1936 Quivira Way
San Diego, CA 92109
Tel: 619-224-3125
Fax: 619-222-0634
From Dock Phone "0"
E-mail Address:
gerry@marinavillage.net
Web Site:
www.marinavillage.net
Office Hours:
Monday - Saturday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
After Hours Security
Phone:
619-921-3515
From Dock Phone "9"
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Greetings From the Marina Office
Happy New Year Marina Village boaters and welcome to the January 2010 marina newsletter. If you're like most people, you're not sorry to say good riddance to 2009.
Of course, along with the new year comes the rainy season, so if you haven't done it, please take a few minutes to examine your shore power connections.
Hear are a few tips courtesy of marine electrician Brett Dingerson. - Start with a test of the dockside shore power receptacle since many causes of fast zinc depletion and/or electrolysis can be detected there. Check both the boat and dock connections. Replace anything that causes concern, this is where most marina fires start.
To start, turn off the shore power breaker and unplug both ends of the cord. Look at the slots in the cord receptacle and the prongs of the cord. If the yellow insulator surrounding the metal has a burnt, charcoal appearance, this is indicative of a connection problem caused by corrosion and/or excessive heat.
If you have 30 amp service, we recommend leaving your water heaters turned off as much as possible. They draw between 10 and 15 amps, or nearly half the available supply. If you have the water heater on and then you fire up additional appliances like a microwave (10 amps), coffee pot (10 amps), or toaster oven (12 amps), you're pushing the maximum available power through a connection that isn't that great to begin with, which worse yet lives in a salt water environment.
Be sure to support your shore power cord at both ends with a Velcro strap or small boat cord. The best connection possible is the idea, secure, tight, and dry. Also, secure your cord along the dock; don't let it hang in the water.
Treat shore power with the same respect you treat lightning, since shore power problems can certainly strike out of nowhere. Let the marina office know if you see anything that causes concern. After all, we're all in the same boat when it comes to safety.
Gerry Charest - Marina Manager
Gerry@MarinaVillage.net
PC Tip of the Month - From the "Please Don't Help Me Unless I Ask" File
- By Professor Von Billygates
Computer programmers are sometimes like the guy on the dock who grabs a line on your boat just as you're coming into your slip, and converts your otherwise perfect landing into a cluster crash.
This is especially true when programmers tinker with browsers like Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Netscape, etc.
The point of this is that if you have a browser-based application that worked yesterday but it doesn't work today, try it out on a different browser before you call the Geek Squad. It just might work just fine with a different browser.
Whale Watching in Southern California - Boater Guidelines
- By Bob Sherman
Thar she blows! 'Tis the season for whale watching in Southern California. January, February and March are the peak months for the migration of the California Grey Whales, as they make their annual migration, into Mexican Waters.
However, it is important to take great care when witnessing this amazing spectacle. In fact, all skippers need to be especially vigilant this time of year, even if you are not "whale watching", especially when three miles or less offshore. I know one client who inadvertently struck a whale off Catalina.
If powerboating, it will be more comfortable and easier to locate whales in the calm morning hours. However, afternoon sailing is ideal because the lack of propeller noise is less disturbing to the whales. (Whales travel around 4 knots, so you may need to furl in the jib when following alongside.) The whales will be traveling parallel to the coastline, heading south/southeast. You may spot them as close as a mile offshore, up to 5 miles offshore.
Look for the characteristic "spout", which is a misty spray, lasting only a few seconds before it disappears. Keep everyone involved in the search. Watch for other boats that may be following a whale. If there are only a couple vessels, you might join them, but don't overwhelm a whale with a large group of boats. Better to find your "own" whales if you can.
Whales will usually spout three or four times, about a minute apart, before diving or "sounding" for 7-10 minutes. This is usually when you see the tail raised - have that camera ready! While waiting, hold your course and speed, but be looking 360 degrees for the whales when they surface. They often come up somewhere else.
Due to the increased popularity of whale watching, it is important that boaters use care and restraint, to avoid stressing or harming these magnificent creatures.
Guidelines for whale watching can be viewed online at WhaleMuseum.org: In particular, look for the printable brochure entitled: "Be Whale Wise, Marine Wildlife Guidelines for Boaters, Paddlers and Viewers."
A summary of these guidelines follows:
- Be cautious and courteous in your approach, to the whales and other boaters.
- Slow down to 7 knots within 400 yards, and slower as you get within viewing distance.
- Keep clear of the whale's path. If whales are approaching you directly, cautiously move out of the way. Avoid abrupt changes in course or speed.
- DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or behind. Come carefully in from the side, gradually turning to parallel their course. Remember, the whales are trying to avoid being hit by boats- they don't know what you are going to do. As the ocean water visibility is usually around 50 feet, they cannot see you - they only hear you.
