the mariner 121

Issue #121March 2013

M a r i n e rA P u b l i c a t i o n F o r W h e r e L a n d E n d sw w w. m a r i n e r m a g a z i n e . c o m

A M a g a z i n e F o r T h e M a r i n a d e l R e y B o a t i n g C o m m u n i t y

The

Straight “Poop” on Marine Plumbing

Fin Whales and Gray Whales in Local Waters

Dock Construct ion Report

Much More!

Ideas on Improving Fish Stocks & Ocean Habitats

2 The Mariner - Issue 121 2013

Boating has been described as “long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.” I think the saying is actually about war, but it works for boats too. Anywho, the fact is that hanging on the boat is fun, but at times a nice little activity is good to pass the moments. Charades is a good game, but can get tired fast in the wrong company; trivial pursuit is pretty enjoyable for 15 minutes until your empty pie container reminds you of how little you know and for the next two long hours you will truly learn, over and over, how much basic information and knowledge has eluded you.

But check it out – I have invented a game for the whole family that is interactive, amazingly fun and is enjoyed best from the comfort of your cockpit. It’s called “Beaks” and I discovered it after

I ate some Tortellini Alfredo leftovers. It goes like this:

The game begins with tossing a small piece of bread into the water until 3-5 seagulls arrive – should be about 10-seconds. Next, player one throws a tortellini directly at the beaks of any of the gulls. If the gull catches it, which they do more often than you’d think, that player gets one point. If the gulls miss – the tortellini falls and sinks - it’s player 2’s turn. First one to 5 wins. I think playing to 10 could possibly make a gull explode, so I recommend 5.

The fact that you’re feeding them keeps the gulls around but the fact that tortellini sinks after a splash keeps them in the air awaiting the next throw. Watching a gull catch a well-thrown tortellini is quite fun and

there is definitely skill involved.

For the record, I do not know if tortellini is bad for seagulls but I can’t think it’s worse than the toxic poison I see them munching on out of the trash cans. The cool thing is that once the last tortellini is caught or dropped, there is no food around, so the seagulls take off.

So go play a game of Beaks with your friends or kids – you’ll get some exercise, have a little fun and feed a few seagulls…if, as I said before, tortellini doesn’t make them blow up – I’m not really sure about that part.

The Mariner is

Editor/PublisherPat Reynolds

ColumnistMookie

ContributorsDave Kirby

Richard SchaeferTim Tunks

For advertising rates and Information contact

310-397-1887 email

[email protected]

Mailing address P.O. Box 9403

Marina del Rey, CA 90295

The Mariner appears on the last Friday of every month.

This issue Jan. 25 - March 1

Important Numbers at a glance:

n Marina del Rey Sheriff: 310-482-6000

n Los Angeles County Lifeguard: 310-577-5700

n Vessel Assist: 800-399-1921

n Marine Life Rescue 800-39WHALE

FROM THE EDITOR

WHAT’S INSIDE

“Beaks”

Coming Events 4

Off the Wire 6

The Straight Poop 8A Look Into Marine Plumbing by Tim Tunks

Whale Report 10Local Whale Sightings

Rebuilding 12The City Club Docks Get a Refit

Local Currents 17Fish Stock & Local Habitats by Captain Richard Schaefer

Powertails 18Halibut Derby Date Announced

Racing 20

Gizmo of the Month - Freeze Spray 22 Ask Mookie 24

Classifieds 25

Thanks for picking it up!

Photo Pat Reynolds

Cover design Lisa Asahara

Midwinter Racing by Pat Reynolds


68’ DeFever Trawler 1986 ultimate cruisr, loaded, 4 staterooms, 5 heads, $399,000

55 Spoiler 1990 loaded with new electronics, just hauled, bottom painted $249,000

47 Lein Hwa 1997 cummins dsls 350 hours, shows like new - motivated seller $197000

41 Silverton 1993 motor yacht , queen berths fore and aft, low 324 hours, AC $69,900

36 Mainship 1988 Aft Cabin. Over $40,000 spent in upgrades $54,500

55 Roberts cruising ketch 1982, 3 state-rooms, loaded ready to cruise $149,000

41 Hunter aft cockpit with aft cabin; have 2 -2000 an 2002, $129,000

65 McKinna 2002 pilot house,3 cabins, loaded low hours $699,000

52 Californian cockpit MY 1990 $199,000 48 Californian 87 cockpit MY $169,000

47 Hylas 1989 3 cabin motor yacht. Very well maintained $149,000

39 Bayliner 2000 Cummins diesels, AC loaded 400 hours, AC only $129,000

36 Carver 1989 aft cab 2 state rooms, dual controls, great for fam & livaboard $39,900

52 Irwin 1984 3 cabins and heads, spacious interior. Great price $87,000

37 Alberg 1974 cruiser needs work, rebuilt uninstalled diesel, will trade $16,000

50 Azimut Pilothouse 1989 3 cabins - shows beautifully $269,000

42 Sea Ray 2001 motor yacht, twin diesels, turn key - from $179,000

38 Carver 1988 motor yacht only $69,500

35 Carver aft cabin 1993 and 1997 very spacious layout from $52,000

41 Islander Freeport 1978 full keel double cabin, needs major work $49,000 TRADE

37 Fisher Pilothouse 1975 bluewtr ketch upgraded 1991 new engine $89,000 TRADE

58 Hatteras 1979 motor yacht 3 staterooms, private use or charter up to 49 guest $289,000

49 Gulfstar Flybridge motor yacht 19833 cabins $155,000

42 Owens 1947 Classic aft cabin cockpit restored to show condition $79,000

38’ Bayliner convertible 1988 2 large staterooms, twin diesels. Two helms $69,000

35 Luhrs Alura express sportfisher new electronics laded w/ gear $39,000

39’ Symbol 1989 double cabin Caterpillar diesels $85,000

36 Islander 1972 equipped 2008 for around the world cruise by Zac Sunderland $49,000

Sistership

w w w . p u r c e l l y a c h t s . c o [email protected]

310-701-5960 - CellPURCELL YACHTSDonate to LA area Council Boy Scouts of America

60 Hatteras cockpit motor yacht 3 cabins low price $149,000 slip available


March 6- 10Fred Hall Fishing Show

California’s Oldest and Largest Show is now California’s Newest Show. The Long Beach show has gotten bigger with expanded hunting, camping and international travel exhibits. In addition, this show has now become California’s largest boat show with hundreds of performance boats, cruisers, yachts, fishing boats, kayaks and deck boats on land and in-the-water. It has become California’s Super Sports Show! For info go to http://www.fredhall.com.

March 7The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s

Weekend Navigation CourseThis is a comprehensive course designed for both experienced and novice powerboat and sailboat operators. The course is divided into two major parts designed to educate the boating enthusiast in skills required for a safe voyage on a variety of waters and boating conditions. This course can be taught as a whole or as separate modules. Thursdays from 7 - 9:30 PM at the Del Rey Yacht Club, 13900 Palawan Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. More info call Allen Bakalyar 714-317-4510

March 9Catalina Island Marathon

This event will feature the exciting and historic marathon course used largely since the first year on the Catalina Island Conservancy’s lands. This includes much of the rugged terrain, spectacular vistas and special challenges enjoyed by Hans Albrecht and friends in the earliest days of the event under his management and enhanced over the years. For more info - 909-399-3553 or www.RunCatalina.com

March 9Sunset/Full-Moon Kayaking

Paddle away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the tranquility of the ocean at night on a Sit-On-Top kayak. No experience necessary, open to ages 18+. 6 - 9 p.m. 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. UCLA Marina Aquatic Center $20/$35. 310-305-1576

March 12The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s

Boating Skills & Seamanship Course

A comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater. The class

meets over eight Tuesday evenings at the Del Rey Yacht Club, 13900 Palawan Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. For more information contact Marc Porterfield at [email protected]

March 12Women’s Sailing Association

March Speaker: Michelle Kearney - Dockwalker Program

Michelle Kearney will do a presentation on the Dockwalker program, give out Boater Kits and Surveys and encourage all the participants to attend the next training in King Harbor. Dockwalkers are volunteers who inspire and educate boaters and others to be safe and environmentally sound while boating in California. Dockwalkers distribute boater kits with pollution prevention tools and educational materials while visiting marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows and events. The evening begins at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 12, with a social hour, no-host cocktails and a hosted dinner with the meeting beginning at 7:30pm. The speaker will begin at 8 p.m. WSA meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club, 13589 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey, adjacent to Burton Chace Park. For more information, email [email protected], visit our website: www.wsasmb.org or friend us on Facebook.

