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8/9/2019 The Mariner 144

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12 Year

AnniversaryStill No Dinghy Dock

Tragedy at Catalina

Gray Whales

More SUP Talk


2/28

2 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

Well folks One more year and The Marineris a teenager. This month marks the 12-year anniversary o

your belovedMariner magazine and I shall take this opportunity to thank all who pick it up. Also to the

advertisers without whom this humble rag would not exist and I would have no gas in my truck.

Its been a good dozen years here in MdR. Looking back, I think of my photo boat in the beginninga

diminutive 9-foot dinghy with a 5HP 2-stroke Suzuki. My dog Mookie and I would shoot the local race

and quite frankly I felt like everyone was sneering at me. But I clicked away and things got better.

Page counts went up, color lit up the scene and the rag gradually got accepted into the fabric of the boating

community as I hoped it would.

Along the way Ive seen all kinds of interesting things just outside and inside our breakwall. Olympic

contenders have been crowned; blue whales have visited en masse; tragedies have fallen; political battle

have waged and hundreds of other stories told.

As the Marina turns 50 this year, I realize 12 years is but a blip, but Im proud to be part of it all and

grateful the local boating breed has kept it around. Hopefully more advertisers will come along and wel

keep driving this train.

On a last note, Ill always remember, when I rst started... I trying to sell a back page ad to long time

Marina del Rey berglass master Harry Gibson. I wanted to sell a few issues in advance and he said, I

would but Im not sure youre going to exist in a few months. I understood.

Today I say to that straight shooter and now long-time advertiser - Hey Harry! Were still standing dude

C:$ D,+48$+ 4"

Editor/Publisher

Pat Reynolds

Columnists

Richard Schaefer

Dave Kirby

Writer

Tim 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. 30 - Feb. 27

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3/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 3

40 Carver 1999 aft cabin , diesels. loaded,$149,900

46 Wellcraft1994 Cockpit motor yacht,twin dsls air cond, full tronics $110,000

39 Symbol 1989 double cabin Caterpillardiesels $69,000

38 Cruiser Inc.Flybridge,1994 Aft cabinfull elecs, low hours on engines$59,000

37Alberg Yawl 1974, rebuilt diesel, severalsails inc 2 new, boat need work $16,000

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

60 Sunseeker Renegade1993 rebuilt Detroit diesels. Family friendly - 3 cabs, salon,dinette, galley. Fast cruising up to 40-knots! Amazing deal for a Sunseeker. $179,000

52 Californian1990 cockpit MY Cat diesels, stabilized, spacious interior $159,00048 Californian1987 Cockpit My, Cat Diesels double cabin $159,000

65 Harkers island Guthrie 1970, 4 staterooms, ready for Cabo or Alaska. For private orcommercial shing - consider trade for Cars, Realestate, Gems $120,000

42 Unifite1984 aft cabin GM V-8 Diesels loaded and clean , RIB Inatable on davit new

canvas enclosures$87,500

46 Moody1985 Bluewater Cruising Cutter, 3 cabins equipped to go now!$169,000

42 Hunter center cockpit aft cabin, very spacious interior large aft cabin have 2 available2000 asking $119,000and 2002 asking$139,000

65 McKinna2002 pilot house, Exceptional 800 hp Cat 3406s, stabilizers, bow thruster,satellite TV, computerized entertainment center, dual helms 3 cabins, low hours $699,000

47 Lien Hwa Mtr Yacht 1995, loaded Greatfamily fun or live abrd, motivated $149,500

45 Sea ray Sundancer1997 twin dieselsconsider trade in power / sail $149,000

39 Mainship 1990 express cruiser veryspacious layout $39,000

33 Sea Ray1995 low hours, A/C, $49,00035 Sea Ray1991 low hours, A/C, $34,900

28 Sea Ray Sundancer, 2005, twin engine,inverter, full electronics$59,000

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

32 Luhrs1974 sedan new lt nish lowhours show as a 10 $18,950


4/28

4 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

February 5

!"#$%" '() *(+ ,"#-(#./ !"#0(1

Thursdays beginning at 9:00 a.m. 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. For more

info 310-305-9545.

February 7

2((0(%' 34%5(#1 "1 ,$.6(#-"%/.

