The Harbor Report: Understanding the stormy permit issue

In my harbor report in June of this year I made the observation of a storm brewing regarding the increase of our harbor’s tidelands permits. It appears that the different stakeholders in our harbor have not dissipated away like a weather system. It now looking more like they are organizing and increasing their audience. Now blend in the formation of two newly formed political action committees (PAC), The “Coalition to Preserve Newport Harbor” and the “Stop the Dock Tax” PAC. Pilot columnist Jack Wu described the PAC’s in his column “Politics is getting in the way of business” dated July 28. Mr. Wu is an accountant and political activist. I am a Newport Harbor “seat of my pants” sailor that describes storms in a different manner.

Before a sailor heads out to sea in a long distance race they spend hours going over the weather to determine the fastest route to the finish line. One  source of information we use is the  surface weather analysis chart. Using this analogy I am going to try to describe how to use this chart as a comparative and offer my best forecast of the approaching weather system. The surface analysis chart allows the sailor to read sea level pressure fields and they keep barometer on board to plot their location and monitor it in case of any sudden changes. While reviewing our chart it was noted that an increase of costs in maintaining our harbor has occurred, like everything else, over the last decades. As the economy slowed a low pressure system,

the city’s tidelands permits fees, quickly built and swallowed up the mooring permit holders with a 300% increase in their permits over 5 years. This seems to have fed the low pressure system because now the city is proposing a 833% increase to the marina operators tidelands permits. As this low pressure system builds over our harbor two high pressure systems in the form of the two PAC’s described above have formed. 

The sailor then looks at the isobars or isobaric analysis which are the lines on chart, lets call this the money. Following the money or obtaining a forensic accounting done to get an accurate picture of what the expenses truly are and trusting our elected officials to spend our money wisely plays a big part in a sailor mind on picking the right course. Every good sailor also reviews yesterdays forecast in the form of appraisals and applies this information into a routing program. The problem with the routing programs is that each program will give you a different route to follow. The last thing sailors want to happen is our boat/money fall into a “TROF”.

The key to watching this weather system will be the the transition zone. I have sat for days in a High pressure system racing to Hawaii and sailed in a low pressure system down the coast of Oregon and I don’t ever want to be caught in those situations again. I have found in the difficult races sometimes its best to hire the experienced navigator. In this case would that navigator be called an arbitrator? Please keep mind I am the “seat of my pants” sailor who has lost more races than I have won. I just try not to make the same mistake twice. As this race continues I will have to really more on my radar and my mast head fly.

Sea ya

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Hit "MY LISTING" to the right for the spec sheet!

The Harbor Report: My interview with fuel dock attendant Jim Tyler

By Len Bose

July 26, 2012 | 8:23 p.m.

Each year I like to stop by and interview one of the ferry boat operators or fuel dock attendants, so I can get a different perspective from someone who is on the harbor five days a week.

This summer I noticed Jim Tyler working as a fuel dock attendant at Island Marine Fuel.

I recalled first meeting Jim when he was sailing in the Balboa Yacht Club's junior program. I later sold his parents a Catalina 30. Jim, 22, of Costa Mesa, attends Cal State Fullerton.

The family sold the Catalina 30 and now have a CHB 45 trawler, in which you will find Jim placing "wax on and wax off" a couple times a year for his parents.

Here is my Q & A with him:

Question: How should a boat approach and leave the fuel dock with the tide, fenders, dock lines?

Answer: First off, Island Marine Fuel is a "full service" station. No dock lines or fenders are needed. Just pull up and our crew will take care of everything. Going against the tide when approaching the dock is the easiest way in most situations.

The wind also needs to be taken into account when landing at any dock. Powerboats tend to leave the dock stern out, or backing out, since most have two engines and they can handle better this way.

Sailboats, on the other hand, like to leave the dock bow first (although it is always up to the captain of the vessel). We do our best to make it as easy as possible, and give our opinion during the busy season when there is little room for error due to waiting customers floating off the dock.

Q: What should boaters do while refueling. Should they turn off everything, tell the attendant how much fuel they need, etc?

