I happened to be in Port Townsend on a Hallberg Rassy much like the one reviewed in the same issue as the Giant Slayer when the theft happened. I felt great empathy and helplessness on part of the owner. I am glad the boat was found in part to the efforts of 48º North getting the word out to the sailing community about the theft. As this news article indicates you were directly responsible for the Giant Slayer being identified as a stolen boat and being recovered. On behalf of all of mariners I would like to thank you for your efforts and assistance in cases like that of the Giant Slayer. Good Job.
      Oh by the way we do read 48º North up here on the last frontier at Latitude 58 North.
Article at — www.juneauempire.com/stories/062002/sta_sailboat.shtml

Dan Stroeing
Juneau, Alaska

Thanks, it was a community effort. It was interesting that Associated Press picked up on the story and a lot of publications printed the item. I guess everyone's looking for stories with happy endings. On page 40 we have a story on Dave Garmen's trip to Ketchikan to recover his boat.

Dogged Watch Hits Nail on the Head

I thought Jay Fraser's "Dogged Watch" in the July issue was fabulous. For all who have sailed night passages shorthanded, I'm sure it brought back memories of similar watches. The pace and feel of the story hit the nail on the head. Well done Jay. I look forward to reading more from you.

Bob Richardson

Not Much Sailing in Arizona

Please find enclosed a check for $19.95 to receive your wonderful sailing rag in the mail.
      After six years of racing and a job on a tall ship this fall, I am now living in Tucson, Arizona! Not much sailing here, so looking forward to catching up with the Northwest scene.

Fair Winds,
Kristina Luther
Tucson, AZ

We LUUUUUV our Bucc

Ahoy there Richard. I recently read an article on your website from a lady asking where she can get more info about her Bucc. She also wondered why they are snubbed. Basically its out of jealousy. Buccaneers are the roomiest, cheapest and most lovable boats ever! When you own a Bucc you own a piece of heaven. They may not be the fastest, the strongest or the prettiest...but they grow on you like an old sweater. They are always ready to have you aboard and ready to go out for the day, a week or a month wherever you wanna take 'em.
      We LUUUUUV our Bucc. Her name is Valhalla. She needs a bit of TLC, but who doesn't? It's my conclusion that when you own a boat that you paid $25K for and the guy next to you has a Bucc with just as much space on her and he has just as much or more fun on her and his cost $1500.00, it's just gotta piss the YUPPY off. So heres my advice—visit http://baylinerbuccaneers.arecool.net and have a chat on the message board about Buccs. You will find out that they are coming into their ownÉlike a finely aged wine. There are several links off that page with manuals, brochures and all sorts of stuff. Have a look-see and decide for yourself who's got the problem when a Buccaneer is snuffed. It's certainly not US the Bucc owners. It's the people snuffing them for whatever reason. See you in Puget Sound this summer!! My boats name is Valhalla. She's a beauty! I love her and she knows it. She won't let me down and vice/versa.

Happy-sails,
Stephen Ronning

P.S. Next time you see a Bucc, remember that it was made in our hometown and remains a part of the American spirit!!! Now go have fun and quit worrying about snuffy snuffers!!!

Sounds like a match made in heaven. There are as many opinions on boats as there are sailors, not problems, just opinions. If everyone wanted the exact same things out of a boat, there'd only be one boat. Just goes to show there's a perfect boat for everyone—including the snuffy snuffers as well.

You Have a Good Product

Thanks for all your good work. Do not renew Ad for John Schnelback's boat, the boat is sold now.

Thanks,
John

P.S. You really have a good product. You know, Canada could use a better publication than who we have.

Looking for Specs and Blueprints for Northwest 21

I just bought a 21' Northwest sailboat with a Johnson outboard. It has a head and sink. It is seaworthy. We sailed it last summer and part of this summer. I plan on trying to restore it. I was told that this boat was built here but the company went under; something about the I.R.S. Anyway, I'd like to know where I can get specs and possible blue prints on this sailboat. I will try to attach a pic to this e-mail. I do hope you get this.

Thanks,
Robert Mullins
Renton, WA
fastlite@attbi.com

Needs Info on Classic Lake Union Pike Speedboat

Richard, I realize 48º North is primarily the sailing authority of the Pacific Northwest, however, I do know many motorboat people and Seattle old timers rely on your publication for information and entertainment also. I have in my possession a 1936 dual cockpit 22-foot Lake Union Pike speedboat.
      I understand it was the only one built and spent most of its life in the Seattle area. I am hoping you will print this letter and someone there will remember the boat or know something about it and take the time to e-mail me. I would give worlds to know more about the boat. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Gene Barrett
Portland, Oregon
Baarrett@aol.com

Boaters ARE Responsible for Their Wakes

Many of us are concerned with the number of boating accidents, near accidents, and fatalities in our State of Washington. Many things cause near accidents—such as discourteous skippers or skippers ignoring the "rules of the road (water)" or even knowing what they are. Four Coast Guard Auxiliarists in a 20 foot boat were nearly swamped by a 40 footer going many knots under the Deception Pass Bridge. The skipper was apparently unaware or did not know that he/she was responsible for the damage of the wake of the boat. The following article appeared in the National Operations Department of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary newsletter "Up Top in Operations". If possible reprint the article in 48º North. It is to remind people that their wakes can be very dangerous to other boaters.