7$))"8( 9 :4; *J:K*(88"(@

See February 7 for venue and contact info.

February 22

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7$))"8( 9 XGDD) >C"DDK,A%0@

See February 7 listing for more details of venue

and contact info.

February 28

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The Polar Plunge is the Special Olympics

largest fundraiser during which individuals and

teams, alongside Special Olympics athletes

take the plunge into the chilly waters of Marina

(Mothers) Beach during the height of winter

8:00 a.m. For more info - [email protected].

February 28

:(#8(#K=1($% *"5( Y X

Be part of the famed Berger/Stein Series for

race #2 to Squirrel Bank. Southern California

distance racing is a great way to spend a day

and the Berger/Stein is the perfect event. [email protected] to sign up.

Ongoing

R"'')( $% 16( !44%)$861

Every Wednesday and Friday evening come join

the crew of Pro SUP for a fun night of paddling

theres no better way to end the day than with

a paddle cruise! Sunset Moonlit Marina Paddle

Cruise is a 75 minute paddle cruise around the

Marina. Evening is one of the most peacefu

times to go for a paddle through the marinathis experience is absolutely breathtaking! We

depart from Mothers Beach. For more info cal

310-945-8350

L#4O$5") *450

Every Wednesday 6-9pm at The Warehouse

Restaurant Unkle Monkey duo performs island

music and pop/rock on guitar, ukulele, congas

and steel drum. Voted one of the Top 3 Bands

on the Westside by The Argonaut two years in a

row. They are a boater friendly band and wil

take all your Jimmy Buffett requests! Happy

Hour 4-7 4499 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey

="%1" !4%$5"2$%'Z"--(#. H"561 3)A;

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

! " # $ % & ( ) * % + , -


5/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 5

at www.smwyc.org for activities, membership

details, racing, events, directions, and more.

!"#$%" 7(%$5( H"561 3)A;

=45$") =A%'"+.

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. Social Sunday Dinner

is currently $7 for Boat + Sail Club Members

- (guests $10). Includes free entertainment

and bargain priced full bar. Reservations very

helpful. For more information call 863-701-

4076, visit mvyc.org, or contact membership@

mvyc.org.

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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.

!"#$%" =A%'"+ ="$)$%8 3)A;Since 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

onthe2ndand4thSundayofeachmonthon 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 members 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, ifspace is available. No prior sailing experience

is necessary. For more info call (310) 226-8000

or see website at www.marinasundaysailors.org

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FN%(#. 4M 3"1")$%" H"561.

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 jeannecro@

gmail.com.=$%8)( !"#$%(#. 4M !"#$%" '() *(+

Attention sailors and singles. Singles Mariners

of Marina Del Rey invites you to a dinner and

a sail. Join us twice a month for a cocktail

reception followed by dinner and a meeting. We

gather inside Pacic Mariners Yacht club the

rst and third Thursdays of each month - free

parking in the lot. There is a $7.00 charge that

covers a light meal and use of the club house.

We are a FUN social club built around weekend

sailing on the bay. We match skippers with crew

for a fun day of sailing. We meet on Thursdays

and sail the following weekend weather and

skippers permitting. If you are a skipper and

would like to host our members or have an

interest in teaching sailing then this is the club

for you. PMYC is located 13915 Panay Way,

Marina Del Rey. For additional informationplease visit our web site singlemariners.com or

better yet e-mail Alan Rock the Commodore at

[email protected]

To list a coming event,

email [email protected]

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Est. 1985

Craig Cantwell

310-827-1473

!"#$%&' )*&+ ,-./%0-POPEYES PUMPOUT CO.

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6/28


7/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 7

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8/28

8 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

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One Mariner reader sent this our way:

I have been boating in Marina del Rey since I

arrived in California in 1968. I bought my own

boat in 1982, and lived aboard in MdR for 13

years, moving ashore in 2007.

One of the great pleasures of MDR has always

been the darkness at night. Unfortunately that

his been disrupted by the recent renovation of

the Marina del Rey Hotel, where newly installed

lighting brightly illuminates the entire end of

the nger the hotel occupies between F and

G basins.

The building itself is covered with lights, and

the parking lot of the hotel and the adjoining

Marina del Rey Marina are brightly lit by

oodlights like a used car lot or movie shoot.

