August 2008 - GSL-Marina - mailman.xmission.com

Marina News 08-11-08
by GSL Harbormaster 11 Aug '08

11 Aug '08

Marina News August 11, 2008 Great Salt Lake Marina Reef Channel Buoys Hopefully you have all received the "Navigation Notice 08-10-08 #1" about the Reef Channel Buoys. We will be removing these buoys either today or tomorrow. We no longer recommend ANY boat go over the reef or use the Reef Channel Buoys anymore. It is just too shallow. Each navigation buoy is expensive to maintain and is a hit to the budget when they break loose and disappear. Therefore, they will be pulled. Please use the Deep Channel Buoys for leaving and entering the marina. The "Band-Aid" "Dredging" plan We received welcome news this afternoon regarding funding for the Lucin tug boat to return to the marina. The Lucin will return to the marina and "Push" down the high areas near 'B' dock and in the marina mouth. This is not a done deal yet but hope to dot-the-eye's and cross-the-tees by Wednesday. The Lucin COULD be here as early as Thursday morning. For safety reasons we will need to close the marina during the time that the Lucin is operating. This would possibly mean one complete day. When we finalize the deal I will email you with complete details and closure times. But no work will begin before this Thursday morning. Tufa Reef A weekend free of Tufa Reef incidents. Wow! Although we had some vessels with mechanical problems requiring tows. Crane Day Crane Day is this August 21st. If you are not on the list yet and need craning services please contact Dave Shearer at dshearer(a)gslyc.org Perseids Meteor Shower Tonight is one of the most popular nights to boat on the lake. This is due to the Perseids Meteor Shower that begins tonight. Tomorrow's pre-dawn hours will be the best time for observation since this is when earth will be centered in the oncomong meteors. Following is an edited excerpt from the today's Salt Lake Tribune Article written by Sheena McFarland: "Utah Stargazers can see dozens of shooting stars tonight through early tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly clear skies. Under a moonless, dark sky, observers away from city light pollution (Great Salt Lake) are able to see one or two meteors per minute. (Moonrise tonight is 5:46 and is a half moon. The tribune misprinted there would be no moon tonight). Some Perseid meteors may also be seen in the next few nights and mornings. But astronomers predict tomorrow's predawn hours will probably be the best time for Utahn's (Great Salt Lakers) to look since that's when Earth will be nearly centered in and directly facing the oncoming meteoroid swarm. The shower derives its name because they appear to burst from the constellation Perseus. Most meteors are actually tiny bits of rock, many no larger than a grain of sand, that burn up due to air friction when they strike Earht's extreme upper atmosphere. The resultant meteor ash then drifts harmlessly and invisibly to Earth. Most meteor shower particles are thought to be debris left behind by comets. The Perseids' parent comet, Swift/Tuttle, was last closest to Earth in the early 1990's and will not return until 2126. Additional astonomical information can be found at utahastro.info" Please remember your navigation or anchor lights if you are on the lake. Regardless of what kind of craft you are on, you are required to diplay the proper lighting while on the lake at night. Do not become a statistic. Great Salt Lake Yacht Club invites you to the Buffalo Run Cruise and Raft-up The club is providing Shrimp & Scallops, and yours truly (Rock Simpson) will make the Buffalo milk for as long as it lasts. bring a pot luck side dish or your favorite munchables to share. Skippers meeting will be at the pavillion at noon on August 16th. Weather permitting, we'll make a run for the buffalo at Indian Bay, where we'll raft-up, swim & enjoy what the lake has to offer. So I (Rock Simpson) know how much seafood to buy send and RSVP e-mail to jamega11(a)msn.com Forecast for the Buffalo Run Cruise and Raft Up Saturday 8/16 Mostly sunny High 91 ° F / RF 88 ° F , RF Shade 87 ° F . Low 63 ° F / RF 61 ° F . Max. UV 7 . Other Upcoming Events August 13 Wednesday Night Race #12 hosted by GSLYC August 14 Concert at Saltair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 August 16 Buffalo Run Raft-up hosted by GSLYC (see above) August 16 Concert at Salair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 August 16 Jr. Ranger / GSL Ecology at Antelope Island www.stateparks.utah.gov August 17 Hike w/ Naturalist - Buffalo Point Antelope Island www.stateparks.utah.gov August 20 Wednesday Night Race #13 hosted by GSLYC August 21 Crane Day - 9:00am SHARP August 23 OAS and USU Star Party at Antelope Island www.stateparks.utah.gov August 24 Summer Sunday Regatta #1 Make-up hosted by GSLYC August 27 Wednesday Night Race #14 (last of the season) hosted by GSLYC August 30-31 Governor's Cup Race's hosted by GSLYC August 30 Jr. Ranger / Bird Walk at Antelope Island www.stateparks.utah.gov August 31 Hike w/ Naturalist - Frary Peak Antelope Island www.stateparks.utah.gov September 1 Head of the GSL hosted by GSLR September 7 Antelope Island Row hosted by GSLR September 13-14 Fall Regatta #1 hosted by GSLYC September 17 "Bonneville" Christening hosted by GSLEP September 19-20 Antelope Island Balloon Stampede www.stateparks.utah.gov September 20-21 Equinox Crystal Bay Cruise hosted by GSLYC September 23 Concert at Saltair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 September 25 Head of GSL hosted by Utah Crew September 25 Brine Shrimp Egg Harvester Meeting at GSL Marina - Expect a crowded marina and parking problems September 25 Concert at Saltair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 September 27 Commodore's Cup hosted by GSLYC September 28 Concert at Saltair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 October 8 Concert at Saltair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 October 11-12 Fall Regatta #2 hosted by GSLYC October 18-19 Fall Regatta Make-up (if needed) hosted by GSLYC October 25 Pumpkin Patch Regatta and Raft-up hosted by GSLYC October 25 End of Season Day hosted by GSLR October 26 Mast-Dropping party hosted by Great Salt Lake State Marina October 27 Scheduled Turn-off Date for water to the docks (this date may change due to cold weather) November 1 Slip rent drops to Winter Rates - Rate schedule to follow in an upcoming Marina News November 1 Crane Day - Probably last of the year. Plan accordingly November 2 Daylight Savings Time ends. Turn clocks back one hour November 22 Dave's Turkey Cup hosted by Dave Shearer and Great Salt Lake State Marina Decembe 6 Winter Regatta hosted by GSLYC December 18 Concert at Saltair - Expect evening traffic delays at Exit 104 December 20 Bottom-of-Pit party hosted by Great Salt Lake State Marina December 31 All slip contracts expire. Please make sure your new slip contracts and autopays are in before this date. If I missed an event you are hosting or if I got the date-event wrong, please email me so I can make corrections. Dave Shearer Harbormaster Great Salt Lake Marina Have you checked your docklines lately?

