The Mariner 128

Issue #128October 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

2 The Mariner - Issue 128 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 Sept. 27 - Oct. 25

This past month I taped an interview for the Marina del Rey Historical Society of a couple of sisters who grew up around Lake Los Angeles or Mud Lake as it was informally known. Their dad apparently had the leasehold for the area and ran a recreational facility on what is now Marina del Rey. According to these nice women (now in their 60s and70s), trailerable boating on the water and horseback riding around the space were the two main activities one could choose from for a day at Lake Los Angeles.

From an entrance on Washington Blvd, folks could drive down and launch their small sailboats or ski-boats right off the sand around the area that is currently Mother’s Beach on Palawan way. We ate lunch at the Jamaica Bay Inn that overlooks that spot and one of the ladies said she got chills seeing it once again.

Over lunch, a group of us talked about that decade long span in the 50s when this place forged it’s boating identity. One of the sisters tried to remember how things were set up –how much did it cost to bring a boat in, what types of facilities were here? She was young at the time and her memories

faded, but she said she didn’t think it cost much and didn’t remember anyone collecting money at a gate – she recalled people would always look to pay once inside.

Hearing them describe this simple little world as we looked out on what is now touted as the largest man made harbor in the country was fascinating. A fourteen year-old girl left a quiet little lake she rode horses around and returned as an older woman to a large-scale world-renowned harbor wrought with regulation, political importance and 4,600 boats – including enormous mega-yachts.

To hear them speak of this place through their only perspective - that of children, made me hope that this little place in the universe will somehow maintain a sliver of the purity that those women experienced back in the 50s running around the peaceful unassuming paradise of “Mud Lake”.

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

The Days of MuD Lake

Coming Events 4

Off the Wire 6

Farewell to a Mermaid 9A Marina Meeting Spot Closes Down by Richard Schaefer

In the Splash Zone by Tim Tunks 10Cruising Adventures in Mexico

An Author Among Us 12Mariner Writer Tim Tunks Pens a New Sailing Book

Local Currents by Richard Schaefer 16Halloween Ghost Story

Powertails 18Below the Waterline

Racing - Ultimate 20 North Americans 20

Gizmo of the Month - Staysails on Cruising Boats 22

Classifieds 25

Thanks for picking it up!

Cover - Ultimate 20 Nationalsby Pat Reynolds Photo by Pat Reynolds


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39’ Carver 1994 mtr yacht - have 2; gas and disl models, equipped/clean from $79,000

38’ Californian 1978 aft cab 2 disel trawler much deck and interior space $49,900

45 Morgan 1979 ctr cockpit ketch justoutfitted for Bluewater Cruising $120,000

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

50 Azimut Pilothouse 1989 3 cabins - shows beautifully $149,000

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

38’ Bayliner convertible 1988 2 large staterooms, twin diesels. Two helms $59,900

33’ Silverton 2007 Convertible with 2 cabins, shows as new, loaded $179,000 offer

41 Islander Freeport 1978 full keel double cabin, needs major work $39,000 TRADE

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42 Uniflite Sportfisher 1978 twin diesels 2 cabs loaded with fishing equipment $29,000

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September 28Catalina Island Conservancy

Half MarathonEnjoy the expansive Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Preserve with its spectacular vistas while being challenged by the rugged terrain. Spectrum Sports Management. 909-399-3553, www.RunCatalina.com

October 3 – 6 Buccaneer Day’s at Two Harbors

Aargh, mateys! Come celebrate our 24th Annual Buccaneer’s Weekend. Don your best pirate attire and set sail for Two Harbors for a weekend of treasure hunts, costume contests, great food, live music and a lot of fun. For more info please contact Two Harbors Events at 310-510-4249, [email protected] or visit our website at www.visittwoharbors.com

October 8Reading Nautical Charts & Gps for

Mariners CourseHRNC is a boating seminar on unraveling the mystery of charts (and what those little icons on your GPS actually mean). GPS for Mariners is a modern learning experience that focuses on GPS equipment and related electronics typically owned and used by recreational boaters. Course fee for either class is $45 per person or $55 per couple, if paid in advanced. HRNC: Oct 8th & 15th / 7:00-9:30 PM GPS: Oct 22nd & 29th / 7:00-9:30 PM at California Yacht Club 4469 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, California 90292. Mail to: [email protected] (424) 248-7190. Register online at: www.uscga1242.org/classes.html

October 3rd – 6th Buccaneer Day’s at Two Harbors

Aargh, mateys! Come celebrate our 24th Annual Buccaneer’s Weekend. Don your best pirate attire and set sail for Two Harbors for a weekend of treasure hunts, costume contests, great food, live music and a lot of fun. For more information or questions on any of our events, please contact Two Harbors Events at 310-510-4249, [email protected] or visit our website at www.visittwoharbors.com

October 8Women’s Sailing Association Octo-ber Speaker: A Day At The Beach

- LA County Lifeguards

Speakers will be LA County Lifeguards who will share stories of working on the beaches and in the boats along our coast. We will learn what it’s like to patrol our waters and what kinds of emergencies they respond to. In addition to learning more about what they do and how they do it, we will also learn what kind of training and skills are required to be a Lifeguard. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, with a social hour, no-host cocktails and a hosted dinner with the meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will begin at 8 p.m. WSA meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club, 13589 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey, adjacent to Burton Chace Park. Parking is free of charge. To obtain entry into the parking lot, please drive up to the gate, press the call button and state that you are a guest of WSA. For more information, email [email protected], visit our website: www.wsasmb.org or friend us on Facebook.

October 12th Island to Island Waterman Relay &

Luau Celebration Join us here at Two Harbors for the 2nd Annual Waterman Relay, a relay race from Santa Barbara Island to Two Harbors, followed by a Luau Dinner and Polynesian Show. http://www.islandtoislandwatermanrelay.com. For more information or questions on any of our events, please contact Two Harbors Events at 310-510-4249, [email protected] or visit our website at www.visittwoharbors.com

October 14PSSA Speaker Channel Islands

Expert Brian Fagan Brian Fagan will talk about some of the challenges to cruising the Channel Islands, some of the pilotage methods that work well and are safe (not GPS), and some of the challenges of seamanship involved. Dr. Fagan was born in England, but has lived and sailed in Santa Barbara for 45 years. He is an Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of California and the author of many books on ancient climate, archaeology, and history for general audiences. He has been sailing since he was eight and has cruised extensively in Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as

sailing the Atlantic and exploring Caribbean and other waters. He has single handed among our Channel Islands, in the Bay area, the Bahamas, and elsewhere, but prefers to sail with others. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and daughter, 3 cats, 7 turtles, between 6 and 24 rabbits, and a horse. 8 p.m. at the Pacific Mariners Yacht Club on Panay Way in Marina del Rey.

