From the Dockmaster
Welcome to the September 2007 Sheraton Harbor Island Marina e-mail newsletter. Can you believe that summer is almost over? I hope you all had a wonderful labor day weekend. It has been a very hectic and fun filled Season.

Welcome back to Chuck & Margret Herr after a three year adventure in the north west. If you see them on the dock just ask them about the marinas they visited like the one that were nothing more than logs tied together.

In this issue, we want to let you know about two September events you won't want to miss; YachtFest (See article on the right), and the Red Bull World Series Air Race.

The Red Bull Air Race World Series is an exciting competition in which the world's most talented pilots are up against each other in a slalom-style race based on speed, precision and skill. The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 21st and 22nd, in a wide area of San Diego Bay from just North of the Coronado Bay Bridge to just North of the "G" Street moll (Where the Fish Market Restaurant is located).

What makes the Air Race so exciting and interesting for spectators is the proximity of the contest to the crowds. Flying low to the ground at speeds up to 250 m.p.h., while attempting difficult aerial maneuvers, the pilots fly individually against the clock executing tight turns through a race track consisting of specially designed pylons, known as "Air Gates".

Taking Your Boat Out to See the Race
Let's say you're sufficiently excited about the race that you're thinking about taking your boat out for a closer seat. Here's what you need to know.

First, there will be periods of closures of portions of San Diego bay both during setup and the race itself. There will be times when you can't traverse between Shelter Island and the bridge, and also some temporary access closures to places like the Marriott Marina.

Visit this link on www.redbullairrace.com to see a PDF containing the latest bay closing times and a map the race course. I encourage you to print pages 10 & 11.

Second, as one Coast Guard officer once said, there are few rules about drifting, but there are plenty of rules about anchoring.

According to Coast Guard LCDR Drew Cheney, Navigation Rules (33 U.S.C. 2001-2038) state, "Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel." This includes anchoring in such a way that the vessel swinging on the anchor line/chain enters the channel while at anchor. Basically the only time a vessel should "drop the hook" in a channel is as a last resort to prevent a collision.

For a special event such as the Red Bull Air Race World Series where the channel is blocked by a safety zone and each side would potentially be a spectator gathering area, vessels still should not anchor in the channel. Besides being contrary to the Navigation Rules, if a vessel were to anchor in the channel and had problems weighing anchor when the safety zone was secured the vessel could potentially be a hazard to navigation. Therefore, it is prudent to follow the Navigation Rules, special event or not.

That being said vessels can congregate outside the safety zone in the channel while the safety zone is in effect, but would have to hold station by means other that anchoring. For areas outside the channel: The anchorage regulations for San Diego Bay state, "Vessels anchoring in San Diego Harbor shall leave a free passage for other craft and shall not obstruct the approaches to the wharves in the harbor."

So this is a long-winded way of saying that you can anchor as long as you are not blocking a dock or access to a dock; are outside the safety zone and not in the navigation channel.

That's it for Now
Thanks - Enjoy the newsletter, and please remember, if you have any questions or items you would like to discuss, please give me a call. We would like to hear from you.

Eric Holle - Dock Master
eric.holle@sheraton.com

Free Crew Training Seminar @ YachtFest
Pack those bags! Get ready to embark on a career of a lifetime! Those who love the excitement of travel will not want to miss the free crew training seminar, "Your Career in Yachting", presented by Merrill-Stevens Crew Placement on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Island Palms Hotel.

The seminar is held in conjunction with YachtFest San Diego presented by San Diego Marine Exchange September 13-16, 2007 at Shelter Island Marina/Island Palms Hotel.

Attendees will hear first hand from current deckhands, captains, engineers, stewards and chefs as they share their experiences and discuss the career opportunities available aboard a luxury yacht. There will be presentations by Merrill-Stevens Crew Placement as well as special guest speaker, Captain Rags Laragione, President of the Maritime Institute and US Coast Guard Master.

Topics covered include: tips for finding a position, safety standards, job descriptions and responsibilities, the pros and cons of "water-bound" employment and more. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information on YachtFest visit www.yachtfest.com or call (858) 836-0133.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Tip of the Month
Did you know that a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) by a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary or an examiner from the US Power Squadron can often save you the embarrassment and fine from being boarded by the Coast Guard?

When you pass a VSC, you are awarded a VSC Seal that is placed on the port side window of your vessel indicating that you are current with this years safety requirements.

You should also know that there are a few additional requirements mandated by the State of California, for instance, the mandatory placement of a CO2 warning sticker near the bridge and on the stern of all vessels with combustible fuel power. If you do not have this sticker, it is considered grounds for a "probable cause" for boarding by any City, State or Federal agency.

If you would like a free Vessel Safety Check, please e-mail 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.

Happy boating! Next month we'll talk about salvage vs. towing.

5th Annual IGFA Young Anglers
Young anglers ages six through 15 are invited to compete in a free Young Angler Tournament at the Shelter Island Pier, located at 1776 Shelter Island Drive. This saltwater event is sponsored by the International Game Fish Association and the San Diego Sportfishing Council.

IGFA representatives and volunteers from the United Pier and Shore Anglers Club and will be on hand to assist young anglers and to tally points. Young anglers in the competition are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of loaner rods will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Small quantities of bait will be provided each angler while supplies last.

