the mariner 136

Issue #136June 2014

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

Copper Paint Issue Follow Up

Rough Ride to Ensenada

Thousands of Fish Turn Up Dead in Local Basin

Best Boarding Ladder

Tons More!

2 The Mariner - Issue 136 2014

After the bizarre mass suffocation of thousands of fish in A basin, we started poking around, trying to figure out what exactly happened. I was talking to Carol Baker, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles County when we both saw a sea lion pop his head up to take another swallow of dead anchovy and I said, “I wish I could interview that sea lion – he would know the inside scoop.” Carol laughed, but later I caught up with the sea lion on a local swim step to discuss the matter.

The Mariner: What happened out there? How did all those anchovies die?Sea lion: Well, some of our experts are still researching things but it appears there was just a real bad lack of oxygen in that area.

The Mariner: How did the sea lion community respond to the event?Sea Lion: Well, I guess it would be like if you guys found suitcases full of cash lying around. It was pretty amazing, but there’s an expiration date on it unfortunately. After about a day and

half, we won’t touch it.

The Mariner: Did you notice anything different in the water at that spot?Sea Lion: Well, as you probably know, we breathe air just like you, so we weren’t affected, but no

it just looked like murky skuzzy water like it always does.

The Mariner: Have you ever seen anything like this before?Sea Lion: I haven’t. I’m glad I got to see it – I’ll always remember this. The smell was just so beautiful and everyone was getting along. I was talking with birds, which I never do – we were all laughing – it was just the greatest party ever.

The Mariner: Was there anything negative about all this for you?Sea Lion: [laughing] I’m sick of anchovies!

The Mariner is

Editor/PublisherPat Reynolds

ColumnistRichard Schaefer

Mookie

ContributorsTim Tunks

Bil McNeelyDave Kirby

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 May 30 - June 27

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

Ins Ide IntervIew

Coming Events 4

Off the Wire 6

Launch Ramp Relocation Ramps Up 8More Buzz About the Possible Public Launch Ramp Move

Ladder to Success by Tim Tunks 10Tim offers another purpose for your downwind sail

The Freshman 12First Time N2E Skipper Manages Big Winds

My Sunset (Series) Years by Tim Tunks 13Tim Reflects Back on His Days in the Sunset Series

Tips to be a Better Sailor by Richard Schaefer 17Richard Offers Up Some Solid Sailing Advice

Catalina Cruising 18Changes in Avalon By Bill McNeely

Racing - Tips From A Master 20

Tim Tunks College of Nautical Knowledge - 23

Classifieds 25

Thanks for picking it up!

Dolphin Dive by Pat ReynoldsPhoto by Pat Reynolds


Sistership

58’ Hatteras 2013 Mtr Yacht new diesels, CG cert for charter - has dock loc.$389,000

54 Skipperliner Hseboat 3 staterooms. great interior layout needs work. $54,000

47 Lien Hwa Mtr Yacht 1995, loaded Great family fun or live abrd, motivated $165,000

39 Symbol 1989 double cabin Caterpillar diesels $79,000

44’ CSY full keel center cockpit 1978 Blue-water Cruiser needs work $36,000

60 Lien Hwa 1980 4 stateroom trawler, lowered price to sell. Very spacious staterooms and living quarters. It does need some refinishing and detailing $169,000

60 Sunseeker Renegade 1993 rebuilt Detroit diesels. Family friendly - 3 cabs, salon, dinette, galley. Fast cruising up to 40-knots! Amazing deal for a Sunseeker. $179,000

49 Gulfstar Flybridge motor yacht 1983 3 cabins, spacious interior $119,000

46 Wellcraft 1994 Cockpit motor yacht, twin dsls air cond, full tronics $110,000

39 Sea Ray Express 1988 Cat dsls $36,00036 Sea Ray 1983 Express loaded $29,000

33’ Silverton 2007 Convertible $169,000 32 Silverton aft cabin 2000 loaded $74,900

42 Hunter center cockpit 2002 spacious, very clean and loaded $139,000

45 Sea Ray Sundancer 1997 $169,00040 Sea Ray Exp 1998 very clean $120,000

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

32 Silverton aft cabln 2000 spacious layout, low hours $74,500

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

65’ McKinna 2002 pilot house, Exceptional 800 hp Cat 3406’s, stabilizers, bow thruster, satellite TV, computerized entertainment center, dual helms 3 cabins, low hours $699,000

52 Californian cockpit MY 1990 $189,00052’ Californian cockpit MY ‘88 $189,000

50’ Hatteras 50 Hatteras 1983 convertible, loaded with gear an cockpit helm $139000

40 Sea Ray 1998 Express 2 cabins Cater-pillar dsls loaded, clean motivated $119,000

38 Carver 1988 motor yacht only $59,000

46” Moody 1985 Bluewater Cruising Cut-ter, 3 cabins equipt to go now! $189,000

37’ Irwin 1974 Cntr cockpit, aft cab, spa-cious layout, clean, priced to sell - $29,000

Sistership

35 Sea Ray 1991 low hours, A/C, $43,00031’ Sea Ray Sundancer 1998 $39,000


June 5Marina del Rey Farmers’ Market

Stack up on fresh produce and artisan favorites at the Marina del Rey Farmers’ Market. Locally grown, organic fruits and veggies, pre-packaged meals, delicious desserts, and hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, arts & crafts. Marina Beach parking lot every Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 310-305-9545

June 5 – 19GPS for Mariners Class

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 boater in skills required for a safe voyage on a variety of waters and boating conditions. $80 textbook & materials fee is due at registration, the first night of the course. 7:00-9:30 p.m. Del ReyYacht Club 13900 Palawan Way - Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Contact: [email protected]

June 7Pacific Mariners Yacht Club

Swap MeetPacific Mariners Yacht Club will conduct its annual, and very popular Swap Meet on Saturday, June 7, 2014, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific Mariners Yacht Club’s Marine and Household Swap Meet is one of the most anticipated local grass roots events of the year. For decades the boating community has turned out in the PMYC parking lot to buy/sell used boating gear, but also to convene and chat with other local boaters. Price: $30 for each 8’ x 20’ space. Limited spaces and we will sell out, so don’t wait. Will have an Open House and a membership drive offering special memberships at a reduced fee, refreshments, food and live entertainment. A Fire Extinguisher Certification and Recharge booth will be available for updating your fire extinguishers. To reserve a space or for more information please call PMYC 310-823-9717 or e-mail [email protected].

June 7Summer Wine Festival at

Two HarborsJoin us on the beach in Two Harbors for our unique 13th Annual Summer Wine Festival. Live music will entertain as you taste a variety

of fine wines. Tickets go no sale May 1st. Call 310-510-4205 for more information or to purchase tickets. This event sells out, so advance purchase is strongly recommended.

June 7Pacific Mariners Yacht Club

Open HouseCome check out the Open House at Pacific Mariners Yacht Club. It’s amazingly affordable and if you’re into cruising, racing, fishing and having a fun, it’s the club for you. We have 100’ guest dock, banquet room, big screen tv, pool table, 24/7/365 access, free wi-fi, professional galley and a great large outdoor deck. It’s a true do-it-yourself club with an amazing view. Come to 13915 Panay Way MDR CA 90292 or contact 310-823-9717- [email protected].

June 8 Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht

Club Scavenger Hunt Paddle Anything that floats, and has a paddle or oar to propel it! Costumes, prizes and more! 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. To register now, call SMWYC 310 827-7692

June 13Sundown Series #2

Join us at Del Rey Yacht club for a Friday night sail and BBQ. The race is back which is going up the channel, out and around a mark and back to the club. The BBQ starts around 7:30 p.m.. The cost is $10.00 and includes a drink ticket. Sodas and water are free. After the BBQ there are trophies and raffle prizes. This is a great way to start the weekend.