October 17Fall Fest at Catalina Island

Food, Music, Games! Join the community on Front Street – fun for the whole family. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.cityofavalon.com

October 18th – 19thCruiser’s Weekend

Cruise on over to Two Harbors and enjoy a relaxing weekend filled with seminars, exhibits, and live music. Sponsored by Adventure Voyaging. http://adventurevoyaging.com. For more information or questions on any of our events, please contact Two Harbors Events at 310-510-4249, [email protected] or visit our website at www.visittwoharbors.com

October 19West Marine Experts

Seminar Series – Tim TunksYachtsman of the Year, journalist, racer, cruiser, and acknowledged Mexpert, Tim Tunks (AKA Padretimo) will be on station aboard the MdRey West Marine store located at 4750 Admiralty Way from 10:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tim, well known for the Marina del Rey Mentor Program, will help you with your nautical decisions or education program. Whether it be a question about building your race crew or concerns about installing your anchor windlass, Tim can help you apply new thinking to find your best answers. At noon, Tim will lead a free ranging seminar covering all those topics. Personally signed copies of Tim’s new book, The Best Gift Ever for My Favorite Sailor, will be on sale all day. These books are ideal inexpensive gifts that any sailor will appreciate, and they are already gift wrapped for your convenience. Come by to check out the book and say hi to Tim.

October 31Annual Halloween Parade

at Catalina

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.?


Don your favorite costume and join island school kids and residents for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 4 p.m. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310-510-1520, www.CatalinaChamber.com

November 229th Annual

Catalina Island TriathlonSwim it, Bike it, Run it, Tri it! Experience the beauty of Catalina Island and the city of Avalon with the perfect end of season sprint triathlon. Come for the weekend or for the day and experience all that Catalina has to offer. Spectrum Sports Management. 909-399-3553, www.CatalinaIslandTriathlon.com

ONGOINGMarina del Rey

Outrigger Canoe ClubCome 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

We invite members, guests, and prospective members to join us for cocktails, food, live music, dancing and fun on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 7:00 (food served at 5:00). No reservations needed. This is a great way to end your day on the water, or just to wind down from the weekend. Live jazz or classic rock bands are here for entertainment. We are located at 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292,(310) 827-7692. Please visit our website at www.smwyc.org for activities, membership details, racing, other events, 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]

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As the old Marina del Rey gets torn down, some of the even older Marina del Rey has reared its head. Don the Beachcomber was a bar/restaurant that was a go-to watering hole for MdR locals from 1970 until sometime in the 80s. Many a local has a sordid tale (some embarrassing, some not) of their time spent at this establishment.

In the past few years it has been a very low profile building that preformed no retail purpose. In fact, many have mentioned that it is a prime example of a wasted piece of waterside real estate. This past month the building was torn down, but during the demolition, the signage of the original occupant that existed before Don the Beachcomber was hiding beneath the construction. Like a time capsule from the 1960s, the Golden Galleon’s classic green, early Vegas style neon sign was standing proud and mostly intact. The Golden Galleon was an upscale restaurant that existed right around the same time as Marina del Rey’s inception.


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The talk of the town for a few days last month was the sight of this 377-foot mega-yacht anchored right off the Marina del Rey breakwall for days on end. The massive luxury cruiser, too big to come inside, was said to be the world’s largest expedition yacht. It’s owned by the 50th richest man in the world, Roman Abramovich, a Russian entrepreneur who apparently made much of his money in the oil business.

The boat features two helicopter pads, a spa, medical center, hot tub, a pool and a crew of 40. This isn’t the largest mega-yacht in the world but don’t feel sad for Abramovich because up until this past April, he owned that too – the 536-foot Eclipse. But earlier this year the President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi eclipsed the Eclipse with a 600-million-dollar 590-foot motor yacht.

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BOOK SIGNING!

Author Tim Tunks will conduct a combination sailing seminar and

book signing for his new sailing book: “The Best Gift Ever for My Favorite Sailor”

Where West Marine - 4750 Admiralty Way MdR

When10 a.m. - 3 p.m. October 19

October 19


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When I’m staying down on the boat, my usual habit is a morning walk of about 500 yards to “Mermaids” - a tiny, mostly outdoor, eatery - below L.A. Fitness on Panay Way overlooking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey. There, gathered among tables on the dockside milieu, in the early a.m., is a small, rather eclectic, group of marina denizens - sailors most - similar, in many ways, to Steinbeck characters from Cannery Row - “Sweet Thursday”.... with, perhaps, a nod to “Tortilla Flat”.

With coffee and a muffin in hand, I sit surrounded by familiar faces, immersed in mostly interesting, though often arcane, conversation. Depending on the mood and the proclivities of those in attendance, discussions may range over a spectrum of topics - from the proper care and maintenance of a boat’s holding tank and waste system - to the Final Siege of Acre in 1291.

These ruminations are continually paused and punctuated by; joggers, dogs, bicyclists, local residents, tourists and the homeless - all churning

past - in step with their own silent drummer. Many chatting with a companion, others nimbly texting, a few with earbuds, a ragged handful pushing shopping carts full of the scraps and remains of life - a sad contrast to those carrying gym bags, headed to L.A. Fitness. Some young and beautiful... others, not so much.

However, now the conversation is muted...perhaps even sullen. The word has spread among us that Mermaids and L.A. Fitness will close within the month - falling victim to the seemingly endless, “Marina del Rey Renewal Project”. Arcane conversation, mingled with the aroma of coffee and the chatter of small things, will soon give way to clatter of jackhammers and the thunder of wrecking balls, as Mermaids joins her former neighbor, The Ship’s Store - alive only in memories of better days.

It’s becoming hard to find a quiet, backwater in the marina that is not also lonely.

Farewell to a MermaidA longtime Marina del Rey cafe and meeting place falls victim to the redevelopment

by Captain Richard Schaefer

Photo Pat Reynolds

Captain David Kirby

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An Author Among UsThe Mariner’s very own Tim Tunks has written a book forged

from a lifetime of cruising and racing sailboats

You’ve written a book! Has this been a goal you’ve always had or did it come about some other way? What brought you to this end?Tunks: Two good friends had recently published their books and then my publisher, a guy you know well, suggested I assemble some of my Mariner stories into a book. My father and mother had written books, so all that made it seem like it was my turn now.

