The Harbor Report: Thoughts after a sailing tragedy

By Len Bose

March 14, 2013 | 12:23 p.m.

I have an abundance of what I think is important information to share with you this week. Most of you have read about the tragedy that took place in the Islands Race this last weekend, when one soul was lost while competing in a sailboat race around our local island. I competed in the race, and on my return home, I was greeted with plenty of hugs and attention from both my wife and son. While assuming my king's chair in front of the TV, I reflected on the personal mistakes I had made during the race.

My biggest blunder was that I had not checked my own equipment. My foul-weather gear pants had a rip in them that allowed me to get wet, which means I got cold. My footwear had rotted away and I was leaving pieces of my shoes around the boat. I did not rush to my heaviest foul-weather coat when we went through our first rain squall of the day. Later that night, when I went below for a quick hour's nap, I left my all my foul-weather gear on. These mistakes all made me wet, sweaty and very cold when I came back on deck.

I thought further into my mistakes. I should carry a shape sailing knife, personal flares, whistle and, if I was really smart, a waterproof hand-held VHF radio in my offshore foul-weather jacket. I still need to check my CO2 cartridge in my life harness and replace the pellet that automatically inflates the harness if I am submerged. I can't help but think that a sky diver packs his own parachute, with his personal safety in mind, before each jump. I better start packing my own sea bag with the same type of personal attention to safety. It goes without saying, I will be one of the first ones to sign up for Orange Coast College's next safety-at-sea seminar.

*

Speak up on launch ramp

I attended this week's Harbor Commission meeting and study session regarding the Castaways lot that is located next to the PCH bridge, basically on the corner of PCH and Dover. While presenting my idea, I went off on a type of tangent regarding a city land marina with boat storage racks like at Newport Harbor Shipyard. I went on to explain the need for a commercial launch ramp and a marine recycle center. My ideas were, for the most part, thrown into the current. My point is that you have to attend these meetings and voice your ideas; otherwise, you could very easily find something you don't agree with in that location someday.

The first presentation of the Harbor Commission meeting was given by Marshall "Duffy" Duffield, who introduced his idea of a docking system that could replace our mooring fields. You needed to see Duffy's presentation to truly understand all of its features. This idea will save water space, make this type of boat storage more user-friendly, cut down on maintenance and improve the appearance of the harbor. This concept is going to take a huge amount of work to get it started, but if only a couple of City Council members will take a close look at this idea and give it a try — maybe in the mooring field that is located between Balboa Island and Basin Marine — this idea could possibly turn out to be one of the best ideas to improve our harbor since the jetty entrance.

The next subcommittee report was on the topic of a temporary yacht anchorage, which will be placed on the agenda for next month. I hope you are all still reading this? Make sure you attend and voice your opinion on a temporary anchorage being placed in the turning basin in front of Lido Village.

I still can't say enough on how fortunate we are to have Doug West as the chairman of our Harbor Commission and Chris Miller as our harbor resource manager. These two continue to lead the charge for our revised RGP-54 dredging permit that could take effect in April 2014. The task these two have taken is enormous; the process is mind-boggling when dealing with no less than seven government agencies to obtain an RGP that we all can work with. I asked Doug in the simplest of terms, "Do you feel confident that you can complete this task?" His reply: "We will get this done." If you see Doug or Chris, please stop them and say good luck and thank you. Remember a good pat on the back goes a long way in this line of work.

*

Ahead on the calendar

This April 7 between 10 a.m. and noon, there will be a meeting at ExplorOcean/Newport Harbor Nautical Museum to discuss safety issues regarding stand-up paddling in Newport Harbor. If you enjoying SUP, you best attend this one; there is more on the table than you can imagine.

This Sunday is the start of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club's Lorin Weiss Harbor 20 Series. I am still keeping my best set of sails up for this one and am bringing in Craig Fletcher to crew with me. I still want my name on the trophy someday.

Sea ya.

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

FOR SALE 2003 21' Duffy Newporter Asking $ 22,500

2003 21’ Duffy “Newporter”. She has always been maintained by Duffy Care and is in very good condition. Her features include 48 Volt Premium Power with (16) 12-Volt 8D maintenance free batteries. Samsung Microwave Oven, Refrigerator, Barrett Bonded Windows, Ultra leather Seat and Backrest Cushions, Sony Stereo and 10 disc CD changer.

She is very clean and easy to show!

