Will the Red Bull Air Race Return to San Diego?
The answer is a definite maybe. This year's event was an impressive example of many organizations working together to make something happen. It involved cooperation of the FAA, the City of San Diego, the Port Authority, the Navy, and many others. Our understanding is that all parties including the Red Bull folks are evaluating the idea of making it an annual event in San Diego.

Everybody at the moment is in the evaluation stage so we won't know the answer for a while. The crowd in general was very well behaved (with the possible exception of the guy who forced open the window of his 18th story room at the Marriott and was sitting with his legs dangling over the edge), and although the complaints were few, there were a few (a lady in Coronado said the airplane noise gave her a migraine headache – and one of the moronic local TV stations managed to find and interview a woman who thought there was too much noise, and that was the extent of their coverage).

Most people however cheered city officials for working together to bring such a world class event to town and hope to see it again next year.

Between the Sheets - Who Needs Dead Reckoning?
I had a conversation last week with the proud owner of a Catalina 36 while we were both in the yard having work done on our boats.

As we talked, his enthusiasm for his boat lead us to swap stories about sailing up and down the coast of California, and our discussion led to comparing places to go, and the most traveled routes.

I commented that I still use a chart, watch, and compass, to dead reckoning (DR) navigate to keep my navigation skills sharp. He commented that he didn't know how to navigate, but he did know how to plot his GPS position on the chart and he felt that was enough.

After our meeting my first thought was that he is a little short sighted not knowing how to use the age-old art of DR navigation to know his position, but then I wondered, am I just behind the times?

The truth is that new technology makes many things obsolete, but I, like many other boaters, will continue to use a chart, compass and watch to get from point A to point B, crossed-checked by my GPS. While change is good, you always need a plan B when all else fails to get you back to that safe harbor. If that GPS loses power at sea, what will be your plan B?

See 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.

From the Poop Deck
Yo! Dog Owners! Listen Up! Some of you have been letting your pooches pee or worse on the docks. That's not cool! How would you like it if I had my skipper come over to your boat and pee on your swim step?

A little common courtesy if you please. Get going a little earlier so Sluggo and FiFi can make it to the shore.

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

Coast Guard Auxiliary Tip of the Month
The Importance of Knowing the Difference Between Towing vs. Salvage
We have a number of areas in and around San Diego where the water is shallow and there is the likelihood of grounding; especially at low tide.

If you do run aground, try to get off immediately unless you are holed. One thing to remember is that if you are a sailboat, especially with a fin keel, it is extremely easy to do damage to the area where the keel attaches to the hull (I did this once on a Catalina 30). Sometimes sitting there for a few hours can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. The tide will come back in.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary does not aggressively get into the towing business, but if we come upon a vessel needing assistance, we can and usually will render assistance. The National Search and Rescue Policy recently changed this rule allowing us to help. Prior to this, we could only render assistance with Coast Guard approval, and after private towing companies were offered the opportunity - and then only in the case of emergency. Coast Guard Auxiliary boats are now authorized to tow when the Coxswain feels it is safe and prudent.

Having said the above, if you do get yourself into a predicament where you have to call for assistance, towboats generally can assist if there is not danger to their vessel or yours. But knowing the difference between a towing situation and a salvage situation and the corollary legal ramifications is an important piece of knowledge that every boater should have prior to leaving the dock.

You should know that when help arrives, if you say or agree to certain words under stress, you could easily lose your entire investment and more. You need to ask the people offering assistance whether it is a tow or a salvage operation they're offering. Don't assume they will voluntarily tell you. Click Here for an expanded discussion of this topic.

The best way to avoid the need for towing (and god forbid salvage) is to plan ahead. Know your cruising area; carry charts; know your insurance carrier and discuss what they do and don't cover, and know your insurance agent/broker's home and cell phone numbers as well as their office number. Accidents always happen at very inconvenient times.

