United Yacht Sales Weblog

Author: Asante Riveira

So how much do you know about the first Thanksgiving and all the folks who were part of it? How much do you know about the original history and traditions of the holiday? How about the symbolism behind many of the common items associated with Thanksgiving? Oh, you think you know a lot do you? Well, would you be willing to put that knowledge to the test? No, not on any friendly wager but in the excellent Thanksgiving printable game called This and That Thanksgiving history game. Yes, you can really see if you knowledge on the subject is up to par or if any of your friends or family can match (or exceed) your knowledge. Yup, you can turn this Thanksgiving into a fun test of wits and the This and That Thanksgiving History game is the way to do it.

Some may find it odd to play a Thanksgiving themed game and if you ask them why they might not even have a response. Part of the reason they act this way is that sometimes the celebration of Thanksgiving is somewhat downplayed. Part of the reason for Thanksgiving being a holiday that most people are not familiar with is that it is a brief holiday that is sandwiched in between Halloween and Christmas. With Christmas shopping sometimes being pushed before Thanksgiving, the turkey day holiday can be somewhat marginalized. This has a tendency to cut into the learning about the holiday. Well, if you want to sharpen up your skills then this game is definitely one you will enjoy.

Author: Sean Carter

Thanksgiving parades, just like football, turkey and the pumpkin pie, can’t be done away with if we are talking Thanksgiving ! Elaborate parades featuring huge floats, musical extravaganza and star-studded entertainment shows on Thanksgiving are regular features of the Thanksgiving holiday and are marked by great pomp and grandeur. It has its origins in the early 20th century and is fashioned to give the festive frenzy a good lift in the hearts of young and old. The Thanksgiving parades are indeed a spectacle for whoever manages to catch sight of one ! Through years now, these street shows and parades of Thanksgiving have become a tradition and are integral to this holiday, held on the fourth Thursday in November.

There’s no precise documentation of the origin of the Thanksgiving parades. In all probabilities, Thanksgiving parades had their first observance in the year President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as an official holiday. In the context of the Union achievements of the 1863 summer, it’s no wonder that an officially declared occasion (more importantly declared by the then President) would have befitting celebrations. Hence parades became a part of the day. But while the military band or uniformed men featured in earlier Thanksgiving parades, today’s parades of Thanksgiving mainly consist of musical extravaganza and entertainment shows. Another view is that the first parade of Thanksgiving originated in Philadelphia. It’s known as Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Parade and is considered to be the first parade of Thanksgiving in the nation’s history. The famous American store called Gimbel’s kicked off the parade under its name to make a mark. Many other brands followed suit and started holding Thanksgiving parades soon after. And these numerous Thanksgiving parades are telecast on television throughout the United States on Thanksgiving.

Wherever the start of Thanksgiving parades, it was just a matter of years that the significance and tradition of holding parades spread from one corner of the nation to another. Parades are integral to the American culture and the nation has spectacular parades for all the major holidays of the year. Mostly Thanksgiving parades have family-oriented themes and project the message of warmth and thankfulness of the holiday. Also kept in mind is the aspect of making the children happy and make all others smile. So colorful cutouts, huge balloons and amusing floats are there in Thanksgiving parades almost always. The sole aim of Thanksgiving parades is to instill the spirit of festivity in the hearts of the spectators. People feel all gingered up to have a wonderfully warm Thanksgiving Day, wishing each other a happy Thanksgiving and cheering for a good harvest. Many families traditionally set aside a time on Thanksgiving to go and watch Thanksgiving parades. All States in the US hold magnificent parades on Thanksgiving and so, there’s no dearth of Thanksgiving parades to hit on the fourth Thursday in November, that is, the Thanksgiving Day.

Author: Michele Dupper

Images of big, beautiful turkeys with colorful plumage and tail feathers are everywhere during the Thanksgiving holiday season. For many of us, eating a turkey with the family on this holiday is a time honored tradition and in some special way makes us feel very connected to our ancestors. However, the turkeys that were most likely served on this holiday in the past were quite different than the majority served today. In fact, if you are under 50, you have probably never even tasted one of these turkeys. Now referred to as heritage turkeys, they are the distant relatives of the common Broad-Breasted White industrial breed of turkeys now sold in 99% of grocery stores and until very recently they were almost extinct.