Thank you,
Bonnie Harding
USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 25

Even though most of our readers are usually on the receiving end of these wake related incidents, we've followed this letter with the article just as a reminder to our powerboat friends about what can happen with all that water they push about.
      Did the people in the 20-footer get "the wave". Usually the folks riding blissfully along in these Tsunami machines give you a nice wave of the hand before giving you the wave from their boat.

"To some people, it means to look back and see how pretty it is. The fact that they are responsible for any damage or injury caused by that wake seems not to occur to them.
      The fact is, if your wake causes a small skiff to capsize or lose an occupant overboard, or if it causes a cruiser to roll and and an infant is thrown from its berth, you are legally, morally and financially responsible.
      It is quite possible that when you are on the flying bridge of a large cruiser or yacht, your wake may not seem to be very large. However, if you look astern at the vessels you have passed, you can easily see how they are bounced around. It is not only rude and discourteous to rock sailboats and small craft unnecessarily, but it could cost you money for damages done and you also may be faced with criminal charges.
      Your wake may not only cause damage or injury to other boats, but also cause damage to fixed installations such as floating docks or bulkheads, and it certainly does cause severe erosion damage to unprotected shoreline. You can be cited by the Coast Guard, the Sheriff, or the Marine Police for any of those actions. Passing another vessel 50 or 100 feet away will certainly be more damaging than passing 50 to 100 yards away. So, if you don't want to cut your speed, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!
      Passing a sailboat which is under full sail, in a good breeze, at a reasonable distance will not cause her much discomfort. On the other hand, passing the same boat in a calm with his sails limp might cause someone to be struck by the boom, thrown overboard or seriously injured. You are responsible.
      Be courteous and proud of it. Treat other boaters as you would like to be treated in their position. The proliferation of discourteous action is one thing that has caused many States to pass strict laws about wakes, speeding, and unsafe boat operation."

By Charles Ford
Up Top In Operations, Coast Guard Auxiliary Newsletter

Thanks for Rescuing My Boat

I want to say thanks to the unknown sailor on a blue Coronado 27 from Tyee Marina in Tacoma, WA. He rescued my boat when she broke free of her anchor and began to drift ashore. On July 4, my wife and I and a few friends were sailing in Commencement Bay in Tacoma for the Freedom Fair and fireworks display. While we were on shore having dinner, the tide came in and my anchor broke free, due to insufficient length of rode. The unknown man rescued my boat as she began to drift towards some large rocks and dock pilings. He also spent time attempting to fix some damage to the bow pulpit and lifelines incurred during the rescue and subsequent rafting process. Thanks so much for helping save my boat. Maybe we'll meet on the oceans someday and I can return the favor.

S. Justing Platt
S/V Arcadian Too
Olympia, WA

Restoring a Leaky Hatch

Several months ago the 25 year-old hatch on my Cal sailboat developed a leak through the sealant between the aluminum frame and the acrylic. After an unsuccessful attempt to patch the sealant, I questioned all of my acquaintances and contacted various facilities, including Fisheries Supply and Doc Freeman. The best that I could do was find where I could have a new piece of acrylic cut, but there was little agreement as to what material should best be used as the sealant.
      Without knowing the name of the make of the hatch, I telephoned the service department of several hatch manufacturers and hit the jackpot with Lewmar. Although they told me that it could not be their product, as they did not make hatches in 1977, they did supply the name of a hatch repair shop. I telephoned Tony at (203) 866-7629 then tapped out the hinge pins and shipped the hatch to him at: Select Plastics, 219 Liberty Square, East Norwalk, CT 06855, selectplastics@yahoo.com
      The hatch was returned as promised, looks as good as new and leaks no more! Several friends have asked me how I solved the problem and it occurred to me that your readers just might be interested in learning where a hatch can be restored.

