Issue 123

Issue #123May 2013

M a r i n e rA P u b l i c a t i o n F o r W h e r e L a n d E n d sw w w. m a r i n e r m a g a z i n e . c o m

A M a g a z i n e F o r T h e M a r i n a d e l R e y B o a t i n g C o m m u n i t y

The

Reviewing the New Beneteau First 20

New Oceanography Column!

Captain’s Tales

Much More!

2 The Mariner - Issue 123 2013

The Mariner is

Editor/PublisherPat Reynolds

ColumnistMookie

ContributorsDave Kirby

Richard SchaeferTim Tunks

For advertising rates and Information contact

310-397-1887 email

[email protected]

Mailing address P.O. Box 9403

Marina del Rey, CA 90295

The Mariner appears on the last Friday of every month.

This issue April 26 - May 31

So your humble editor has branched out and reached into another form of media. Last month I debuted a short documentary I created of our fair city – Marina del Rey. I put it together for the Marina del Rey Historical Society. The HS folks supplied tons of photos and info and former Argonaut writer Judith Endler helped me understand the chronology and story of how this land we love came to be. While I’m involved in the community of MdR, I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t know much of the history. While, by no means, do I feel like any sort of expert now, I am happy to have staked a basic overview of the short history of the area and written it down in this format. Immersing myself in this

area’s history gave me a new appreciation for this place that was once a cranking oil field, then a dirty little wasteland full of mosquito’s and eventually, a home for Los Angeles’ boaters and a certified launch pad to the world’s oceans. I learned it was a long road to get to where we sit today. The concerns local boaters have that this redevelopment will not ultimately encompass and/or consider the living essence of the harbor is a legitimate worry. Money and the pursuit of it in any form destroys so much in its path. But I have faith that the universe will provide. It won’t ever be like it was. Some things will be so much better and other elements will be terribly wrong. I’m hoping, in 50-years, some devilishly handsome young editor/filmmaker will tell the

story of how in the early 2000s, the spirit of local boaters always influenced the course of Marina del Rey towards something decent. “Even when it went through its first overhaul,” the brilliant, genius of the future describes, “Marina del Rey somehow remained a place where boating was the lifeblood – a place where tired sailors returned home or adventurers left for the great beyond. They’re love for the water and the harbor was powerful – it’s to their spirit that this place owes all debts.” Future Pat is dramatic I know. If you want to check out the doc go to YouTube and search “Marina del Rey documentary”.

Important Numbers at a glance:

n Marina del Rey Sheriff: 310-482-6000

n Los Angeles County Lifeguard: 310-577-5700

n Vessel Assist: 800-399-1921

n Marine Life Rescue 800-39WHALE

FROM THE EDITOR

WHAT’S INSIDE

Times Gone By, Times To Come & FuTure PaT

Coming Events 4

Off the Wire 6

First First in MDR 8Review of the Beneteau First 20

Opening Day 2013 10Photos from This Year’s Opening Day Ceremonies

Cashin’ Out 12Community Stalwart Jim Cash Leaves Marina del Rey

Local Currents 17What Were They Thinking?

Powertails 18Salvage or Tow

Racing 20

Gizmo of the Month - Screws 22 OpenMIKE 24

Classifieds 25

Thanks for picking it up!

Beneteau First 20 by Pat ReynoldsPhoto by Pat Reynolds


68’ DeFever Trawler 1986 cockpit, 4 staterooms, great livaboard/cruiser $399,000

55 Spoiler 1990 loaded with new electronics, just hauled, bottom painted $249,000

47 Lein Hwa 1997 cummins dsls 350 hours, shows like new - motivated seller $197000

Carver 39 1994 Cockpit mtoyacht, 2 big cabs & full heads, clean, low hours $79,000

38 Carver 1988 motor yacht only $69,500

37 Alberg 1974 cruiser needs work, rebuilt uninstalled diesel, will trade $17,000

65 McKinna 2002 pilot house,3 cabins, loaded low hours $699,000

52 Californian cockpit MY 1990 $199,000 48 Californian 87 cockpit MY $169,000

47 Hylas 1989 3 cabin motor yacht. Very well maintained $149,000

39 Bayliner 2000 Cummins diesels, AC loaded 400 hours, AC only $129,000

36 Mainship 1988 Aft Cabin. Over $40,000 spent in upgrades $49,900

52 Irwin 1984 3 cabins and heads, spacious interior. Great price $87,000

37 Fisher Pilothouse 1975 bluewtr ketch upgraded 1991 new engine $89,000 TRADE

50 Azimut Pilothouse 1989 3 cabins - shows beautifully $269,000

42 Sea Ray 2001 mtor yacht, twin dsls, larg-er saloon model, turn key - from $179,000

39’ Symbol 1989 double cabin Caterpillar diesels $85,000

36 Carver 1989 aft cab 2 state rooms, dual controls, great for fam & livaboard $39,900

41 Islander Freeport 1978 full keel double cabin, needs major work $49,000 TRADE

36 Islander 1972 equipped 2008 for around the world cruise by Zac Sunderland $49,000

58 Hatteras 1979 motor yacht 3 staterooms, private use or charter up to 49 guest $289,000

49 Gulfstar Flybridge motor yacht 19833 cabins, spacious interior $145,000

42 Owens 1947 Classic aft cabin cockpit restored to show condition $79,000

38’ Bayliner convertible 1988 2 large staterooms, twin diesels. Two helms $69,000

35 Luhrs Alura express sportfisher new electronics laded w/ gear $39,000

41 Hunter aft cockpit with aft cabin; have 2 -2000 an 2002, $125,000

34 Cal cutter rig, 1979 MKIII diesel, wheel loaded $22,500

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Listings Wanted!


April 30How to Read a

Nautical Chart ClassFlotilla 12-42 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering a two-night How to Read a Nautical Chart course. Classes will meet on two consecutive Tuesday evenings, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at California Yacht Club, 4469 Admiralty Way in Marina del Rey. This is a concise 3-hour boating seminar on unraveling the mystery of charts. This course will provide the navigator with the knowledge to interpret a chart’s contents to navigate safely to his or her destination and return to port. Course fees are $45.00 per person or $55.00 per couple, if paid in advance. Both options include one textbook and one set of course materials. See website at www.uscga1242.org/classes.html to register. For more information please email [email protected] or call 424-248-7190

May 420th Annual Catalina Island

Rugby Festival This all-day event at Joe Machado Field is a fundraiser for the Cancer Community Support Group. Minimum age to participate is 40 years. A Social Rugby Festival with teams from Canada, Australia and England including teams from California. Catalina Island Rugby Festival. 310-798-5445, [email protected]

May 4Kentucky Derby Days on

Catalina Island Celebrate the race from 2pm-6pm, (post time 3:25pm) with mint juleps, hats, happy hour and early bird dinner specials. Contest for best men & women’s hats. 1st prize - Steak & Lobster Dinner! View the race on 11 large flat screen TVs and stay for the karaoke party after the race. El Galleon Restaurant, 411 Crescent. 310-510-1188, www.catalinahotspots.com

