LETTERS find to be the case. In addition, I thought it was just about impossible to figure out what a call will cost, as the prices are set at so much per minute — plus an unspecified charge for the long distance service. Who knows how much that will be? I suggest that the buyers beware. ' Captain Mike Maurice California
Overnight Visitors and Yacht Club Cruises Welcome. The Antioch Marina, built in 1988, is at the foot of L Street in Antioch. The Marina features berths from 24 to 70 feet. All berths are constructed of concrete, providing even flotation with clean, smooth dock surfaces.
DAILY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY RATES AVAILABLE SAILBOAT SLIPS AT $4.75/FOOT The following services are available at the Marina:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Computerized security gates Locked berthers' restrooms and showers 10-foot average water depth Fuel dock dispensing gas and diesel Free waste pumpout station 20 and 30 amp electrical service Ample parking close to berths Coin operated laundry facilities Easy boating access to Bay and Delta Bayliner/Maxum dealership on site Guest dock and overnight berthing Grocery store within three blocks Mini golf/arcade five blocks away Marine insurance agency Humphrey's on the Delta restaurant Fishing piers and observation pier Bait, tackle and ice available Shoreside parks and picnic areas Public restrooms Wetlands preserve with birdwatching Wide open sailing and deep, fresh water
Easy access by boat via the San Joaquin River, by car via Highway 4, and train via Amtrak. The harbormaster's office and fuel dock are open seven days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. Overnight rates: Boats less than 40’: $11 Boats 40' and over: $16 Refundable key deposit: $20/key Radio or telephone for overnight accommodations. Rates and information subject to change.
For more information, call the marina at (925) 779-6957, email marina@ci.antioch.ca.us or Channel 16 VHF Page 82 • ItlXUJ.132 • October, 2000
Capt. Mike — Come the middle of November, we're going to know a whole lot more about how well the Qualcomm phones and Globalstar satellite system work in Mexico. This is because Qualcomm/Globalstar are the official communications system, of the Baja Ha-Ha, and because a number of members of the fleet have purchased their phones and satellite service for use during the Ha-Ha and while cruising in Mexico. In addition, the Grand Poobah will be using the Qualcomm/ Globalstar system to send daily photos back to the States for posting on the 'Lectronic Lati¬ tude site. For the time being, nobody else will have this latter cq.pabU.ity. According to Carole Schurch, who represents Qualcomm and Globalstar, ever since the service started it was always possible to make high quality satellite telephone calls from Mexico back to the States, but you could not receive calls on the phones in Mexico. The problem was. how can we say this delicately, 'non technical in nature. As of late September, it was expected to be solved "any day now". When it comes to the cost of phones, phone rates, and service areas, Schurch admits that it has been confusing but recently has become clearer. One tip is to use the Globalstar USA site, not any of the others, because it's the provider that Americans would use and has the most accurate information on coverage and roam¬ ing charges. Better yet, give Schurch a call at (800) 475-5158, and she'll answer all your questions. In addition. Schurch will be at both the Ha-Ha Crew List Party and Reunion at the Encinal YC on October 3 starting at 6:00 p.m., and then again at the HaHa Costume and Kick-Off Party at Cabrillo Isle Marina in San Diego on October 29 starting at noon. She'll be giving demonstra¬ tions and fielding questions. When we’ve used the Qualcomm satellite phone with the Globalstar system, the sound quality has been excellent. And there is obviously some demand for it among cruising sailors. We’re confident that it's going to work. -
TNlCIVIL LITIGATION By way of introduction, my name is Dr. Jacqueline Maupu. I am a visiting French lawyer who specializes in what you would define as corporate/environmental affairs of law. Naturally, my attention and interest is large vis a vis environment pollution and redress of the like of the Exxon Valdez tragedy. As you may know, France has sustained much tragic coastal .pollution in many tanker disasters. Of course, the issue of pollution in Eu¬ rope is not limited to the nautical. I have been engaged in the study and analysis of litigation in Europe and Asia, and now in the United States. As a sailor, I read the Just a Token Cleanup letter by Joe Bennett — and his lack of redress for the personal loss he sus¬ tained from the Exxon-Mobil spill. What particularity received my attention was your editorial comment that Bennett is a vic¬ tim of Exxon and of "the American legal system" — with the latter being the principal culprit. I do not know if you print criticism of your belief, but as one who has been professionally inyolved in redress for fishermen, coast resort communities, and other victims of water and coastal pollution due to ship groundings in Europe and Asia, I wish to assure you that American lawyers and its justice system are far more sensitive to the plight of the little people than in Europe
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