Powerboat Races Coming to the Patuxent Sept. 25

     Solomons, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Chesapeake Challenge” is scheduled to occur in the Patuxent River on Sunday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The high-speed, offshore power boat races will operate in a counter-clockwise direction on a marked, racetrack-type course located at Solomons, Maryland, between the Governor Thomas Johnson (SR-4) Bridge and U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River In addition, power boat testing and race course practice runs of “Chesapeake Challenge” participants are scheduled to occur in the Patuxent River on Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     The Coast Guard has issued special local regulations establishing a regulated area for all waters of Patuxent River, within lines connecting the following positions: from latitude 38°19’45” N, longitude 076°28’06” W, thence to latitude 38°19’24” N, longitude 076°28’30”W, thence to latitude 38°18’32” N, longitude 076°28’14” W; and from latitude 38°17’38” N, longitude 076°27’26” W, thence to latitude 38°18’00” N, longitude 076°26’41” W, thence to latitude 38°18’59” N, longitude 076°27’20” W, located at Solomons.
     This regulated area will be enforced from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 24 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 25. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. All vessel traffic, not involved with the event, will be allowed to transit the regulated area and shall proceed in a northerly or southerly direction westward of the spectator area, taking action to avoid a close-quarters situation with spectators, until finally past and clear of the regulated area. Only participants and official patrol are allowed to enter the race course area. Spectators are allowed inside the regulated area only if they remain within the designated spectator area. Spectators will be permitted to anchor within the designated spectator area. No vessel may anchor within the regulated area outside the designated spectator area.
     Spectators may contact the Coast Guard Patrol Commander to request permission to pass through the regulated area. If permission is granted, spectators must pass directly through the regulated area outside the race course and spectator areas at a safe speed and without loitering.
     All Coast Guard vessels enforcing th spectator area can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 or 22A VHF-FM. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12264, 12284.

Maryland NRP Extend Upper Potomac River Advisory

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has announced, based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), that boating and other recreational use of the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, should be avoided at this time. This advisory is in effect until September 13, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.
     Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.
     Hazardous stages are water levels which pose a threat to non white- water vessels, tubers, swimmers and other recreational users and are caused by wave action, water velocity, and treacherous currents. This hazardous condition may also exist on tributaries of the Potomac River.
     This warning does not apply to professionally guided river trips. The public is reminded that river travel involves risks. Water and boating safety should be of utmost importance. NRP reminds boaters to always wear a life jacket. It is mandatory to wear a USCG approved life jacket while boating on the upper Potomac River from November 15 to May 15 each year.
     For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200.

"Thunder in the City" on the Upper Bay, Saturday, July 23

     Chesapeake City, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the "Thunder in the City" powerboat poker run is scheduled to occur on the Upper Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, July 23. Approximately 45 participants will depart Chesapeake City, Maryland at 10:30 a.m., transit westbound in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and southbound in the Upper Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, then return to Chesapeake City by 5 p.m.
     More information is available at http://thunderinthecity.com/

"Thunder on the Bay" Poker Run Saturday, June 11

     Kent Narrows, Md. -- Mariners are advised that a power boat poker run is scheduled to occur on the upper Chesapeake Bay on Saturday, June 11. Up to 60 participants will depart Kent Narrows at approximately 10:30 a.m. and transit northward in the Chesapeake Bay to stops at North East and Fairlee Creek before returning to Kent Narrows by 5 p.m.
    Interested mariners may contact the “Thunder on the Bay” event coordinator on marine band radio channel 68 VHF-FM. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12274.
     Click here for the complete Local Notice to Mariners.

DNR Public Hearing Tonight on Upper Bay Noise Levels

     Elkton, MD -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing to discuss proposed new sound level limits for vessels using the Elk and Northeast Rivers and all tributaries including the Bohemia River and the C&D Canal. The hearing will be held at the Elkton High School (Room F-107), 110 James Street, Elkton, MD 21921 on Tuesday, May 24. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m.

     The noise limit would be reduced from the existing statewide standard of 90 decibels to 88 decibels for engines made after January 1993. The 90-decibel rule would still apply to older boats. Another proposed regulation would make cut-off switches that bypass or reduce the effectiveness of exhaust-pipe mufflers illegal.

      Interested parties who have questions or wish to submit comments via e-mail may do so by contacting Mike Grant, Regulations Coordinator for Boating Services at mgrant@dnr.state.md.usor by U.S. mail to Mike Grant, Regulations Coordinator, DNR-Boating Services Unit, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-4, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 or by telephone at 410-260-8013.

Bay Bridge Boat Show This Weekend Offers One-Stop Comparison Shopping

     Stevensville, MD -- Spring weather means it’s time to start gearing up for a summer season on the Chesapeake, and what better place to start the process than the Bay Bridge Boat Show, located at the Bay Bridge Marina on Kent Island and running from April 28 through May 1.
     With four days to wander through more than 150 land-based exhibits and check out over 200 new and brokerage boats in the water and displayed on the marina grounds, the Bay Bridge Boat Show offers a one-stop shopping opportunity for all your boating needs. It's a great place to comparison shop and figure out what boat best suits your needs and interests.
     Two huge tents offer the latest in gear, gadgets and services, plus experts ready to answer your questions about their products. Docks lined with dramatic state-of-the-art vessels as well as time-tested used boats make comparison shopping easy. Add a host of land-based and shoreside activities that will engage the whole family and you’ve got a good idea of what the show has to offer.
     Boat dealers are reporting an uptick in boat sales, but boat pricing is still competitive. The dealers are ready to deal and financial services are eager to make loans to qualified buyers. Climb aboard the vessels on display and see for yourself what all the hype is about.
     For tickets and more information about all the show's new attractions, visit usboat.com.

Lapidum Boating Facility Ready for Use on the Susquehanna

     Havre de Grace, MD -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has finished renovations of the Lapidum Boating Facility in Susquehanna State Park. The project was a partnership effort between DNR, the Department of General Services and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
      “The Lapidum Boating Facility is an integral part of the statewide recreational and local boating community,” said Robert Gaudette, Director of the DNR’s Boating Services Unit. “The inter-departmental teamwork that helped complete this project shows DNR’s dedication to safe, high-quality boating access for everyone.”
     The facility provides direct access to the Susquehanna River downstream of the Conowingo Dam, an area renowned for fishing, boating, hunting and general recreation for the public. The renovations included replacing the deteriorated boarding pier with a state-of-the-art floating dock, improving both the safety and ease of use of the facility at the varying water levels experienced at Lapidum. The stone breakwater was also renovated to provide essential protection from storms and wave action and the parking area was expanded to accommodate more users due to high demand. The new and improved facility is also ADA compliant.
     The total cost of the construction phase was $435,000, with funds coming from both state and federal sources. State funding was provided through a DNR Waterway Improvement Fund grant of $135,000. Revenue for the fund comes from the one-time 5 percent excise tax paid when a boat is purchased and titled in the State of Maryland. The Waterway Improvement Fund was created in 1966 to support the development, use, and enjoyment of all waters in Maryland for the benefit of the general boating public.
     The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provided $300,000 through the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program which is a user pay, user benefit grant program funded by federal excise tax on fishing equipment and fuel tax from motor boats. Benefits from the taxes collected are passed on to the boaters and anglers through the funding of public recreational motor boat improvements such as those at Lapidum.