March 20Documentary Screening

The History of Marina del Rey by Pat Reynolds

The Mariner Editor and Publisher Pat Reynolds will be presenting his short documentary on the history of Marina del Rey at the Marina del Rey Hotel. Program starts at 5:30-5:40 with the viewing at 5:55 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, no-host cash bar will be available. Open to the public but RSVP would be appreciated: 310.822.9344 Site is Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey. Free parking.

March 20Book Signing, Presentation &

Dinner - Jim KilroyMost all grand prix sailors have heard of Californian Jim Kilroy (Marina del Rey) and his maxi race boats named KIALOA, famous in the mid to late 1970s and ’80s for accumulating

more sailing trophies and records than just about any other campaign, then or since. At a special California Yacht Club, open to the public, Evening Book Club event Kilroy will discuss and sign his beautifully illustrated autobiography—KIALOA US-1: Dare to Win. This lively presentation will recount the adventures of the KIALOA teams as they raced around the world and the lessons in business, sailing and life that they took away from it all. The 446-page hardcover book will be available to purchase with proceeds going to the John B. and Nelly Llanos Kilroy Foundation for Youth Sailing and Education. Woven throughout the story, which provides a window on a remarkable era of high-stakes grand prix yachting, are object lessons on how to succeed from Kilroy’s own “rags to riches” journey that took him from Alaska to Los Angeles, where he survived the Depression years as the entrepreneurial son of a single mother and went on to develop one of the most impressive commercial real estate empires in Southern California. No-host Cocktails- 6:15 p.m. Buffet dinner at 7 p.m. Presentation and author Q&A, book signing to follow. $25.00 includes dinner, tax, service and parking. Open to all who enjoy yachting and adventure, as a public service of CYC. Reservations required no later than March 15. California Yacht Club 4469 Admiralty Way – Marina del Rey – 310.823.4567 – www.calyachtclub.com

March 23Introduction to Yacht Racing 2013 IYR ’13 is an event to bring new crew (and new skippers) into sailboat racing. This year’s program builds on last year’s successful format. IYR ’13 will be held at DRYC’s large facility in Marina del Rey and is sponsored by South Bay Yacht Racing Club (SBYRC) in partnership with Del Rey Yacht Club (DRYC). For more info and to sign up, email [email protected].

March 28Gino Morrelli Presentation Dinner

on the America’s Cup 34Since Stars and Stripes in the America’s Cup 1988, multihull designers Morrelli and Melvin have repeatedly carried us beyond the cutting edge. Most recently, their Nacra 17 was selected as the mixed crew catamaran for the new multihull class in the Rio Olympics, 2016.

C o m i n g E v e n t s !What’s happening around the largest man made harbor in the U.S.?


In this year of “the cup,” the California Yacht Club is privileged to have Gino Morrelli take time from his very demanding schedule to give a fascinating presentation on the America’s Cup 34 in San Francisco at a Thursday March 28th dinner presentation. No-host Cocktails - 6:15 p.m. Buffet Dinner- 7:00 PM • Presentation to follow. $25.00 includes dinner, tax, service and parking. Open to all who enjoy yachting and adventure, as a public service of CYC. Reservations required. California Yacht Club. 4469 Admiralty Way – Marina del Rey – 310.823.4567 – www.calyachtclub.com

March 294th Annual Catalina

Art Fair and Exhibition Easter Weekend. Located on Crescent Avenue, along the waterfront, this three day art fair features local and mainland artists, crafts, entertainment and more. Catalina Art Association. 310-510-2788, www.catalinaartassociation.org

March 31Taste of Sea Kayaking

Curious about Sea Kayaking? Try a 3-hour ‘tasting course’, which includes paddling demonstration and a guided paddle through the Marina with an experienced instructor to get a taste of the open ocean beyond the breakkwater. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $20-$35. Info 310-305-1576

ONGOINGSanta Monica Windjammers Yacht

Club Open House ActivitiesWe invite members, guests, and prospective members to join us for cocktails, food, live music, dancing, and fun on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Friday evenings start with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner and music at 7:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (310) 827-7692 or emailing [email protected]. Our Sunday afternoon BBQs are the perfect place after a Sunday sail or just to wind down from the weekend. Live jazz and blues bands start at 4pm. Our Club is located at 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Please visit our website: www.smwyc.org for activity and membership details, racing and sailing events, menus, directions and more.

Marina Venice Yacht ClubSocial Sundays

Join Marina Venice Yacht Club weekly for our Social-Sunday Open House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food items are provided and there is no charge. MVYC is located in the Marina City Club - West Tower - at 4333 Admiralty Way. Whether you own a boat, are looking to buy one, or just want to be around other water loving people MVYC welcomes all who share in the Corinthian Spirit. Follow the signs up the stairs or elevator to the Club House on G2. For more information contact [email protected] or

call (310) 822-9082 or visit our Facebook page. Women’s Sailing Association of

Santa Monica BayMeets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club, 13589 Mindanao Way, in Marina del Rey. The meeting, held at 7:30, is preceded by a social hour, and a light dinner is served. Each meeting features a guest speaker discussing their adventures and achievements. WSA invites boaters of all skill levels to join. Its programs, include day sails, seminars, parties, and cruises including destinations such as King Harbor, Catalina and the northern Channel Islands, For membership information contact email membership@ wsasmb.org or on the web at www.wsasmb.org.

Marina Sunday Sailing ClubSince 1981 MSSC has brought together skippers and crew in a friendly social environment for daysails in Santa Monica Bay and cruises to Catalina and other destinations. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month on the patio at Burton Chace Park under the Club banner. Meetings start at 10:00 a.m. with a free Continental breakfast and socializing. We hold a brief business meeting and then head out for an afternoon of sailing on the Bay after which we gather at a member’s dock for wine, snacks and more socializing. Visitors are welcome and may attend two meetings free. No prior sailing experience necessary. Married people welcome! For more info call (310) 226-8000 or visit our website at www.marinasundaysailors.com

Catalinas of Santa Monica Bay, Owners of Catalina Yachts

Join us for our monthly meetings at the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We would like to welcome Catalina owners to join our club. We have speakers, cruises to Catalina, races and other events throughout the year. Our doors open at 6:00 for happy hour and then dinner around 7 to 7:30 and our main event after that. Join the fun and meet other owners of Catalinas. For more info email [email protected] Mariners of Marina del Rey

Single Mariners of MDR meet at 7 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the Pacific Mariners Yacht Club, 13915 Panay Way, Marina del Rey, CA. At the meeting, Single Adults meet other Single Adults to setup upcoming Weekend Day Sails. There is a small charge for a light meal during the meeting, however, there is a courtesy discount if you RSVP for dinner at [email protected] or leave a message at (310) 990-5541 by the Wednesday prior to the Thursday meeting.

To list a coming event, email [email protected]

YACHT SERVICES

CaptainJeffry Matzdorff

Over 105,000 Blue-water miles experience

323-855-0191

Deliveries• Instruction• Professional Services•

U.S.C.G Licensed 100 Ton Master

Sail / Power

www.offshoredeliveryskipper.com

Woodworking Wizardry

Custom Woodwork at its BestBill Borneman 310-977-0050

Diesel Tank Cleaning & Filter Systems Installed

at Your SlipWater, Sludge & Algae Removed

Dwyn Hendrickson 310-722-1283

Since 1974

International Marine Consultant

818-787-7082


O F F T H E W I R E

Surf Dog! Del Rey Yacht Club Wins Club of the Year!

• LP Painting - Sprayed or Brushed

• Fiberglass & Gel Coat Repair

• Custom Fabrication & Modifications

•Teak Deck Restorations & Replacement

• Complete Cosmetic Maintenance

2814 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Mdr • www.spectrummarine.net

Rick Baker - 310-306-1825 - Since 1982

Sp

ec

trum

Ma

rine

C u s t o m R e f i n i s h i n g

Mike Vaughan of PRO SUP Shop in Marina del Rey loves his paddle board and loves his dog. Photographer Aex Chadwick snapped this awesome shot of man and his best friend catching a ride at a local break. The dog has perfect tail and ear form and clearly knows what’s happening.

