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 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 -Â 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.
Cool! My husband is a Coastie
I'm glad you had a good experience with them! Good job for having everything set 
And you're right - strong, handsome and friendly are good words to describe Coasties!!
Posted by: JulieAnn | May 30th, 2008 at 12:38 am
Hi Martha!
It's nice to see the stars and stripes against a bright blue sky on Memorial Day weekend. Glad the inspection went well.
Posted by: MMC from San Diego | May 30th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Wow! Glad you could post! Really pretty scenery..love the water..respect the USCG..Great going Martha, Boat Owner!
Posted by: Gladys Marie | May 30th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Martha I wish I had the sense of ease that Francesca has. She is so cute. As you said during Paw Paw's loss she is a little 'grand gargoyle'. This experience is a good reminder of boat safety, and being a responsible boat owner. Enjoy your summer, and continue to surprise and amaze us.
Michael
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Posted by: michael anthamatten | May 30th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Ms. Stewart, glad to hear your experience with the Coast Guard boarding team was a positive one. Over at AN UNOFFICIAL COAST GUARD BLOG, I posted about your post... I also "lifted" a picture from your post (with attribution); hope that's okay. If you'd like me to take it down, just let me know. Best comms to me is at http://www.contactify.com/9931a.
Keep safe out there... and consider buying inflatable PFDs and wearing them whenever underway. Life jackets don't do much good if you're not wearing them, and the water off the Maine coast is quite cold; you'd be surprised how little time it will take to do you in.
Posted by: Peter Stinson | May 30th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Well your life is certainly never boring! LOL
Posted by: Geri | May 30th, 2008 at 1:59 am
What colorful photos so much red white and blue. I'm proud to be an American. You know Paula Deen 's husband is a tugboat captain. You cook book authors have the bounding main in common
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | May 30th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for taking us along aboard Skylands II and showing us the steps of the inspection process. I'm glad you passed! Knowing the Coast Guard is patrolling the waters is reassuring. Francesca certainly does look interested.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | May 30th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Enjoyed reading your blog first thing this morning with a cup of coffee. You had an interesting cruise to say the least!! Great pics as usual.
Posted by: Maureen | May 30th, 2008 at 7:26 am
It does not surprise me that your boat is up-to-par and that it passed inspection with the coast guard; you are not a substandard type person! Francesca is so inquisitive; I love the way she just watches everything. And you make me smile the way you say Charles 'has a boat too'. What did you bring for lunch; lobster sandwiches maybe? Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 30th, 2008 at 8:24 am
HI Martha,
Great post, the picture of little Francesca really made me smile! Glad you had a good and safe trip. My husband and I are thinking of going up to Maine for our anniversary this year.
Posted by: Ellen | May 30th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Martha, you didn't tell us what the Coast Guard's reaction was when they realized you were on the boat! Imagine the conversations with their families when they got home that night..."Hey, Hon, you'll never guess who I ran into today..."
I'm lovin' those pictures of adorable, well-behaved Francesca.
http://the7msn.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Linda Carson | May 30th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I'm surprised the coast guard allowed pictures to be taken. I'm sure they were as surprised to see you as you were to see them
Posted by: Darrell White | May 30th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Hi Martha,
What an exciting adventure at sea! It made for a very interesting posting. The funny thing is. . .I can not begin to imagine your boat NOT being in compliance with ALL rules and regulations.
Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Jon | May 30th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Dear Martha,
Neighborly Island greetings from Mount Desert Island and Northeast Harbor ... where on the day that you had your picture-perfect (yet chilly) day boating around the Island ... and of course, where you had your exciting rendezvous with the US Coast Guard, I just happened to be sitting in my LL Bean wilderness recliner chair from the other quiet (commercial) dock in Seal Harbor quietly soaking up the sun, listening to the cries of the sea gulls and the melodic sounds of waves lapping up against the dock ... hoping for an unscheduled (but sometimes during the weekdays, typical) mid to late afternoon return of some of the lobster boats so to buy a Memorial Day lobster.
Unfortunately (as I later learned from your "Captain" Bryan who brought your beautiful "Skylands II" Hinckley boat to the dock where I was sitting (so to hose down/off the salt water), it being a Sunday, no lobstermen apparently were fishing that day and although I later left the dock minus a hopeful lobster dinner, I did take with me a wonderful memory of that beautiful spring day ... and of course, briefly seeing you and later, a close-up view of your stunningly beautiful "Skylands II" Hinckley picnic boat!
