Friday, March 28, 2008

27 Mexico Races & Counting


" THE 1985 CABO RACE ABOARD AMANTE"

Now that I have reached the age of forty something and survived the IOR 1980’s, The Fabulous 50’s in the 1990’s and now in the 2000’s the Cabo Sun is back. With NHYC revitalizing the Cabo race during Trans Pac years the race down the Mexican coast is back with a vengeance. It’s been wonderful for the local sailboat market with the return of the ULDB 70’s and 50’s and the increase in new boat sales. It’s terrific ocean racing that generates true yachtsman.
What I will do in this blurb is go through the years, highlight the good and difficult times down the racecourse.


CABO 1985

1980’s

Back in the day when IOR was king and the competition was keen. We raced three times a year down the Mexican coast with these big old rigs, small mains, big spinnakers and two types of staysails and bloopers. During this time keeping the mast dry was always a challenge. A Sat nav unit cost ten grand and it gave you a fix from time to time if you were lucky. We even carried our water and threw or trash overboard. The best part of the race was the numbers in competition with over 15 boats in each class with almost 60 boats competing in each race.
I started on the Peterson 48 AMANTE with three first overall wins in the March NHYC Cabo race in 83, 85, and 87 a couple middle of the pack finishes in the November LBYC to Cabo race. I sailed on the training ship ALETA a Peterson 45 a number of times to Cabo and Manzanillo.
The 1985 Cabo race was one to remember. At the start we had 15+ knots of true wind and it built to 30 that night. Lesson learned on this one was to go big early and hang on, not always the smart idea, but we made it through the night and had forty miles on competition. With a big breeze race it was easy to finish from there. The LBYC race on the even years was in November and that is just not the time of year for breeze. I recall going into the fourth day after having some breeze past Cedros and just hitting the wall. The little boats would sail up behind you and everyone would float in at once.
The finish is always a challenge at Falso. The best bet is to take the corner close and with one foot on the beach. One year on the mighty “ALETA” we took Falso a little to wide, maybe a half-mile off the beach. Roll call that mooring we were 1st in class and 1st overall. We sat out there all day and watched one boat after the other sail past us on the beach. That was the year BLONDIE was 1st to finish and the owners other boat RAGTIME won overall, what a party.


Craig Fletcher & Len Bose 1985

The raft up was always the challenge, sixty boats all lined up next to each other and you had to step from one boat to the other. I recall a number of friends falling through hatches, sleeping on the wrong boat, catching people at unusual moments or acts. One of the better stories was on a PV race when everyone just got the shit kicked out of them from cobo to PV going backward in a HUGE swell then finding a place out of the storm then finshing two days later. This Olson 30 made it to the finsh when most people hung in the towel. After the race, while cleaning, the owner was in the most forward part of the bow, in an Olson30, when he mistakenly engaged the emergency life raft. I guess you just had to be their after coming from the bar and seeing the owners face yelling for help and cutting his way through the raft. To complete the 80’s I did the NHYC Cabo race in 89 with Pete Heck on a Tartan 40 at the beginning of IMS. Not that a Tartan 40 is an IMS boat, anything but. The moment to remember was when we were coming into Falso and had to gybe to the finsh. The blooper had to come down and that met we were going to crash. Pete Heck was driving and we did this monster round down, water everywhere and everyone holding on. Pete just calmly looks up to the bowman and said trip. Fifty yards from the sand and we rolled our way to the finsh. After this race I was able to drive any boat, in any wind.




BAYWOLF AT FALSO 1999


1990’s

The 90’s were the years for the Fabulous Fifty’s Fleet. Boats like SC 50’s, JJ Flash a Davidson 50, Climax a Barnett 50, Andrews 56’s, a couple N/M 55’s, and a Farr 55 lead to good racing. Of course this was the time of the 70’s fleet for the big guys and to tell you the truth I still like driving a SC 50 more than a 70, call me crazy? GPS’s are now on the seen with water makers and the competitors are all staying closer to each other. I can still remember Steve Steiner aboard “BLACK SLIVER” the Farr 55 “ cracking up the whole fleet with his performance over the SSB. The Cabo race from NHYC lasted until 1997 and I was onboard BAYWOLF the SC 50 that year with one of the best finishes yet. JJ Flash and BAYWOLF were rated equal and we were in a tacking duel with JJ at Falso. Only about 10 miles from the finsh and JJ passed us going to weather. We threw in a quick tack back towards the beach and JJ’s Main splits in half and we win overall, Great race! One of the other races was the LBYC Cabo race around Guadalupe. Only thing to say about that race is I am glad that fell through the cracks. Although the classic was when the smaller sled CHEETA a Peterson 66 cleaned everyone clocks by sailing outside of San Clemente Island and stole the race from all the newer 70’s. The party after that race with the CHEETA crew would fill pages.