Our modern commercial turkeys were popularized by poultry processors in the 1960’s because of their large quantities of white meat, the preference of most Americans. They were also desirable because of their white feathers which do not discolor their skin. Unfortunately, to promote the meat development, their bodies and growth rates have been altered so most of them are full of growth supplements as well as antibiotics. They now have unnaturally large breasts, short breast bones and short legs. The majority of them are so large that their legs cannot support their own weight and they are not able to walk. They must be bred through artificial insemination because they are no longer able to breed naturally. So, basically, these birds just sit in one place and eat until they reach their market weight so that we may enjoy their tender meat.

On the contrary, heritage turkeys are raised dining on fresh grass and insects. They walk, fly, breed, raise their own chicks and even help control farmer’s pest problems. They are prized for their flavor, texture and beautiful plumage. The heritage breeds of turkeys are the Standard Bronze, Bourbon Red, Jersey Buff, Slate, Black Spanish, Narragansett and White Holland. Raising heritage turkeys is more time consuming and costly, but it preserves genetic variety and keeps alive an American culinary tradition that dates back to the first years of English settlement. According to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, turkeys must meet all of the following criteria to qualify as a heritage turkey:

1. Naturally mating: must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating, with expected fertility rates of 70-80%. This means that turkeys marketed as “heritage” must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock.

2. Long productive outdoor lifespan: must have a long productive lifespan. Breeding hens are commonly productive for 5-7 years and breeding toms for 3-5 years. They must also have a genetic ability to withstand the environmental rigors of outdoor production systems.

3. Slow growth rate: must have a slow to moderate rate of growth. Today’s heritage turkeys reach a marketable weight in about 28 weeks, giving the birds time to develop a strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass. This growth rate is identical to that of the commercial varieties of the first half of the 20th century.

Raising the turkeys in this way is not only more humane, but also results in a much more flavorful bird. There are four factors that influence flavor in animals - the fundamental underlying flavor of its meat, its age, how it was raised, and what it ate. Older animals have more flavor than younger ones and heritage turkeys are allowed to grow at a much slower rate, about twice as long, than the commercialized Broad-Breasted White. The more an animal moves around, the more interesting its flavor. Obviously, turkeys raised on a pasture get much more exercise than those sitting in buildings unable to walk. Turkeys that have a diet of green grass, plants, and insects have a deeper taste than birds fed exclusively a grain diet.

In addition to great flavor, roasting a heritage turkey to perfection is much easier than the industrialized white. Since they have smaller breasts there is a better balance between the dark and white meat so the white meat cooks quicker than the dark meat and there is no need to cover the breast with foil to keep it from drying out while the rest of the bird cooks. If the breast is covered during roasting, it should be done with oiled parchment paper, not foil, which is then removed 30 minutes before the turkey is finished roasting. Heritage turkeys are leaner and smaller so fast cooking at high temperatures is a better method than slow roasting all day long. They should be cooked at 425-450 degrees F until the internal temperature reaches 140-150 degrees F. Remember not to let the tip of the thermometer touch the bone. (Note: This is different than the USDA recommendation of 160F-180F, but these temperatures will dry out a heritage turkey. Heritage birds are freer of disease and bacteria so they do not need extreme temperatures to make them safe for consumption.) The reduced cooking time will not allow stuffing to become fully cooked so cook the stuffing first and place inside the turkey before roasting. Alternatively, you can experiment with adding a piece of quartered fruit like an orange or an apple inside the turkey instead of stuffing. You can also try adding butter or oil under the breast skin to add flavor and moisture during roasting. As always, bring the bird to room temperature before cooking and be sure to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Thanks to the efforts of organizations like the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and Slow Food USA, heritage turkeys are increasing in popularity, but in the late 1990’s they were on the brink of extinction. They realized that we must eat them to save them because the more we eat, the more there will be. By continuing to eat heritage turkeys and supporting the breeders the quality of the birds will only improve.

Authro: Linda Dowdy

Many are beating the Christmas card and traditional holiday cards rush by sending Thanksgiving cards instead. Gaining in popularity, Thanksgiving cards are unexpected greetings perfect for business or personal use. Here are 5 reasons why you may want to consider sending Thanksgiving cards this year.

1) Unexpected. Many expect to receive Christmas cards or the traditional seasonal greetings in December but Thanksgiving cards received in early November are unexpected surprises. Your card will not get lost in the mounds of holiday mail but will receive special attention and praise. Your unexpected thoughtful gesture will be much appreciated.