Looking Aft

Looking forward

Sailing community again mourns loss in race

By TAYLOR HILL
2013-03-11 19:47:25
As details emerge on a sailboat racing accident off California's coast, sailors are mourning the loss of crewman Craig Thomas Williams.
Williams, 36, a San Diego resident and crewmember aboard the 32-foot sailboat Uncontrollable Urge, died in the waters off San Clemente Island late Friday night after the boat crashed into the island's rocky shore. The sailors were forced to abandon ship when the vessel hit the surfline, and the five surviving crewmembers were airlifted from the island by a Coast Guard helicopter and taken to a hospital to be treated for cuts, bruises and hypothermia, authorities said.
While the sailors were experienced yachtsmen, the vessel, an all-carbon design from Santa Ana-based Columbia Yachts, was brand new, competing in its first offshore race. Former Newport Beach Harbor Commissioner and Columbia Yachts President Vince Valdes was crewing on the boat and was one of the survivors rescued from the island.
Others on board were boat owner James Gilmore and crew Mike Skillicorn, Doug Pajak and Ryan Georgianna.
Gilmore tweeted Friday morning that he was taking the new boat on its first race: "Gonna see what this boat can do!"
The boat was competing in the fourth annual 139-nautical-mile Islands Race, which pits sailors on a course from Los Angeles Harbor to San Diego Bay, going around Santa Catalina and San Clemente islands.
Just off the backside of San Clemente Island, Uncontrollable Urge issued a distress call at 9:26 p.m. Friday, stating that the boat's rudder had failed.
The vessel initially declined Coast Guard assistance, calling a boat-towing company for help, but the company could not take the call due to weather conditions. Sailors in the race reported 10-foot swells and up to 30-knot gusts of wind that night.
Yacht broker Len Bose, 52, was crewing aboard Adrenalin, a sailboat competing in the race, when he heard the chatter over the radio.
"We were about two miles ahead of them when we heard the call for assistance," he said, but Innocent Merriment, another boat in the race was closer to them, and Uncontrollable Urge ended up declining its assistance.
About 11 p.m. after failing to set anchor, the crew attempted unsuccessfully to deploy the boat's life raft, leading to the vessel's fate on the rocks.
Bose said he heard over the radio that another boat in the vicinity of Uncontrollable Urge ran into a fishing net that night, which could have been the reason for the rudder failure.
"There was so much debris, seaweed and flotsam out there; the chances of running into something was high," Bose said.

The death marks the third fatal accident to hit California's sailboat racing scene in a 12-month period. In April, five sailors died in the waters off Northern California when the 38-foot yacht Low Speed Chase smashed into the rocks off the Farallon islands.
Later that month, four sailors died in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race when the 37-foot sailboat Aegean ran aground off Mexico's North Coronado Island.
"When you look at all three of these incidents, there were different reasons for the end results, but what they all have in common is that they all hit the island's lee shore, where the waves and wind pull you in," 2010 Islands Race participant John Drayton said. "For hundreds of years, sailors have been warned to stay away from the lee shore. It's never a good thing."
Drayton, who has more than 40 years of sailing experience and has competed in dozens of offshore races including two transpacific yacht races, said Uncontrollable Urge was one of the smaller vessels in the 39- boat field but was fully capable of making the trek.
"Those are experienced, knowledgeable sailors making difficult decisions on that boat, and when you lose your rudder, it's the equivalent of being in a truck on a mountain road and losing your brakes," Drayton said.
A memorial fund has been set up for those wishing to donate to the Williams family. Go to www.youcaring.com and search for Craig Williams 

My perspective on my comments:

Racer's perspective:

I am still tired and a little sore from this years Islands Race. I am writing this on Sunday after the race, on Saturday afternoon, at 4:00 Pm after I had just woke up, I received a phone call from the writer of this story Bradley Zint.

What I am concerned about is how my perspective is taken by the injured party’s of this tragic event. By no means was I implying that the crew of Uncontrollable Urge was not prepared for this event. If I have offended any of the members of the this crew I am deeply sorry for my comments and your loss. My intentions of my perspective is directed as a wake up call for the overall of the sport. 

Respectfully

Len Bose

One sailor dead in race co-sponsored by Newport Harbor Yacht Club

Crew of Uncontrollable Urge Day before the start

San Diego man was part of a six-man crew aboard the Uncontrollable Urge, which was competing in the Islands Race.

By Bradley Zint

March 9, 2013 | 6:14 p.m. 

A San Diego man died over the weekend during a sailing race co-sponsored by the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, officials said. Craig Thomas Williams, 36, was one of six crew members aboard the Uncontrollable Urge, a 32-foot vessel participating in the fourth annual Islands Race that began Friday in Long Beach and ended Saturday in San Diego, race officials said.

Five others were also injured in an accident where the surfline broke apart the drifting sailboat late Friday night near San Clemente Island, Coast Guard officials said. A Coast Guard helicopter recovered all six crew members before transporting them to an area hospital.

"The members of NHYC would like to express their sympathy to the friends and family of the boat, Uncontrollable Urge," the Newport Harbor Yacht Club wrote in a statement on its Facebook page.

Coast Guard officials said the Uncontrollable Urge, which was in small-craft advisory weather containing 8-foot swells and 10-knot winds, initially "stated they were not in need of assistance and declined assistance from both the Coast Guard and other boaters involved in the race."

The crew issued a mayday call around 9:26 p.m. Friday after the rudder failed and the vessel began drifting toward San Clemente Island, Coast Guard officials said.

The Islands Race route is 139 nautical miles and rounds both San Clemente and Catalina islands. The San Diego Yacht Club co-sponsors the race with the NHYC.

