandbebe.,” She went through the recipe and that, I admittedly, have lost to time, but I recall Cassava, which even as a Caterer I didn’t utilize on my traditional American menu.

      As she spoke the animation grew; she told of a boy who failed the test and was heartbroken, and one who excelled and was chosen, assumably to live happily ever after. I was enthralled far more by the telling, even, than by the tale.

      As the day brightened we landed on the beach-outlined coastline of Ghana, West Africa, a place I had never expected to be. I stood and she solemnly shook my hand upon departure; ensuring with a single finger in front of my nose that I would always remember what she had shared. Her straight, retreating back is the last thing I recall of her, shrugging off all offers of assistance.

      I settled back into 29A and allowed my phone to find a cell tower, regardless of the fees. Those of us continuing on were not allowed to touch the ground here, and we had a tropical two-hour wait. I went through my peeps, especially those I had lost track of and sent them a text that simply said, “The only text message you will ever receive from Ghana.” Those random messages, my favorite kind, elicited interesting responses, amusing me for days. One was something about being shanghaied on a pirate ship; and now I wonder, how’s that for foreshadowing?

      Upon my return to DC two weeks later I requested a long UBER ride and found myself behind the driver of a spotlessly clean older model Mercedes, remarkably reminiscent of Thailand and the gentleman I had hired there for pennies on the dollar. He peered at me in his rear-view mirror with a beautiful smile that split his strong coffee-colored face, and was careful to annunciate his words as he read the address of our destination. “Yes, thank you,” I told him, as he focused on his (I assume) lonely customer service job, the one where people aren’t interested, don’t inquire, don’t converse, preferring the comfort zone of their phone. My eyes were tired, my phone tucked away.

      I let him navigate Dulles International Airport traffic and hesitated for a moment or two, wondering selfishly if a conversation would be complicated as he was clearly from far elsewhere, and a bit uncomfortable, perhaps, trying to make a living in a foreign land. I had a feeling, call it intuition, six sense, whatever, that I should delve in. “Where are you from?” I inquired, an ordinary go-to, given the circumstances. “Ah. West Africa, Miss. I am from Ghana,” he glanced again in the small rear-view, to gauge my reaction, my knowledge of geography, my inclusion, my acceptance.

      “Ah,” I said in return. “You make good fufu soup?” The dark eyes widened. “You know fufu soup?” he was comically incredulous and expressive to hear of something from his homeland, I’m sure of it. I’m no hero, and not trying to be, but let me tell you that the connection I made with that man in that car will never be forgotten. I told him that I had just been there, and it was beautiful, and about the seemingly powerful, impressive woman on the plane. “When did you fly?” he asked, and I considered, finally producing the date. “That is my mother,” he told me, his voice mimicking hers now, “I miss her very much.”

      I have never forgotten. ~J

      Tell the world about your otherworldly connection, please.

      Leave a comment

        
      I took this and 700 others in Kruger National Park, SA. GO. It’s brilliant.
        
      This tremendous Bull desperately wanted to SPAR with our car. Tad blurry due to windscreen., apologies….oh, and my hands were shaking, too….
        
      A place like no other.

      See you next week back aboard STEADFAST. Elizabeth Beggins aren’t you pleased I talked to all those strangers?!

       

       

      I so appreciate your support of my work. Have a wonderful week!

        
       
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      © 2025 Janice Anne Wheeler
      Living aboard Sailing Yacht STEADFAST again soon!
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    • What’s Happening in Your Parks – Charleston County Parks


      What’s Happening In Your Parks Aug/Sept – Charleston County Parks

       

      Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission

      Back-to-School Party!

      On August 23, join us to convince your kids that being back in school is a good thing. We’ll have a DJ spinning tunes, jump castles, face painting, school supply giveaways, and more. This Back to School Kickoff in McClellanville will definitely be more fun than homeroom on a Monday morning – plus it’s free, no tickets or reservations needed!

      Dance the Night Away!

      Feel the rhythm, catch the ocean breeze, and dance the night away at our Moonlight Mixer! On August 22, the Folly Beach Pier comes alive with the sounds of the Dave Landeo Band, rolling waves, and happy feet. Secure your spot today and let summer’s soundtrack carry you away.