Sincerely,
Frank Travis,
Xara
Bellingham, WA

Tips for Sailing with Babies

To Brenda, in response to your letter "Sailing with Babies" in the June 2002 issue of 48º North:
      From personal experience, here is what I know about sailing with babies. My daughter went sailing at 13 days old and my son went sailing at 6 days old. Cruising with infants is very possible and even enjoyable for all if you are properly prepared. It is imperative to set up the boat to be completely single-hand-able. Most of the time one of you parents will be physically preoccupied with the infant so the other will have to be able to do all of the sailing.
      Find a few "nursing berths" where you and the baby can tuck in. Remember you probably won't have a hand free so you will need to be able to comfortably sit wedged in with your legs. My wife had a spot in the cockpit and a couple spots down below.
      Infants' skin is very UV sensitive. It does not tan or burn but is easily damaged. Keep your baby out of the sun. Also eyes are sensitive so take precautions. You can find infant sunglasses. My daughter always removed them and chewed on them. Oh well. Babies enjoy the motion of the boat. On our boat (Catalina 25) I kept the kids in their car seats, in the cockpit. The car seat had a cover to keep the sun off. They could see us, we could see them, they got shade and the gentle rocking at the center of motion of the boatÉeverybody happy!! Screw some eye straps down for bungees to hold the car seat down.
      I never worked out flotation for the infant in the car seat. Baby is safe on the boat but watch out on the dock, it would be horrible to lose the stroller and/or seat in to the water, with baby carefully strapped in. Bleah, that was difficult to type. Anyways, that is something to think about, come up with a system you are happy with. Still not sure what to do in a serious "abandon ship" type situation. I always thought the best would be to forget the car seat and use an infant Type-1 lifejacket with lanyard.
      Choice of diapers does make some difference. We used disposables. As on land, they are just more trash, but the convenience is worthwhile. On a boat, water and fuel, opportunities for drying laundry, and your time are all at a premium. So, find a place to stow the diapers.
      Do you use a microwave to heat infant food? Might have to rethink that...
      This may be a way off for you but still consider what you will do once your baby is out of the car seat. Cruising with toddlers is a real hassle!!! They really need to get up and move around but the motion of the boat will make them very frustrated and is actually dangerous. They will get thrown around and bonk on to sharp things—every boat has a bunch of sharp things at just the wrong height! This is made worse by the Type-1 life jacket they must wear at all times. Infant/toddler Type-1s are so bulky they can not even reach their arms around the front.
      For ages 2 - 5, I do not believe that harnesses and tethers are a viable alternative to life jackets. The tethers just get tangled. Also, the height of the companionway ladder in most boats make it a real danger.
      That said, toddlers and older just love crawling around the cabins in boats, making secret forts and finding special stuff. It's OK to let them run around but again, just like home, keep the cleaning supplies etc. in some inaccessible place.
      Most of all, don't be afraid to get out there and do it!! My kids are 7 and 5 now and they love sailing, the more vigorous the weather the better.
      "More Bonga-Bonga waves DaDa!!!"

Regards,
Cliff Sojourner

Great People and Wonderful Sailmakers

I want to let you and your readers know of the wonderful service I recently received from Halsey Lidgard sailmakers in Seattle. They made a new mainsail for our 48 foot steel Ted Brewer cutter. Because our boat is in Florida, there ended up being a few communication and measurement problems and the sail that they made was not quite right. When I called them from Florida to discuss this, they said they would do whatever it took. Well, it ended up taking a new mainsail which they built for us at no extra charge, and they were very gracious about the whole situation. The sail that they made us was extremely well built and of the highest quality for our offshore needs. I just want to recommend Halsey Lidgard as great people to work with and wonderful sailmakers.

Bill and Chris Carli
Friday Harbor, WA

Pumpty Dumpty Available in Saanich Inlet

A Seattle boater thought 48º North would be a good place for us to inform Seattle boaters of the new holding tank pump-out service in Saanich Inlet. So, I phoned a few days ago and was told to e-mail you with a letter to the editor as the best approach for this bit of news. Here's the letter:
      Boaters cruising into Saanich Inlet where Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC, is located will be interested in knowing that holding tank pump-out service now exists. The especially vulnerable waters of Saanich Inlet are being given a break by a boat. Pumpty Dumpty cruises around the Inlet with a 200 gallon reservoir ready to relieve holding tanks and deliver the contents to the municipal sewage treatment system. Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS) operates Pumpty Dumpty as a nonprofit service and is supported in a variety of ways: by 15 organizations, volunteers and businesses, to the federal government of Canada.
      Pumpty Dumpty is available by VHF radio on channels 16 and 68 when underway. You can also reach her by cell phone at (250) 480-9292. More information is available at www.pumptydumpty.ca.

Thanks for pumping out rather than dumping out!

Sincerely,
Sarah Verstegen,
Chairperson,
SIPS Pumpty Dumpty Steering Committee

It is with great restraint that we resist the temptation for some cheap, yet clever potti humor. Let's just say instead how great it is to see a community work together to find a workable solution to a problem and put it into action.