BY MARY MARGARET McEACHERN
Safe Summer There is nothing — absolutely nothing —
half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats.
— KENNETH GRAHAME
The Wind in the Willows
Whether it’s exploring the world with your hands
on the helm, getting out of sight of land for a few
hours, or just cruising the Intracoastal Waterway
and enjoying a weekend family picnic on
Masonboro Island, the water beckons.
To truly experience its magic requires a boat.
Boats symbolize freedom from the workday world,
from bills, from traffic and congestion. They pro-vide
the freedom to travel to the places of your
dreams, and to make lasting memories.
Small or large, powered by engine, wind or
man, boats are alive, mystically drawing you to
that irresistible freedom even from time itself.
The lure is especially strong in Wrightsville Beach
and greater Wilmington, where we are surrounded by
water. We have an ocean to the east, the Cape Fear River
to the west, the ICWW running north/south, and sounds
and creeks in between.
Once you answer the call and get your hands on the boat of
your dreams, there’s responsibility that comes with the freedom.
It is imperative to know how to operate the vessel safely, where to
go, what the markers and buoys mean and what equipment you need.
Education is key, and there are as many helpful resources as there are boat
types. So with a little information and willingness to take on some pre-emptive leg-work,
anyone can enjoy a lifetime of safely navigating our beautiful waters.
Whether on a paddleboard or at the throttle of a mega sport fishing yacht, a person must obey
certain laws and conventions applicable to the waterways. Knowing and observing the basics is safe
and courteous, while learning to competently master your own vessel brings a quiet confidence.
As the local population grows, our waterways are becoming increasingly congested, making accidents
more likely. Consequently, we have laws and enforcement in an area historically largely exempt from
conventional regulation, and efforts like safe boating week, May 19-25 in Wrightsville Beach to empha-size
the importance of commonsense seamanship.
“Education is the big thing,” says Lt. Meg Morrison of the Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron.
“If there are two boats coming toward you at right angles in both directions, who has the right-of-way?”
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WBM june 2018