Women on the Water

Recently, 20 women battled the seas, led by Captains Dick and Bette Meade of The Boating School at the Lighthouse Marina in Aquebogue. No, they weren’t battling one of the various thunderstorms we’ve been graced by these past few weeks. Instead they were learning the ins and outs of boating as part of a ladies’ boating course known as Women on the Water (WOW), which has both off- and on-water segments.

The hands-on program, “designed by women, for women,” teaches boating practices, as well as safety and emergency procedures. Topics include boating terminology, rules of the “road,” safety requirements, and equipment and weather sourcing–and all of that is taught in the land portion of the course. The water portion involves hands-on practice with maneuvering, docking, and electronics.

Regina Smith of the marina pointed out the importance of education on these matters. “So many people who have large boats go out with a captain and don’t know what to do should something happen,” she says. She emphasized the importance of knowing how to use the radio in case of emergency- – the procedure and who to call – as well as charting, in case the boat loses power or gets stuck. When calling for help, it is essential that you are able to cite your location. [expand]

The course was exclusively for the marina’s customers. Other companies do offer safety courses open to the public, but as Smith says, “They are not as hands-on and personal as our course.”

Upcoming events include complimentary boat handling lessons on Saturdays through July and August, the Lighthouse Marina Clam Bake, and the Gregory Children Trust Fund Fishing Tournament. The fishing tournament is a fundraiser for the twin children of one of the marina’s past employees who had leukemia, Bob Gregory. Tragically, Gregory and his wife perished in a plane crash on the way to his Leukemia treatment when their children were very young.

These events are for customers only, but the marina still has slips open for this season. They offer dockage and storage, including winter storage in their large indoor facility. Each season starts with a complimentary spring launch party.

For more information on dock slips and upcoming events, contact the marina at 631-722-3400 or info@lighthousemarina.com, or visit www.lighthousemarina.com. The Lighthouse Marina is located at 229 Meetinghouse Creek Road in Aquebogue. [/expand]