A: The first thing we need to know is where the fuel fills are, and what type of fuel the vessel needs. All engines should be turned off while refueling, especially gasoline boats. When we are done pumping, proper ventilation is also very important. Blowers should be on prior to starting the boat again.

While refueling, the biggest problem we run into at the dock is smoking. Since Island Marine Fuel is a mini-mart as well as a "gas station," many people don't make realize that they are pulling into a gas station. I'm sure that if they were asked if they pull into a station while they are smoking, the unanimous response would be, "No, of course not."

But with the amount of alcohol consumed while boating, most people do not make this connection. Unlike gas on land, much larger quantities are purchased for yachts. Quite a few times this summer, distinctions between $100 and 100 gallons have been made. While this sounds the same, the difference can be very large, about four times the amount of money on average.

Q. You have to see everything from the fuel dock. From your vantage point, what are the obvious steps boaters can do to be safer on the water?

A. While it may sound like a broken record, alcohol can always be an issue while boating. Most people are under the assumption that they can drink all they want while boating. It can be very dangerous especially when approaching a fuel dock.

This goes back to the smoking once again. Common sense is absent and a boat will pull up with four or five people with cigarettes lit. It inconveniences us because we have to stop filling the gasoline boats on the dock since their fumes are explosive.

Q. If you were going to improve the harbor over the next 20 years what would it be?

A. I've grown up around the harbor and I have seen the decrease in traffic, especially in the summer. The harbor needs a "pick me up" for lack of a better term. I know the city is trying to tax businesses on the water (including Island Marine Fuel).

I don't think this will improve the economy in anyway. It will make it even harder for boaters to enjoy themselves than it already is.

*

Jimmy, now Jim, has always been a good, hard working kid and David Beek is lucky to have him as an employee at Island Marine Fuel. In fact, Dave, I think Jim is due for a raise in pay.

Busy week in the harbor last week, check my blog lenboseyachts.blogspot.com for my thoughts of the America's Cup at BYC, Flight of the Lasers results and more!

Sea ya!

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.

Holy Grail at BYC

                         Photo Longpre

I missed a huge wind shift in the harbor last week! It was friday night at Balboa Yacht Club and the arrival of “The Old Mug” or The Americas Cup. I am sure most of you have read The Daily Pilot reports of the cup being in town but what my colleagues missed to say was this was “Fucking Genius”!

 Yea, I know there are better ways to explain things rather than using the F bomb. But this was just that “the bomb”. I never recall seeing something that did so much for our sport in one swoop. Just wish I could have been there to get a true feeling to what went down.

So I am basing my observations on what I noticed in preparation for the event and looking at all the photos that where taken and comments made afterwards.

                                                                                 Longpre Photos

My guess is that S/C Commodore Bretschger and Andy Rose had a lot todo in making all the arrangements. If the presentation of the “Old Mug” was not enough Team Oracle sent down their helmsman James Spithill. One only has to look at the photos and the expressions on all the kids faces while they are reviewing The Cup or surrounding  Spithill listening to his every word. (Notice the hands in the pockets as they look at the cup?) Almost as if Lanceelot brought in the Holy Grail for all to see and strive to achieve in their lifetime.

Hats off for Commodore Bretscher and Andy Rose and anyone else that was behind the seen’s to make this happen. Should Mr. Ellison read this, HUGE, Thank you.

Its was a good week for the sport of sailing in Newport Beach.

Sea ya

Len Bose

Andrew Rose                           Longpre Photos

A Visit With Dave Beek At Island Marine Fuel

By Len Bose   "I ran this story two years ago, sorry I am just having a flash back!"

Dave Beek, Island Marine Fuel

While walking the docks this week, it's always interesting to hear the whine of buffing machines. It kind of reminds me of a return of a migrating bird, but it sure feels good to see everyone working.

This week I stopped by to see my good friend David Beek at Island Marine Fuel for a free cup of coffee and to get a look at the harbor from the fuel dock's prospective. I also have an update on the No. 8 channel marker “Newport Ramming Rod” and a reminder about a couple shifts coming down the course.

Everyone knows that the Beek family has been in Newport Beach before water was added into the bay. But I thought it would be interesting to get a view of the harbor from one of the busiest fuel docks on the bay.