The Uncontrollable Urge, owned and skippered by James Gilmore, was from the Silver Gate Yacht Club in San Diego, according to the San Diego Yacht Club's website.

The racing-related death involving local participants is the second in recent memory. In April 2012, during the annual Newport-to-Ensenada race, four racers from one vessel died. The official investigation report ruled that the Aegean — a 37-foot, Redondo Beach-based vessel — likely ran aground before sinking off the coast of North Coronado Island.

The four fatalities were the first in the race's 65-year history.

*

Racer's perspective

Len Bose, who writes the Daily Pilot's "Harbor Report" column, participated in the Islands Race aboard the Adrenalin, a 50-foot vessel based in Newport Harbor. It was manned by about seven crew members, he said.

Bose said the mood in San Diego at the finish line was somber after people heard the news of Williams' death and the others aboard the Uncontrollable Urge who were injured.

"That was the talk of the yacht club this morning down in San Diego," he said.

"It was kind of a reality check there ... it makes you sit in your seat," Bose added, calling it a dangerous sport.

After hearing of the death in news reports, many participants' wives were calling in, hoping to hear their husbands were OK, he said.

While Bose never feared for his personal safety during the race, he said the crew knew what they were getting into before setting sail.

"It wasn't a surprise what we'd be facing," he said. "It seems that you go out there and you do it so often that sometimes you forget. That might've been the case this time for a few people."

Most of the boats, including his, had equipment failures of some type or other, Bose said.

Of the weather conditions, he said it was a "very dark night. No moon. Just a ton of stars out there, the glow of your running lights on the water. When it's that black, it has a tendency to pucker you up a little more."

He said with news of yachting fatalities, "our biggest concern is [additional] government restriction on what we do. It's a type of sport that you're out there playing it and you best be ready.

The Harbor Report: A new sheriff (or two) in town

Len Bose will be sailing on Dave Clark¿s Santa Cruz 50 Adrenalin in the Newport Harbor Yacht Club Islands Race this weekend. (Courtesy LEN BOSE / March 7, 2013

By Len Bose

March 7, 2013 | 3:08 p.m.

Time to catch up on some harbor news this week.

It's been recently announced that Harbormaster Lt. Tom Slayton will be retiring this month. While talking to him on the phone, I found myself stumbling to pronounce his full name, and he said, "You can call me Tom." I then thought to myself, how lucky we have been with our last two harbormasters, and I started to stumble again on who his replacement will be.

One of the many strong points of Lt. Slayton — Tom — was that he would always take the time to explain the harbor issues with me, and he could read the approaching situation. Before I could stumble out another word, he said, "My replacement is Lt. Mike Jansen, and he will keep the same course."

I sat back in my chair and thought, wow, how did he know my biggest concern was that we would fall off course like we did two harbormasters ago? I am starting to like the new guy already and I have not even met him yet.

For those of you who did not know, Tom is retiring at the age of 52 after 27 years with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the last two years as our harbormaster. "It's time to spend more time with my two kids" ages 8 and 11, Tom explained. "Being the harbormaster has been a great opportunity for me and challenging." He agreed to answer a few more questions and gave me his and Mike's email addresses. I'll just need to take some time and come up with some thought-out questions for them in the near future.

My understanding is that Tom will be attending next week's Newport Beach Harbor Commission meeting, and I assume Mike will also be attending as the commission thanks Tom for his hard work and understanding. I also received more news from the Harbor Patrol that Deputy Carlos Contreras will be retiring this month. Carlos has been a mainstay in our harbor for 17 years and has been our mooring administrator and boat accident deputy during his watch. I have always felt that Carlos was easy to approach and more than willing to help me when I called him. So it looks like there will be a couple of new sheriffs in town. I had to say that; the good news is that we should be holding our same course.

Another important topic coming up is how to use the lower Castaways parcel, which was donated by the Irvine Company to the city a couple years ago, at the corner of PCH and Dover. This is some of the last remaining undeveloped waterfront property owned by the city, and now is the time to start expressing your views on how this parcel should be used. The Harbor Commission's study session is at 4:30 p.m. March 13 at the old council chambers.

In my humble opinion, this property should be used as a boat launch ramp with free access for our commercial marine operators to launch their equipment. I can't express to you how important it is for our harbor to make sure we leave room for our commercial users. This area would also be a great place for a marine recycle center so that boaters can easily depose of used oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant and used zincs.

You might think we have a good boot launch ramp at the Newport Dunes Resort. That's right, it's the Dunes' launch ramp, and if they feel like having a concert on Labor Day, they can close it and tell people to go to Dana Point or Huntington Harbour to launch their boats. When I heard of this happening last year, it just rubbed me the wrong way. The city needs to continue working hard to prove to people that this is a friendly harbor, and telling people that we are closed and to go someplace else is not the way to achieve that goal easily.

As you read this, I am heading out to sea to compete in the Newport Harbor Yacht Club Islands Race. The race starts in Los Angeles Harbor near Angels Gate, then Catalina and San Clemente islands are rounded to port and the finish is in San Diego.