2) Thanks. A Thanksgiving card not only sends wishes for a happy Thanksgiving Day but is also an opportunity to send your thanks for the year that is rapidly coming to an end. By sending Thanksgiving cards you are saying Thanks for your friendship, loyalty and business over the past year. A Thanksgiving card is the perfect opportunity to send your message of business appreciation and a great time to strengthen your business partnerships.

3) Early. By sending your annual greeting early in the form of Thanksgiving cards, you are appearing to be organized and proactive. With all the end of the year responsibilities you and your business experience, you can get the holiday cards list completed with cards mailed well in advance of the last minute rush. Place your order now for a great selection and additional savings.

4) Long lasting. When your Thanksgiving card arrives ahead of the annual greeting card rush, it will be enjoyed and put on display much longer. A greeting in lovely fall colors will stand out from the red and green seasonal greetings for a unique presentation that ushers in the holiday season with warm hearted thanks.

5) Non-denominational. There is always a question of correctness when deciding to send Christmas cards or seasonal greetings cards. To avoid the possibility of offending anyone, Thanksgiving cards are the perfect solutions. Every American can appreciate the message that Thanksgiving brings. Your heartfelt message of thanks will be welcomed by friends, customers and business associates alike.

Author: Robert

If you own a boat then as some time you will likely decide to purchase boat accessories at some time. However, the market is
filled with different types of boat accessories and not all of them are necessary or even useful for your boat. At the same time there are other boat accessories, which are useful for your boat and will help extend the lifetime of your boat.

Other boat accessories are nice to have since they will make your time out on the water more enjoyable. So when it comes to choosing boat accessories it is important that you choose the right ones that can keep you safe on the water and keep your boat in a good condition.

The boat accessories you choose to buy while be based largely on the type of boat that you have. If you have a fishing boat, for
example, you will be choosing boat accessories that are very different from those that you would buy for sail boats or yachts.
Before you go shopping for your boat accessories it is a good idea to research exactly what your boat will need. It is even a good idea to have a list of the necessary boat accessories before you begin your shopping trip. The following in some of the essential boat accessories every boat owner should have.

Without the right equipment you could get stuck out on the water in a difficult situation. Not only could it ruin your day to not
have the right equipment, but you could also face serious problems. Some of the most essential boat equipment that every boat owner should have on hand before going out on the water includes: life jackets, anchors and lines, ladders, mirrors, paddles, registration and lettering kits, safety equipment, stabilizers, buoys, lights and any necessary maintenance equipment to make sure your boat is always running in optimal condition.

Each of these items has a different purpose on a boat, but they all have the purpose of helping to keep you and your passenger’s safe while caring for you boat so you don’t become stranded on the water. When you go out on the water always remember to wear your life jackets or at the very least keep them someplace where you can have quick and easy access to them in the event that you will need them. Although you hope never to use your life jackets, there is always that time when you may need them and not having them around can be disastrous.

Boat accessories can do more than just keep you safe and keep your boat in working order. Choosing other non-essential boat accessories can no only make your time on the water more enjoyable, but they can also increase the value of your boat should you decide to resell.

Author: Brooke Hayles

Here is a true story of a dream gone badly. Owning the Ranger Z22 Comanche Bass yacht was a long cherished dream for them. They saved and envisioned the day they would be the proud owners of it. Finally after many years, that day came. They bought the yacht of their dreams, all 22 feet, 300 horsepower of happiness. They were anxious to go to Lake Sinclair in Georgia to christen their new yacht, but they knew the needed to take care of a very important matter first, yacht insurance. They wanted to protect this dream and themselves from harm.

Their local yacht insurance agent stated they needed guest passenger liability, property damage, bodily injury, theft, medical payment coverage along with coverage for physical loss. Now he is the yacht insurance expert so no need to question, right? Well turns out they should not have been in such a hurry to enjoy their new yacht and taken some extra time out to protect it.

Taking solace in the fact their life long dream was protected from damage or accidents, they proceeded to enjoy the dream that had turned into a reality. A rude awakening was about to happen. They lived near the ocean in Georgia. Severe storms are not common in the early summer months, but the ones that do occur are very severe and damaging. They found themselves hit by a powerful hurricane. Their dreamyacht, the cover, trailer, and other equipment were all destroyed. They called their yacht insurance agent and their world turned upside down. They found out after many unanswered phone calls and a visit that they did not have the coverage that they needed to replace their lost dream.

