Sinking U.S. Dollar a Boon to International Yacht Buyers
It wasn't that long ago that the Euro was trading at .88 to the dollar; that is, one US dollar would buy .88 Euros. As of late February, the Euro costs 1.5 dollars.

What that means is that a yacht buyer with 200,000 Euros in his pocket could buy a $176,000 yacht in the U.S. back then, but today he can get one worth $300,000 U.S.

With many other world currencies enjoying similar advantages over the U.S. dollar, some San Diego yacht brokers are starting to see international buyers knocking on the door.









Sales Tax Law Remains Under Threat
- By Bob Sherman
We almost lost the "90 Day Yacht Club" sales tax exemption again. The current law allows vessels purchased "offshore" or out of state to avoid paying California sales or use tax. The yacht must be kept out of state for more than 90 days, out of the first six months, and other important conditions must be met as well.

The California State Senate actually passed a measure on February 15th, changing the 90-day requirement back to 365 days. The new law was to take effect immediately, once passed... unlike 2004, when there was some lead time. Fortunately, the House Assembly defeated the measure... for now. Assembly Democrats have pledged to try again to pass the bill, but it is not known when.

According to Attorney Paul Trusso, "Our best guess is that the State is not likely to revisit the issue until the big budget battle, likely to occur in June." In any case, if someone is considering a boat purchase, and are planning to utilize the "90 day rule" to avoid paying the sales tax, they should consider making a move soon!

If passed, the measure is expected increase state revenue by $21 million per year, based on previous years. However, the obvious argument is that countless marine businesses suffer as a result of those yachts spending that first year out of state. While most medium-priced yacht buyers will simply pay the tax, the most expensive ones will stay out of California for that first year. And the first year is when new owners are most likely to spend big bucks in upgrading or enjoying their new toys.

If the 365 day rule is reinstated, it will not only discourage boat buyers, it will be detrimental to most everyone in the marine industry.

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.



Aircraft Carriers in Mission Bay?
Not really - But did you know that in the early 1800s, the San Diego River carried a fair amount of water, and did not confine itself to any one path to the ocean.

Some years the river emptied into San Diego Bay. In other years, it would flow across a wide delta into the smaller bay to the north.

The silt it carried built sand bars and eventually blocked many channels. To protect the main harbor from these deposits, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided to make the Mission Bay route of the river permanent. To do that, they built a dike just south of the present flood channel, extending northeasterly from what is now the junction of Midway Drive and Frontier Street. The building of this dike decided the supremacy of San Diego Bay.

Eventually, to solve the silt problem, the current jetty system was built in the 1950s to divert the river past Mission Bay.

Editors Note: Source - San Diego Journal of History. Click Here to read more about the fascinating history of Mission Bay

From the Poop Deck
Ouch! Hate It When That Happens!
Bob Simons found this video on You Tube of two Polish rocket scientists demonstrating their navigation skills.

If you have a weak stomach, it won't make you feel very good to look at it, but Bob offers it up as a testimonial to the value of taking boating classes.

What they were thinking? Or drinking? Or was this a "Pass the Grey Poupon, please" moment that went horribly wrong?

Alright, I warned you, but if you must, go ahead and Click Here.

Editor's Note: We apologize for Madeline. We're trying to get her to be more tactful, but we're not making much progress. If any of you other readers have a pet question or photo to send to her, please e-mail it to Madeline@BlueSkyNews.com.

BlueSkyNews.com Fishing Report
Rockfish Season is Finally Here
- By Jason Coz
March 1st marks the opening of Rockfish season; the day we've all been looking forward to.

In February, the live squid moved in by the tonnage off La Jolla, so there's been some really good White Sea Bass catches there. We've made a few bait runs for some of that squid to use instead of anchovy to catch some of that great Sea Bass.

And there's still a few Yellowtail hanging around feeding on the live squid, but most of those catches have been made before the sun comes up.

Other February catches have included Calico Bass, Mackerel, Sand Bass, and Sculpin.

Enjoy the season - see you on the ocean!.