Photo by Alex ChadwickMarina del Rey, CA: For the third time in its history, Del Rey Yacht Club (DRYC) has been named “SCYA Yacht Club of the Year”. The award was presented Saturday, January 12th at the San Diego Yacht Club by SCYA. Previously DRYC won the award in 2006 and 2009.

The purpose of the SCYA award program is to promote Corinthian Spirit in yachting, foster the exchange of information among yacht clubs, encourage civic involvement and reward participation in SCYA activities.

Each year, the trophy is awarded to the club with the most points throughout the year in the categories below. The clubs awarded the Trophies are selected by the Club of the Year Committee Chair based on a point system. The categories clubs are judged on are:1) Dues and Yearbook Submission2) Club Coordinator3) Midwinter Regatta Clubs4) Junior Program5) Regatta Hosting6) Club Racing Program7) Club Cruiser Navigation / Predicted Log Programs, 8) Club Cruising Program,9) Civic Involvement10) Community Service11) Clean Boating Program12) SCYA Participation13) SCYA Seminar Attendance14) Yachting Association Memberships15) Recreational Boaters of California Support.


O F F T H E W I R E

Local Coast Guard Helps Untangle Whales & Save Sea Lions

The Border Run Yacht Race Turns FiveIn what race organizers are saying was like a blink of an eye, The Border Run International Sailing Event is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The core group that launched this race (that runs from Newport to San Diego) is still intact and seems to be as energized as ever about the event that lives slightly on the outskirts of the traditional yachting scene. In its inaugural year the event immediately gained recognition with a 2009 front-page story in the LA Times, describing its arrival and how the founders desperately wanted a race that would be more inclusive, hopefully broadening the participation of the sport.

“We obviously love what yacht clubs do and what they’re all about,” said co-founder Bob Long. “But we have always wanted to produce a race that reaches out to anyone who loves to simply go sailing and may not be part of that world yet.”

Before the creation of The Border Run, Long and partner Randy Reynolds had already started a racing class called XS Racing, that carried fewer prerequisites than other more established classes. Registering in the XS class was quite easy and allowed for a broader spectrum of

potential sailors into the mix. The Border Run, of course, recognizes the XS class and Reynolds says that he has seen the XS method as a comfortable means to bring new racers into the fold.

“I’m proud of XS,” he said of the unique class. “It has really done what I hoped – it allows people to just get out there and race. I think the advent of the class has removed some of the intimidation that comes along with getting involved in sailboat racing. Thirty nine percent of last year’s fleet were in the XS class.”

In addition to the creation of a unique and distinct class, the race has also been a generator for charity fundraising. They incorporated fundraising two years ago and have already generated over $70,000 for both LLS (The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and City2Sea,

a program that provides hands-on marine science for inner city children.

This year the Border Run will once again be working with City2Sea with various methods for racers to raise money for the cause. Word has it that four students will be representing City2Sea in this year’s competition. It will be the kid’s first sailboat race and will act as a compliment to their “Science of Sailing” program.

Before the race Long and Reynolds are excited to host famous yacht designer Gino Morrelli of America’s Cup Team

New Zealand, who will speak at their pre-race event on Thursday April 5th at 7:30 about all things AC.

For information regarding the pre-race event and participation information go to www.theBarderRun.org.

Over the past couple of decades Marine Anima Rescue (MAR) has worked numerous times with the United States Coast Guard on marine mammal rescues. But now, the United States Coast Guard has officially joined in a working relationship with MAR for conducting whale disentanglements and pinniped rescues.

“MAR is proud to have the support of the U. S. Coast Guard,” said MAR Director Peter Wallerstein. “This relationship will ensure that every sick, injured or entangled animal gets the best possible chance of surviving.”

MAR has rescued 63 sea lion pups in 2013. Last year at this time they had rescued 17 marine mammals. The organization states that this years significant increase in weak, sea lion pups has crews working 24/7.Pater Wallerstein of Marine Animal Rescue poses with members of the local Coast Guard

who have recently been trained to assist and rescue marine animals in need. From left; BM1 Matt Cossitt, ENS Brandon Earhart, P. Wallerstein, MAR, LT Brownie Kuk, and ME3 Justin Mickschl.

Photo courtesy of MAR


donate...

w w w . l i f e s a i l . c o m

Boats, Resources, Time or MoneyBecome a Part of a Child‛s Future

800-249-6213

Plumbing • Mechanical • ElectricalPower and SailGas and Diesel

Highest Quality Repairs

All Marine Systems

CaliforniaYacht Services

978 -821- 5719Chris Rinaldi

E L E C T R I C A L

w w w . i n t r e p i d m a r i n e . c o m310-827-7686

Electrical Repairs

SystemInstalls

Advertise in T h e M a r i n e r

310-397-1887Effective & Affordable

T h e S t r a i g h t P o o p

Sell it in

T h e M a r i n e rF r e e C l a s s i f i e d [email protected]

By Tim Tunks

When Scallywag returned to suburban life from her “decade at large” in Mexico’s western waters, it was time to rework her head waste discharge system. Long experience with plumbing failures on other boats set me out to engineer the best possible holding tank, and under the guidance of boat genius Eric Lambert - we did it.

My hope is that understanding the processes we went through installing the straight poop will inform your own approaches to problem solving on your boat and elsewhere in life.

Analyze the System:Leaking, Plugging, Smelling, & Pump Problems Four Arch Enemies of Head Happiness

My early sailing mentor Hank McGill’s “First Rule of Plumbing” states: “More pieces = more joints = more leaks”, which tells us, the simpler the better. When you compare alternatives, count the components required for each alternative and pay attention to the serviceability of each component.

Keeping the ocean out of the boat is preserved in many systems with an air gap or vented loop -

a frequent accomplice to the “plugging bandit”, for it is the bottleneck in the system, handily located in the middle of things. If, rather, the smallest restriction were at the beginning, then any departure would be assured a smooth passage.

“Whiffy head comes mostly from smelly anaerobic bacteria that live in oxygen starved environments - aerobic bacteria, on the other hand, live in oxygen rich environments and don’t smell bad. Plenty of air in anyplace where seawater and human waste loiter makes a huge difference in bouquet - either starve them of seawater by using the boat’s freshwater supply for flushing, or gas them with oxygen.

With the holding tank thru-hull opened, sea water surges up the discharge hose and into the bottom of the tank with each roll of the boat. This surge and retreat flushes the tank bottom and circulates fresh air through the vent, giving you an oxygen rich environment for the jolly little aerobic guys.

“Hank’s Second Rule” tells us that pumps clog, leak, and break down. “That’s how you know it’s

a pump matey!” The fewer pumps the better and put them where you can service them. Design so an electrical failure won’t generate a sanitary catastrophe. “If seawater and electricity were meant to cohabit, we could run the wires on the outside of the boat.” [Hank’s Third Rule]

Research to understand alternatives.Eric’s encyclopedic knowledge fortunately made research a one stop affair for me - you may have to work harder. As soon as Eric drew the schematic, it was obvious there could be no better way.

A. Locate the holding tank above the waterline in a location where it can drain out (via gravity ) through the hull seacock. Closing that seacock prevents discharge where not permitted - opening it in discharge-permitted-waters empties the tank. Provide a short direct path from the head discharge to the top of the holding tank. Making both the tank drain and thru-hull a size larger than the head discharge hose insures a smooth departure of any solids, while the vented tank provides you with a clog proof vented loop.

B. Provide excellent air venting to the tank,

A look into the universe of marine plumbing

C U S T O M C A N V A S


NEW REPAIRS


which facilitates the tank’s breathing as the water surges in and out.

C. Locate the tank’s pump-out at the lowest point possible with the shortest and most direct path to the deck fitting.

Fit the plan to your application.Here is where the fun starts. Each decision involves some sort of compromise, and it’s best to make certain these compromises work in concert. You may find the perfect solution through dumb-luck or factors that preempt alternatives. More likely, you will have to keep an open enough mind to detail alternatives and compare them without prejudice - not always easy.

The Best Way to Clean It’s Innards and Keep Parts Slippery

Muriatic acid in low concentrations can be found in hardware stores around the world and many other places as well. “ H-2, S-O-4” is what you can ask for if you want to see if the clerk remembers any high school chemistry.

As the head is flushed with seawater, the inside of the discharge plumbing becomes coated with a build up of salts and other material. Toilet paper fibers can embed to make a cement-like coating. Low concentration Sulfuric Acid (the scientific name for Muriatic Acid) dissolves this build-up, and regular use will keep your discharge hoses clean and clog free.

