Sun Harbor Marina Minute
Congratulations to Denis Dowling. After a great deal of planning and hunting for a knife to complete his master piece, his entry won. There was a mysterious runner up with a melon carving. I guess the rumor that pumpkins are in a shortage
may have been true. The grand price was a trick flash light.






Correction!!!
In the October Newsletter we reported that Alan Gallagher's boat name is Longboarder. The correct name of his boat is Longboard. Our apologies Alan.

Comings and Goings
Farewell to Laura Brownwood and The~BeachHouse. Laura is moving to Dana Point Marina with Beachy once she transitions her office aboard. She assures us she will visit monthly to verify that we are all happy and healthy. The premier office is available for lease as soon as Oct 15th, 2007.

Sun Harbor Marina extends a hearty welcome to the following new boaters:

A48 - Joe Scirica - Music
A50 - Andrew Clark - Sweet Pea

Customer Service
Keeping the marina in top operating condition is a high priority. While the staff walks the property on a regular basis, we need your help in identifying problems – from light bulbs burnt out, to plumbing issues, to hazardous spills. Thank you to each of you that make an effort to notify the office (by phone, email or in person) when you see a problem. We welcome your input, which helps us keep the marina like new.

Gentile reminders:
No Smoking: Sun Harbor Marina Smoking Policy

• Sun Harbor Marina is a non- smoking facility.
  
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
  

We respect every individual's right to choose to smoke, however, we request your cooperation to ensure the comfort and safety of those who choose NOT to smoke. Thank you.

Got Coffee?: Please help all caffeine consumers, if you notice the coffee or creamer is down to a quarter container let us know in the office so we can replace before it is completely out.

Bicycle Rack: The bicycle rack on the dock is for active bike use not long term storage. If you haven't used your bike in the last 7 days please find alternate storage so there is room for the daily bikers.

Heads Up: Check bowsprit and anchors, they must be clear of dockways

Dock Carts: Please make sure all Dock Carts are returned to the base of the ramp. Carts left on the promenade and in the parking lot tend to be "borrowed" from the Marina premises at any time.

Hoses: Hoses are for cleaning your boat and filling your holding tanks ONLY. Please remove the hose from your fill line once the tank is full. A hose left one can be the cause of your boat sinking.

Surprise Visits From the Coast Guard
It's not uncommon these days for us to receive a surprise inspection from the Coast Guard occasionally. We had one in September, and two tenants who shall go nameless were cited for having boats with expired 2005 registration tags. Don't be caught short - just because you're in a marina doesn't mean you can get away with violations like this. Make sure you're ready for inspection at any time.

Event Planning:
San Diego's 35th Annual Parade of Lights
The Port of San Diego's 36th annual http://www.sdparadeoflights.org/ will be held on Sunday 9th and 16th of December.

Christmas Lights Contest
Show your holiday spirit and participate in the Christmas Lights Contest. All Vessels decorated will be judged and winners will be selected on December 15th. Winners receive $10.00 off January's Electric Bill!!

That's it For Now
Remember, if you have any questions or items you'd like to share in our newsletter, please let us know.

Kathy OBrien - Sun Harbor Marina
kathy@sun-harbor.com

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.

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.

Desktop Photo of the Month - The Red Bull Race Winner












There are few events that truly dazzle on a grand scale, but the Red Bull Air Race World Series came to San Diego in September and knocked the socks off the city.

This aerial shot of race winner Paul Bonhomme laying a trail of smoke as he winds through the course reveals an almost 3D view of the excitement and huge crowds. To put this fantastic high-resolution photo on your desktop, click here and follow the easy instructions. (Photo courtesy of Red Bull).






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.

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.