      Runners on a trail under live oak trees at Johns Island County Park

      On the Run

      Count down the days to cooler weather – and our fall races! Whether you’re a serious rain-or-shine runner or just need a nudge to get outside and move more, our Lowcountry Trail Run, on October 4, promises a friendly competition and scenic sites along the way. Can’t get enough of running the trails? Trick, Treat & Trail is a festive family fun run in late October and November’s Chili Trail Run offers more dirt-packed fun. Why not sign up for them all!

      female_doing_yoga.jpg
      Breathe In…

      Forget about twisting yourself into a pretzel. Gentle Yoga Flow, our new active living program, is more focused on chill than cool. In this six-week series, you can improve balance and flexibility, increase range of motion and enhance your sense of calm.

      Reserve your spot on the mat!

      We’d Love Your Input!

      Our quick 6-question survey takes just a few minutes, and your feedback helps us make our parks and programs even better for you. As a thank you, you’ll be entered to win a Gold Pass!

      Survey
      Mark Your Calendars

      August 22 Moonlight Mixer

      August 23 Sunrise Yoga

      August 28 Beginner Skateboarding

      August 28 Yappy Hour

      August 28 Gator Tales

      September 6 Intro to Archery

      September 12 Dancing on the Cooper

      September 13 Cast Off Fishing Tournament

      September 27 Birds of a Feather

      September 28 Evening at McLeod

      October 12 Palmetto Park Jam

      Annual Partner
      Charleston Animal Society

      For information on sponsorship opportunities, please email the Sponsorship Coordinator.

       
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      Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | 861 Riverland Drive | Charleston, SC 29412 US
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    • Elizabeth City: Your Autumn Escape Awaits


      Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.

       

      Looking for a perfect place to stay?  Explore our lodging accommodations and while you’re in town, discover our local shops and restaurants waiting to welcome you! 

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      Visit Elizabeth City · 501 S Water St · Elizabeth City, NC 27909 · USA

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    • Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – August 22, 2025

      Cruisers’ Net Newsletter for this week has just been emailed via Constant Contact.
       
      If you want to view the newsletter but are not signed up to receive them automatically, you can view it at https://conta.cc/3UIoeAO or see it below.
       
      To automatically receive our emailed Fri Weekly Newsletter and Wed Fuel Report, click:

       

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    • Jetski/Pontoon Maker Appears To Have Settled in Virginia Death – Loose Cannon

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

       
         
       
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      When all else fails, try journalism.


      Jetski/Pontoon Maker Appears To Have Settled in Virginia Death

      Florida Case Continues, as Facebook Scrubbed of Other Sea-Doo Stories

       
       
       
       
       

      READ IN APP

       
        
      POLICE REPORT: The victim’s father, who was operating the vessel, proved his sobriety with a breath test at the scene. The redaction of this report was atrocious, accidentally leaving the name of the witness, Shwarting, for all to see, as well as that of another passenger and the father himself. Neeya Hussain, 9, died in the accident. Her family posted that photo of Neeya on Facebook just after her death.

      At one point, the death of Neeya Hussain was going to become a nationwide “class-action lawsuit,” according to the family’s lawyer, Emily Mapp Brannon. That was in October 2024, a few months after the nine-year-old was killed when the Hussain’s Sea-Doo Switch flipped over on a Virginia Lake on the Fourth of July.

      Now, Brannon isn’t talking, except to say: “You are not permitted to call my client. We are also not permitted to discuss this matter. There is no comment.” Client Nadim Hussain, who is 40, did not respond to a text.

      “This is confidential information and we are not commenting on such topics publicly,” said Emilie Proulx, spokesperson for BRP, the Canadian manufacturer of the Switch, the hybrid jetski-pontoon boat in question.

      Sounds like things people say when they’ve reached an out-of-court cash settlement, no?

      Share

      When Loose Cannon first published stories about Neeya’s death on Lake Anna and a similar accident that has incapacitated a Florida toddler for life, Switch owners on Facebook reacted by sharing their stories of having flipped or almost flipping when they too had suddently decelerated.

      Those Facebook threads are gone, having apparently been scrubbed.

      (Pro tip: Don’t assume “saving” a Facebook post is permanent. For a permanent record, take screenshots of the commentary or convert it to PDF format instead. Ask me how I know. Those “saved threads” have all been replaced by markers labeled “content not available.”)

      Luigi Bazzani is an investigator working for the Miami law firm Goldberg and Rosen, which represents the family of 28-month-old Vianca Grullon in a $30 million lawsuit against BRP. She nearly died when her family’s Switch flipped over forward on the St. Johns River in Florida over Labor Day Weekend a year ago.