June 14FREE Family Friendly Concert on

Wrigley Plaza StageThe Xceptional Tribute to ABBA

The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.

June 20SUP Races at Del Rey Yacht Club

Del Rey Yacht Club is hosting the stand up paddleboard races every third Friday on the month. The paddlers range in ages from 10 to over 60 - both men and women. The race begins at 6:00 p.m. in front of the clubhouse where

competitors then paddle to the breakwater and back. After the race all are invited to the club for drinks, food and trophies. No board? Don’t worry - you can rent a board from the Pro Sup Shop on Admiralty Way in front of Mothers Beach. Entrants can enter on paddleguru.net or the day of the race at 5:00 P.M at Del Ray Yacht Club. If interested please contact Judy Gavin at 818-472-2959, or [email protected].

June 21“Yacht Dog” Show at Two HarborsAll dogs, don your doggie lifejackets and hurry ashore for our annual Yacht Dog show. Strut your mutt and show our judges what your dog can do. For more info - contact 310-510-4249 - [email protected] or visit www.visittwoharbors.com

June 21Summer sailstice

Sailstice is a worldwide celebration of sailing on the weekend closest to the summer solstice – this year the solstice falls on a Saturday, June 21, 2014! - More at: www.summersailstice.com

June 24Summer Beach Bingo at Avalon

Bring your beach chair and some friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:00pm. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com

June 25Kid’s Fishing Derby at Avalon

Meet at the Green Pier at 7am. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987,www.CityofAvalon.com

June 26Cal Yacht Club Luncheon

Cruising Patagonia, New Zealand and AustraliaJoin Steve and Jill Frankel as they share tales from their cruising adventures in South America, New Zealand and Australia. Happy Half Hour – Noon. Bountiful Buffet Luncheon - 12:20 PM • Presentation 12:40 PM. $18.50 includes Luncheon, tax, service and parking. Open to all who enjoy yachting and adventure, as a public service of CYC. Reservations appreciated. California Yacht Club - 4469 Admiralty Way – Marina del Rey – 310.823.4567 – www.calyachtclub.com

June 27

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.?


Opening Day at Two Harbors Although Two Harbors is open year round, we would like to invite “First Timers” & “Old Timers” alike to kick off the summer season. Join us for a weekend of boating seminars, raffles, & much more. For more info - contact 310-510-4249 - [email protected] or visit www.visittwoharbors.com

Ongoing

Live Music - Yacht Rock!Unkle Monkey at The Warehouse every Wednesday -Steve Stafford & Casey Jones of the popular local band Unkle Monkey will be performing Island Music and Soft Rock at the Warehouse Restaurant every Wednesday night from 6-9 pm Using guitar, ukulele, congas, and steel drum, they play music from the Caribbean, Hawaii, and other exotic ports. Come have a Mai Tai, watch the sunset and enjoy some great live music, right here in the marina! Happy Hour 4-7 pm 4499 Admiralty Way

Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club

We invite members, guests, and prospective members to join us for cocktails, food, live music, dancing and fun on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 7:00 (food served at 5:00). No reservations needed. This is a great way to end your day on the water, or just to wind down from the weekend. Live jazz or classic rock bands are here for entertainment. We are located at 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292,(310) 827-7692. Please visit our website at www.smwyc.org for activities, membership details, racing, other events, directions, and more.

Marina Venice Yacht ClubSocial Sundays

Join Marina Venice Yacht Club weekly for our Social Sunday Open House from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Food items are provided at a moderate price. 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 call (310) 853-0428, visit our website www.mvyc.org, or contact [email protected]. .

Women’s Sailing Association of Santa Monica Bay

Meets 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. 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 a one day guest membership of only $5 entitles you to brunch and a day of sailing, if space is available. No prior sailing experience is necessary. For more info call (310) 226-8000 or see website at www.marinasundaysailors.org

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 Jeanne Cronin at [email protected].

Single Mariners of Marina del ReySingle 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]

See this spot?

Others will too

Advertise

310-397-1887

The Mariner


o F F t h e W i r e

Keep it Clean San Fran Bay to Santa monica Bay done docks

The 23nd running of the classic Coastal Cup ocean race from San Francisco to Southern California will be returning to Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles.

Del Rey Yacht Club is partnering with Encinal Yacht Club once again, and will host the boats as they finish this exciting and challenging race. The starts will be conducted from the St. Francis Yacht Club race deck and are scheduled for June 11, 12 and 13.

The awards party is June 14. The race is open to crewed as well as shorthanded entries and multihulls. In addition, the race will use a modified PHRF rating system, as used in last year’s competition, which averages northern and southern PHRF ratings to account for the sailing conditions in northern and southern zones of the California coast; last year’s winners were a good mixture of vessels from both regions.

For those who have been enduring the sounds of construction as the City Club marina project has gone on or perhaps for those who made friends with the good-hearted construction workers who have relentlessly worked to refurbish the docks in E basin – it is complete.

The Marina at Marina City Club is now finished with their dock project. These new Bellingham concrete docks stretch from the front of the Ritz Carlton down to Killer Shrimp – all shiny and new.

According to dockmaster Alicia Lunz, slip sizes range from 25’ to 100’, and large end ties are now available.

Lunz says the walkway will soon be expanded as the county continues to make changes throughout the Marina.

Los Angeles, CA - California’s Clean Vessel Education Program, a partnership of The Bay Foundation (TBF) and California State Park’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), has released the latest version of its popular Southern California Boater’s Guide (Guide) as an interactive eBook.

This interactive eBook allows the user to swipe and read pages in multiple ways, view embedded video, enjoy images in an expanded fashion, and link directly to resources.

The Guide is available for free through iTunes’ App Store: “Boater’s Guide” App. It will initially launch as an app for iPad 2 and above.

The guide, some say, is a must-have for environmentally conscious boaters cruising along the Southern California coast.

International Marine Consultant

818-787-7082

Woodworking Wizardry

Custom Woodwork at its BestBill Borneman 310-977-0050

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

310-397-1887Effective & Affordable

Advertise in

The Mariner

Affordable effective

310-397-1887


o F F t h e W i r e

Where are All the Aids to Navigation going? Jr. Shipmates Learning the ropes

Varnishing Polishing Wax Carpet Steam Cleaning

Weekly or Monthly Washdowns Email - [email protected]

310-466-8267

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

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Boating Classes and Vessel Safety Check Website

www.d11s.org

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will hold nationwide public discussions on navigational aid technology and how it will affect the future of America’s waterways.

The Future of Navigation-21st Century Waterways public listening sessions will be held in several locations across the country and will provide venues for open communications between various federal agencies and U.S. Maritime Transportation System stakeholders to discuss the joint federal agency initiative to use modern technology to support a safer, more effi cient, more secure and environmentally-sound Marine Transportation System.

These listening sessions will provide the maritime community — both professional and recreational mariners — and waterways stakeholders an opportunity beyond traditional venues to express their emerging needs for navigational information and service delivery systems necessary to improve the safety and effi ciency of transits on the nation’s waterways.

“I believe that recreational boaters rely on ATONs and that the cost is negligible compared to the potential losses,” said Marina del Rey’s David Lumian, from the Navigation Safety Advisory Committee to the US Coast Guard (NAVSAC). While some recreational boaters have electronic systems, and know how to use them, many do not. Moreover there is nothing wrong with redundancy when it comes to safety.