Buddy Richley & Len Bose 1993 NHYC WYLIE 46 HEARBEAT

A pattern started to develop; Cabo now had its marina, and wanted nothing to do with a bunch of cheap sailors. So the races started to finsh in Mazatlan, PV and Manzanillo. This was all good other than having to start in February and trying to make it across the gulf, which seems to never happen. During this time, I started to pay closer attentions to navigation and who was the person too beat. It always seems to come down to having to beat Tom Leweck or Pete Heck for overall. During this time we learned to take Cabo tight only for the Mazatlan race. If you took Cabo tight for the PV race you would end up at the Marias Island’s and your race is over. It pays to stay about 20 miles off Cabo and sail low of rum line and reach up in the light wind at the finsh. We leaned the hard way in 1999 watching the J 160 BUSHWACKER with Tom Leweck sailing low after the cape and just killing it. It’s been years since I sailed into Manzanillo and I was never at the chart table in the early 90’s although I remember light winds across the gulf and ending up at some airport just in a world of hurt. The idea was to sail low of rum line after the cape and reach up in the light winds just like PV.




"If you look close, the blue chute is BUSHWACKER in the 1999 PV off Cedros"




2000

In 2001 I was sailing with SC 50 “BAYWOLF”. The owner of the boat is Kirk Wilson
“ Captain Kirk” as we call him and the captain was on fire, we were sailing in the MDR to PV race and we were hitting every shift. We sailed low at the start and sailed through the lee of Catalina like we knew what we were doing, we had a five-mile lead on OCTAVIA the first night. We fell into the grove and were sailing away from shore at night and back to shore during the day. OCTAVIA is the best-sailed SC 50’s of the 90’s and the first part of 2000 and we had speed on her. We held our lead until we hit Cedros where she rolled us that night and put five miles on us. By the end of day four she had eight miles on us and increased her lead to twenty miles on us by day five. We were sailing lower than her and found ourselves thirty miles south of her and twenty behind to start day five. If you recall we learned a big lesson in 1999 and we kept clear of the cape and played or card the last day of the race. Of course the wind was light and we were sailing on a much closer reach than OCTAVIA. Because the two boats had been pushing each other we had sailed into the class ahead of us in PHRF A. Class A consisted of such boats as LOCOMOTION, WASABI, FALCON, ROSEBUD, and CANTATA just to name a few. Captain Kirk was let down by us being twenty miles behind OCTAVIA going into the last day. One thing you have to remember in a Mexico race and that is “the race is not over until it’s over”. We had been monitoring the VHF as we entered Banderas Bay. Kirk and I were coming off watch when we heard FALCON and LOCOMOTION give their five miles out report. You never saw two people come ripping out of their bunks any faster and head for the GPS. We were only ten miles out but where is OCTAVIA? Had they finished? With five miles to go, sailing through the fog, Caption Kirk reached for the VHF mic to report that we were five miles out and just then OCTAVIA reported their five-mile report. We had them because they owed us an hour. So we held on to our five-mile report until we were three miles out. Now, we were sailing in a fog and could not see shit! Keeping our ears to VHF we were a half-mile from the finish when the fog lifted and there was OCTAVIA on Starboard tack headed for the finsh line. As we got closer we found we could not cross her and wanted to do a lee bow on her but we had her on time and did not want to foul her by tacking to close so we elected to duck. To say the least, tension was high on the boat, as we had to dump the main to duck her and then tack over to starboard to finsh. Just as we tacked OCTAVIA finished we came in 30 seconds later. Great race and they were pissed because they owed us time, fuck it! WE WON and placed second overall to an Open 50 “ESTRANGER” that had her rating raised by over a minute a mile the next race. We had sailed a great race and beat some very good people. IT FELT GOOD!


" Captain Kirk" At THE START OF THE 2001 PV RACE"


October of 2002 came around and someone from NHYC and LBYC thought it was a good idea to sail to NAVIDAD in November. The ninety were still very clear in my head and I wanted nothing to-do with that race with only eleven boats showing up and absolutely no wind across the gulf. You might notice that NHYC and LBYC have dropped this race. At the time, I was sitting behind my desk, playing arm chair navigator and came up with the following:


In 2003 was the MDR to PV race with a total of 9 boats entered “wow” what fun again sailing through the gulf in February. BAYWOLF almost won it again but fell into a hole in Banderas and had HORION sail up behind her and held on to her time. Funny how things work.