      Bazzani is trying to find owners such as those who told their (now disappeared) Switch stories on Facebook or anyone else who recalls flipping or almost flipping the same model of jet-powered Sea-Doo watercraft. (Bazzani can be reached at 305-219-8840. His email is bazzani@me.com)

      SOME EARLIER STORIES

      Child Dies After Sea-Doo Switch Flips in Virginia
       

      Child Dies After Sea-Doo Switch Flips in Virginia

      October 26, 2024
      Read full story
        
      The 13-foot Seadoo Switch, the smallest model and the one involved in both accidents.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

       

       

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      411 Walnut St. No. 1944, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
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    • American Powerboat Association  World Championship, Englewood Beach, FL, Oct 10 – 12


      Fisherman's Village Marina and Resort, Punta Gorda, FL

      There is always plenty to do around Punta Gorda, Englewood Beach, and Charlotte Harbor, any time of the year. Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you will enjoy your visit to the beautiful area and activities, especially the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s Waterfest.

      Englewood Beach Waterfest Chosen as APBA World Championship Finale

      PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. – (August 19, 2025) The highly anticipated American Powerboat Association (APBA) World Championship will be the thrilling finale at Englewood Beach Waterfest  October 10th through the 12th. This fall will mark the 11th year of speedboat racing on Englewood Beach. Waterfest draws people far and wide, averaging an impressive 32,000 guests throughout the weekend. Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc. is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization that highlights speedboat racing and water activities to promote and support conservation and recreation. The APBA Championship is a three-race event with Waterfest holding the final race, bringing both national and international recognition to the area.

      Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s Waterfest was selected as one of the Top 20 Festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2023, marking its third time being recognized with this award. It is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, eager to help from start to finish, producing a spectacular event.

      The hidden gem Florida destination, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, makes for an incredible race setting due to its unique day-to-day water conditions, from calm waters to larger waves. In addition, the community support in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is unwavering with extraordinary safety measures, from helicopters overhead to protect race drivers and marine life, to the local fire department’s rescue boat on standby, to ensure safety for all participants.  

      “Englewood Beach Waterfest is excited and honored to be hosting the final race of the season where the APBA World Champions will be crowned,” says Englewood Beach Waterfest President, Jay Henderson. “The Englewood community loves offshore racing and enjoys showcasing our beautiful area. The 450 Volunteers that make Englewood Beach Waterfest possible welcome and assist our Guests and Racers to make sure all have a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

      The teams for Waterfest will be arriving Thursday and Friday where they will start safety inspections, a driver’s meeting and a race position qualifier. On Friday October 10th, excitement will spark in the community with the Annual Block Party on historic Dearborn Street. Racing kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11 and continues through Sunday, October 12. The top three winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.

      Englewood Beach Waterfest Details:

      • Dates: October 10 – 12, 2025
      • Location: 2100 N Beach Road Englewood, FL 34224
      • Price: General Admission Two-Day Tickets = $35.00 (children under 12 FREE) and VIP One-Day Tickets = $150.00, VIP Two-Day Tickets = $250.00

      For more information, tickets, or volunteer inquiries, please visit: https://englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/.

       

      ABOUT PUNTA GORDA/ ENGLEWOOD BEACH
      The charming Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach is found on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The region is known for its long, pristine beaches and the lush environment, with over 70 parks and preserves. Located just south of Sarasota, the coastal town offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, shelling, and even hunting for fossilized shark teeth along the serene shore. There is something for everyone in Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach, whether it is relaxing at the beach or going on a thrilling adventure through mangrove tunnels, it will prove to be an amazing experience.

      To learn more about Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, visit PureFlorida.com, call (941)743-1900 or on InstagramX and Facebook @RealPureFlorida.

       

      Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB Media Contacts:

      Lois Croft, Public Relations Director

      Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach Visitors & Conventions Bureau

      Lois.croft@pureflorida.com

       

      Mady Dudley, Public Relations Director

      Aqua Marketing & Communications

      Mady@welcometoaqua.com

       

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net’s Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net’s Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village

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    • Bonus for Premium Readers: Will Walk Your Dog, Loose Cannon

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

       
         
       
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      Cancel the Post, Toss the Times, Support a Nautical News Hound Instead

       
       
       
       
       

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      Dear Readers,

      History, humor and hard news—it’s been another busy couple of months at the Loose Cannon one-man media empire. Subscriptions keep growing, though the free people continue to outpace the paying ones by a lot. Alas.