May 11Catalina Island Gran Fondo

It’s back and it’s going to be bigger than ever. The 2nd Annual Catalina MTB Gran Fondo is a must attend event on any cyclists calendar. Breathtaking views, challenging climbs and lots of fun to be had after the ride! 55, 41 and 14 mile rides. Produced by Team Big Bear www.uscup.net

May 14 & 21How to Read a

Nautical Chart ClassUnited States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering a two-night How to Read a Nautical Chart course. Classes will meet on two consecutive Tuesday evenings, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Del Rey Yacht Club, 13900 Palawan Way in Marina del Rey. This is a concise 3-hour boating seminar on unraveling the mystery of charts. Topics covered include: buoys, markers, shoreline features, water depth and bottom type, latitude/longitude and magnetic compass variation, and dangerous areas. This course will provide the navigator with the knowledge to interpret a chart’s contents to navigate safely to his or her destination and return to port.From 7-9:30 p.m. Contact [email protected]

May 18Open House for New

Marine-Related Event SpaceMultihull expert and Oceanographer Mike Leneman has a new space where he plans to have marine minds meet and meld. It will be a place where seminars, presentations and other small marine-related events will be held. To kick off the idea, there will be an open house at 2814 Abbott Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291. There will be refreshments. Call 310-821-6762 for more info or email [email protected].

May 18Free Boater Yard Sale

Marina del Rey Harbor. Marina del Rey Marina is hosting this event from 8am-2pm at 13524 Bali Way, with new and used boat equipment, motors, dinghies, marine supplies and much more. Free admission, free vendor spaces and free parking. For more information, call (310)822-0316.

May 23Birdwatching Outdoor Adventures

The Department of Beaches & Harbors offers a free two-hour adult bird watching experience at 4:00 p.m. through various sites of the Ballona Wetlands and the shoreline habitat. The outing begins with a brief lecture and overview of the Ballona Wetlands. Participants then observe dozens of bird species, including some of the Great Blue Heron and Black Crowned

Night Heron nesting sites. Pack water, snacks, binoculars, comfortable clothes (including shoes with good traction), hat and sunscreen. Reservations Required. Tour begins at Burton Chace Park Community Room, 13650 Mindanao Way. More info 310-322-6951

May 30“Charlotte: A Wooden Boat Story”

Presented by Nat BenjaminJoin yachting enthusiasts on Thursday, May 30 – 12 Noon for the California Yacht Club’s monthly presentation on boating interests and unique travel adventures. At this Luncheon, pioneering East Coast yachtsman, Nat Benjamin, will present a special film about an extraordinary boatyard, the Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway, located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Ross Gannon and Nat Benjamin established the boatyard in 1980 with the purpose of designing, building, and maintaining traditionally built wooden boats; in the challenging process which ensued they transformed Vineyard Haven harbor into a mecca for wooden boat owners and enthusiasts. After a long career of designing and constructing boats for others, Nat embarked on building a 50 foot gaff rigged schooner for use by his family and friends - her name is Charlotte. Through close observation of the everyday activities of the boatyard, the film emerges as a meditation on tradition, craftsmanship, family, community, our relationship to nature, and love of the sea. Happy Hour – Noon. Bountiful Buffet Luncheon - 12:20 p.m. • Presentation 12:40. $17.50 includes Luncheon, 9.00%tax, 18% service and parking. Open to all who enjoy yachting and adventure, as a public service of CYC. Reservations appreciated. California Yacht Club 4469 Admiralty Way – Marina del Rey – 310.823.4567 – www.calyachtclub.com

May 30 – June 26th Annual Flying Fish Festival at

Catalina Island Join us for the 6th Annual Flying Fish Festival, a four day event to celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with a variety of family fun themed activities. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce., 310-510-1520, www.flyingfishfestival.com

C o m i n g E v e n t s !What’s happening around the largest man made harbor in the U.S.?


June 8 & 938th Annual Marina Del Rey

Halibut DerbyMarina Del Rey Anglers proudly presents the 38th Annual Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby. Come and enjoy a fun filled weekend of fishing while competing for big money prizes, jackpot, and bragging rights for the year. In addition to the general entry competition there will also be team, women’s, and kid’s divisions so bring the whole family along! To receive the latest updates on the derby please contact the derby chairman John Szymura at [email protected].

ONGOING

Marina del Rey Outrigger Canoe Club

Come try this exciting team water sport at Mothers’ Beach, Palawan Way (south of Admiralty), Marina del Rey. Women practice Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Men practice Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Newcomers are welcome! For more information, contact Steve at (310) 997-2313 or Cal at (310) 902-8096; email [email protected], or visit www.marinaoutrigger.org.Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht

Club Open House ActivitiesWe invite members, guests, and prospective members to join us for cocktails, food, live music, dancing, and fun on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Friday evenings start with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner and music at 7:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (310) 827-7692 or emailing [email protected]. Our Sunday afternoon BBQs are the perfect place after a Sunday sail or just to wind down from the weekend. Live jazz and blues bands start at 4pm. Our Club is located at 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Please visit our website: www.smwyc.org for activity and membership details, racing and sailing events, menus, directions and more.

Marina Venice Yacht ClubSocial Sundays

Join Marina Venice Yacht Club weekly for our Social Sunday Open House from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Food items are provided at a moderate price. MVYC is located in the Marina City Club West tower at 4333 Admiralty Way. Whether you own a boat, are looking to buy one, or just want to be around other water loving people MVYC welcomes all who share in the Corinthian Spirit. Follow the signs up the stairs or elevator to the Club House on G2. For more information call (310) 853-0428, visit our website www.mvyc.org, or contact [email protected]. .

Women’s Sailing Association of Santa Monica Bay

Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club, 13589 Mindanao Way, in Marina del Rey. The meeting, held at 7:30, is preceded by a social hour, and a light dinner is served. Each meeting features a guest speaker discussing their adventures and achievements. WSA invites boaters of all skill levels to join. Its programs, include day sails, seminars, parties, and cruises including destinations such as King Harbor, Catalina and the northern Channel Islands, For membership information contact email membership@ wsasmb.org or on the web at www.wsasmb.org.

Marina Sunday Sailing ClubSince 1981 MSSC has brought together skippers and crew in a friendly social environment for daysails in Santa Monica Bay and cruises to Catalina and other destinations. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month on the patio at Burton Chace Park under the Club banner. Meetings start at 10:00 a.m. We hold a brief business meeting and then head out for an afternoon of sailing on the Bay after which we gather at a member’s dock for wine, snacks and more socializing. Visitors are welcome and may attend two meetings free. No prior sailing experience necessary. Married people welcome! For more info call (310) 226-8000 or visit our website at www.marinasundaysailors.com

Catalinas of Santa Monica Bay, Owners of Catalina Yachts

Join us for our monthly meetings at the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. We would like to welcome Catalina owners to join our club. We have speakers, cruises to Catalina, races and other events throughout the year. Our doors open at 6:00 for happy hour and then dinner around 7 to 7:30 and our main event after that. Join the fun and meet other owners of Catalinas. For more info email Jeanne Cronin at [email protected] Mariners of Marina del Rey

Single Mariners of MDR meet at 7 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the Pacific Mariners Yacht Club, 13915 Panay Way, Marina del Rey, CA. At the meeting, Single Adults meet other Single Adults to setup upcoming Weekend Day Sails. There is a small charge for a light meal during the meeting, however, there is a courtesy discount if you RSVP for dinner at [email protected] or leave a message at (310) 990-5541 by the Wednesday prior to the Thursday meeting.

