From Your Marina Manager
Greetings Shelter Cove Boaters! You may have noticed we've been busy lately - busy sprucing up the place.

We have replaced water heaters and shower valves. The ramps have new cap rails, posts and beams. We resurfaced concrete, and Marketing Savants, upstairs, has a new deck. It's been a little bit noisier and more cluttered than usual. Thank you for your patience. Hope you like what we've done with the place!

New Faces at the Marina
You might have also noticed a couple of new faces around the marina too. That's Steven and Michael, the new faces on the docks. Steven and Michael are interning with us through the Urban Corps. We're really grateful to have them with us - getting us ship-shape. Please stop and introduce yourself; make them feel welcome, and give them a well-deserved "atta boy".

Comings and Goings
There are other comings and goings, too, as there always seem to be. We've had to say farewells to some: The Olsons from the trawler at the end of "A"; Tony Duchi with m/v Andiamo; Ed Serra with s/v Dancing with Dolphins; and Susie Hartley and Craig Mazur with s/v Lightn'n. We wish them all well.

We have newcomers filling in some of those spots: Jody and Randy Fraser with s/v Free Luff, Andrew Ayyad and Kay White with s/v Taravana, Trevor Rees aboard his new home - s/v Solitude, Michael Swanson - bringing his Bertram from Michigan, and The Lowries with m/v Never Satisfied II. Please make sure to say hello and make them all feel at home here at the Cove.

Labor Day Shindig
You'll have the chance to make new friends and kibbutz with old chums. We're throwing a little Labor Day shindig on Monday, September 1st. Come down to the grill if you're around. There is a sign-up sheet in the office. Dogs and Burgers go on at 1 pm. Hope everyone can make it.

Out and About
Check this out for something different to do! Trolley Dances 2008. This is the 10th year of this event. It's a great way to support alternative, greener transportation and get some culture. Dates are Sept. 27 & 28 and Oct. 4 & 5. Tickets available online at San Diego Dance Theater - Get movin' and groovin'!

See you at the marina!

Shaun McMahon - Marina Manager
info@sheltercovemarina

There Is Nothing On Earth Like It
You can never describe it fully to people you meet. It's your yacht, and it's an extension of your passion and personality.

You think about it all the time even when you're back at the office or at home, and when you do think about it, you get that feeling of pride that you're the master of it, and that you and it are one with the water.

You could buy a model that's kind of like it to put on your desk or on the mantle, but it wouldn't be your boat.

Well - Thanks to a new creative company called ModelWorks, you can now commission an incredibly detailed model of your vessel, right down to the instrument cluster and the upholstery in the salon.

Working from photographs that they carefully instruct you to take and an extensive library of shipbuilder's blueprints, the company's craftsmen create a highly detailed desktop size replica that will bring you constant enjoyment and a source of animated conversation with friends.

The exact replicas the company produces are impressive hand painted museum quality but affordable models that have to be seen.

In San Diego, you can do that at the new ModelWorks showroom at 1053 Rosecrans Street - Call 760-525-4341 for more information.

YachtFest San Diego - Not to be Missed!
It's like no other boat show you've ever been to! In fact, there are no boats at San Diego's YachtFest; only yachts.

And what yachts they are. Taking place September 11-14, YachtFest offers what larger shows don't - an intimate glimpse inside some of the world's most luxurious floating vessels that range in size from 60 to over 155 feet.

Attendees will be able to view an exclusive collection of luxurious superyachts available for purchase or charter. They will also be treated to first-class VIP hospitality and entertainment in an intimate setting while gaining exclusive access to the newest luxury lifestyle products.

With a stellar line-up of yachts on display, including five for charter, attendees can learn more about the ultimate customized vacation. Charter prices can range from about $6,000 a week for a 50-foot sailboat that sleeps six, to $300,000 per week for a floating mansion, replete with full crew, gourmet chef, gym, pool and every water toy conceivable.