“Add acid to water and never add water to acid - because it blows up!” - is another good quote to remember. We are going to do just that by sending acid into the discharge hose, past the joker valve. Then, with the explosive energy of flushed water we will attack the buildup inside the hose.

The treatment procedure is to first pump the bowl dry. Do this in discharge permitted waters. [Important note: With a conventional holding tank set up with diverter valves, you should bypass the tank for direct overboard-discharge to avoid possible pressure build up.] You then pour in about a cup of the acid, and pump the bowl dry. Then open the flush intake on the

head - pump to flush, sending the mixture into the discharge hose. Watch it bubble and maybe even smoke a bit, but be careful. A bubble bursting and sending droplets of acid into your eyeball would certainly spoil your day.

When the bubbling subsides, pump lots of times to flush the deposits out of the hoses and out the thru-hull. If there was lots of bubbling it means the deposits are abundant which will suggest you repeat this procedure a time or two depending how thick the coating is inside the discharge part of your system. Try to visualize the salts caking the hose and position your mass of bubbling acid to do the most good. A bit of bowl brushing toward the end of the bubbling and into the flushing phases will remove discoloration and deposits.

When finished with the acid treatment, its time to lube the moving parts. The pump shaft is usually exposed when the handle is up and can be easily lubed with a bit of silicone or other waterproof grease. Failure to do this over time results in seawater spurting out when you pump because the shaft-seal got worn from lack of lubrication.

The interior seals and valves are lubricated with water-soluble cutting oil like machinists and pipe-threaders use. A gallon lasted over twenty years, including gifting lots of small bottles to friends made during my Mexican decade. If you keep a few ounces in a sealable squeeze bottle, it is easy to add a few drops to the bowl whenever the pump feels stiff or makes noises.

Some boaters add a lube injection tee valve into the intake hose so that a bit of lube is added with

every flush. I had such a ‘lube injector’ for several years but then removed it for simplicity and suffered no loss as long as I added a few drops of oil into the bowl from time to time.

Explanations for Guests

Many cute placards are available explaining that anything going into the bowl should pass through a human first. Then there will be a discrete bin for used paper close at hand. World travelers are used to such a protocol, but to others the practice may seem a bit yucky. I kept a role of paper towels handy in the head. They are useful for bundling stuff into a more

attractive discard package so it’s less likely to offend anyone.

However, my well-maintained system with a Raritan PH-II head swallowed toilet paper with ease for many years - as long as flushing water was pumped vigorously when paper was deposited. Whatever the case with your system, do post approved procedures to the guests.

You may have read, “men at sea sit to pee” somewhere and it is a very worthwhile practice - especially for guests not used to unexpected motions of the boat. Unless you enjoy washing up splashes of urine around the head, legislating this slogan as the approved practice aboard will make your life better. It’s the manly way!

Lastly you might explain that privacy on a boat is a matter of mind over ears and noses. What we must do, we do - and we extend that privilege to all our shipmates. We just imagine that the walls and doors are thicker and carry on without fuss.

POPEYE’S PUMPOUT CO.Holding Tank Pumpout Service

e-mail: [email protected]: popeyespumpout.com

Quiet z Clean z Reliable

VOICE & FAX

310-822-8312

Illustration Tim Tunks


Photo Pat Reynolds

Call 310-823-1458

We Take Pride in Our Marina!

CleanWell MaintainedAttentive Staff24-Hour SecurityWide Variety of Slip SizesAmenities

DOLPHIN MARINA

310-415-1344

CMDIVE

SERVICEHire a Quality Dive Service

CHASE MAINTENANCE

Bottom CleaningUnderwater Repairs

Zinc & Prop ReplacementRecovery

Serving the Marina for 20 Years

310-415-1344

Eliseo Navarrete Owner

DAMIAN CANVAS WORKS

l Dodgersl Cushionsl Full Coversl Stern Roomsl Bridge Covers

- Satisfaction Guaranteed -

310-822-2343

Whale Report

A fin whale surfaces off the coast of Redondo Beach. The fin whale is the second largest whale in the world, reaching lengths of 80-85 feet

Gray, Fin & Humpback Whales Sighted Locally

By Pat Reynolds


his past month I have ventured out to drift in front of the Pt. Vicente lighthouse a few times to see if I could get a glimpse and take a shot of some of the migrating gray whales

that are making their way past our area either en-route or returning from the warmer waters of Mexico where they handle their birthing business. It’s said to be the longest migration of any mammal, some 10,000-12,000 miles round-trip, and I looked forward to witnessing one or two pass through.

After monitoring the info on the American Cetacean Society/LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project website it indicated around 7-10 gray whale sightings per-day in the same location, so I thought my chances were pretty good – not so.

Although I know many boaters in these parts have seen gray whales many times around this time of year, I have only seen one – the juvenile gray that was loitering around Ballona Creek a few years back. But that one was in a bit of a different category – no one was sure if that whale was okay. The behavior

was abnormal and experts were watching with concern as the animal hung around day after day, not adhering to what gray whales ordinarily do.

I have seen one breach during a sail back from Mexico and saw a spout off in the distance while sailing in El Segundo once, but never a solid look at the traveling barnacled beast making the stoic and steadfast passage.

However, during one of my trips I was awarded a more than fair consolation. As I sat silently in the Redondo Canyon looking for a distant gray whale spout and listening for the unmistakable sound of whale lungs sucking air, I was jolted out of my perch. A deep loud gasp followed by the enormous back of a whale, that I knew was not a gray, surfaced 150-feet from my 14-foot inflatable.

It looked like a blue whale but darker in color. Later I learned it was a fin whale – the second largest animal on earth behind the blue. Although, like the blue, they are an endangered species, there have been quite a few local sightings. The local chapter of the ACS recently reported seeing 14 one afternoon, stating: “At one point we counted fourteen different fin whales and there may

have been more. It seemed like there was never a time when we were not watching fin whales.”

For those interested in taking the boat out and witnessing these behemoths, be they grays, fin or even humpbacks have been sighted – caution and respect is the key. Local marine biologist Maddalena Bearzi, founder of the Ocean Conservation Society and author of numerous books about our local marine mammal population urges boaters, paddle-boarders and kayakers to be thoughtful and careful when in the vicinity of these animals in the wild.

“Many people don’t know that these whales are protected or that getting too close can potentially cause harm to these magnificent animals,” said Bearzi. “In the last week, paddle boarders and surfers were literally ‘over’ the whales for an up-close view of these animals and many boaters crowded their feeding areas. Whales and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and surfers, paddle borders, boaters and whale watchers need to pay careful attention when approaching whales. It’s a violation of federal law to harass or harm them and penalties can include up to one-year imprisonment and fines of up to $20,000. “

T

World Renown Yacht Builders andFull Service Marine Specialists Since 1973

Phone 562-432-3487Fax: 562-495-0082Email: [email protected]

1517 West 15th StreetLong Beach, CA 90813

Website: www.denchomarine.com

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Boating Classes and Vessel Safety Check Website

www.smbcgaux.org

H E A D S / P L U M B I N G


Installs & Repairs

Holding Tanks


RebuildingT

For those who make their rounds around the basins of Marina del Rey by means of the ever-popular Harbor Cruise, the giant quadrant that used to be filled with slips at the end of E basin might have garnered a little attention. The City Club docks, like many anchorages to follow, are getting a “rehabilitation” as the powers-that-be phrase it.

According to KKG Construction Management, the project is slated to be complete by 2014 and involves 15 new docks, 282 new slips, a new promenade and hardscape.

In the information provided on the Department of Beaches and Harbors website, the current amount of 323 slips within 16 docks will be reduced to 280 with 15, creating a change from the existing slip size choices. There will also be improved ADA access, a wider promenade, a water taxi landing and “utilities for a green and clean marina” including a sewer pumpout system.

The reduction in slips seems to mostly reside in the percentage of 30-foot slips that was formally 37% of the shake. The revised plan is for 17% 30-foot slips, with the remaining percentage to be found in an added amount of 35-ft (+3%), 40-ft (+1%), 43-ft (+2%), 45-ft (+5%), 50-ft (+5%), 60-ft (+2%), and 100-ft (+1%).

The shift in slip choices appears to be based on occupancy data that indicates 41-60-foot slips have been sold out from 05-09 while smaller slips show more vacancy. There is also a 20-slip loss to simply comply with current state guidelines for dock design.