      Share

      So, today’s message is a sales pitch. Please be like Ginger Clark, who wrote this:

      Good writing for one, such a pleasure to read. And a good nose for what’s really interesting. Decided to subscribe when I realized that if I saw Loose Cannon in my in-box it was the first mail I turned to. Only fair that I pay for it. Thanks!

      Or Richard Wingfield:

      You seem to be fearless. Great stuff.

      Or Richard Simpson:

      “I have worked in the yachting industry for 45 years. I find that you provide us with excellent insight, oversight and timely notification.

      Or Andre Cocquyt:

      You are doing an amazing job, flushing out the shenanigans and concisely reporting on them. I canceled my WAPO today and I am spending that money on your Loose Cannon. You deserve it, Bezosky does not!

      Or Scott Marquis:

      I decided to subscribe because I like your style, your matter-of-fact articles, and your non-allegiance to advertisers. Keep up the good work.

      Addison Chan is the author of Bahamas and Cuba cruising guides, plus the Bahamas Land & Sea Facebook Page. He said nice things too:

      Peter Swanson is like a dog on a bone when he is working a story. His work has been relied upon by several important publications like the New York Times to shed light on black-box situations.

      Speaking of dogs, don’t forget the extra-special bonus available only to paying subscribers. If you come to our world headquarters in Green Cove Springs, Florida, I promise to walk your dog. Who doesn’t like dogs? Maybe, I will use your money to get a boat dog of my own. It’s about time.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

        
      The author’s first dog steals his jelly beans.

       

       
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      411 Walnut St. No. 1944, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
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    • Cast Off Fishing Continues! – Charleston County Parks


      What’s Happening In Your Parks – Charleston County Parks

       
       

       

      Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission
       
      Cast Off Fishing Tournaments

      Mark your calendar, organize your tackle box, and prepare to cast those lines. The 2025 Cast Off Fishing Tournament season continues on September 13 at the Mount Pleasant Pier!

      2025 Tournament Schedule

      Mount Pleasant Pier

      September 13, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

      October 11, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

      Folly Beach Pier

      September 20, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

      October 25, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

       
      Tournament Details
       
      Presented By
      Charleston Cotton Exchange
       
       
       

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      Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | 861 Riverland Drive | Charleston, SC 29412 US
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    • Politician Says This Species Is Getting Too Greedy – Loose Cannon

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      Politician Says This Species Is Getting Too Greedy

      Bill To Address Sharks Bitting off Hunks of Fish We’ve Caught

       
       
       
       
       

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      Sharks bitting off hunks of fish being reeled in by sportsfishermen is apparently a problem worthy of federal attention, according to Florida Senator Rick Scott.

      The author is an 8th-generation Floridian, born and bred in Tallahassee, which probably explains her unhealthy fascination with Florida politics. Educated at Florida State University and Oxford University in England, she has been writing for newspapers since 1983. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Times of London, the Guardian, the Washington Post, the Oxford American, and Flamingo. This opinion piece was published on August 11, 2025 in the Florida Phoenix and is reprinted here with permission.


      By DIANE ROBERTS

      The sharks are eating the fish.

      Too many fish.

      Our damn fish.

      For 450 million years, the sharks have had everything their way, swimming around the ocean like they own the place, chowing down on that endless seafood buffet.

      Who do those sharks think they are? Other than, like, sharks.

      We celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln one lousy day a year.

      Sharks get a whole week.

      No más. Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott means to show these arrogant top predators he means business.

      Sen. Scott’s elegantly named and creatively capitalized “Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (or SHARKED) Act will address bad behavior in the shark community.¹

      No longer will the sharks be allowed to appropriate fish for their own selfish nutritional ends.

      Share

      It’s a bipartisan effort: Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat, is Scott’s SHARKED co-sponsor, although he’s being cautious about what he says.

      Schatz is from Hawaii, where certain sharks are considered sacred, what with them being people’s reincarnated ancestors.

      Funnily enough, Schatz was once part of the shark-coddling caucus, all-in on legislation to protect those deep sea devils.

      But he’s clearly seen the light, read the room, and smelled the Trumpy zeitgeist: It’s all about the money.

      Sport fishing in Hawaii is worth hundreds of millions.

      Scott also once expressed a bit of sympathy for sharks.

      When he saw images of boaters “abusing a young tiger shark in Citrus County,” he wrote a tough letter to the head of NOAA demanding somebody do something.

      The senator still wants somebody to do something, and, by God, the Scott-Schatz bill is going to do it.

      More or less.