In Southern California the session will be June 17 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach - 200 South Pine Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 - Shoreline Ballroom.

Long time Marina del Rey boater and community leader Sherry Barone once again held her Jr. Shipmates Program this past month with the help of members and the facility of Del Rey Yacht Club. Jr. Shipmates pairs both Special Olympic athletes and able bodied kids together within the realm of sailing, powerboating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. They also got to spend some time on the local fi reboat.

Jr. Shipmates and volunteers aboard Fireboat #110.


talk of Launch relocationramping Up!

o far, of all that lies within the Marina del Rey “Visioning” documents, the relocation of the public launch ramp has got the boating community buzzing more than all else. And for non-boaters, the folks over at Mariner’s Village aren’t all too delighted that some of their private grounds might become open to the public in an effort to utilize more real estate for collective community purposes. But let us stick to the launch ramp debate.

The news of the ramp and mast-up storage possibly moving to where Windward Yachts and the LMU rowing area now sits (on Fiji Way) is beginning to settle in and it is definitely meeting resistance. If the present location wasn’t perfectly situated in terms of both the direction it faces and it being at the end of a basin, perhaps the proposal would be considered less severely. However, the notion of constructing a new facility that would force boats, many non-motorized, to launch and land in a crosswind is not being well received.

“It’s not good for anyone,” said Kent Andersson owner of Andersson Marine who has spent countless hours at the ramp dropping boats in for customers over the last 20-years. “Crosswinds and all the waves from the main channel will make things difficult. For me, as a professional, I can handle it, but for the novice boater it won’t be easy. It’s meant to be where it’s at. That’s why they put it there in the first place.”

Since the announcement, the Department of Regional Planning has added five additional options of configuration, but none of them address the crosswind critique that all skeptics point to. There has also been much criticism of the report Ron Noble of Noble Consultants drew up in support of the move.

“Obviously the people that came up with this are a bunch of urban planners who have never done anything boating-wise, in their lives,” said Mike Leneman of Multimarine who has spent as much time as anyone launching boats at the ramp and as well as keeping boats in mast-up storage.

In addition to local professionals and recreational boaters, it appears the relocation effort will meet resistance from other consultants who disagree. In a letter to Supervisor Don Knabe, the very reputable Randy H. Mason, who is Vice President and Sr. Principal of URS Corporation poked quite a few holes in the Noble report. Mason’s company was instrumental in the retrofit of all seawalls around Marina del Rey and they have been a part of various projects in MdR over the past 25-years.

“This is an inferior plan when compared to the existing facility,” Mason said. “In my opinion. I believe the proposed plan will cause problems for boaters and, in some cases, could become dangerous to the public and put the County at risk.

“Having a public boat launching facility in such close proximity to a main channel can result in several adverse impacts, including increased impediments to safe boating within the channel, reducing the number of effective ‘lanes’ in the main channel, which may well cause difficulties to non-motorized boaters and other key users of the main channel, and reducing the capacity and flow of boats in the main channel.”

There are some that agree with the concepts in the Visioning - that Marina del Rey, from a landside perspective, needs to be more connected and feel more like a small town. In fact, there are actually boaters that believe in the concept but in this case don’t see how reality squares with philosophy.

As of this printing a special night meeting of the Small Craft Harbor Commission focusing on the move is about to take place. Check out the next Mariner to hear about the latest developments.

S


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

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

A Perfect Place in a Perfect Setting

Join Us ForOPEN HOUSE SUNDAYS

BBQ or home-cooked dinners from 5:00 - 7:00 and live jazz or classic rock music from 4:00 - 7:00

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]

Having a Holiday Party? Need a venue?Don’t wait...call us today to reserve your date at

(310) 827-7692, ext. 2, or email us at [email protected].

We offer some of the nicest facilities anywhere, the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful marina and wit-ness breathtaking sunsets. We are located on the main channel adjacent to Burton Chace Park. Our clubhouse, lobby, dining and meeting rooms and patio offer an ideal setting for any occasion.

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

We Are a Professional Company Well dressed, available 7-days a week and reputable. Trust your investment to a pro!

Hire a Legal Professional Who is Bonded & Insured

We Care About Your Boat! We’ll beat any LEGAL topside competitors prices!

Over 20-years Serving Marina del Rey


’m coaching a recently retired man with the time and resources to do as he wants, and buying the right sailboat to sail off on an extended cruise is what he wants to do. We have been discussing his preference for a swim step with boarding ladder as a required feature for safety and convenience. Here is what I said to him.

As to the swim step, they are most useful at anchor and in calm water, however stern boarding is very dangerous when any sea is running and the boat is pitching. It doesn’t take very big waves to pitch the stern through a four foot arc, enough to hammer a swimmer’s head or the bow of a dinghy.

Side boarding is the standard for Man Over Board recovery because it is so easy for a bouncing stern to cold conk a person in the water and any loose lines, feet, or whatever that might be close to the propeller when boarding at the back end. An easily deployed proper step ladder amidships that is toe rail mounted just aft of the shrouds on either side of the boat is essential on my list of proper cruising sailboat necessities.

In a seaway, there is minimum pitch movement range in the middle of the boat so this is an easier point for boarding. It is next to the shrouds for good gripping whether standing, crouching or reaching up from the step ladder. (I say step ladder so you understand I’m not talking about narrow flattened pipe treads so painful for bare swimmer’s feet or tender footed sandal wearers. I speak of a well designed unit with wide non-skid steps.)

When dinghy born guests arrive and depart imagine two different pictures.

Boarding from dinghy to boat at the stern involves someone or a cleat on the boat holding the pointy end of the dinghy to the swim step so all passengers and gear must transfer from the narrowest part of the dinghy which also has the minimum buoyancy. Both stepping onto and off of the dinghy is done where handholds are absent and margin for error is narrow. As mentioned before, seaway or wake caused pitching is amplified dangerously at the stern so dinghy damage from the downward motion

of the stern is something I’ve seen on several occasions.

With a proper midship mounted step ladder, you greet the guests and take the end of their painter towards your bow where you tie off, returning to amidships where you receive any goods passed up from any seat in the dinghy floating alongside. When the goods are shifted to a secure place on your boat, you help your guests aboard, guiding them to grip the shrouds until they get their bearings. Meanwhile those aboard the dinghy can steady themselves with a grip on your toe rail as your well designed step boarding ladder acts as a fender saving rub rail marks or gouges when the dinghy is a fisherman’s panga or a nasty edged sabot. When the dinghy is unloaded of gear and guests, you go forward and bring the painter to the stern, tying off, leaving plenty of slack so the dinghy bounces happily a distance from the plunging stern with minimum jerk as the painter goes taught.

The picture of a wide swim step in a calm anchorage is attractive as you imagine climbing from the water and rinsing off with the hand held fresh water sprayer. Stepping easily from swim step to stand-up paddle board or gracefully from windsurfer to swim step for a rest and a beverage amplifies the satisfaction level of life aboard. But the bounding stern with its swing down ladder becomes an awesome weapon as soon as waves arrive at the scene. Visualizing the boat under different conditions keeps you from making decisions that really looked good at the dock but were less workable on a bouncy heeled-over windward passage.