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Navigation Notice #1 08-10-08
by GSL Harbormaster 10 Aug '08

10 Aug '08

Navigation Notice # 1 August 10, 2008 Great Salt Lake Reef Channel Buoys Will Be Removed Both Reef Channel Buoys, R-G1 and R-G3 will be removed on the evening of August 10th, 2008. These bouys are being removed for the rest of the season due to shallow water and hazardous conditions over the reef outside the Great Salt Lake Marina. DO NOT USE THE PATH OVER THE REEF ANYMORE. It is very shallow with several spots where the reef comes up abruptly. The recommended path is the Deep Channel Buoys. Dave Shearer Harbormaster Great Salt Lake Marina Have you checked your docklines lately?

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Raft up August 16, 2008
by ROCK A SIMPSON 08 Aug '08

08 Aug '08

Hot August night wine and cheese raft up. Sorry I think it's time for the Buffalo Run. The Club is providing Shrimp & Scallops, and yours truly will make the Buffalo milk for as long as it lasts, Bring a pot luck side dish or your favorite munchables to share. Skippers meeting will be at the pavilion at noon on August 16th. Weather permitting, we'll make a run for the buffalo at Indian Bay, where will raft up swim & enjoy what the lake has to offer. So I know how much seafood to buy send an RSVP e-mail to jamega11(a)msn.com<mailto:jamega11@msn.com> Fair winds /) /) /) /) ~~~~~~~~ Rock