Over $100 million worth of yachts, super yachts, luxury cars, jewelry, aircraft and other accessories will be on display at Shelter Island Marina and the Island Palms Hotel.

This year's yachts on display for sale and charter include:

The most common racing staysail is the "Dazy Staysail", which is a tall, narrow, very light sail used under a spinnaker when the apparent wind direction is within a range from 5 or 10 degrees forward of the beam to 20 or 25 degrees behind the beam.

The sail is intended to have its tack set on the center-line of the foredeck about one quarter to one third of the way back from the headstay to the mast. Its luff length is as great as will fit between that tack position and top of the foretriangle. Its width, or LP, is about 80% or 85% of J. A wider sail would have greater area, but would not be as effective over as great a wind speed range or within as large a range of apparent wind angles.

The Dazy is effective not only because of the area it adds to the sail plan, but also because it increases the air flow along the leeward side of the main, thus improving the efficiency of that sail as well.

Both of these staysails are set flying, meaning they are not attached to or supported by any stay. Consequently, their luff ropes must be made of a non-stretching wire or, in some cases, Kevlar.

A bit of trivia: The Dazy staysail is named after the boat that popularized it. On her way to winning the 1975 Canada's Cup, Golden Dazy used a tall narrow staysail.

Editor's Note: Brad Poulos is the General Manager at UK-Halsey Sailmakers 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@BlueSkyNews.com.

Southern California Cruising Adventures - The Channel Islands
- By Frank and Martha Mowry
California's Channel Islands; what a destination! A group of four islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel) running roughly East to West and tucked in below southern California's elbow. Collectively they are a nature preserve and their rugged appearance is at once intimidating and beautiful.

Prior to setting off for the Channel Islands, a little preparation is needed. Good maps are a must with NOAA charts #18720 and 18740 recommended. The former details the northern Channel Islands destination, and the latter frames the southern California coast from San Diego to Oxnard and includes Santa Catalina, San Clemente, San Nicholas, and Santa Barbara, the southern Channel Islands.

Sailing directions are also key to fun and safety. Brian Fagan's, "The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California" is exceptionally good in its detail descriptions including maps, pictures and refuge anchorages. The "Southern California Boaters Guide" published by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project is also helpful with aerial photographs and emergency contact numbers.

Getting there from San Diego can be by near rhumb line (about 160 nautical) or by sissy sailing, ducking in and out of harbors each night and morning! We prefer sissy sailing and take full advantage of Dana Point Harbor, Newport Harbor, and Marina del Rey. Each beautiful, accessed easily (during the day) and affording the mariner good shore facilities and several options for securing their vessel. Oh yes, the watering holes aren't bad either.

Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard California is proximate to our destination and is the usual jumping off point. The harbor is well suited for the mariner's needs with pump outs, a fuel dock, and stores close by to acquire supplies. There are several marinas and yacht clubs within the harbor. We have found the Channel Islands Harbor Marina to be especially accommodating. It is newly refurbished with excellent shore facilities, individual slips, and outstanding staff.

Anacapa, easternmost and smallest of the group has few safe anchorages because of exposure, and the first time visitor is well advised to move west to the neighbor and "the jewel" of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz. This island, the largest of the four has many anchorages, most of which offer safe harbor depending on the wind and sea conditions. Among our favorite anchorages on Santa Cruz are Smugglers Cove on the east shore and Prisoner's Harbor on the North.

Coches Prietos and Willow Anchorage on the south are also favorites. Santa Rosa has two relatively safe anchorages, Johnson Lee, on the south shore and Bechers Bay (Northwest Anchorage), a large open bight on the east. The north shore has no safe anchorages. San Miguel, the westernmost of the island group is a daunting destination for the pleasure boater. It is frequently and unpredictably buffeted by high winds and formidable seas. San Miguel should not be visited by the inexperienced mariner. The Channel Islands in general should be avoided in Santa Ana conditions.

To go ashore for landing, hiking, and camping requires permission from the Channel Islands National Park. Permits may be obtained by calling the CINP at (805) 658-5730.