Ladder to Success

iBy Tim Tunks

Swim Step Versus Midship Boarding Ladder

Illustration Tim Tunks


Marine Electr ical

310-560-2937 stevevayner@gmail .com

Licensed and Insured Marine Electrician

Inverters/Chargers/IsolatersSatellite/Data InstallationsGalvanic Isolation TestingBattery Replacement/Maintenance/RewiringAutopilots/Radar/Transducers/Lighting/Pumps

Eclectic Electric (AC/DC Specialist)

CA License #(C10) 987835

VIKING DIVE

SERVICE

Underwater Maintenance

Corrosion Control

A Commitment Towards Excellence

Insured

Est. 1985

Craig Cantwell

310-827-1473

Tom BladaCell- 310-420-0619

Shop- 310-320-9022

Custom Yacht Carpentry by

The Master’s Vessel

35 Years of Woodworking Experience

RepairsRestorations Complete WoodshopAll Types of Woodworking

• LP Painting - Sprayed or Brushed

• Fiberglass & Gel Coat Repair

• Custom Fabrication & Modifi cations

•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

YACHT SERVICES

CaptainJeffry Matzdorff

Over 145,000 Blue-water miles experience

323-855-0191

• Deliveries• Instruction• Professional Services

U.S.C.G Licensed 100 Ton Master

Sail / Power

www.offshoredeliveryskipper.com


Saturday, April 26. 2 a.m. Offshore outside and south of the Coronado islands:

There was no moonlight. There was no starlight. It was dark, and the wind and waves had been building for several hours when we decided to take another reef. An old salt once told me, “If you’re considering taking a reef, you’re too late.” At the time, I did not understand what he

meant, but I do now.

The sea was confused. Waves were breaking on the boat and the wind had picked up to a steady 28 with gusts in the low 30s. A few hours earlier I had clipped into the safety jacklines and gone forward to take a deep reef in the headsail. I knew that now we had to take the sail in completely or risk losing it in the storm.

With my fi rst mate, Jason Dunster, at the helm, I went forward with Michael Gladis (of Mad Men fame) to try and roll in the sail. I braced my feet against the toe-rail and Michael moved forward. Just then, a big gust hit and the boat rounded up hard. Michael slid down the deck, under the lifelines toward the sea. I grabbed for his tether and he grabbed the jack line. One leg over the side, he pulled himself up to the deck averting

the Freshman

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

PAC I F I C M A R I N E R S YAC H T C L U BThe best kept secret in Marina del Rey!

Like us on

Come Check Out Our Open House AND Famous Swap Meet!

June 7!!!!

www.pmyc.orgThe best kept secret in Marina del Rey!

Cruising • Racing • Fishing • Amazing View • World Wide Reciprocity • 100’ Guest Dock • Banquet Room • Big Screen Tv • Pool Table • 24/7/365 Access • Free Wi-Fi • Professional

Galley • Large Outdoor Deck • True Do-It-Yourself Club - Amazingly Affordable

13915 Panay Way MDR CA 90292310-823-9717

[email protected]

Get your fi re extinguisher refi lled at the swap meet!

By John Rushing

A fi rst-time Newport to Ensenada Skipper gets a full dose of reality in a rare big-wind race to Mexico.

Photo courtesy of John Rushing


disaster. With Michael in position, we attempted to shorten sail. Then a white squall hit. We could not see the cockpit, and could barely hear each other over the howling wind. Shouting, “one, two, three…” we heaved on the furling line and the sail inched in. “One, two, three…” again the sail inched in. We were making progress. Once more and it would be in. “Made!” I shouted. Then suddenly the sail whipped out. I thought we had broken the furling line. In the chaos, I told Mike, “we have to take the sail down.” Just as I reached for the tack the furling line pulled tight. The boat had rounded up and the line was working. We managed to get the sail in again and make our way to the cockpit. As I reached the cockpit, I was relieved to see that the boat was handling well and that the crew was safe. Unless conditions significantly worsened, we could race in this deeply unpleasant weather. As I sat there, cold and sleep deprived, knowing we had another six hours ahead of us, a thought crossed my mind, “How did I get into this?” Flashback two months earlier

In 2013, I sailed the N2E with Jim LaBarge aboard Avanti, a beautiful Jeanneau 54, which won the PHRF C class in another uncommon big wind year. That race gave me a taste for the N2E, and when Jim could not make the 67th Ensenada, I decided to throw my hat in the ring. I own a 1984 Hunter 34, a far cry from Avanti. My Hunter is a big rigged, light air racer/cruiser that is tender in a stiff breeze. Like everyone, I figured that this race would follow historical trends and focused my preparation on light air downwind sailing.

For two months, my first-mate Jason and I prepared the boat. I bought new sails, a folding prop, and new instruments. We reduced the rake in the mast, added a new winch, replaced the halyards, and updated the running rigging. We practiced sailing with the gennaker. As race day approached, we felt that the boat was ready for a typical light air N2E. My crew consisted of Jason Dunster (sailing master and all around sailing guru), Michael Gladis (former series regular on Mad Men and one hell of a helmsman), Jamie Myer (winning skipper of Wolfhound) and Jennifer Porto (a new sailor who is full of enthusiasm and is a joy to sail with). Friday, April 25th. Race Day. Newport Beach: I woke at 4:30 a.m. to the sound of wind. Checking the instruments, I saw that it was already blowing 7-knots. Jason and I had closely followed weather patterns for a couple of weeks before the race. A few days out, the wind models

were predicting a big blow. I figured that the predictions were correct. The crew was at the boat bright and early to make final preparations for the race: double checking lines, setting the reef points, and reviewing safety procedures. By 10 a.m. it was blowing 17-knots. We put one reef in the main and proceeded to the start. It was the luckiest start I’ve ever had. We approached the start line on a cautious port tack. About a minute from the start we spotted an opening and drove the line. We were the first across in clean air. We pushed outside and sailed about 20 miles toward open ocean. I figured that we had made a good decision when I saw Dr. Laura’s boat (full of seasoned pros) pass us. We tacked and sailed in, hitting our plotted course just above Oceanside. On cue, the winds shifted and blew us straight down our course on the rhumbline. We were rolling much larger boats that had gone inside. At this point, the sea state was a manageable: 6-8 feet on 8-second sets.

The crew settled into their routine. Sail trim was working, and the boat was balanced. Jason and I gave up the helm and started getting Jamie and Michael acquainted with steering Leilani. As the sun set, we changed into foul weather gear. The crew was fed and warm, and the boat was sailing fast.

The winds continued to build, and we were doing a steady 9 knots as we surfed down the waves toward Mexico. To inspire the crew, we had a competition for who could sail the boat fastest. Boat speeds were holding steady in the high 9s and low 10s as we passed San Diego, and we cheered as each person’s record was broken.

The first night watch went on, and we settled in for the long hours before dawn. I took the first night watch and Jamie and Michael cycled through in two hour intervals. The sea state was getting rough, and sailing the boat was beginning to feel like a wrestling match. We took another reef on the main and the boat responded well-- its weather helm easing. Jason was not feeling well, and I took part of his watch. As 2 a.m. approached, we were making good time despite worsening conditions. The only significant hitch at this point was a problem with our batteries that resulted in having to reboot the onboard navigation computer twice. This mission critical system went down in rough conditions. Although I had been charting our course by hand and knew our position and heading, we all breathed a sigh of relief when, after some time, it finally reset.

I left the boat in the very capable hands of Jamie and Michael and went forward for a little shuteye. In the V berth I could feel the hull flexing behind me. The Leilani was taking a pounding, but she was up to the challenge. I had been down for about 15-minutes when there was an audible change in the wind. I heard Jason getting up, and I went aft. When I reached the cockpit, Jason was wrestling the helm and the boat was being hit by rain and breaking waves. It was a little after 2 a.m. and we were outside and south of the Coronado islands. You already know what happened next.