Most of all, have all the proper equipment aboard. The Coast Guard wants you to have the equipment listed on this webpage . If you would like a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) please contact me at calusa@cox.net, and I will arrange for an examiner to stop by your boat or you can stop by the VSC station at the foot of Laurel street any Saturday of the year.

Next month we will discuss some of the documents required to be on your boat.

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.

New Dock at Seaforth Boat Rental Gives Alternative to Closed Docks at Peohes
The public docks in front of Peohe's Restaurant are going to be closed for a long long time, but for boaters who want to tie up in Coronado to Dock 'n Dine, the new 150' cement dock at Seaforth Boat Rentals offers an alternative.

The dock is within walking distance of several restaurants including The Brigantine, Miguel's, Island Pasta, Costa Azul, The Burger Bar, and The Coronado Boat House.

There is a nominal charge depending on the size of the boat and the length of stay (dinghies are only $5.00 for lunch). Regular hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. until 1 hour before sunset, but after hours accommodations are available. For availability and information, call 619-437-1514.

From Your Marina Manager and Staff

Ken Guyer - Marina Manager
ken.guyer@marriott.com

October Happenings in San Diego
There's plenty of great things to do in October in San Diego – Here's a few we're aware of:

• Coronado Speed Festival - Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2007 - 8 am–4 pm each day – North Island Naval Air Station – Part of Fleet Week, the tenth annual Coronado Speed Festival features 225 of the world's most unique and pedigreed vintage racecars competing on a 1.7 mile course. Some of the cars on the track are valued in the millions of dollars and, unlike most racing events, fans are invited to tour the pits and speak with the drivers of these unique machines. Click Here for more information.
  
  
• MCAS Miramar Air Show - Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 12-14 2007 – Also part of Fleet Week, gates open at 8 am daily; Saturday Twilight Show begins at 5:30 pm. - The world's best military and civilian pilots will soar through San Diego's skies at the world famous MCAS Miramar Air Show the weekend of October 12-14, featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier, Air Force F-16 and the Navy's F-18 E/F Super Hornet! Click Here for more information.
  
  
• Halloween in the Gaslamp District - October 31st, of course. If you're the kind of person who like Mardi Gras in New Orleans,you'll get a kick out of Halloween in San Diego's Gaslamp District. You'll see costumes there like you've never seen before. Best hint - reserve a table streetside at one of the Gaslamp restaurants and prepare to be entertained. There are lots of other Halloween festivities in the city - Click Here to see more.

Around the Circuit - Alternator Alternatives
Alternators are an essential piece of equipment whether you own a power boat or sailboat, but having the right kind of alternator can dramatically increase the life of your batteries.

When an engine is started, the alternator starts to spin, but does not output power until told to do so by the voltage regulator. The two types we need to be concerned with are internally and externally regulated alternators. There is a big difference between the two, and if you understand the difference it can save you money and reduce the amount of expensive and back breaking labor to replace batteries that are cooked.

An alternator that has an internal voltage regulator starts automatically and keeps a constant voltage output into the battery bank, usually about 14.2 volts or 28.4 for 24 volt systems. This is too much voltage on a continuous basis for a happy battery. It heats up the plates inside the battery and boils out the water. Short battery life and expensive replacement is assured.

An alternator that has an external, 3-step voltage regulator will also start automatically, but it maximizes charging to the batteries while protecting them against overcharging. In this kind of alternator, it's even possible to program into the regulator what type batteries you have in order to dial up the best voltage profile. They also use temperature sensors to keep track of the alternator and batteries. Longer battery life is assured.

If you do have internally regulated alternators, they can be modified and matched up to a 3-step regulator. I think this is a good idea if you need to repair your existing alternator. You can then have a modern charging system without buying a new alternator, and won't have to change the engine mount or belts.

Regardless of the alternator type you have, it's also a good idea to keep an eye on your voltmeters while your engine is running. They should remain constant and be no higher than 14.5 volts for 12 volt systems or 29.0 volts for a 24 volt system. If your tachometer quits working check your alternator. Most tachometers get their signal from the alternator. If the alternator stops working the tach will too.

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.