sheltercove5-07

Click Here to view this newsletter in a browser | Home | About BlueSkyNews.com | Contact | Advertising Rates

Desktop Photo of the Month - Big Sur on a Chilly Day In May

Our BlueSkyNews.com camera captured this Big Sur windy and cold seascape a few days ago. For step-by-step instructions to download this photo or one of our many other fantastic free photos to your PC desktop, Click here.

Lightning and Your Boat

One of my customers called me last week from a boating class. They had just covered the danger of lightning strikes and he was wondering if his boat had been properly bonded for protection?

No, I told him. The West coast doesn't get a lot of thunderstorms, so most boat builders out here do not add an appropriate path for lightning current to follow to and from the sea. An air to sea lightning strike will look for a connection to the sea at about a million volts, and there’s not a thing you can do about it except get out of the way. On an unbonded sailboat, the current will flow down the mast and shrouds until it reaches a high resistance point, say a fiberglass or wood hull, and will do several things, all bad. It may just blow a hole in the boat, but more likely it will "side flash" to the electronics, stove, water heater, fuel tanks, you, etc, on its way to ground.

You can get out of the way, however, by creating what is known as a "Faraday's Cage". The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends that sailboats bond all shrouds and large metallic objects with a #4 gauge wire and create a path to ship's ground. Most boats use their engine shafts and props for their ship's ground. A better solution is a bronze ground plate mounted midships to keep the wire run as straight as possible. It is also recommended that all large metal devices be included in the bonding system by #6 wire to minimize side flash danger.

Sailboats that are headed to Mexico or the tropics might also consider bonding the lifelines and pulpits. Surge protectors used on antennas will help protect the electronics, but carry a spare radio just in case.

Power boats use the same methods, but normally need to install a lightning rod at the top of their signal masts or arch to create a zone of protection.

Brett Dingerson

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 vessel electrical systems for blue water or local bay boating. He is the owner of San Diego-based Marine Electric.

Fun Things To Do In San Diego In May

May 12th & 13th - Seaport Village's Spring Busker Festival

Seaport Village is throwing a special spring fling to celebrate performers of all varieties. Jugglers, magicians, stiltwalkers, dancers, acrobats, musicians and more will be on hand to dazzle. The event is from 11 am-4 pm Sat-Sun, May 12-13, 2007 and admission is free. Attendees will be invited to vote for their favorite acts. The performers earning the most votes will be offered contracts to perform at Seaport Village during the busy summer months.

Interactive exhibits, special sales and more will also be in full swing. Seaport's shops, restaurants and eateries will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. And oh yes, in case you didn’t know, the word busker means street performer.

May 12, 13 & 14 - Gator By The Bay Zydeco Festival

More than 25 bands, cajun creole food, cooking demonstrations and activities for kids make up the Gator by the Bay Zydeco and Blues festival. The event is open from 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Spanish Landing Park. Admission is $15 (Kids 17 and under Free with adult) and tickets can be purchased at the door or online at WWW.gatorbythebay.com.

Sunday May 20th - Chula Vista's Taste of the Arts

Taste of the Arts by the Bay is the City of Chula Vista’s premier arts event. Celebrating its 20th year, the festival is scheduled in Memorial Park on Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Designed as fun for the entire family, Taste of the Arts includes two stages with musical performances and student talent, juried art exhibits, a variety of art for sale, and numerous food booths.

Highlights include a concert by the San Diego Youth Symphony,; guest artists exhibiting paintings and sculpture, and an interactive art zone. For more information, click here.

Sunday - May 20th - Sicily Comes To Little Italy

The music, dance and cuisine of Sicily comes to the streets of San Diego's Little Italy on Sunday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

This annual event features authentic Sicilian food booths, dancing in the streets, a wine and beer garden, and music by the nationally-acclaimed Roman Holiday Ensemble, whose repertoire includes a wide variety of Italian and Sicilian music as well as a swinging Louie Prima and Frank Sinatra show. Visitors are encouraged to wear their most creative Italian, Carnevale, or Renaissance costume to the festival. Prizes will be awarded to the "best dressed" at a special presentation. For more information, click here.