Since there are no usable buoys or slips in the Channel Islands, ground tackle is very important. Your anchors should be compatible with the size of your vessel and the method of retrieval be it electric or manual windlass should be sturdy and in good working order. Even the best ground tackle, however, requires a skipper and crew who have experience setting the hook. That said, with due diligence, experience and practice, anchoring in the islands can be very gratifying.

For your exertions in planning the trip to the islands, the transit to and from and the sharpening of your mariner skills, you are rewarded by a daytime sky filled with birds; a nighttime sky with stars like you will never see ashore; and a sea teaming with seals, sea lions, schools of fish, dolphins, and yes, an occasional whale. And it is quiet! - So very quiet!

From the Eco-Detective - Breathing Easier and Healthier on Your Boat
- By Russ Grandinetti
If you think about it, a major difference between a boat or yacht and a building is that there are very few sources of fresh air.

This is especially true of all dark compartments like cupboards, storage bins, bilges, and spaces below the waterline. Mold and viruses can collect in these spaces, and even in the HVAC air ducts themselves if the vessel has been sitting closed up for a while.

In my job as the Eco-Detective at Knight & Carver, we keep the environment healthy (and smelling fresh) on medium to large vessels by installing air purification units in the air ducts. These units are manufactured by the RGF Environmental Group.

On land, these electrically powered units are used to eliminate "sick building syndrome" risks by reducing odors, air pollutants, VOCs (chemical odors), smoke, mold, bacteria and viruses with Photohydroionization (PHI) Technology. That's a fancy word that basically means "air-friendly oxidizers".

To complete the job, we also install special units that can pump oxidized gas into tanks, and we use those to treat both the grey water and black water tanks.

The editor tells me I don't have the space to write a novel here, but if I did, I'd tell you about the 58' Grand Banks we outfitted with this technology, and what the reaction of the owner of an identical Grand Banks said when they came aboard. They were amazed at the complete absence of unwanted aromas. Their exact words; "it smells like a rain forest right after a downpour!".

See you next month when we'll talk about water purification.

Russ Grandinetti is a noted megayacht captain with a background in marine sciences and oceanography. He is now the Green Products and Services Manager for Knight & Carver YachtCenter in National City, Ca. For more information about the product highlighted in this article or other eco-friendly products, e-mail Russ with your questions and suggestions.










Between the Sheets - About Those Unwanted Boat Bouquets
- By Richard Benscoter
Most of us have experienced the unpleasant fragrance upon opening up our boat for a weekend of fun and relaxation. The majority of the time, the odor is from your marine sanitation device (MSD) system but with a little general maintenance and understanding you can clear the air.

Every boat is different, but they all will have a head, holding tank with vent, usually a macerator pump and valve for overboard discharge, and an on-deck pump out access. Waste will begin to break down and vent the gas as a byproduct overboard. This is especially noticeable when the head is flushed.

If you smell rotten eggs the first time you use your head after it sits for a week or two, it is natural as microscopic organisms die and decompose in the salt water inlet line and emit a large amount of gas.
I have found that chemical treatments work to a point but are not acceptable for eliminating odors. The best treatment is dock-side flushing with fresh water after you pump out your holding tank. Re-fill the tank with fresh water and pump it out repeatedly until the pump out hose sight is clear. This can take as many as four times or more to get it clean

On a related issue, be aware that saltwater and uric acid can produce calcium scale inside marine toilets and discharge hoses. This can cause the toilet to get progressively harder to flush, and can even lead to total blockage. To counteract this, pour a pint of white vinegar into the bowl once a month and pump it slowly-a single stroke every few minutes-through the toilet. The mildly acidic vinegar will dissolve the fresh scale deposits.

Hoses in the MSD system can also get permeated over time with waste odors and make your compartments and boat smell. To minimize this, wipe the hoses with a clean cotton rag or towel up and down the hose from the head to the holding tank. Go on deck and smell the rag - if there is an unpleasant odor, your hoses and vent line need changed.