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Marina News 08-05-08
by GSL Harbormaster 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Marina News August 5, 2008 Great Salt Lake Marina Current Conditions Lake Level 4194.9 Lake Level Trend Dropping ¯ Water Temperature 86° Hypothermia Index Exhaustion: Indefinite / Death: Indefinite Current Flows Bear -> No Flow - Dry / Weber -> low / Jordan Goggins -> Low Lake Level Well, unfortunately, of the two scenario's we predicted at the beginning of summer, scenario #2 has prevailed. The lake has dropped like a rock this summer with hot temperatures and NO moisture. Utah may not be in a drought but we have certainly been in a very dry pattern since the end of February. All that great snowpack came from the lake and didn't come back. Our low lake level for the year will likely be around 4193.9 (one foot lower than now). How will this affect the boaters? Well, it won't affect the scullers and canoers (except where noted later in this newsletter). Most of the sailboats will be able to get out through the 2008 season. The deeper draft boats may be stuck in by fall though. We are working on a solution, that may buy most of the fall for the deeper draft boats. our trouble area right now is near 'B' dock. This is mostly silt and can be pushed through with minor difficulty. We hope to fix this with a "band-aid" approach. The "Band-Aid" We have a "band-aid" plan to take care of the "B Dock Hump", take out some of the remaining humps in, and around the mouth, and push a trench to the launch ramp. We have requested money for this plan and hope to hear on our request either today or tomorrow. So, here is the plan. We plan to hire Trestlewood (the company that dredged the marina this spring) to come back to the marina with their deep draft tug, the Lucin, and literally push through the muck. They would come down and make several passes through the marina pushing the silt down and to the side to create a trench at least 6' deep at the time of the operation. They may be able to blow the silted areas even deeper than 6'. This could possibly buy the remainder of the season for almost all the boats in the marina. It is a plan that is affordable, prevents permit delays, and can be done quickly. But it is only a band-aid with no guarantee of complete success. Our timetable on this plan is for next Monday (if funding comes through). This may mean we will need cooperation from some slip renters. We will want to have the boats in the last four slips from "B' dock to ''E" dock, to relocate for that day. The Lucin will need to operate at moderate speeds in the mouth. This may disturb these boats. Further, we will need to do a marina closure of all boating activity during the day this operation is happening. The speeds and reaction time of the Lucin could be dangerous to ANY boating activity while they are operating. This closure would be for three to six hours and should only be for one day but could possibly stretch partially into another day. Hope for the best. Boat Safely In The Marina Ok, with the lower water levels comes narrower pathways through the marina and the marina mouth. And with the shallow spots comes other hazard. Realize, that when you round the corner into the marina, There may be a boat stuck near 'B' dock. Watch your speeds. Keep a close lookout. Choose motoring in, as opposed to sailing in, when possible. The sailing group and the sculling group will have to be more aware of each other and work more closely together to avoid mishaps and accidents. Typically a sailboat, operating with a motor, is considered a motorboat with regards to right-of-way rules. This means that the sail/motor boat is the give way boat to a sculler or other paddle boat. With this narrow mouth though, we will all just have to be aware of each other. The scullers, although small boats, have a wide profile with their paddles. They require a fair amount of room going out of the mouth. And their paddles are part of their stability. And the scullers, having such a low profile, are not easy to see compared to a boat with a mast sticking over the breakwater. On the other hand, the sailboats, with their deep drafts, cannot operate safely except for a narrow path through the marina. Nor can a sailboat, with