Well its 2005 and NHYC starts the Cabo race back up in Trans Pac year and sailing in March. What a great race! Lots of wind, lots of boats and it feels like were back in the 80’s. Although this time I am on a Nordic 40 double handed. We’re the only double- handed entry and we were sailing in class C. AMERACAP loves the slow cruising boat and its blowing, perfect!
The only problem is we are double-handed and its blowing like shit. Day one after roll call and we are 3rd in class and forth overall. This goes on until day three and now the shit hits the fan as we hit over thirty knots of breeze and some of the best waves I have seen in years. Man I love sailing off shore past Cedros Island. We have to gybe and rap the chute and end up having to cut it away. We set the 1.5 and held on through the night. HUGE waves and I am driving for over 10 hours and pissing on the wheel. We finally take the 1.5 down and wing and wing it through the next night. Thinking we are out of the race we wake up the next morning to find ourselves still third in class and seventh overall, back up goes the 1.5 and if we can hold on with the breeze we might get back into 5th overall. Were sailing in 30 plus knots of breeze again and we hit the wall off Matancitas and come to a full stop. Working our way down the course about another 20 miles and were in the shit again and crash hard. Down comes the 1.5 and we have the 155% poled out in 30+ knots of breeze. The crash took about two hours to come out of and we finished 3rd in class and ninth overall out of sixty boats, not bad for a first try at off shore double-hand.
The key to double handed sailing is time with the autopilot!


" 2005 3rd PLACE IN CLASS C"


CONCLUSHION
Well were getting ready for the San Diego to PV race due to go off in the end of February. I hate racing in February and sailing through the gulf. The problem is, I love sailing this J 125. Great boat, shitty Harken bearing and rudder design. Fortunately we have Jon Shampain setting the boat up for us and he is the man! We have Craig Chamberlain going, Dan Rossen, and Jon Shampain along with the Shanner Family we should be tough.
The big question is, what is BYC thinking? By overlapping a race down to Cabo only three weeks after the PV race. At first glance one has to think that this is a bad idea to conflict the two races. This may lead to burn out? The bottom line is that racing to PV and across the gulf in February really sucks. So if San Diego Yacht Club thinks that’s what the people want, that’s fine. The truth to the matter is, Cabo is a much better race and it should play out to be the better for the sport and make better yachtsman of all of us. You can email me at boseyachts@mac.com during the race and tell us how were doing.

Thanks
Len Bose

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

NEW LISTING 1985 35’ Scanmar Center Cockpit


TWO OWNER BOAT MUST SELL NOW! She is clean simple and the perfect performance cruising yacht. Ideal for the live a board or for the person that is really going to push off the dock. Fresh sails, new dodger, fresh canvas, radar, water maker, solar panel, autopilots. Clean straightforward boat, come down and take a look. GREAT VALUE!

Friday, March 07, 2008

NEW LISTING 2007 Beneteau 36.7

BETTER THAN NEW!




This Farr designed racer cruiser is perfect for the discriminating owner who wants it all. Class racing, family cruising and the ability to win any point-to-point race. At 78 PHRF these boats are very easily sailed to their rating with an amenable amount of crew. Always a pleasure to pull up to the yacht club after any type of day sailing. Please note that this boat is priced well below replacement cost and is in better than new condition.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Masthead Issue # 9 2-26-08 MAXIMS




Feb.26 2008 Tuesday morning 7:30 AM, Newport Beach City Council Chambers Task Force Newport in regards to the enforcement of the speed limit in Newport Bay.

MAXIMS
Extracted from conversations and the thick head of Len Bose.

I
“ Push deputy in corner, you’re going to lose the campaign”

Ralph Rodheim chairmen of the Joint Task Force Newport deservers a “well done” for controlling this mornings meeting. With over fifty people attending this morning's roll call. The issues were then laid on the table with a short & long-term task force starting to form. The short-term task force will be focusing on saving this season bay racing. The Long Term Task force is to keep this issue from returning.

Harbor Master Deana Bergquist was the first speaker and opened the meeting with a review of most of the tasks assigned to the Harbor Department. I am starting to understand the difficulties of this issue and heard the concern or nervousness in the captain’s voice while making her presentation. One wonders if the Captain has the proper set of tools to complete her task?

