5000 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
Telephone:
619-222-1167
Fax:
619-222-9387
E-mail Address:
kathy@sun-harbor.com
Web Site:
www.sun-harbor.com
Office Hours:
Monday - Saturday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Important Numbers:
Harbor Police:
619-686-6272
US Coast Guard:
800-424-8802
Marina After Hours:
619-808-9518
Want to download a "printer friendly" PDF of this newsletter?
Right Click Here
then save it to a file using "Save-Target As"
Sun Harbor Marina Minute
Hello Sun Harbor tenants - Here's your February 2010 marina newsletter.
I hope you're all staying warm, dry and secure (yes the wind is howling and gusting again) during San Diego's "winter" months.
Please make sure you read the item below on power chord safety. This becomes even more important on rainy days.
Tenant of the Month
Sun Harbor's February tenant of the month is Barbara Tramelli, for keeping a good eye of for small maintenance issues that are easy to miss. Thanks, Barbara.
Holiday Party
Thanks to all who attended our Holiday Party in December. It was our largest holiday gathering in a few years with lots of amazing food, great raffle items, fun and good cheer!
A Word About Power Cords
While inspecting the docks, we have noticed that some tenants are not using marine grade power cords.
Marine grade cords are mandatory. This is an issue of safety - a marine grade cord protects you and others. This is a Marina policy as stated in both the Sun Harbor slip lease and the rules & regulations.
Sun Harbor Marina slip lease, page 14, item 28: Electrical Extensions/Dock Power Connections. All electrical cords and adaptors connected to the dockside power receptacle must be of a type approved for marine use. All shorelines, adapters and dock-side male plugs MUST be equipped with an acceptable ground and weather-proofing in accordance with Article 555 of the National Electrical Code.
The vessel owner is responsible for providing GFI protection when using the provided electricity. Regulations and Environmental Policies, Section A.1.b and Section A.13. This is also a standard as set in the National Electric Code, Article 555. Cord size needs to be compatible to the 30 (or 50) amp receptacle to prevent a hazard.
Rules & Regulations, Item 7: Electrical Connections. In accordance with the National Electrical Code, Article 555, all connections made to the Marina receptacles shall be U.L. approved weatherproof, three wire, grounded type. Wiring must be of adequate size for the power provided. Cords may not be affixed to the docks.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. It is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). "National Electrical Code" and "NEC" are registered trademarks of the NFPA. The NEC codifies the requirements for safe electrical installations into a single, standardized source.
There was an incident in Florida, where a man was electrocuted while working in his bilge when he accidentally knocked a power cord into the water. A marine grade power cord could have saved this man.
For those of you on the opposite side of the finger from the pedestal, we ask that your marine grade power cords be placed into the raceway tube under the dock, rather than run over the top of the dock where the cord is a tripping hazard.
Tenants who have been previously warned about the use of improper cords, and have not replaced them with an approved cord, will have their cords confiscated. Again, this is for the safety of all tenants and guests.
February Marine Swap Meet
The first Sun Harbor Mariners' Swap Meet of 2010 will be held on Saturday, February 6th, from 6:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. To reserve a spot at the swap meet, purchase a $10 gift certificate from Pizza Nova prior to the Swap Meet, and then call the marina office at 619-222-1167 to let us know you'll be showing your wares.
Swap meet buyers and browsers gain free entrance. See you there!
Mac 'n Cheese Cook Off
We're having a cook-off for the quintessential comfort food (and one of Allie's all-time favorites) - macaroni and cheese! The cook off is from 1-2:30 on Saturday, February 27. Sign up to enter your mac-n-cheese masterpiece on the sheet in the laundry room, the office, by phone, fax or email.
Darling Starlings
Many of you have no doubt noticed the unusually abundant presence of starlings in the marina this winter. We've discovered their favored feast - the berries our palm trees have produced, and we've contracted to have the berries removed. That'll encourage the murmurations (the name for a flock of Starlings) to look elsewhere for food.