Jason Coz is the owner/operator of the 85' M/V Dolphin half-day sportfishing boat operating out of Hyatt Mission Bay Sportfishing. Jason has his 100 ton captain's license and runs ½ day fishing trips twice a day, 7 days a week. If you have a question for Jason, you can e-mail him at jasoncoz1@msn.com

Some Tips About Charging Your Boat's Batteries
- By Brett Dingerson
Battery technology has seen a tremendous funding increase in research and development lately, due in large part to oil hanging around $100 a barrel. They play such a huge part of your boat's electrical system I thought it might be a good idea to review the basics of battery charging.

Battery capacity is measured in amp/hours. A 100 amp/hour battery, for example, will power a 10 amp load for 10 hours. Batteries are connected together in order to increase their total capacity and limit the number of charging cycles. The capacity of a battery bank is important because that's what determines how best they can be charged.

There are a few simple rules that govern proper battery charging;
1. Limit discharges to 50% of capacity. Discharge levels below 50% can damage the battery.

2. When charging times are limited it makes little sense to recharge above 80% state of charge. Alternators must reduce their charge current when the batteries get above a certain voltage or they will overcharge and damage the batteries. Recharging from 50% to 80% can occur fairly rapidly, but then the charge current will taper off and reaching full recharge can take hours. It's not worth it in diesel fuel costs.

3. Ensure a full recharge at least once a month to prevent sulfate build-up on the plates of the batteries. This procedure is known as equalization, and consists of raising the voltage to approximately 2.6 volts per cell for a few hours. That works out to 15.6 volts for a 12 volt system. Lead-acid and AGM batteries can be equalized, Gel cell batteries cannot.

4. There is little point in having an alternator that exceeds 30%-40% of the battery bank capacity. As previously mentioned; alternators reduce their charge rate fairly quickly. Having a large alternator charge a small bank is a waste of money.

5. Sustained loads should not exceed 25% of the battery bank's capacity. If you run an inverter a lot, for example, make sure you have the batteries to do so easily. Abusing your batteries with frequent large discharges will shorten their life.

There are a lot of new batteries being developed for the automobile industry. They are currently very expensive, but should come down in price as the technology matures. I'll keep you informed as new products are introduced to the market. Hopefully the cost will be competitive with current batteries before too much longer. Wouldn't it be nice to buy a set of bulletproof batteries that never need water and would last for 10 years?

Editor's Note: Brett Dingerson has over 25 years experience as a marine electrician, with a specialty in marine galvanic corrosion protection. He has worked with a wide range of sailing and power vessels and is the owner of San Diego-based Marine Electric. If you have a sailing question for Brett, send e-mail to brett@BlueSkyNews.com

Knight & Carver Named Boatyard of the Year
Award Presented by American Boat Builders & Repairers Assoc.
National City's Knight & Carver YachtCenter has been honored by the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) as the nation's most outstanding repair yard for 2007.

The ABBRA award is made to the vessel repair company that clearly "demonstrates excellence in all facets of business through commitment to customer relations, quality management, and positive vendor and employee relations. The award was presented in Atlanta at ABBRA's annual conference.

New Web Site Provides On-Line Meeting Place For Sailing and Racing Crews
Southwestern Sailing & Racing has launched a new web site that provides an interactive communication place for boat crews from San Diego to Oceanside to find out what's happening.

The site lets racing events be posted and allows people to respond to crew calls on-line. Captains retain control over crew selection or can allow open enrollment from people in the group. Site promoters welcome all levels of experience ranging from beginners to experienced instructors.

Mark Your Calendar For Day at the Docks
Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 20th for the 29th annual 29th annual Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks.

Day At The Docks Is the West coast's largest public celebration of sportfishing. The event is free and will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Sportfishing Landings in Point Loma.

From Your Marina Manager
Greetings and welcome to the March 2008 Hyatt Regency Mission Bay e-mail newsletter.

I want to thank all of you who participated in the February 15th official Grand Opening of the renovated Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina. The event was well received, and over 40 slip holders were able to attend. If you weren't able to be there, make sure to check out the new pool, pool slides, the spa and the grounds the next time you come to the marina.