The weather is shaping up to be very challenging conditions, with the forecaster using expressions like "The wind will be so strong it will be blowing dogs off their chains" — that's windy!

I am quite excited to be sailing on Dave Clark's Santa Cruz 50 Adrenalin. This should shape up to be the best sail of the year.

Sea ya.

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

For Sale: 1995 Duffy 18 "Snug Harbor" w Duffy Refit

1995 Duffy "Classic" 2011 Duffy Refit

1995 Duffy Snug Harbor “Refit” from Duffy. Fresh standard battery pack, Replaced Canopy, Engine, Shaft, Electric Wiring, Batteries, Battery Charger, Carpet, Cushions, Jensen Stereo w 4 speakers, Duffy Care.

She shows better than new! Great Value Asking $ 16,500

Looking Forward

Forward Storage

Looking Aft

The Harbor Report: Fixing up for the races

Line drawing of 83 foot AANDEEL

By Len Bose

February 28, 2013 | 5:44 p.m.

Spring is approaching, and the boats have returned to Newport Harbor. With this year's Islands Race, Cabo and Transpac all on the horizon, a large number of race boats have gathered here in Newport Beach for their annual maintenance.

The most interesting megayacht is not in town for our local offshore races, but it sure appears it can run with the big dogs. The 77-foot Sparkman & Stephens-designed Aandeel (formerly known as Sleighride), now 82 feet, has received a refit, with five feet added to its overall length. Up-and-coming yacht designer Adam Voorhees received his first contract to design the refit. Performing the refit was our own Westerly Marine from Santa Ana, with owner Lynn Bowser directing his crew at Newport Harbor Shipyard. When I approached the yacht, Lynn gave me a warm welcome and took a couple of minutes to introduce the boat to me before he had to get back to work applying the keel to the boat. According to a good friend of mine, the boat was lifted to its maximum height with the shipyard's travel lift; they had just four inches to spare above the keel height to the bottom of the boat when applying the keel.

For those who have not heard of Westerly Marine, they have long been one of the world's best custom-boat builders and have been able to stay in business in Costa Mesa until about 10 years ago, when they moved up to a larger location in Santa Ana. They did the work on Windward Passage's keel change and have produced a couple of Morrelli & Melvin 65-foot cruising catamarans over the last two years. I also noticed local Harbor 20 sailor Len Connelly working on this project. Len has been working for Westerly Marine for close to 20 years and plays a big part in producing some of the world's best yachts.

My understanding is that the original owner wanted an ultra-light boat, exceedingly fast, that could blow the hatches off any racing boat. The new owner, who lives in the Santa Barbara area and will keep the boat in the Ventura area, wants the same and more. Come on by the shipyard and take a look; she is truly something to behold.

While at the Newport Harbor Shipyard, you will notice all of the activity to some of Southern California's best racing boats getting ready for the above-listed races. The one-of-a-kind Checkmate was in the yard getting ready for Cabo. Word on the street is the Newport Harbor Yacht Club boys are "putting the band back together," and the crew list reads like a who's-who. Can't wait to hear the stories from this run. Other boats in the yard are Pendragon VI, getting some work done to its mast; Orange Coast College's Katana, painting its bottom; and the gorgeous Santa Cruz 50 Adrenalin, also getting some work done to its bottom. The Santa Cruz 52 Sin Duda is in town from Chicago this summer for the Cabo and Transpac Race. Mirage, a Santa Cruz 70, is in the yard for some mast work. Two J/120s are also in the yard. It appears the fleet is getting locked and loaded for the upcoming sailing season.

Speaking of locked and loaded, the first race of the Newport High-Point Series has been completed with the American Legion Yacht Club running the Midwinter Regatta a couple of weeks ago. The first boat out of the blocks this year is John Szalay's Peterson 34, Pussycat, with 11 points, followed by Roy Jones' J/133, Tango, with 10 points and Peter Bretschger J/120, Adios, with nine. The next high-point race will be Balboa Yacht Club 66 Series beginning March 16.

This weekend, I am racing my Harbor 20 in the NHYC Schock Regatta and am also planning on attending Peter Haynes' boat handling and sail trim seminar March 9 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. I have to thank Peter for that eighth-place finish in my first Harbor 20 A fleet regatta; by attending his rules seminar, this boat handling and sail trim should get me into the top five. It's open to anyone; take the time and you will be glad you did. For full results of this year's Newport High-Point Series and interior photos of Aandell, go to my blog site at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com.

Sea ya.

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

AANDEEL, she is due to be splashed on Monday

FOR SALE: BENETEAU 46' SENSE in Newport Beach.

The 2013 Beneteau 46 SENSE is new to the market and ahead of it time. She will be introduced at the Annapolis Boat this October 4th-8th 2012. For the Newport Beach buyer this is a “Must See”. Perfect for Catalina or just entertaining on the harbor, with a spacious inviting cockpit that is very accessible with on step from the dock. When you step aboard you will get the SENSE that you are on a 55’ boat that can be handled by yourself with the Dock & Go system, a revolutionary innovation to dock your boat with complete confidence by yourself. The full sized main and and optional double stay rig, electric winches for sail handling will make it easy for you to set sail as soon as the afternoon breeze fills in. When you are sailing next to a grand prix racing boat, with the crew of 14, they will wonder “what is that boat, and why cant we sail away from her?”. As you arrive in Catalina a smile will appear on your face as you watch the 6 crew members, from the other boat, folding their main. 