Charlotte & Eric's New Baby
Announcement! Charlotte and Eric Kaufman ("Rebel Heart") announce an imminent arrival of a new Sun Harbor Marina baby! Mother and child are in good health. Father is in good spirits. Congratulations!
Adventure Log from Hans Peterman ("Vamanos")
Hola Friends and Family! - Well we cheated death again, and made it safe to San Jose Del Cabo. We are going to hang here for a few days and then it is just another two day sail to Puerto Vallarta.
I checked the weather and it looks like we have a good window for crossing the Sea of Cortez, which sometimes can be a challenge. We will cross beginning tomorrow Sunday afternoon as the storm you are having now will pass and you will have a Santa Ana in a few days. This causes high winds to run down the Sea of Cortez and we want to be almost across before this happens.
We had a few rough times coming down from the storm that you had a few days back. Fortunately we were far enough south that the "tiny ship was tossed" but not too bad. Just one crew doing a little chumming off the back.
The solar panels I installed before leaving have been cranking out the power so we will be off grid from now on. The water maker had to be fine tuned, but we have it now, and are making all of our water from the sea. Vamonos is now a floating mobile island.....love technology when it works!!!
It was another epic trip, and we have our freezer full of fresh fish and lobsters. We caught and released so many Mahi Mahi that we had to stop fishing. Trying not to rub it in, we are now in shorts and tee shirts and getting ready to go to the beach; oh yeah, did I mention the water temperature is 77 degrees?
My favorite anchorage on the trip was location 8, Bahia Santa Maria. We explored the mangrove lagoon via dingy.
I hope everyone is doing well. I am going to miss the Parade of Lights and the Encinitas Parade and enjoying holiday cheer with everyone. If you get too cold, just fly into Puerto Vallarta and I will take good care of you.
Happy Holiday,
Captain Hans, Willie and Ken.
Holiday Recipe
There were requests for a few of the recipes at our Holiday Party. This one comes from Diana Roberts on "West Wind". More recipes on the way!
Goat Cheese, Artichoke,
and Smoked Ham Strata
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup olive oil
8 cups 1-inch cubes sourdough bread, crusts trimmed
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), crumbled (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
12 ounces smoked ham, chopped
3 6 1/2-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained, halved lengthwise (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup (packed) grated Fontina cheese
1 1/2 cups (packed) grated Parmesan
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Whisk milk and oil in large bowl. Stir in bread. Let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Whisk cream and next 5 ingredients in another large bowl to blend. Add goat cheese. Mix herbs in small bowl to blend.
Place half of bread mixture in prepared dish. Top with half of ham, artichoke hearts, herbs, and cheeses. Pour half of cream mixture over. Repeat layering with remaining bread, ham, artichoke hearts, herbs, cheeses, and cream mixture. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)
Bake uncovered until firm in center and brown around edges, about 1 hour.
You can click here to view the complete recipe online.
Joke of the Month - Definition of Sailing
Sailing - The fine art of getting wet and becoming ill, while going nowhere slowly at great expense (equivalent to standing in a cold shower, fully clothed, throwing up, and tearing up $100 bills, while a bunch of other people watch you).
Word of the Month - "Fathom"
Although a fathom is now a nautical unit of length equal to six feet, it was once defined by an act of Parliament as "the length of a man's arms around the object of his affections."
The word derives from the Old English Faethm, which means "embracing arms."
That's it For Now
I look forward to seeing you all at the marina!
Kathy OBrien - Sun Harbor Marina
kathy@sun-harbor.com
PC Tip of the Month - From the "Please Don't Help Me Unless I Ask" File
- By Professor Von Billygates
Computer programmers are sometimes like the guy on the dock who grabs a line on your boat just as you're coming into your slip, and converts your otherwise perfect landing into a cluster crash.
This is especially true when programmers tinker with browsers like Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Netscape, etc.
