TANGO WINS 2012 Newport Beach High Point Series

    Roy Jones J-133  TANGO  

2012 High Point Series      WINNER           TEAM "TANGO" !

                     Midwinters        66 Series    Ahman.     Knud.    Argosy

1.     Tango  =    11                     12                 21              10           6      = 60

2.     Amante                                11                 25               8                    = 44

3.     PussyCat=      8                       4               8              10            4       = 34
4.     Dare                                                          33                                      = 33

5.     Rebel Yell                                                32                                      = 32

6.     Still Crazy                                                31                                      = 31

7.     It’s OK                                                     30                                      =  30

8.      Rio                                                           29                                       = 29

9.     Stark Raving Mad IV                             28                                        = 28

10.     exigent                                    5             22                                         =27

10.    Checkmate                                              27                                        = 27

12.   Emirage II                                                26                                       = 26

13.  Heartbeat 2                                              16                                  9     = 25
14.  Adios =           9                       9                 6                                        = 24

14.  Bien Roulee                                              24                                        =  24

16.   Seven One Six                                         23                                        =  23

17.  Old School                             10               11                                         = 21

18.  No Rationing                                             20                                        =20

19.  Patriot                                                         19                                        = 19

20.  Ragtime                                                       18                                       = 18

21.  Violetta=       10                       7                                                           = 17         

21.  Twister                                                        17                                        = 17

23.   Lucky Star =  3                       8                 1             4                           =16

24.   Adrenalin                                                   15                                        = 15

25.  Pendragon II                                               14                                       = 14

26.  Reliance=       7                        6                                                             = 13

26.  Flaca                                                            13                                        = 13

28.  Cirrus=         2                       3                     7                                          =12

28.  Rocket                                                         12                                         = 12
28.  Hot Ticket=   6                                                             6                        =  12

31.  Wildthing                                                    10                                         =10

32.  Cursor                                                            9                                         = 9

33.  TNT =           4                                               4                                        = 8

34.  Cool Man Cool                                             5                                        = 5

34. Scavenger =   5                                                                                         = 5

36.  Baraka                                        2                                                             = 2

36.  Sting =         1                                                                         1                = 1

37.   Whiplash                                    1                                                            = 1

2012 High

2nd Place "AMANTE"

                          

3rd Place  "Pussy Cat"       

No holds bared in the Tidelands Permit Increase

                       The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Clubs Angelman Series overall winner Dan Rossen aboard PROBLEM CHILD

(Unedited) 

I would like to give one more analogy on the tidelands permit fees increases before reviewing this summers sailing awards winners.

Picture yourself taking a family trip on a hot muggy summer day to Catalina on a slow boat. Your parents are at the helm, The State of California, you and your big brother, The City of Newport Beach, are sitting in the back of the boat when your big brother turns to you and slugs you in the face. You squeal “ Mom, Dad” the City of Newport Beach just slugged me in the face! Your brother reply’s “No I didn't” and you the permit holder reply “Did to”. This has been going on since 2008, when will Mom and Dad finally stop the boat and pick up the dingy paddle. Give us that stern look of the eyes, over the top of their sunglass, while beating the halibut out of our big brother?

The only way I see mom and dad stoping our boat is if there is an accounting problem and we are not telling them the truth? Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than having to turn around halfway to Catalina and head home. Dad gets really grumpy and his face turns all red.

Back to who won this summers pickle dishes? This years PHRF fleet started with Newport Harbors Yacht Clubs, newly formatted, 3 race series Ahmanson Cup. This series was a huge success with 35 of our harbors boats entering. In 3rd place was team Tres Gordo on “Its OK” from BYC, in 2nd was BCYC Team Plant sailing “Still Crazy” and in first place was BYC Team Kettenhofen aboard “Dare”. Next this season was The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Clubs Angelman Series. This was a nine race series with all windward/leeward races. In 3rd place was BCYC Team Szalay sailing “Pussy Cat”, 2nd place was Team McKeever on “Reliance” from BYC and this years overall winner was my good friend Dan Rossen sailing his boat “Problem Child” for BCYC. Two weeks ago The Balboa Yacht wrapped up the 66 series with the race from Catalina and back. If you missed this race you missed one of the best sails home from the island I have had in years. 3rd place in this years 66 series, sailing for NHYC was Team Grant aboard eXigent, in 2nd was The Richley Family from LIYC on the mighty Amante. This years

overall 66 winner was Roy Jones and Team Tango sailing for BYC. Special shout out to everyone who participated in our harbors PHRF events. This weekend is the Argosy Race which is the last race of The Newport High Point Series. Pending on how many boats show up this weekend, it still is anyones race.