While looking across the chambers I started to ask myself if we were doing the right thing by placing the harbor department in a room full of grumpy old sailors? I noticed a number of people rubbing their faces while questions were being asked, has if we were at traffic school and you had the sudden urge to change seats. Don’t take me wrong; I understand in a public forum everyone gets his or her three minutes. I am just starting to question our route to this waypoint. Its like the Trans Pac Race after day three, you can only hope you're on the best course because it’s a long way to the finish.

Like in any race you push on and look for the next wind shift. Many of you have seen me sail to one side of the course, then to the other side of the course, with normally the same result. I just hope this time it’s a tie with the finsh line being a better working relationship between the Harbor Department and the yachtsman.

Keep checking your routing programs to see what tack I'm on after next weeks meeting

SEA YA!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

"The Masthead" Issue # 8 2-13-08 "I would like to report a near miss"



Wednesday night “Joint Task Force Newport” was created and has been assigned the task of evaluating sailboat " racing" activities in the harbor and provides future recommended actions. In a unanimous decision the Newport Harbor Commission has asked commission member Ralph Rodheim to lead a group of stakeholders to this task and report back to the commission at a later date.

The Council chambers were full by 1830 with a number of people standing in the halls. In attendance were past Americas Cup Skippers , yacht builders, yacht designers, charter boat owners and sabot sailors . A number of people stood up asking “why the strict enforcement of the speed limit”. Speakers hitting the nail on the head were Andy Rose, Tom Smith and Rodger MacGregor. With Andy and Tom speaking of City and County codes while Roger pointed out the damage that is occurring now by the Harbor Department and asked to put this issue to bed quickly. All three speakers were met with large round of applause after their presentations. Towards the end of public comments, Harbor Master Deana Bergquist presented herself to the commission. Her presentation lasted close to ten minutes and unfortunately I did not really understand what she was trying to say. She encourages staff recommendation to evaluate sailboat racing activities and plans on attending and participating within this committee. She will continue to enforce the speed limit for the public safety and will review the marine event applications on a case-by-case basis. The Captains loudest response came from the comment that no other harbor in Southern California allows sailboat racing within their harbor.

Commissioner Beek asked “Lets just change it back to the way it was”. Member Collins asked for a “cooling off period and continue with the old permit and speed enforcement until this was out of committee”. While member Rhyne expressed the need for the change in ordinance.

My thoughts are we need the change in ordinance so that we do not have to go through this again. I want to race in the bay this summer because I don’t have time to miss a summer of sailing with my son. Where do we stand at this moment? My guess is we won't find out until the first race of beer cans in May.

Sea Ya at the Mid Winters, I will be racing my boat inside the bay in Alamitos

Monday, February 11, 2008

"The Masthead" Issue # 7 2-11-08 "Its going to get ugly"



I am sure you will all remember the Cuban Missile Standoff of the 1960s, and then the term Mexican Standoff of the 1970s, and I am sure none of you will ever forget the Surf Board Standoff on Oahu’s North Shore. Well, the Newport Standoff may begin this Wednesday night at 6:00 Pm in the Newport City Council Chambers.

On one side of the table you will have the Newport Harbor Master Deana Bergquist, Assistant Harbor Master Erin Giudice, and Sergeant Steven McCormick. The Harbor Department will be presenting their concerns in "insuring public safety".

On the other side of the table will be every sailor in Newport Beach and Southern California wondering why the sudden change in policy? Keelboats have been racing in Newport Harbor for over a hundred years – what is necessitating a change now? What pressing and urgent safety issue is taking precedence over a long, successful and prestigious boating heritage?

And finally, in the middle you will have the City of Newport Beach, the Newport Harbor Commission and City Staff wondering “What happened to our peaceful harbor?” Weren’t we doing fine 2 or 3 years ago?



Recently the Harbor Department has changed their interpretation of a number of policies and the one bringing the issue to a boil is enforcing the speed limit for sailboats racing in the bay. This strict enforcement of the 5 MPH will shut down all keelboat racing in Newport Harbor. That’s right, no Monday night American Legion races, and no Beer Can races this summer. I am sure someone else will point out all the other type of boating that exceeds the speed limit, and if we have to stop exceeding the speed limit why don’t they have to as well?


What’s the right thing to do? I have no idea; but this one has the potential to get ugly! The best answer to solve this problem has come from Tom Rossmiller, the Harbor Resource Manager for the city of Newport Beach who suggests the establishment of a stakeholder list, and set up a meeting to determine various concerns and perceptions of this issue and talk it out.