What about this book, do you think is different or unique compared to what’s already out in sailing’s literary world?Tunks: Any book is the unique expression of its author, unless it’s a copy of the same old stuff. My book is my miscellany of interesting stuff. My varied background—from engineering, to professorship in theater, to Las Vegas show design, to disco and special effects design, to living off the grid for a decade sailing up and down the coast of Mexico—all that gives me my point of view, which is a slant I’ve not yet spotted in other books. The sailing books that I’ve found most interesting are the ones that open my eyes to something new - whether it be a new technique or an experience shared that I’d otherwise miss. I like to hear the writer’s voice and understand his point of view, even if it isn’t the same as mine. When I’d learn

something at my grandfather’s side it was always like a special gift, so I tried to convey a sense of generosity in the style and substance of the book. I imagined a group of experienced sailors exchanging stories and knowledge in a social setting; each speaker expressing his own gift to the group, celebrating something he found valuable. I hope my readers feel like they can drop in at the party and grab a few gifts for themselves. Imagine a good bathroom book you can pick up and enjoy a few pages—finding a refreshing new topic to consider.

On the cover of the book it reads “The Best Gift Ever for _______” Can you talk about this concept for a book cover?Tunks: Your previous question reminds us that a plethora of sailing books exists. Of course I want mine to look different enough so that it will be noticed. I came up with the gimmick of designing the book’s cover to resemble a gift wrapped present and then giving it the title The Best Gift Ever (for my Favorite Sailor). Figuring lots of books are purchased as gifts, making my book look like a good gift choice might help sell it. With the title written on the gift card portion of the cover there is a line on which to write a recipient’s name, making the book an instant ready to give gift. When you can buy a gift for

under ten dollars and avoid the expense and energy in gift wrapping and gift card shopping, I figure my book looks like a good deal (which it is) and will sell enough copies to make me feel good. The next step in the process was realizing I was designing a valuable brand that could encompass a myriad of subject titles, so I set about protecting that bit of intellectual property to sell later and then set about writing the book. Trumpeting this volume as the Best Gift Ever placed an additional responsibility to make the insides valuable enough so the package would be considered a worthy gift after it was read. I tried to write clearly about stuff sailors find interesting.

What did you find to be the most rewarding element in writing this?Tunks: Reliving experiences and reviewing lessons was great fun. But more important was the feeling that I was passing something along in the way mentors have passed so much to me. I used the word celebration earlier and that is what the writing was about—a celebration of sailing— and that celebration made a fun party for me whenever I visited my memory to select a story to tell.

What was the most difficult aspect?Tunks: Purging typos and other errors was a devil of a job, partially because I had to re-read my stuff so many times and then each time I wanted to re-write parts. Then with each re-write I’d introduce fresh errors. Illustrating the book also was a new and interesting challenge for me.

Will there be more Tim Tunks books in our future?Tunks: I labeled this book Volume One about


a week after it was finished, thinking the next one would be a lot easier with lessons learned from the first. I also filled a file with story ideas and outlines while procrastinating during the writing process for this book. With my powerful procrastinating skills, I’m sure I can fill more files with story ideas while not doing whatever I should be doing at the time. There will be plenty of material by the time I get around to writing Volume Two.

Let’s plug this thing! Where and when can people get it?Tunks: Saturday, October 19 I’ll be at the Marina del Rey West Marine store from 10:00 until 3:00 selling and signing books and giving my opinions and answers to any nautical questions. At noon I’ll be leading a seminar of interest to cruisers and most sailors. I intend to make it a fun time.

Sailing has been at the center of my life for the

last forty years. Ten years living off the grid cruising Mexico, and another three dozen or so years yacht racing have given me a great set of lessons and that is what I’m about these days—sharing lessons.

Come to the book’s website www.thebestgivtever.info and buy a book there with your PayPal account. You’ll find color photos and other interesting stuff. Amazon.com carries the book in paperback and e-book for shopper’s convenience. A search for “Tim Tunks” will pop the book up at the top of the list. You can read some reviews of the book there.

Tim Tunks hooked into sailing forty years ago on Lake Mead, and it turned into a life long match. As a racer, as a cruiser, as a teacher, and as an engineer—Tim has involved himself in the world of sail, sharing the insights he’s gained along the way.

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“Oh my God! You study dolphins… How cool…!”

I can’t begin to say how many times I’ve heard this. It seems what I do is something many people dream about. The adventurous, romantic life of a marine biologist, out in the elements, investigating the lives of these magnificent creatures in the freedom of the vast ocean…

I am fortunate indeed, and I wouldn’t exchange my life and career for anything, but people don’t often realize what goes into the job. For every hour I log at sea, there are probably at least five to spend in the lab back on land. The work is as long and hard as it’s rewarding, both on and off the water, but the many hours passed hunched over a desk as the clock ticks late into the night, analyzing, writing, correcting, rewriting, are where the less committed tend to weed themselves out of the vocation… (Excerpted from my book Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist)

The number of emails, phone calls, and Facebook messages I receive has diminished

a little in the last years, but they continue to come with regularity. They are not only from students; they are from people in all walks of life interested in finding out how to become marine biologists. After spending over two decades with volunteers and researchers both in the field and the lab, I believe that many don’t really know what it takes to get into and to stay in this field.

Here is my token advice for the aspiring marine biologists out there. These are only my opinions, and of course, nothing is written in stone, but perhaps interested parties may be able to adapt some of these steps and suggestions to fit their own lives and circumstances.

First StepsThe first key question one should ask oneself is “what am I really interested in?” Here is where it gets confusing because when people question me about becoming a marine biologist they usually picture a field marine researcher, maybe because that is my specialty.

Marine biology, in a nutshell, is the study

of marine organisms, their behaviors, and interactions with the environment. It includes many different sub-disciplines and consequently, an array of potential career directions. Would you like to be a microbiologist, an aquarist, a behavioral ecologist, a system analyst, a geneticist, a professor, or perhaps some combination of these? There are many roads to choose from and many organizations that hire marine biologists, so having a fairly precise idea of what you would like to do is an important first step in the right direction.