all that ballast and inertia, stop on a dime. It takes some distance to come to a stop. And even at a slow speed of 5 knots, a 5,000 pound sailboat can do a great deal of damage or injury in a collision. Wakeless speed is not necessarily SAFE SPEED right now. 5 knots, right now, is excessive speed in the marina. Please, keep it slow. Keep a good watch. Whether you are in a sculling shell or a sailboat, we all have our challenges now and must work together in these narrow spots and shallow years. Barn Swallow Season As we move through August we will see less spiders and brine flies. But August always heralds that ever popular season known as the "Five Weeks Of Hell". Yes, It is Barn Swallow Season yet again. They have already arrived at Antelope Island depositing their special gifts on any boat that can be found. And their thoughts are now turning south towards our marina. Once they arrive here, the migration through the marina is quite a site to behold. They begin their early days here perching on spreaders, stays and spars over on 'B' dock. They then begin working on their special magic pink deposits here before moving on to pristine targets on 'C' and then 'D' and then 'E' dock. This migration takes about two weeks before reaching the trees of the Ranger Station where they rest up temporarily before continuing their journey to their eventual goal of 'K' dock. These most obnoxious of birds take great entertainment from all the elaborate devices the human inhabitants of the marina contrive to keep the swallows from defiling their boats. Fake barn owls and rubber snakes are some of their favorite contrivances to perch on and stain. Yes, just as the spiders and flies must be tolerated during their season, so must the barn swallow. We are only fooling ourselves that we may control this pesky critter. But, with the return of September comes pleasant temperatures, fair winds, and a marina that the humans may reclaim as their own. The Tufa Reef Fleet I would like to welcome our new members of the "Tufa Reef Fleet". We have four NEW inductees for the first weekend of August. Please give a warm welcome to ___________, __________, __________, and __________, On a serious note; DO NOT USE THE REEF CHANNEL BUOYS anymore. IT IS NOT A SAFE PATH. Boats with drafts shallower than four feet are running aground here. Use the Deep Channel Buoys. And remember, it is "Red Right Return". Not "Red Right Leaving". We have left the Reef Channel Buoys in only as a navigation guide for the rescue boats and as a guide to knowing where the end of the reef is. Vessel Registration Compliance I have been informed by the rangers that they will be walking the docks next week looking for registration compliance. This means that UT numbers AND current year registration stickers MUST be displayed on the boats. I have also been informed by the rangers that their will be no excuses. Do not bother emailing or calling here. I can't do anything about it. 'B' Dock The north side of 'B' dock is now very shallow. Some slips on the south side are facing the same challenges. Now is the time to make arrangements to move off 'B' dock for the winter. Call or email the harbor master for a new slip assignment. Your rates will stay the same as if you were still on 'B' dock. You will not loose your 'B' dock slip. Next year, WHEN the water comes back up, you will be able to return back to your slip. If you don't take this opportunity now to move, your keel may be wintering in the mud. If you were fine on 'B' dock during the winter of 2004-2005 you should be fine this winter too. Trip-Around-The-Lake We will temporarily postpone the Around-The-Lake trip. Interest in this trip has been sparse. Maybe cooler temperatures and lower gas prices will bring some enthusiasm. A new date will be announced shortly based on interest. Antelope Island Happenings Antelope Island is one of the true jewels in State Parks. You may not be able to boat up there but the drive is a quick 45 minutes. And Antelope Island offers some great recreational opportunities in the next two months. Antelope Island is the largest of Great Salt Lake's islands. It is the home of over 500 bison and is one of the oldest herds in North America. Pronghorn and bighorn sheep along with Antelope, coyote's, eagles