While the SENSE 46 sails have all been furled and stowed already by yourself. Be prepared for those same six crew members to swim over and ask to come aboard? Don’t think that everyone in the the cove did not see you pick up that mooring by yourself, when you hit the Dock & Go to bring the stern closer to the aft mooring loop. Your only concern will be if you brought enough cold beverages for the whole weekend?

Please call for pricing and viewings appointments for the SENSE line.

                                                                                                                               DOCK & GO

For Sale: 1987 J 37 Asking 79,000

It may be impossible to have both cruising luxury and high level race performance in the same boat, but the J 37 comes as close as can be achieved in the search for the right blend of compromises. With refrigeration, ample fresh water, and two comfortable staterooms, a couple can cruise for several weeks without needing to visit port. The value is in the early design and quality construction, which will allow you to sail, offshore, club race and take the family to the islands safely. When viewing this J 37 please note the Autopilot, Refrigeration, Pressure Water, Fresh Sails and Running Rigging. This is the type of yacht you can be proud of in front of the Yacht Club. HARD TO FIND! GREAT VALUE! 

The Harbor Report: The numbers are in for Newport winter

Joysailing.com photo of the last Sunkist  Use the link on the right ------> to see more of Bronnys photos

This year's winter series has wrapped up, with most of the events being sailed in light winds, which was the exact opposite from last year. Over at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, Rhonda Tolar's Farr 40, "Wild Thing," won Class A in the Hot Rum series, while "Violetta" won Class B and "Sleeping Beauty" won Class C. The club's Ocean Series is already underway, with Paul Casanova's Santa Cruz 50, "Flaca," leading the series, followed closely by Jeff Burch and his Tripp 33, "Hot Ticket."

This is a long series, and I am sure the leader board will change many times. One of the standouts in this series is Karl Pomeroy's new J/70, "Zero to 60." Karl and his crew have been all father-and-son teams, which is always heartwarming to watch.

Just up the street, Balboa Yacht Club has completed its Sunkist Series. Tolar, again with "Wild Thing," won Class A, with "It's OK" following in second and "Dare" in third. In the Thistle Fleet, Joel Buffa was this year's winner, and over in the Laser Fleet, Gator Cook took home the first-place prize.

Photo Joysailing

Next in the Lido 14 Fleet, Kim McRae won A Fleet, and in B Fleet, Dave Smith won, followed by Steve Mueller in second. In the adult sabots, it was fun to see Nancy Mellon win this series. The big winners in the Harbor 20 A Fleet were Debra and Peter Haynes, followed by Carter Ford in second and John Whitney in third. In B Fleet, Gregg Kelly took the top honors with the Blatterman/Cazier team coming in second. The winner in C Fleet was Scott Barnes; next was Steve Sellinger, taking second.

Photo by Joysailing Thats the link--->

Across the harbor was the NHYC Winter Series, which had 22 Harbors 20s in A Fleet, 21 in B's and five in C's. You can do the math: That's a huge turnout this year, and to no one's surprise, Diane and Bill Menninger continue to lead the fleet and won the winter series in A Fleet. Bob Yates sailed very consistently and was able to overtake Team Haynes for second place.

In B Fleet, Kelly sailed a good series and won, followed by Thomas Hartmann in second and Helen Duncan in third. Scott Barnes won the C Fleet and it looks like he will be "Movin' On," which is the name of his boat, to B's very soon. The Lehman 12's had a fleet of 12 boats, with Perry Emsiek staying in the front most of the time. The Finns had a good turnout, with Bill Bissell winning that class.

I also had time to look around the harbor this week. It appears that the New Port Marina project is back on track. That's the building that is going in between Woody's Wharf and the Crab Cooker. The place has been sitting still for most of last year, and I have seen some activity since the start of the year. I have also received word that our harbor master, Lt. Tom Slayton, is going the extra mile to show visiting yachtsmen that Newport Harbor is "the friendliest harbor in Southern California." Slayton has been in contact with Harbor Commissioners David Girling, Doug West and Paul Blank to discuss this task.

I also heard that Letty Giang is working on a public forum on SUP safety, with dates penciled in for April and May. More to come on this topic as the dates get closer. If you would like more information on this topic, you can always reach me at boseyachts@mac.com or follow my blog site at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com. Midwinters this weekend; remember it's the first race of the Newport Beach High Point Series.

Sea ya.

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

Harbor Report: A tradition by the water

Balboa Yacht Club members arrive to the yachtsmen's luncheon

By Len Bose

February 7, 2013 | 8:32 p.m.

Last week, while on the dock at the Balboa Yacht Club, I ran into my good friend Mel Redmond. He was boarding the club's electric boat with four other club members for their weekly pilgrimage to the Newport Harbor Yacht Club's yachtsmen's luncheon.