Dave grew up in Newport Beach and the fuel dock and ferry were always there as part of the family business. He spent time working on the ferry and helping his dad Seymour Beek on their yacht “Vamos” over the years. In 1999, Dave was helping his dad with the start of the Ensenada Race aboard “Vamos,” when Seymour asked Dave to start running the fuel dock. Dave had been working in retail and jumped at the opportunity to bring his full service ideas down onto the dock. “We want you to leave thinking there is no other choice for fuel in town,” Dave said. “There is no need for you to worry about your dock lines or fenders. We are there to help you anyway we can.”

We all know that Island Marine Fuel has the only mini market on the bay, so if you forget the sunscreen, beer or soda – they have it all. They also have a small assortment of marine items from life jackets to frozen bait. So, remember if you get pulled over by the Harbor Patrol or Coast Guard for a safety inspection and you are short a couple of life jackets, you can stop by Island Marine Fuel and buy a life jacket and continue your cruise.

What I really want to talk about is what you might not know or what you have forgotten. I asked Dave what was the best way to approach the fuel dock? Dave’s answer was simple, “Take your time, take a look at who is in line, and how the strength of the current and wind are going to affect your vessel. Just take your time on your approach.” He was also quick to remind everyone not to let anyone use their legs or hands as fenders. “You won't believe how many times we see people hang their legs off the side of the boat to try to stop the boat from hitting the dock and end their weekend because of an injury.” Another popular mistake is to come in too fast and have someone jump from the boat, barefoot and land on a cleat. Guess what? The cleat wins!

People should also remember not to smoke on the fuel dock and also it’s best to turn your electronics off before you approach the dock. You should remember to have your blower on in your engine room, or have the engine room hatch open and also make an inspection of your engine room before you leave the dock. In the summer months, May through September, it’s best to fill on Monday or Tuesday mornings. It's also recommended to call first for large fuel orders of 250 gallons or more.

I also thought it was important to ask Dave what people should keep in mind regarding their maintenance schedule. “You should check your fuel lines as part of your check list before starting your boat,” Dave replied. A couple of times a year, you should check your fuel fill and make sure the hose is double clamped to the fuel fitting. I see the hose coming off the fitting more than the hose breaking down.” Dave also suggests having your engine room’s fire extinguishers checked once a year. “Remember not to keep your hand-held extinguishers too close to the engine room entrance, because that just might be the source of your problem.”
I also asked Dave how long the fuel lasts. This is when Dave sat back in his chair, gathered his thoughts and began to explain the yachtsmen's concerns regarding this. Gasoline has octane in it and it begins to break down after six months. Diesel has cetane and it too starts to break down and grow things in your fuel tanks after six months. Marine engines work under much heavier loads (stress) and more severe operating conditions than automotive gasoline or commercial truck engines. They are also subject to problems caused by ethanol and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Peak, dependable and trouble-free performance are keys to boating safety and enjoyment.

Many of the nation’s high quality marinas provide ValvTect Marine Gasoline and ValvTect Marine Diesel at their docks. Unlike automotive gasoline or truck diesel fuel offered at gas stations, these special marine fuels are formulated for heavy duty marine engines to help provide peak performance, extend engine life and prevent problems with ethanol and ultra-low sulfur diesel.

Yes, you guessed it, Island Marine Fuel sells ValvTect fuels, and Dave went on to tell me how hard ethanol is on your boat. “Ethanol absorbs water, eats fiberglass fuel tanks and plastics. If you don't buy your fuel from me, make sure you add the proper fuel treatments!"

So then, is it really better to keep your tanks full? “People always wonder if they are receiving a line from me on this question. But the consensus is it is better to keep your tanks full and try to keep the condensation down in your fuel tanks. You know what the best thing is for your boat, Len? Use it! Make the engine work, place your rigging under load and use your boat.”

Funny you should say that Dave. How have you seen the boating activity over the last two years? “Well, there might be less boats in the harbor, but most boat owners are staying home and using their boats. We have seen activity increase over the last two years.”

Well, I can't let you leave before I ask what is the most used tool on your boat? Dave replied, “The corkscrew! No, I use my sockets the most."

Thanks for your time Dave, nice view you have here. "No problem Len, stop by for coffee anytime."

