One of our local newspapers, The Press Republican, recently ran a cover story about the impact of rising gasoline prices on local boaters' summer plans. The headline article, "Gas prices won't stop boaters", featured The Westport Marina prominently, and the photograph emblazoned under the headline, Priceless Fun, was our very own home fleeters, Steve, Carol and Chris Malone!

Captain Jim's parents, Bob and Dee Carroll were quoted as saying that they do not anticipate a reduction in the number of powerboaters on the lake this summer despite high fuel prices. Bob commented that prices are actually lower than they were last fall, and Dee anticipated increased traffic from Canadian boaters:

"With the Canadian exchange rate the lowest it has been in 12 to 15 years, we expect there will be added traffic from the north."

The Malones also emphasized that their plans to spend as much time on the water this summer as possible will not change.

"I'm not going to be changing my usage pattern. We like to cruise up to Burlington and spend the night," Steve said.

"Our son, Chris (age 12) loves to stay up late and fish from the side of the boat," Carol said. "It is something he looks forward to every summer."

Good news! And exciting to be featured.