The only comment I can make at this time is EVERYONE MUST attend this Harbor Commission Meeting this Wednesday night and try not to come into the room with both guns blazing. It will be hard for me and many other boaters to do this, but it’s truly time to listen to the facts, perceptions and the details that have led up to this potential impasse and try to come to some sort of compromise.

Also, if you think about it, the way the lower bay is filling up with sediment and the lack of funding for dredging this might be all a muddied point anyway?


Please, let us take the time to address all needs of the use of our beautiful harbor, and yet honor and continue the traditions from our long and remarkable past. Newport City Hall 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663

Sunday, February 10, 2008

NEW LISTING 1984 Nelson Marek 55




Owner wants her sold! Its always about timing so if you want a performance cruiser or you want to do this years Mexico races and this years Pacific Cup now is the time to find this great Value! Easy to show located in Newport Beach. ASKING $ 149,000

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

The Masthead Issue # 3 January 08



Welcome aboard “ The Masthead” this week’s route took us around Newport Bay with some extended legs out for some race results from Malibu, Alamitos Bay and Newport Beach. Like any news story I will save the best for last.


While cruising the bay last week I kept coming up with questions that will take some time to answer and are truly better not asked. But, never being afraid to ask the dumb questions let’s see how hard aground I can go, so full steam ahead! The Castaways area in the northwest corner of the PCH Bridge has been donated from the Irvine Company to the City Of Newport Beach. This is great place for a launch ramp, although the question came up is there enough parking? Well we all know there is never enough parking, so what is the best use for this area? Here is my thought! An enclosed storage area, like what they have in Florida, with boat racks lining the perimeter stacked four boats high. Now here is the part that will throw all the water over my bow. I would like to see slips put in along cliffs, at least up until you reach the homes off Dover. I am sure this will raise the water temperature of a lot of people so let’s continue our cruise around the bay and see if I can’t find some sort of faster moving water?

If the Back Bay Science Center was built for O.C., U.C.I., Fish & Game, Wildlife Foundation, Newport Naturalists and friends? Why is there a big gate, which is closed during the day, with a sign that reads enter by appointment only! OK now that my bilge pump alarm has gone off let me ask one more question this week…



With the “Ecosystem Restoration Project” in the Back Bay and the DD-M Crane & Rigging doing all the heavy lifting who checks in with this contractor? It reads as if we have a lot of Admirals on the bridge, but who is truly running this ship? I am sure the answer is right in front of me like the noise my Co2 alarm is making now. I’ll just stay on course and be happy to have clean moving water. Ecosystem I was also wondering who named all those islands?

Let me get back to the autopilot and give you the race results from this last weekend. Reports from the Malibu and return race was that the energy was high the winds we light and it was cold. Med Man was second boat to finish behind Magnitude 80 and held on to her time to win class A. Results are atDRYC .


ABYC and USC were running the Rose Bowl. This event is one of the larger College and High school events on the West Coast sailed in FJ’s. My sources tell me there are a lot of things going on behind the scene. Meaning that there is a lot of recruiting going on by the East Coast College Teams. I like to check in on the latest sailing fashions so my son, ya right, has all the cool stuff this coming season. For the full report go to Rosebowl As for the Sunkist report I am running out of room. All I can say is energy is high within the fleets and the local sailors are looking forward to the upcoming season. Go to BYC for results.

Sea Ya

Saturday, December 29, 2007

The MASTHEAD 12-30-07 Issue # 2


Welcome back aboard “ The Masthead”. I am assuming you all have read last weeks article and remember what the Air Force is doing with the GPS Constellation, that the Navy is doing torpedo firing exercise, the Marines are blowing up stuff and it’s a bad idea to head to Catalina for New Years eve? NO! You better take a look before you push away from the dock this week.
Up in the CROWS NEST this week I still have David Beek from Island Marine fuel located on Balboa Island. It’s cold up there and Dave is starting to shake the rigging. I told him I would only let him down if he gave me an interview.

Q. What is the best way to approach your fuel dock?
A. Island Marine Fuel is a full service dock. Just place your bow at the dock and let the guys take it from there.

Q. Dave! It’s not that easy, come on! What should the yachtsman do!
A. OK, Bring your boat in with the fill side to the dock, turn off all engines, blow out all lamps, turn down your music, make sure your propane tanks are turned off, make sure all your port lights& hatches are closed, turn your cell phone & Ipods off and the attendant will be right there to help you.

Q. In the summer months, I have noticed a line to get to the dock. What is the proper way to get in line?
A. Ask the attendant how long the wait is and who is last in line? You can do this over the water or by using your hailer. This also helps us remember who is next.

