New Jersey senator wants yacht free zone around Statue of Liberty

2 Responses

1. Free Anchorages are for everyone! On every nautical chart of every harbor you will find designated anchorages. As long as the vessel occupying the space is exhibiting the required Day Shapes and or Lights at night, providing anchorages is good business for Ports. A vessel at anchor may utilize many shore-based services while at anchor. That may include Water Taxis, Chandlers, and Ship Services of every kind. The United States economy is still based upon shipping. Though not everyone wants to acknowledge that. Chris Christie is exhibiting his usual boorish behavior by wanting to ignore one of the proudest traditions of seafaring, Hospitality. If a a flotilla of Vietnamese-owned Fishing boats, or the most wretched scows still afloat were to occupy the same anchorage as the Oligarch would he still be blowing his usual safety-valve? Probably even more so. Governor Christie is a mite shy of the social graces. But we should not allow his prejudices to inconvenience anyone who stops off for repairs, stores, or even shore leave. Besides, Chris, it will provide tax money for Jersey. I cannot imagine the Tourist draw of fairy tale stories such as Boardwalk Empire or The Sopranos having the kind of staying power that Commercial Shipping or Recreational Boating has had over our nation’s lifetime. Lighten up, Chris!

   Reply

2. While I agree that the right of passage, and safe haven should be preserved for all. I sincerely hope that these billionaires take this to court should any restriction pass. Let them spend their money defending their right to anchor.
   I hope it makes it’s way all the way up to the SCOTUS. Then maybe states, and municipalities such as in Florida will get the message. Not enough anchorage’s, not enough moorings, too many restrictions. The common man, and women who love to sail generally don’t have the resources to maintain the constant battle..they do.

   Reply