The next step is to ask yourself what really fascinates you about the ocean. Are you passionate about biodiversity on coral reefs or algal blooms? Is the structure of soft-bottom communities what inspires you or the feeding behavior of critically endangered blue whales? Try to construct a “big picture” of what captivates you then narrow down your focus to explore something that is feasible, either in the lab or the field.

But don’t lose sight of your big picture. Not getting roped into a “specialization” has the

So You Want to be a Marine Biologist

By Dr. Maddalena Bearzi

Dr. Maddalena Bearzi addresses the reality of her “cool job”

For many years The Mariner has been fortunate enough to have local researcher Dr. Maddalena Bearzi, cofounder of the Ocean Conservation Society, as a source and occasional contributor. Dr. Bearzi has been studying marine mammals in the Santa Monica Bay for over a decade. During this time she has written two books: Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist that won the Green Book Festival Award and Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins, which she co-wrote with Craig B. Stanford. This piece was originally published on the National Geographic website and both they and she were kind enough to allow us to reprint.

Photo Pat Reynolds


advantage of keeping you flexible and more responsive to a challenging and changing job market. Your first topic of choice may, later on, morph into your real career, but that’s not always the case and may not necessarily be the best road to take.

It’s important to concentrate attention on unanswered questions more than on a specific species. It’s also a good idea to be practical in your choice of a subject by giving some thought to where and how you plan to accomplish your studies. It’s imperative, whatever your topic of choice, that you are passionate about it because it is passion that will help you accomplish what you set out to do, even if it takes pushing your limits.

Whatever you choose to study, you should keep conservation in mind given the current range of environmental issues facing our oceans and their inhabitants. What will the cetologist engaged in studying the migration of right whales do if these leviathans disappear within his or her lifetime?

Next StepsRead, write and get experience. It’s unlikely you can read all there is to know in this discipline but try to know as much as you can. Do your homework, peruse the internet in search of information, read books and, if you can’t afford to buy them, go to the library.

Study how scientific papers are written because this will likely be the output of your studies in the future. Seek advice and help in the academic world or through research institutions. Learn how to communicate science! Being a great communicator will help you advance faster and further in a marine biology career, and may help you reach out to the general public about marine conservation issues if the need arises.

Solid practical experience in your field—or a field related to it—is certainly key to becoming a marine biologist. Being involved with different projects, working on diverse hypotheses and learning about different species and processes also helps keep an open mind while gaining experience beyond your selected subject.

Volunteer opportunities are offered everywhere today and are easily found, thanks to the internet. If you work well and are adaptable, if you’re willing to commit, if you are enthusiastic, you might slip from being a volunteer into acting as a real researcher. You may even find the opportunity to write a collaborative peer-reviewed paper, something that will help you

when entering graduate school.

When choosing a volunteer position in your field, inquire to see who are the experts in that specific discipline. Try to work under the wings of these professionals and ask questions, get feedback and suggestions on how to improve your skills; this will help you get the right kind of experience.

Traditional academic education is important and going to graduate school, first a Master’s program and then a Ph.D., is certainly the way to go, especially if your goal is to remain in academia. As a start, take all the science courses available to you in high school and as an undergraduate. Preparatory courses in basic biology, zoology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are essential, but other courses such as ichthyology, conservation, and oceanography are also quite valuable, as well as those related to your specific field. Then there’s the study of statistics; this is something you must know and be good at and no, you can’t get around it.

School, however, won’t teach you everything you need to know to gain knowledge and expertise in your chosen field. You need to look outside the box and find other ways to learn and acquire practical skills. Attending conferences and workshops in your discipline, visiting universities, museums, and research institutions, meeting experts in your subject area (who could become your advisors later on) and asking questions, being part of email list serves in your topic of interest are just some of the things to pursue.

One Step Further…Distinguish yourself as an independent thinker. Many people want to become marine biologists and that makes this a highly competitive discipline. A lot of people start toward a career in marine biology but end up working in completely different fields and almost everyone is struggling to find a job in today’s tough market. If you have chosen to be a marine biologist it is likely you

haven’t done it for the money—as there isn’t much in it anyway—so you need to be creative and flexible. Look for something that your field is in need of, something that your peers are not offering. Learn practical skills like scuba diving, boat handling, GIS techniques, and statistical analyses that just a few know. Push yourselves to work better than everyone else.

The desire to study dolphins in the wild is probably not enough to take you out to sea among these amazing creatures or set you

apart from the masses. It’s passion, enthusiasm, and learning what’s necessary to make you stand above the crowd that will help you attain your goals.

Based in Marina del Rey, Maddalena Bearzi has a Ph.D. in biology and has studied the ecology and conservation of marine mammals and other species for over twenty-five years. Maddalena is co-founder and president of the Ocean Conservation Society and coauthor of Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins (Harvard University Press, 2008). Her most recent book is called Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist (Chicago University Press, 2012).


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lot of you know that I was private investigator for many years here in the marina. What

you are about to read took place in the 70’s and was one of my first assignments - and remains the most interesting case in all my years as a private investigator. It’s funny, but I was a “Ghostbuster” years before Dan, Bill and Harold.

Happy Halloween.

It was Friday night and I was winding up the hill in my blue MG - headed to El Segundo to pick up a check. It was only a little after 6:00 but it was already fully dark and the cold drizzle forced me to put the top up - something I rarely did. Between gear shifts I was jammin’ the buttons on the radio. Sammy Johns was singin’ about his Chevy Van...nope don’t think so. Next stop, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Gettin’ Down Tonight...disco hell was approaching. “C’mon man I’ve got five buttons - gotta be something out there in radio-land.” Shift, push, Elton and Island Girl...finger hesitating - try another, Al Wilson, Show and Tell...I like it, but I’ve got one more button, let’s go for broke. Jackpot! The Eagles’, Best of My Love “Yesss!” Downshift and a throaty purr up the hill. I had been out of college about a year and had recently gotten booted out of my first real job. At the time, Jimmy Carter was runnin’ for president and worried about the “lust in his heart”. I was having a similar problem with the girlfriend of the boss’s son - though my particular case wasn’t located much in the heart. I wasn’t too worried about being out of work. I was positioned high on the eligibility lists of a handful of state and local police departments and figured I’d have a couple to choose from in under a year. Still, in the meantime a guy has to eat and pay rent. A few weeks earlier I had answered an ad placed by one of those huge, east coast security firms that were established before Lincoln got shot. In fact, these firms once provided the services of the Secret Service, F.B.I. and C.I.A. for the federal government. But by 1975 they pretty much did what they do today; security, alarm response, personal protection and investigation.