Saturday, April 26. The Finish. Ensenada, Mexico 8 a.m. After getting the headsail completely furled around 2 a.m., the boat settled into its pace, and we learned to handle the challenging sea state. It is hard to judge wave heights in the dark, but we were in near gale conditions with waves at 8-10 feet – four-second sets. Amazingly, the boat pushed over 7-knots while under just the double reefed main sail. Jennifer was a trouper and made us all coffee. No small task in a small boat on a rough ocean. We were wet, sleep deprived, but excited to reach Ensenada.

We had gone outside in hopes that we could come in at a hotter angle, and as morning broke, we saw that we were surrounded by a sea of sailboats. Most of the boats near us had set on a deep downwind run for the finish. The wind was still a solid 20-knots and no one was flying a kite. We decided to sail far into the bay and jibe across for a starboard tack broad reach. Boats were passing us sailing down wind. We held to our course, partially set the headsail, sailed for about a quarter mile, jibed, and made a fast broad reach for the finish. We started gaining on the boats who had passed us. As the finish approached, there was a Catalina 36 to our port. We were climbing on it. We got overlap about 50-yards from the line, and charged down the surf easily pulling away. We crossed the line, satisfied that we had sailed the best race we could.

The Leilani was the first to finish in her class, and corrected out to 2nd place. It was an unforgettable race. The crew came together and sailed the boat exceptionally well in difficult conditions. A skipper can’t ask for anything more. Fellow racer, Warren Wolf, summed up my feelings about this race, and I hope the feelings of my crew as well. “I hope to do this race every year until I die, and then two years more after that.” See you next year.


OUTBOARD MADNESS!

2-20 HP - $95.0025-50 HP - $125.00

60-140 HP - $150.00150-300 HP - $200.00

Spark plugs, oil � lter & shop supplies included

310-823-110512792 W. Washington B;vd1 block east of [email protected]

Pick up and trailers available for a small fee

Extended through the month of June!

Must Call for an appointment

Special runs from 3/17 to 4/5 - 2014

30 years in Marina del Rey!

Pacifi c Fire & Marine

Marine Fire Suppression Specialists

562-484-1045

Annual fi re system inspection & certifi cationFire extinguisher recharge & salesEngine room system install & repair

Complete dockside service


❂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

World Famous Sails

1 Day Repair Service

Sail Handling Systems

Pick Up / Delivery

Used Sails

Visituksailmakers.com

Monday - Friday 9-5

1731 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Marina del Rey

310-822-1203

“I t ’s About the Boat!”

310-305-919213900 Marquesas Way - Suite 6001 Marina del Rey

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

Great Results for Your Listing!


thousands of Fish Perish in Local Basin

In a situation very similar to what happened in Redondo a few years back, thousands of fi sh, mostly anchovies, turned up dead in A Basin in Marina del Rey.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the fi sh were probably on the run from a predator and found their way into an area with too little oxygen to sustain the school. Although somewhat “startling” the spokesperson said it’s not overly unusual.


We’ll send you over to Richard in a minute. First, a little update on the copper bottom paint situation that looms large for boat owners who may soon need to strip their boats and repaint with non-copper based paints to adhere to mandates yet to be written.

The Recreational Boaters of California [RBOC] recently formally urged the State Water Resources Control Board to “delay implementation or approval of copper total maximum daily loads [TMDLs] in any salt water bodies in California until a number of key actions occur, and we urge the Board to reject the proposed amendment to the Los Angeles Regional Basin Plan to revise the TMDLs for Marina del Rey Toxic.”

The RBOC recommended the Water Board first consider that they:

Allow divers to implement best management practices. It appears to date that implementing best management practices on hull cleaning has had a mitigating effect on copper in the water and there needs to be time to further review the effect.

Allow time for the USEPA to approve the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM). There is said to be pending accurate site specific information to be available to the Regional and State Water Boards that would help in determining appropriate implementation methods needed, if any.

Allow the paint manufacturers to develop copper paints with lower leach rates. Effective and affordable paints with lower leach rates are in the foreseeable future. RBOC also believes the Board did not adequately investigate the issue of invasive species, saying, “non copper paints will foster the growth of biofilms on hulls, which harbor harmful bacteria and carbon,

and which cause increased drag, resulting in the burning of more fuel and discharge of more emissions into the marina.”

Now, we give you Richard Schaefer!

For decades I have held the opinion that big “E”, Environmentalism is morphing into a quasi official State Religion. With every passing year, I see more evidence of that process as these massive, dogmatic government bureaucracies, like the EPA and local environmental agencies, zealously pursue draconian solutions to problems that don’t really exist outside the subjective criteria conjured up by government scientists and bureaucrats. The current copper bottom paint “witch hunt” is a perfect example.

I hope that someone in these sprawling environmentalist bureaucracies will at least consider these questions/issues with rational objectivity.

Recently, Shelly Anghera PhD, of Anchor QEA was quoted in the Log Newspaper. QEA is a large environmental and engineering consulting company which focuses on environmental review, planning and research for restoring and cleaning up harbors, marinas, bays and wetlands - often working under contract for local governments involved in “mandated” cleanup projects.

Gee...could there be a conflict of interest here? Certainly when it comes to consulting…I mean, if you ask a real estate agent if you need a new house or a car salesman a new car; isn’t the answer always, “Yes”?

In the April 25th edition of the Log, Ms. Anghera is quoted, regarding copper-based bottom paints, saying, “it’s about protecting and restoring back to what was originally intended of that environment.”

Really? Doesn’t that really beg the question at hand; and when she speaks of “original intent” is she speaking of God, Neptune, Gaia, Poseidon, Mother Nature, or the Little Mermaid?

But, let’s just put all that aside for now and take Marina del Rey as the case in point. Hmmm...What was the “original intent” of the area, now known as, Marina del Rey?

Well, I can’t really go back millions of years (not sure how far one needs to go back to discover “original intent”...could be a really, really long time.) But, for the sake of argument, we’ll just wander back to the end of the last Ice Age.

Until 1959 that area was mostly dry land, and 12,000 years ago - when the earth started warming - the sea shore was a couple of miles offshore from where it is now (sea levels have risen nearly 400 feet). But, any way you look at it, the area that is now Marina del Rey was not an aquatic wonderland - or even a “stressed” aquatic environment - it was mostly just dirt, rodents, lizards, snakes, birds and scrubby vegetation. So how come we’re now supposed to turn the water part of it into a pristine marine environment where none (beyond a bit of marshland) ever existed? And, why, since we are supposed to make the watery part into a “natural marine habitat”, aren’t we returning the landside into to its former, “scrub-brush and rodent”, glory? Sounds more like subjective value judgements than science to me.

Professor Anghera then provides what she must think is an illuminating analogy, “so when you have a bathtub (marina) that has concentrations of contaminants (copper) that are too much to keep everything happy in the bathtub, you’ve got to somehow start shutting off the faucets (sources of copper).”

Don’t you love it when someone talks down

L o C A L C U r r e N t S

Questions made of Copper

continued on pg 22

By Captain Richard Schaefer


lthough Catalina Island is timeless, things do change there. Anyone visiting Avalon in 2014 will find a lot that’s new, and often improved. Crescent Ave., the pedestrian street along the beach, is changing fast. Joe’s Place and Sally’s Waffle Shop on the east side at the foot of the pier have closed and await redevelopment. Happily, just east of there, Luau Larry’s is still open. The Pavilion Hotel, formerly Pavilion Lodge, was completely remodeled and reopened four years ago. The rooms remain small, but everything about the hotel now is upscale.