I went long this week, so let me wrap this up quick. Carter Ford reported on the No. 8 Channel Marker, or what I like to call "Newport’s Ramming Rod": “I've kept on the Coasties as hard as seems reasonable and they have made a decent effort within their procedural structure. They retained South Mooring to pull it. South tried, but couldn't do it. A diver's inspection did not reveal where the tilt begins. As of just today, Shellmaker is now working with the Coasties on agreeing on and then proceeding with a new plan. Another attempt with Shellmaker's larger barge might be made. Or, a vibratory hammer may be trucked in from Northern California. Details are rapidly evolving. They all know time is important to us. I should have a further update soon," Carter said.

Note to race committees: Make sure when you use the No. 8 marker in your courses that the participants understand they have to go around both marks.

One last item to remind everyone of, this Tuesday the Newport Beach City Council will certify the EIR for Marina Park. I strongly recommend your attendance at this meeting and encourage your support for Phase 3. If you don't know what Phase 3, please contact me and I will provide you with all the information and references you need.

Thanks for reading.

Sea ya'.

Len Bose is a contributing writer to The Daily Voice and owner of Len Bose Yacht Sales.

The Harbor Report: Fight for harbor access

                                                                                                                                                                          Joysailing Photo

By Len Bose

July 19, 2012 | 8:28 p.m.

I learned a couple of things while attending last week's Harbor Commission Meeting. The first thing I noticed was that The Harborside Restaurant — that big restaurant within the Balboa Pavilion — has a very large guest slip. It's located just west of the Balboa Pavilion and is specifically for the restaurant's guests.

While I am on the subject of whatever the city decides to call this part of the Balboa Peninsula,

Newport Beach citizens and harbor users should review the minutes from Thursday night's Planning Commission meeting regarding the Balboa Village Implementation Plan. This is a huge topic and I will only comment on harbor access.

It was noted at the commission's last meeting that no guest slips are being planned for the new Village. For me, that's a huge mistake. How many of my readers sailed over to the Balboa Fun Zone for an ice cream, pizza and arcade games with their parents? How many of you took your kids?

We should not just watch this harbor access disappear. It's starting to feel like I am trying to inform the harbor users in a 50 knot gale and no one can hear me. It may not seem like a wise choice to attend the Harbor Commission or Tidelands meetings and stay down below where its safe, but how else can you arrive at your planned destination?

For example, The Tidelands Management committee has started to finalize its capital plan, and do you want to know where the money is going? In a special study session on Aug. 8, the Harbor Commission will review its goals for the following year. It's your watch, and we need you on deck!

*

On Saturday, the Balboa Yacht Club held the Harbor 20 Mid Summer Regatta with 13 boats in A fleet, 11 in B Fleet and four in C Fleet. Karl and Cole Pomeroy were tied with Gary and Karen Throne going into the last race, and appeared to have won the last race by a couple of boat lengths ahead of the persistent Team Throne.

It must have been close because I could see Karl leaning forward in his boat and persuading it to cross the line before the Thrones did. Only two points separated first from third place in class B. John and Mary Whitney sailed the most consistently to win class B, followed closely by Anne and Greg Hatton, who were new to the fleet.

Class C was no easy battle. Michael Volk and Ellen Reader did their best to keep Steve and Francine behind them and win the last race, taking C class.

We had overcast skies and an 8- to 11-knot southerly breeze for The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club's Gil Knudson regatta. The race course started in front of the Newport Beach Pier, went around the Newport R 4 buoy, reached the Huntington Beach Oil platform Eva and returned.

                                                                                                                                                Joysailing Photo

I was driving Roy Jones' J 133 Tango, we missed the first shift to Amante and they rounded R 4 ahead of us. Fortunately, it was a close reach to Eva and Tango performs very well with the Code 0, and the rest of the day was ours.

In Class B, John Szalays' Peterson 34 Pussycat also enjoys close reaching, and she easily won her class.

In the Newport High Point Series, Pussycat and Tango tied for the day. Tango has now increased its lead over by 10 points over Amante, in second place, and Pussycat moved all the way up to sixth place and has a good chance to grab third place for the series. The last race of the series is the NOSA Argosy race on Aug. 18 and 19.