New Director of Guest Services and Recreation Named
Congratulations go to Prescott Yee on his appointment to the newly created position of Director of Guest Services and Recreation at the newly revamped hotel.

In his new position, Prescott will oversee concierge staff, recreation departments including lifeguards at the three new pools, and the exclusive VIP lounge for Hyatt Club members called the Regency Club.

He will also be responsible for developing a new children's seasonal activities-based camp for children ages 4-12, expected to launch this summer, called Camp Hyatt. He will also be overhauling the current roster of summer activities offered at the resort and is working to offer water sports to guests.

He holds a bachelor of science in hospitality management from the University of New Hampshire, and has earned numerous accolades for his achievements in hospitality, including the "Hospitality Employee of the Year from the Hotel-Motel Association and a Better Business Bureau Torch Award. Welcome aboard!

Sportfishing Building Improvements Moving Along on Schedule
Things are always subject to change, of course, but we're still hoping the new sportfishing facility will be ready by mid-April.

The new building will house an Einstein's Bagel shop, a new provisions store, and a new Sportfishing office. As usual, we'll keep you posted

Watchful Eyes and Ears Needed
With the warmer weather unfortunately comes the possibility of some vandalism and theft at the marina.

Recently, a $500.00 power cord was stolen from one of our slip holders. Please look out for your neighbors. If you see a kayak or inflatable or questionable boat at the marina, especially in a vacant slip, chances are they're up to no good. Let's everybody look out for each other, and report any suspicious activity to the marina office.

That's it For Now
I'm still enjoying very much getting to know you all and getting into the rhythm of managing the marina and working with Hyatt management to make our marina the best in San Diego.

Let me know if you have anything you'd like us to address in future newsletters (especially sea stories). See you on the docks.

John Taylor - Marina Manager
isfishing@aol.com






Between the Sheets - You Can Go Back!
- By Richard Benscoter
Sometimes when I'm sailing, I find myself wondering what it must have been like in those days of iron men and wooden ships whose passion it was to hoist as much canvas as a boat would carry to put her hard on the wind. Last week I got to find out - I got to take a ride on the America, and it was awesome.

In 1851, the British had sought to test their supremacy of the seas by challenging the United States to a sailing race. The newly formed New York Yacht Club took up the challenge, and for the sum of $45,000, commissioned a 90 foot schooner to be built to meet the challenge. Thus began the life of the schooner "America".

America's raked masts and unusual appearance were the topic of conversation in England preceding the race, but the British were confident that one of the fifteen British entries would emerge victorious against America.

As history reports, America was victorious in the "Round the Isle of Wight Race" for a Cup of One Hundred Sovereigns; now renamed the Americas Cup after the Schooner America.

The original America was destroyed as she awaited restoration in 1942 when a snow covered boat house roof collapsed. A replica of the original yacht was lovingly built in 1995 by an American yachting enthusiast in New York, and she is now berthed in San Diego. She's an exquisite vessel that is steeped in tradition, but sails as if the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics were of today's Americas cups yachts.

Editor's Note: For more information about cruising on America, Click Here. 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.

Care and Maintenance of Your Sails
- By Brad Poulos
Recently I covered two areas to minimize damage to your sails: preparation of the boat and rig, and the proper treatment of the sails on board. This month I'll cover some FAQs on the care and maintenance of sails.

Sails that have been used frequently, or in heavy weather should be washed at the end of each season, preferably by your local sailmaker. If that's not possible, soak the sails in a warm soap solution for a couple of hours, then hose them off thoroughly.

Make sure they are completely dry before folding. If the sails are particularly dirty, add a small amount of bleach to the water before soaking. Dirty spots can be lightly scrubbed. Laminate sails should be hosed off, dried and folded. Try not to soak or scrub them.

Stain Removal
Blood and Mildew: Soak the stained area in a mild bleach solution for two hours; scrub lightly.

Rust: Rust removers are offered under many commercial names and are available at just about any hardware store. Just make sure you rinse the cleaned area thoroughly.