The Holly Hill House, the east-side landmark conical-roof home which survived the great 1915 fire, has been under construction for over two years. Its exterior is now finished, and it looks like it used to. It remains a private home – do not walk up, open the front door, and start strolling through. Speaking of 1915, much of Avalon’s infrastructure is, well, old and under repair. The two biggest digs, though, are on Metropole Ave., between Crescent Ave. and Beacon St; and at Descanso Bay. The Catalina Island Museum will move out of the Casino and into a new building at the Metropole site in 2015. When the second project finishes at Descanso Bay, there will be better dining options there and many new features.

At the west end of Crescent, The Landing is completely closed and under heavy renovation. When completed, this will be a day spa, ending its long run as a restaurant, coffee shop, and collection of small shops. Just west of the pier on Crescent is the Catalina Island Brew House, which offers espresso drinks and a selection of craft beers. Next door is Maggie’s Blue Rose, featuring Mexican food.

The former site of the Busy Bee and Armstrong’s is now the Blue Water Grill – Avalon. This restaurant offers lots of fresh seafood, and was built from the pilings up overhanging the bay in the last two years. It offers seating indoor and out, adding new energy. Up the hill at the Seaport Village Inn, Seaport Bistro is now open for dinner offering more choices.

While Avalon is very crowded during the summer months, start planning your visit for the fall – the Jazztrax festival has shrunk to just two weekends in October – or join me there between Christmas and New Year’s. You’ll still find old favorites like Antonio’s, C.C. Gallagher’s, the Lobster Trap, Mr. Ning’s, the Buffalo Nickel, Eric’s, and all the rest, along with lots of new things to try, and a few construction sites. Enjoy checking it all out.

Bill McNeely is the author of Cruising Catalina Island 2nd Ed., the only cruising guide to Catalina on the market, available at Amazon.com and stores.ebay.com/billsyachtclub. He also teaches a 2.5 hr. seminar on cruising at Catalina, and a 4-session Marine Weather course. Check dates and locations at www.billsyachtclub.com, and the Bill’s Yacht Club Facebook page.

C A t A L i N A C r U i S i N g

Avalon Changes

ABy Bill McNeely

Photo Pat Reynolds


I mentioned before that watching the bite south would provide an indication of what we could expect as long as bait was around – well, the yellowtail bite took off around the Coronado Islands. In turn, we are starting to get a good bite over at Catalina with barracuda showing here in the bay. It’s time to get those top water jig sticks out and irons.

The main bite is still rockfish and a few lingcod, but the half day boats show that calico’s, sculpin and a few red snapper are being hauled in.

To the north a few white seabass are in the mix, with squid showing up that way.

Until next time……………tight lines

According to DaveFishing Update by Marina del Rey’s

Master Fisherman

Captain Dave Kirby

Captain David Kirby

• Fishing

• Diving

• Movie & Music Industry

• Yacht Management

• Deliveries

• Charters

949-275-4062


r A C i N g S C e N e

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.

racing tips From a masterWith the racing season entering into full swing, it’s time to rerun some racing tips care of Gary Jobson, who served as Ted Turner’s tactician during his winning campaign in the America’s Cup.

1. Fair the KeelMany boats do not have a fair keel on both sides. Sometimes the mold to build the keel is a little out of shape or as the years go by the shapes of the keels change when bump into submerged objects, run aground or expand and contract in different temperatures. So if you can, have your keel faired so that the flow of the water is exactly the same on boat sides. This is a large task but will produce dramatic results.

2. Adding SpeedMany sailors try to handicap their yachts to maximize a low rating. But an opposite approach is to increase speed in spite of a rating gain by adding sail area. The best place to add sail area is to increase the length of the foot

of the mainsail. Often this can be accomplished without getting a longer boom. But more sail area on the main allows you to sail closer to the wind when sailing upwind and faster when sailing downwind. Your rating will go up a little but often it is worth it.

3. Move Your Jib Leads FrequentlyOne of the most important adjustments you can make on any yacht is your jib lead. Every boat should be set up so that the jib lead car can move easily along a track. This adjustment is made with a block and tackle system so that the jib trimmer can adjust the lead position. On larger boats this is often done with a hydraulic ram. A simple rule is to keep the tell tails along the luff flowing aft evenly. If the upper tail luffs first, your jib lead should move forward. This is particularly true anytime you bear off and the jib is eased a few inches. If the boat becomes overpowered due to too much wind, you can easily de-power the jib by moving the lead aft.

4. Halyard TensionHalyard tension on both the main and jib should be adjusted frequently with every change of wind velocity. Easing the halyard off increases the draft in a sail and also lets the camber of the sail move aft. When the wind comes up, you take your halyard tighter to reduce draft and keep the maximum camber forward as you increase the tension on your sheets.


r A C i N g S C e N e

Photos Pat Reynolds


to you like you’re a pet, toddler or drooling moron? Her analogy is not even correct. A bathtub is not meant to be fi lled with “happy stuff” - everything; soap, cleansers, shampoo, dirt, soiled babies, hair dye and caustic drain cleaning chemicals ends up in there, its primary purpose is to get clean in...It was never meant to be an “aquarium” and neither was Marina del Rey. Marina del Rey was developed from dry land to be a parking lot for boats - not MarineLand.

Here are a few more questions for the Environmentalist Bureaucrats.

1. Over 93% of copper in the world’s oceans comes from natural runoff in streams and rivers. Only a fraction of 1% of anthropogenic sourced, marine copper comes from recreational boating activities. Over 100 times that amount comes from urban runoff. I question the government’s efforts regarding “copper pollution” in its gutters, storm-drains, sewage treatment plants and fl ood control channels. Is it the same focus and concern?

2. Asphalt parking lots have destroyed millions of square miles of land; killing all the organisms that lived on it and under it. Additionally, asphalt breaks down over time and the petrochemical toxins fi nd their way to the sea, by the hundreds of tons, every day. Add to that, all the copper brake lining dust, oil, coolant, gas and transmission drippings. How does the government intend to restore that habitat and prevent further poisoning of the marine environment through this toxic runoff? Who should pay for it?

3. When a golf course or park is developed on land why isn’t it mandated that area be maintained with natural fl ora and fauna as “originally intended”? Why are harbors and marinas treated differently than parks, golf courses, playgrounds or parking lots?

4. All natural rivers and streams have different levels of minerals, such as zinc, copper, lead, iron, nickel etc. in their waters. What effect does that have on the marine environment and copper levels in marinas, harbors and near-shore waters? Should we be trying to mitigate those “natural” levels as well?

5. Why are copper regulations only aimed at the easy target of pleasure boaters? Military and commercial ships are responsible for more than 20 times the amount of copper in the sea than

recreational boaters - why are larger “polluters” ignored and exempt?

6. Why do certain government agencies treat natural lakes, streams and rivers with copper in-order to control or prevent algae and noxious weed growth, but boaters are being banned from the same use in artifi cial marinas?

7. The greatest human exposure to copper is from bathing and drinking water from copper pipes. Over 80% of all homes built in the past 50 years are plumbed with copper. These pipes also leech copper into the local environment via runoff. What steps is the government taking to ban copper in homes, schools and other construction in the name of “public safety”? Who will pay for ripping out millions of miles of copper plumbing from millions of homes and businesses across America?

8. Whenever a pier, harbor, marina, breakwater or artifi cial reef is built it creates “unnatural habitat” for billions of marine animals and plants that would not otherwise exist in the former “natural state”. Rather than protecting these creatures and plants shouldn’t we be attempting to eradicate them since they would

not “naturally” exist in the “originally intended” habitat? Conversely, perhaps environmental bureaucracies should give credits - kind’a like carbon credits - to entities and projects that actually add billions of plants and animals to the marine environment, even through artifi cial means.