The land side of the project is slated to include a wider promenade at the west side of the parcel, new colored pavers, benches and trash receptacles, new security gates at gangways, new railings, and light bollards providing downward focused lighting.

Source url - http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/MCCDockPlans.pdf

AN ELECTRIC BIKETHAT FOLDS...

Perfect for Cruising

Ride Electrifi ed...

Complete bikesConversions

Fits in a dock boxStarting at $500

310-839-5588

Advertise

31

0-

39

7-

18

87


❂Wash Downs❂Underwater ❂Diving Service❂Varnishing❂Electrical Specialists❂Sailboat Rigging❂Heads-Plumbing❂Bottom Painting❂Custom Cushions❂Covers

310-827-7686

We accept VISA, American Express, Mastercard & Discover

Serving MdR Since 1978

Intrepid Marine Yacht Service

www.intrepidmarine.com


Dedicated to Excellence

w World Famous Sails

w 1 Day Repair Service

w Sail Handling Systems

w Pick Up / Delivery

w Used Sails

Visitukhalsey.com

Monday - Friday 9-5

1731 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Marina del Rey

310-822-1203

VIKING DIVE

SERVICE

Underwater Maintenance

Corrosion Control

A Commitment Towards Excellence

Est. 1985

Craig Cantwell

310-827-1473


Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club13589 Mindanao Way • Marina del Rey, CA 90292(310) 827-7692 www.smwyc.org

A Perfect Place in a Perfect SettingWe offer some of the nicest facilities anywhere, the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful marina and witness breathtaking sunsets. We are located on the main channel adjacent to Burton Chase Park. Our clubhouse, lobby, dining and meeting rooms and patio offer an ideal setting for any occasion.

Join Us ForOPEN HOUSE FRIDAYS with great dinners and live music for listening and dancingOPEN HOUSE SUNDAYS for BBQ on the patio and live jazz and blues bands

An ideal place for: Anniversary Parties Business MeetingsSeminars/ConferencesWeddingsAny special event

Check out our website www.smwyc.org for a calendar of all of our events and activities Make event reservations early at [email protected]. For facility rental and event information email [email protected].

For membership information please email [email protected]

“I t ’s About the Boat!”

310-305-919214025 Panay Way Marina del Rey - above the Ship’s Store

w w w . t h e y a c h t e x c h a n g e . n e t

Check out the New Harbor 30! Knowledgeable Brokers!

Advertise

31

0-

39

7-

18

87


n my last column, I wrote about artificial reefs and the controversy/problems surrounding them. This month we’ll take a look at a few common sense ideas, which I believe would improve our various marine, recreational venues, as well as enhancing

the coastal environment. And, yes, of course I know that none of this can be done in the current political environment; but I’ve always been a dreamer.

As most of you know, near our coast, generally, the sea bottom resembles sweeping stretches of the Sahara Desert. This vast, sandy expanse is occasionally dotted with areas of “structure” - rocks, sunken boats, pipelines, sea mounts and pilings - all appear as oases on a seemingly lifeless undersea desert.

On these undersea islands in the sand, crustaceans and plants grip tenaciously to the solid surfaces. The nooks, crevices and caves provide shelter for fish, mollusks and decapods. In shallow areas, kelp reaches upward toward sun and surface. This protective habitat also provides shelter and food for small fish which, in turn, attracts predators of all types - including man.

Probably the most common bottom structure along our coast is rock; both naturally occurring and purposely placed. Each year, along the West Coast, thousands of tons of rock are washed into the sea from rivers or fall from eroding, seaside cliffs. Many thousands of tons more are placed as fish

havens, breakwaters, jetties and for beach erosion control.

Sunken boats and ships also create shelter for a diverse range of sea life. Some of these were sunk intentionally and others went to the bottom through mishap. Hundreds lie scattered off our coast; each with its unique micro-ecosystem, but all are teaming with life.

It may seem obvious that simply sinking boats or dropping piles of boulders all over the bottom would increase the numbers of sea life in any given area, but, there are a few issues that must first be considered.

First, what species might be displaced or adversely affected by placing thousands of tons of rock and boulders on the beach or ocean bottom. Obviously, placement near the mouths of streams or rivers could be an issue if the structure impeded the natural flow or tidal currents. Also, scattering the rocks over a large area that spawning bottom fish, such as halibut or sand dabs, could have a negative effect.

Another area of concern is that artificial reefs will unnaturally concentrate fish in small areas, attracting large numbers of anglers and divers; ultimately leading to overfishing and depletion of established fish stocks.

Regarding the use of boats or ships as fish havens - it is obvious that truly hazardous materials should be removed before scuttling and the hulls chosen should be heavy enough to remain in place.

However, on the whole, I believe these artificial fish havens are a great way to increase habitat and enhance regulated fishing and diving venues. I’ll float a few ideas about artificial habitat, as well as some other schemes and let you be the judge:

1. Instead of spending approximately $3,600, on average, to breakup derelict pleasure boats and haul them to a landfill, why not pump the fuel out of them, remove any grossly toxic materials, tow them out and sink them in designated areas? It seems to me, that it would be cost effective and less polluting than breaking them up and transporting to a landfill. It would also have a positive effect on the underwater seascape. With preselected spots along our coast, in waters between 50 and 100 feet deep, these boats could become home for a myriad of marine life. To prevent overfishing, these areas could be marked with color coded buoys and open to fishing on a rotating or seasonal basis.

2. The MPA (Marine Protected Areas) could be treated in the same way as artificial reefs, with perhaps even stricter regulations - smaller bag limits, larger minimum size requirements, artificial baits only, and short open seasons. This would be a better alternative than permanently closing large areas of the ocean to recreational fishing. I note that people are allowed to fish in most national and state parks. Why not in MPA’s?

L o c a l C u r r e n t s

By Captain Richard Schaefer

I

A Common Sense Approach to Increasing Fish Stocks and Improving

Ocean Habitat

Continued on page 22


Marina Del Rey Anglers once again are hosting the Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby, keeping alive the long-standing tradition of LA’s largest salt water angling tournament - the 38th Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby is scheduled for June 8 and 9, 2013.

“The halibut are bouncing back and a lot of fun fishing is expected,” said MDRA club president, Keith Lambert. “The most recent years have seen a resurgence of fish in our local waters. We are keeping the derby in June to take advantage of the peak time of the year for many of our local species. Last year we officially weighed in over 60 fish and 25 of them were over 20 pounds.”

“MDRA is a sport fishing club that supports all conservation efforts and responsible fishing,” said derby chairman John Szymura. “We will continue to provide weight bonuses for caught and released fish and also include species that are more abundant. The catch and release bonus system really works. Last year Daniel Ahman captured first place with his huge halibut which was given the 20% bonus for a net weight of 48.8 pounds. Had he harvested his beautiful halibut Ahman would have placed 2nd and sacrificed all of those first place prizes.”

Hubbs Seaworld Research Institute will join the organization again in 2013 to collect halibut brood stock for their Calsbad hatchery. HSWRI still has nine healthy halibut they collected from the 2012 MDR Halibut Derby. These fish are making babies who one day may be caught by anglers fishing along the California coast.

Sign up information will soon be available at www.HalibutDerby.com or anglers can stop by the Halibut Derby booth at the Fred Hall Show on March 6-10. All derby entrants will get a limited edition derby shirt, discount membership to the MDR Anglers as well as “some nice goodie bags which alone will make the derby worth their while,” said Lambert.

Marina del Rey Anglers is a fishing and conservation group and a non profit 501(c)3 organization. The money raised from the derbies has funded the club’s well-known and respected MDRA Youth Fishing Program, its white seabass pens in Marina Del Rey and various other critical marine environmental and conservation programs. It hosts over 500 children from at risk environments and future anglers to fishing trips each summer and has released nearly 100,000 white seabass from its WSB grow out pens in Marina Del Rey.

Captain David Kirby

• Fishing

• Diving

• Movie & Music Industry

• Yacht Management

• Deliveries

• Charters

949-275-4062

P o w e r t a i l s

Halibut DerbyDate Announced

Marina del Rey Anglers have announced the dates June 8 & 9 for the annual Marina del Rey Halibut Derby

By Larry Brown

Advertise

31

0-

39

7-

18

87

The Lambert family with prize fish


Captain David Kirby

As spring arrives, water temps will start to slowly climb (they are now into the lower 60s) and closures will be lifted. On March 1st, rockfish season will start up again, as will cabezon, sheephead, ocean whitefish, lingcod, and leopard shark.