Every Wednesday, yachting enthusiasts from all points of the compass arrive at NHYC at noon for lunch and a presentation. After everyone has had time to eat lunch, the group stands for the Pledge of Allegiance and then the chairmen of the event reviews the agenda, followed by a sailing and fishing report, then into the weekly presentation. The luncheon normally ends by 1:30.

This last week, I was the self-invited guest speaker because I picked up the phone and contacted longtime chairman Robert Bents and asked if I could run a story on the luncheon this week. After a short discussion, Robert came up with the idea of me interviewing the whole group by asking questions from the podium. This week, there was a large group from the Lido Isle Yacht Club and a few members from BYC and NHYC attending. I came to find out that you do not have to be a member of a yacht club to attend; you just have to have a passion for yachting. "It's a type of community outreach," Robert explained.

According to Gordon Glass, the luncheon started around 1947. "In those days, we used to collect change from everyone and have a raffle for a bottle of vodka, scotch, gin and bourbon every week," he said. "In fact, some of the best luncheons in the '50s and '60s were aboard one of the Balboa Ferries. The ferry used to pull up twice a year to the club dock, and on one side of the boat was a lunch buffet and the other side was a bar. We would then take a harbor cruise and not make it back to NHYC until 3 most afternoons." The group gave out a sigh of fond remembrance as Gordon went over the history of the luncheon. The luncheon was also a stopping point for many international sailors making their way east for the America's Cup. Gordon went on to explain, "The yachtsmen luncheon is very often a broadening experience, rather than just our own little community."

The group explained that as many as 100 people will show up for the annual Ensenada race review. Another large showing last year was John Kilroy, who talked about his sailing experiences aboard his different large sailing yachts named Kialoa. Tom Ehman came by to talk about the America's Cup. Bents went on to tell me, "We don't always talk about boats. We have had presentations on aviation, African safaris, real estate, car makers, and history from around the harbor. We even had a guy who was trying to row around the world stop by and tried to raise funds for his project."

"It's all about our harbor's camaraderie and a willingness to share our experiences," Chuck Brewer told me. "We always learn something new here." With that, I asked the group what type of changes they would like to see in my column and around the harbor. One member felt we should rotate the Christmas boat parade route each year, and a couple of other members told me I should remind people of when sign-ups start for the youth sailing programs, and add a few more lines to my column for weekly highlights on what's going on around the harbor. All great ideas, and I hope every one of my readers give Bents a big shout-out for chairing this event for the last 10 years. Harbor traditions are what it's all about, and I, for one, have to thank Bents and all the regulars for keeping this one alive. Please mark your calendars for next week, or call NHYC for the schedule of the upcoming speakers. You will be glad you did.

Sea ya.

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

For Sale 2012 18' Duffy Snug Harbor Newport Beach

             SOLD      $ 28,000        Feb-9-13


Like New 2012 18' Snug Harbor ASKING ONLY $30,500 Replacement Cost $ 38,000!

Only driven to Chuch 4 times, this is a like new boat in great condition. Yes, she has the Power Rudder!

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Refrigerator 

Remote Controlled Spotlight

Sirus Satellite Stero

Custom Carpet

Forward Backrest Package

http://youtu.be/zaR0Cj7rYx0

The Harbor Report: Catching up with the klatch

NHYC View

By Len Bose

January 17, 2013 | 9:45 a.m.

Over the years, I have watched harbor users take their boats out for weekly Thursday afternoon cruises, gather for lunch, or just meet for coffee every day. Back in the '80s, I always wanted to join the guys on the Chris Craft 41 "Wild Turkey"; in the '90s, it was the Columbia 36 "La Dolce Vita"; and in the early '00s I watched the Hinckley 40 "Black Irish" sail by every Thursday afternoon. As time has passed, these groups have changed or sailed into the sunset.

So rather than just watch and wave, I thought I would stop by and sit down with one of the longest-lasting social gatherings on our harbor, the coffee klatch at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. This group of harbor users has been around for more than 30 years, meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. every day of the week.

I headed down to the NHYC on a recent cold and windy weekday morning and timidly approached the group. They were sitting around a table, next to the fire, with a big thermos of coffee between them. They warmly greeted me and invited me to join them for a cup. I grabbed a cup and placed it at the wrong end of the thermos, then pressed down on the dispenser and sprayed coffee all over the table.

After my memorable introduction of myself, we settled down and the group agreed to answer a few of my questions. Of course, most of the group's conversation is harbor-related, and depending on who is attending on any particular day, the subject matter will vary from recent vacations to the increase of the tidelands permits. The weekend seems to bring the most members in, and the klatch has reached as many as 12 people attending at one time. One member explained, "It's a place and time to share thoughts and continue friendships."

While looking from the NHYC bar out onto the harbor, I asked if anyone recalled any one particular moment. "About 20 years ago, we heard this terrible racket approaching and look up to see a 737 with one of its engines on fire," a member said. "A bird had flown into the engine on takeoff. I am not sure why we all rushed outside to look at the plane, but it circled back around and landed safely."