By now, it should be obvious that the entire situation has lost contact with reality and has become schizophrenic - the touchstone to reality buried beneath mountains of onerous, subjective regulation.

It’s clear to me that environmental bureaucracies like the Water Resources Control Board and the EPA think and act dogmatically and operate in a surreal, subjective world of their own creation.

Captain Richard is a U.S.C.G. Licensed Master of Sailing Vessels. He has skippered charters and deliveries, taught sailing and seamanship, managed yachts and written for boating publications for nearly 30 years. He can be reached for comments, sailing instruction, charters or consultation at 310-460-8946 or e-mail at, [email protected]

continued from pg 17

Famous Local Swap Meet - June 7Pacifi c Mariner’s Yacht Club holds an informal but amazing swap

meet every year. Check out this one from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 13915 Panay Way MdR

SMWYC Scavenger Hunt Paddle - June 8Anything that fl oats, and has a paddle or oar to propel it!!

Costumes, prizes and more! 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.To register now, call SMWYC 310 827-7692

Summer Sailstice on June 21!Get Involved in a movement 5,000 boats strong!Go to www.summersailstice.com for more info

What’s Going on Around Town?

MarinaFestIt s̒ more than an awesome annual event

It s̒ an organization devoted to the community of Marina del Rey

Brought to you by the MdR MarinaFest Committee: Steve Curran, Blue Pacifi c Boating/Boating Services of MdR

Russ Carrington, ActionWatersportsPaul Skipper, S&K Dive Service

Christine Rohde, Classic Yacht Association


POPEYE‛S PUMPOUT CO.Holding Tank Pumpout Service

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

Quiet Clean Reliable

VOICE & FAX

310-822-8312

D I V E S E R V I C E

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

Tim Tunks College of Nautical Knowledge

odern Spectra and hollow braid line made of other fi bers are amazingly easy

to splice and many modern blocks and low friction Antal rings are designed to be lashed in place with line replacing shackles. Now you can make things like light weight spinnaker “twings” and lead blocks customized to your exact dimensions, making for effi cient and professional looking running rigging.

Remember those straw Chinese fi nger trap toys that used to be a mainstay as carnival prizes and can still be found in novelty stores? They are loosely braided tubes that gain inside diameter when shortened and then squeeze down to a narrow diameter when stretched. Push a fi nger into each end and when you pull them apart you stretch the braid and the constricting tube grips both fi ngers so tightly you can’t pull them out. Push the tube ends together with your thumbs and your fi ngers are released. This same mechanical process permits strong and easy hollow braid splices.

When I was building towlines for my underwater Diveboard invention (U.S. Pat. # 6,962,123), I spliced hundreds of eyes in slippery yellow poly line using the following technique.

You size your loop and mark Enter #1 point and Exit #2 point, leaving some tail that will later be buried in the splice. Follow the arrows

to slip the tail into the compressed standing part at Enter #1 to form your eye.

Then extract the tail at Exit #1, pulling it tight until your eye is quite small, which gives you plenty of slack. Take the tail end and loop it around the standing part and insert about four inches into itself, pulling it tight to make a spliced eye around the standing part of the line. Then open up the eye, which pulls this spliced section into the standing part.

Smooth the fi nished splice and work tight to fi nish. This fi nal smoothing and tightening process helps distribute tension loads, evenly distributing loads through out the splice is what makes it strong and secure even without whipping the throat, which is advisable for most other splices.

To understand why this double eye splice is so strong think how the buried bitter end is gripped like your fi ngers in the trap where it is threaded through and then buried. The greater the load

the tighter the braid grips. With this splice there is one gripping loop being constricted and held more tightly by the surrounding braid of the tensioned standing part - the harder the pull the stronger the grip.

Search “splicing spectra” online and you will fi nd a wealth of resources showing many ways the fi nger trap mechanics are utilized to make several different strong tapered splices for

your running rigging and other applications. (See “Brummel Splice” for the strongest methods.) You will fi nd all the hollow braided line splices much simpler than the process required for double braid where you measured fi d lengths and marked dots, X’s, and rings with your felt tip pen.

Buy yourself a dozen feet of hollow braid and a fi d for that diameter line. You can practice the splices you see online as much as you want because such splices can be easily disassembled by pushing the braid together, bunching it up and loosening its grip just as you’d extract your fi ngers from the chinese trap. When you’ve mastered some techniques from your online study, go down to your boat and look for things you can make.

Even if you don’t have a boat, check out your yard where your sun sail lines could be eye spliced or the garden swing rigging dressed up in proper yacht fashion.

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

310-397-1887Effective & Affordable

MIllustration by Tim Tunks


Dear Mookie,

I have been cheating on my wife for about a year and a half. It’s torture in so many ways. I have to try and conceal the fi nancial part of it all, I’m always trying to remember my own lies and fi gure out ways to lead this double life. I’m honestly not sure if I will leave my wife and my mistress is starting to pressure me. This thing could really cave in and destroy my life. Any ideas?

Signed

Living in Quicksand

Dear Quicksand,

Nope.

Quality Advice From A Two Year Old Black Lab

Puppy

COMMODORE YACHTS

Phone 310.821.6817 Toll Free 877.369.3582 www.commodoreyachts .net

Let Us Sell Your Boat!

Choate 37 Sloop $29,900! 2009 Jeanneau 42’ DS $229K.

Chris Craft Commander $89,000

Silverton Sedan - Turn Key! $60K

Catalina 30’ Excellent - $16,500 Silverton 32 - Low Hours! $75,000

Mechanic Available • Repairs • Upgrades • Maintenance

SOLD!

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

E-mail: [email protected]

• Knowledgeable Sales

• Professional Installation

• Expert Repair

• Electrical/Electronics Parts & Accessories in Stock

FCC Licensed, CMET certifi ed technicians on staff

Marit ime Communications

ELECTRONIC

Find us on Facebook

FOR YOUR BOAT

EVERYTHING

Since 1966


SailboatsBeneteau 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, $300.00 per month - no long term commitment. Call Captain Richard Schaefer 310-460-8946Coronado 35’ 1974Sloop, Center cockpit aft-cabin. Yanmar Diesel, well maintained and many upgrades. Great live aboard and ready to sail. Recent Survey available. $29,000 Denise (310) 490-9432Ericson 27’ 1974Mercury outboard 8hr, Many sails, needs some tlc$4,500 obo - Pls call rick at 818-445-9882J-802001, 26’ sail-race boat. MdR. New PHRF- sails from Ullman. TacTics. 5Hp OB . Triad trailer. Slip D800 $29,990.00. Joe 310-908-5512 [email protected]’ Classic Enterprise sloop “Ku’ u ipo” (Euro Lido) Beautiful mahogany FRP epoxy. Spruce spars. $10 K all inclusive w/trailer. Fractional own-ership available. [email protected] 805 798-0493Laser Sailboat Includes 2 Laser sails, 1 full mast, 1 radial mast, boom, and boat. $3,500 Call 661-313-1305 or [email protected]