To list a coming event, email [email protected]

Don’t Sit Still!

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O F F T H E W I R E

Cheese Thief Loose in MdR!

US Sailing to Conduct Review of Fatal Accident

Mariner reader Steven Fink sent this our way: “While entertaining some guests in my cockpit after a sail one day, this hungry seagull swooped down when we weren’t looking and helped himself to a large block of cheese. After nibbling for a few minutes and removing the rind, he took the remain-der and flew off...presumably to feed his family”.

The suspect is apparently grayish in color and has a white head. Officials are strug-gling to find and apprehend the culprit as he looks almost exactly like every other seagull in the area.

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The 2013 Islands Race Organizing Authorities have jointly requested that US Sailing, national governing body of the sport, conduct an independent review of the sailing accident that occurred during the race on Friday, March 8 off the coast of Southern California that resulted in the death of a sailor.

A panel of sailing experts will study the event and circumstances encountered by the crew of Uncontrollable Urge during the 2013 Islands Race. The panel will be responsible for researching the factors involved by reviewing safety policies and procedures, and the usage of safety equipment. The panel will determine what lessons can be learned from the accident and present recommendations for future consideration.

Crew members aboard Uncontrollable Urge encountered dangerous conditions when their vessel’s rudder failed while sailing along the shore of San Clemente Island. Rough seas drove the 32-foot sailboat into the surf line causing major damage and the crew of six were forced

to abandon the vessel. When the Coast Guard arrived at the scene, five sailors were rescued but one died.

“All of us at US Sailing – our staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers - are deeply saddened by this event, and are mourning the loss of life,” said Jack Gierhart, Executive Director of US Sailing. “While we cannot affect the past, we will look to learn from this tragedy to help sailors in the future and ensure sailing remains as safe as possible.”

The fourth annual Islands Race is 139 nautical miles and rounds San Clemente and Catalina Islands.

The Independent Review Panel are: Bill Stump (Venice, Calif.), John Jourdane (Long Beach, Calif.), Dave Ullman (Santa Ana, Calif.), and Betty Sue Sherman (San Diego, Calif.). Medical expertise - Dr. Steve Shea (Long Beach, Calif.). Chuck Hawley (Santa Cruz, Calif.), Chairman of the US Sailing Safety at Sea Committee, will act as an advisor to the panel.


O F F T H E W I R E

New Farmers Market in Marina del Rey

Photo courtesy of MAR

MARINA DEL REY, CALIF. – APRIL 18, 2013 – Los Angeles County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH), in collaboration with Southland Farmers’ Market Association, will launch the Marina del Rey Farmers’ Market on Thursday, April 25. Located in the parking lot at Marina “Mother’s” Beach on Admiralty Way just east of Via Marina, the market will offer fresh, healthy, locally grown organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables from certified California growers every Thursday, all year round, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Marina del Rey Farmers’ Market will also offer prepared and packaged foods, hand-crafted products, cooking demonstrations, raffles and much more!

“Because of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that begin to arrive in spring, this new market’s timing couldn’t be better,” said DBH Deputy Director Gary Jones. “The best way to buy produce is directly from the grower. Not only will the market promote healthy eating, but we also see it as a way to build a greater sense of community here in the Marina.” In the coming weeks, customers can expect to find organic strawberries, cherries, carrots, and broccoli; conventionally-grown oranges, apples, artichokes, and kale; and honey, eggs, fresh juices, seafood, bakery items and much more.

Growers or local vendors of healthy foods who are interested in participating in the new farmers’ market should email Howell Tumlin of the Southland Farmers’ Market Association at [email protected] or call (310) 455-0181. Following the Marina del Rey Farmers’ Market each week, the Beach Eats! Gourmet food truck event will continue to take place at the same location from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., making for “Tasty Thursdays” in Marina del Rey.

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F i r s t F i r s t 2 0 i n M d R

here’s a new sailboat on the Marina del Rey sailing scene, the Beneteau First 20, a beautifully finished little racer/daysailor/camper with a bit of a

turbo rig. Owner/rep Bill Schultz took me out on the first one of these new designs to hit our harbor, and we had a fine non-spinnaker sail in light breeze.

As I climbed aboard, I began to look up and around. I noticed the simple lightweight rig with sweptback spreaders and no backstay. By the look of things I believe the mast would be easy to step and with the retractable keel and rudders, I imagine an easy and smooth launching at the ramp. With boat and trailer weighing well below Class I towing limits, even a medium sized vehicle could take this boat to many different sailing areas.

In a typical Marina del Rey breeze that leaves you wanting more, the not yet delivered asymmetrical spinnaker (tacked from a small bowsprit) would have added some downwind fun, but we made due with the 100% L.P.

fractional jib poled out. Fortunately, the large square-top main still provided plenty of drive. We sailed upwind in eight knots of breeze and that was enough to fully power up the boat. A

large sail plan is a good feature for our generally gentle local winds. However, a reefing setup and an improved mainsheet rigging system to facilitate easing in the puffs would keep things more manageable when whitecaps materialize.

The cockpit seats and coamings are thoughtfully managed so they are comfortable and secure when the boat is heeled going to weather or flat on the run or in the slip. Wood detailed hand and footholds are specially useful and handsome.

One of the more noticeable aspects of this modern looking daysailor are the retractable tandem rudders canted about 30-degrees away from each other. When heeled, the leeward rudder is close to perpendicular to the water surface, giving it improved bite. Both rudders are relatively short compared to the high aspect foils we’re used to seeing on race-boats, but their reduced length keeps the windward rudder nearly out of the water when fully heeled - reducing drag substantially and making them easy to retract for launching or beaching the boat. Down below we see a high degree of finish

A Boat Review of the New Beneteau First 20

By Tim Tunkss Photos Pat Reynolds

T


within the interior with furnishings that include a smallish “V” berth and and nicely cushioned benches port and starboard of the sizable crank up daggerboard trunk, which doubles as a good base for a cabin table made from the companionway hatch-board. Amidships to starboard is a small sink with a thru-hull to the sea and a matching sized recess to port where you could fit a single burner sea-swing stove.

On the downside, there was no place for a porta-potty or fitted bucket, which I can sort of understand after having a French room mate during my Bohemian days in the east village area of Manhattan. When the plumbing in our 6th floor walk-up failed he was amazingly adept at the simultaneous use of the baggie and the milk bottle. Other French sailors I’ve met were quite flexible about what constituted a proper toilet. But the lack of a handy fixed cooler in a daysailer is less forgivable. [ed note - Naos Yacht Sales indicates there is an option for something like this from the factory]

As a racing boat I personally felt the hardware for the running rigging was undersized and that’s something a racer might miss, but this is factor I’ve noticed in other Beneteau’s as well. As I mentioned earlier, I was also left longing regarding the setup

for that beautiful square-top mainsail. The racer in me believes a sail like that should have a more easily manageable sheet and traveler set-up, which was missing on our test boat.

