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From the Inside - The "Good 'Ol Days"
- By Gus Giobbi - BlueSkyNews.com
I remember when I came to California as a teenager there was no speed limit, and it was o.k. to drive with a beer in your hand.
Now, before you jump down my throat, don't kill the messenger, that's just the way it was.
The way it also was, however, was if you caused an accident and you were judged to be driving too fast for conditions, or deemed to be driving under the influence, you paid a very high price for your behavior.
That was always in the back of your mind, so most California citizens, including myself, drove responsibly.
There was also a period when flying used to be romantic and fun too - I remember the first 747 I ever boarded. It was at LAX, and they had a gangway open to all three port side doors. As soon as you boarded, there was a table of chilled shrimp, lobster medallions, and the stewardess handed you a glass of champaign.
The DC-10 went even one better - they had a piano bar in the forward section of coach, complete with bar stools and a bartender - complimentary, of course. On one particular flight, I remember they said there was no need to return to your seat for landing - just sit at the bar and enjoy you beverage.
I was one of those people who stayed at the bar, because my opinion of putting your body into an aluminum tube and projecting it through the air at 500 plus miles an hour is that you either get there in exactly the same condition as when you left, or you don't get there at all. The point of this is that it was my decision, and I was prepared to accept the consequences.
We all look back occasionally at the "Good 'ol Days" before the nanny style of government came into vogue and the era of individual responsibility faded away.
What's the point of this in a boating publication? Well, it seems that California's fishermen may soon look back nostalgically at the days when "you could just go out in your boat for a great day of fishing".
Earlier this week, as part of the South Coast region's Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) voted to only keep in consideration the alternative created by the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF).
This has left a lot of people from the fishing world who did a lot of conscientious work feeling betrayed and duped by the state government into feeling they were going to participate in reasonable compromise (sound familiar?).
The Commission's action effectively terminates consideration of three other proposals created by the citizens selected to participate in the process. This includes Proposal 2, which is supported by the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) and the recreational fishing and boating community in Southern California.
Bob Fletcher, senior advisor for the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) and a Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) member, commented, "To single out the BRTF's proposal and not give the stakeholder proposals an opportunity for review is both an outrage and a decision with consequences we will all regret. The March 3rd vote demonstrates a blatant disregard for promises and commitments for a fair and open process, and is yet another biased decision that has plagued this process."
Steve Fukuto, president of United Anglers of Southern California and PSO member, said, "The action is in direct contradiction to previous statements made by commission members and the process employed in the North Central Coast. To not evaluate all four alternatives disenfranchises the regional stakeholders and compounds the problems and suspicions of this flawed process."
Patty Doerr, Ocean Resource Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association, a PSO member, echoed Fletcher's remarks saying, "If the Department of Fish and Game does not intend to prepare proposed regulations for each of the alternatives for Fish and Game Commission consideration, in effect a 'final decision' has already been made, which is contrary to the Commission's own agenda and a betrayal to everyone involved in this process.
This is just another example of the ever-changing rules." Doerr continued, "If the state of California doesn't have the financial resources to conduct a fair process, then the entire process should be on hold until it can."
The Bottom Line - The California fishing community fears that if the Blue Ribbon Committee ends up being the only proposal considered, you can stand by for a ton of the best fishing grounds to become "no take zones"; and where and how you can fish will be controlled by well funded environmental committees made up of activists, most of whom have never been in a boat let alone held a fishing pole.
You can check out the links above and form your own opinion.
Ahhhhhh .... Remember the good 'ol days when you could decide to put on a life jacket, seat belt, or helmet because government asked you to and explained why it was safer, and not because there's a law saying you have to?
Gus Giobbi - Chairman
Gus@blueskynews.com
Cruising to the Northern Channel Islands - Part 2
- By Frank & Martha Mowry
This is Part 2 of a three part series of articles treating cruising to the Northern Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.
Southern California's Channel Islands are a fantastic sailing destination, but it's not for the faint of heart, so we're going to share a few experiences here in the hope that it will make your trip to the islands an enjoyable and memorable one.
Here's the main thing - since neither moorings nor slips are available, your boat will be at anchor for the duration of your visit.
The careful cruiser will therefore be advised to thoroughly prepare his ground tackle before departure. Your rode should be clearly marked at intervals to your liking. (Remember that interval - better write it down).
If it's been a while since you did preventative maintenance on your windless, you should do it before you go because this piece of equipment is vital to your stay in the Islands.
During our 3rd trip to the Islands, on our first night in Smuggler's Cove, Santa Cruz Island, our windless failed completely and irreparably with 160 feet of 3/8" chain on the bottom. Because we had a mechanism for manual retrieval, we did recover the chain and anchor (while uttering expletives), however, without a powered windless, our trip was dramatically shortened!
