As summer approaches and National Safe Boating Week draws near, it's essential to prioritize safety while enjoying your time on the water. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has compiled seven key tips to help you navigate the waters safely throughout the summer season.

1. Stay Updated on Equipment Expiration Dates

Safety equipment such as flares and fire extinguishers come with expiration dates. Fire extinguishers should be replaced 12 years after manufacture, and the dissolvable bobbin inside automatic life jacket inflation mechanisms also has a stamped expiration date. Regularly checking and maintaining this equipment ensures it functions effectively when needed.

2. Choose Comfortable Life Jackets

Wearing a life jacket significantly reduces the risk of drowning. Opt for a comfortable life jacket that suits your preferences from the variety of styles available today, including inflatables and hybrids. Encourage your guests to wear theirs too, and always have a properly fitting life jacket for each person on board.

3. Refresh Your Boating Knowledge

Take advantage of the BoatUS Foundation's free online courses and powerboat training to brush up on boating safety. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the water to ensure a smooth and safe boating experience.

4. Conduct Pre-Departure Safety Briefings

Prior to setting sail, allocate time for a safety briefing with your guests. Being prepared and informed in case of emergencies ensures a quick and coordinated response from everyone on board. Utilize customizable checklists to cover all necessary safety protocols.

5. Inform a Trusted Individual of Your Plans

Before embarking on a boating trip, share your itinerary and expected return time with a trusted family member or friend. In case of unforeseen circumstances, having someone ashore who is aware of your whereabouts can expedite assistance if needed.

6. Maintain Balance and Sobriety

Always maintain a firm stance on the boat by keeping one hand connected to the vessel to anticipate sudden movements. Avoid alcohol consumption while boating, as it is a contributing factor to boating accidents. Save alcoholic beverages for when you are safely ashore.

7. Prioritize Engine Safety

For boats with enclosed engine compartments, run the blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine and after refueling. This precaution is especially crucial after visiting a gas dock to prevent potential hazards.

For further information on boating safety practices, visit BoatUS.org and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer on the water.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary of Albany, NY is excited to announce an upcoming 8-hour Boating Safety Course at AYC on Tuesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 23. Both evening classes will be held from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of essential boating safety practices. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive an ID card. All individuals are encouraged to enroll promptly as seating is limited, with the registration deadline set for May 18. The cost for attending both sessions is $25. For further details or registration, please reach out to Scott Kuhne at 518-400-0370 or via email at skuhne.uscga@gmail.com. Join us in enhancing your boating safety knowledge!

In today's fast-paced world, being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety while on the water. Whether cruising on a powerboat or gliding through the waves on a kayak, having a detailed plan in place can significantly expedite rescue operations in an emergency. This is where the USCG Float Plan comes into play.

Setting Up Your Float Plan

Before embarking on any water adventure, establish a basic float plan and store it on your computer for easy access. Make sure to update it with your latest itinerary, including details on your intended route and estimated return time. Once your plan is finalized, remember to email a copy to a trusted individual who can initiate necessary actions if you fail to check in as scheduled.

Key Features and Advantages

The USCG Float Plan offers a range of features tailored to enhance your safety on the water:

Accessibility: Easily save and share your plan using any device equipped with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Versatility: It is suitable for all types and sizes of recreational vessels and can accommodate up to 13 paddlers in a group setting.

Flexibility: Customizable fields allow for personalized inputs and varied information.

Safety Equipment Integration: Record vital identification numbers of emergency devices like EPIRBs and PLBs attached to life jackets.

Navigation Aid: Plan your journey meticulously by identifying up to 21 waypoints along your route.

Emergency Assistance: Enjoy the support of the exclusive Boating Emergency Guide™ to aid rescuers in the event of a mishap.

Environmentally Friendly: Benefit from a fully digital platform that minimizes paper waste and keeps your data secure on your personal devices.

Expert Guidance: Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, renowned authorities in boating safety.

Final Thoughts

Safety should always be a top priority when engaging in water activities. By creating a float plan before each voyage, you safeguard your own well-being and assist rescue teams in locating you swiftly in case of an emergency. Stay prepared, stay safe, and enjoy your time on the water responsibly.

Are you looking for a special way to treat your Mom and Grandmother to a memorable dining experience? Look no further than the AYC dining room, where we invite you to bring them down for a wonderful catered brunch.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the river, our outdoor seating provides the perfect ambiance to enjoy a relaxing meal with your loved ones, weather permitting. In addition to our regular bar offerings, we are delighted to offer Mimosas and Bloody Marys to add a touch of elegance to your brunch experience.

If you're considering joining us, we have two seating options available for your convenience. The First Seating begins at 11 am, allowing you to start your day with a delicious meal in a picturesque setting. For those who prefer a later start, the Second Seating commences at 12:30 PM, ensuring that you can still savor the flavors of our brunch offerings at a time that suits you best.