The point of this is that if you have a browser-based application that worked yesterday but it doesn't work today, try it out on a different browser before you call the Geek Squad. It just might work just fine with a different browser.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Tip of the Month - A Word About Disaster Preparedness
- By Bob Simons
Disasters happen. It's an uncomfortable subject, but the truth is we all know they can happen because we know history and we watch the news. We know it did happen here before, and, we know it will happen again in San Diego.
The question is not whether we are going to have another disaster in San Diego, but when is it going to occur, and what will it be the next time, and will we, specifically you and I, be prepared for it?
San Diego is susceptible to fires, obviously, but what about the next big earthquake, and if that is a few miles offshore, the tsunami that could wipe out Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Imperial Beach.
Our weather has changed and will open San Diego up to devastating hurricanes from the South. We had one this year that got within a few hundred miles. And then there are the other one's we don't want to think about like cruise ships, aircraft, terrorist, or even nuclear attack.
The question is what can we do before the disaster. My opinion is that we should be proactive in the preparation for the next disaster.
First of all make sure you and your family are not in harms way and if they are, they are prepared for a disaster.
- As boaters we have a great advantage over many other residents of San Diego because we have a second home that will be un-phased by most disasters except tsunamis and hurricanes. Most boats have secondary power supplies, fairly secure locations, means of propulsion, etc. But we need a few additional items to make us self sufficient for a few days, usually 72 hours. Here are a few of the items we should keep on board for emergencies:1. Maintain full water tanks that will provide the entire family a gallon a day.
- Maintain full fuel tanks for power.
- Maintain your batteries so you will have communications and power.
- Maintain some emergencies supplies of food that will last for years.
- Maintain an up to date first aid kit with your prescriptions.
- Discuss with family who to contact out of the area.
- Determine how to get to the boat in case the roads and normal transportation is compromised.
- Don't forget the pets and their needs.
Before the Problem - Plan: The Coast Guard Auxiliary is constantly working on preparedness. We have classes for our members on Communications, Search & Rescue, Incident Command, First Aid* and almost anything the Coast Guard can be called on to do.
We are generally not first responders, but our job is to back up the professionals in their duties. If you would like to be part of the solution to problems rather than part of the problem, Click Here to send me an e-mail, and I'll send you information about the CG Auxiliary and classes we offer.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is also available through our local Citizen Corps Council. If you contact CERT, they will send you information regarding classes and brochures available primarily home and car preparation.
See you next time; safe boating and a Happy New Year!
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.
San Diego Sunroad Boat Show Sails On
SAN DIEGO, CA (December 20, 2009) - The Boat Show is back by popular demand, but it has a new name, look and location. Now it is officially the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show.
Hosted by the Sunroad Resort Marina, the inaugural new show will be held January 28-31, 2010. But, San Diego came close to loosing this 20 year annual tradition. However, thanks to Jim Behun and the Sunroad Marina, the San Diego tradition will once again be a reality.
In spring of 2009, the National Marine Manufactures Association decided to shutter the annual show. To help the boating and business community, Sunroad Marina stepped in and has worked tirelessly to build a brand new show. As of mid-December, the show was nearly sold out, dismissing the notion that the boating business is in jeopardy as well as consumer interest and demand.
With the demise of the previous convention center boat show, The Port of San Diego is supporting the new San Diego Sunroad Boat Show as the presenting sponsor. The Port realized the critical need to keep the show in San Diego to further the support for the Port tenants, marinas and the overall boating community. A San Diego institution, this will be the 21st year of the show. Annually, it draws attendees from LA, Orange County, Nevada, Arizona, Baja and of course San Diego.
The new Sunroad Boat Show will feature on land and in water locations, focusing on the latest boats and marine equipment. Its new location puts the show on the east end of beautiful Harbor Island in San Diego Bay with free shuttle transports. One of the most exciting elements of the new show is the utilization of more marina space, giving more dealers slips to showcase their boats and attendees even more boats to enjoy. The in-water marina portion of the previous Boat Show was always the most popular aspect of the annual event and it was limited in its ability to grow. Annually, there was a huge demand for dealers that wanted space and could not get it.