I was pretty squared away, could spell, count to 20 without taking my shoes off and write my name so they hired me, and stuck me in a gold and silver exchange in Long Beach. The dispatcher had tossed me a few “overtime” assignments during the past few weeks, so when Marty, the assistant manger, asked me stop and talk to him while I was in the office I figured it was just another assignment. It turned out to be something a long way from, “just another assignment”. It was after 7:00 on a Friday night and there were four suits sitting there waiting for me. Two of them I knew - the third guy I reckoned to be a big banana from the district office, the forth guy, I later learned, was from the investigation division. My file was open on

the desk. “We’ve got something a little different.” Marty said and he gestured to a chair. “A couple hours ago we got a call from the corporate headquarters of a restaurant chain. One of their restaurants. “Don the Beachcomber” in the marina, is having problems. Someone, perhaps a disgruntled current or former employee, is entering the restaurant after hours and vandalizing the place. They want someone to stay inside - out of sight - after closing, and wait for the intruder. Place the suspect under citizen’s arrest, and call the sheriff. We’ll have our armed response units standing by as well. You need to be there in street clothes by 10:00 tonight. What kinda gun are you carrying?” Harworth, the Dispatcher, shifted uncomfortably - he knew the answer, “Smith, 357.” A lot of glancing around by the suits. Harworth stared at his desk. “You know, you’re supposed to be carrying a .38. Who do you think you are, Dirty Harry?” “No, I can’t get the glint and the flinty stare right. But I’m still workin’ on it.” Marty looked at the top banana, saw him nod and said, “ All right, I’ll meet you there at 10:00. You’d better wear something loose to hide that cannon.” I hesitated and looked over at my file on the desk and understood

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

by Captain Richard Schaefer

The Ghostbuster

A

A Spooky Halloween Tale Richard Schaefer Style

2013 The Mariner - Issue 128 17Continued on page 22

immediately why I was there. I was nearly 6’2”, I had been a varsity shot-putter, and my range scores, when I qualified for my gun permit, indicated something more than a casual relationship with a handgun. Though I suspected the real deal clincher was that it was late Friday evening and I was the only warm body handy. I paused. Then Marty said, “ You’ll be paid a bonus.” At that point in my life I could be bought...cheap. Besides, it sounded like it might be fun. From the outside the Beachcomber looked like the Jungle Ride at Disneyland - lots of palm trees and big ferns, and of course a waterfall with a miniature river running through the thick landscaping. I’d never been to the place before. I was more the Charlie Brown’s and Donkin’s type - better music and prettier waitresses. The minute I pushed through the two King Kong sized doors and saw the hostess I knew I needed to reevaluate the waitress assessment. There’s just something about a flowery sarong packed with a pretty girl. “Hi. I’m here to see Don, the manager.” Looking down at her list, “Do I have your name?” “Nah, I don’t think so. You don’t look like a Richard.” Her head shot up, “You’re pretty young to be such a wise guy.” “Yeah I know - That’s what my first grade teacher said. For a while everybody thought I’d grow out of it.” I shrugged my shoulders, “Guess I disappointed ‘em.” She flashed a killer smile and picked up the phone. After a moment she said, “Don says to wait at the bar.” As I walked away, I made a mental note to sniff around that tree later. The bar was nearly empty. Dinner was long over and most of the customers were on or around the dance floor. The whirling disco ball splashed light everywhere and some Captain and Tenille clones were singing about how “love would keep them together...” I was more of a Motown guy - I was real sad when the Temps went psychedelic. The bar was up a couple steps and around the corner. It was dark, except for the huge fish tank in the wall. I ordered a ginger ale from the Filipino bartender and watched the fish. The bartender slowly wiped his way toward me. “Hey, I hear you’re the guy who’s gonna stay in here tonight.” Word gets around fast - so much for secrecy. I just kept watching the fish. “You know why they brought you in here?” Beneath a wispy mustache the guy had a snaggle - toothed, wicked smile - under different circumstances I might have fixed it for him. “I bet they didn’t tell you the place was haunted. He grinned, waiting for my reaction. “The boss know you’re drinkin’ the profits, pal? Beat it.” “No, no - I’m not kidding you man. You should see the stuff that goes around here.” He had the grin of a weird kid pulling the wings off a fly. “Say, I think the far end of the bar could stand some wiping.” “He’s not kidding you.” Another sarong clad waitress said, sliding onto the stool next to me. “Why are you guys telling me all this stuff?” I said, sizing her up - the hostess remained in the number one spot. “The word has been going around that they were going to bring someone in here to stay after closing and try and catch the ghost or whatever’s in here.” There was a shadow of anxiety in her voice. “Lady, you know what I’m good at? Mindin’ my own business. Maybe you ought to try it.” “Oh, come on! Everybody knew the minute you walked in and asked for the manager. Are you some kind of exorcist or something. I saw the movie - but you don’t look a priest.”

“Good call.” “Hey.” Marty said, taking the empty stool to my right. I was getting real popular. He was late. I gave the waitress and bartender the “look” and they moved off. Marty ordered something with an umbrella in it and said, “So what’s up?” I filled him in. He was as perplexed as I was. Finally he said, “Well, there goes any chance of catching the guy if he has any connection to the staff.” I nodded, “But why the ghost stuff.” “Maybe they’re trying to scare you off.” “Could be, but why?” About that time, another Filipino in tropical garb approached us. “Hi, I’m Rudy the bar manager. I understand some people have been telling you stories. “ He glared at the bartender. “ But, you should know, they are telling you the truth.” He lowered his voice and glanced around, “Please don’t tell Don where you heard this - but there is something strange in this place. It’s been going on for a long time, and it’s getting worse.” Marty and I were about to question him when a waitress approached and said that the manager wanted to see us in his office. The manager’s office was in the back of the kitchen, and after the introductions he motioned for us to sit down. He began to tell us of the nightly vandalism. Tables and chairs piled up or moved about. Candles lit, glassware broken, silverware strewn about the kitchen, doors left open, and that the boaters, docked outside, often saw lights or candles in the windows between closing and dawn. The sheriff was called several times and had never found anyone. He said he was pretty sure it was an employee he had recently fired. He wanted him caught. Marty and I looked at each other. I deferred to him, but he remained silent. So I said, “Your staff seems to think the place is haunted.” The previously calm manager exploded, “What are you two guys? A couple of nuts? I thought the corporate office was sending in trained professionals - not a couple of superstitious idiots!” Marty stood up, “Look, we’re just telling you what we were told. That’s all.” Don’s eye’s bulged, “Who told you? Who?” “Look,” Marty said, “Maybe it’s best that you contact another agency. I’d be happy to give you a referral. The manager slumped down in his chair and waved his hand, “No, no. Your man is here and I want to get this thing behind me. Stay a couple of nights and see how it goes.” The drizzle had stopped and Marty and I stood in the parking lot as the employees walked passed, to their cars. Marty said, “You see the way they’re looking at you? Like they felt sorry or something.” Yea, I saw that look on my Dad’s face when he took our dog to the vet for the “big sleep” shot. “Look Rick, ( he called me Rick - never could get him to stop) there’s something real hinky about this deal. If you’re uncomfortable with it we’ll walk away. “I’m here - I’’ll stay.” “You’re sure?” “Yeah.” “Well, here’s my home number. Anything goes down, you call me - anytime. “ I nodded, shook his hand and went back inside. Rudy was the last one to leave as I stood by the door. “Don’t let this place get to you. There are a lot of noises, compressors,