Oil, Grease, and Tar: Dab the stained area with acetone or lighter fluid and then rub the stain with clean rags. Once the stain is lightened, scrub the area with a detergent and water solution. Rinse all the acetone out of the material.

Storing Your Sails
All sails should be folded or rolled in a manner that avoids sharp creases. Sails should be stored under well-ventilated, clean conditions. Dampness, which may encourage mildew, should be avoided. While mildew growth does not affect the strength of sails, it can cause unsightly stains that are not easily removed.

Back to the Loft
It is very important to the life and strength of your sails that you return them to your sailmaker's loft once a year for inspection, any necessary refurbishing, and washing. This practice can add years to the life of your sails and help you to get the most out of them in terms of speed and appearance. See you on the water!

Brad Poulos is the General Manager at UK Sails and holds a US Coast Guard 50-ton masters license. Brad is also an ASA certified sailing instructor. If you have a question regarding the use or care of sails, send an e-mail to brad@uksocal.com.

From the Inside - What's Up-Chuck
- By Gus Giobbi
There are two kinds of people - those who sometimes get seasick, and those who never get seasick.

My old boss at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography disagreed with this. He said that anybody can get seasick under the right circumstances. He said he has seen people who have been on the ocean all their lives who all of a sudden one day get barfing sick.

My wife says it's all in the head. I don't know whether to believe her or the Ph.D. in Oceanography, but I do know that under the right circumstances, I can wish I was dead. Bobbing in the trough on a snorkel boat off Molokini comes to mind, for example. I never get woozy while underway or at the helm of a boat or even in rough seas, but sit and bob - that gets me every time.

Certain smells can also tip me over too - I remember retrieving a scientific ocean buoy on a Scripps utility boat, and the slimy sea scum on it was one of the worst things I ever smelled. Instant puke time!

There are the "inner ear" theorists, followed closely by those who think it has to do with what you had for breakfast or what you had to drink on board; and those who think it happens just because you're nervous or apprehensive. I can't believe patches do any good, and I've tried drugs like Marazine and Dramamine, and all they seem to do is add a sick chemical taste to your mouth and do nothing to relieve the wooziness. And save me from the "look at the horizon and you'll feel better" bunch!

I'd like to know what you think - send me an e-mail so I can argue about this with my wife some more. She never gets seasick - I can't wait for her day to come.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Tip of the Month -
Which Flares Do I Really Need?
-By Bob Simons
Technically and legally you need to have three current day/night flares on board your vessel if you are a pleasure boat of less than 75 feet. These can be pyrotechnic, or hand held. The flares have an expiration date printed on the side that indicates the month/year they go out of date, usually three years after you buy them.

Now in reality, what should you have for boating in Southern California? If you are strictly a bay cruiser, the minimum standards are probably OK. But if you go offshore fishing or ocean cruising you should consider going beyond the minimum legal standard. This might be your last hope of rescue, so "minimum" really is a direct reflection on what you feel about you, your family and your boat?

When I do Vessel Safety Checks, I recommend a couple of Orange Smoke flares be added to your emergency kit. The orange smoke is visible for miles during daylight, as opposed to the regular flares that do not put out smoke and are more suitable for night.

For larger vessels, I recommend at least one parachute flare. They are incredibly bright and can be seen for miles at night.

Many of the flare kits have the small flare gun with three shells. It is very important to remember that these flares go up about 100 feet and come right down. Unless you are looking directly in their direction, you probably wouldn't notice them. Use them when you have your rescue vessel in sight and they are facing you.

SOLAS emergency equipment is what is required for larger and commercial vessels. These flares are of the superior quality and brightness and are considered the highest benchmark for safety internationally. They are more expensive than the safety equipment usually used on pleasure boats. If you are venturing far offshore you should consider this upgrade.

Out of date flares are always a question. Should I keep them on board? I recommend that flares are probably OK for three years after their expiration date but should then be disposed of at your local fire station. We have had a problem with some out of date flares suddenly burning from both ends or splitting which are obviously very dangerous situations.

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. Bob is also the co-owner of Seabreeze Books and Charts in Point Loma.