Q. How do you read the current from your dock?
A. I normally look at the sand on the beach. If I see wet sand, the water is going out. Dry sand the water is coming in.

Q. I have a big Boat, yea right, and I want to fill it up. What should I do?
A. If you are going to take over a 1,000 gallons give me a call and I will be ready for you. This gives me time to pick up your favorite wine and lunch and have it ready for you on your arrival.

Q. I noticed your guys like to work the pumps.
A. We are a full survive dock and it’s truly easier for use to work the pumps. That’s what we do. We look for the vents, how to deal with static electricity, we have lots of pads to pick up any spills or overflows and we remove those pads from your boat.

Q. I need to fill the dingy and I have these 5-gallon tanks how do I fill these?
A. Just place them on the dock and tell my guys what you need. We have oil if you have an older outboard.

Q. What else do you sell?
A. We have fuel keys, fuel caps, air horns, first aid kits, rags, most everything you would see from the top ten selling items from the marine hardware store. We also have fishing tackle along with being a mini market. Hey, it’s starting to get wet up here Len!

Q. OK you can come down, but first what type of discount will you give my readers?
A. I”LL GIVE THEM A DISCOUNT ALL RIGHT! No really anyone that tells me they read your column will receive a discount on fuel and oil changes.

Q. PERFECT! I will let you down now and thanks for you time and help.
A. Thank you Len, Now go sell a boat and get off my dock! Just kidding we’ll

SEA YA!


PS
For more safe boating information go to the Department of Boating and Waterways web site and down load the Course for Safe Boating. That’s where I got the idea for this piece. Boating and Waterways
Also, stay on board for next week. I have good information coming your way.

Monday, December 24, 2007

THE MASTHEAD 12-24-07 Issue # 1



My "News" Years Resolution for 2008 is to produce a weekly yachting article for Newport Beach, California. This column has been christened “THE MASTHEAD” welcome aboard!

Why am I doing this? The answer is simple I need the exposure! As a yacht broker for nineteen years now I strive to earn your trust.

So as we push away from the docks on our maiden voyage we find the local waters are very calm this time of year. As every good yachtsman understands its always best to “keep your head out of the boat”. If your planning a trip to Catalina for the New Years you're NUTS! If you must go, then head to the backside and party at Doug’s. The risk of the Santa Ana winds are HIGH this week and if you have ever been stuck in Avalon during this time of year you’ve “been there and done that and NOT going back”.

The Air Force is also messing around with the GPS Constellation and is using the word “ANOMALIES” THAT IS BAD! Nothing worse when talking about your electronics and hearing the word anomaly. I recommend you have your spare GPS going.

From San Mateo Point to Oceanside Harbor and out 25 miles the Marines are blowing up stuff. So, if you are looking for a free safety inspections head south. I would keep an ear on the VHF ch. 16 while traveling in these waters.

If your fishing off San Clemente west end you should know that the Navy is conducting TORPEDO firing exercise 8nm 32-39N, 119-117W Jan 8-12 during the daylight hours. So unless you have counter measures onboard better to avoid these waters.

Up in the CROWS NEST this week we have David Beek from Island Marine Fuel. With the weather forecast promising the bay activity should be high. “BOXING DAY and NEW YEARS day are traditional yachting days,” said David. “ No matter what the weather I know ORCA II will be out and Dick Wilson will be rowing by”. If your out on New Years day and need some COLD 7up, aspirin, or maybe some OJ and Champagne stop by Island Marine Fuel and tell them you read this article.

Nothing is going on this week in the yacht-racing world. Next up is BYC Sunkist Series January 5th and 6th with a couple of local boats heading up to Marina del Rey for the Malibu and return race and the kids are getting ready for the Rose Bowl at ABYC on the 5th and 6th. The SCYYRA Calendar is posted and the web site is great at http://www.scyyra.org/index.htm

What’s in the waters? Is always a good question this time of year should it ever REALLY rain again? The skipper must keep a good eye out for floating flotsam when in the turning basin or yachting past the Santa Ana River outlet. The first rain normally brings out strange obstacles for the yachtsman. Check your raw water filters often this time of year. The tides this week are huge -2.03 at 1600 today, low tide at 16:46 on Tue, 17:28 Wed with the tide growing smaller threw the week. Check at http://www.talesofbalboa.com/weathereye/ for up to date information!