P o w e r t a i l s

Life Below the Waterline

ellow boaters. We are at the height of the summer season. Not only are you enjoying your boat, but a multitude of fast growing organisms are too. They are thriving in warm nutrient rich water

and fattening very quickly. This time of year it’s good to call your diver before planned trips or hauling out - even a few days can make a big difference.

Tough areas for us to cleanEven though your boat maybe clean and ready for your trip, please consider the areas of your boat that are hard for us to thoroughly clean well.

Bow/Aft Thrusters....are Hydro-Blasted every two months during the summer. This two monthly cycle is a bare minimum and a lot of growth accumulates during this time.

We scrape the blades as best as we can in-between Hydro-Blasting cleanings, but reaching down the tunnel and in-between prop blades is difficult and best left to the machine.

Strainer Covered Thru-HullsThru-hulls are common to most boats and allow ocean water inside the boat, for toilets, bait tanks, cooling purposes etc...

A simple thru-hull is easily accessed and cleaned...however there are different types of covers and designs on the external side that make our job difficult to access flow tubes, especially when the growth rate is at an all time high.

Scoops, for instance, are designed to assist in water flow, when the boat is moving forward. The supply tube is offset from the water entry point and this creates an awkward angle. Divers can use something such as a bent wire that can be guided into the thru-hull. But what use is a wire prodding into a colony of unseen tube worms, it does little at this time of year and

rapid growth compounds the problem.

The same can be said for the circular strainer cover. The effectiveness of poking wire through the small holes is limited. These covers are essentially barriers and prevent thorough cleaning.

The only good strainers are ones that have hinged access ports that the diver can open, which gives direct access to the thru-hull tube and a straight shot into the thru-hull for simple cleaning. This access is essential in the warmer waters of Southern California. We can clean the thru-hull to allow 100% water flow.

Some strainers have very tiny holes and should not be used in heavy growth areas during the summer. Even though the cover can be removed to aid cleaning the thru-hull, the covers holes clog with growth so quickly they block water-flow. Divers have trouble keeping on top of effective cleaning.

Recently a Captain experiencing a slow water flow issue asked for our help. After 30 minutes of diving and trying in vain to clean the thru-hull, the Captain removed the internal hose and cleared the thru-hull from inside the boat. This was the only effective solution to the problem. He understood our difficulty, as he’d had the same problem trying to clear the thru-hull in the yard on his last haul-out.

Please thoroughly check all thru-hull systems and water-flow before important trips. Remember..no water flow is usually a bag that has been sucked into the thru-hull and is suffocating it. We are a phone call away and can assist where needed.

Ian Roberts is the owner of Below The Waterline Diving Service. BTW Dive Service has operated in Marina Del Rey for 15 years and has been diving professionally for 30 years, including Military, Commercial and instruction.You can visit them at www.btwdive.com

Photos courtesy of BTW Dive

By Ian Roberts

F


This time of year gives us a few different opportunities. The bluefin and yellowfin tuna are biting to the south of us, the local Islands are producing yellowtail, calicos and a few marlin. Locally the bay has rockfish, lingcod and thresher shark to fill up bags. And while all that is happening, lobster season is underway as of October 1. Don’t forget to get your lobster cards and familiarize yourself with the changes. Scuba divers and all other lobster hunters must renew their annual sportfishing license on or before January 1, 2014 to remain properly licensed for lobster fishing. There’s other changes too – go to the Fish and Game’s website to get the info.

As for bait – unfortunately the squid is not around at the moment but there are currently anchovies and sardines.

Well, gonna go look for fresh mackerel for lobster bait!

Until next time……….Tight Lines

According to DaveFishing Update by Marina del Rey’s

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el Rey Yacht Club hosted the 2013 Ultimate 20 North American Championships this past month with

an entry list of 14 competing boats from all around the country.

While Friday’s racing was nearly perfect- mid to high 70s with winds around 10-knots from the Southwest. Saturday, brought rolling fog banks and 40-degree wind shifts. One minute the sky was crystal clear, the next minute low hanging fog would roll in and the whole world including the race marks disappeared. Despite the challenging conditions, PRO Peter Glick pulled off three races.

After consistent racing by the top three boats, Junta, Black Sheep and MdR’s Toon Town (from Del Rey Yacht Club), Sunday was a big day.

“Sunday was a very taxing day mentally,” said Toon Town Skipper Michael Eisenberg. “Toon Town’s starts really suffered. We were last off the line in the first race. Junta had sailed out to a commanding lead. [But then my tactician] knuckled down and started to call perfect tactics.

We rounded the first weather mark in tenth. We passed two more boats and rounded the leeward mark in eight. Keith really pulled a rabbit out of the hat, and with masterful skill calling shifts, got us up to third at the last windward mark. We had great downwind speed all weekend, and it came through again as we passed one more boat to take second to Junta’s first. Junta and Toon Town were now tied in the lead. Black Sheep pulled another eleventh.”

Eisenberg and crew struggled in their next start but once again found their way to a decent place through skilled tacking and perseverance. Using throw outs (eight for Junta, fifth for Toon Town), Junta now led Toon Town by two points going into the last race.