It wasn't able to get much information from the group regarding blunders at the dock or mishaps in the harbor, not because I had just spilled hot coffee on all of them, but because old salts hold to the tradition of "what is said onboard stays onboard."

The key I learned here is to take part in the traditions of the harbor and pass them along to your kids and grandchildren. I am glad I took the time to stop by. Look for your club's past traditions or just start your own. It's a great way to use the harbor.

Speaking of traditions, I will be attending the Race Education Seminar held at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 27. This seminar will review the new rules of sailing for 2013-2016. Local Harbor 20 sailor Peter Haynes will be the instructor. I think this is the fifth year or more that Peter has done this. I've put a lot of time and money into my boat and don't want to lose a race because the rules have changed. The seminar is open to everyone; for details, contact Peter at peter.haynes@3ds.com.

Sea ya.

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

Harbor Report: It's time to feel good about the harbor

By Len Bose

January 10, 2013 | 10:05 p.m.

I am sure there are many harbor users who are still rather bunched up about the recent tidelands permit increases. So let me take a few minutes to shed some light on your eelgrass and explain your options on dredging your slips. You might just come away feeling a little better how your money in the tidelands fund is being spent.

Last year, the Regional General Permit 54, which allows residents to dredge, was allowed to expire. This kept residents from being able to dredge their slips for more than a year.

As of Jan. 1, an RGP is in place until March 2014. This will allow our local property owners to proceed with dredging their slips this year. I should back up a little and explain that this year's RGP 54 cost the city $500,000. About $400,000 of that cost is spent on sediment testing, and $100,000 is for the permit itself. It is my understanding that for a property owner to obtain a permit, it will cost $1,640 to the city and $77 to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. The permit will take two months to obtain, and you will need to pay for the proper person to come by and document that you do not have eelgrass within 15 feet of your dredging project.

If you do have eelgrass, than that opens a whole other problem, which can lead you to abandon your project. Please keep reading — there is light at the end of this tunnel. This RGP that is in place now will allow you to dredge 7 feet into the lower, low tide and you cannot make any changes to your dock at this time. Your best-case scenario is to have neighbors go in with you and split the cost. One of the reasons to proceed this year is that the city could raise its permit cost in the future.

Now here is our light at the end of the tunnel: Our harbor commissioners and harbor resource manager have gone the extra mile and gathered the proper information to make a presentation/recommendation to our City Council at the Jan. 22 study session that will allow negotiations to start with all the different agencies for a new and improved RGP taking effect in April 2014. During this week's Harbor Commission meeting, it appeared that the commission's subcommittee, led by Chairman Doug West, had talked to all the right players from the different agencies and met with the Anchorage consulting company, Mike Josselyn of WRA Environmental Consultants, dredging company owner Mark Sites, and Lisa Miller-Strunk of Shellmaker Incorporated. Past Harbor Commissioner John Corrough was also in attendance.

From my simple harbor observations over the years, this was the best lineup I have ever witnessed to achieve a goal. The proposed change of terms to the RGP will be to dredge more sediment per permit, increase the depth from 7 to 10 feet, reconfigure existing docks to meet modern standards and — the clincher — address the impacts through a bay-wide eelgrass program. If I heard Josselyn and West correctly, it seems possible that we can get past the eelgrass problem by just seeding more grass throughout the harbor and thereby making eelgrass our friend, rather than an opponent of achieving our goal of dredging our slips. As a city, we still need to grab that ring; the exciting part is we can see the ring approaching fast and have a dream team set up to grab it.

In fact, I overheard the Anchorage consultants comment on the Harbor Commission after the study session say, "They really did their homework!" That type of comment really makes me smile and feel good about how our tideland money should be spent. I am going to try to post the audio of this study session on my blog site at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com. If you are going to dredge your slip sometime soon, I highly recommend you take a listen.

I would like to give a big shout-out to City Councilwoman Leslie Daigle. She reached out to me, after reading my last column, in trying to understand the tidelands fund account. We met in person and she spent more than an hour explaining the fund to me. She also really wanted my take on harbor issues and what people are saying. So keep coming up to me and asking your questions. I have never felt so good about the harbor and am very excited about the upcoming year.

Sea ya.

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

This is a recording of the Harbor Commission meeting dated 1-09-13 regarding RGP 54 and Eelgrass and will coincide with my column tomorrow. If you plan on dredging your slip sometime soon you should take an hour and listen.
https://www.box.com/s/6783hunbjbbp10pbh7ve

The Harbor Column: Harbor haps I don't understand

I do enjoy writing this harbor column each week mostly because of the recognition around town. My editor at The Daily Pilot, Michael Miller, is extremely patient with me and really forms my random thoughts into a story you can understand. This time I need your help in understanding whats been going on around the harbor and even more patients from my editor? 