Around the bay, anglers have been targeting sculpin and sandbass using squid strips. The lobster season as been good for both divers and anglers. For now they are in deep water, but as the weather settles, look for them to be back in the shallows.

The bait scene has had its share of problems. No fin bait (or very little) and the live squid is on the back side of Catalina - that makes for a long run and I don’t think people want to make that run for bait.

And as always this time of year next month is the Fred Hall Fishing Show in Long Beach. This event has lots of tackle and info for anglers on where and when to fish. See you there!

Until next time…………. Tight Lines

According to DaveFishing Update by Marina del Rey’s

Master Fisherman

Captain Dave Kirby

310-823-5574Don’t Forget to Grab Some Ice!

SHIPS STORE INC Special!Save 15% On most items in

stock or our catalogs (some excep-tions apply) with this coupon. Must present coupon before purchase.

Not good on sale items. [Exp. 3/1/13]

Open 7 Days 14025 Panay Way

Marina del Rey CA 90292

(1/2 Block Off Via Marina)

310-823-5574

$164.99$119.99!

Serving Marina del Rey for 45 Years

Don’t forget to grab some ice!

NAUTICAL BOOKS & VIDEOS

Check Out New TitlesOver 400 Books in Stock

Unmatched LifecyclesRapid RechargeLow Self DischargeLong Service Life

3-Strand Nylon orBraided Nylon in White:

½ x 20ft Braid 18.99½ x 20ft 3-Strand 13.89

All sizes & colors on Sale!

Dock Lines on Sale!

Toilet Parts!

Toilet PartsKits or Pieces

Large Selection:Wilcox, Thetford Jabsco, Sealand

766 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292Phone: (310) 821-4958 * Fax: (310) 821-9591

E-mail: [email protected]

• Knowledgeable Sales• Professional Installation• Expert Repair

FCC Licensed, CMET certifi ed technicians on staff

Marit ime Communications “ Eve r ything Elect r onic For Your Boat ”

Serving the Boating Community for Over 45 Years

Thought you couldn’t get a high performing radar without spending a bundle? Think again…

Find us on Facebook

Check out these great features:• Color Touchscreen 7” display• Built-in cartography• Exclusive Broadband 3G radar for ultraclear target defi nition• Built in GPS & Fishfi nder (transducer optional) Only $2,895.00! Call us for details!As always, we offer free 1 on 1 training on electronics purchased and installed from us!


An Invitation to Sailboat Racing’s UninitiatedR a c i n g S C E N E

Weekend After EasterApril 6 & 7, 2013

Border Run on April 6/7 and Border Run2 on June 21/22.Save the Dates!

Produced by

Visit www.TheBorderRun.org To enter by phone call 800-366-8584 - email - [email protected]

Come be a part of what has become the largest point to point ocean race in Southern California. We are about sailboat racing - the thrill of the challenge - the joy of sailing down the coast - there’s nothing better.

Three courses to choose from - 14-mile Newport to Dana Point, 70-mile Newport to San Diego, 90-mile Newport, around Cornado del Norte Island to San Diego.

2 0 1 3

RACING.org

Sai l Down the Coast There’s Nothing Better

April 6 & 7, 2013Weekend After Easter

5th Anniversary!

[email protected] 800-366-8584

w w w . T h e B o r d e r R u n . o r g

Organized by XSsailing, SSYC, DPYC and SYC. Sponsored by Pirates Lair

and Ullman Sails

“Where Everyone’s Invited”

Guest SpeakerAmerica’s Cup Designer

Gino Morrelli at Send Off Party!

Ready, Set...RUN!

Introduction to Yacht Racing 2013 (IYR ’13), to be held on March 23, is an event to bring new crew and skippers into sailboat racing and provides new sailors with the basics of sailboat racing. It is an opportunity for people interested in racing to experience the sport and meet other sailors. The event also assists experienced crew to find openings on racing boats around the Marina. Another benefit of the program is that it ties in nicely with other race-development events to be held this April.

IYR’s morning session will cover the basics of how sailboats work, equipment, essential gear, team building and what to expect when out on the water. A series of very experienced sailors will lead participants through exhibits of gear and tools, but more importantly

will teach participants about boat equipment and share their experiences of racing.

Most of the morning will be spent at the boats

on the docks. About 15 boats of various sizes and configuration, from sport boats to cruisers, will be made available to participating crew to view and handle with instruction from the mentors; participants are encouraged to ask a lot of questions. After the physical introduction, crew will be assigned to boats for some on-the-water experience. Mentors will be available to any boat that would like help to instruct new crew.

This year, special outreach is being made to skippers in the Marina who want to race their

boats, inviting them to participate in IYR and to meet new crew.

Organizers of the IYR are coordinating in synch with the Homeport Regatta (April 21), which is

The Farr 40 fleet sailing downwind during the 2013 Midwinter Regatta

FOR SALE!

Chupacabra is race-ready for 2013. Come check the boat out. We are giving away this high level all-carbon racer complete for $35K - open to negotia-tion for a local new owner and will be happy to spend time coaching new owner Email your inquiries to [email protected] or call 310-500-6216.

By Greg Rutter


R a c i n g S C E N E

SEVEN SEAS ELECTRONICS, INCServing the Boating Industry Since 1978

TroubleshootingRewiring,Panels

AC/DC AccessoriesInverters, Batteries

Tel: 310.827.SEAS Tel: 310.574.3444n

Specializing in Custom Installation of Navigation Equipment

MARINE INSURANCEPrivate/Charter/CommerCial

hull values 60K & uP

Jim Dalby310-702-6543

Lic. # obo5231

OverseaInsurance Agencywww.overseainsurance.com

specifically designed to acclimate skippers new to racing. The two events teamed together are expected to expand the number of boats racing this coming season.

The day will end with a practice race inside the harbor. The course will be from the docks at the Del Rey Yacht Club down the main channel, around the breakwater and back to DRYC. Several classes of boats will be formed, a standard five-minute starting sequence given for each class and a finish horn when boats cross the finish line. Basic safety rules will be observed, but no protests will be allowed!

In a wrap-up session new crew will be given the chance to debrief with IYR representatives and talk with skippers about getting out for racing on a regular basis. There is also a database of contacts that can provide communication between new interested sailors and organizers who can help connect them with skippers looking for crew.

IYR is part of a larger, Marina-wide effort to build the racing community through meetings,

seminars and hands on training. Broadly, it’s called “Charting a Course to Racing”. This first event focuses on crew. The second event, on April 6, is the Start Seminar hosted by Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club, which is dedicated to race starts; rules, strategies, tactics and ways to practice. Lastly the “Course to Racing” will be the hands-on experience of competing in the long-running Homeport Regatta, held over two days, April 16 and 21. Interested skippers with some close-quarters

driving skills are invited to bring their boat to the March 23 IYR event as well.

Introduction to Yacht Racing is free. Last year’s event was completely filled so it’s imperative that those who want to sign up do so as soon as possible. Once registered, crew will receive attendance confirmation and instructional information to go over prior to the event.

IYR ’13 will be held on March 23 at DRYC’s large facility in Marina del Rey and is sponsored by South Bay Yacht Racing Club (SBYRC) in partnership with Del Rey Yacht Club (DRYC).

For more information about Introduction to Yacht Racing visit www.sbyrc.org. IYR info and registration form is at www.seaya.com/get-started-in-yacht-racing-crew.

To learn more about the Start Clinic visit SMWYC at www.smwyc.org. For Homeport Regatta info visit www.seaya.com/home-port-regatta-2013/.

A Star class crew heading for the weather mark during the 2013 Midwinter Regatta


3. There are many “almost safe anchorages” at Catalina, which would be greatly enhanced and enlarged by the careful placement of two or three barges of rock. There is a rock quarry on the island (the rock for the Marina del Rey breakwater came from the Catalina quarry) and barges could be easily loaded, transported short distances, and the rock placed in position with a floating crane. I would think this process to be straight forward, and with careful selection and placement, the large rocks would blend naturally into the shoreline - after all, these are the same rocks that, each year, naturally fall into the sea around the island. These rocks would create safer, larger anchorage areas and increase underwater habitat. The coves that would most benefit from this plan are; Emerald Cove, Big and Little Geiger, Rippers Cove, Little Gibraltar, Willow Cove and Little Harbor.