To eliminate that unpleasant odor from expelled gas when you flush your head, you can install a charcoal filter in the vent line. This will take care of venting gas odors, but be cautioned that if you ever over fill your holding tank and waste gets to this filter it will be useless, and require changing. That could also lead to a clogged vent line and then the holding tank can't be pumped out or macerated out.

If this happens, the most common cause is a collapsed or clogged vent line. When replacing the vent line always check and clear the vent fitting in the holding tank and the overboard vent fitting.

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.

YachtFest 3rd Annual "All Decked Out" Fashion Show - Friday, September 12th
One of the most prestigious and enjoyable features of YachtFest is the fashion show.

On Friday, Sept. 12th at noon, models dressed to the nines will strut down the red carpet at YachtFest San Diego for the 3rd annual "All Decked Out" Fashion Show, this year benefiting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA's "Operation Kid Comfort" program.

Set against a beautiful bayside backdrop of luxurious superyachts, models will parade down the runway in Saks Fifth Avenue's hottest fall fashions and jewelry by CJ Charles Jewelers, escorted by servicemen and women in uniform. Attending guests will be treated to a pre-show soirée with complimentary appetizers and drinks.

Sponsored by The French Gourmet, Riviera Magazine and CJ Charles Jewelers, the pre-show reception begins at noon; and the fashion show begins at 1 p.m. Ticket prices are as follows:

• $40 for the fashion show, reception, including refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, and a gift bag. Proceeds from the event will benefit "Operation Kid Comfort."
  
  
• $15 more will include and a General Admission ticket to YachtFest. ($34 value.)
  
  
• $25 more will include Preferred Access to YachtFest, granting access and priority boarding on all yachts, along with a complimentary beverage. ($64 value.)

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.yachtfest.com or call Brittany Catton at (858) 751-5755.

Dear Bob, I read your articles in BlueSkyNews newsletters, and I wonder what advice you would give about buying a boat to a prospective first-time boat owner? By the way, I would be boating on a lake.

Thanks - Tom in Longwood, Florida

Response - By Bob Simons
Tom, there are so many different factors to be taken into account that I really can't address the question specifically, but here are a few suggestions:

1. Take a Boating Safety Class from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the Power Squadron prior to choosing the boat you want.

2. If you decide on sail (which being a sailor, I think is great), try to join a sailing club first. Frequently they will train you in small, medium and large boats, and you will get the feel of what you are comfortable with.

3. Don't fall for the salesman's line to go with the biggest boat you can afford first. When you drive by most marinas, you will notice that many of the boats are always there and they rarely go anywhere. This is often because the owner bought a boat that he/she was not capable of handling comfortably. Boating is like anything else. You want to start small and work your way up. Dennis Connors was a champion 8 foot Sabot sailor first.

4. A lot depends on whether you will be boating alone or with a crew. Sailboats up to about 25 feet can be handled easily by one person. Over 25 feet, a crew is a real asset in handling the jib and other lines. When the weather is fine, almost any boat is easily handled by one person but when you are sailing, weather can happen very quickly and other problems can come up that make singlehandling dangerous.

5. Lake sailing can be very tricky because of the surrounding countryside. Lakes are generally shallow and the seas can build very fast and with nasty chops. If there are canyons or even forests surrounding the lake, wind gusts can be sudden and devastating causing a capsize. This happened to me at Lake Houston one time and I was in the water before I even realized the wind had changed.

6. As to the cost of a first time sailboat, find a knowledgeable boater in the area to help you out and get a slightly used boat with a small cuddy cabin. Don't spend a lot of money because you don't know whether you will enjoy the experience yet.

7. Boating of any kind is fun and remember that it is supposed to be fun for your passengers also.

8. Be sure to get a Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary before you go out. It can save you a lot of grief and maybe save your life.

Editor's Note: 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. You can send an e-mail to Bob at bobsimons@BlueSkyNews.com.