      ‘Unnatural Food Source’

      It directs the secretary of commerce to put together a task force to figure out why elasmobranch cartilaginous fishes (as ichthyology nerds call them) gobble up the very fish sportsmen and women spend so much cash to catch.

      You drop big money on a three-day charter out of Destin, spend another grand on your Yeti cooler, your Bora Bora hat, your Columbia convertible pants, your Coors, your Jack, your Pringles, your Publix subs, your peanut M&Ms, you finally get something on the line, but next thing you know, Mister Jerk Shark smells the blood in the water, swims up, and takes a big old bite of your 400 lb. blue marlin.

      OK, maybe the shark was hungry, but that’s no excuse.

      The American Sportfishing Association, the American Fisheries Society, and others rightly upset about sharks’ indefensible habit of consuming their usual source of protein, complain “shark depredation is clearly detrimental to anglers and predated fish that would otherwise be released.”

      They point out all that illicit predation “creates an unnatural food source for sharks.”

      The sharks would argue fish are, in fact, their entirely natural food source, but if it comes to a choice between those toothy behemoths and a $230 billion industry, the sharks lose.

      Bottom line: Sharks are hurting the economy.


      This is a condensed version of Diane Robert’s full essay “Pitted against capitalism, poor sharks don’t stand a chance,” linked here.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

      1

      Yes, humor aside, this is an actual bill. It’s goal is to “address shark depredation” and develop “techniques and strategies to reduce harmful interactions between sharks and humans, including the development and use of non-lethal deterrents.” National Marine Fisheries must report back to congress on this topic in two years.

       

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    • Here’s What’s Coming Up This Winter in Marsh Harbour with RMHYC!


      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club

      Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier yacht club in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! If you cruise to the Abacos and the Marsh Harbour area, you should consider joining this great group of like-minded cruisers. 

       

       
      Here’s What’s Coming Up This Winter in Marsh Harbour with RMHYC!
      It’s never too early to start planning, and your Social Chairs, Beth Pohle and Michele Rubeor, have been busy putting together an exciting calendar of fun for the upcoming season!

       
      This is a tentative calendar, and events may change based on weather, or if we’re out cruising,—so stay flexible. Beth and Michele would love your help in making this a fantastic season. Get involved! Volunteer to lead an activity—it’s easy, and they’ll be around to assist as needed.  Send an email to activities@rmhyc.com to let them know you want to help!
       
      You can find the most current information on the RMHYC website home page under ‘Upcoming Events’, or check out the Monthly Calendar page. 
       
      Planned seminars and activity sessions this year include:
      • Medical & Health
      • Fishing
      • Creative Workshops
      • And more!
       And don’t forget about the ongoing daily or weekly activities, including:
      • Water Aerobics
      • Pickleball
      • Yoga
      • Bocce
      • Movie Nights
      • Happy Hours
      December

      13

      Christmas White Elephant – bring a boat related item no greater than $20

      16

      Activity to be announced

      18

      Birthday Night Vibes with Appetizers

      24

      Christmas Eve Potluck

      31

      New Year’s Eve Celebration
       

      January

      6

      Activity to be announced

      9

      Activity to be announced

      12

      Birthday Night Vibes with Appetizers

      15

      Activity to be announced

      15-21

      Korn Ferry Tour (The Abaco Club at Winding Bay)

      19

      College Football Championship

      20

      Activity to be announced

      22

      RMHYC Annual Cook-off – Bring your favorite family casserole recipe

      27

      Annual General Meeting (AGM)

      31

      2nd Annual RMHYC Open (Bucket Golf)
      February

      2

      Birthday Night Vibes with Appetizers

      4

      Bonfire on the Beach – Gilligan Island Style (come as your favorite character)

      7

      2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament

      8

      Superbowl Sunday

      17

      B I N G O Night

      19

      Commodore’s Ball – Under the Sea

      21

      Bocce Ball Tournament

      24

      Activity to be announced

       

      March

      3

      Birthday Night Vibes with Appetizers

      5

      Cinco de Marcho Bonfire

      11

      Activity – Let’s talk about going south
      Don’t forget about these great events in Hope Town! 
      • Box Cart Race at The Big Hill – Saturday, November 29, 2025
      • Combustion Music – December 5 thru December 7, 2025 – for more details go to Combustion Music
      • HT Songwriters Festival – February 11 thru February 15, 2026
      We’re looking forward to a fun-filled season—see you there!

      Mary
       
      Mary Coles
      RC Communications
      Collage for Social


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