are some of the other visible wildlife on the island. There are numerous backcountry trails "which are open to horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. A visitor center offers information on the island's unique biology, geology and history". (www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/) Antelope Island Balloon Stampede should be a premiere event and a wonderful opportunity to experience all that Antelope Island has to offer. This event will be held September 19th and 20th and will include anywhere from 20 to 50 hot air balloons. There will also be vendor booths. Entrance fee to the event is $10.00 which includes entry to the park. Buffalo Point Inc. operates a bistro at Buffalo Point on the island. This little restaurant is open noon to 4pm on weekdays and noon to 5pm on weekends. They also a Wildlife Safari and Boat Cruises. for more info call 888-878-8002 or online at www.davisareacvb.com Horseback riding is available through R & G Horseback Riding. Rides depart from the Fielding Garr Ranch. For reservations call 888-878-8002 or online at www. davisareacvb.com Other upcoming events on Antelope Island are: August 1st Star Party / New Constellation View at the Visitor Center @ 8:30pm August 2nd Hike with Naturalist / Mt. View Trail. North Mt. View Trailhead @9:am August 16th Full Moon Hike / Mt. View Trail (registration is required - To register call 801-721-9569 August 16th Living History Day / Fielding Garr Ranch. Learn about the people who lived on the island. For more info call 801-649-5742 August 16th Antelope Island Cowboys, lecture on Cattle Ranching on Antelope Island. For more information call 801-649-5742 August 17th Hike with Naturalist / Buffalo Point. Buffalo Point Trailhead @ 9:am August 23rd OAS and WSU Star Party. Enjoy beautiful celestial views and stellar conversations w/ local astronomers. 9:00pm at White Rock Bay August 30th Industry of the GSL program. Join the park naturalist for a closer look into the industries of the GSL. Visitor center 3pm August 31st Hike with Naturalist / Frary Peak / Frary Peak Trailhead @ 8:am For more information on Antelope Island activities go to www.stateparks.utah.gov Row for the Cure Last Saturday's "Row For The Cure" seemed to be a great success and raised quite a bit of money for the ''Susan G. Komen for the Cure". Congratulations to GSLR and Demie Moore and thank you for bringing this worthy event to the Great Salt Lake State Marina. Upcoming Events to the Great Salt Lake Marina August 6 Wednesday Night Race #11 hosted by GSLYC August 9 Ladies Race hosted by GSLYC August 13 Wednesday Night Race #12 hosted by GSLYC August 16 Wine & Cheese Raft-up hosted by GSLYC August 20th Wednesday Night Race #13 hosted by GSLYC August 23 Wa'a At The Lake (private event for Hawaiian Cultural Center) August 24th Summer Sunday Regatta #1 (make-up) hosted by GSLYC August 27th Wednesday Night Race #14 (last of the season) hosted by GSLYC August 30-31 Governor's Cup hosted by GSLYC September 1 Head of the GSL hosted by GSLR September 7 Antelope Island Row hosted by GSLR Sept. 13-14 Fall Regatta #1 hosted by GSLYC September 20 Equinox Crystal Bay Cruise hosted by GSLYC September 25 Head of the GSL hosted by Utah Crew September 27 Commodore's Cup hosted by GSLYC Dave Shearer Harbormaster Great Salt Lake Marina Have you checked your docklines lately?

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Weather Warning
by GSL Harbormaster 05 Aug '08

05 Aug '08

Weather Warning A Storm Warning has been issued for the whole Great Salt Lake area. Showers and thunderstorms are expected through the day. Storms are beginning to build over the West Desert and are tracking towards the Great Salt Lake. These storms may produce strong gusty winds, lighting and brief heavy rain. Gusts near the marina, during these storms, could exceed 50mph. These storms are caused by a monsoonal pattern that is expected to last for the next few days. Keep an eye towards the Oquirrh Mountains, Stansbury Island, and Tooele Valley for developing or approaching thunderstorms. Keep posted to reliable weather sources for weather updates. Dave Shearer Harbormaster Great Salt Lake Marina Have you checked your docklines lately?

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