At times in the Islands, circumstances call for rapid departure from an anchorage! Can't do that without a sound powered windless.
Also, two anchors, bow and stern, are advisable. Since some of the most desirable anchorages will require deploying both. We use a C.Q.R. (did you know that's an abbreviation for "secure"?) bow anchor with 280 feet of all chain of 3/8" rode and a Fortress stern anchor with 50' of 3/8" chain and 200 feet of rope rode.
It's a good idea to practice setting and retrieving a stern anchor before you go. On one occasion we could not retrieve our stern anchor because of prodigious tidal current at Coches Prietos on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. We waited until slack tide and brought it in easily.
Here's a caution about setting bow and stern anchors. Though necessary at times, two anchors means two retrievals. This can complicate bugging out of an anchorage that has become hazardous. A first rate review of anchoring techniques is contained in the treatise "Staying Put" by Brian Fagan.
Because anchorages in the Islands can be very roly poly, we recommend a snubber line or harness for the anchor chain. This not only protects your windless from sudden severe loads, it also moderates chain noise. Many cruisers use an anchor ball to locate the anchor and to aid in extracting an anchor stuck on the bottom.
The Islands will challenge your skills in the use of ground tackle. Many of the anchorages are in relatively small, steep to coves.
Care must be exercised to avoid placing your craft 80 feet from a rock wall on 200 feet of rode. What was a cozy nook can turn into a dangerous lee rock wall quickly. Last year, while anchored we were awakened by the horn of a fellow mariner signaling many boats dragging their anchor - including us!
What had been a beautiful, peaceful anchorage at sundown suddenly became the attention of 35 knot winds at midnight. That kind of thing can ruin a night's sleep! Next month we'll talk about the various Channel Island destinations.
Editor's Note: Frank and Martha Mowry have enjoyed cruising southern California waters for 10 years aboard their 42' Island Packet sloop. Click Here to send Frank and Martha an e-mail with your sea stories or questions.
San Diego's St. Patrick's Day Parade - Saturday, March 13th!
The Irish Congress of Southern California is hosting its 30th Annual San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade (the largest Parade west of the Mississippi) that will step off on Saturday, March 13th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. on Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street as thousands of marchers and spectators gather to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland.
The Parade travels up Fifth Avenue from Laurel to Upas Street and then returns down Sixth Avenue to Laurel. An event filled Irish Festival will follow in Balboa Park. For more info, Click Here.
The Border Run Race
It's that time of year again for the Border Run Race. The Border Run Race is on Saturday, April 24th and has become very popular. As of this publication there are 151 boats registered.
There is an after race party with a Beach Boys Tribute Band for anyone who wants to attend at the Kona Kai on Sunday, April 25th. For information on the parties and to sign up for the race go to the Border Run website at http://www.theborderrun.org.
You Can "See" Them - But Can They "See" You?
- By Jay Bernstein
It used to be that on a foggy night going into a harbor frequented by large ships, your biggest hope was to be a small blip that got noticed on a ship's radar screen.
But now a new system called AIS, or Automatic Information Systems, makes it much easier for small yachts to get noticed by big ships.
This system also allows you to 'see' other large ship traffic in the area. The system uses a GPS receiver that transmits your position and receives vessel traffic information over a VHF frequency.
When set up, it then overlays position, color coded vessel type such as cargo, passenger, yacht, tug, or fishing vessel along with speed, and course right onto your chart plotter!
For many vessels you can see a picture by placing your cursor on the vessel in question on your chart plotter.
Using a VHF radio frequency, it has better range if the antenna is mounted on the highest part of your boat. You can add an AIS receiver to many of the newer chart plotters such as Furuno, Raymarine, and others.
To see how the system works, you can also watch traffic on the web at www.marinetraffic.com or with the latest iphone application.
With a properly installed working AIS set up on your boat, other AIS equipped vessels will know more about your position than on a traditional radar scope.
Don't expect it to tell you whether anyone is paying attention at the helm of other vessels or to pick up floating debris, small vessels without AIS receivers, lobster pots, or many other unmarked hazards.
At sea there is no substitute for common sense, a working radar, and experience, but AIS is a great tool to have especially at night or in the fog. To find out more about AIS, visit any local marine electronics store or click here to learn more about AIS on the U.S. Coast Guard's web site.
Jay Bernstein started selling boats in 2006. Jay grew up sailing on Puget Sound, is a licensed captain. Before getting into the boat business, Jay was a small airplane instructor pilot, an airline dispatcher in Hawaii, and earned a BS degree in Aviation. Click Here to send Jay an e-mail if you have a topic you'd like him to investigate.