This Saturday, the South Shores Yacht Club's "Two Around Catalina" race, which is one of my favorite races of the year, will take place. I am teaming up with Dan Rossen again this year on his B 32, Problem Child. Like always, the competition this year is tough.

Sea Ya

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.

The Harbor Report: Busy Sunday includes some impressive boats

                                                                                                                       Longpre Photo

Last Sunday was a perfect summer's day. Not a cloud in the sky, an 8- to 12-knot breeze out of the west.

I spent most of the day team racing Harbor 20s just off M Mark, just west of the mooring field in front of the Balboa Yacht Club. To say that the harbor was active on the last day of the Fourth of July holiday week is an understatement.

One of the first things that caught my eye was that both Newport Harbor and Balboa Yacht Clubs Junior sailors were out on their Governor's Cup 21s boats, practicing for the for the 46th annual Governor's Cup on July 17 till 22. As always the racing will be exciting, and there's a very good chance that another Southern California junior sailor will win this year's Cup.

I would like to give a big shout out to this year's banner sponsor, Sterling BMW. This is Sterling's second year sponsoring the event so when you notice the Governor's Cup 21 boat on their display lot, please stop by and ask them which one of their cars will perform best around your course.

Two observations always bring a big smile to my face each year I see these two people on the water. The first one is Betty Andrews and her crew returning, late in the afternoon, from the Fourth of July weekend in Catalina's Whites Cove aboard Antares, her Ranger 33.

Without even asking, I know that she sailed there and back, only starting the engine to pick up her moorings. I am not going to give away Betty's age, but I am always full of envy each time I see her neatly folding her main onto the boom after the long weekend on the island.

The other person I noticed was Jane Farwell aboard her 12.5-foot Herreshoff Cape Cod Bull's Eye. The shape of this hull was designed and built by Nat Herreshoff in 1914 in wood. Originally named the Herreshoff Bull’s Eye, the boat was available in gaff or marconi rig, with a thin water way and a through transom tiller. In 1938 she, the boat not Jane, was modified with a wider water way and an above transom tiller, and was named The Fishers Island Sound Bull’s Eye. In 1947 the rights to build the Herreshoffs were purchased by Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co.,  In 1949 work began on a fiberglass model of the Fishers Island Sound Bull’s Eye. I did not get the name of Jane’s boat but anyone that sailing that smart and fast in such a good looking boats always puts a smile on my face.

This Saturday, the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club will run the Gil Knudson regatta. Back in the day, Gil Knudson was one of the good old boys out of South Shore Yacht Club. He used to sail Tigress, his Hinkley 38, to the podium of most of the races he entered.

I recall that he preferred random leg races such as the races to the Oil Platforms off Huntington Beach and he won first overall in the Newport to Ensenada Race during a year when there were 500 entries.

This is fourth event of the Newport High Point Series, and it's still anyone race! Tango, Roy Jones's J-133, still holds the pole position with 44 points, followed closely by The Richly Family's Amante, with 36 points, and Team Kettenhofen aboard Dare, with 33 Points.For the Newport High Point series scoreboard, please go to my blog at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com.

I was hoping to obtain some annual city parking permits to award to the winners of the High Point Series, but, alas, my simple minded thoughts were disregarded like sea weed on a rudder. Life's too short to fret about such matters, so I am going back to Catalina with the family.                       

Sea ya

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.

                                                                                                                                Scott Kennedy Painting

The Harbor Report: New commissioner is right for the job

                                                                    Newport Beaches newest Harbor Commissioner Paul Blank

I trust that all my readers are having a good Fourth of July week?

On June 26, the City Council selected Paul Blank as the new harbor commissioner who will be filling "Duffy" Duffield's Topsiders.

I first noticed Paul back in 1985, when he was sailing for UCLA and I was coaching the Orange Coast College sailing team. It was the last event of the season, and we were trying to qualify for the Pacific Coast Championships when Nick Scandone (sailing for OCC) told me he could he could win this event if he could stay in front of Paul.

Ever since then, I have recognized Paul for his advanced sailing skill level. Paul's still a very good sailor, and I have recognized his advanced management skills.