Come and create lasting memories with your family as you indulge in a delightful brunch experience at AYC Dining Room.

The Albany Riverfront Collaborative announced its very first Meeting & Community Gathering in Rensselaer, set to take place on April 25th at the prestigious Rensselaer City Hall Courtroom.

Joining this special occasion will be none other than Rensselaer's esteemed Mayor, Michael Stammel. His presence underscores the importance of community involvement and collaboration. Additionally, they will have DOT Project Managers in attendance, bringing their expertise and insights to the table. The participation of members from Rensselaer's Planning Department further enhances the depth of knowledge and perspectives that will be shared during the gathering. Last but certainly not least, the Brownfield Opportunity Assessment Team will be present, showcasing their dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

This event presents a unique opportunity for us to come together, exchange ideas, and foster a sense of unity within the Rensselaer community. Through meaningful discussions and collaboration, we aim to pave the way for a brighter future and create lasting positive change.

On May 1st, the NYSDOT will host an Open House at the Albany Capital Center from 4 PM to 7 PM. During this event, the study team will showcase draft concepts that are currently in development. Attendees can expect to engage with informational boards, interactive stations, and DOT team members available to discuss the progress of these concepts. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share their feedback to aid in refining the development of these ideas.

The open house format serves as a platform to educate the community, ignite conversations, and elicit valuable input. It offers a preliminary view of our revitalized city and aims to foster inclusivity by urging all individuals to participate actively and express their viewpoints.

The event calendar on our cutting-edge website serves as a dynamic platform allowing seamless online event registrations. This innovative feature enables users to easily browse upcoming events, select their preferred ones, and swiftly secure their spots with just a few clicks. Gone are the days of long queues or cumbersome paper forms; our modern online registration system streamlines the process, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for all users. Join us in embracing the future of event planning by exploring and utilizing our user-friendly event calendar today!

The arrival of the initial fisherman marks the beginning of the highly anticipated striper season at Albany Yacht Club. With a tradition dating back decades, this event signifies the start of the fishing frenzy as enthusiasts gather to kick off the season with excitement and anticipation. The air will soon be filled with the sounds of reels clicking and lines casting as anglers try to catch the prized striped bass that populates the waters. Amidst the picturesque setting of the yacht club, the first fisherman's arrival is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the thrilling season ahead, fueling the passion and camaraderie among fellow fishing enthusiasts.

As April arrives, signaling the beginning of spring, there is a sense of excitement in the air. The docks, which have been patiently waiting for this moment, are finally back in the water, ready to embrace the new season. It's a time of renewal and rebirth as nature awakens from its winter slumber. The gentle lapping of the water against the dock reminds us that warmer days lie ahead, filled with the promise of blooming flowers and chirping birds. The arrival of spring at the docks marks a fresh start at the Albany Yacht Club and a time to enjoy the beauty of the boating season.

The docks will be available to all transient river traffic from May 1st.

Starting with the January 2024 meeting, the Albany Yacht Club Members’ monthly meeting minutes are now available online to all Club members. For older minutes or agendas, please contact the Club Secretary. To view and search monthly meetings and topics, visit your member area by logging in with your username and password and clicking on the link in the members' menu list. Minutes will be added to the list as they become available after member voting approval at the following meeting.

AYC’s monthly meetings are open to all members. Please feel free to attend our next meeting at 7 p.m. on April 9, 2024.

The Albany Yacht Club is excited to announce new forums. We hope these new forums will re-ignite vibrant discussions on boating, and we have packed the new forum with new features to inspire just that. We divided and named some categories to try to make the forums more useful for our community. We built this platform as a place for all our members and non-members boat enthusiasts to communicate with each other, share the unique ways you are using your boating skills, and learn best practices and excellent tips and tricks from one another.

Now, let’s get familiar with the layout. Under the main topic on the main menu, under - “Boating,” you will find four main categories. You can access them by clicking the links on the submenu or the links below.

Docking a boat: Here, we exchange our experiences, tips, tricks, and best practices regarding our encounters with docks. How do you approach it, what do you avoid, etc.?

Going Places: We all know that the Albany Yacht Club is the best and most beautiful marina on the Hudson River. But what other places have you landed? What was your experience? What other marinas would you recommend visiting?

Equipment and Electronics: Did you purchase a new GPS, Glass Display, or radio? What is your experience with it? Are you happy, or do you have some complaints? Maybe you are not sure why it is doing what it is doing. You could advise other users on its use and installation.

All Things Boating: Here, you can enjoy friendly conversations with other forum members and boaters on marine-related topics, boats, and boating in general. Your imagination and curiosity are the only limits.

Our forums are new and populated with just an initial question only. Could I challenge you to respond to one of those questions? Let’s get the conversation going.

Of course, nobody is perfect, so please give us feedback and comments on how we can improve; all suggestions are welcome.