Chilean Quake Tsunami Caused Damages in San Diego Harbor
There was a bit of everything in San Diego County Saturday, 27 Feb 2010, rain, hail, lightning, snow down to 3,500 ft, Sun, wind gust up to 20 knots, and a Tsunami of what looked like 6 feet plus, but a gentle one, not a wall of water. 15 plus sailboats at a race start at noon off of Harbor Island, heading into the a 20 knot Westerly wind and a very dark sky looming over Point Loma. Other than that, the harbor was quiet, no other noticeable traffic.
Now is a Great Time to Get Your Free Vessel Safety Check by the Coast Guard Auxiliary!
- By Bob Simons
Greetings fellow boaters! In the next few issues, I'll be talking about the benefits of the FREE Vessel Safety Checks offered by your U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for your boat.
In the series, I'll explain what we are looking for when we inspect a boat, and why what we find can be critical to the safety of you, your family, and your guests.
But before we get started, here's a few things we get asked about all the time, that you might be curious about too.
- First - When we examine your boat, we're not there to issue you citations for problems we might find; we're there to help you be safe on the water.
- Second - When we're done with the examination of your boat, you'll receive an exam sheet that we fill out that shows you any problems we found, and this exam sheet is NOT given to anyone EXCEPT YOU.
- Third - If you are deficient in any items, you just give us a call after you've corrected them, and we'll come back out and take a look. If everything is OK, the reward is that you'll receive a Vessel Safety Check sticker for your Port side window.
So with the boating season just around the corner, why not give your local Coast Guard Auxiliarist a call and schedule your free safety check. You'll be glad you did!
If you'd like to see a list of what we'll be looking for before you call, click here. This will improve your chances of getting your Vessel Safety Check sticker on the first go.
Now - Here's a couple of things to think about. This sticker will not prevent a Coast Guard boarding, but if you were a Boarding Officer which boat would you inspect first? One with a current Safety Seal, or a boat with no current inspection? (I'm trying to be subtle).
Also, I have noticed recently that more fishing boats and sport fishing boats are requesting vessel safety checks. Seems that they are pulled over less often when returning from their trips if they have already been inspected. (Hint, hint).
That's it for this time - Next month we'll talk about "What's in a Name; or a Number?", and what it might mean if you ever have to put out a distress call.
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 and Basic to Advanced Coastal Navigation.
If your boat is in San Diego, Bob loves to get a call at 619-294-4137 for a Vessel Safety Inspection.
Red Bull Air Race Takes a Pass on San Diego in Favor of the Hudson River
In a disappointing move, Red Bull has decided not to put San Diego on it's 2010 World Series Air Race series itinerary.
Instead, the fifth race of the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship season will be held, in partnership with NYC & Company, Jersey City, NJ and Liberty State Park, over the Hudson River on June 19 and 20.
Red Bull was not available for comment, but local insiders say the decision was made due to disappointing crowds last year; an inability to get better dates with the city; and complaints from the residents of Coronado.
Are You Prepared to Handle On-Board Medical Emergencies?
- By Richard Benscoter
It's one of those things we don't like to think about, but sailing can sometimes be an inherently dangerous activity with all the lines, stops, cleats, winches, and booms all ready to turn a uneventful sail into a clamor for some first aid.
As a responsible skipper, you need to be sure you and/or your crew know what to do in the event of an accident on board. And it's important to know the difference between those situations you can take care of yourself, and when you need to get to the nearest port and hospital or call for assistance.
Being prepared and trained might save a finger or even someone's life. And knowing what to do immediately after an accident can help those that may need to help you.
The proper first aid kit is very important of course, but remember, a first aid kit is a useless item if you don't know how to properly use the items in the kit. Also, you should check your first aid kit occasionally to make sure none of the items are past their expiration date.
If it's been a while since you have refreshed your first aid knowledge or your first aid kit, put it on your must do list get some training and take your sailing partners with you - they may be the ones that need to help you in an emergency.
There are new ways to treat bleeding with powders that promote clotting, heat and cold generating compresses. There is also a new better and preferred way to perform CPR.
So before the boating season arrives, why not visit your local Red Cross for classes you can attend. Here's the Red Cross link to get you started.
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.
New Newsletter Available for Mariners
San Diego's Maritime Institute has launched a new bi-monthly e-mail newsletter for mariners.
The newsletter is free and contains articles of interest to both licensed mariners wishing to upgrade their credentials as well as recreational boaters interested in knowing more about the Captain's license requirements.
To read the latest issue of the newsletter, click here. To subscribe to receive future issues, click here.
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