While I might also look to address how the boat handles under power, overall it’s an attractive solid sailing little boat. It’s easily trailerable and can be launched from even the most primitive ramps - bringing remote cruising grounds within easy reach. It would also be a fun boat for some summertime Catalina cruising. Although I think there’s room for improvement in certain areas, it’s definitely a fun and versatile boat for these local waters.

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Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club13589 Mindanao Way • Marina del Rey, CA 90292(310) 827-7692 www.smwyc.org

A Perfect Place in a Perfect SettingWe offer some of the nicest facilities anywhere, the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful marina and witness breathtaking sunsets. We are located on the main channel adjacent to Burton Chase Park. Our clubhouse, lobby, dining and meeting rooms and patio offer an ideal setting for any occasion.

Join Us ForOPEN HOUSE FRIDAYS with great dinners and live music for listening and dancingOPEN HOUSE SUNDAYS for BBQ on the patio and live jazz and blues bands

An ideal place for: Anniversary Parties Business MeetingsSeminars/ConferencesWeddingsAny special event

Check out our website www.smwyc.org for a calendar of all of our events and activities Make event reservations early at [email protected]. For facility rental and event information email [email protected].

For membership information please email [email protected]

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Cashin’ Out!

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first visited Marina del Rey in the early 80s when I combined an L.A. business trip with a stop at Catalina Yachts in Woodland hills. I owned a 3 year old Catalina 30 on Lake Erie and received a “rudder” recall from the factory. For $150 they would

replace my old “barn-door” rudder for the new “spade” style, if I brought it to the factory.

In a rented Chevy station wagon I drove the rudder to the factory, met Frank Butler and Jerry Douglas, was given a tour, and a promise the rudder would be back on my door step, in Ohio, in a couple weeks. Later I drove back over the hill to Marina del Rey and had lunch at what is now “Killer Shrimp.” I remember looking out the window over the sea of masts and thought, “wow, what a lifestyle.” Little did I know at the time, that 15 years later I too would be counted as one of the blessed living and working in Marina del Rey.

It was 18 years ago when a career advancement brought me to Southern California. I traveled a lot for work but when I had the opportunity, I sailed. It was during those early years I got to

know the yacht club people around the Marina. As I was enjoying marina life, I was offered and took the opportunity for early retirement from the corporate world, started helping out as a sailing instructor and business consultant for Marina Sailing which enabled me to embrace the lifestyle of the Marina even further. I started helping people buy and sell boats, met Ruck Goldreyer when we worked together at Mason Yachts, and joined him later at the Yacht Exchange.

Now it is time for me to move on, slow down, and enjoy a more tranquil time as the golden years sweep over me. My wife Valerie and I will be moving to Dauphin Island, a barrier island on the Gulf Coast. We plan to relax, to do some East Coast cruising and eat some of the best shrimp and oysters in the world. However, before I’m gone and forgotten, Pat Reynolds has allowed me the opportunity to reminisce a

A farewell article by The Mariner contributor and longtime Marina del Rey community mainstay Jim Cash

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bit, acknowledge and thank the good people of Marina del Rey for the best years of my life.

Within days of my arrival to Los Angeles in the early months of 1995, I was on a search for a boat. I had sold my beloved Catalina 30 and was ready for a bigger more ocean friendly boat. I met young yacht broker named Christopher Rogerson, at the MdR boat show and he told me of a doctor friend of the family who was selling his boat he kept at Cal Yacht Club. I hopped in my borrowed dinghy and went to take a look. I didn’t know what it was but as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to own it and didn’t even haggle on the price.

I was now the proud owner of the faded red Cheyenne, a 45’ Whiting, built in Aukland, NZ. What a boat it was; I called it a real sailor’s sailboat. I chartered the Cheyenne occasionally and when I was away Capt. Richard Schaefer was the only one I would let skipper her.

It was while crewing for Gary Green on his then Catalina 380, during the Channel Islands to Marina del Rey race, when I met Juila Brown from South Africa, later President of WSA, who told me of a company in Durban who made a nice sailing catamaran and was trying to break into the American market. I had been enamored with cruising cats since chartering one in Antigua for “race week” several years before, and decided it was to be my retirement boat. After some research I agreed to meet the owner of the company at the Annapolis Boat show where he was introducing the boat for the first time in the U.S. I liked the big cat, so I gave him a deposit check, and we shook hands with a promise that my new boat would roll out of the factory the following Spring. My daughter Christie shamed me into going over and picking it up rather than have it delivered, so I recruited Mark Yaney, another instructor at Marina Sailing and flew off to Durban. Along with a fellow I hired from Durban that had delivered the model I’d seen at the boat show - we headed across the Atlantic. It was about five months to the day before I finally tied the lines to my end tie slip on G-basin, that Jun from Pier 44 saved for me, and the Kat Atomic became a regular sight in the marina.

Soon I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse. Kat Atomic was sold, and Kat Atomic II was ordered. The Kat Atomic can be found today in Cabrillo Marina in San Pedro and seen sailing around Catalina.

I chose to have Kat Atomic II delivered to the BVIs rather than do another Atlantic crossing,

and as before invited many of my Marina friends to join me in the delivery through the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and cruising up the coast of Central America, and Mexico. Kat Atomic II soon made its way up the coast and became a fixture in the Marina as well. Shortly, it too was swept away by a young “dot-com” millionaire from Vancouver. Sadly the boat was later sunk off El Salvador in a storm…as reported by Richard Spindler in Latitude 38.

As time went on, I decided that living aboard in the marina was the lifestyle I wanted, and bought an Islander Freeport 41 ketch, originally commissioned by Chuck Jones creator of the cartoon Road Runner, and the boat was aptly named Sea Runner. Around this time I was also recruited to climb the ladder of the Bridge of the South Bay Yacht Racing Club, so for the next five years worked closely with fellow MdR sailors and SBYRC bridge, Julie Albright, Jerome Sammarcelli, Rick Ruskin, Arnaud Massenat, George Biddle, Nora Feddal, Mike Guccione, and many, many more dedicated sailors doing their best to help keep the sport alive and well.

I had originally received my USCG ticket in 1991 at the examination station in Toledo, Ohio, but after retiring and actually starting to get some real Captain work, I knew I needed to upgrade to 100 tons and near coastal, so solicited the help of Paul Miller at the California Sailing Academy. I had known Paul first though his wife Jeannie who I met when she came into the ASA offices where I served one summer as the director of education, I was later to learn that Paul too had served as SBYRC Commodore and a close friendship has evolved.

I had no more than finished the restoration of Mr. Jones’ Sea Runner when another offer I couldn’t refuse came, from another Mr. Jones, no less, and I was again on the search for a new home. This time I ran across a Hardin Voyager 45 ketch, Kindred Spirit in Ventura, a deal was struck and another restoration begun. It was a great live-a-board and my seven year relationship with Tahiti Marina began. It was while living aboard Kindred Spirit that I met my lovely bride Valerie. She soon moved aboard too, and we started the dream of cruising someday.

But, alas, the restoration turned out so well that again there was an offer and Kindred Spirit is now enjoying life in the sunny warmth of La Pas. Valerie and I decide to move ashore, and took an apartment overlooking our old slip, where we had developed some great friendships including Sal and Gloria on Friendship, their

Hunter 450, and actor John Terry. What a great character he was, always entertaining. He’s now cruising his Hylas 45’ in Mexico.