SEA YA

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

NEW LISTING SANTA CRUZ 50



This is almost like selling my own boat. I have sailed to Hawaii four times, eight Mexico races and countless local races. I have seen over thirty-five knots of breeze and twenty knots of boat speed on her. I have been aboard during some very exciting moments and I wish you the same luck we had with her. She has been a very good boat with only two owners in her lifetime. SHE IS A GREAT VALUE


Quotes from BAYYWOLF

OK! OK! Tell me again. YOU want to put the pole where?
“Why does it always get windy when you drive Len?”
“Yep, That’s the prison”
“DOUBLEYS”
“Their main just ripped in half”
“Hey Kirk! What do we do when it blows over 45 KNOTS?”
More chicken jokes than you can shake a stick at. Speaking of sticks, Papa Pepridge!

I tell you this because of all the great memories. Its yours for the taking, owner is hanging up his spinnaker bag. Sitting on his porch with his grandkids and smiling about all the GOOD TIMES! PRICELESS!


ASKING ONLY $ 159,000
Click the link on the right side of this page for full spec sheet.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

NEWPORT BEACHES 20 MOST INTERESTING YACHTS



This piece is done in fun and to coincide with the 100 largest yachts, the world’s wealthiest people, down to our local movers and shakers list. I spent a couple of days cruising the bay previewing yachts that I have seen over this past season. What made it onto this list are the yachts I think are interesting and shows the yachtsman passion of yachting.
I am splitting the list into 10 power and 10 sail. Leave comments on this site telling me if you agree or disagree with me because the whole idea of this article is to bring more attention to my yacht sales. My wife tells me I am crazy for doing this but here goes.

NEWPORTS 10 MOST INTERESTING POWER BOATS


#1 “SILVER OAK” is a 65’ Halmatic. She was splashed in 1970 and was recently customized by her new owner. This yacht has a downeast flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Her pedigree derives from her majesty fleet from across the pond and yet as she sits in moonstone, you double take and say to yourself “NICE BOAT!”


#2 “ANGELINA” with 42 LOA’ Built in 1944 in Santa Barbara now owned by the original builders son. She was refit at Basin Marine and is berthed in Bay Shores. This style of yacht has caught my eye this season as the perfect platform for Catalina. Her owner has spared no expense and you will notice her from over 200 yards away.


3# “VICTORIOUS” 110’ Nordland splashed last year is just the sexiest Mega Yacht in our harbor. At last count there are over ten-mega yachts in Newport Beach. VICTORIOUS has a pacific northwest styling the catches the eye. Her large cockpit promotes a real feel for the sea. She is berthed on mariner’s mile. “ Newport’s Flagship”


4# “HALLELUJAH” 58’ Knight & Carver built in 1991 with a type of Garden design has always caught my eye. She is berthed on Balboa Peninsula behind the owners home. When you enter the bay she is one of the first yachts you notice.


5# “ NORDIC STAR” 92’ Splashed in 1969 at the Lantana Yacht yard in Florida. One of Newport’s original expedition yachts, she is often seen at Whites during the summer season. She is kept on Harbor Island always in pristine condition.


6# “FORGER” 74’ Commissioned in 1988 at the German Bultjer Shipyard in Ditzum to a Beeldsnijder design. It is immediately obvious that she is definitely a different sort of motor yacht. Her “iroko” topside gleam countless coats of varnish. She came to town two years ago and is berthed on the end of Linda Isle.


7# “AVOCA” 36’ The green Hinckley 36 picnic yacht. Last seen as the photo boat during the Fin Olympic trials with large ensign flying. A truly beautiful yacht kept in perfect condition. She berthed under full cover at the Ardell Marina.


8# “JUNO” 72’ Built in 1969 in Holland Cammengas Yacht Yard. She is one of only six built for world cruising. Seen almost every weekend at Moonstone in the summer season she does not sit still for long. You have to love that umbrella on the upper deck. She lives off of Bayside drive.


9# “VAMOS” 54’ Constructed in 1962 in Costa Mesa by McGlasson Marine. VAMOS was in Newport Bay before there was water. Seen as the escort vessel for the Ensenada race from day one. She has also been seen at the start of the Trans Pac races and anchored off Moonstone. VAMOS is one of Newport’s homegrown yachts and commands the respect of the fleet. She is kept at Basin Marine.


10# “WILLIAM B” 77’ Splashed in 1942 at the Naval Shipyard in Puget Sound Bridge. The “WILLIAM B” is a household word in town. Known to have a LOA shorter than her draft is not necessarily true. Always seen at a number of yachting events throughout the years. Her owner is always one of the first volunteers to help out. She can be found on her mooring off NHYC.


NEWPORTS BEACH 10 MOST INTERESTING SAIL BOATS

1# “WINDWARD PASSAGE” 73’ Built on the Beach in the Bahamas in 1968 to an Alan Gurney design. Best known for Transpac greatest single performance and with a crew list from the Sailors Hall of Fame. This yacht is in perfect condition and is truly Newport’s most interesting yacht. She is berthed at the Ardell Marina. “In every sailors heart there is a piece of WINDWARD PASSAGE”


2. # “ BLACK ALERION” 38’ Alerion showed up on the bay last year and is sailed almost every afternoon. This Carl Schumacher design can be spotted from one end of the bay to the other with her full-roached main. Sailed single-handed most of the time you always have to put down what your doing as she sails by. Located on Lido Island.


3# “CHUBASCO” 67’ She is Olin J. Stephens II # 255 design built in 1939 at the Wilmington Boat Works shipyard. “Chubby” has a long Trans Pac history starting in 1947. She is seen most every year at the Long Point race and has been extremely well cared for over the years. Berthed at the Ardell Marina.

"sistership"
4# “BLACK IRISH” 40’ Hinckley built to a Bill Tripp design. The owner is on the boat everyday keeping her in pristine condition. Sailed most Thursday afternoons with family and friends she is one of Newport finest. Kept at the Bayshores marina.


5# “ODYSSEY” 52’ She was splashed in 1938 at Stephen Marine in Stockton California to a J. Kelly design. She has a Trans Pac history dating back to 1939. She has been seen at the 2005 Trans Pac and Cabo races along with many Long Point races. She is slipped in Bayshores.


6# “CHECKMATE” 50’ Doug Peterson design and built in 1978. Her owner restored her a number of years ago and she still is there for the end game. Sailed in most of NHYC events and is seen in all the Ensenada races. Well sailed well cared for she is one of the gems of our bay. Kept on Harbor Island.


7# “IT”S OK” 49’. 11” She is one of the newest designs from Alan Andrews and built at Dennis Choate’s yard in Wilmington California in 2007. She will be seen every Thursday night, Trans Pac, Cabo Races, Long Point and most every Newport Beach regatta. Well sailed and well cared for. Located on Balboa Peninsula.


8# “ NIGHT WATCH” 47’ She is one of the better looking “Pirate Boat” with windows in the aft cabin, bird and cannon. Over the last ten years I noticed she is always in perfect condition. She is slipped off of Harbor Island drive.


9 # “DEERFOOT” 64 Dashew design built in 1980 in New Zealand at the Salthouse Brothers yacht yard. This is hull number one of the long history of Deerfoot yachts. The owner continues to keep her in pristine condition with a recently taller rig. She is one of the first big sailing yachts you will notice while coming into our harbor.


10# “ BIEN ROULEE” Splashed just last month with an Alan Andrews design she is the newest custom boat in town. With the owner looking forward to most of the offshore events along with some short handed sailing she looks great out of the blocks. She is berthed at the Balboa Yacht Club.


Well, that’s it Newport Beach’s 20 most interesting yachts and I know I have over looked a number other yachts. Should I get a positive result from this list I will go deeper into the historical yachts such at “COLNETT” or “ BOUNTY”. Before I go I would like point out a couple of observation I noticed while doing my research for this article.

I wanted to write about the 10 ugliest charter boats on the bay. After much time, I felt it not in my best interest to start a fight. But there is one boat with a paddle wheel that stays afloat to my amazement. My opinion is there should be only one charter boat in town and that’s the “TIKI BOAT”. Enough said.

I also wanted to write about the three most interesting yachtsman back yards on the bay. So there is still time to place my foot in it!

# 1 On Balboa Peninsula towards the bay entrance there is one home with a 54 Eastbay along with a Hinckley launch and Duffy 21. With the large green lawn in the background it looks like something from the other Newport “PERFECT”.

#2 On Lido there is one home with a fleet of good-looking yachts. From a Hinckley 44, Eastbay 38 and a Santa Cruz 70. All named by their grandparents. “VERY NICE”.

#3 In Bayshores from the first time I sailed in this bay you could not help but notice “ODESSEY and “CASSIAR”. Something that looks as new as the day they arrived “SWEET!”

Most of these photos were taken by Joy Sailing. Please go to her site at http://www.joysailing.com/


Respectfully


Len Bose

Monday, December 03, 2007

W.D. Schock 30/30 NEW LISTING!


Have you looking for a boat Under $ 30,000 that you can race and go to Catalina in? This is the boat! Great VALUE because most everything has been replaced on her. Go to my listing page a get the full scoop! CLEAN BOAT!