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FOLLOW US --------------------------------------------------- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559312643639 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svutopia/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/svutopia/ About the Utopia: The historic Great Lakes schooner Utopia, built in 1946, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. Originally from Sturgeon Bay, you can now find Utopia in Manitowoc, Wisconsin! Dockside visitors can explore this beautifully crafted vessel, which was designed by Fred J. Peterson of Peterson Builders, Inc. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and built in 1946. Utopia's unique features include a steel double bottom for strength, wooden hull sides for warmth, and twin Detroit diesel engines. Visitors can marvel at her elegant lines, learn about her global circumnavigation, and appreciate the craftsmanship that has kept her sailing for decades. Utopia currently resides under the stewardship of the her new owners based in Manitowoc Wisconsin, where it continues to inspire curiosity and passion for the Great Lakes among learners of all ages.

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There are four things that weigh on every cruising sailor's mind. #1 Power #2 Fuel #3 Fresh Water #4 Human Waste There can be in upwards of 300+ boats anchored around George Town, Bahamas off of the Great Exuma Island. We've now spent almost three weeks here and it's surprising to me how many boats do not move. It's long been rumored that many of these boats are pumping their black water overboard but, we had hoped it wasn't the case. However, checking in on the Facebook group of George Town Bahamas, it was indeed confirmed to be the case. Fortunately, not everybody subscribes to pumping out in a harbor like this (it is illegal) but, unfortunately, there's too many people that do. There were three justifications made for such behavior: First: The harbor has a south and north entrance and is therefore subject to a constant flow of water and essentially flushing the harbor after every tide cycle Second: The Bahamians don't adhere to their own laws (Ed: so why should we??) Third: (Yes...this was actually a justification given). A Manatee poops more in one day than a human in a year. Suffice it to say, you don't have to look too far and speak with too many cruisers that have been coming to Bahamas over the last decade to see that the reefs are under stress. I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert on this subject nor am I one to suggest that I couldn't do more. However, it seems to me that even if dumping black water in the harbor has a near negligible impact on marine life, we should still do what we can. Besides, going out on a day sail once per week doesn't seem like all that much of an inconvenience!

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