The Buddhist desire is to empty oneself in order to be filled. In this time of “social distancing” we certainly have an opportunity to slow time’s winged chariot, to empty ourselves of all the chatter and clatter of everyday life, to fill up the spaces often so wanting. Today, aRead More

South Portland, Maine John “Jack” Towne, died on April 17, 2020, of COVID-19 at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough, Maine. Jack was born on September 18, 1928 in Providence, R.I., and spent his very early years in coastal Upper Port La Tour, Nova Scotia. His family moved back toRead More

In a recent email to its customers, Hodgdon Yacht Services has announced a variety of modifications designed to adapt to the current pandemic situation. These include allowing limited customer access to the boatyard in order to prepare for the summer boating season and providing a portable toilet outside. The shipyardRead More

By Dick Klain My last cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) was several years ago. Since that time, I have stayed up to date on the ditch through friends. When the coronavirus hit, I wondered what my friends who were still down south would be doing. Molly and Bill areRead More

Warren, R.I. Sheila (Cross) Upchurch, 85, of Warren, R.I., died April 12, 2020. She was the wife of Edward F. Upchurch. Sheila Marie was born in Norwalk, Conn., on Feb. 28, 1935 to the late Celeste and Richard Cross. She was the oldest of 11. Sheila married Russell Smith inRead More

Newport, R.I. Matilda “Tillie” West Thompson passed away on April 11, 2020 in Newport, R.I., from complications of COVID-19 with her beloved daughters by her side and her cherished son’s voice on the phone. Tillie exuded joy in life and brought it to everyone she met with a smile thatRead More

Our friends at Winter Island Yacht Yard are offering a way to make your quarantine downtime a little more productive through this free webinar offered by Ranger Tugs on Thursday, April 9 at 1 p.m. Eastern: Garmin 101 – An entry-level overview of the settings and functions on your GarminRead More

New York City The sailing community lost a great friend, sailor and champion as Dayton Thomas Carr passed peacefully at his New York City home on April 7, 2020. He was 78 years old. Dayton established the Venture Capital Fund of America Group (VCFA Group) in 1982, and is creditedRead More

I’ve written before about how April can be a tough month for us here at Marston’s Marina, but we could never have anticipated April 2020.

Bristol, R.I. Clinton J. Pearson, 91, of Bristol, R.I., passed away on April 4, 2020, at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Carolyn (Broomhead) Pearson for 60 years and the son of the late Lillian and Carl Pearson. Born in Pawtucket, R.I., on March 6, 1929, he attended schoolRead More