Chapter 5 - Mariner's Basin and a working autopilot.

 

Tazzy anchored in Mariner's Basin, Mission Bay, CA

We have been to some serious dive bars, but The Pennant Bar in San Diego (actually a short walk from the anchorage) is a new high.  The atmosphere is old Mission Bay with lots of wood and uncomfortable bar stools.  The drinks were good, and the food served out of a small kitchen in the back where you go to place your orders was exceptional.  The bar tender was also interesting - more ink than a printing press and lots of interesting jewelry, but as hard as her expression was when we walked in, she became friendly like sunshine when I recognized a song on her play list featuring Ozzy and Lenny.  Little did she realize I had been going to Ozzy Osborne shows since long prior to her arrival on earth.  So.....

The Pennant Bar (the photo is fromthe Pennant Bar Website.

Unlike the last time we anchored here, the "pirates" have not been apparent.  It's nice feeling as though one need not lock everything to a railing when leaving the boat.  Perhaps the local water cops got the message when a lot of cruisers started to complain about the large numbers of unfortunate dregs inhabiting the anchorages in otherwise derelict boats on the three day rotation - three days here, three days there, and so on, as three days is the length of an anchoring permit one can get.  Frankly, I suspect many of the derelict dregs actually obtain anchoring permits, and the cops for years have simply looked the other way.  Perhaps no more.  I heard that many have moved out of the harbor to seek shelter behind the Zooniga Jetty.  A precarious place to say the least, but there is no anchoring permit required. There are a lot of articles posted about how San Diego is getting rid of lots and lots of abandoned vessels.  Maybe these less than fortunate boaters have moved on.  Those boats rarely have MSD's and even fewer have working engines or electrical systems.  Safety and protection of the environment have to be priorities and if they can't make the grade, they endanger others.  So, move on.

THE AUTOPILOT SAGA

So, an update on the autopilot situation.  It works!  I have to extend a hero's thanks to my friend Joel at Beacon Marine Electronics.  He has always been there when I needed his guidance and advice.  I am an idiot for not calling him first.  I wasted so much time and stomach lining with Garmin Technical Support.  Those guys had me chasing shadows that did not exist.  One even suggested my equipment was dying and on the way out; that I was looking at having to replace lots of expensive parts.  Another had me moving parts and bits all over the boat in a vague attempt to equalize the magnetic field on my boat.  Joel, on the other hand, had the most effective and useful solution.  He said, "Why the hell didn't you call me first?"  In all honesty, I hated to bother him.  He made it very clear, however that that is why he's there.  To help.  Well, thank you, Joel. You and yours have consistently demonstrated the highest quality of service and professionalism, bar none, that I have experienced in the marine industry. I don't care who you are, but for whatever reason, Joel has managed to corral the best herd of marine electronics technicians around.  His guys care about what they do and how it all falls together.  They take the time.  I cannot recommend Beacon Marine Electronics enough. Customer for life! 

Marine Electronics Oxnard | Installation & Full Service Dealership

The problem is that this is the sort or experience I have come to expect from all service providers and vendores and frankly, it is the sort of experience I hope to give all of my clients.  It is in this vein that I, again, think the world of Joel, and thank him for his exceptional level of professionalism and service.

Now, on to other items of interest.  First, the Starlink mount issue is hopefully resolved.  Presently, it's the BBQ mount over which I remain sceptical.  Why?  Because, we are now using the same pole holder that we were using for the Starlink antenna; the same pole holder that kept sliding over leaving the Starlink antenna hanging on for dear life overboard.  It is configured differently for the grill, however, so, we'll see. We are using a different pole holder for the Starlink antenna now and it seems to be holding strong.  I really need to have this squared away as the Rally requires 0800 position reports and I can send them via email using Starlink.  Even were that not possible, I can still send position reports using my Garmin InReach MINI 2.

We have time to work it out.  In San Diego, we will take a dock for a few days before the start of the rally, a short distance from a chandlery that will have lots of bits and bobs at wholesale price for HaHa cruisers.  I'm sure there are some spare parts I haven't thought of yet that I will pick up.  Certainly, I should be able to put something together to make sure the BBQ stays on board.  

I have to remind myself that this cruise is significantly more than the two week rally to Cabo.  Hell, if this were only a two week deal, it would be little different from the two week cruises we do regularly to our own islands (except for the overnight sailing).  But alas, there is simply a lot more to it.

Last night was DJ night.  Brenda and I have been doing this since we first met.  It's all about playing meaningful tunes and listening to music together.  On the boat, we get comfy in the cockpit and check out the sunset and the moon, have drinks and chill to the sounds of good tunes.  

More later....

Well, we spent a day wandering around Mission Beach.  There is a lot to do there if you are inclined.  There is a place where there are carnival rides and games and a lot of restaurants and bars to frequent if you are so inclined,  It is also mostly on the beach with spectacular views.  There is also the boardwalk or bikepath that runs the coast from the Mission Bay entrance, west (or north) all the way to La Jolla.  It's a fun and lively part of the coast.

We left Mission Bay early on October 25.  Joel had assigned us homework to do.  We had to do the autotune on the autopilot to make sure the steering was sharp.  One needs very favorable conditions and a bit of open space.  So we upped the anchor at around 0830 and headed out into glassy conditions.  I didn't bother to raise the mainsail. 

Once clear of the jetty's and in deep enough water to be clear of the lobster trap markers, we engaged the autotune hoping, just hoping it would all go well.  Success! So, we turned the bow roughly south and headed for Point Loma and the entrance into San Diego.

Point Loma

Going into San Diego is always fun because it is so chaotic.  Boats moving in every direction and many seemingly unaware that there are rules governing the movement of vessels within sight of one another.  Oh well.  It simply pays to keep a sharp eye and to avoid entanglement.  Nevertheless, the sights are interesting.

The San Diego Skyline

This is a naby drydock for submarines.

This is the end of Shelter Island.

CVN 71 - USS Theodore Roosevelt getting lots of work done.

That's the USS Midway - commissioned in 194 5 as the largest ship in the world.  She is now a principal museum on the San Diego waterfront.

A couple cruise ships in port.

We are now anchored in a special anchorage the City of San Diego has set up for Ha Ha cruisers.  No permit necessary.

The Coronado Bridge

We'll be here a couple days before moving into a slip on Shelter Island for about a week.  For now, it's just chill and get ready to head south.

Chat again soon.

Oh and one last thing - it seems the "pirates" of San Diego Bay are gone.  I can tell you with no uncertainty that the atmosphere in the Glorietta Bay Anchorage is wonderful; a far cry better than the way it used to be.  Very happy.