MIKE WHITEHEAD -- The Harbor Column

Ahoy.

I have finally returned from cruising in the Puget Sound, San Juan

Islands, and Desolation Sound of northern Washington and Canada aboard a

nice yacht. If you enjoy cruising smoother inner passages not subject to

ocean swells plus scenic views, then this is the trip for you.

However, I don’t recommend it without caution. Unlike cruising in

Newport Harbor and most places in Southern California, one must prepare

very carefully for a trip in these areas, which have many hazards not

found in Newport. I can guarantee that in the Northwest, boaters do not

want to be caught cruising without a chart in hand that shows submerged

rocks nor do you want to cruise at night in the passages with numerous

floating logs. Tidal changes of up to 18 feet create swift rapids in many

narrows and make headway difficult for slow-moving vessels.

None of that is what most boaters think about while in Newport Harbor.

The features I like the best in the Northwest are the amenities

available to boaters, whether it is an overnight mooring, access to

stores and restaurants or a willingness to help you find what you need.

The feature I most dislike is fueling at the fuel docks, which are

basically self-service -- not uncommon in most other areas, too. I am

spoiled with the excellent service I receive at the fuel docks in

Newport. Here, the docks’ staff fuel my boat due to the risk of an

overfill causing a spill in the water. If someone works that fuel pump

everyday, they know the rate of flow and can prevent a spill.

You see, not all fuel docks’ nozzles and fuel pump pressures are

created equal, from station to station, making it difficult for me to

know when to shut off the nozzle. Plus, trying to get a fuel-filling pad

or overflow catch cup in Canada is impossible.

One nice feature, though -- the fuel is not dyed red, getting all over

everything you touch.

I have said this before and I will say it again -- we do not give our

fuel docks credit for the excellent service they provide and the little

amount of fuel spilled considering the thousands of gallons pumped daily.

I see more fuel spilled at my local gas station. In addition, the fuel

docks and the harbor department are the two first places a visiting

boater will make contact as Newport’s unofficial ambassadors, so think

about that when you visit another distant harbor.

***

The California Department of Boating and Waterways has released a new

booklet, “Clean Boating Habits,” which is excellent, but do not let the

title fool you. This handy to carry, 7-inch-by-5-inch spiral bound

booklet is full of useful boating information, helping you with everyday

actions to keep you and your boat safe while preventing potential sources

of pollution. I found this booklet to be well-written and not too wordy

-- able to get the message across for boaters. Get a copy of this at o7

www.dbw.ca.govf7 or call 888-326-2822.

Here’s a partial quote from the back page: “Government alone cannot

protect California’s environment. Each of us must take responsibility for

pollution prevention.”

Safe voyages.

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

your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail

to o7 [email protected] or o7 https://www.BoathouseTV.comf7 .