Because of the Sunroad Marina's vast 610 slip space, the 2010 show will really have an expansive offering. In addition, the San Diego Sunroad Boat Show will also host a wide selection of boats from 8-feet to 90-feet, sail and power new models, new exhibitors, and new ways to enjoy the water for every budget.
The San Diego Sunroad Boat Show in the Sunroad Marina is located downtown at 955 Harbor Island in north San Diego Bay, across the street from the San Diego International Airport and. Show hours are Thursday, January 28, 12 pm - 6 pm, Friday, January 29, 12 p.m.-6 pm, Saturday, January 30, 10 am - 6 pm, and Sunday, January 31, 10 am - 6 pm
Entrance fees for the 2010 San Diego Sunroad Boat Show are as follows: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 12 to 16 and children under 12 are free. For more information call 619.497.5254 or Click Here to visit the show web site.
Whale Watching in Southern California - Boater Guidelines
- By Bob Sherman
Thar she blows! 'Tis the season for whale watching in Southern California. January, February and March are the peak months for the migration of the California Grey Whales, as they make their annual migration, into Mexican Waters.
However, it is important to take great care when witnessing this amazing spectacle. In fact, all skippers need to be especially vigilant this time of year, even if you are not "whale watching", especially when three miles or less offshore. I know one client who inadvertently struck a whale off Catalina.
If powerboating, it will be more comfortable and easier to locate whales in the calm morning hours. However, afternoon sailing is ideal because the lack of propeller noise is less disturbing to the whales. (Whales travel around 4 knots, so you may need to furl in the jib when following alongside.) The whales will be traveling parallel to the coastline, heading south/southeast. You may spot them as close as a mile offshore, up to 5 miles offshore.
Look for the characteristic "spout", which is a misty spray, lasting only a few seconds before it disappears. Keep everyone involved in the search. Watch for other boats that may be following a whale. If there are only a couple vessels, you might join them, but don't overwhelm a whale with a large group of boats. Better to find your "own" whales if you can.
Whales will usually spout three or four times, about a minute apart, before diving or "sounding" for 7-10 minutes. This is usually when you see the tail raised - have that camera ready! While waiting, hold your course and speed, but be looking 360 degrees for the whales when they surface. They often come up somewhere else.
Due to the increased popularity of whale watching, it is important that boaters use care and restraint, to avoid stressing or harming these magnificent creatures.
Guidelines for whale watching can be viewed online at WhaleMuseum.org: In particular, look for the printable brochure entitled: "Be Whale Wise, Marine Wildlife Guidelines for Boaters, Paddlers and Viewers."
A summary of these guidelines follows:
- Be cautious and courteous in your approach, to the whales and other boaters.
- Slow down to 7 knots within 400 yards, and slower as you get within viewing distance.
- Keep clear of the whale's path. If whales are approaching you directly, cautiously move out of the way. Avoid abrupt changes in course or speed.
- DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or behind. Come carefully in from the side, gradually turning to parallel their course. Remember, the whales are trying to avoid being hit by boats- they don't know what you are going to do. As the ocean water visibility is usually around 50 feet, they cannot see you - they only hear you.
- Try not to approach closer than 100 yards to any whale.
- If you find yourself closer than 100 yards, put engines in neutral or turn and sail clear.
- Limit your viewing time to 30 minutes for a particular whale or pod of whales - in consideration of the animals and other boaters.
When departing, do so at moderate speed until well clear. Good luck, and enjoy!
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. You can send an e-mail to Bob at bobsherman@BlueSkyNews.com
700 West Harbor Drive, Suite #1805, San Diego, Ca. 92101
Tel: 619-233-2007 - Fax: 619-233-2008
E-mail: info@blueskynews.com - Web Address: www.BlueSkyNews.com
This e-mail newsletter is produced on behalf of Sun Harbor Marina by BlueSkyNews.com
If you would like to be removed from distribution of this newsletter, please reply to this e-mail with the word
"Unsubscribe" in the subject line, and we'll remove your name immediately.
Copyright 2009© - BlueSkyNews.com