“The wind piped up for the last race, and Toon Town felt especially fast,” Eisenberg said. “We started at the boat end, but pulled our first “over early”. After returning to start we were dead last. Junta was in the lead pack off to the left side of the course. Toon Town started playing shifts to the right side, and by the time we got to the weather mark we had sailed up to fifth. Junta

was buried in the fleet. That is about how we finished and we both used race ten as our discard. Junta had to keep their eight place finish from race five and that was the championship.”

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ice machines - there’s even a couple of stray cats up in the attic where all the sound and lighting stuff is. I think you’ll be okay tonight. It’s gotten so I can feel when things will be bad - tonight it doesn’t feel so bad.” “Great.”, I thought, “That makes me feel a lot better....Goodnight Rudy.” I clicked the panic bar after the door closed behind him and turned around. The place was quiet now. The loudest noises were the filters and bubbles from the massive aquarium. The aquarium was also the brightest light in the place. All the tikis, ferns, palms, thatched booths and the winding, trail-like aisles made seeing more than a dozen feet in any direction impossible. To make matters worse, the building was built in the shape of a circle - impossible for one man to search. Someone familiar with the layout could keep moving in front of you - and, if he moved fast enough, could end up behind you. I didn’t find that thought particularly comforting. I unzipped my wind breaker and ran my hand over the handle of the heavy Smith and Wesson - I wanted to know right where to reach should that time come. Rudy was right - there were a lot of noises. I tracked most of ‘em down, others faint and indistinct eluded me. After an hour I was satisfied that I was alone. The cooks had told me that would leave me a snack tray in the kitchen. They did, but it was more of a buffet than a tray. I pulled up a chair to the stainless steel counter and tried the Polynesian Chicken....good, and better than that, it was free. The kitchen was long and brightly lit. I liked that I could see anything coming for a long way, and the tile and stainless steel made moving quietly tough. I felt confident that no one...or thing, could get close without warning. I settled in for my feast. Just as I was finishing off the last of the egg rolls I heard a scraping sound from the other end of the long kitchen - like someone walking - dragging a foot behind. I froze and never took my eyes from the direction of the sound. It would stop then, after a moment, start again. I unsnapped the restraining strap from the Smith and moved as quietly as I could toward the sound. The sound grew louder until I stood at the door of the walk-in freezer - the sound was coming from inside. “Probably something mechanical inside.” I thought and reached for the handle of the heavy door. The door swung outward easily and a light came on inside. The noise stopped. The freezer was crowded with boxes and crates. I stepped inside. I had only taken two or three paces when suddenly the light went out. I whirled around and saw that only a tiny crack of narrowing light remained as the door swung shut. I jumped toward the door, hit it with my outstretched hands and stumbled back into the bright kitchen. Another second would have been too late - I would’a been a human snow-cone by morning. I whirled around but the kitchen was quiet and empty...just as it had been. Maybe this was nothing, but I resolved never to let my guard down again. I had only a moment to contemplate this when I heard noises coming from dance floor - which was directly through the double kitchen doors in front of me. The sound of footsteps and moving chairs and tables on the hard wood floor was unmistakable.

As I moved through the doors I drew the blued steel revolver from its holster. I stopped in the small hallway between the doors and peered through a small window in the door which opened to the dance floor. Moonlight streamed in through the large windows, and also bathed the boat docks outside in a gray-white light. I could see nothing moving on the wide dance floor, but the tables and booths that surrounded it were in shadow. The sounds of footsteps and moving furniture continued. Finally, I opened the door and stepped onto the dance floor. The sounds stopped immediately - nothing moved. As my eyes strained to see into the shadows I felt a blast of cold air. My mind was filled with memories of haunted house movies and “cold spots”. “ ‘Cold spots’ - hell...” I thought, “the front doors are open!” I crossed the dance floor and jumped down into the waiting area. Both huge doors stood open; their drop bolts jammed on the walkway. Someone had been inside and left in hurry - or had they? In all, I spent 17 nights in the place and things got worse - a lot worse. Another investigator was brought in - he lasted two hours - vowing never to return. Then another and he also refused to return - saying he felt like he was being watched and toyed with by “something”. Patrons ran screaming into the parking lot. The sheriff came out a half dozen times. People on the boats docked below saw lights and shadows. There were “paranormal researchers” infrared cameras and seances, a mysterious oversized cat, silverware being thrown around, candles spontaneously lighting and shadowy specters - until finally I was scared out. On that crazy night, I ran like hell toward a phone booth across the parking lot, as if the hounds of hell were on my heels, slammed the door on the booth and was bathed in a saving white light. I fumbled some coins into the slots and in a few minutes two sheriff’s units pulled up. They searched the place and found nothing - like always. One of the deputies said to me, “We’re getting a lot of calls about this place. But you know what I think? I figure it’s just cats and wharf rats causing weird noises and crazy shadows...maybe even the wind blowing through all these palms and ferns. You know, people’s imaginations run away with ‘em.” I just nodded, numbly...not sure what was happening in there - but I knew it wasn’t cats, rats and wind. The following night, I pulled it together and went back. But what could I, or anyone else do? Marty summed it up best at the last meeting with the restaurant executives. “What do you expect Rick to do - handcuff it, stuff it in a gunny sack, throw it into the marina and read it the 23rd Psalm?” The place closed down a few years later and has remained closed ever since. I understand it is currently being demolished. In an odd way I will be sad to see it go. I have been haunted by the memories of that place for over 35 years, and crazy as it may sound, I’m going to miss it; modern life has too damn few mysteries. Captain Richard is a U.S.C.G. Licensed Master of Sailing Vessels. He has skippered charters and deliveries, taught sailing and seamanship, managed yachts and written for boating publications for nearly 30 years. He can be reached for comments, instruction or consultation at 310-460-8946 or e-mail at, [email protected].

Continued from page 17


Gizmo of the MonthStaysails on Small Cruising BoatsBy Tim Tunks

oted naval architect Bob Perry referred to cutter-rigged small cruisers as “clutter rigs”. Anyone who has ever tacked such small cutters in light wind conditions knows full well how much an inner forestay can

interfere in carrying out an essential sailing maneuver. Tacking is a clumsy operation that renders considerable wear on the genoa when dragged across the inner forestay. Unless you first roll up a major portion of the genoa or have a crew on the foredeck to pull the sail through the narrow slot between the two forward stays, it can be a questionable set up. However, the whole picture changes if staysail and stay can be conveniently stowed out of the way.

