Latitude 38 - November 2002-2003

Yacht Brokerage LETTERS

when I've been there, so it's a perfect opportunity to motor in order to charge batteries and pull down the freezer.

HYLAS44

Popular German Frers design known for its excellent sailing characteristics and high quality, solid construction. Commis¬ sioned and launched in 1988 forthe present owner, actively cruised almostexclusivelyin Southern California (one season in Mexico in 1991). Comprehensively equipped, regularly upgraded, and always lovingly maintained. Recently reduced!

There aren't many visitors to Guadalupe, so it's a good place to trade for seafood. If you arrive during abalone sea¬ son, you might find some tough, black abalone that’s the size of a baseball. They aren't worth hammering into steaks, so I suggest that you put them in your freezer until you get far enough south to catch some small squid. Then thaw the aba¬ lone, grind it up, and stuffthem into the body tubes of squid. Simmer them in spaghetti sauce until tender, and you'll be an acclaimed gourmet chef.

I want to thank Lauren Spindler, head honcho of the HaHa, for making me an honorary member ofthis year's group. It's seldom we get rewarded forjust doing what we want to do as opposed to what we should do.

Ernie Copp

Orient Star, Cheoy Lee 50 Long Beach

nilsAY 'NO' TO L.N.G. AT MARE ISLAND

Are Bay Area sailors aware that a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility is being proposed for the south end of Mare Island, and it could have a negative effect on sailing in the Bay? I have some serious concerns.

FARR 58

Conceived as a fast, comfortable and easily handled yacht ideally suited for cruising the tropics, this custom Farr design, commissioned in 1991, features a light and airy three state¬ room interior, Leisure Furl main, ProFurl furling headstay, retractable carbon sprit with asymmetric spinnaker, and patented Scheel keel (6' draft). Continuously updated, always impeccably maintained, offered by the original owner. Reasonably priced, offers encouraged. Central Agent.

Shell Gas & Power and Bechtel Enterprises propose to turn the southernmost waterfront of Mare Island immediately adjacent to the entrance of the Vallejo estuary into a sig¬ nificant LNG storage facility, power plant, distribution hub, and shipping/off-loading facility. We’re talking huge storage tanks, huge ships and in my opinion, more unsightly indus¬ trialization of what presently is an open and natural land¬ scape.

What’s wrong with this project? First, I don't think it's the best use for the land. With a beautiful waterview golf course already situated on the bluffs directly above and bordering the site, and with a natural tidal basin, I think if the land is developed at all, it should be as a destination resort hotel and marina, with a waterfront park and concert facility. Imag¬ ine a genuine sail-in destination resort offering world class golf, restaurants, lodging and an open air entertainment venue. Such land utilization would create hundreds ofjobs and bring millions of tax dollars to the city ofVallejo. I think a resort would create more long term economic gain, and the downwind neighbors wouldn't need to worry about half a bazillion cubic feet of compressed gas blowing up near them.

MASON 63

Arguably the best of the 63s by PAE. Classic'styling, solid construction, beautiful 3 stateroom teak interior, fully equipped for extended cruising. Only three owners since being commissioned in 1981, never chartered, and always properly maintained. A smaller quality sailboat will be considered as part of the purchase. Central Agent.

P.O. Box 3491, Newport Beach, CA 92659 USA

Tel: (949) 675-1355 Fax: (949) 675-1655

Email: wdrodgers@mindsprine.com www.yachtworld.com/wdrodgers

The Shell and Bechtel plans call for the dredging of a huge turning basin for the ocean going LNG tankers. Hell, we can’t even get the dinky little entrance to our marina dredged, but supposedly they’ll get the permits to dredge millions of tons of bottom in order to facilitate this proposed plant. Where’s the EPA, BCDC, XYZ, ABC, LMNOP, HUA and all the rest? And by the way, where do they think all the residual silt is going to flow once it’s stirred up from the bottom? Yep, right into the neighboring marinas.

Then there's the impact on recreational boating in the re¬ gion if the project is built. I understand that whenever one of their big LNG tankers was in port, there would be a signifi¬ cant security zone established around the ship and small craft will be required to steer well clear. Imagine sailing abound a giant LNG tanker with your family aboard, watching streams of vapors and emissions wafting from pipes and hoses, and wondering what it is that you’re breathing. In the public rela¬ tions literature, Shell and Bechtel make some vague mention that the facility will benefit recreational boaters but they don't say how. They should be held accountable to such

Why a Garhauer Radar Tower?