During the last two years, Paul as been the fleet captain at the Balboa Yacht Club and has chaired the Race Council, which I am a part of.

He owns a 36-foot boat, a Sabot and a paddleboard. Most weekends you will find him on the harbor paddling his board in the morning, cleaning his boat in the early afternoon and maybe even going out and racing his sabot — all before noon. He's very responsive, truly loves our harbor and will make a great harbor commissioner.

*

I checked in with Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller this week to get an update on some of the activities that involve his office.

Of course, dredging is always on the top of his list this year, and Chris reports that about 75% of the projected removal of contaminated sediment has been removed and barged to thePort of Long Beach.

June 30 was the cutoff date for Long Beach to accept any more sediment. Odds are very good that Long Beach will allow us to complete our project within the next couple of weeks once they get a better feel of exactly where their fill has leveled out at.

In the meantime, dredging is continuing in the uncontaminated areas and proceeding on schedule.

I also asked Chris if we had any complaints this summer regarding fishermen being rather territorial on the public docks and not allowing boats to accesses the docks. If it were me and I was approaching a public dock packed with fishermen and I had to offload or pick up passengers, I would ask the dock users if they would make room for me.

If you do not get the response you are looking for, I would look for another option and then give the Orange County Sheriff's Department a call. Tell them about your problem and, if that does not work, you can always call the harbor resources department.

*

"By the way"

I stopped by the celebration of life for Staff Commodore Doug Mills last Sunday at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. When I walked in and noticed the size of the crowd, I was taken back. The club was full.

At the end of March, Doug lost his long battle with leukemia at the age of 71. I am not sure if the word "lost" is the proper word here. How can anyone lose with more than 200 people attending your celebration of life?

That kind of tells you what type of person Doug was.

If I had one word to explain this celebration, it would be cheerful. I have never seen so many people happy to have known someone. I only met Doug a couple of times, and what comes to mind is how much he cared about introducing the sport of sailing to people.

He went out of his way to make sure that new club members were greeted with open arms and encouraged to participate at the club and on the water. It kind of feels like I lost one of my best salesmen.

Sea ya!

 Doug Mills

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.

The Harbor Report: Dredging may be a drag

Sail straight and sail fast.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, harbor use appears to be at an all-time high.

Junior sailing has begun with Lido Isle and Newport Harbor Yacht Clubs having to adjust their racing areas because of the dredging. The larger dredge, Palomar, was still working at the east end of Lido and the smaller dredge, 180, was in front of the Lido Isle Yacht Club.

While watching the dredging in front of Lido Isle, the cynic in me pictured a sabot mistakenly being picked up out of the water and placed on the barge. There is no way this would ever happen, because every time the bucket lifted out of the water, the kids would immediately tack away to safety. It must be the C3 parent in me left over from last season.

The Newport Harbor Yacht Club students have moved closer toward the Pacific Coast Highway bridge, while the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club and Balboa Yacht Club kids are still unaffected by the dredging for now. The dredge should show up in front of the Harbor Patrol office and the Balboa club sometime soon.

Once all of the contaminated sediment is removed and barged up to Long Beach, the dredge will next appear in front of "M" and "N" marks, at the east end of the harbor. This will have a rather large impact on the east side Harbor users.

In the grand scoop of things, I am just glad we are dredging the Upper Bay. We all need to keep in mind that the dredging of our harbor is very similar to painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Once the dredging is completed, it will be time to start again, and if I heard Duffy Duffield correctly, the key to starting again is permitting. The Tidelands Committee has been informed of this, which means the City Council has also been informed.

Now it's up to us, the "Harbor Users" to remind our Council members that the first step in maintaining the harbor is obtaining the permits to start dredging again. The only way to receive the permits, in a timely manner, is to have a full-time employee who is dedicated in obtaining the necessary permits to maintain the harbor. This is a huge topic and cannot be coved in one column, so just keep this in mind when it's time to vote and we have the ears of our Council members.

There is also a little known secret within our harbor. Let's say your child has not taken to sailing, yet there is another option to keep them on the harbor. That secret is the Newport Aquatic Center located in the Back Bay with Kids Paddle Camp, Novice Rowing Camp and Advance Rowing Camp. There are three camps that run through the summer and appear to be the best value in town. For more information, go to newportaquaticcenter.com.