I don’t reckon there’s much chance of this ever happening. I recall, a few years ago, when Doug Oudin, the former Harbor Master at Two Harbors for 30 years, attempted to get the necessary permits to build a 8X8 foot, floating, handicap dock at Isthmus Cove. He paid fees and filled out forms for several years requesting permission from various government agencies to build the small, floating dock, near the pier to help the aged, babes in arms and the handicapped disembark. All he heard from the various bureaucracies was that they needed more time to study the issue and its environmental impact. The Mariner covered the story as part of an article on Doug’s retirement. Two weeks after publication, Doug got his permits after over 3 years of waiting. I suspect the “right” person read of the absurd situation and cut the needless red tape.

If it took 3 years and endless paperwork for an 8X8 foot floating dock, then I suspect several barges of rocks, dumped in the water, would require, at the least, an act of God; or should I say, Gaia.

4. Restore Santa Monica Harbor to its former glory. As I’ve written before, Santa Monica Harbor was completely destroyed during the winter storms of 1983-84. Since then, an entire generation of “Harbor Patrol” personnel has been hired and retired, never having seen a “harbor” ... talk about a crazy situation.

After the storms, the pier was rebuilt, but the harbor’s breakwater was never repaired. It now lies, barely submerged and a hazard to navigation. A new long breakwater, with a short, 45 degree “wing” toward shore, could provide protected mooring for at least 40 boats and anchorage for a dozen more. Add a small dinghy dock to the lower deck of the pier and you’d have a wonderful small craft harbor, with a sport fishing facility and boating destination, for minimal cost. As a special feature, the harbor could shelter a large, glass bottomed, floating dock, moored over an artificial reef, providing a “mini” Seaworld experience for visitors, as well as a working lab for Santa Monica College students. The harbor is large enough to accommodate several reefs, of different shapes and types; underwater fish igloos, sunken boats, rocks, cinder blocks etc.. Weekly, the floating lab could be towed to moorings positioned over a different reef for research and tours. The new harbor would add charm, character and a superb recreational/educational dimension, as well as expansive habitat for thousands of fish along the new, enlarged sea wall. It just takes a lot of rocks to do it.

5. Paradise Cove could also be greatly improved by the addition of a natural appearing “rocky point”, at the west end of the cove. I note that the end of the pier was destroyed by the same storms that wrecked the Santa Monica Pier and seawall. The addition of a hundred yard long jetty would make the beach safer, provide better protection for a restored pier and create safe anchorage and moorage for 8-12 vessels. Of course, there is always the positive addition of a more bountiful marine habitat and a protected area for young fishermen and snorkelers.

6. OK...here comes the “really” controversial proposal - I can already hear the shrieking. In the early 1970’s there were about 5,000 sea lions in Southern California waters. The Marine Mammal Protection Act was passed in 1972. This act ended 10,000 years of men hunting marine mammals. Now, 41 years later, there are 125,000 sea lions in our local waters, with the population increasing by about 8% or 10,000 sea lions each year.

The West Coast is currently home to about 300,000 sea lions. A sea lion consumes, on average, based on weight, about 28 pounds of

fish a day. The majority of fish consumed by sea lions are one or two pounds each. This means that sea lions, in Southern California alone, consume over 3.5 million pounds of fish - or nearly 2.5 million fish - everyday. This amount of consumption also results in large amounts of pollution in poorly circulating bays, harbors and marinas - such as Marina del Rey.

Recently, and with great reluctance, NOAA and the federal courts have begun to allow the culling of small numbers of sea lions in the Pacific Northwest; this in an attempt to save the salmon fishery from destruction. However, I suspect it’s a case of too little too late. It doesn’t make a lot sense to have MPAs and stricter sport and commercial fishing regulations while sea lions consume millions of fish a day; using the MPAs as their cafeteria. I make the comparative observation that “reintroduced” wolves have killed off nearly 50% of moose, deer and elk herds in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Minnesota, in just 10 years. And, like wolves, sea lions often kill for sport.

I believe it’s critical that the government set political/environmental correctness aside and authorize commercial fishermen to begin regulated culling of the sea lion population - as they have in the past. Otherwise, man will be forced out of near-coastal, sport and commercial fishing by these very efficient hunters and prolific breeders. After all, that is how nature works.

On land, even in our National Parks, humans hunt and cull animals. In areas where hunting has been curtailed species often damage their environment, overpopulate, sicken and die.

In nature, humans, through their intelligence, are the “apex predators”. However, this intelligence also obligates us to thoughtfully manage nature from within it, rather than considering mankind as intruders and segregating ourselves from it.

Captain Richard Schaefer is a Licensed U.S.C.G. Sailing Master and has instructed in sailing and seamanship for more than 30 years. He has managed yachts, skippered charters delivered vessels and written for boating publications. He can be reached for questions or comments at 310-460-8946 or e-mail at, [email protected].

L o c a l C u r r e n t s

Continued from page 17


Gizmo of the Month

Tom Blada310-320-9022

The Master’s VesselCustom Yacht Carpentry

30 Years of Woodworking Experience

wRepairswRestorations wComplete WoodshopwAll Types of Woodworking

Heat it up and bang it loose is the age old solution to unsticking fasteners and fittings that are welded together with corrosion after gentle “Poco a Poco” approaches fail.

Torching to cause uneven thermal expansion of dissimilar metals is a frequently effective method, employed after the application of solvents such as Liquid Wrench have failed. However heat application can damage painted surfaces and other material finishes.

Professional rigger Stan Harris offers an effective alternative he frequently uses to free up “turning bits” while hanging from his bosun’s chair from various mastheads. “Freeze Spray” is the generic term for aerosol cans of Tetrafluoroethane, a rapidly evaporating chemical whose “heat of

vaporization” will quickly chill any surface it contacts. [The physics here are: Heat is required to boil the liquid Tetrafluoroethane into a gas so squirting the liquid onto a stuck bolt takes heat away from that bolt, which causes it to shrink a bit.]

Stan fashions an insulating donut of foam to concentrate the chilling effect on the bolt or pin he wants to extract before applying Freeze Spray. Like the expansion forces created from applied heat, the shrinking forces of applied cooling cause different materials to move a bit in relationship to one another, which can help break the bonds of corrosion.

So consider arming your toolbox with this valuable tool so the next time you can’t get it unstuck - Chill it out to get it loose.

Traveler ModificationBy Tim TunksIllustration Tim Tunks

DocumentaryFi lm Serv ices

The Mariner

310-397-1887

Produced by


Dear Mookie,

I feel lost and without center. It seems that time is slipping away and I’m not living the life I wish I were. I need a code to live by. Can you help?

Signed,

Trying in Topanga

Dear Topanga,

Dogs have been called the perfect Zen creatures. Yes, I have a code. Live these five directives and you will never be lost again.

1. Meditate each day – Some call it sleep - I do it most of the day and through the night.2. Be serious about your diet – while I would gladly eat a dead bird off the street, I usually eat dried up meal that’s full of nutrients.3. Have a peaceful heart – I meet other dogs at the park and a few times a month come to blows with them, but it’s better to simply urinate and walk away.4. Never consider death. A wise old Chihuahua once told me… “If you think you can make it across the street before the car comes…you can’t.5. I’m sorry, I can never remember the last one

Quality Advice From a Two Year Old Black Lab

Puppy

DIRTY YACHTS Cleans Boats

R I G H T !

