2009 seemed like quick year. Here at gCaptain we launched the Jobs board, welcomed thousands of new forum members and launched our very own iPhone app. But we were not alone this year… here is some of the best of 2009:

Best New Voyage

Since the time of exploration, seafarers have dreamed of an Arctic shortcut that would allow them access to direct trade between Asia and Europe. This year German ships are poised to complete that transit for the first time, aided by the retreat of Arctic ice that scientists have linked to global warming. Read More…

Best News Stories

While the story of Somali Pirates is now a few years old, 2009 brought a new level of excitement with the first hijacking of a US Flagged ship in decades. We sure hope the story line ends soon but, regardless of the outcome, the Maersk Alabama made for some big headlines.

Just a few years after the Hawaii Superferry began providing passengers with quick service between Oʻahu and Maui, the company was forced to close its doors following a supreme court ruling in March that a state law allowing the Superferry to operate without a complete environmental impact statement was unconstitutional.

On February 5th, the guided missile cruiser USS Port Royal ran aground on a reef just south of the Honolulu airport.  No injuries or fuel spill was reported, however the incident resulted in the relieving of Captain John Carroll and other officers, as well as $40 million in damages.

The Navy’s investigation into the incident found a misinterpreted navigation system, a sleep-deprived skipper, faulty equipment and an inexperienced bridge team all led to the grounding.

Best New Maritime Website

Dozens of maritime publishers, suppliers and companies have joined the maritime blogging community this year but one really stands out… the new Workboat.com

Best Television

We laughed, they cried, and a few whales were spared their lives. Love them, or hate them… the crew of Sea Sheapard’s anti-whaling ship Steve Irwin had us glued in our seats. I hear next season even has a special guest star (hint: a mermaid). BTW, this is not the first gCaptain award going out to a TV show this year.

Most Embarrassing Incident

Sink a ship in the South Pacific and it may not even get mentioned in the blogosphere but touch bottom on Bligh Reef, you may not get blog coverage, but the big names in national news will surely notice.

Best Maritime Software

Sorry, I just couldn’t resist mentioning my favorite maritime iPhone app just one more time.

gCaptain.com would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2010.  Happy New Year everyone!

Related Posts:

We certainly lack the ability to see into the future but we also know that we have many forward thinking readers so it’s time for you to decide!

We have listed 5 predicitions for 2009, pick one from each pair and then click “vote”:

Related Posts:

Here is the Farmers’ Almanac prediction for the summer of 2008/2009.

What about spring and summer?
Find out when the first and last snowflakes may fall in your area by ordering a copy of the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac today or download a copy for instant access.

Chek out how accurate the Farmers’ Almanac winter weather predictions were last year.

Get the Canadian Farmers’ Almanac Forecast here.
The 2009 Farmers’ Almanac contains 16 months of weather predictions

for the US – from September 2008 through December 31, 2009. Get your copy today or get instant access to our weather and/or entire edition online.

For the next season’s preditions, view our post: Farmer’s Almanac Winter 2010

For previous season view our post: Farmers Almanac Winter 2009

Related Posts:

• Best of Maritime 2009
• Maritime Predictions For 2009 – Poll
• Farmers Almanac Winter 2009

Farmers' Almanac: Winter 2008/2009

Here is prediction from the Farmers’ Almanac for the winter of 2009.

For 2008–2009, the Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting a “numbing” winter, with below-average temperatures for at least two-thirds of the country. Only the Far West and Southeast will see near-normal temperatures. Few, if any, locations will enjoy many above-normal temperature days this upcoming season.

Snow?
Precipitation-wise, most of the South, as well as the Midwest, should experience above-normal conditions, while the rest of the nation will average close to normal. With below-normal winter temperatures and an above-normal precipitation forecast, the Great Lakes and Midwest will see above-normal snowfalls, especially during January and February.

Related Posts:

• 50 ships, thousands of people, stuck in Baltic Sea ice
• Best of Maritime 2009
• Maritime Predictions For 2009 – Poll
• A Year In Shipping – A 2008 gCaptain Roundup
• 2008 International WorkBoat Show