- Try not to approach closer than 100 yards to any whale.
- If you find yourself closer than 100 yards, put engines in neutral or turn and sail clear.
- Limit your viewing time to 30 minutes for a particular whale or pod of whales - in consideration of the animals and other boaters.
When departing, do so at moderate speed until well clear. Good luck, and enjoy!
Editor's Note: Bob Sherman has over 19 years of Yacht sales experience and is the owner of YachtSource. He is also qualified to instruct on all vessel types, and has held 100-ton Captain's license since 1982. He is an avid sailor, and scuba diver. You can send an e-mail to Bob at bobsherman@BlueSkyNews.com
San Diego Sunroad Boat Show Sails On
SAN DIEGO, CA (December 20, 2009) - The Boat Show is back by popular demand, but it has a new name, look and location. Now it is officially the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show.
Hosted by the Sunroad Resort Marina, the inaugural new show will be held January 28-31, 2010. But, San Diego came close to loosing this 20 year annual tradition. However, thanks to Jim Behun and the Sunroad Marina, the San Diego tradition will once again be a reality.
In spring of 2009, the National Marine Manufactures Association decided to shutter the annual show. To help the boating and business community, Sunroad Marina stepped in and has worked tirelessly to build a brand new show. As of mid-December, the show was nearly sold out, dismissing the notion that the boating business is in jeopardy as well as consumer interest and demand.
With the demise of the previous convention center boat show, The Port of San Diego is supporting the new San Diego Sunroad Boat Show as the presenting sponsor. The Port realized the critical need to keep the show in San Diego to further the support for the Port tenants, marinas and the overall boating community. A San Diego institution, this will be the 21st year of the show. Annually, it draws attendees from LA, Orange County, Nevada, Arizona, Baja and of course San Diego.
The new Sunroad Boat Show will feature on land and in water locations, focusing on the latest boats and marine equipment. Its new location puts the show on the east end of beautiful Harbor Island in San Diego Bay with free shuttle transports. One of the most exciting elements of the new show is the utilization of more marina space, giving more dealers slips to showcase their boats and attendees even more boats to enjoy. The in-water marina portion of the previous Boat Show was always the most popular aspect of the annual event and it was limited in its ability to grow. Annually, there was a huge demand for dealers that wanted space and could not get it.
Because of the Sunroad Marina's vast 610 slip space, the 2010 show will really have an expansive offering. In addition, the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show will also host a wide selection of boats from 8-feet to 90-feet, sail and power new models, new exhibitors, and new ways to enjoy the water for every budget.
The San Diego Sunroad Boat Show in the Sunroad Marina is located downtown at 955 Harbor Island in north San Diego Bay, across the street from the San Diego International Airport and. Show hours are Thursday, January 28, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Friday, January 29, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday, January 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Entrance fees for the 2010 San Diego Sunroad Boat Show are as follows: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 12 to 16 and children under 12 are free. For more information call 619.497.5254 or Click Here to visit the show web site.
A New Year's Resolution Suggestion for Boaters
- By Richard Benscoter
I feel very fortunate to live in San Diego where I can use my boat to help support some of our terrific community charities. As many services have been cut or eliminated due to these difficult times, our support of these events becomes even more important.
So I would like to encourage my fellow boaters to add the sharing of your boat for a weekend in 2010 to your New Year's resolution list. It's easy, it's fun, you get to use the boat, you meet new people, and most of all you walk away with a real good feeling that you made a difference for someone.
I'm sure there are similar events in your community, but here are just a few of the charitable events that involve boating in San Diego you might consider:
- The Golden Run sponsored by Chula Vista Yacht Club. In this event, you take ambulatory nursing home residents for a cruise on San Diego bay. You'll be surprised at the people you meet here, and how they are using their boats to contribute to our community.
- The Little Race for Little People - Started in 1991 by marina residents to support Neonatal Intensive Care at Children's hospital. In this race you get a crew and your inflatable dingy and row in a dinghy race. There are obstacles and tons of fun. This race is also sponsored by Chula Vista Yacht Club
- There is also the Big Race for Little People which is sponsored by the Point Loma Yacht Club and which is raced under PRF rules.
- If you are a fisherman, then the Make-A-Wish Tuna Challenge is for you. It's a weekend of Tuna fishing in our local waters. The funds raised stay in San Diego County to grant wishes to children with life threatening diseases in San Diego. This event is hosted by Silver Gate Yacht Club.
- The Wheel Chair Regatta provides a cruise on San Diego bay for wheel chair bound citizens and their care providers. Supported by terrific volunteers from the Marine Corps, people are assisted by strong Marines onto boats for their tour of San Diego bay. Last year 700 guests toured the bay. This event is also sponsored by the Silver Gate Yacht Club, and this will be the 51st year.
Happy New Year, and I'll look for you on the water!
Editor's Note: Richard Benscoter is a long time avid sailor. He's a member of the Silver Gate Yacht Club and owner of the Mariners Woodshop. If you have a sailing question for Richard, send e-mail to richard@BlueSkyNews.com.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Tip of the Month - A Word About Disaster Preparedness
- By Bob Simons
Disasters happen. It's an uncomfortable subject, but the truth is we all know they can happen because we know history and we watch the news. We know it did happen here before, and, we know it will happen again in San Diego.
The question is not whether we are going to have another disaster in San Diego, but when is it going to occur, and what will it be the next time, and will we, specifically you and I, be prepared for it?
San Diego is susceptible to fires, obviously, but what about the next big earthquake, and if that is a few miles offshore, the tsunami that could wipe out Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Imperial Beach.
Our weather has changed and will open San Diego up to devastating hurricanes from the South. We had one this year that got within a few hundred miles. And then there are the other one's we don't want to think about like cruise ships, aircraft, terrorist, or even nuclear attack.
The question is what can we do before the disaster. My opinion is that we should be proactive in the preparation for the next disaster.
First of all make sure you and your family are not in harms way and if they are, they are prepared for a disaster.
- As boaters we have a great advantage over many other residents of San Diego because we have a second home that will be un-phased by most disasters except tsunamis and hurricanes. Most boats have secondary power supplies, fairly secure locations, means of propulsion, etc. But we need a few additional items to make us self sufficient for a few days, usually 72 hours. Here are a few of the items we should keep on board for emergencies:1. Maintain full water tanks that will provide the entire family a gallon a day.
- Maintain full fuel tanks for power.
- Maintain your batteries so you will have communications and power.
- Maintain some emergencies supplies of food that will last for years.
- Maintain an up to date first aid kit with your prescriptions.
- Discuss with family who to contact out of the area.
- Determine how to get to the boat in case the roads and normal transportation is compromised.
- Don't forget the pets and their needs.
Before the Problem - Plan: The Coast Guard Auxiliary is constantly working on preparedness. We have classes for our members on Communications, Search & Rescue, Incident Command, First Aid* and almost anything the Coast Guard can be called on to do.
We are generally not first responders, but our job is to back up the professionals in their duties. If you would like to be part of the solution to problems rather than part of the problem, Click Here to send me an e-mail, and I'll send you information about the CG Auxiliary and classes we offer.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is also available through our local Citizen Corps Council. If you contact CERT, they will send you information regarding classes and brochures available primarily home and car preparation.
See you next time; safe boating and a Happy New Year!
Bob Simons has been in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for thirty years and owns a small sailboat as well as a small powerboat. He teaches classes in Boating Safety & Seamanship as well as Basic and Advanced Coastal Navigation.
Shamu's Relatives Coming for a Visit?
Photo Courtesy of Hornblower Cruises
About 80 guests aboard the Hornblower Cruises Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure on Thursday morning , December 17th trip were treated to a rare site.
A pod of five Orcas (also called Killer Whales) surfaced close by, and then swam up to the vessel – close enough for passengers to feel the mist coming from the whale's blowholes. The sighting occurred about nine miles off the coast of Point Loma.
Orcas females calve, with a single offspring, about once every five years. In analyzed resident pods, birth occurs at any time of year, with the most popular months being those in winter.
A Boating Accident Follow-Up
This article is a follow-up to the original article published in BlueSkyNews.com over three years ago.
Imagine you are out for a lake cruise on your friend's 27 foot sailboat. Your friend's fiancee is along for the ride.
It's after dark, and you're at the helm. Suddenly, out of the dark, a 24 foot speedboat traveling at an estimated speed of somewhere between 40 to 60 miles an hour smashes into your sailboat, killing your friend's fiancee.
Sounds pretty cut and dry? Fry the guy on the speedboat? Maybe; maybe not. In this actual Lake County, California case, the 39 year old guy at the helm of the sailboat was tried for vehicular manslaughter involving a vessel, and boating under the influence of alcohol.
Among items at issue - Did the sailboat have its running lights on? Some witnesses say yes; some say no. Was the guy at the helm of the sailboat under the influence of alcohol? Most probably he had a few - he allegedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.12 the night of the crash. Also, it later came out that he had a previous DUI (is that different from a BUI?).
Anything else? Oh yes, the guy driving the powerboat is an off-duty chief deputy with the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
How would you rule if you were the judge? Click Here to find out the latest chapter of this emotionally charged and controversial four year long case surrounding this tragic accident on Clear Lake, California.
Nautical Trivia - Under the Weather
If a crewman is standing watch on the weather side of the bow, he will be subject to the constant beating of the sea and the ocean spray.
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