I have a couple of other observations that you should keep in mind or keep a look out for. The first is our harbor's visiting anchorage area, located on the east end of Lido in the turning basin. With the dredging going on, the anchorage has been temporally moved up to "Z" mark in front of Lido Village.

Our Harbor Commission is looking into making this the new area for visiting yachtsmen or possibly adding this as a new anchorage. If you have any comments or concerns, please contact our harbor commissioners.

Personally, I like the idea of having two guest anchorages in town, otherwise we will have to keep visiting time the same and discourage people from moving from one anchorage to the other, assuming that the clock will reset each time they pull their hook.

My last observation is the storm brewing regarding the increase of our harbor's tidelands permits. The contaminated sediments will be hitting the fan soon and I will be reporting more on this topic in upcoming columns. Now it's time to head over to Catalina for a couple of days.

Sea ya.

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.

Silly Idea of the Day

6-23-12
Why don't we ask "Virgin Oceanic" to dive the North Coronado Island and look for the Engine and keel of the "Aegean"?


5-30-12
1. What if the City of Newport Beach charged a tax to everyone launching their boats at Newport Dunes?

Good or bad idea?

The Harbor Report

I keep thinking of a local band back from the early '80s called "The Daddy O's." Their hit song, "Tiki Boat Party," was based on good times we all had on The Tiki Boat, a charter boat that runs out of the Balboa Fun Zone.

The words to the song went like this: "It's a Tiki boat party, It's a Tiki boat parade, summer and the sun is out, we really got it made!"

This week, the Balboa Yacht Club held its Club Championships in the Governors Cup 21's. Two events took place on Saturday: the Masters, for members over the age of 55, and the Family Championships.

The Masters was lightly attended with only two entries. The competitors were Commodore Judi Gorski's team versus Joe Carter's team. Both entries brought in ringers to helm the boats with Commodore Gorski asking Alan Andrews to helm her boat, and Joe Carter handing the tiller to local sail maker Bob Kettenhoffen.

The result was five match races that brought everyone to their feet to see who was leading at every turn. At the end of the event, Team Gorski took home the gold. A shout out must be given to junior members Christophe and Porter Killian along with Harrison Vandervort for doing a fantastic job running the races.

Next up was Family Championships with six teams making it out to the starting line. This event is all about the photo opportunities and bringing as many generations together for one event as possible. Even if we all say this race is just for fun, the competitive spirit comes out at the start of the first race.

The trick for me is to remain calm and request that the new weather jib sheet be released and sheeted in to leeward as soon as possible. This year, Team Killian completed the five races that started at M mark and finished in front of the race tower at BYC with the winning combination.

Team Vandervort grabbed second place, followed closely by Team Wanless in third.

The main event was on Sunday. The Club Championships is what we like to call it "the race for the parking place" in front of the club. This year's race was stacked with talent, including Sailing Hall of Fame member Dave Ullman, yacht designer Alan Andrews, Peter Fallon, Christophe Killian, Eric Aakhus, Steve Kent and myself.

At the start of the first race and into the first wind shift it was apparent that team Ullman was sailing faster than the rest of the fleet, and they would take the parking place. The question was which one of us could take a race from team Ullman within this 5-race series? Team Andrews did win race No. 3 and kept team Ullman from sweeping the series, while the rest of were fighting for second place.

At the end of the day Team Andrews was tied with Team Bose for second place. After a tie-breaker, Team Andrews took second and my team finished third.

I could have not been more pleased with my result and have to thank my crew Alex Steele and especially Shannon Heausler for all their hard work.

The quote of the day came when Dave Ullman told me, "Lenny, you sailed very well out there today."

So you might be asking yourself, why did I write about one yacht club's event? The answer to your question is that this is the best format I have found that promotes sailing at its grass roots level.

It brings together as many as three generations to sail on the same boat or to compete against each other. It brings the membership together to watch and cheer on their favorite teams. I am sure I will be doing the same type of story in September for The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club Championships sailed in Harbor 20's. If you are a BCYC member, make sure you sign up soon.

Sea ya.

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.