The boat moored in the slip next to the Spirit had reportedly not left the dock in over ten years. It was a mess, though I knew the old Endeavour 42, like the one Don Johnson lived on with an alligator in the Miami Vice TV series of the 80s, was a good boat underneath the filth. Then one Saturday morning in January there he was, the absentee owner. Due to how he’d left the boat, I was prepared not to like him, but after meeting Phil one could not help but take a shine to him.

He’d had some bad times and sadly his boat had to take a back seat, but he couldn’t bear to part with it. I encouraged him to let me sell it for him but he refused. Two more years went by, and my phone rang, Phil had passed away. His widow couldn’t afford to fix up the boat, and I was between boats, so I acquired the Enchantress, and it began again. Over the next year I believe about every artisan in MdR was on her working their magic. Thomas Lahtonen, brought the engine back to life, Luis Galindo varnished and painted, Oliver McCann found some suitable sails, Mary Ellen and Aleks Tamulis tuned the rig. When it was finished, Bob Bitchin’s Latitudes and Attitudes magazine ran a feature article, and soon MdR residents Ed and Randi Palmer bought her. But happily for me, she has stayed right there in Tahiti Marina where I could admire her any time.

If you are a reader of The Mariner, you may have followed the stories about my next project, Destiny, the 1938 Atkin Yawl, I found her abandoned and deteriorating in a Wilmington yard. After the year long restoration it too was featured in Bob Bitchin’s new magazine Cruising Outpost, but also on the cover of The Mariner. I think this one however may be a keeper. Not because I wouldn’t want another deserving party to enjoy her, but because too many people are afraid of the potential up keep of a wooden hull boat. Besides, can you envision dropping anchor in an aqua-blue cove in the Florida Keys with the setting sun dancing off the gleaming varnish of the open butterfly hatch?

Well, that’s it, what fun, what a lifestyle, what good friends there are and have been here in Marina del Rey. I thank you for letting me be a part of it. I’ll be away, but hopefully not forgotten. The welcome mat will always be out, if you want to put some crystal white sand of the Southern Gulf island paradise between your toes.


Miles in the Wake

f you are in boating long enough as a recreational boater or professional captain, your abilities will eventually be tested during an emergency situation. We won’t

usually know when an emergency will occur; so we have to be trained, drilled and prepared as possible to deal with a variety of difficult situations.

I am going to take you through an experience that I had at Catalina Island over the Thanksgiving weekend in 1970. The weather that weekend was reported to have been the worst to hit the island in 70 years. The experience taught me a few important things about seamanship, boat handling, and the art of making good decisions in a timely fashion. By 1970, I had been teaching sailing for three years and had handled a variety of vessels including power boats. I felt comfortable handling boats in the 30-foot size range and confident in my ability to navigate the Catalina channel.

Four of us took a 28-foot single engine Fairliner to the Two Harbors area on Catalina Island, 30 miles from the Marina and only 1 ½ hours travel time on this type of power boat. Because it was such a fast boat, I figured I could turn around at any time and get back to the Marina if the weather turned sour. The weather was pleasant enough for the crossing, however, and we tied up to a secure mooring in Cherry Cove by about 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

As the day went on, the wind changed from its usual westerly direction to an easterly direction and began to blow quite hard, driving a swell and white- capped sea directly into the cove. Now we were sitting on a mooring in a cove that was now a “lee shore” with the wind blowing about 40 knots. It was also getting dark and quite cold.

We had to decide in a very short time whether to stay put or seek shelter elsewhere. We were

sitting on a mooring for a much larger vessel that would probably have held us for the night, but it would have been a most miserable night being pounded by waves. So we decided to cast off the mooring in Cherry Cove and seek shelter somewhere on the east side of Isthmus Cove. I remembered that there were several large moorings right out in front of the USC facility, and I picked up the largest mooring in the group. We tied extra lines to the mooring ball, and I dropped our anchor as well. We had fairly good protection from the easterly swell and wind waves. The wind that night did gust to between 60 and 65 knots, but we held fast on the mooring. The first lesson we learned here was to quickly assess a difficult situation and make the best decision possible, in this case, to move the boat to a better location.

By the next morning, the wind had shifted back to a westerly direction and died down to around 30 knots. We now had to decide whether or not we should stay another night on our secure mooring or make the crossing back to the Marina. The sea had definitely calmed down by mid morning,

and I felt that we could make a safe passage back to the mainland. I knew the sea would be hitting us on our port quarter most of the trip back, but I felt confident that I could handle the boat. I also knew that it would require quite a bit of helmsmanship to steer a compass course while using a judicious amount of throttle. We also figured we had ample daylight left in which to make the crossing, and that fact gave us an extra measure of confidence. So we departed the east side of the Isthmus Cove at around 11:30 am and made it to the Marina in an hour and forty five minutes.

That day I had to take a true assessment of my own abilities and decide whether I had sufficient training in boat handling and navigation to make the trip home.

Now, I certainly don’t recommend that you pick a rough and windy day to go out and test your ability or the seaworthiness of your vessel. Rather, it is a process of being trained on your vessel over a period of time, drilling your crewmembers or guests on safety procedures to be followed if the weather turns sour and keeping your vessel in tip top shape with the proper safety equipment on board.

The sea is a great teacher, and we all want to learn its lessons at a pace that each of us can handle well.

Captain Joel Eve has been licensed since 1976 and has taught safe boating classes for the Recreation and Parks Department, City of Los Angeles and for the U.C.L.A. Aquatics Department. Captain Joel teaches boat handling and navigation to new boat owners in the Southern California area. He also serves as Senior Captain for Fantasea Yacht Charters and is certified as a close quarters boating instructor by the National Safe Boating Council. You can reach Captain Joel at (310) 210-0861 or email at [email protected].

By Captain Joel Eve

Captain Joel Eve speaks of seamanship and the necessity of good decision-making when things get a bit dicey

I

Photo Pat Reynolds



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s we stumble and fumble through life we’ve all had those, “What was I thinking?” head slapping moments as we stand among the debris of our folly. Usually, through

the grace of God or some earthly, fortuitous circumstance, we walk away with little more than a bruised ego and perhaps a slightly lighter wallet, but once in a while the price paid is much more dear.

After more than 40 years of mucking around in boats I’ve had many such trials and tales. I will relate three experiences; one cost a chunk of money, another was free, (save the embarrassment), and the third cost the highest price any of us can pay.

A fistful of years back, I drove a towboat out of Ventura and Marina del Rey. As a towboat operator, I quickly learned that the first nice spring weekend - often Easter - brought out a lot of boaters who weren’t exactly prepared, nor were their vessels.

On this particular Saturday morning I was dispatched to the vicinity of the Dominator buoy, off Palos Verdes. A 16-foot powerboat was adrift about a mile offshore with a dead engine. I established communication with the two man crew, told them to get into life jackets and asked if they had an anchor. They explained that they did have one, but the rode was frayed and brittle. They went on to say that they didn’t need it since they had grabbed a strand of kelp and that was holding them just fine. I wasn’t much impressed by their ingenuity. I knew the wind would be up in an hour or so, and told them to stand by to deploy the anchor, notwithstanding the problematic rode, should their strand of kelp break, and that I would be there in about 40 minutes. I put my lights on and took off.