The Shelter Island Pier Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th 2007. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Fishing begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, and sodas will be served to all registered young anglers. Although advanced registration is not required, parents are urged to download the registration form from the San Diego Sportfishing Council's website and fax it to 619-234-8605. For more information, please call the San Diego Sportfishing Council at (619) 234-8793.

Don't Miss YachtFest San Diego
Don't miss the 8th annual YachtFest San Diego Thursday, September 13 through Sunday, September 16 at Shelter Island Marina.

Sponsored by San Diego Marine Exchange, YachtFest is the place to buy, sell, or charter a spectacular superyacht in the Western United States. Enjoy the ideal relaxed atmosphere while viewing exotic superyachts, luxury goods and accessories.

This is a rare opportunity to come aboard these multi-million dollar superyachts while enjoying VIP hospitality and this elegant lifestyle. More than $50 million worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, automobiles, electronics and other accessories from major international manufacturers will be on display and for sale. The show is open daily September 13-16 from 11a.m. – 6p.m. YachtFest will also feature the 2nd annual "All Decked Out" fashion show benefiting the San Diego Armed Services YMCA with fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. For more information on YachtFest or to buy tickets, visit www.yachtfest.com or call (858) 836-0133.

Yachtfest Bonus! Click Here for a discounted ticket to YachtFest, compliments of BlueSkyNews.com.

Breaking News: Sales Tax Law Reverts Back!
With the passing of the new California State Budget, apparently the old "90 Day Rule" for CA state sales tax has reverted back. For the past three years, California buyers who sought to avoid sales/use tax had to keep their boats out of state for 365 days; out of state residents; six months. The old law has now returned and it is retroactive to sales from July 1, 2007. This is great news for boaters, and for marine related businesses.

As of 8/22/07, it is once again possible to comply with the law without being assessed sales/use tax on your next yacht purchase, but only under the careful guidance of a qualified attorney who specializes in the area.

Basically, the closing takes place outside the state, usually with an "offshore delivery". The boat must remain out of the state for more than 50% of the time, during the first six months of ownership. Special steps must be taken for it to be valid, including special documents. There are many pitfalls and technicalities that could void this exemption. If you do this, it must be done right, or you will not only pay the tax, you could be liable for penalties and interest! Yacht Brokers are typically not qualified to fully guide you through this process with certainty. I refer my clients to two excellent attorneys in San Diego: Cris John Wenthur and Paul Trusso.

Both are well qualified to assure that your efforts will pay off.

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.

Between the Sheets - What's That Smell?
You arrive at the marina and open your boat for a long anticipated weekend of fun and relaxation, and you're greeted by an unpleasant fragrance. It's not from the usual suspects like the holding tank, yet there it is.

The fact is that other than a few days in Winter, the water your boat sits in is colder than the outside air temperature all year long. Recalling our grade school science, we remember that different temperatures from the outside and inside of a vessel induces condensation, which depending on the length of your water line can produce a quart or more of water during a twenty four hour period. That can add up to a lot of water in a week .

Since rough surfaces make up a lot of the inside of most hulls, a lot of the condensation never makes it all the way down to the bilge; instead it collects on anything in its path - life jackets, paper packaging from stored items, basically everything in contact with the inside hull. Add darkness and mold and you have that unwanted fragrance.

Solution? Remove, clean and dry everything in contact with the inner hull below the water line. Scrub the surface with non toxic biodegradable soap that will not harm the environment. Leave the access to the areas open until they are completely dry. If you must store items in these areas, ensure they are not in contact with the hull, or store them in a water tight container or bag. Lastly, leave access to these areas open when you leave your boat, so air can circulate.

Footnote: Another often overlooked source of unpleasant odor is the result of sea water leaking from shaft packings. Sea water contains microscopic animals that when removed from their environment will die, decay, and cause that rotten egg smell. Solution? Install dripless packing. I've been using GFO fiber packing on my boat for years with exceptional results and dry bilges.

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.

About Galvanic Isolators
Fred Parenti writes - "Dear Brett - I installed a 20 gallon Force Electric Water Heater two and a half years ago, and I installed a galvanic isolator at the same time. The isolator was placed between the boat's ground and the ground to the water heater and shore ground.

After 2 1/2 years, the side of the aluminum tank started leaking a rock-like debris into the hot water lines. What do you think is going on?"

Fred - A good question about water heater tanks and their relationship with shore power ground. They don't really have a relationship, other than the normal green safety ground that should be connected to the metal framework surrounding the heater itself.

Since a water tank holds a separate electrolyte (water), it forms its own galvanic environment. The ship's ground is floating in the same sea as the dock, so they have their own galvanic environment going on.

So, what could be the cause of your "rock-like debris"? Well, I've had a hot water tank at home that had rock like debris in it; hard water deposits. Aluminum is extremely susceptible to attack by certain heavy metal ions, particularly copper. If there are copper water lines upstream or connected to this tank, that could be the reason. Aluminum is also subject to "poultice corrosion", which might occur at the bottom of the tank if there is a thin layer of hard water deposits denying access to a fresh supply of oxygen.

If the heating element is not isolated from the tank the aluminum will become the sacrificial anode. Rapid accumulation of debris will occur. In conclusion I'll quote from the Boat Owner's Guide to Corrosion. "...aluminum is not the material of choice for top-of-the-line water heaters...if you can afford to have your water tanks made of stainless steel, or better yet Monel, it will be well worth the expense in terms of tank life and taste."

I'd also go ahead and give the manufacturer a call - they are usually pretty helpful. Good luck -Brett

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