Now after experiencing the fury of a hurricane and the loss of a yacht, they came face to face with the reality that a dream was lost and no hope of immediate recovery or for that matter recovery in the near future. Their yacht insurance provider did not advise them about an option of ‘natural disaster coverage’. This coverage was not standard with the company they chose. Then to top it off, they found out that nothing else was covered. The trailer, cover, fishing equipment, and other articles in the yacht were also lost for good. This was also an optional coverage, and again was not mentioned or suggested.

The reason that we bring this story to your attention is to point out the importance of researching yacht insurance policies and brokers. Even after you chose a broker, you need to discuss all the details of a policy to assure that your dream does not become a nightmare. By taking the necessary steps and finding a top yacht insurance agent, you could possibly save money. Some will offer discounts for taking safe yachting courses, if it has, a diesel engine could be some savings as well.

A few things that are essential, to completely protect your prized yacht. You want to have a yacht insurance coverage that will provide wreck and emergency removal services. Be sure it covers your equipment, motor, trailer, and of course the yacht. Also, be sure of natural disaster coverage no matter where you live. All areas of the country have natural disasters like floods, fire, hail, tornados, lightening and windstorms. You also want to be sure you are covered for acts of vandalism or explosions

Author: Paul MacIver

A yacht makes any owner proud. One can rule the ocean with ones own yacht. Commanding a yacht transforms man to pass as the ruler of the high seas and terrible winds. yachts have caught the fancy of man since time immemorial. Possessing a yacht however, is costly and has its own perils. yachts are an expensive asset, and they need to be protected. yacht insurance is one such method to protect you as the owner from damage or loss.

Constituents of yacht Insurance:

Yacht insurance has two major components; the first one being Legal Responsibility/Security and Insurance, and the second being Property Loss. The insured sum is based either on Actual Cash Value or on the Sum Agreed Over.

A yacht insurance policy is based on the agreed value; there is a certain amount of money printed in the policy, which is the sum compensated in the case of a complete loss. Limited damages are provided at new prices, implying that there is no reduction imposed, apart from high wear matter like sails and some machinery. This is the costly form of insurance. An authentic cash value policy is one where if your yacht is lost completely, you will get the existing market price, without any deductible and suitable reduction for the age and state of your yacht during loss.

Finding an Insurer:

Finding a yacht insurer online is extremely easy, with many insurers vying for this market. If you as the yacht owner are already familiar with a trustworthy company, then you can just visit the company’s website and buy the insurance online. If you go for online insurance, you may get some discounts as well, especially if you choose to enroll for seamanship training through the Coast Guard classes, or membership in one of the U.S. Power Squadrons groups throughout the country.

A yacht insurance policy offers broad navigational limits when a trip to distant ports is on the cards. The agreed or cash value of your yacht is covered, along with rig coverage, scheduled tenders, and outboards. Most states require at least the watercraft liability insurance coverage for every yacht. An insurance agent can usually help you out with all the necessary legal requirements and insurances. Once you get the required cover, you may buy more as per your convenience or requirement.

Since medical expense due to any yacht accident maybe very high, it is wise to buy medical coverage also. Then there is an insurance cover against uninsured yachts. This means that if you are hit by an uninsured yacht, you will still be able to get compensation for replacing the yacht or getting medical treatment.

yachts are great assets, but without proper insurance, they can be quite hazardous to own and sail in.

Most insurers have websites as well as offices. You can just simply click and buy any policy you require, or you can visit the office to speak and discuss with the insurance agents. These agents can assist in fulfilling the legal requirements of insuring your yacht as well.

Do you want to buy a yacht?
You have come to the right place: United Yacht offers catamarans, trimarans, power boats, sailing boats, monohulls, mulithulls, superyachts and boat shares for sale.

New and used boats are for sale by yacht brokers and private sellers from around the globe. Boat listings are updated by the seller making United Yacht the up-to-date source of information for the boat buyer. With inventory info and lots of photos, United Yacht is the best referenced boat sales site on the net according to our viewers. If you can’t find the boat you’re looking for you, we suggest you make use of Boats Wanted.