Marina del Rey is a unique part of Los Angeles

County, and it is my opinion that at least some of

the principles of the LA. County Rural Outdoor

Lighting Ordinance that the L.A. County Board

of Supervisors recently enacted should also

apply to Marina del Rey.

LP Painting - Sprayed or Brushed

Fiberglass & Gel Coat Repair

Custom Fabrication & Modifcations

Teak Deck Restorations & Replacement

Complete Cosmetic Maintenance

2814 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Mdr www.spectrummarine.net

Rick Baker - 310-306-1825 - Since 1982

Spectrum

M

arine

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

";6:;< "68A;A $:" E84F7 H19927813 *AA2; I


9/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 9

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#AH/,?R #AE>?1,=LR #AH0/@A

Call For An Estimate!

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*$50 :")";A50

U[\9U]^9_X`U

Good Vibrations Canvas

.%/)(0/% 2 3+*,4+(/5

www.goodvibrationscanvas.com

Question:If I am on a commercial sport diving boat and we have legally

caught lobster on board, may we go into a marine protected area (MPA)

to dive and be assured that we will not get a ticket if we are boarded? We

would of course have lobster report cards all properly lled out and the

lobsters would be of legal size and taken beforehand in a legal area. Canthe boat operator be assured that he will not be cited as well? (Rusty B.,

Montclair)

Answer: If you have lobsters on board your vessel, you may not dive in

a marine reserve with gear that can be used to catch lobster (California

Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 632 (a)(7) and (8)). A person

cant have their shing gear deployed in the water when anchored or

transiting through a marine reserve or other MPA that prohibits shing for

the species you have on board. Thus, if a diver dives with a game bag and

gloves, then it could be argued they have their lobster shing gear in the

water. If divers really want to dive in a marine reserve off their boat with

catch on board, they should do everything possible to ensure it does not

appear they will be pursuing/taking lobster. This would include stowingtheir completed lobster report card, along with the lobster and dive bags.

A diver wearing gloves and diving with a game bag, or anything else that

could be used to take sh, lobsters or abalone (a large dive knife or long

stick with a hooked device, etc.) would appear to have another purpose

in mind besides sightseeing. It would then be up to the wildlife ofcer to

determine the appropriate action.

Question:I y sh for calico bass using barbless hooks in the kelp beds

off Catalina Island and the coast, and its all strictly catch and release

Garibaldi are abundant in this habitat and are very aggressive. When I can

see them I can usually avoid catching them.

However, rarely one will take my y inadvertently. Since they are only

lightly hooked through the lip, they survive the accidental catch and

release. However, it is illegal to take garibaldi. Is this considered illegal

if caught by accident and then released? How can one avoid catching

them? (Rick B.)

Answer:No, it is not considered an illegal action to accidentally catch

a prohibited species as long as it is immediately released back into the

waters it came from. Intentionally targeting a prohibited species IS illegal

but you do not seem to be doing that.

As for how to avoid catching them, thats a tricky question. About the only

thing you can try would be to use a larger hook (that the garibaldi mighhave problems taking into their small mouths), but y shing generally

doesnt allow for use of larger hooks. You may need to employ a bit of

ingenuity to gure out how to reduce the number of garibaldi you end up

hooking.

Questions and answers furnished by the California Department of Fish

and Wildlife.

!8AF834 ";967;: K2;A7813A ,3AD;


10/28


11/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 11

ecently, a Mariner reader wrote in and wondered aloud

about the fact that the local re department was down to

one reboat due to maintenance issues. It is a little scarythat we only have one forty-year old re boat to potentially

save over 5,000 boats, she wrote. [ed. note: there are less

than 5,000 boats in Marina del Rey]

We contacted the Fire Department and were assured that, while they are

in fact down to one, its only temporary. The on-watch Captain went on to

say that of course they love having all three boats, one of them built to a

very high standard, but the department used one boat for the better part of

40-years and they have contingency plans.

Once that issue was put to rest, Captain Brady began to discuss what he

considered more pressing safety concerns the outpost is up against. On

the top of the list was their burning desire to procure two Personal WaterCrafts that would allow them to get to the scene of an emergency in the

blink of an eye rather than the 22-minutes it currently takes them, due to

the no wake limitation.

He explained that even in a legitimately called-in emergency situation,

they are forced to leave the connes of the harbor slowly. Brady painted

the picture with a recent event:

We see a column of smoke out past the breakwater. We really dont know

if its a re or not but we do see smoke. So we head outfull blast and we

got out there. Turns out it was part of the dredging, someone starting up

his rig, tons of smoke no emergency, no nothing. Well guess whatw

get back to the re station20-30 thousand dollars worth of claims come

in for hull damage [caused by the wake].

Brady was clearly frustrated by this glaring restriction in the ability to

provide assistance and in some cases save lives. On the heels of a Newpor

Beach boat parade accident where a Lifeguard vessel killed a person and

the propensity for people to le damage claims against the county, the

department sees PWCs as the answer.

Its the biggest and most advantages thing we could possibly have right

now, Brady says. I can get a paramedic out [past the breakwall] in two

and half minutes.

The problem with the concept is of course scal. Brady hopes that perhaps

through fund raising or an angel donor, the station can procure a couple ofPWCs and make the marina a safer environment for everyone.

When little Suzy is out on the family boat and gets hit by a mast or

whatever, Brady said of the forced bare minimum 22-minutes they are up

against. If I was the dad Id be absolutely livid.

Soon the Fire Department will be back to their normal three boat stock

and will continue to try and gure out how to add two more useful vessels

to the eet.

!8


12/28

12 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

f theres one thing many, if not all, Marina del Rey boaters seem to agree on, its the want for legitimate dinghy docks to exist around the

harbor. The idea that most feel is a no-brainer for the ultimate good of the area, just cant be navigated through the turbulent channels of

local bureaucracy and leaseholder issues.

Director of Beaches and Harbors Gary Jones told both The Mariner and a room full of people at a Small Craft Harbor Commission meetingmonths ago that a dinghy dock at Fishermans Village could be done. Michael Pichaie, leaseholder of the property, said in August, We

are going to implement dinghy docks within the next 45-90 days, maximum, said Pichaie. It will be done. Its something thats been

recommended by many people - its absolutely necessary and we are going to do that.

Today, well beyond this 90-day promise, both Jones and Pichaie are far less denitive and far more reticent about saying a dinghy dock is in the works.

We would love to do the dinghy dock and we will, Pichaie told The Mariner.Its in the new plan [for Fishermans Village] but the only way we can

do it is by getting rid of a tenant, which is not that easybecause they have leases.

Indeed, it apparently is not as easy as it may seem to free up the space that would allow a handful of dinghys a tie-up for access to the main hub

of Marina del Rey. Where boaters and their guests could patronize the shops and restaurants like they do in places like Huntington Harbor. There is

currently a research vessel (that tests water quality) in a spot that would work but they arent budging. Many question why a research vessel is parked

in an area that would be better suited for more public-serving purposes. When asked about relocating this boat, the answer is: they have a lease.

Director Jones said in August, Theres a way to make available some docks within their existing footprint. But, it seems now there isnt. Months later

Jones said, We are working with the lessee to explore other options.

When concrete afrmative statements turn into nebulous jelly communities sigh. They ask: is it truly this difcult to get a small dinghy dock for the

thousands of boaters of which this area is centered around? Is it really so demanding to get an American ag erected on the harbors breakwall?

Of course there are obstacles, but this is what good leadership overcomes. Perhaps the inspiration of spring will bring with it the motivation of getting

things accomplished and following through on statements made.

I

Still No Dinghy DocksWhat was once denitive has gone wishy washy in the hope for

dinghy docks at Fishermans Village

Photo Pat Reynolds


13/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 13


14/28

14 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

Its About the Boat!

310-305-9192

13900 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

!"#$% '#()*%( +," -,)" ./(%/012

Let us know when you are ready to discuss the value of your boat

!"#$%&'"# ') *+%",,"-%"

w World Famous Sails

w 1 Day Repair Service

w Sail Handling Systems

w Pick Up / Delivery

w Used Sails

Visit

uksailmakers.com

Monday - Friday 9-5

1731 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Marina del Rey

310-822-1203

Pacifc Fire & Marine

!"#$%( ,$#(

=AOO#(..$4% =O(5$")$.1.

562-484-1045

Annual re system inspection & certicationFire extinguisher recharge & salesEngine room system install & repair

Complete dockside service

!"#"$ !"&!

"'"()*+$,(!- ,$(!./0123 45. 6784123 ,29:;4/< !12=. >?@A

TroubleshootingRewiring,Panels

AC/DC Accessories

Inverters, Batteries

Tel: 310.827.SEAS Tel: 310.574.3444n

12$,+'0+3+"4 +" -5/(.6 7"/('00'(+."

.8 9':+4'(+." ;


15/28


16/28

16 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

here is a saying that

Catalina Islanders

know well, When

you can see snow on

the mountains on the

mainland, and there is awind off the mainland -

Beware!

That was certainly the

case on December 30th,

when a Noreastera type of storm normally

associated with the East Coastroared across

the San Pedro Channel and slammed into, what

is normally the lee side of the island, causing

death and destruction.

With little time to prepare after the marine

weather warnings came in, the Harbor Patrol

quickly set about the standard noreaster drill.

Boaters were advised to evacuate to what is

normally the weather side of the island,

rather than ride it out in Avalon Harbor. When

these offshore winds and seas kick up, many

inexperienced boaters are surprised to learn that

Avalon is not exactly an all weather harbor.

This night was no different, and many boaters

panicked. Only a handful of boatsmostly

skippered by seasoned sailorspulled out for

the backside of the island. Later, I was told that

these boaters had a rough time of it as well, only

the ones that reached Catalina Harbor found

total protection from the heavy seas.

As the system moved in, the Avalon Harbor

Patrol was left to deal with the remaining 40-oddvessels remaining in a harbor that would soon

turn into a maelstrom. Hurriedly they moved as

many boats as possible to the north part of the

harbor behind the rocky breakwater at Casino

Point. The other, generally smaller vessels,

were tucked under the Cabrillo Mole, where

commercial vessels embark and disembark

passengers.

There was not enough room in either of these

two marginally protected areas for all the boats

in the harbor to nd shelter. The Harbor Patrol

did their best to double moor the remaining

vessels so (hopefully) the power of the steep

waves would be divided and absorbed between

two moorings and their heavy hawsers. The

patrolmen were working hard against the clock

and increasing winds. They battled to prepare

for waves that would soon loom large and

menacing from the darkness.

By 10:30 the wind and waves had slammed into

Avalon hard. Boats were hobby horsing and

slowly being pulled toward the beach. The VHF

radio crackled with desperate emergency calls

pleading for help. However, by this time there

wasnt much anyone could do. The power of the

waves was simply too great. All anyone could

do was hold tight and wait it out.

Harbor patrolman Tim Mitchell had made his

way aboard the 65-foot commercial diving

boat, King Neptune, as the steep waves pushed

it toward the rocky shore. Mitchell worked a

a part-time dive instructor for Catalina Scuba

Luv, and the King Neptune was their larges

dive/excursion boat. He wanted to save her

Reportedly he started the engines and attempted

to move the big boat to safety, but the props

became entangled with mooring lines and the

engines coughed and stumbled to a stop.

Relentlessly, the slab-sided waves shoved the

boat closer to the beach. The shoreline, in some

areas of Avalon Harbor, is nearly vertical rock

or concrete; the incoming waves refract and

slam back into the oncoming waves, creating a

nightmarish scene of steep and confused waves

Any boat or crew caught in them was in a deadly

situation.

The King Neptune was trapped in this caldron

of crashing waves. No one is certain whether

Mitchell jumped and tried to ght his way

E # = , E = L " " ( / & .

&


17/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 17

through the waves to the beach or if he was

thrown from the wildly pitching deck and into

the churning, dark water. Either way, tragically,

he was crushed between the massive King

Neptune and the rocky shore.

At dawn another man, Bruce Ryder a live-aboard

in Avalon for several years and coincidentally

another dive instructor with Scuba Luv, was

found oating in the harbodead. During the

peak of the storm Ryders dog, Pretty Boy,

had swam to shore, then ran up and down the

waterfront barking for his lost master.

It is not known whether Ryder died trying to

assist Mitchell in the attempt to save the King

Neptune, or if he was swept from his moored

vessel by the violence of the waves. Another

possibility is that Ryder was trying to make it

ashore in his dinghy, with his dog, and both he

and the dog were thrown into the water by the

waves. Both men were well liked and respected

in this close-knit island community. A temporarymemorial was quickly erected by the people of

Avalon near the waters edge.

Five large vessels and ten or more

smaller vessels were either sunk

or went hard aground that night.

Several other boats sustained

varying degrees of damage, but

remained aoat.

Two Harbors sustained only

minor damage to the pier. One

large sailboat, anchored in LittleFisherman Cove dragged anchor

and was towed by Baywatch

to Big Fisherman Cove, a safer

anchorage.

I have been caught at Catalina twice in

noreasters, but neither storm was nearly as

ferocious or deadly as the beast that slammed

into Avalon on that December night, two days

before the New Year, of 2015.

At this point, it seems appropriate to summarize

the options and strategies for boaters confronted

by a strong north or noreaster condition when

at Catalina.

If you are an experienced sailor/seaman, with a

sturdy crew, and have a stout well-found vessel,

then standing out to sea and reaching off, as

soon as you gain sufcient sea room, might be a

good decision. Listen to the marine weather and

set your course accordingly. This strategy can

be effective from either Avalon or the West End.

If I need to explain this tactic any further... well,

then you are not ready to employ this option.

From Avalon, in a more northerly storm, the

four-ve mile run to the Palisades or Silver

Canyon Landing might be a good choice. In a

short lived storm I would not advise anchoring,

but rather slowly sail or motor parallel to the

shoreline - a safe distance off. Have anchor gear

at the ready. In a noreaster this area can be a

churning- washing-machine, and you should

continue around the island either until you are in

the lee of the island or make for Catalina Harbor

(Cat Harbor).

If you have sufcient time before the storm hits

then make for Catalina Harbor - either from Two

Harbors or Avalon. The back of Cat-Harbor,

behind Ballast Point, is safe from any possible

threat from waves. However, the wind may

funnel through the anchorage at speeds reaching

near hurricane force; putting tremendous stress

on mooring gear or anchor. Once, I spent an

entire night at the helm of a 60 foot ketch, in

40+ knots of wind, putting the engine in gear

during higher gusts - easing back to neutral in

the lulls - trying to keep the straining ancho

from dragging through the muddy bottom and

putting our ship aground.

If you are anchored or moored between Parson

Landing and Rippers Cove, on the Channel side

of the island, when a Noreaste

is forecast, and you dont have

much time, the best option

would probably be to moor or

anchor in Big Fisherman Cove

Big Fisherman is home of the

USC Wrigley Marine Center

This cove is usually off limits

to the public and the moorings

and facilities are reserved for

USC staff, students and specia

guests. However, boater

can take shelter there in an

emergency, and may moor or

anchor. If the wind shifts to

the northwest you might be better off crossing

Isthmus Cove and mooring in Cherry or 4th

of July Cove. You can always ask the Harbor

Patrol for advice.

Ninety percent of the time, Catalina has

beautiful and benign weather, but during tha

other ten percent...Well, things can get ugly..maybe even deadly.

Captain Richard Schaefer is a U.S.C.G

Licensed Sailing Master and has instructed

skippered charters, managed yachts and

performed deliveries for more than 30 years

He can be reached for questions, comment

or consultation at 310-460-8946 or a

[email protected].

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18 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

Photo Pat Reynolds

ince 1979, from the cliffs of Palos Verdes, the American Cetacean SocietyLos Angeles Chapter has been conducting a gray whale

census project that has counted whales passing by in effort to gauge the health and well being of the species. Since the gray whale

migration, the longest of any mammal, is very predictable, this type of visual monitoring is very valuable. This station runs from

the rst of December through May 15 seven days a week during daylight hours. According to their website, volunteers peer through

Fujinon 7x50 binoculars and log the amount of individuals that pass as well as behavioral patters, possible human impacts including

boat interactions, possible harassment incidents, and entanglements.

This year the project announced a new December record of 393 gray whales passing Point Vicente. Many are calling this the bes

whale-watching season ever with the appearance of humpbacks, n whales and also more than a few sightings of Orcas in the region. In an interview with

Socalwild.com Alisa Schulman-Janiger who heads up the census project said:

This is the most amazing season due to both the sheer diversity of rare species encounter and the current record high gray whale counts, she continued

An outstanding whale watching season is not just the occasional rarely sighted species, but being able to see a good number of whales and a variety

of species and behaviors on a regular basis.

The gray whale migration begins in the Pacic Northwest (Bering and Chukchi seas) and ends in Baja Mexico, which is considered their calving

groundsthen its back up north. All together the trip is somewhere around 10,000 miles. They make a steady pace of about four to six knots with some

breaks along the way. The whales are 40-50 feet and weigh around 76,000 pounds.

As we head into February, grays will now be traveling both southbound and northbound. The early travelers will be returning to the north, often with

calves, from their time in Mexico and the procrastinators will be traveling south on their way to warmer waters.

The uptick in gray whale numbers appears to be evidence that the conservation efforts put in place decades ago have yielded positive results. Wayne

Perryman, biologist with NOAAs Southwest Fisheries Science Center, told the Cambrian that indeed 2014 was a banner year for calf production.

We counted 431 calves, Perryman said. Thats a really big number.

Gray Matters

S


19/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 19

Well, that was a pretty amazing

season, but theres still somedecent shing to be had if you try.

Around this time of year lots of

local anglers are targeting sculpinon dropper loops with strip squid.I, personally, like to take this time

to take a closer look at the localcharts to see if I can nd a new

shing hole to explore.

Remember rockshing is stillclosed from January 1st through

February 28th, but when it opensbe sure to have plenty of lead - goover your gear and maybe even

turn it in if you cant or dont havetime to service it yourself.

With weather and time permittingget over to Catalina as they are still

picking up yellowtail and calicos.

On the lobster front, hoop nettersand divers say its been a bit slow

this past month but appears to be

picking up its all about how muchtime you want to be on the water.

Well Im back to checking bilge and

bait pumps.

Until next time. tightlines

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20/28

20 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

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21/28


22/28

22 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club13589 Mindanao Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292

(310) 827-7692 www.smwyc.org

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Check out our website www.smwyc.org for a calendar of all of our events and activities

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Having a Holiday Party? Need a venue?

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2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 23

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24/28

24 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

This tip of the month is from Captain Joel

Eve who skippers the king-sized Fantasy

Island boats that can be seen traveling al

over the Marina del Rey harbor:

How do you know if you are going too fast

on the waterways? In Marina del Rey, for

example, the posted speed limit in the inner

harbor is ve knots. However, there are quite

a few boats that leave a large wake behind

them even at this modest speed. So look

behind you, and if your boat is leaving a

large wake, slow down a bit.

It is important to remember that you can be

held liable for any damage done by your boat

wake. Another reason to slow down in a

busy harbor is to gain precious time to make

an evasive maneuver or to stop your vessel in

time to avoid a problem. Lastly, if you even

think for a moment that you are going too

fast, you probably are.

Regarding the course you should hold, it

should be as steady as possible. One reason

for holding a steady course is to show

other vessels your clear intentions. When I

encounter a vessel that is making wild course

maneuvers, I slow down and give that vessel

plenty of sea room.

Tip of the Month!

766 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Phone: (310) 821-4958

E-mail: [email protected]

Knowledgeable Sales

Professional Installation

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Electrical/Electronics Parts & Accessories in Stock

FCC Licensed, CMET certified technicians on staff

Maritime Communicatio ns

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Since 1966

Handy nuggets of pocket sizedinformation to make your

travels easier, safer or just abit more enlightened


25/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 25

="$);4"1.:(%(1("A F5("%$. V\\

Timeshare/Partnership on Beneteau Oceanis 400.Tri-cabin model - two heads. Full electronics, refrig6

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26/28

26 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 2015

ing systems, inspections, written surveys with video.

Serving Marina del Rey to Long Beach. Call Nathan

(@L/AEA? U5:6997677:U

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27/28

2015 C:$ D,+48$+-Issue 144 27


28/28

FIBERGLASS REPAIR@PD7B GH

FIBERGL SS REP IR

Harry Gibson

the mariner 144

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