In this years Sabots Balboa Bay Champship regatta the winners in C1: 3rd place Mitchell Harvey, 2nd Rowdie Peets and in first was Shannon Morris all from NHYC. In Sabot B in 3rd was Reid Wiley, 2nd Erik Hou both from NHYC and from BCYC 1st place in Sabots B this year was Jack McClintock. Now to Sabot A’s with NHYC members making a clean sweep of it with Sean Dahl taking 3rd, Kate Madigan in 2nd and this years Balboa Bay Fleet Champion Rhodes Garner is headed to Disneyland.

In the Harbor 20 fleet the current High Point Series leader is Kurt Wiese aboard his yellow boat Ping. The current leader for the rain or shine, who has sailed the most this year is Peter Haynes on Spirit, followed closely by Steve Horton aboard Hears a Who.

In the Harbor 20 Summers series at BCYC Taco Tuesdays  A. Fleet Len Connelly sailing Dollie has had the hot hand on the tiller this summer and in B fleet Dick Somers onboard Stop Making Sence is leading the way. Over at BYC Twilights on Wednesdays nights its Gary Thorne in A Fleet and Mark Hurwitz in B fleet sailing very consistently. In NHYC Thursday nights Rich Matzinger and Phil Ramser have been tearing up A fleet and in B Fleet John Whitney has been sailing very well. In C fleet it appears Steve Horton and Nina Manning have been having a good battle.

More summer results next week, I am off to Catalina.

Sea ya

The Harbor Report: Make yourself heard on harbor issues

This last Wednesday morning I jumped in my dingy at the Balboa Yacht Club and proceeded up the bay in search for a story, the fog was tick this morning with a rather high humidity level that was quickly burning away to a perfect summer day on our harbor. 

My mind was wandering from the information I had been receiving this week while attending “The Coalition to Preserve Newport Harbor PAC” meetings on Tuesday’s at 8:00 Am at the John Dominis building located at 2901 W Coast Hwy. I must have been having a flashback because it felt like I was in a Navy Seals team inflatable boat preparing for a landing on the enemy beach. While making my way through the harbor I wondered if I was going to make it through this next assault of tideland permit fee increases. Maybe it would be one of my teammates that would get it? I glanced over at the bait barge, noticed the number of out of town people experiencing our harbor for the first time by renting an electric boat or stand up paddle boards from our harbor rental company’s, looked over to our two fuel docks. This flashback was really not taking me to a place where I wanted to start my day. The point I am trying to make is another call to get involved and make your voices heard by attending the “The Coalition to Preserve Newport Harbor PAC” meetings or our monthly Harbor Commission meetings.  Review our City’s web page at www.newportbeachca.gov , contact our City Council members and talk about what type of harbor you would like to see with your friends. If we just stand by and watch, our grandchildren could end up with a duck pond with condos built around it. 

Time to think positive and I can think of know better person to talk to than Matt Cox the operator of the Hill’s boat fuel tanker. His official title is “Licensed fuel tank engineer” and Matt is one of “the good old boys” of our harbor. He attended Harbor View Elementary School where he first met the owner of the fuel dock Garry Hill in the 4th grade. Jump ahead some 30 years latter and Gary noticed Matt working the shore boats in Catalina and offered Matt the job to run the tanker. Matt accepted and has been on the job close to 20 years now. I first met Matt about 15 years ago and he is one of harbors kindest, most professional people that I have ever met on the water. He always greets you as if you are his best friend and he always keeps his promises. “The best part of this job is meeting all the characters in our harbor, like you Len” Matt told me.

He delivery’s diesel fuel to about 10-12  boats each day Monday-Friday. His tanker holds 2,620 gallons of fuel, the tanker was built out of steel in 1947 by The Joe Beek Company. The same company that built our harbors the auto ferry’s. The Hill’s purchased the tanker some 30 years ago and have kept her in perfect condition. Matts routine while pulling up to a vessel is to note the tide and current, tie the tanker up properly, deploy his fuel lines, inspect the fuel vents of the vessel he is filling, then proceed in fueling the vessel. One of his biggest concerns is if there is a leak in his customers fuel lines and he fills the bilge with fuel. “This has only happened to me about once every ten years” Matt replied. One of my secrets are to place my ear next to the fuel vents and cup my hand around the vent so I can hear the fuel going into the tank. He also noted that understanding your boats system makes his job a lot easier. Knowing which fuel tank is feeding the generator and how much fuel each tank will take makes it easier for our harbor fuel operators to keep fuel from over flowing fuel into the bay. I also asked Matt what was the best way to rotate new fuel into the boat? “Once you understand how much fuel you are burning I recommend only caring enough fuel for your trip and a reserve of about of 1/3 of your tank. For example, if you hold 400 gallons, which weighs 3000 pounds, and are only going to Catalina there is reason to carry all that weight. Just carry what you need and some in reserve, then give me a call or just text me on your return. I will have you boat ready for you before your next scheduled departure” Matt explained. You can reach Matt by calling Hills boat service at (949) 675-0740 or you can call him directly at (949) 795-3483. He’s a great guy and has never done me wrong.

Sea ya

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

Today in Newport Beach

FLASHBACK 2010: Interview with ferryboat captain Pam McGreevy

I was still picking up BBs out of the boat from last week, fixing the head from the kids clogging it up, and wondering why all my waypoints have been erased from my GPS when Pam McGreevy, the mother of Andrew's friend Bubba, stops by the boat to pick up her son's bodyboard on her way to work.

As I see Pam walking down the gangway, she says, "Hey Len, thanks for bringing him back in one piece last week."

"Um, yeah, Pam. We did not use the boogie boards that much," I replied.

"Well, Bubba had a great time. Thanks for inviting him," she said.

"Sure," I said. "Did you happen read my story in the Daily Pilot last week?"

Pam had not, so I asked if I could interview her for this week's story. For those of you who do not know McGreevy, she has been a captain on the ferryboats for 14 years and holds her 100-ton skipper's license. Working 40 hours a week is a lot of time on the bay, and I cannot think of many people on the water more than Pam.

When I asked what might be the biggest mistake she sees boaters make, she replied: "Going too fast and not paying close enough attention to their surroundings."

Seems McGreevy has come to notice the rental boats in the harbor and gives them plenty of room because "they never see you."

I then thought, what's the best way for me to communicate my intentions when crossing the ferry zone?

McGreevy told me you could always pick up your VHF radio and turn to channel 6.

"The large charter boat captains do this all the time" she said.

"It's always simpler for me when I know what the other captain's intentions are," she said.

Most boaters do not know the sound signals, but there are a couple of sound signals the ferryboat captain's use.

Three shorts blasts mean the boat is in reverse. Five short blasts mean danger. And one prolonged blast means leaving the dock. A number of ferryboat captains will also just honk at you to get your attention.

Pam also told me that one of her concerns is the speed the cars go when getting onto the ferry.

"With all the kids around and crossing over the sidewalks, I just wish more people would slow down," she said.

My last question for McGreevy was regarding boat handling and how she compensates for current and wind.

McGreevy told me to "always approach the dock, going against the current; you will stay in control longer." I have to try this because I have always tried to approach the larger slips at the Balboa Yacht Club by trying to time my side slip and approach the slip by going with the current.

This is why I have been less than successful when the tide is ripping. It was very reassuring talking with Pam because she knows the navigation rules better than any of the other skippers I have met over the years.

So do the ferryboats have right of way over all other boats in the harbor?

No, they are like any other vessel in the harbor, although when they have a full load it is very difficult for them to maneuver. So when you approach the ferry zone, take a look at what the boats are doing. If need be, contact them on channel 6. Also remember these captains spend a large part of their days talking to their friends at the Harbor Patrol.

And also keep in mind that "tonnage" always wins.

When McGreevy left the boat, I still needed to fix the head. I was running out of time, so I called Jeff Roberts at Boat Plumbing. He told me right away how to fix my problem and also gave me some good advice on keeping my holding tank clean. On my way home from Catalina while dumping my tank, Jeff told me to pump as much freshwater through the system as I could, and also to dump some environmentally friendly cleaner.

What's the best secret to keeping your plumbing system working?

"Use it," Roberts said.

Next I needed to figure out why I had lost all my waypoints in my GPS. So I called my old sailing buddy Robert Kinney at Alcom Marine Electronics. First thing he asked is if I had used the GPS in awhile. My reply was "last summer when we went to Catalina."

"Len," Robert said, "you have to use the GPS from time to time to keep the memory batteries charged. So every time you go down to the boat and take a bay cruise, start up all your electronics so that they can get some exercise. Also, if you have a boat with satellite TV, make sure you turn the TVs on once a month, because if the system does not receive a ping it will turn itself off."

The last thing I noticed this week was that there is no easy way to remove bad fuel or coolant from your boat. You have to pay someone to dispose of it for you. I find it strange that the city does not have a place for us to dispose of this waste for free somewhere in town. E-mail me your thoughts atboseyachts@mac.com.

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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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.