Sunday - May 20th - The Navy’s Annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk

Your participation in this 21 year San Diego Navy tradition will support our troops not to mention giving you a view from the bridge you’ll never forget. Hosted by the Navy Region Southwest, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Program, you will be crossing the majestic Coronado Bay Bridge to raise funds to support Quality of Life Programs for Navy personnel. For complete information and registration details, click here.

Free Seminar: Your Boat Hull, Water Quality & Invasive Species

The University of California Sea Grant Extension Program invites boaters to attend a free seminar on May 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the Sunroad Resort Marina. The marina is located at 955 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

The topics presented will include how you can deal with regulations on copper bottom paint; what boaters think of their nontoxic bottom coatings after 4.5 to 8 years; easy ways to prevent invasive species from being transported on your boat bottom; what you need to know about invasive species; and What you can do to protect water quality and prevent invasive species.

For more information or to request accommodations for a disability, please contact Jamie Gonzalez at jagonzalez@ucdavis.edu




ON THE MARKET

	Boats/Yachts For Sale (7)

	Bottom Protection (1)

	Brokers (3)

	Canvas & Interior (1)

		Charter (2)

	Insurance (2)

	Maintenance/Repair (4)

Shelter Cove Marina
2240 Shelter Island Drive

Want to download a

“printer friendly” PDF of

this newsletter? Right-

Click Here then save it to

a file using “Save-Target

As”

Wish Your Computer Could Remind You Of

Things?

Ever wish your PC could remind you to pay an important bill or check the parking meter? If you use Microsoft Outlook, you already have this neat feature.

To use it, open Outlook and locate the “Tasks” folder. (It should be on the left hand side of your screen under the “Folder List” or the “Outlook Shortcuts” pane). Open the Tasks Folder and add a new task in the space indicated.

Now, double-click on the task you just created which will open up a window for the task. Check the reminder box and enter the date and time you’d like to be reminded.

That’s all there is to it! You’ll get a tone and a visual notice when the reminder time comes. Obviously, you can use this handy feature for birthdays, anniversaries, and all sorts of other things.

Tired of Looking At That Annoying Paper

Clippit

Clip?

If you use Microsoft Office, it probably came installed with “Clippit” set to be the default Office Assistant.

For a refreshing change, “Right-Click” on Clippit and select “Choose Assistant”. That will let you browse through the gallery of other Office Assistants you can use.

Rocky

Our personal favorite is Rocky the dog.

Greetings From Your Marina Manager

Some Ahoys and Bon Voyages:

The Wilemans on C are relocating S/V Stardust to Dana Point. Tom Fernandez didn’t have Opal Eye with us long—just long enough to get his slip over at Fiddler’s. And Lucian Jorg finally sold his Capri on A. We wish them all fair winds and fair seas. There are three new boats in on A. Give a hearty Shelter Cove welcome aboard to the Mottas and their pilothouse, the Hindmans and Sea Esta, and the Larsens and Three J’s (for now, name change in the wind).

FYI:

Support your local business community at Sea Breeze through Memorial Day, used books -- !5% off—some just a buck.. What a steal!

Speaking of . . .

Unfortunately, we’ve had a small rash of petty theft here in our snug harbor. A couple hoses have walked off on their own. The trash can in the men’s room, the poster in the men’s room and the door mat in front of the office are missing. Any of these items can be returned to the marina office. No questions asked.

On a lighter note:

Kazumasa Nishioka, crew and S/V Tadayon, and Joe Weathers and his multi-hull Sea Ya did the Newport to Ensenada run. Heard winds were light, but maybe they’ve still got good yarns to swap ?

And Friendly reminders:

All dock hoses need nozzles. Pleas coil hoses and dock lines neatly. Looks better, lots safer. Do not leave bagged trash on docks or dock fingers. The seagulls love to tear them open and have a field day. The office will be closed Memorial Day. Happy Summer boaters! Stop by and borrow the key for the grill. Thanks for helping to take care of our marina. Love, the staff.

Shaun McMahon - Marina Manager

info@sheltercovemarina

EPIRB Reminder

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters that as of Jan 1, 2007, both 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) were prohibited from use in both commercial and recreational watercraft.