310-717-0462

w w w . d i r t y y a c h t s . c o m

Wash Downs • Wax Maintenance • Detailing • Isinglass Treatment • Interiors

Professional Quality Service • Over 20-years Serving Marina del Rey

Trust your boat to a professional

Captain Larry BeaneCharters - Deliveries - Private Skipper - Lessons - Sail & Power

[email protected]

Experienced - Professional - Friendly - Courteous & FUN!!!

www.CaptLarry.com

Advertise in

The Mariner

Affordable Effective

310-397-1887


SailboatsMorgan OI 41’ 1972Sloop,centercockpit,aft-cabin,new Yanmar, 5 sails,refridge,watermaker,autopilot,radar,anchorwinch,Mexico ready $59,500. (661)548-6603 [email protected] Beneteau Oceanis 400Timeshare/Partnership on Beneteau Oceanis 400. Tri-cabin model - two heads. Full electronics, refrig-eration, inverter, dinghy and outboard, windless, roller furler, full canvas. Professional lessons available if needed. No equity buy in. 3 Days, $285.00 per month - no long term commitment. Call Captain Richard Schaefer 310-460-8946Islander 36’ 1972 Intrepid:: the renowned vessel that brought, Zac Sun-derland, the youngest, American, solo circumnavigator around the world in 2009 is looking for a new owner. Intrepid is fitted with everything you need to go around the world. Currently offered for $59,000 with financing options available. Feeling adventurous? She is ready to go again! [email protected] 6.50All Carbon, insanely fast, race ready. 310-500-6216Ericson 27’ 1974Mercury outboard 8hr, Many sails, needs some tlc$4500.00 obo - Pls call rick at 818-445-988214’ Classic Wooden Enterprise(Euro Lido) epoxy FRP hull; spruce mast.First time offering $ 10,000. (805) 798-0493 [email protected]

14’ Classic Enterprise sloop “Ku’ u ipo”

(Euro Lido) Beautiful mahogany FRP epoxy. Spruce spars. $10 K all inclusive w/trailer. Fractional owner-ship available. [email protected] 805 798-0493

Power Boats 42’ 1981 Californian Trawler2 3208 Cat diesels w 1400 hrs, all fiberglass hull, 2 heads w showers, sleeps 8, one level walk around deck. Owner will carry or trade. Located in slip D-701 on Panay Way stern out endtie. $69,000 Call for Appt - Al Lee 310-392-4193 or Gary at 310-293-9200.30’ Grady-White Marlin, 1996.Twin VX250 Yamahas. Just completed 50K renova-tion. “Everything New”: motors, gelcoat, interior, elec-tronics, more. $59,995. (661) 257-9275.Dinghy’sInflatables11’ Apex W/ 15 Yamaha , electric start $400010’ Mercury, hypalon ,air floor $120010’ Achilles, air floor $140013’ Caribe deluxe RIB $450011’ foot Caribe310-822-8618.

7’ Fatty Knees Sailing DinghyW/sail, oars, equipt -good shape 400.00 310-322-1062 [email protected] Yellow20hp Honda -dealer says $5800-I say $5,100Mike 310 963 625010’ Livingston Hard DingySolid little boat, good condition, 8 H.P. Evinrude 2-stroke. In the water. $700.00 310-460-8946

Outboards/EnginesMercury 15HP15 HP Mercury 2-stroke Outboard -1988 Model, short shaft-Good condition, have video of it running. Nick at (951) 640-8908 $7504 stroke outboards2 Honda $7002 Honda , dealer demo, 5 year warranty $8493.5 Tohatsu $7504 Yamaha ,long shaft $8006 Tohatsu extra long shaft ,sail power charging sys-tem, 3 year warranty $14008 Honda ,long shaft $12008 Honda ,extra long shaft, power thrust ,electric start $15009.9 Yamaha, high thrust, extra long shaft , power tilt, electric start $22008 Johnson $12009.9 Mercury electric start $140015 Suzuki $140030 Honda $250050 Yamaha $3500225 Honda $8000310-822-86182 stroke outboards150 Mercury $4500200 Mercury $3500310-822-8618Honda OutboardsBuy-Sell-Repair-Install-Total OverhaulSee page 27. Don at (818) 427-2144

Other StuffPropellers2 Very Good Condition 3-Blade Bronze Boat Propel-lers- $600. One Rotating/ One Fixed Both in very good condition (Ericson 30) Call 310-699-0394 ElectronicsICOM ic-735 hf transceiver $400ICOM ps-55 power supply $90ICOM ah-2a antenna tuner $190Chris 310-391-6174Trailers 0’-13’ Boats $400-$120014’-16’ Boats $600-$120017’-21’ Boats $750-$120024’-29’ Boats $3000310-822-8618

Mainsail For boats 25-27’ boat. $400. 310-701-5960MainsailFrom 40 ft. Cal - $450 call 310-823-2040SailsSpinnaker,2 drifters and a genoa for sale from a 28’ Lancer. Very good condition. Call: 213 706 8364New Genoa135 sail for Catalina 25 standard rig. $500.Call 831-821-0646, ask for BuzSailsSpinnaker,2 drifters and a genoa for sale from a 28’ Lancer. Very good condition. Call 213 706 8364Martec Mark III Eliptec Folding PropIt will increase your speed by close to 1 knot and pointing angle by approx 10 degrees. It comes com-plete with the mounting kit and can be installed with the boat in the water. The size is: RH 16 inch dia. x 14 pitch for a 1 ¼ inch diameter shaft with adapters avail-able from Martec for 1” and 1 1/8” shaft diameters. A real deal at $350 OBO with Martec factory price being over $900. Call 818-643-2052 for more information.Ross Kelly dinghy davit system $1000 - 310-822-8618AnchorFortress FX-23 Anchor $150 - 310-391-6174Donate BoatsCash For Your Boat !Power or sail, Yachts to dinghys 310-849-2930Donate Your BoatLA Area Council Boy Scouts of America need your boat or boat gear as donation to support essential and formative youth programs, please call 310-823-2040 or E-mail [email protected] your boatTo SOS, a non profit organization helping and thank-ing our past and present Veterans. Www.support-ingourservicemen.org. 888-658-8884Donate Your BoatReceive a substantial tax deduction. Support youth boating programs. S.O.S. Please call 888-650-1212Donate Your Boat Bringing the classroom to the ocean.Turn your donation into tomorrow’s scientists and doctors. 310-908-9198. www.city2sea.orgCrewBody: Basic Keel Boat & EMT Cert. 20 Yrs Expe-rience on Power Boats. Local, competent, handy, friendly. 310-663-2865 / [email protected] AaronServicesCanvas Boat Covers and RepairsNew boat covers, canvas repair, restore water repelency to marine canvas. Dan 310-382-6242USCG Licensed 100-tonMaster CaptainDeliveries/Lessons/Private Captain. Experienced, Courteous, Safe and Fun! Contact Jeffry Matzdorff

Free Classifieds! Under 25 Words

Must be emailed to [email protected] issue run (non-commercial)


323.855.0191 [email protected]. Jeffry Matzdorff. 323.855.0191Captain AvailableAvailable for boat purchase sea trials and consulta-tions, local deliveries, sailing instruction and char-ters. 30 years local experience. 310-460-8946 or [email protected] Larry Beane at your service!Charters, deliveries, private skipper, lessons, sail or power. Professional, experienced, friendly, and FUN! www.CaptLarry.com 424-217-9295Custom Marine Carpentry & Professional, U.S.C.G. Lic. Sailing Master, 25 years experience.Instruction, yacht management, insurance surveys, deliveries, pre-purchase and repair consultation. Serving Long Beach to Santa Barbara. Local references. Captain Richard Schaefer 310-460-8946.Slips30 ft end tie at Boatyard, Basin H. Sublease, $19/ft. Call Ray 310 822-3058WantedExperienced SailorSmall non-profit Sailing club in Marina Del Rey seeks experienced sailor $850/year includes, slip, mainte-nance ,insurance on our Catalina 27 sloop. 818-343-2271.Information on Americas Cup replica nine-foot sailboat.Any and all will be appreciated. Please send [email protected] EnlightenmentMust be easy to obtain and long lasting. Prefer pill-form but will consider suppository. 310-397-1887

(310) 210-0861marinaresourcecenter.com

Captain Joel EveMarine Consulting Services

Since 1976

Boating InstructionYacht ManagementDeliveryCaptain’s Services

Make the Ocean Your Treadmill!Phone: 310-822-7600w w w . p h i n s c l u b . c o m

Rowing inMarina del Rey!

Affordable and Fun

Don’t Sit Still!

The Mariner

ADVERTISE!

Let ‘em Know You’re Out There

3 1 0 - 3 9 7 - 1 8 8 [email protected]


FIBERGLASS REPAIRSINCE 1969

Gel Coat SpecialistsCustom Fabrications

Expert Color MatchingCosmetic to Major Collisions

Custom Instrument Dashboards

310/306-2149

Harry Gibson

w w w . O P E N S A I L I N G U S A . c o m

310-928-6570

4695 AdmirAlty WAy

mArinA del rey

• Sportboats • Tactical Equipment • Parts• Apparel

Where Performance Rules!

Sail Repairs/CleaningShade SailsCustom Industrial SewingAwnings: Boat/Home

Scrims/BackdropsPrivacy ScreensYour ProjectCanvas

Open M-F 9 - 4:304030 Del Rey Ave. MdR

310-822-9344

MARE CO.Washington Blvd.

MaxellaLinc

oln

Blv

d.

Del

Rey

Ave

MARE CO.

the mariner 121

Documents