JUNE 2019 • FOGHORN 37 NEWSWIRE SINCE 1959,LP&A has built its reputation on designing unique vessels which meet our clients’diverse requirements.In addition to casino vessels,we also design a wide variety of vessels including dinner and overnight excursion vessels,auto/passenger ferries,research vessels, container ships,tugboats,private motor yachts and specialty projects. We enjoy an excellent reputation not only with shipyards,owners and operators,but also with the U.S.Coast Guard,the American Bureau of Shipping,and Bureau Veritas. Phone: (904) 221-7447 • Fax: (904) 221-1363 2300 Marsh Point Rd. Suite 303 Neptune Beach, FL 32266 matt@laypitman.com • www.laypitman.com • Full Service Vessel Design • Layouts • Structure • Outfitting • Mechanical systems • HVAC systems • Electrical systems • Feasibility studies • Stability analysis • Specifications • Concept designs • Vessel inspections • Shipyard and regulatory liaison 2019 Jan Feb FOGHORN Let‘s talk about it Is Electric Right For You? Torqeedo Inc. 171 Erick Street, Unit A - 1 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 T +1 (815) 444 8806 usa@torqeedo.com www.torqeedo.com For the fifth consecutive year, a named storm formed in the Atlantic Ocean ahead of the June 1 hurricane season start date. Subtropical Storm Andrea was named on May 20, but wasn’t expected to reach the U.S. or cause significant damage. Because this year marks the fifth year in a row to become a named storm outside the established June 1 to November 30 “hurricane season,” some scientists are questioning whether to make the start date earlier. The Eastern Pacific Ocean’s hurricane season begins on May 15 and also runs through November 30. Some scientists are promoting the notion of moving the Atlantic’s start day back to May 15 as well. They believe the extra two weeks will offer residents and busi- nesses in coastal communities more time to prepare for severe storms. As of now, researchers at Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project, which has offered hurricane predictions for 36 years based on sci- entific data, are predicting that the 2019 season will be “a slightly below-aver- age Atlantic hurricane season in 2019.” The relatively high likelihood of a weak El Niño was cited as a primary factor. The Tropical Meteorology Project team will continue to monitor and refine their assessment over the coming months. According to CSU’s announcement, “The team predicts that 2019 hurricane activity will be about 75 percent of the average season. By comparison, Official Hurricane Season Could Start Earlier This Year 2018’s hurricane activity was about 120 percent of the average season.  The 2018 season was most notable for Hurricanes Florence and Michael, which devastat- ed the Carolinas and portions of the Florida Panhandle, respectively.” However, PVA members who operate near coastal waterways should take care to prepare for severe storms this year. For more information, go to www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane- preparedness. n