I found them just as the wind began to pick up and I wasn’t happy about what I saw. Two elderly men, wearing moldy orange life jackets,

sitting in a wooden, rust streaked, lap strake boat that belonged in a museum or wrecking yard - with a motor that had “wings” on the cowling - “wings” went out back in ’56.

I could see the hull twisting and working even in the low swells and knew things could get ugly with five more knots of wind and even a little chop cresting the swells. I asked the old gents to come aboard the towboat, but they declined. Reluctantly, I agreed to allow them to remain aboard their rickety craft - for the time being.

I backed down and tossed them a line, telling them to make it fast to their bow cleat. They did so and I gently began to pull them out of the kelp and, once clear, would then put a towing bridle on the two cleats on either side of the bow. I hadn’t moved them ten feet before the bow cleat pulled out of the deck and plopped into the sea between us.

We were just clear of the kelp and I quickly passed them the bridle, instructing them to make it fast to the two remaining cleats. However, I had little hope that those cleats, screwed into rotten gunwales, would hold any better than the bow cleat had. Again, I asked them to come aboard the towboat – they once more declined.

I gently eased the throttles forward and the old girl slowly fell in behind. With great hesitation I pushed the throttles above an idle. The towline went taught, but a moment later there was the sound of rotten wood giving way and both cleats popped out of the deck. The boat was in such awful condition that there was absolutely nothing that had the strength necessary for the tow. Then, I eyed the small cuddy cabin ports. I side-tied to their boat, came aboard, passed a line through the cabin, out of the ports and prayed the cabin wouldn’t tear away from the deck when we got underway. At that point, with no minced words, I told the men they were getting on the towboat - immediately.

And so, we slowly headed back to Marina del Rey. During the groaning, arduous, nearly

3-hour tow, the old fishermen told me how they had partnered and bought their shiny new boat in 1955, when they were young men. This early spring fishing trip had been an annual tradition for more than 45 years and hope twinkled in their eyes that there would be, at least, a few more. I looked aft, over the transom, and could see the tired, old boat was taking water and working in the seaway - twice I had to go aboard to pump her out. I knew the frail boat had no life left in her and there was no sense trying to restore her. I told her owners I didn’t think there would be anymore “spring fishing trips” aboard her. For a moment, they looked at me with disbelief and their eyes began to glisten. Suddenly, I knew how a doctor feels when he tells the widow to-be that she can buy a smaller turkey next year and use those towels marked, “His” to dry the car with.

Now really, those guys could have easily died aboard a boat that, including the trailer, fishing gear and the contents of their wallets, wasn’t worth a tenth of the price of the tow. What were they thinking?

Another one of those head shaking incidents took place about 20 years back. I was teaching a sailing class in about 10-12 knots. Even at that time, I had thousands of hours and miles on the water and could easily spot a boat that was in, or about to be in, a tight spot.

We were sailing north toward Santa Monica and I saw a boat with sails flogging - getting dangerously close to the shore-break. The sight of a man fumbling around on the foredeck and a frightened girl in the cockpit madly pushing the tiller form side to side told the tale. I had the crew immediately fall off and sail toward the vessel in distress. There was no time for the radio or even to take our sails down. Starting the engine could have led to a fouled prop with a wrong move by the inexperienced helmsman during the excitement. I told my student crew that the boat would be in the breakers in a matter of a few minutes if we didn’t help. I uncoiled a

L o c a l C u r r e n t s

By Captain Richard Schaefer

AWhat Were They Thinking?

Continued on page 22


n - t h e - w a t e r breakdowns, running aground or other mishaps can ruin a day of boating or

fishing fun. But when the towboat arrives on the scene, do you know if the service is a “tow” or a “salvage” job? If you’re ever in doubt, the safest bet is to ask the towboat crew. That’s because there could be a big difference in the cost of each service, and it also determines who pays the bill, says Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

While there is sometimes a fine line between towing and salvage, there are a few clear indicators that point to each. “Salvage requires the existence of “peril” to the distressed vessel or persons aboard, or peril to the rescue boat and its crew, or the marine environment,” said Vice President of BoatUS Towing Services Adam Wheeler.

Historically and legally, salvage is any voluntary and successful rescue of a boat, its cargo, and/or passengers from peril at sea. Today that definition includes the successful avoidance of damage to a legally protected marine environment.

Vessels hard aground, on rocks, taking on water or sunk are salvage, as are collisions, fires, breakaways or other types of immediate danger. Salvage also comes into play when specialized equipment such as pumps, air bags, or divers are called for - even if the boat is at the dock.

“On the other hand, when there is very little or no peril or damage to the vessel - you have a towing situation,” said Wheeler. “A typical example is when you run out of gas or have a dead battery, and have subsequently dropped anchor to await assistance. Waters are calm, you’re no threat to navigation, your crew and boat are fine and there’s no peril to those on the response boat.” Of the 65,000 requests for assistance made last year by boaters to BoatUS 24-hour Dispatch Centers, 98% were for routine towing services.

The Costs Nationwide, towing and soft ungrounding costs average about $600 and $800, respectively. These are either paid by an annual towing service plan or out-of-pocket by the boater.

Salvage cases are usually covered by insurance - or out-of-pocket if self-insured - and are much more expensive than a tow. Salvage continues to be the way to award a rescuer who maintains a 24-hour state of readiness to risk life, limb and vessel for others, and often results in a charge based on the length of the vessel saved or a request for a percentage of the boat’s post-casualty value. While it’s a reward for extraordinary service, the dollar amount awarded factors in the degree of peril as well as the risk to the salvor and their crew.

“There are significant expenses in operating and maintaining a professional towing operation,” says Wheeler, “such as Captain’s and staff salaries, insurance, equipment maintenance and increasing fuel costs, not to mention capital expenses such as towboats and other specialized recovery equipment - and it all has to be ready to go at a moment’s notice,” he added.

Time and circumstances permitting, Wheeler suggests that if it’s a salvage job, boaters should try to call their insurance company so they may attempt to negotiate with the salvor before the operation gets underway. If circumstances don’t allow this, ask the salvor for a fixed price and try to get it in writing.

Wheeler also says that boaters should review their boat’s insurance policy to ensure it fully covers salvage. Some policies have limits, high deductibles, or may not include environmental damage - all of which would have to be paid out of pocket.

Salvage TipsProtect yourself by having both a towing service plan for basic towing assistance needs and an insurance policy that fully covers the costs of salvage.

If you do have an incident, ask questions first, not later, to confirm whether the job is towing or salvage.

Have your insurance claims department phone number aboard. If it?s salvage, you?ll want to try to contact them to help negotiate a fixed price.

P o w e r t a i l s

Salvage or Tow?

OStory courtesy of BoatUS


Captain David Kirby

Say goodbye to lobster season - it closed on the 19th of March. Judging fromreportsovertheseason,theseason was by all means, very good. Don’tforgettoturninyourreportcards.This is how they get an account of how andwherewefillourbugbags.