Power Boats 1995 Searay 440 SundancerNew 350 cats, new interior, new canvas. many up-grades, mechanical and cosmetic, boat at Joppatown Marina Private listing $117500.00 contact Pat 410-937-117342’ 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 310-293-9200.36’ Hatteras Sportfisher1986 Sedan Cruiser in Pristine condition with ONLY 300 hours on diesel Caterpillar engines! Located in MdR. 818-200-9770 - [email protected]’ Grady-White Marlin, 1996.Twin VX250 Yamahas. Just completed 50K renova-tion. “Everything New”: motors, gelcoat, interior, elec-tronics, more. Lowered to $54,000. (661) 257-9275.19’ 1999 Bayliner CapriMerc 3.0L 130 HP, with trailer and Bimini top. Stereo radio w/cockpit speakers, tachometer, speedometer, temperature, oil pressure and voltmeter. $5,900 Mdr Irv (310) 305-1768 [email protected]’sGreat DingyFor sailing in the harbor or sailing from your boat to

shore. The body is yellow, the sail is marine blue. 9-1/2’ Amy 310-975-4180. Inflatables8.5’ Bombard/Zodiac AX3, PVC, Slatted Floor $5009.7’ Bombard/Zodiac AX4, PVC, Air Floor $60010’ Mercury, Hypalon, Air Floor $120010’ Achilles, Hypalon, Air Floor $1000310-822-8618.Achilles Inflatable9’ Achilles - 310 823-110514’ Novurania. - 310 823-1105Trailers0’ - 13’ Boats $400-$120014’ - 16’ Boats $600-$120017’ - 21’ Boats $750-$120024’ - 29’ Boats $3000310-822-8618.

Outboards/Engines6 HP YamahaRuns great, very good condition, short shaft, $450 - 310-866-9439 .Various Outboards 3.5 Nissan $4504 Mariner, Long $6004 Mercury, Long $6004 Mercury, Long $9004 Suzuki $8006 Evinrude $8006 Mercury, Long $9006 Mercury, Internal Tank $11506 Nissan $7506 Nissan $10006 Tohatsu $8006 Tohatsu $10006 Yamaha, NEW-3yr Warranty $12998 Honda $10009.9 Yamaha, High Thrust, Elec Start, Long $12009.9 Yamaha, NEW-3yr Warranty, High Thrust, Power Tilt, Elec Start, XLong $279920 Honda, NEW-5yr Warranty, Long $329920 Yamaha, NEW-3yr Warranty $2799 310-822-8618.Outboards6 Suzuki. 2 x 9,9 Yamaha high thrust remote 25”. 20 Johnson remote 20”. 40 Evinrude remote 20”. 50 Mer-cury remote 20”. 75 Mercury trim 20”. 125 Force trim remote. Price is right! Call 310 823-1105.

Other StuffBoat Lift-Hydrohoist 4500BGet your boat out of the water, up to 4,500 pounds, easy to operate $4,990 with warranty. Joe, [email protected] 310-908-5512Extra Long Whisker PoleWant to win sunset races (cruising class)?With this extra-long telescoping whisker pole on downwind legs your wung-out headsail will spread wide and your boat will go significantly faster. Made

of very lightweight carbon-fiber tubes. As new condi-tion. Is a spinnaker pole, too. It adjusts anywhere be-tween 13 to18 ft. (Cost new: $2500) Priced at $1350; 310-776-0800. Displayed at:Hasley/UK Sailmaker: 310-822-1203Alternator, Steps and a LadderMotorola 72amps 12 volt Marine alternator never used $75.00 3 steps dock boarding steps fiberglass $75.00 bof. Boat ladder teak 45’’ long $30.00818 701 0782Horseshoe Buoy & Igloo CoolersDeluxe white horseshoe buoy excellent $50 White ultra-cold igloo 50 qts coolers, 2 blue max-cold igloo 50 qts coolers $25 each. 310-391-6174 Leave messageReaching strut for Catalina 38$75 - teak tiller 5ft long $50 -310-866-9439 Stuff - TV, Mounts, Chairs, Fender HoldersStainless dinghy mounts $100, four large stainless fender holders $75 ea. stainless/wood chairs, $25 ea. Samsung flat screen $100 - all in xlnt condition. 310-913-5533West Marine adult life vests (7)Like new condition. Comes with whistles & West Ma-rine yellow soft case for easy storage. $60 Call (310) 398-1430Strobe Lights3 floating strobe lights with floating lines and shackles. $65 each4 suspenders pfd type v auto inflate with safety teth-ers $75-$90Chris 310-391-6174Powercords & Hose30 AMP Power cords - 1 brand new in box $50 - 2 slightly used $25 1 new 50’ water hose 5/8” in box, drinking quality $25310-391-6174 leave messageTrailers 0’-13’ Boats $400-$120014’-16’ Boats $600-$120017’-21’ Boats $750-$120024’-29’ Boats $3000310-822-8618MainsailFrom 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 8364Magma colorful boat umbrellaw/ rail mount $30 - Chris 310-391-6174Magma rail mount bbq trayWith bbq tools $30-Chris 310-391-6174AnchorFortress FX-23 Anchor $150 - 310-391-6174Donate BoatsLooking for Boat DonationMarine Mammal ResearchThe Ocean Conservation Society, that conducts

Free Classifieds! Under 25 Words

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


valuable research of marine mammals in the Santa Monica Bay, is looking for boat donations. There are many benefi ts to donating your boat. Please email [email protected] 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 profi t organization helping and thank-ing our past and present Veterans. Www.supportin-gourservicemen.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.orgServicesProfessional, U.S.C.G. Lic. Sailing Master, 25 years experience.Available for boat purchase sea trials and consultations, local deliveries, sailing instruction and charters. 30 years local experience. 310-460-8946 or Richard Schaefer [email protected] Boat Covers and RepairsNew boat covers, canvas repair, restore water repellency to marine canvas. Dan 310-382-6242Come Sail with Capt. Royall!Fun Charters, professional deliveries, sail or powerboat lessons, video or photo shoots, private skipper, personable and experienced. www.royallcharters. com 310-367-3415USCG Licensed 100-tonMaster CaptainDeliveries/Lessons/Private Captain. Experienced, Courteous, Safe and Fun! Contact Jeffry Matzdorff 323.855.0191 [email protected]. Jeffry Matzdorff. 323.855.0191WantedInformation on Americas Cup replica nine-foot sailboat.Any and all will be appreciated. Please send [email protected] for a 36’-40’ YachtSomething like a Carver with 2 state rooms to live aboard - on a live aboard slip, Preferably in D Ba-sin. Please email [email protected] or call 310.314.3537Large inheritance If you are a very wealthy person who really wants to sock it to the family you hate, there is no better way than to donate your enormous stockpiles to a strang-er. I will only spend the money on things that I deem will honor your memory. Have your attorney email [email protected] upon your passing. And thank you in advance!Cruiser Meeting“Cruiser’s Forum meets twice monthly to discuss boat systems and cruising preparations. Contact Tim Tunks: [email protected]”

(310) 210-0861marinaresourcecenter.com

(310) 210-0861(310) 210-0861(310) 210-0861(310) 210-0861marinaresourcecenter.com

(310) 210-0861marinaresourcecenter.com

(310) 210-0861(310) 210-0861marinaresourcecenter.com

(310) 210-0861(310) 210-0861(310) 210-0861

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

DAMIAN CANVAS WORKS

Dodgers Cushions Full Covers Stern Rooms Bridge Covers

- Satisfaction Guaranteed -

310-822-2343

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


FIBERGLASS REPAIRSINCE 1969

Gel Coat SpecialistsCustom Fabrications

Expert Color MatchingCosmetic to Major Collisions

Custom Instrument Dashboards

310/306-2149

FIBERGLASS REPAIRHarry Gibson

the mariner 136

Documents

t i n g c o

n marina

z i n e f o r t h e

t i o n f o r w h e

r i n e ra p u b

mariner issue

n d e n d sw w

sea lion community