Last week I read a story in The Daily Pilot written by Jill Cowen “Newport ponders Harbor Commission”. Now I did not have any problem understanding Jill’s well written story, what I did have a problem understanding is why do the city council members want to attend another 2-3 hour meeting each month rather than trust the opinion and recommendations of their appointed commissioner? Councilwoman Nancy Gardner was quoted “Our experience with the Tidelands Management Committee was that it was very effective” Members of the Harbor Commission on the other hand, had "seemed frustrated that things they were doing didn't seem to get through”. From my observations over the last few years, councilwoman Gardner being one of the few exceptions, while talking with past Harbor Commissioners was that there was no line of communications between council members and commissioners. In fact, I recall one commissioner telling me that their assigned council member told them that they were not needed. From what I can see Harbor Commissioner’s are needed, they are boaters, harbor users and marine business owners that have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge by observing the harbor and watching how it best works. They are members of yacht, fishing and rowing clubs and are easily approachable.  They get it and they care about the harbor. In my mind, our Harbor  Commissioners are a racing sailboats tactician, while our council members have their hand on the helm and makes the final decisions the best helmsman always listen closely to their tactician. I am sure that most of you tacticians out there can understand the frustration of the Harbor Commissioner when the person at the helm is not listening?

This next issue I am really going to need some help in understanding and thats our city’s tidelands accounting system? I called a good friend and emailed another columnist from The Daily Pilot with the hopes of understanding the accounting system. Neither of them returned my call and they must have rubbed their face and laughed at my request.  Have to wonder if they would have called me back if I would have asked about Einstein theory of relativity? I also had a chance to talk to a resident who is known as the go to person for following the money trail. Unfortunately I only had about an hour and a half with this person over lunch and I could not keep up. After my meeting was completed, I came away with that there was plenty of money coming in for the tidelands but a very small percentage being spent on the harbor? I read Council member Leslie Daigle Commentary in the Pilot dated 12-20-12 “Why I voted alone against the dock tax”  followed by Council members Mike Henn commentary dated 12-26-12 “Arguments against dock fees not sound”. Now this is were I am going to need some help understanding, because at my house my wife and I both know when we can go on vacation or stay home and replace the washer and dryer. Is there not an easier way for us harbor users to see how much tideland revenues come in and what goes out? Are there other Harbor City’s that manage their tidelands funds differently than us? I’d love to here from you, I am easy to reach just send your emails to boseyachts@mac.com and follow my blog site at http://lenboseyachts.blogspot.com. SEA YA

My Harbor's New Years Resolutions

OK, I am not going to lie. I did not get off my butt to find a story in the harbor for this week. So, let's talk about my Harbor's New Year's Resolutions.

"Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in."

In 2013, I plan on volunteering my time at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club and trying to help its members and sail fleet Captain Paul DeCapua to the best of my ability. That means at the BCYC, sail fleet meeting people will start to hear me say, "I got this silly idea..." Most of the time, people just roll their eyes and continue to the next agenda item, but this year, I might have found one. On BCYC Tuesday night racing, Paul is always on station early. Rather than just waiting for the official starting time, I came up with the "silly idea" of a couple of practice starts before race time.

Paul DeCapua and Crew

I am hoping that the Harbor 20 class likes this idea and comes out to join us for Taco Tuesdays starting May 14. If you are looking to get back on the race course now, BCYC Ocean Racing Series starts Jan. 19, which was one of last year's best races. If you sign up for the entire series before Jan. 5, you will save yourself $30. Speaking of saving, make sure you enter the Ensenada race today. The early-bird discount ends Dec. 31, and that's a big savings.

I just purchased Harbor 20 No. 108 this week and will be attending most of the H20 events this year with the goal of making A fleet in 2013. As you can tell, I really enjoy sailboat racing in Newport Harbor, and now that I own a boat, I can do more for fleet No. 1. On the big boat seen this year, I will be sailing on the J109 Linstar this coming season. I refer to the crew as "The Band," and we have the goal of winning BCYC Offshore Series, BYC 66 Series and the Newport Beach High Point Series.

On our race calendar for next year is also preparing for the 2014 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The owner has promised to buy a bigger boat if we have good results; therefore, I will be pushing the program a little harder this year. If you are under 40 years old and looking for a new ride this year, please give me a call. I know that reads a little harsh, but because of my age, we have plenty of experienced sailors and are short on youth.

My harbor resolutions will not change that much from last year. I will keep asking the city for eight parking permits to be awarded to the winners of the Newport Beach High Point Series. Last year, when I asked for the parking permits, I got laughed out of the building; let's hope I can improve my presentation this year.

I will continue to push for marine recycling centers and attend most of the monthly Harbor Commission meetings. What I will do a little different this year is to approach the harbor commissioners and ask them how I can help. So if you are reading this, Commissioners Girling and Avery, I would like to help with your task of "Communicate The Harbor Commission's Role with the Public."

I would also like to help with "Enforcement of Harbor Codes," Commissioners Blank and West. As readers of my column, I hope you understand what I am trying to say and make time to ask our harbor commissioners how you can help this upcoming year.

For next year, I will make a better effort to contact the Balboa Angling Club and the Newport Aquatic Center along with SUP Dog paddling club. The Bose family wishes you all a Happy New Year, and we will "sea ya" next year.

SEA YA

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