Therockfishingseasonopenedandso far, is looking good around the bay. Alsothere’splentyofreds,lingcodsandsheephead-let’shopethehalibutshowupearly.Therewereafewanglers last season that caught a few hogs.

Ofcoursewatertempsaretheonrisesothebassbiteshouldbepickingupaccordingly. No sign of white seabass yet - at least not in any great numbers.

Over at Catalina they’re bagging a few smalleryellowtailbuttherockfishingisstill the main focus.

Ihopeeveryoneservicedtheirboatsand gear – the heart of the season will be here before you know it.

Until next time……………….tight lines

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For the first time in USA racing history an ocean-crossing race of mini-transat boats will be staged. While the Mini Transat (France to Brazil) is one of the most talked-about open ocean races in existence, the 21-foot ocean going beasts have stayed off the North American racing-scene radar until now. On July 6, from the shores of Marina del Rey seven mini’s, will depart for Hawaii in a single-handed race of historic proportion.

The 2,200-mile solo-sail is organized by the North American Mini 6.50 Class Association and spearheaded by Jerome Sammarcelli and Nik Vale of Open Sailing in Marina del Rey. The small company manufactures the Pogo 2, a production Mini 650 that has a stellar reputation on the racecourse. Five of the seven boats were built in the company’s Long Beach facility and Sammarcelli sailed his Pogo from San Francisco to Hawaii last year in the Single-handed Transpac as the smallest boat in the fleet and the first to ever race a mini single-handed across the Pacific.

Although Sammarcelli has thousands of miles under his belt, some of the fleet is currently a little green. Three of the other six have little experience in single-handed, offshore racing, but Sammarcelli insists that by race-day the qualifying contests will have done their part in making these men more than prepared for the solo ocean crossing.

“The key to doing a race like this, is being completely prepared and I know all of these guys are working hard in achieving that goal,” said Sammarcelli.

The sailors are expected to be at sea for around two weeks and the race website plans to produce an update show every other day highlighting the adventures they are all sure to experience.

Go to www.mini650pacificchallenge.com for more info.

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length line from the locker, had the crew trim the sails and told the wide-eyed girl at the helm to be steady and do exactly as I said.

The frantic man on the foredeck didn’t know we were there until I called to him from 50 yards away.

“It’s too late for the anchor! We’ll throw you a line. You’ll only have one shot at this. Catch the line, take it under the bow pulpit, make it fast to the bow cleat. Then go aft and steer the boat in our wake. Remember, there is only time for one pass. If it goes wrong, you and your crew get into life jackets - then throw out your anchor - if you can.”

My students were as frightened as the couple on the distressed sailboat. I calmed the crew by saying, in the best John Wayne tradition, “just do exactly as I say and leave all the mastermindin’ to me.”

I told my helmsman to come in close, parallel to the distressed vessel and told the others to ease off the sails as we neared.

The man on the foredeck of the stricken boat had an arm hooked around the forestay to steady himself on the lurching deck. I heaved the coiled line from about 25 feet and I hit the man square with the coil. I paid out slack as he fumbled the line through the pulpit and over the cleat. Without a moment to spare, the line went taught as I had my crew trim the sails and come up to a close reach. The bow of the distressed sailboat swung in line, 40 feet behind us.

I sail towed them until we were far enough off shore to furl our jib and instructed the other crew to square their boat away. We fired up our diesel and headed for the North entrance.

During the short tow back the guy and his girlfriend told me that had just bought the boat that day. They had taken a one hour lesson with the previous owner, and then went out on their own. One hour of instruction? What were they thinking?

Our final tale takes place about 12 years ago. I used to work for Pacific Sailing, a timeshare/charter club here in the marina. The club maintained a list of members who wanted to take a heavy weather class in “real” heavy weather.

Winds above 20-knots are relatively rare in our local waters, but on this particular weekend we had a forecast of 25-30 knots and a Beneteau 38 equipped for such a blow.

We sailed out from under the breakwater in the early afternoon with 20-knots, gusting to 25, from the west. It was a magnificent day, heaping white horses rolling shoreward and billowing white clouds scudding across a deep blue sky.

As we sailed north toward Malibu, most of the boats had returned to the marina by the time we cleared the wall. I knew the wind would pick up later, shifting north by late afternoon, and I wanted the wind and seas on the quarter during the return leg.

By the time we came about, a couple of miles north of Santa Monica, the wind was gusting to 30-knots and the seas were running about 8-feet. We surfed home on a broad reach making over 8-knots.

Less than an hour later we were abeam of the sea wall, about a half-mile out. I could see the waves breaking over the top of the wall and I knew the south entrance was the only one we could sneak in through. Should the entrance be too dangerous, my fallback plan was to reach down to King Harbor and anchor behind the breakwater for the night.

We hadn’t seen another boat in over an hour, but then, about a quarter mile ahead, I spotted a small runabout with four people sitting in it - seemingly adrift. I tried to hail them on channel 16, but no answer.

By this time, my crew was getting a little nervous and I was eager to make it in before dark. The wind and sea were building and I was becoming concerned about breaking waves at the mouth of the South entrance. If you’ve ever heard an unseen wave roaring and hissing toward you from the darkness...well, you know what I mean. Nevertheless, I had the helmsman steer toward the small boat - we had to check it out.

When we came near I could see that there were four men in the boat, all had hoods over their heads. I was astonished to see they had fishing poles over the side! We sailed around them and I tried to yell over the wind howling in the rigging. No response of any kind. I had my helmsman make another close pass, as I hailed them and gestured questioningly. There

was still no acknowledgement or even any discernible movement, other than a face or two glancing upward. They did not seem to be in any immediate danger and did not try to communicate with us in any way. Not even a wave or gesture.

The seas were growing steeper and the sun was setting. I told the helmsman to make for the south entrance, but to heave to and wait for lull before making a run through the occasionally breaking waves at the entrance. I went down below to radio the Harbor Patrol regarding the men in the runabout. I made the call and at the same time heard the sirens coming out of the channel. I was told Baywatch was on the way. At the time, I assumed the skipper of the small boat had already called for assistance and that was why he did not respond to us. I found out later he had no radio, spoke little or no English and knew nothing about seamanship.

Later that night I heard that the skipper of the small boat jumped overboard to swim for help after Baywatch failed to locate them. I believe his body was found a few days later. The three others, who remained aboard, were washed ashore later that night on the beach at El Segundo, sustaining minor injuries in the high surf.

That situation could have been avoided by any of the following:a) They hadn’t gone out in a small craft during

near gale conditions.b) They had a VHF radio and knew how to use it.c) They had signaled they were in distress when

we approached. Waving arms or a lifejacket would have prompted me to standby and immediately contact Baywatch.

d) They had all stayed with the boat.e) They had flashlights, running lights or flares

to signal the search boats.f) A knowledge of basic seamanship.g) The boat’s motor had been kept in better

repair and not failed at a critical time.

My God, what were they thinking?

Captain Richard Schaefer is a Licensed U.S.C.G. Sailing Master and has instructed in sailing and seamanship for more than 30 years. He has managed yachts, skippered charters delivered vessels and written for boating publications. He can be reached for questions or comments at 310-460-8946 or e-mail at, [email protected].