Boaters wishing to have an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessel must have a digital 406 MHz model.

Boat Safety - Why Not Take Advantage of San Diego’s Many Excellent Resources?

Safety always comes first, and we want to make sure all of our boating subscribers are safe by providing you with updates and reminders in safety procedures.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary generously offers free vessel inspections by appointment. An outside professional eye can often spot things you don't, and give you tips on how to keep your boat safe. Call them at 619-231-1300 to arrange an appointment. You’ll be glad you did.

With the boating season revving up, this is also a great time to refresh your knowledge and hone your skills in boating safety. Classes of all different skill, age and experience level are offered around San Diego through the California Department of Waterways (Cal Boating), United States Power Squadrons, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Thanks to technology, some classes are even offered online, so you can learn at your convenience.

Cal Boating is a run through the state, but is integrated with many private boating organizations and is quite respectable. Their course can either be taken on-line at your convenience, or in a classroom setting once a week over a period of 13 weeks. It covers state and federal boating law, general rules, and safe boat handling. For more information, click here to visit Cal Boating or call (888)-362-2822.

The United States Power Squadrons offer a six/seven session program, called the Squadron Boating Course, as well as an eight-hour refresher course called Boatsmart. Both cover topics including boat handling and operation, marine radios procedure, knots and hitches, anchoring, federal and state requirements and regulations, and tips for safe navigation. The Squadron Boating Course has a special focus on charting, piloting, and position determination. Both courses will be more hands on than Cal Boating's program. For more information, click here to visit United States Power Squadrons. They have a lot of great boating information on their site, so even if you are not planning on attending courses, go check it out!

The classes offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (an entirely volunteer branch of the US Coast Guard) are definitely the most hands-on, and only those willing to get wet should take them! They offer two courses, one focusing on powerboats (Boating Skills and Seamanship), and the other focusing on sailors (Sailing and Seamanship). Both courses are 13 weeks long, and cover general legal requirements, Coast Guard law, navigation tips, marlinspike seamanship, charts/compasses, and safe boat handling. They also offer more specified classes including, Basic Coastal Navigation, Boating Safety Course, Advanced Coastal Piloting, along with many others. To find out more, call (619)-260-1515.

Additional information on classes can be found on the Harbor Police's Website.

Captain Crunch

Other captions for this unfortunate coupling incident at Kona Kai last month might be “Ka-Boom” or “Comin’ Through!” Let us know what you think.

We knew there was a rivalry between sail and power boats! Hopefully, nobody was in the aft head at the time.

Between the Sheets - The Glory Days of the Past Live on at Avalon

For years my wife and I have sailed to Catalina and sat on our boat in Avalon harbor in the evening and said to each other that it must have been really something to dance to the big bands on the magnificent Casino dance floor in Avalon’s heyday of yesteryear.

And then we discovered that in 1996, to support the efforts of the Catalina Conservancy, the Corsair Yacht Club sponsored the first Catalina Island Conservancy Ball. That first ball in 1996 saw hundreds of people in formal dress enter the Avalon Casino and dance the night away to the sounds of Les Brown and his band of Renown.

Ever since that, annual support of the Catalina Conservancy and its preservation efforts has continued for the past 12 years hosted by different yacht clubs of southern California.

So on Saturday night, April 14th, we joined 525 formally dressed guests at the fabulous 12th annual Catalina Conservancy Ball hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club. The evening featured fun, excitement, a gourmet meal with superb wine, silent and live auctions, dancing and beautiful views of Avalon Harbor from the Avalon Casino’s balcony.

You don’t need to be a member of a yacht club to attend and support this annual event and your support will help ensure that Catalina will remain the pristine place we all like to escape to and enjoy.

I encourage you all to plan to take your fascination with Avalon and turn it into reality next spring like we did. I guarantee it will be one of your highlights of the year if not your life.

Richard Benscoter

Editor’s Note: Richard Benscoter is a long time avid sailor. He’s a member of the Silver Gate Yacht Club. If you have a sailing question for Richard, send e-mail to richard@BlueSkyNews.com.