United Yacht Sales is one of, if not the largest Yacht Brokerage firms in the United States. We are pure Brokers. United’s policy is to not dilute our services by stocking new boats as our Brokers are tasked solely with placing Buyer and Sellers together.

Author: Willie Jones

Yachting is a great adventure on any type of yacht and is being enjoyed by many on a daily basis, but with that comes a great responsibility. It is not mandatory to do a yachting course at this time but there are some very good reasons to get your self informed about the rules of the road.

1) You will learn about safety equipment and what you are required to have on your yacht before you undertake any yachting excursion. This is very important because what you don’t have with you could make the difference between being able to handle a situation or not. Also, that outing for the day could cost you if the sheriff stops you to spot check your yacht and fines you for not having all the safety equipment required for your specific yacht.

2) You will learn that driving a yacht is vastly different from driving a car. You are dealing with air and water currents. If you have never docked a yacht you may think that it is easy, until that is, the current is pulling you in the opposite direction that you want to go. Understanding air and water currents will help you learn how to dock your yacht.

3) Knowing how to work with lines and tying knots is part of yachting. You have to be able to secure a yacht properly. If your yacht gets away, it is amazing how quickly the current will take it out of your reach and you will probably require the assistance of another yachter to help you get to it. So learn your knots.

4) You will learn what the channel markers mean. We learned the hard way the first time we went out on a yacht and ran aground outside the markers. We also had no clue what the red and green markers meant on the poles. This you also learn on the course.

5) There are speed limits on certain water ways but unlike the roads, they may or may not be posted. Ignorance may not be enough to get you out of a ticket.

6) Using charts for coastal navigation can be a life saver. It’s your road map that helps you stay away from the shallows and shows where all the markers and bridges are, and by using measurements you can calculate the distance and time it will take to get somewhere. It can be valuable tool for navigation.

7) Just like on the roads, there is the right of way. On a yachting course you will learn who has the right of way and why.

Every yacht should have a horn. You may hear one long toot or 2 short toot and so on, and you’ll learn what they mean.

9) There are yachting regulations and laws that must be followed by all yachters, for example, (and I have seen this rule broken so many times) you are not allowed to sit on the bow of the yacht with your feet hanging over board. There are many more regulations to learn and not knowing them can cost you.

10) Anchoring a yacht is not just a matter of plopping it down to the sand. There is a mathematical technique applied to anchoring that has to do with the size and length of your yacht. Knowing how to do this correctly will give you that extra insurance of knowing your yacht is going nowhere until you want to move it.

Author: Frank Rom
There is nothing more enjoyable than a nice, calm voyage on the water. The fact that there are quite a number of different boating experiences, be it soothing or on the contrary exciting makes the boating world a very attractive one. Water sports in general have always been well appreciated, even by those who don’t like to get wet at all.

Boating can be enjoyed alone, in a group with some friends or with your family, it makes a great bonding experience. A group of people or family members coming together to go fishing or to go swimming or just to go quietly cruising along on the lake have a mutual interest and a mutual goal: relaxing and being free of the worlds trouble.

And for those who are not satisfied with the quiet and calm cruising there is always waterskiing or wild water rafting to prove your athletic skills and stamina. And let us not forget boat racing: a hobby that can gets a lot of excitement going. Whatever your fancy in the boating world make sure that your vessel and its power are a match for your expectation of pleasure.

Match Your Boating to Your Hobby

It goes without saying that for waterskiing you will need a rather big boat in order to carry not only the people but also all the necessary equipment. Don’t forget to bring along a lookout, to keep an eye on the skier in case he or she gets in trouble and falls. The power of the boat will have to be sufficient to get to the skier in case of emergency but not so big as to get him or her in trouble because the speed exceeds the safe limits.

If you’d rather cruise the lake, you can do with a smaller boat and less power, giving you the opportunity to savor the surroundings, gently cruising along. The power of the motor has to be big enough though to get the vessel through the water without putting too much strain. For keen fishers out there they will need a bigger boat with perhaps twin engines to get them to the fishing zones and back to the docks in no time.

The best of all worlds of course would be to have a boat for all kinds of boating fun, small enough to do some cruising, yet large and powerful enough for waterskiing or fishing. This type of vessel caters to the needs of many family members and brings fun for everyone. What could be better on a warm, sunny day than a family boating trip?