As I almost always carry my digital camera (in my "Life Is Good" backpack) everywhere I go (mainly for nature and scenic images ... particularly here in beautiful Acadia National Park), I luckily had my camera with me on that beautiful Sunday afternoon and was able to (with your "Captain" Bryan's kind permission) snap a couple of pics of your beautiful "Skylands II" on the dock where I was sitting ... as well as some (earlier) of you and your party (from a distance at the other dock) with the US Coast Guard (which out of respect for your privacy won't be shared with anyone) ... and would be happy to give those to you for your photo memories album (if you are interested, of course). I gave Bryan my card and some contact information.
And yes, I too (and we all must) commend the untiring and protective efforts of our US Coast Guard ... not only here on Mount Desert Island in the Gulf of Maiane, but also those who patrol all of our coastal borders. I once closely worked with the son of a former US Coast Guard's Admiral (Yost) when I worked many years ago on the Hill in DC for a US Congressman and these brave (and sadly, sometimes forgotten) sentries and protectors of our borders deserve our heartfelt thanks ... especially during these unsettling times. Thank you for highlighting and sharing your positive US Coast Guard meeting and weekend experience with us!
Again, Martha, it was wonderful seeing you again. Take care, have a wonderful, relaxing (and well deserved) summer vacation (although we all know that you are always creatively at work on multiple projects) both here in Maine and wherever your travels may take you.
Warmest best wishes,
Bill
Northeast Harbor, Maine
Posted by: Bill (From Mount Desert Island, Maine) | May 30th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I love to get away from it all and go boating. Getting an impromptu inspection would have sweetened the pot for me. Something about a man in uniform!
I would mention to others that everyone who goes boating should consider taking the U.S. Power Squadron Course.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | May 30th, 2008 at 10:19 am
What a nice day to be outside. We live in the Bay Area and sometimes go out for catamaran rides by the Golden Gate bridge. On a bright sunny day - it's just so beautiful. The coast guards seem nice
I wonder if Francesca knows how to swim.
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | May 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hi Martha, What a beautiful day you had on your first boat outing of the season! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous and the colors are absolutely stunning! It looks like everyone on your boat had a fantastic time, especially Francesca. It's nice to see the Coast Guard doing their usual good job. Thanks again for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 30th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Love the orange upholstery on the boat.
Posted by: Jill | May 30th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
We've been enjoying added Coast Guard patrols with our ferries in Puget Sound. I commend the Coast Guard for not commandeering your vessel and confiscating your picnic basket. I can hear it now, "Those crabcakes look suspicious Ms. Stewart. We better check those out." No doubt, the best meal in Maine that day.
Posted by: Tall Clover Farm | May 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
What a successful day you all had with weather and the Coast Guard inspection. Looking at the photo of Kevin the waters looked mighty wavey. Just a suggestion and don't take it wrong but have ALL your lifejackets out within reach or better yet on in case of any unexpected accidents and have one on that little cutie pie Francesca at all times-before she hits the dock to board. Just a Mom looking out for you.
Please and thank you.
April
Posted by: April Jackson | May 30th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Oh my gosh, Martha, your comment: "My friend, Charles Simonyi...has a boat..." made me laugh. Are you referring to SKAT? Yeah, I'd say he has a boat. His yatch is bigger than most people's homes!!! Anyway, glad you had a nice time with the coast guard. Your blog is fun. I read it often.
Posted by: Louise | May 30th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Love your blog Martha. Francesca is adorable. Might I suggest life jackets for the dogs. Most people I know who boat with their dogs have them and one in particular was glad she did.
Thanks for sharing all your adventures!
Tracey
Posted by: Tracey | May 30th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Hello Martha,
Glad your inspection went well...you have to love the coast of Maine...one of the handsome young men that boarded your vessel was my son, Petty Officer 3rd Class Taylor Sweeney. He has been on watch there at SWH for a little over a year. I am a native of Maine, and enjoyed seeing your pictures on your blog. Brings back plenty of memories...I certainly hope your summer sailings are full of adventure...with any luck at all you will not see the Coast Guard until next year for another inspection...Enjoy!
Posted by: Phil Sweeney | May 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Hello Martha,
As always anything you blog or write about is like poetry.
Now when i go boating on my small yacht
I won't be paranoid if the coast guard come calling.
And now thanks to you Martha I know what the yacht has to have to be in compliance.
By the way you really deserved that Franklin award. Because you are as smart as Ben Franklin that's for sure.
And you show today about the Nantucket baskets, OMG I want one.
I so want one. But it wouln't be the same unless i also lived in that venue. Someday
Also loved the pickle making, the bird painting, stamps, it was a really fun show.
as they all are.
But how do you never age?
you never do.
Thats so cool
regards,
michele
the crafty cameleon
Posted by: michele | May 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
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.
Posted by: Pat Johnson | May 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
My husband was the one driving the boat!!!! He was so excited and won't stop talking about his experience.