L o c a l C u r r e n t sContinued from page 17


Gizmo of the Month

y grandfather drove Chevrolets so my father usually had a Chevy. My father was an early convert to

Phillips head screws so I’ve been a Phillips man myself - up until square-drive heads came into my life. It all started with using my ‘pocket hole’ jig (this is the gizmo that facilitates drilling those angled countersunk holes for screwing wood pieces edge to end - like for making cabinet faces) and the square drive screws supplied with the jig.

Then, as with true love, my affection expanded to other dimensions of my love object.

Removing corroded stripped Phillips heads is a penance frequently paid for buggering-up the heads during installation, specially with self tapping screws. Corrosion is accelerated if the head was deformed during installation.

There are two main factors contributing to deformation of heads in 316 stainless Phillips screws. One factor is that 316 stainless is manufactured relatively soft so threads can be cut in the screw manufacturing process, and 316 is not easily hardened after manufacture like the steel screws commonly used in building and household projects. We can see how hard these construction (drywall) screws are by how quickly they wear out driver bits - bits which have in turn been hardened so they don’t wear so quickly. Adding to the potential damage of a hardened tool driving a softer fastener is the turning resistance of unlubricated threads cutting into hard fiberglass or aluminum - a factor easily reduced with a bit of cutting wax.

Another problem is the tapered fit of the Mr. Phillips’ head design quickly disengages with reduced inward driving pressure. This is an intentional design feature from the time before we had adjustable torque power drivers - the head is intended to limit over driving. The driver “cams out” of the

Phillips screw head. Under increased load, which unintentionally occurs when working in awkward positions. The driver’s cam out initiates the buggering-up process.

Once you’ve tried square drive heads its unlikely you’ll go back to Phillips. The increased contact surface of the inserted square driver distributes the load over a larger area, putting less pressure on the soft 316 stainless which reduces the chance of damage under difficult driving conditions. Little inward pressure is required to maintain full contact between driver and fastener. A most wonderful side effect of the square

drive is the one handed driving ease you get from the way a fastener pushed onto the driver remains in place - a great feature if you’re swinging from a bosun’s chair or working when you need that second hand to hold something else.

Although it has been decades since I used silicon bronze screws in wooden boats - they had slot heads then - I still can reflect on how superior square drive heads would have been.

The last surprise is how effective the proper sized square driver is for removing corroded and buggered-up Phillips head fasteners. This capability was enough to convert me completely.

Now I don’t have to sort out my containers of old mixed Phillips head and slotted head screws. They can go straight into my stainless recycle bucket united in obsoleteness.

I’m going online now to buy a replacement assortment of square drive 316 stainless screws. Try some yourself and see if you convert. You don’t have to drive the same screw your dad drove.

Screwin’ AroundBy Tim TunksIllustration Tim Tunks

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Q: Hey Mike, the last time there was a tsunami warning my surfer friend went out on the water to “surf the big one”. He is a very good surfer, was that a dangerous thing to do?

Gidget - Marina del Rey

A: Well, it probably wasn’t dangerous but it wasn’t based on any real understanding of waves and tsunamis. First, you can’t “surf” a tsunami. It’s not a wave you can actually ride, nor is it really a breaking wave of the type surfers actually ride. I have heard of surfers doing this and it always surprises me that many surfers don’t seem to understand what forms the waves they ride. Wind makes (creates) all the waves any surfer will ever ride. Wind blowing over a large area of the ocean over many days. The waves then (usually) travel out of the area of formation, become “ground swells” and break as surfable waves on the beach. These waves vary in height and length but are typically 100’s of feet long, 2 to 10 feet high and have a period (length of time it takes successive waves crests to pass a point) of 10 to 20 secs. along our coastline. A tsunami has a wave length of over 100 miles, a period of approx. 15 mins. and a height in the open ocean of only a foot or two. It changes dimensions when it moves into shallower water. It is NEVER surfable and any pictures you see on YouTube of big waves that look surfable and are claimed to be Tsunami’s are inaccurately labeled.

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77ft Steel Expedition Schooner 1996Refit2012/13, twinkeel-cooledDeerediesels, liftingkeel, twin rudders, 4 cabins, huge salon, new gal-ley w/granite, new paint, amazing circumnavigator/charter/expedition/adventurevessel.$129,[email protected]. Hunter 46’ 2002Aft cockpit, generator, water maker, dinghy davits,mercury dinghy w 9.9 yamaha. 76HP yanmar w 480 hours.Exceptionallymaintainedandloaded.$189,000Gary at 818-621-0358 [email protected] OI 41’ 1972Sloop,centercockpit,aft-cabin,newYanmar, 5 sails,refridge,watermaker,autopilot,radar,anchorwinch,Mexico ready $59,500. (661)548-6603 [email protected] Beneteau Oceanis 400Timeshare/Partnership on Beneteau Oceanis 400.Tri-cabin model - two heads. Full electronics, refrig-eration, inverter, dinghy and outboard, windless, roller furler, full canvas. Professional lessons available if needed.Noequitybuyin.3Days,$285.00permonth- no long term commitment. Call Captain RichardSchaefer 310-460-8946Catalina 30 1979 Racing & Catalina ready. Dodger, kevlar 155 racing jibplus3jibs&rollerfurling,loaded,restored,sharp.$13,000, obo. 310-666-5577Open 6.50All Carbon, insanely fast, race ready. 310-500-6216Ericson 27’ 1974Mercury outboard 8hr, Many sails, needs some tlc$4500.00 obo - Pls call rick at 818-445-988214’ Classic Enterprise sloop “Ku’ u ipo” (EuroLido)BeautifulmahoganyFRPepoxy.Sprucespars.$10Kallinclusivew/trailer.Fractionalowner-shipavailable.randy@tightship.biz805798-0493

Power Boats 42’ 1981 Californian Trawler23208Catdieselsw1400hrs,allfiberglasshull,2headsw showers, sleeps 8, one level walk arounddeck.Ownerwillcarryortrade.LocatedinslipD-701onPanayWaysternoutendtie.$69,000CallforAppt- Al Lee 310-392-4193 or Gary at 310-293-9200.

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Outboards/EnginesHonda OutboardsBuy-Sell-Repair-Install-TotalOverhaulSeepage27.Donat(818)427-2144Yamaha 115/130 HP PowerheadRebuilt Fits1984-1989Yamaha115and130V4outboardengines $1000. 310-822-8618.NEW Mercury Marine115HP Inline 4 Powerhead (#17791A92 #17791T92) $1500. 310-822-8618.Various Outboards2 Honda $5004 Mercury Long $8004Suzuki$8006 Evinrude $8006 Tohatsu $8006 Tohatsu $10006NEWYamaha,3yr.Warranty,Short$1299orLong$15998 Honda $10008HondaXLong,pwrthrust,elecstart$12008 Johnson $12008 Mercury $12009.8 Nissan $12009.9 Honda $10009.9 Mercury $10009.9NEWYamaha,3yrWarranty,highthrust,pwrtilt,elec start, XLong $279915 Honda elec start $200015 Mercury $120015 Mercury Long $100015 Nissan elec start $1200

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