Boaters show their strength

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

Boaters locally and throughout the state have spoken once again to

the politicians in Sacramento. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has

proposed a number of changes that would affect the Department of

Boating and Waterways. Each time, the response from boaters has been

huge, with letters and e-mails.

The latest plan to eliminate the Boating and Waterways Commission,

along with 88 other commissions and boards, was abandoned. The

Boating and Waterways Commission is the body that decides how funding

for the Department of Boating and Waterways will be granted or loaned

to qualifying projects in the state each year.

“These projects are an example of how we give back to California’s

boaters in a practical way,” boating and waterways Director Raynor

Tsuneyoshi said. “New and improved boating facilities support a

vibrant boating community in our state that keeps 284,000

Californians employed.”

Keep in mind this is a dedicated fund source, paid directly by the

boaters without a dime of the state’s general fund money. We are not

talking peanuts, but tens of millions of dollars annually that are

distributed by the commission to boating infrastructure projects,

boating law enforcement and education.

So, boaters need to pat themselves on the back and keep up the

good work, letting your voices be heard on issues locally, in

Sacramento and in Washington, D.C.

In a future column, I’ll update you on the federal proposal to

require everyone to wear a lifejacket while aboard a vessel.

On another note, those inspired to sail to Hawaii probably know

that the 43rd TransPac -- the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los

Angeles to Honolulu -- is coming in July. Rich Roberts, boating

writer and press officer for the race, mentions that March 11 is the

deadline for early entry fee discounts.

I have made the 2,225-nautical-mile trek across the Pacific

between the mainland and Honolulu a few times, and I can tell you

that there is nothing like the feeling of being a thousand miles from

the nearest shoreline. This year, I am prepping to be the first

person in a sabot to win the barn door award -- any sailors available

to crew for me?

QUESTION OF WEEK

This week’s question is a simple one: How come, when I am leaving

the Back Bay, I sometimes hit the underside of the PCH bridge after

going almost all the way underneath?

Ouch, there goes your satellite TV boom.

First, you should look at the footage clearance markers at the

base of the supports to see if your boat has the vertical clearance,

but who knows how high their boat is anyway.

If in doubt, I guess that you could flood your bilges to sink your

boat lower in the water, but this might have some damaging drawbacks.

Unfortunately, the bridge’s construction design is to trick boaters

leaving the Back Bay, as the Back Bay side is higher than the lower

bay’s side (south side). So, many boaters have visually spotted their

vertical clearance only to hit the other side. You can thank

Caltrans, whose engineers are obviously not boaters.

Last week, I asked who knows what one prolonged blast means, and

what is the signal of one prolonged and three short blasts?

The signal of one prolonged blast is given by a vessel underway,

making way in restricted visibility -- such as nearing a bend,

leaving a berth or in inclement weather conditions.

Now, this part is for those charter boat captains, who are backing

out of their slip and giving the signal of one prolonged and three

short blasts. That signal signifies that you are the last vessel

being towed. The correct signal for backing out of your berth is one

prolonged blast, a 10-second pause for any reply signals and then

three short blasts when you’re putting your screws in reverse gear.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation, “Capt.

Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show.” It airs every Saturday from

noon to 1 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170). You can join me, Chandler Bell and

Eric Hovland by calling the listener line at (888) 344-1170.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to [email protected] or visit https://www.boathousetv.com.