Posted by: Robyn McGowan | May 30th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
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.
Posted by: Margie | May 30th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
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!
Posted by: Barbara | May 30th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
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.
Posted by: Shelley Johnson | May 30th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
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
Posted by: Sandra Mac Eachen | May 30th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Hello Martha, It was nice to see your pictures. Maine looks really beautiful. Would like to visit there someday. Sandy
Posted by: Sandra Mac Eachen | May 30th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
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
Posted by: Joseph Brennan | May 31st, 2008 at 12:41 am
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
Posted by: Kathy :) | May 31st, 2008 at 6:41 am
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.
Posted by: MtDeserter | May 31st, 2008 at 8:52 am
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!
Posted by: cindy~My Romantic Home | May 31st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
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.
Posted by: Marilyn Basadonna | May 31st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
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.
Posted by: Michelle Kirby | May 31st, 2008 at 10:29 pm
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
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | June 1st, 2008 at 4:20 am
Glad you had a positive experience. What great pictures!
Posted by: Just a Girl in a Port | June 1st, 2008 at 8:39 am
I love that commercial too! Gotta love Trump
Posted by: Dee Bee | June 1st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
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
Posted by: Jessica | June 1st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
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?
Posted by: June | June 1st, 2008 at 6:45 pm
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.
Posted by: ann | June 1st, 2008 at 6:53 pm
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!!!
Posted by: NotYourAverageHousewife | June 2nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
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.
Posted by: For Jessica~ | June 2nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
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!!!
Posted by: Kimberly K. | June 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
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
Posted by: Jannie Sue | June 2nd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
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,
Posted by: John Harris | June 3rd, 2008 at 8:38 am
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: http://www.crittersinflatalbe.com. I think you will be glad you did. Have a great and safe boating season.
Posted by: Dan McCormick | June 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Hi Martha,
I was intrigued by your photo journaling of your Coast Guard encounter. My husband is a USCG Commander in Juneau, Alaska. His area of interest and most training is inspections and investigations. I am pleased you checked out and that the experience was a good one.
Happy Boating!
Whitney
Douglas, Alaska
Posted by: Whitney Robertson | June 3rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
FACT: Approximately 90% of all boating fatalities involve drownings casued by boating accidents. Most drowning victims are not wearing a PFD or are wearing an inadequate one.
FACT: PFDs can save lives, but only if they are worn.
FACT: Most of the fatalities due to falling overboard could have been avoided if the victims had worn their PFDs.
FACT: Cold water will quickly incapacitate a person, even a good swimmer, in cold water.
CONCLUSION: It is only common sense to wear a PFD.
RECOMMENDATION: Get a comfortable inflatable PFD of the automatic type and wear it. Yes, they do make comfortable PFDs.
BE OBSERVANT: Look again at the photos and note that all the Coastguardsmen are wearing a PFD. They know the facts. The sea is very unforgiving of mistakes.
Have a good summer on the water in that beautiful boat.
Posted by: W.R.Bleakley Jr. Capt (USCG Retired) | June 4th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Hello, I am writing because I too, am very proud of the U S Coast Guard, and the 6 years My son is serving in the C.G. he was stationed in Boston Mass, and now Ft. Myers Beach station. The Coastie's are wonderful men and women serving our country. God Bless.
Posted by: Marie from Cape Coral Fl | June 4th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Ms.Stewart,
I am a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 21, Portland, Maine. I am also the Flotilla Staff Officer and Division Staff Officer in charge of Vessel Examinations. Each summer we offer free vessel safety examinations to recreational boats.These examinations are conducted at dockside and if the vessel has all the necessary safety equipment a decal is issued to be placed on the boat. Whereas this will not prevent a boarding by the Coast Guard it will certainly make it much more pleasant, knowing that you have all the required safety equipment on board.
Posted by: Susan Polans FSO-VE,SO-VE | June 4th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I just wanted to thank you for taking time out and space in your blog to write such positive words about the USCG. So many times our Coasties get overlooked or even bad mouthed for doing a job that really does help people, daily. I enjoyed your beutiful pictures. And your doggy is down right adorable.
Posted by: Melissa | June 4th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I went to Connecticut College right across from the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Yes, Coasties are all handsome, charming, fit and well trained to protect and save lives.
Well done, gentlemen.
Posted by: Carrie | June 13th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Martha,
As a former Coastie and now the wife of a Coastie - thank you so much for your positive words for the Coast Guard. Too often, they are either overlooked as "not part of the military" (false, by the way) or are given a hard time by all those boaters out there who resent being stopped.
I'm glad it went well, and as another poster said - the conversations at home that night must have been fun!
Beth
Portland, Oregon
Posted by: Beth | July 3rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm