the mariner issue 127

Issue #127September 2013

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

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

The

2 The Mariner - Issue 127 2013

The Mariner is

Editor/PublisherPat Reynolds

ColumnistMookie

ContributorsDave Kirby

Richard SchaeferTim Tunks

For advertising rates and Information contact

310-397-1887 email

[email protected]

Mailing address P.O. Box 9403

Marina del Rey, CA 90295

The Mariner appears on the last Friday of every month.

This issue Aug. 30 - Sept. 27

I don’t know exactly how it all went down – it was sort of a blur of circumstances. I know I was out in my dinghy and there was a lot of splashing, cackling, feathers flying - heavy bird activity – maybe a feeding situation. I was about four miles offshore. It was confusing – gulls, pelicans, sea lions – they were all very close. They were in my space or maybe I was in theirs, either way it was a unsettling strange atmosphere. I was standing, looking around for my ignition key in the tumult when I dodged a bird’s flail and fell backwards into the water. Gasping for air, I felt nothing but beaks poking at me - I thought I might drown. But then, through the melee and panic, I locked into a weird and hypnotizing stare with a pelican. I was frozen and felt a change. I looked down and suddenly, I had wings. I looked back up and the pelican nodded – telepathically he said, “fly dummy.” And I did.

I rose from the riot, tucking my rubbery little feet into my belly feathers. My vision was altered; I could see through the water, I craved anchovy. I scanned the ocean and saw my next meal. I dove. At 30 miles per hour I broke the water’s surface and came up satisfied. I rose back up into the clean air and saw my new pelican friend.“Let’s check out the breakwall,” he said in pelican mindspeak. We landed on the breakwall and everyone was talking, laughing and going to the bathroom like crazy. It was pretty much the greatest party I’ve been to. “I can’t believe you guys blast out poop while you sit and talk with each other,” I said to my

friend in sheer awe. “People don’t do that?” the pelican asked amazed.“No man!” I said. “We have special locked rooms for that kind of stuff.”“That’s funny,” pelican said nodding. I told my friend I had to return to my people – that I make a magazine and they need me. He said he understood but that I am welcome to visit he and the others on the rocks whenever I want. I just may. So if, one day, you see a naked Irish guy on the breakwall rocks surrounded by pelicans, drinking beer and going to the bathroom openly - know that it’s me and that everything is alright – I’m just visiting with an old friend.

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

The Day I TurneD InTo a Pel Ican

Coming Events 4

Off the Wire 6

Master of the Channel Islands 9Interview with Brian Fagan

In the Splash Zone by Tim Tunks 10Cruising Adventures in Mexico

Checking Out iRegatta by Rick Ruskin 12Racer and Tech Expert Rick Ruskin reviews iRegatta App

Local Currents by Richard Schaefer 16Boating & Life Lessons

Powertails 18Boating With Dogs

Racing - Lido Nationals 20

Gizmo of the Month - Cutting Bolts 22

Classifieds 25

Thanks for picking it up!

Cover - Old Schoolby Pat Reynolds Photo by Pat Reynolds


94’ Sea Trec Comm certified charter vessel - operating business in Newp Bch $399,000

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

47 Lien Hwa Mtr Yacht 1995, loaded Great family boat or live abrd, motivated $189,000

42’ Owens 1947 Classic aft cabin cockpit restored to show condition $35,000

38’ Dolphin 1985 twin diesl 2 cabin trawler bristol! Teak interior, very equipped $87,000

26’ Larson express 2004fully equipped new canvas, $19,000

68’ DeFever Trawler 1986 cockpit, 4 staterooms, great livaboard/cruiser $399,000

50 Azimut Pilothouse 1989 3 cabins - shows beautifully $149,000

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

39’ Carver 1994 mtr yacht - have 2; gas and disl models, equipped/clean from $79,000

38’ Californian 1978 aft cab 2 disel trawler much deck and interior space $59,000

36’ Sea Ray 1983 express, rebuilt, new en-gine, fully equipped slip available $35,900

41 Islander Freeport 1978 full keel double cabin, needs major work $39,000 TRADE

49 Gulfstar Flybridge motor yacht 19833 cabins, spacious interior $149,000

42 Uniflite Sportfisher 1978 twin diesels 2 cabs loaded with fishing equipment $29,000

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

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

33’ Silverton 2007 Convertible with 2 cabins, shows as new, loaded $179,000 offer

41 Hunter aft cockpit with aft cabin; have 2 -2000 an 2002, From $115,000

60 Hatteras cockpit motor yacht 3 cabins low price $152,500 slip available

47’ Bayliner 1997 Pilothouse 3 cab very clean and equipped - motivated $199,000

42 Sea Ray 2001 mtor yacht, twin dsls, larg-er saloon model, turn key - from $179,000

39 Symbol 1989 double cabin Caterpillar diesels $85,000

38 Carver 1988 motor yacht only $69,500

29’ Regal 1997 express with 2 cabins twin engines, generator, make offer $37,500

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

Sistership

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

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


August 31Jimmy Walker “Buffalo Chip” Toss

Come test your athletic skills and compete for the furthest toss at our 27th Annual Buffalo Chip Toss. Choose your chip wisely! Prizes will be awarded for the furthest throws. All chips will be provided for the event. For more information or questions please contact Leslie Boutillier at 310-510-4249, [email protected] or visit our website at www.visittwoharbors.com

September 10About Boating Safely Course

A concise yet comprehensive boating safety course that covers boating basics and gives you the knowledge to operate your boat safely. Course fee for either class is $45 per person or $55 per couple, if paid in advance. ABS: Sept 10th - Oct 1st / 7:00-9:30 p.m. at California Yacht Club 4469 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, California 90292 Mail to: [email protected] (424) 248-7190. www.uscga1242.org/classes.html

September 10Women’s Sailing Association Sep-tember Speaker: Transpac 2013 on the Santa Cruz 70 “Maverick”

Speakers will be Transpac ”Maverick” crew John Staff and Michelle Shanks who will take some of the mystery out of offshore racing. They will address boat preparation, navigation, sail trim, what to wear, key personal gear, sleeping, and provisioning/cooking while telling the story of Maverick’s just completed race from Los Angeles to Honolulu. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour, no-host cocktails and a hosted dinner with the meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will begin at 8 p.m. For more information, email [email protected], visit our website: www.wsasmb.org or friend us on Facebook.

September 11Weekend Navigator Course

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 due at registration, the first night of the course. Sept

11th - Nov 12th / 7:30-9:30 PM at King Harbor Yacht Club 280 Yacht Club Way Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Register and Reserve your spot by email: [email protected]

September 12Boating Skills

Seamanship/Sailing Skills CoursesTwo comprehensive courses designed for both the experienced and novice boater. The courses provide up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions, with an emphasis on power boats and sailboats. Includes a review of both State and Federal regulations. $80 textbook & materials fee, due at registration, the first night of the course. SS&S: Sept 12th - Nov 21st / 7:00-9:30 p.m. BS&S: Sept 12th - Nov 21st / 7:00-9:30 p.m. at Del Rey Yacht Club 13900 Palawan Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Register and Reserve your spot by email: [email protected]

September 14thMicrobrew Fest at Two Harbors

Celebrate our 11th Annual Microbrew Fest on the beach in Two Harbors. Sample a selection of microbrews while listening to live music. Tickets go on sale August 1st. Call 310-510-4205 for more information or to purchase tickets.

September 14Marina del Rey

Outrigger Canoe ClubCome try this exciting team water sport at Mothers’ Beach, Palawan Way (south of Admiralty), Marina del Rey. Newcomers are welcome; Saturdays beginning Sept. 14, 8-11 a.m. For more information, email [email protected], or visit www.marinaoutrigger.org.

September 18-21Catalina Film Festival

The Catalina Film Festival is back for another year of films and sunshine! The festival, an annual celebration of film on the only West Coast resort island, features more than 100 films screened at multiple venues around the island plus nightly events and daily entertainment.The competitive festival present awards in up to 10 categories, including the prestigious ISLA Earth Award. For more info, visit CatalinaFF.org,

tweet us at twitter.com/CatalinaFilm or like us at facebook.com/CatalinaFilm.

September 1955th Annual Catalina

Festival of ArtLongest running annual event on Catalina Island. Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Highlights include charity art auction and kids art show. Catalina Art Association. 310-510-2788, www.catalinaartassociation.org

September 21MdR Kayak Cleanup - National

Coastal Cleanup DayAt 8:00 am come down to Marina del Rey for the traditional end-of-summer Kayak Cleanup, where spirited volunteers bring a kayak, paddle board or dinghy, get in the trenches and help clean the harbor! Limited number of watercraft will be available for onsight rental. Regsitration is $10 with personal watercraft, $20 with loaner. 8 a.m. - Noon. Launching from Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club. More info at 310-827-7692

September 26California Yacht Club Yachting

Dinner: “Catalina Island – Paradise Lost ….or ?”

Presented by Catalina Harbor Master Armando Eason. Join yachting enthusiasts at 6:15 p.m. for the California Yacht Club’s monthly presentation on boating interests. At this Dinner, Catalina Harbor Master Armando Eason will present an update about what is happening now and planned for the future of the famous local Island. As a favorite Port of Call for both sail and power boaters, discover the Island Company’s vision for the venues of Catalina. Uncover their plans serving desires/needs of both the causal “landlubber” tourist and those of the serious cruising sailor. Of special interest will be a discussion of options for access to California Yacht Club’s historically favorite anchorage at Ballast Point. No host Cocktails – 6:15 p.m. Bountiful Buffet - 7:00 p.m. followed by Presentation $25.00 includes dinner, tax, service and parking. Open to all who enjoy yachting and adventure, as a public service of CYC

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.?


Reservations Required California Yacht Club. 4469 Admiralty Way – MdR – 310.823.4567 – www.calyachtclub.com

September 28Catalina Island Conservancy

Half MarathonEnjoy the expansive Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Preserve with its spectacular vistas while being challenged by the rugged terrain. Spectrum Sports Management. 909-399-3553, www.RunCatalina.com

October 3 – 6 Buccaneer Day’s at Two Harbors

Aargh, mateys! Come celebrate our 24th Annual Buccaneer’s Weekend. Don your best pirate attire and set sail for Two Harbors for a weekend of treasure hunts, costume contests, great food, live music and a lot of fun. For more info please contact Two Harbors Events at 310-510-4249, [email protected] or visit our website at www.visittwoharbors.com

October 8Reading Nautical Charts & Gps for

Mariners CourseHRNC is a boating seminar on unraveling the mystery of charts (and what those little icons on your GPS actually mean). GPS for Mariners is a modern learning experience that focuses on GPS equipment and related electronics typically owned and used by recreational boaters. Course fee for either class is $45 per person or $55 per couple, if paid in advanced. HRNC: Oct 8th & 15th / 7:00-9:30 PM GPS: Oct 22nd & 29th / 7:00-9:30 PM at California Yacht Club 4469 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, California 90292. Mail to: [email protected] (424) 248-7190. Register online at: www.uscga1242.org/classes.html

ONGOINGMarina del Rey

Outrigger Canoe ClubCome try this exciting team water sport at Mothers’ Beach, Palawan Way (south of Admiralty), Marina del Rey. Women practice Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Men practice Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Newcomers are welcome! For more information, contact Steve at (310) 997-2313 or Cal at (310) 902-8096; email [email protected], or visit www.marinaoutrigger.org.Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht

Club Open House ActivitiesWe invite members, guests, and prospective members to join us for cocktails, food, live music, dancing, and fun on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Friday evenings start with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner and music at 7:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling

(310) 827-7692 or emailing [email protected]. Our Sunday afternoon BBQs are the perfect place after a Sunday sail or just to wind down from the weekend. Live jazz and blues bands start at 4pm. Our Club is located at 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Please visit our website: www.smwyc.org for activity and membership details, racing and sailing events, menus, directions and more.

Marina Venice Yacht ClubSocial Sundays

Join Marina Venice Yacht Club weekly for our Social Sunday Open House from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 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 may attend two meetings free. No prior sailing experience necessary. Married people welcome! For more info call (310) 226-8000 or visit our website at www.marinasundaysailors.com

Catalinas of Santa Monica Bay, Owners of Catalina Yachts

Join us for our monthly meetings at the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We would like to welcome Catalina owners to join our club. We

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

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] Mariners of Marina del Rey

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

To list a coming event, email [email protected]

Sell it in

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


O F F T H E W I R E

MdR Lifeguards on the Job

“The Fuelman” Dies at 58

Local Boater Makes Run for Congress

Diesel Tank Cleaning & Filter Systems Installed

at Your SlipWater, Sludge & Algae Removed

Dwyn Hendrickson 310-722-1283

Since 1974

• LP Painting - Sprayed or Brushed

• Fiberglass & Gel Coat Repair

• Custom Fabrication & Modifications

•Teak Deck Restorations & Replacement

• Complete Cosmetic Maintenance

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

Rick Baker - 310-306-1825 - Since 1982

Sp

ec

trum

Ma

rine

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

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Boating Classes and Vessel Safety Check Website

www.smbcgaux.org

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

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

NEW REPAIRS

Varnishing Polishing Wax Carpet Steam Cleaning

Weekly or Monthly Washdowns Email - [email protected]

310-466-8267

On a Wednesday evening this past month, L.A. County Lifeguards responded to a boat in distress on the detached breakwater in Marina del Rey.

As the Sunset Series sailed by, Baywatch Del Rey, rescued six people after their boat crashed into the breakwater. By the time lifeguards were on scene, the 20’ powerboat was lodged eight feet up into the rocks, but no one suffered any injuries. Lifeguards described it as a “miracle” that it wasn’t worse. Story courtesy of Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division

Photo by Pat Reynolds

Longtime boater and member of the Marina del Rey community Randy “The Fuelman” Goslee passed over the bar on August 8. He reportedly died quietly at his home in Lake Isabella at the age of 58. Randy, a popular and well-liked figure, managed the fuel dock in Marina del Rey for 25 years and was a longtime member of Pacific Mariners Yacht Club. Many will miss him. A celebration of his life will be held at Pacific Mariners YC September 29 at 1 p.m. For more info please e-mail [email protected]

(Malibu, CA) Congressional candidate (CA-33), Emmy nominee and MdR boater Brent Roske officially announced his candidacy on Friday, August 9 at Creative Visions in Malibu. The Independent candidate, running against 39-year incumbent Rep. Henry Waxman, was joined by cast members of his series ‘Chasing The Hill’ and other members of the entertainment industry as he tossed his hat into the ring.

Roske is proposing a very novel idea should he win – a “two for one”, as he calls it.

“If I get elected, I’m going to share the job with Rep. Henry Waxman for the first year,” Roske said. “Yes - that’s correct. I’m going to split the salary, which is currently 174k, and the job, learning from Rep. Waxman’s 38 years in Congress. Rep. Waxman is actually considering my idea.”

Check out http://roskeforcongress.com for more info.


O F F T H E W I R E

Paddleboarders Clean Up Marina Catalina Cruise Slated for October

Outboards, Infl atables & Boat SuppliesSALES & SERVICE

Kent AnderssonServicing MdR

since 1984

Phone: 310-823-1105Cell: 310-463-0077email: [email protected]

ALL BRANDS, ANY HP - TRAILERS AVAILABLE UP TO 18’CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

12792 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City

Venice, CA (July 2013) Volunteers and Yoga enthusiasts gathered at the water’s edge in Marina del Rey on Saturday, July 27, to celebrate the launch of Kurmalliance’s new boat initiative with the help of the Santa Monica Windjammer Yacht Club. With the addition of a bio-diesel fueled boat, the Kurmalliance organization plans to expand its ocean clean-up with deep sea clean boat excursions. Day-long festivities included paddle board yoga, harbor trash collection by paddle board volunteers and a celebratory lunch at the Santa Monica Windjammer Club.

Both the paddle board yoga and paddle board clean-up were led by Brock Cahill, the founder of the Kurmalliance organization, who believes, “by creating a sense of playfulness we inspire, educate and encourage individuals to refuse to use single use plastic products, effectively working to eliminate the root cause of the plastic pollution problem while witnessing firsthand the devastating effect of the pollution.” Cahill, a world renowned yoga instructor and environmentalist, understands that every effort to help clean the ocean is a positive step in ending the vast pollution problem facing our oceans today.

Over a dozen people volunteered for paddle board clean up. Volunteers were amazed at the amount of refuse that was picked up in just

an hour of clean up. Over 12 5-gallon buckets were filled to the brim. Volunteer Lisa Ferris said, “I never knew so many plastic things that should be recycled, end up in the ocean and our environment.”

The Kurmalliance organization hosts monthly paddle board clean-up and deep sea boat excursions. Visit our website and Facebook to get involved.

Recognizing that plastic pollution is a major cause of habitat degradation, Kurmalliance improves marine ecosystems for sea turtles and their cohabitants through plastic clean-up efforts in the Santa Monica Bay and though our Pluckfastic initiative which encourages the local community to choose to refuse single use plastic products.

Learn more about our organization on our website www.kurmalliance.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pluckfastic

The famous Captain Woody, from the world of Latitudes and Attitudes and now the Cruising Outpost is rallying the troops to take part in the quite popular Catalina Cruiser’s Weekend that will be happening at Two Harbors from October 18 - 20.

The plan is for cruisers to arrive on Friday in time for happy hour and live music at the Harbor Reef bar. On Saturday there will be exhibitor booths, cruising seminars, BBQ and live island music, for free.

“Like last year, this is a not for profit event. Any money we make goes to Heal the Bay & Celp.net [Catalina Environmental Leadership Program],” said Woody.

There will be raffles and giveaways to benefit the aforementioned organizations

There’s quite a bit more in store including tall ships and tri-tips. For more info go to adventurevoyaging.com/catalina-cruisers-weekend/ .

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


“Cruising guide to California’s Channel Islands”, a book by Brian Fagan, is considered by many to be the best cruising guide ever written for the area. Mr. Fagan commands a vast wealth of knowledge and has written many other well regarded books, but on this day he was kind enough to discuss this particular field of expertise with “The Mariner.”

The Mariner: Not only have you extensively cruised the Southern California, Northern Mexican waters, you’ve written a book about it that still remains one of the most well-respected books written on the subject. That said, what spots, of the ones you’ve covered in The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California, are your personal favorites?

Fagan: Without question, my two favorites are the north coast of Santa Cruz Island with its many nice anchorages and the San Francisco Bay area, where the quality of sailing is unrivaled. At Santa Cruz, you have to anchor and it’s like a 19th-century world. No buoys to secure to and you are on your own and have to make judgments about where to anchor. Sailing through the Golden Gate and under the Bridge is one of the great cruising experiences. And the summer sailing there is boisterous and wonderful.

The Mariner: Where are some cruising spots in Southern California that you consider “well kept secrets”?

Fagan: There are few well kept secrets left in Central and Southern California waters, especially south of Point Mugu, where the marine environment is largely artificial these days. I can find you a nice anchorage at the Channel Islands with no one in it over any summer long weekend--but I’m keeping my mouth shut! My advice: take advantage of the fact that most people go to the same old places--a mistake!

The Mariner: In your experience, is Point Conception, the Cape Horn of the West Coast as some have suggested?

Fagan: Point Conception has been the subject of almost more bar talk than any other headland in the United States. Yes, the winds can blow strongly there and it can be a nasty place, but, if you time your passage north and south and travel north at night, you should have no trouble. Like so much else, it’s a matter of common sense, careful timing, and judgment when on passage. And please...ignore the bar talk! You’ll probably find that most of those holding forth have never been there!

The Mariner: Do you think technology has made cruising generally safer?

Fagan: Yes, technology has made sailing safer in the sense that you can push a button and find out where you are. But I worry about a whole generation of people at sea, who have never used a Dead Reckoning or even taken a bearing. What happens if your batteries die or your electronics take

a day off? Frankly, and I am conservative here and West Marine may hate me for it, but I think a lot of the electronic goodies we now consider “essential” are unnecessary. What’s wrong with a chart, a compass, a bearing compass and a pencil and parallel rulers? They make for far more entertaining and challenging passage making--but you have to realize that I am old fashioned!

The Mariner: If you were speculating - do you think most Southern California boaters know enough about how to properly anchor

their boat?

Fagan: Anchoring is an art, not a matter of technology alone, much as the technology obsessed among us would like you to believe. Yes, many Southern California sailors have never anchored, or rarely done so, living as they do in a marina environment, or with moorings at Catalina. Anchoring is a matter of experience and practice, of digging your anchor in securely and laying out plenty of scope, as well as choosing the right place. If you’re doubtful about your anchoring skills, recruit a crew and spend several weekends practicing again and again. Then go to the Channel Islands, and I guarantee that you’ll be fine.

The Mariner: Have you cruised near San Nicolas and/or San Clemente Islands? If so, is it an interesting place to visit even though you can’t land?

Fagan: For most people, I don’t think that San Nicolas and San Clemente are worth the long passages to and from the mainland. The fun of the Channel Islands is exploration both at sea and on land--and you can do that at other islands. Having said this, they are certainly worth seeing.

The Mariner: What have you found most gratifying about cruising these waters?

Fagan: The predictable summer weather and the afternoon trades. I’ve had more perfect sailing days and wonderful passages here than anywhere else in the world. We are lucky to have such a perfect cruising ground so close.

The Mariner: What boating highlight will stay with you forever?

Fagan: Making landfall on the British Virgin Islands from Europe within a 1/4 mile of our destination--a rock 38 feet high with a light, WITHOUT using GPS--sextant only. That and sailing from England to Finland and back, again without electronics.

The Mariner: What skill or piece of knowledge do you wish you learned far earlier than you did?

Fagan: Patience--patience to go with the flow and to accept that good seamanship means waiting for the right conditions. To my mind, it is not fund to pound your way to windward when you can avoid it. I think such patience comes with age and experience.

Master of the Channel IslandsDiscussing Channel Islands Cruising with Expert and Author Brian Fagan

Photo courtesy of Channel Islands National Park


In the Splash ZoneCruising isn’t always pretty...

Tim Tunks recalls a day in Mexico that called for him to dive in and save a boat from sinking.

n 1996 I wanted to see how much had changed at Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, since my engine failure five years

before, but the Marina entrance was still the same obstacle course of underwater sandbars. Designed like several other Mexican marina entrance channels, one side was a straight jetty and the other side a jagged saw-tooth array of small rock jetties set perpendicular to the channel at about seventy-five foot intervals, each with shallow beaches built up behind.

An engineer once explained the concept to me. The shallow beaches and jetties on the saw-tooth side were designed to absorb and dissipate wave energy from swells entering the channel, reducing the uncomfortable surge inside the marina.

Not very effective at dampening wave energy, this design also helps generate bumps and gullies in the channel floor—bumps that greatly reduce the entrance depth when bump, boat, and wave trough share the same time and space. Scallywag’s rudder reminded me of this fact when I sailed in to visit the just-opened Paradise Village Resort and Marina one afternoon at high tide.

I had checked in with the marina dockmaster by radio before entering and was assured there was no problem with entrance depth, and a friend with a house in the area had drawn me a chart of the bottom contour. I felt confident Scallywag’s five foot-draft and the high tide would give us plenty of margin from the eight-foot minimum depth reported at low tide.

Despite following the charted channel perfectly, Scallywag shuddered frightfully as she encountered the first big bump while floating deeply in the trough of a three-foot swell. I could feel the shock through the steering wheel, and

my heart sank as the spade rudder hit bottom twice more.

The rudder damage was immediately obvious when the rudder jammed at about ten degrees of turn to starboard and maximum force was required on the wheel to unjam it and turn to port. With the handheld VHF radio I again contacted the dockmaster to explain my dilemma and request one of the dozen slips that had been built. As all the slips were along one dock to our left, I planned my approach as a large circle to port, the direction the rudder would move. The dockmaster was there to catch our spring line as we eased up to the dock.

My next move after getting fenders deployed and mooring lines secured was to don swimming suit, fins, mask, and snorkel to see how bad things were. Even with the poor visibility in this muddy estuary it was clear the rudder shaft was bent and I could see white shredded fiberglass where the top trailing tip of the rudder must have snapped off as it was wedged against the hull. I surfaced and called for a hacksaw and a turn of the steering wheel to locate a cut line that would permit full articulation of the bent rudder.

With a full range of rudder angulation restored it was time for a dock hose shower and a cold beer. As it happened, the trauma was so severe

Scallywag and I needed a full five days to recover at this nearly empty and newly opened deluxe resort before returning to the boatyard in Marina Vallarta for haul out and repair.

However there was another dramatic entrance-channel grounding on the third day of our recovery. This story of extensive hull damage and the emergency response effort is instructive.

Recompense was an Ericson 32 sailboat that had departed Nuevo Vallarta for a trip back to the

U.S. on the day before our grounding. They had been driven back by a rare winter storm and I recognized the boat and crew as they approached the entrance. The storm surge had generated breaking waves in the channel and it was clear there could be a far worse result than the easily repaired damage the sturdy Scallywag had suffered. Repeated radio hails failed to get a response from Recompense so I jumped into the dinghy and motored full speed to warn them.

I was too late. By the time I reached them they had already bounced several times off the bottom and the rig had loosened so much that the mast was now tracing circles in the sky as it wobbled drunkenly about. Deformation of the hull was the only probable cause for the loose rig and major structural damage was the only probable cause for the hull deformation.

This was obviously a very ugly situation. It was certain my six-horsepower outboard could render negligible towing assistance, so I requested they deploy their bow anchor and rode to my dinghy so a kedge could be anchored further up the channel with which they could winch themselves free. Alas, they had secured the bow anchor for their trip north with multiple wraps of an old jib sheet and lots of knots (“if you can’t tie good knots, tie lots of bad ones” is

By Tim Tunks

I


Tom Blada310-420-1619

Custom Yacht Carpentry by

The Master’s Vessel

35 Years of Woodworking Experience

wRepairswRestorations wComplete WoodshopwAll Types of Woodworking

common advice) and they were still fumbling about when two pangas with their powerful outboard engines arrived and passed them a line.

As I scurried out of the way I could hear the sickening sounds of the keel hitting bottom again and again—the rig getting looser with every bump. I figured the next chapter of this story would involve two-part underwater epoxy and scuba gear, all of which I gathered together on the dock.

My dock neighbors were an accomplished Canadian sailing couple I’d known for a few years by now. John, a retired heart surgeon, was recruited to be my dinghy operator and epoxy mixer. We placed a pair of mixing boards with two large putty knives in the dinghy alongside a two-part kit of Splash Zone underwater epoxy from Scallywag’s emergency repair kit.

One more radio call to Recompense got the response that they were now secure in a slip across the channel in the decrepit Nuevo Vallarta Marina and all was well. I unzipped my dive suit, but kept everything in readiness in case things were not as secure as reported—which turned out to be the case.

Next we heard a radio request for extra bilge pumps and I figured John and I would soon be called to duty.

“John, you’ll be in the dinghy mixing batches of the putty for me to apply. You hand me the new loaded mixing board when I finish applying the one at hand.”

“How should I mix it?” he inquired.

“Mix it real well.” I responded.

Gathering up a couple of underwater dive lights to help visibility—as the winter sun was starting to set—we loaded up and motored across to the

stricken vessel. Quite a crowd had assembled on the dock to render advice and I dove down with a light to survey the damage. Severe it was, with a gaping smile-shaped crack open at the leading edge of the keel where it met the hull. Visible cracks could be seen all around the keel and there was one bad rip that opened from the keel up the port side, under the head area of the boat. This was an area with extensive interior details molded to strengthen the boat around the mast and keel loads.

No wonder the rig went slack, I said to myself. The bulkhead on the port side must surely be crushed, requiring complete demolition of the interior to access that section of the hull and keel stump. I surfaced and asked John to start mixing Splash Zone, and to report the extent of the damage to Recompense’s unhappy owner.

Underwater loading a spreader full of goo from the mixing board and pushing it into the gaping hole was a surprisingly difficult and messy process. Stringy filaments would suspend themselves in the water and then wrap around whatever they encountered whether it be part of me or my scuba gear. Soon I noticed my epoxy-coated gloved hands were contaminating my mouthpiece when I surfaced to instruct John to mix smaller batches and to push the mass close to one corner of the mixing board for more effective application.

I must have been working a long time; for daylight was completely gone when I was notified the leak had diminished enough that one small pump was keeping up with the inflow. I was taking a last dive to smooth things out a bit and work some more putty into the biggest cracks, when John reached down and tapped my shoulder, signaling me to surface and communicate.

“How much more putty will you need?” he asked.

“Not much. Why do you ask? Are we running out?”

“No, I just wanted to know if I should open the other can,” said John.

Nearly swallowing my goo-coated regulator from laughter, I contemplated how much more effective a dozen kids chewing up packages of gum and handing them down would have been—not to mention how much cheaper than the several hundred dollars a one gallon kit of Splash Zone costs.

The bright side of John’s mixing error is that the part “A” material that was stuck all over my dive suit and gear was ever so much easier to remove as soft goo than if it was hardened epoxy.

It was a good learning experience. In retrospect, a correct response would be to use a few tubes of silicone caulk or adhesive along with a caulking gun to apply it for a temporary fix. Application would have been exponentially easier with a caulking gun, and Recompense’s structure was far too compromised for the epoxy putty to provide any structural strength. I realized that mixing epoxy putty and loading into a caulking tube, and using a caulking gun to apply it could be a most effective repair for less extensive damage.

My next trip stateside, I picked up a dozen empty caulking tubes, a few of which stayed in my emergency supplies to be loaded with epoxy when needed and the rest were distributed to friends after being told this story.

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

Volume One of Tim’s new book, The Best Gift Ever for Sailors, is now in print and available on Amazon.com or at discount price on: www.thebestgiftever.info. Look for Volume Two to be out early December in time for holiday gift giving.


IRegatta is a sailboat racing and GPS navigation application for smartphones and tablets, available in the Apple Store and Android Market.

At $20, it is the least expensive “full service sailboat racing tool” I have found, offering most of the features found in very sophisticated and expensive programs like Expedition.

I will cover six of IRegatta’s eight pages here. You will use three always, one more if you have “polars” for your boat, and two more if your boat has a NMEA to Wi-Fi adapter. More on that aspect later in this article.

Let’s start out by focusing on those first three pages.

Page 1 is the GPS “Navigation page” As a standalone GPS, it is by far the easiest one I have found. It only takes two touches of the screen to select and navigate to either a waypoint or an established route.

It only takes the same two touches plus a single touch (one for each waypoint of the route) to establish a route. If the Race Committee signals a “new” weather mark, you can select the “new” weather mark from the mark list with the same two touches.

If the new mark is signaled in bearing and distance, touch the Pos button on the same screen, type in the heading and distance to the next mark (using keyboard that pops up), press save twice and finally select that new mark.

That may seem like a few steps, but believe me, it takes about five seconds.

Try that with any Garmin handheld GPS and you will be trying to figure out which buttons

to press until you’ve either missed your start or the race is over!

Page 2 is the “Race View page”This is the primary page you will use during a race. Four individual boxes on this page display any item you select including COG, SOG, VMG, etc.Touch and hold a “box” for a couple of seconds, then swipe left or right to choose the data you want.

Laylines, including distance and time to are also displayed on this page.

Page 3 is the “Starting View page”This page has a number of buttons that will allow you to “ping” the RC boat and “pin” ends. If either end of the line is a fixed mark, you can select that mark using the “waypoint” button on this screen, then sail past the stern of the RC boat, touching the boat symbol on the screen to select that end.

The app indicates the favored end (relative to the weather mark selected) in green, how far to the starting line and how much time to reach the starting line.

The “time to the start line” is invaluable and has allowed me to be “on the line” for nearly every

start.

A “count down” timer takes up most of this view and you can select the number of minutes to the start (five minutes for example) or an actual starting time.

This second function is great for any race when you know the actual time you will start, like Wednesday nights or Inverted Starts.

There are + and – buttons to “sync” the timer if you miss the gun. Those are the basics, now for the more advanced features of the app.

IF you have “Polars” or target speeds for your boat from a Velocity Prediction Program (VPP), you can import these while “syncing” your device (this is also how you import a waypoint list)

Most boat manufacturers will supply these if you ask. Beneteau, Farr, J boats and many OD classes will supply the polars, while a number of independent companies will do the same (for a fee).

Page 4 is the “Tactical page”Once you have imported the “Polars”, this page will tell you the tack and jibe angles for your boat at any manually entered wind speed. You adjust the actual wind speed with a slider at the base of the page, matching your instruments. If your boat has a “NMEA to Wi FI” adapter (more on this aspect later in the article), the app will receive all of the information from your on board electronics.

Using the wind speed and wind direction broadcast by this adapter, the app will calculate and display true wind direction, current and opposite tack heading, as well as jibe angles. It

Checkin’ Out iRegattaBy Rick Ruskin

Long time MdR racer Rick Ruskin takes a racing app through its paces


will also display on the “Race View Page” any of the relevant NMEA information received.

Page 6 is the NMEA page Displays ALL NMEA information supplied by your on board electronics.

Page 7 is the AIS pageDisplays AIS information supplied by your on board electronics.

I’ve included links to the App’s Website:http://www.letscreate.dk/letscreate/?q=node/1Forums:http://letscreate.freeforums.org/index.php

Tomas is unbelievably responsive and will usually get back to you in one day. He seriously considers all input and regularly does updates to the app based on this input.

Finally, a NMEA to WI FI adapter connects to your on board instrument’s NMEA outputs and then broadcasts that information (like your home Wi-Fi network) to any onboard Smartphone or Tablet or PC.

These adapters are sold by a number of manufacturers and typically sell for about $300. I’ve found a Swedish company selling one for about $110 delivered to the US.

I’ve included links to some vendors below:http://vyacht.net/products/nmea-wifi

http://www.milltechmarine.com/Comar-N M E A - 2 - W I F I - N M E A - t o - W I F I -Converter_p_238.html

All in all this may seem a little overwhelming, but if you just keep your focus on pages 1-3, I promise you will be blown away by the simplicity and brilliance of the App.

In addition to being very active in the local racing and yacht club scene, Rick Ruskin is also been a professional in the area of audio/video for over 30 years and for the past 10 years has been involved in professional marine maintenance.


❂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

W W W . B A R H A R B O R A P T S . C O M

Bar HarborApartments & Anchorage

(855)281-1860

THIS IS HOW WE DOCK!Bar Harbor Anchorage is a classic boating community in the heartbeat of Marina del Rey dedicated to providing our residents with a comfortable and affordable boating lifestyle .

A SHORT WALK FROM MARINA DEL REY’S BEST RESTAURANTS!SLIPS FROM 21’-50’ STARTING AT $11.25 PER FT. CONVENIENT MTM LEASES!!!

• SOCIAL EVENTS

• CONCRETE DOCKS

• LAUNDRY FACILITIES

• BEAUTIFUL “C” BASIN

• AMPLE PARKING & STORAGE

• LOYAL MANAGEMENT STAFF

• SALTWATER HEATED POOL AND JACUZZI • PRIVATE MEN AND WOMAN’S SAUNAS/SHOWERS


Yacht Exchange & Cal Yachtsmove to new location

MARINA DEL REY - � e Yacht Exchange and Cal Yachts, west coast dealer for Sunseeker have joined together to o� er Marina del Rey a new premier yacht brokerage, o� ering new yachts as well as quality brokerage listings.

� e Yacht Exchange made its home above the iconic Ships Store for many years, but has recently relocated to 13900 Marquesas Way Ste 6001where they look to continue serving the MdR community as they have for the past decade.

Yacht Exchange owner Ruck Goldreyer was saddened to leave his old location a� er being situated for so long but is looking forward to the new developments that have arisen including a new alliance with Sunseeker’s Trenton Carroll.

“We’re excited to join forces with Trenton and the Sunseeker crew,” said Goldreyer. “Everyone knows the brand and how amazing the boats are - we’re really happy to be a part of it all. I hope folks stop by and check out the new o� ces!”

310-305-9192

“I t ’s About the Boat!”

w w w . t h e y a c h t e x c h a n g e . n e t w w w . s a i l b o a t s i n c - m d r . c o m

The Yacht Exchange/Cal YachtsSuite 600113900 Marquesas Way


’ve been fooling around in boats for about 40 years, maybe longer. I’d like to share a few hard learned lessons with you.

1. Boats stink. The usual suspects are heads and mildew. First thing - close the head’s saltwater intake through-hull. Then, either rig a freshwater tank devoted to the head or simply use the shower wand from the sink and put a pint of freshwater in the bowl to flush - add more as needed. By eliminating the saltwater micro-critters from the head you will reduce the odor substantially. There is also the added benefit of no mineralization build up in the hoses and valves and fewer repairs. The amount of freshwater used is inconsequential over long weekends and short vacations.

Mildew’s musty odor is also ubiquitous onboard most boats. If possible, wash your cushion covers once a year, and air the foam on deck for a full day in the spring sunshine. While the cushions are out on deck use that opportunity to wipe down bulkheads, lockers and compartments with a solution of 10% bleach - open your hatches. And, while your crawling around, keep an eye out for repair and maintenance issues.

2. Be comfortable with anchoring. Practice and make sure your ground tackle is in good repair and ready to deploy in an emergency. I have known more than one person who turned around and came back from Catalina on a busy weekend when there were no moorings available. I’ve also known boats to go up on the beach or rocks because an anchor couldn’t be deployed in a timely manner.

3. If you’re thinking you might need to reef - you do. Know how to use your boat’s reefing

system, practice, and put one in early - before things get ugly.

4. Keep your boat squared away. Whether you’re daysailing, or at the island for a long weekend, be sure your guests keep their gear neatly stowed. No one likes to stumble over clutter or spend a lot of time searching for stuff. Explain to your guests that you’re not a “neat freak”, but that “tidy” and “shipshape” is best for everyone.

5 Marine electronics - no substitute for seamanship. Marine electronics are wonderful things, but don’t rely completely upon them - they are no substitute for experience or seamanship. At least, have a handheld compass and paper charts and, at a minimum, know basic coastal navigation. A handheld VHF and GPS are good back-ups as well.

6. Practice man overboard like your life depended on it. By now, most of you know that I prefer the “Heave To Pickup” to the “Figure 8”.

Here, again, are the basics:a) Call out, “Man Overboard!” - Get a

throwable floatation device to the MOB. b) Assign crew to watch the MOB.c) Depending on conditions, sail off about 2-3

boat lengths - come about - do not let go the jib sheet. Allow it to “backwind”.

d) Steer the boat toward the MOB. When the MOB is a few feet off the bow turn the wheel hard to weather - the leeward quarter will slip toward the MOB. (On some boats it may be necessary to ease the main sheet so that the boat will not comeabout despite the backwinding headsail. Experiment with your boat under different conditions to see how she responds.)

e) Have a crew member stand by with a cleated-off line to throw to the MOB as they come alongside.

f) Get your boarding gate or ladder ready.

If you are on a deep broad reach or run, it might be better to turn the engine on so you can more easily and quickly get back to weather. Always have the engine in neutral as your vessel comes alongside the MOB. You don’t save any money buying only one shoe.

7. Things can get risky at night or in bad weather. Keep your crew in the cockpit if possible and wear lifejackets. At night be sure to have whistles and lights attached (and maybe an EPIRB) to the PFD. If crew must go forward use tethers/jacklines.

8. Spend some money on a good dinghy and outboard. You’ll find you spend a lot of time in them when you’re at the island. Have a motor that’s reliable and a dinghy that is stable and large enough for your crew. In local waters they also make pretty fair life rafts in a pinch.

9. Never abandon the boat for the water or a life raft unless it’s a step “uphill”. Don’t abandon a sinking boat - let it abandon you.

Here’s why:a) A partially submerged boat is a lot easier to

see than a dinghy or a bobbing lifejacket with a head sticking out.

b) Even in our relatively warm waters hypothermia will kill you in a matter of hours - don’t be in a hurry to speed the process up. The boat may remain afloat longer than you think.

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

by Captain Richard Schaefer

What I’ve Learned About Boats and Life

...or like to think I have

Continued on page 22

I


DIRTY YACHTS Cleans Boats

R I G H T !

310-717-0462

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

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

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

Trust your boat to a professional

BONDED & INSURED!

We’ll beat any LEGAL topside competitors prices!

VIKING DIVE

SERVICE

Underwater Maintenance

Corrosion Control

A Commitment Towards Excellence

Est. 1985

Craig Cantwell

310-827-1473

DAMIAN CANVAS WORKS

l Dodgersl Cushionsl Full Coversl Stern Roomsl Bridge Covers

- Satisfaction Guaranteed -

310-822-2343

Advertise

31

0-

39

7-

18

87

Dedicated to Excellence

w World Famous Sails

w 1 Day Repair Service

w Sail Handling Systems

w Pick Up / Delivery

w Used Sails

Visitukhalsey.com

Monday - Friday 9-5

1731 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Marina del Rey

310-822-1203


P o w e r t a i l s

Doggin’ It

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

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 Chase Park. Our clubhouse, lobby, dining and meeting rooms and patio offer an ideal setting for any occasion.

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

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

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

For membership information please email [email protected]

Some dogs were born for the water, others less so. According to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the key to boating with dogs, is taking it slow and making safety #1. Here are eight tips to get you started:

Before you go:• Get a good fitting life jacket and have the dog wear it a few times around the home before they get on a boat. Any pet life jacket should have a handle to easily lift the animal out of the water. • Have a special ID tag with the name of the boat, marina, slip number and cellphone number on it just in case. If the dog gets lost, it’s a lot easier for the person who finds them to get them back to you quickly.• If there is any chance you’ll be going to Canada and Mexico, make sure you have current rabies vaccine and other shot documentation with you as dog tags are not acceptable proof of immunizations. It is also a good idea to check with customs because the rules and requirements often change.

Getting started:• Familiarize the dog with the boat slowly - don’t just get on the boat and leave the dock right away. Ideally, bring the dog to the boat for the first time without leaving the dock, and let give them a chance to sniff

around and get their sea legs. It may help to start the engine so they are used the sound.• Plan for falls overboard, either from the boat or dock. If the dog falls overboard underway - or jumps in - you may be able to circle back and retrieve Fido just like a fallen water skiier, pulling up slowly, cutting the engine and luring the dog to the swim platform with a treat. If you don’t have swim platform, smaller dogs may be lifted over the side by their life jacket handle, but bigger dogs may require a different solution. If a dog falls off a dock, know that seawall bulkheads may prevent

the animal from a self-rescue.• Bring plenty of water and make sure there’s some place the dog can get out of the sun and stay as cool as possible. Know the symptoms of dog heat stroke. While seasick dogs may vomit, that’s also one sign of heat stroke. Rapid, loud or difficulty breathing, extreme thirst, thick saliva, disorientation and a bright red tongue and pale gums are a few of the others.• If you’re going to be out on the boat for more than a few hours, plan on how your dog will relieve themselves, and pick up after your dog, no matter where they go. If you see where someone else didn’t pick up after their dog, pick it up for them. You don’t want to give any opportunity to show why dogs shouldn’t be allowed in your marina, and your boating friends will love you for it.


The words that probably best describes this summer’s fishing action might just be “bluefin tuna”. Most say it’s the best it’s been in years.

We are seeing dorado and yellowtail under patties and it seems anglers trolling Catalina with Rapalas have been successful at picking them up. As the season continues, fishing gets a bit better locally and the return on your fuel bill and filling fish bags is also looking good.

I’m looking forward to the marlin tournaments getting underway. I’m noticing that even that species is trending toward “catch and release”.

Around the bay there’s still been white seabass taken on both ends of the point because the squid has stuck around. Rockfish on dropper loops with squid is filling those sacks!

Fin bait and squid are the main staple of bait that are covering both pelagic and bottom fish. Look for the sand bass and calico to continue to make there showing. Hopefully it’s going to be a longer summer.

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

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

Call 310-823-1458

We Take Pride in Our Marina!

CleanWell MaintainedAttentive Staff24-Hour SecurityWide Variety of Slip SizesAmenities

DOLPHIN MARINA


R a c i n g S C E N E

Lido 14

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

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.


R a c i n g S C E N E

Santa Monica Bay was pretty passive for the last day of racing of the Lido 14 National Class Championship. The predicted clearing never really materialized and the wind never fully established itself creating a course that was generally favored on the right side but also created a few game changing shifts to the left. Winds stayed in the eight to nine knot range with some occasional puffs where both skipper and crew would sit on the high side. When all the smoke and fog had cleared on Thursday’s event, Christophe Killian rattled of a couple of bullets to hold off Stephen Klotz in the A (Gold) fleet and Terry Johnson had three firsts to win B (Silver) fleet honors.

As a testament to the notion that the Lido 14 is a great family boat, ten of the 24 teams were comprised of family members sailing together, fathers and kids, brothers and sisters and husbands and wives. Killian went up against his Dad, Chris, and 13-year-old brother, Porter, in the gold fleet.

After the Gold and Silver class competitions were in the books, the following two days saw women and junior classes competing. On Friday, Kathy Reed got four firsts to beat SCCYC Staff Commodore Tracey Kenney racing inside the Marina entrance channel and on Saturday junior racers Frankie Dair and Gavin Abraham took care of business after the race committee threw out the SI’s and asked the racers where they would like to race. The juniors raced between G and C Basin inside Marina Del Rey.

Story by Andy Kopetzky & the Lido 14 Class Association

Left: Rounding the weather mark on the last race of the day, skipper Christophe Killian with crewman Greg Dair head for the finish line, then a championship spot on the podium. Photo Pat Reynolds.

YACHT SERVICES

CaptainJeffry Matzdorff

Over 105,000 Blue-water miles experience

323-855-0191

• Deliveries• Instruction• Professional Services

U.S.C.G Licensed 100 Ton Master

Sail / Power

www.offshoredeliveryskipper.com


10. Monday morning meetings can be fatal. I can’t recall how many times I’ve read of a pilot, motorist or boater who died because they pushed the odds - thinking they have to be at work Monday morning - come hell or high water. But, it happens all the time.

If you are at the island and the weather is bad; dense fog, high winds/seas, or you have serious mechanical problems - if your anchorage is safe, stay put and wait it out. Monday morning meetings are generally a waste of time. Don’t waste your life attempting to attend one in adverse conditions.

11. A man’s got to know his limitations. That’s good advice from Dirty Harry. It’s come in handy for me, both as a detective and a boat captain. It’s great to work to improve your skills, but know what they are, and don’t push the limits of either your or the boat’s abilities.

12. If the “fix” looks easy - it’s probably not much of a fix: The wind and sea have an unfortunate way of finding the weakness in

men and vessels. I’m a MacGyver “jury rig” kinda guy, but often I have to force myself to make a proper repair when time and situation allows. I have paid the price for my “cocky sloth” more than once. Now, I’m a believer in, “fix it once - fix it right.”

13. There aren’t any free refills with life - when that straw starts sucking air get ready to shake hands with Jesus.I know many aging sailors who say, “You know, in five or six years I can retire and start enjoying life.” Year after year they sit at dock - clutching a glass filled with ice and regrets. They muse and dream of the day when they can “cast off” for distant horizons. Well, that’s real smart…now that your youth and health are gone - you’re gonna start enjoying things - Someday soon. Sheesh...

Start squeezing out long weekends at the local islands now - just as long and as often as you can. Things might change before you know it. Government restrictions and regulations, finances, family problems or your health may close those doors of opportunity before you

can step out of your harness and into living. “Someday” may never come.

“Carpe Diem” has always been a theme of mine. Mostly I’ve lived “out of the box”, always reckoned it was probably a good idea ... be in one soon enough.

Email Note: DishNetwork decided to get out of the email biz and sad to say, “[email protected]” is out’a business. Gmail had little to chose from in regard to addresses. I couldn’t find anything boat oriented so, based on a Randolph Scott western, “Ride Lonesome” became, [email protected]

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, instruction or consultation at 310-460-8946 or e-mail at, [email protected]

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

Continued from page 16

36’ Hatteras SedanSportfi sher

For Sale$82,000

1986 Sedan Cruiser in Pristine condition with ONLY 300 hours on diesel Caterpillar engines! Located in Marina del Rey

For more photos and full specs contact Steven Klein

818-200-9770 [email protected]

[email protected] 427-2587

w w w . m a r i t i m e e x p r e s s i o n s . c o m“We come to your boat!”Available at West Coast

Marine Electric 12937 Venice blvd Marina del Rey.

A SAFE, NON-TOXIC, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, CLEAR LIQUID THAT DISSOLVES CALCIUM, RUST, MUSSELS and

SCALE!


Gizmo of the MonthTrimming bolt lengths - Leave that grinder in the dock-box By Tim Tunks

Sell it in

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

hen deck hardware must be bolted through the cabin top, use this quick and easy method for trimming the

bolt lengths flush with their nuts without grinding the sharp ends.

Utilize metal fatigue and the inherent bending weakness of a stainless bolt to make a controlled break at the desired place to countersink the slightly jagged bolt-end within the nut. There are variations of this basic method, but I will teach the one I favor. You can easily learn this trick with a little experimentation and practice.

Master the technique by solidly securing a piece of scrap material through which you can fit a one-quarter inch stainless bolt. A piece of angle stock in your bench vise would be perfect, but most any method of clamping your practice piece securely to bench, post, or what-have-you, will suffice.

Fit the bolt through from the underside, place a washer under the nut on the topside, and tighten the nut securely. With Vise-Grip type locking pliers, clamp the excess bolt end and bend it back and forth gently until it breaks off. This will leave an unacceptable bit of sharp broken bolt end sticking out, however you will get a feeling for how little actual force is required to fatigue and break the threaded portion.

The skill you will acquire, with practice, is to position the break so the sharp broken bolt end is below the surface of the nut leaving nothing sharp sticking out—something I did not think possible until I saw it done.

Poco a poco is Spanish for “bit by bit”, which is your key to clean breaking success.

Fit a new practice bolt and start making the first back and forth bends with the pliers locked quite close to the nut, restricting the bend to only a few degrees in each direction. Do this gently, bit by bit, to initiate the break inside the nut. (Note: If the fastener is not well tightened the bend can initiate on the wrong side of the nut, in which case that weakened bolt should be replaced).

You will feel the metal start to soften with your gentle bending which is your signal to re-grip the bolt a quarter of an inch further from the nut, and, poco a poco, increase how far you bend in each direction. Soon you’ll be rewarded with a clean break and nothing sticking beyond the nut.

If you want a custom finished look, make a BB sized ball of epoxy putty and work it into the nut’s recess.

(Epoxy putty in packaged ribbons or sticks is handy for all sorts of fast finish applications.)

If the deck hardware is to work under high loads, a double-thick nut can be substituted for a regular one to insure there will still be sufficient bolt threads remaining in the nut after the excess bolt has been removed. A little grinder work on a double thick nut to round off the exposed corners before installation will soften any future bumps or scrapes.

I find this technique superior to the use of “acorn nuts” which protrude about three times as far as double thick nuts, making acorns much more dangerous to any skull they contact.

Volume One of Tim’s new book, The Best Gift Ever for Sailors, is now in print and available on Amazon.com or at discount price on: www.thebestgiftever.info. Look for Volume Two to be out early December in time for holiday gift giving.

Woodworking Wizardry

Custom Woodwork at its BestBill Borneman 310-977-0050

International Marine Consultant

818-787-7082

Fiberglass & Woodworking

Since 1961310-390-8354

Collision Repair • Gel Coat Custom Fabrication • Trailer Boats

thef iberglassman.com

Richard Bauer

W


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

[email protected]

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

www.CaptLarry.com

POPEYE’S PUMPOUT CO.Holding Tank Pumpout Service

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

Quiet z Clean z Reliable

VOICE & FAX

310-822-8312

MARINE INSURANCEPrivate/Charter/CommerCial

hull values 60K & uP

Jim Dalby310-702-6543

Lic. # obo5231

OverseaInsurance Agencywww.overseainsurance.com

Dear Mookie,

I’m trying to figure out my retirement finances and it’s getting pretty complicated. Do you know the most effective means by which to retain the most amount of cash and avoid heavy taxation? I was told rolling my 401K to a Roth IRA is the best thing. What do you think?

Signed

Money Matters

Dear MM,

I’m pretty sure I accidentally inhaled a quarter once while scarfing an old hot dog bun off the street, so I do know a little something about money. Definitely roll that thing to the other thing. Rolling is awesome. I roll in mud, grass, death and excrement whenever I have a chance. Roll it dude! You won’t be sorry.

Hope that helps!

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!

2005 Meridian 459 $269K 55’ Chris Craft Constellation $129.5

1980 Formosa 47 $115K

Bertram 70 $199K!

34 Bayliner Avanti - $27.5 Hatteras 36! Pristine! 73,500K

Mechanic Available • Repairs • Upgrades • Maintenance


Sailboats

77ft Steel Expedition Schooner 1996Refit 2012/13, twin keel-cooled Deere diesels, lifting keel, twin rudders, 4 cabins, huge salon, new gal-ley w/granite, new paint, amazing circumnavigator/charter/expedition/adventure vessel. $129,500. Email [email protected]. Beneteau Oceanis 400Timeshare/Partnership on Beneteau Oceanis 400. Tri-cabin model - two heads. Full electronics, refrig-eration, inverter, dinghy and outboard, windless, roller furler, full canvas. Professional lessons available if needed. No equity buy in. 3 Days, $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) 490-9432Lancer 30 1985 C&C Design, tan hull, 10 opening ports, pressurized water, wheel steering, autopilot, roller furling, Yanmar diesel, fast and lovely. $11,000. David (310) 351-9212 [email protected] 27’ 1984 Long MastIn MDR, Catalina ready, internal diesel engine, new toilet, new batteries, portable generator, Achilles din-ghy, Yamaha outboard motor, sleeps 5, many extras, roller furling 150% jib, smart battery charge $5000 213-321-9569Ericson 27’ 1974Mercury outboard 8hr, Many sails, needs some tlc$4,500 obo - Pls call rick at 818-445-9882Islander 27 “Scallywag” Beautiful and ready to cruise. New bot-tom paint, cushions, canvas. Solid rigging and gear. Famous Scallywag available $29,500 call 818-331-8999 MartyOpen 6.50All Carbon, insanely fast, race ready. 310-500-6216Pogo 2 - 21-foot Mini Transat BoatLaunched in 2011 USA 806 has been campaigned by “Team Open Sailing” including the Single Handed Transpac in 2012. The boat has sailed more than 5,800 nautical miles and is fully equipped for offshore

racing. $95,000 Call 310-500-621614’ 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] 805 798-0493Fastacraft Prowler Flying MothLess than 5 years old and has only been sailed a handful of times. The main sail is in perfect condition. This is a great deal on a great boat that flies above the water on foils! $7,950. 310-500-6216

Power Boats 42’ 1981 Californian Trawler2 3208 Cat diesels w 1400 hrs, all fiberglass hull, 2 heads w showers, sleeps 8, one level walk around deck. Owner will carry or trade. Located in slip D-701 on Panay Way stern out endtie. $69,000 Call for Appt - Al Lee 310-392-4193 or Gary at 310-293-9200.36’ 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. $59,995. (661) 257-9275.Dinghy’sInflatables8.5’ 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 sp310 Grey sportboat dinghy. Hypalon, roll-up wood floor, no patches from prior leaks, no existing leaks. No seats or oars, heavy-duty transom, max 9.9hp o/b, great dinghy $650. Call chris 310-391-6174Trailers0’ - 13’ Boats $400-$120014’ - 16’ Boats $600-$120017’ - 21’ Boats $750-$120024’ - 29’ Boats $3000310-822-8618.

Outboards/EnginesHonda OutboardsBuy-Sell-Repair-Install-Total OverhaulSee page 26. Don at (818) 427-2144Outboards 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 $750

6 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.

Other StuffExtra 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: 310-822-1203SailsJIB- Dacron by Sunhoffer, 16’ LUFF with plastic hanks, 12’ LEECH, 7’ 9” FOOT, $125 Genoa-.Dacron by Baxter & Cisero, 18’ LUFF plus 3 ft wire lanyard and plastic hanks, 16’ LEECH, 10’ 9” FOOT. $175Mainsail - Dacron by Baxter & Cisero, 22’ rope LUFF with plastic slugs and Cunningham eyelet, 24’ 2” roachy LEECH with 4 batten pockets, 7’ 8” rope FOOT. $225Spinnaker 3/4 oz .Beautiful red, white and blue sym-metrical chute by Haarstick LUFFS= 30’ 2 “, FOOT= 18’ 4”, $575. All in excellent condition with no tears, stains or holes. 818-643-2052Anchor60lb CQR anchor and 50ft 3/8 HT chain, excellent condition. Approx 5 years old. $250 for both. 360-931-7720West Marine adult life vests (7)Like new condition. Comes with whistles & West Ma-rine yellow soft case for easy storage. $60 Call (310) 398-1430Barient WinchesOne #28 and one #25, both drums re-finished, both 2-speed. $125 each or two for $200. 818-365-7514Trailers 0’-13’ Boats $400-$120014’-16’ Boats $600-$120017’-21’ Boats $750-$120024’-29’ Boats $3000310-822-8618DehumidiferPortable 30”x14”x 8” 110V. Auto-shutoff or drain over-board. Lightly used. Keep inside of your boat dry & mildew-free. $125 Call (310) 398-1430.Harken “Carbo” Headfoil,

Free Classifieds! Under 25 Words

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


As new, complete with all acc. $350 obo. 818-365-7514MainsailFrom 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 8364AnchorFortress FX-23 Anchor $150 - 310-391-6174Donate BoatsCash For Your Boat !Power or sail, Yachts to dinghys 310-849-2930Donate Your BoatLA Area Council Boy Scouts of America need your boat or boat gear as donation to support essential and formative youth programs, please call 310-823-2040 or E-mail [email protected] your boatTo SOS, a non profit organization helping and thank-ing our past and present Veterans. Www.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.orgCrewBody: Basic Keel Boat & EMT Cert. 20 Yrs Experience on Power Boats. Local, competent, handy, friendly. 310-663-2865 / [email protected] AaronServicesProfessional, 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 repelency to marine canvas. Dan 310-382-6242Resell Consignment ServiceWe sell it for you online - Valuable & quality marine electronics, equipment, parts, etc. CALL (310) 749-5199USCG Licensed 100-tonMaster CaptainDeliveries/Lessons/Private Captain. Experienced, Courteous, Safe and Fun! Contact Jeffry Matzdorff 323.855.0191 [email protected]. Jeffry Matzdorff. 323.855.0191Captain Larry Beane at your service!Charters, deliveries, private skipper, lessons, sail or power. Professional, experienced, friendly, and FUN! www.CaptLarry.com 424-217-9295WantedInformation 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 310.314.3537

(310) 210-0861marinaresourcecenter.com

Captain Joel EveMarine Consulting Services

Since 1976

Boating InstructionYacht ManagementDeliveryCaptain’s Services

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

Rowing inMarina del Rey!

Affordable and Fun


FIBERGLASS REPAIRSINCE 1969

Gel Coat SpecialistsCustom Fabrications

Expert Color MatchingCosmetic to Major Collisions

Custom Instrument Dashboards

310/306-2149

Harry Gibson

the mariner issue 127

Documents

u n i t ythe2

t i n g c o

z i n e f o r t h e

r i n e ra p u b

t i o n f o r w h e

n marina

n d e n d sw w

r e y b o