There are lots of manufacturers making removable Code 0 roller furler setups that use Vectran or similar rope as the combination luff rope and stay, but when I was outfitting Scallywag for her decade of cruising, a used Mariner drum and swivel from Minney’s had to serve my purpose. My small storm-strength staysail had a 5/32” wire luff and an L.P. short enough that the clew would not touch the mast when sheeted in hard. Stowed in its “sausage bag” tied to the starboard lifelines with its sheets attached, it was easily tacked on the Sampson post and hoisted on its

1/2” diameter Sta-Set low stretch halyard where it performed several valuable functions.

Of course it was available as a storm sail, but it also proved useful when spinnaker power-reaching under autopilot. The boat’s tendency to round up toward the wind in a strong puff was balanced somewhat with the increased pressure on the staysail, which pushed the bow away from the puff. By the time the autopilot responded, the staysail had already begun its work. On the other hand, while motoring in light winds the staysail provided the same steadying effect in leftover seas as that of a reefed main. Scallywag’s staysail was smaller and flatter than the mainsail with the third reef so there was less flapping and it still provided enough area to work like the tightrope-walker’s fan to steady our progress.

The last discovery was how useful the staysail became when Scallywag was doing “tour boat” functions - motoring around photographing a race or sightseeing. With just the pull of its sheet, the handy staysail could be deployed and the mainsail cover could remain fastened - no need to choreograph the folding of the mainsail with a cockpit full of passengers.

N

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Dear Mookie,

They think my son might have attention deficit disorder (ADD). I’ve been reading a lot of varying information about it. Some feel it’s over psycho-analyzation while others say that it’s a true condition that kids have from the stresses of modern times. I don’t know what to think – what say you?

Signed,

Hyper kid’s dad

Dear HKD

If your kid is like any other kid I’ve met, then he’s got whatever you say that condition is. Most kids are out of their minds and need to be medicated at all costs. Have you ever seen what they do to us? If you say there are doctors that can make them relax, you should go to those doctors – do not haste. Gather up all you can and drug all children!

Quality Advice From A Two Year Old Black Lab

Puppy

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SailboatsBeneteau 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. No equity buy in. 3 Days, $300.00 per month - no long term commitment. Call Captain Richard Schaefer 310-460-8946Coronado 35’ 1974Sloop, Center cockpit aft-cabin. Yanmar Diesel, well maintained and many upgrades. Great live aboard and ready to sail. Recent Survey available. $29,000 Denise (310) 490-9432Lancer 30 1985 C&C Design, tan hull, 10 opening ports, pressurized water, wheel steering, autopilot, roller furling, Yanmar diesel, fast and lovely. $11,000. David (310) 351-9212 [email protected] 27’ 1984 Long MastIn MDR, Catalina ready, internal diesel engine, new toilet, new batteries, portable generator, Achilles din-ghy, Yamaha outboard motor, sleeps 5, many extras, roller furling 150% jib, smart battery charge $5000 213-321-9569Ericson 27’ 1974Mercury outboard 8hr, Many sails, needs some tlc$4,500 obo - Pls call rick at 818-445-9882Islander 27 “Scallywag” Beautiful and ready to cruise. New bot-tom paint, cushions, canvas. Solid rigging and gear. Famous Scallywag available $29,500 call 818-331-8999 MartyJensenmar 251969, main sail, 2 genoa,1 spinnaker/pole, auto pi-lot, VHF, outboard Nissan 5HP, dinghy 8ft inflatable. $5,200. Email: [email protected] 6.50All Carbon, insanely fast, race ready. 310-500-6216Pogo 2 - 21-foot Mini Transat BoatLaunched in 2011 USA 806 has been campaigned by “Team Open Sailing” including the Single Handed Transpac in 2012. The boat has sailed more than 5,800 nautical miles and is fully equipped for offshore racing. $95,000 Call 310-500-621614’ Classic Enterprise sloop “Ku’ u ipo” (Euro Lido) Beautiful mahogany FRP epoxy. Spruce spars. $10 K all inclusive w/trailer. Fractional own-ership available. [email protected] 805 798-0493Laser sailboatHull only. no rigging mid 70’s original gelcoat. good condition. great replacement hull. sold with bill of sale $300 310-391-3577Fastacraft Prowler Flying MothLess than 5 years old and has only been sailed a handful of times. The main sail is in perfect condition.

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Power Boats 42’ 1981 Californian Trawler2 3208 Cat diesels w 1400 hrs, all fiberglass hull, 2 heads w showers, sleeps 8, one level walk around deck. Owner will carry or trade. Located in slip D-701 on Panay Way stern out endtie. $69,000 Call for Appt - Al Lee 310-392-4193 or Gary at 310-293-9200.36’ Hatteras Sportfisher1986 Sedan Cruiser in Pristine condition with ONLY 300 hours on diesel Caterpillar engines! Located in MdR. 818-200-9770 - [email protected]’ Grady-White Marlin, 1996.Twin VX250 Yamahas. Just completed 50K renova-tion. “Everything New”: motors, gelcoat, interior, elec-tronics, more. Lowered to $54,000. (661) 257-9275.Boston Whaler 11’Mid 70’s hull. needs paint, lots of fiberglass repair. sol-id bone dry. sold with bill of sale $650 310-391-3577Dinghy’sInflatables8.5’ Bombard/Zodiac AX3, PVC, Slatted Floor $5009.7’ Bombard/Zodiac AX4, PVC, Air Floor $60010’ Mercury, Hypalon, Air Floor $120010’ Achilles, Hypalon, Air Floor $1000310-822-8618.Achilles sp310 Grey sportboat dinghy. Hypalon, roll-up wood floor, no patches from prior leaks, no existing leaks. No seats or oars, heavy-duty transom, max 9.9hp o/b, great dinghy $650. Call chris 310-391-6174Trailers0’ - 13’ Boats $400-$120014’ - 16’ Boats $600-$120017’ - 21’ Boats $750-$120024’ - 29’ Boats $3000310-822-8618.

Outboards/EnginesHonda OutboardsBuy-Sell-Repair-Install-Total OverhaulSee page 26. Don at (818) 427-2144Outboards 3.5 Nissan $4504 Mariner, Long $6004 Mercury, Long $6004 Mercury, Long $9004 Suzuki $8006 Evinrude $8006 Mercury, Long $9006 Mercury, Internal Tank $11506 Nissan $7506 Nissan $10006 Tohatsu $8006 Tohatsu $10006 Yamaha, NEW-3yr Warranty $12998 Honda $1000

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The Mariner 128

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Transcript of The Mariner 128