Tides & Times May,1 2014

A View From the Pilothouse This is shaping up to be a busy season so far these first few weeks in April. The sun is shining, the buzz is in the air - literally - the bees are here! On that note we are all busy as bees preparing for the season, cleaning docks, striping parking spaces, re-stenciling those dreadful 30 & 15 min. zones, picking weeds, planting, flowers, hanging flags, cleaning kayaks and on and on. With all those tasks, this season we are also joined by some new faces, who we believe will be able to provide everyone with a stellar tenant experience and help meet your needs in a timely fashion. Our first newcomer is Danny, who you will mainly see in the office, fuel dock or launching kayaks . He comes with an extensive retail background and is truly a friendly and pleasant team member we’re happy to have. We will also welcome our new dock attendant, Steven, who’s here to help Alan and Scottie with maintenance and operations. Hailing from Colorado, he comes to Washington thirsting for knowledge on wooden boat building, for which he will be attending school up in Port Townsend this fall. Be sure to give our new team members a warm welcome if you see them In this issue: around the marina! First Mate’s Watch 2

Spring is the time for change and transformation, so be sure to watch your Summer Store Hours 2 email for our monthly newsletters, events and other important information, or simply log onto Facebook and “like” Foss Harbor Marina. The marina page Scottie’s Scuttlebutt 3 is very active and up to date and is a great way to stay apprised of changes as they occur, from events (did you attend our Daffodil brunch? Thanks to you Pets on the Poop 4 all!), policy changes, new parking passes to pump-out service, all the way to Tacoma’s Farmers 4 construction (yes the dreaded word) of the Esplanade and possible new B & C Market docks. As items develop our first goal is to keep our tenants informed. So 4 with all this, it is time to take a big deep breath of fresh spring air and enjoy, Save the Day—Fun on be patient and get out on the water and enjoy your boat and the sunshine! the Foss Someone close to me says "live a full life, not a full schedule". Why Didn’t I Think of 5 That?

Flagship Maritime Lori Natucci Footnotes 6 General Manager, FHM

1 First mate’s watch

As someone fortunate to have spent the last 9 years of my life managing marinas in various locations across the United States, it has been fascinating to learn about each region that I've represented. Each individual area has an iden- tity all its own, chock full of unique challenges and benefits, just as the boaters who populate each region have their own set of priorities, pet peeves and other subtle nuances in character. For example, the way I might respond to a marina customer's problem in Tacoma may be completely different than the appropriate solution for the same issue on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas.

All differences aside, there is one language universally spoken throughout the marine industry, one that stays true regardless of economic class, vessel condi- tion or whether said vessel is propelled via a Chevy big-block instead of a sail: the boater's desire for excellent and responsive service. I can proudly say without any apprehension that Foss Harbor Marina places more importance on the service we give - and how this level of service translates to your marina experience - than any other single factor. One very critical piece of the puzzle that makes our jobs much easier is your feedback, whether positive, negative or otherwise. A recent example of this is the ongoing reboot of the 's store, during which we have acknowledged many of your individual requests for healthier food options, including fresh sandwiches, wraps and vegetarian dishes. We have also made a commitment to continue stocking many basic household ingredients, such as milk, eggs, bread, single sticks of butter, flour and so on. Additionally, we've in- creased our variety in the wine and beer department, including many Washington and California wines and locally brewed beers like Narrows Brewing Company's "Galloping Gertie" Golden Ale. We truly are becoming a "one stop shop" for all of your boating - and shopping - needs!

We are passionate about boating and about the marina business and are truly committed to making Foss Harbor Marina the best marina destination in the South Puget Sound. With your continued feedback and support, we will be well on our way to meeting - and hopefully exceeding - that goal. Thank all of you who have contributed ideas or suggestions thus far; please don't hesitate to share your thoughts with me at [email protected].

Cheers,

Ian W.

Marina Manager

Pump-out Policy Changes NEW MAY STORE HOURS!

Changes will take place starting June 1st. We Store and office hours are now extended will be distributing new policies to each on weekends. Friday and Saturday, Foss tenant during the month of May via email or snail mail that will outline some of the Harbor will be open until 7:00pm, and open changes that will be taking place. on Sunday until 5pm. Stay tuned, weekdays

We’re happy to say that these modifications will be extended in June and through the to the service will improve your overall summer. experience and will NOT include additional charges! 2 With the 2014 season just a few short weeks away, I know that many of you are preparing your boats and the equipment related to your favorite activity(s). With that in mind, I need to take some time to revisit some of the issues that seem to arise at this time each year. Please keep the area of the docks around your respective vessels clear. This seems to be a recurring problem. Crab pots, fenders, outboards, cans of paint and other items used for repairs, etc. are not to be stored on the docks or fingers between boats. Those folding chairs used to enjoy that favorite beverage need to return to the boat or car when the party is over. Please understand that these policies are not there to cause you inconvenience but are required as a courtesy to your neighboring boaters as well as to provide a clear path in the event of emergencies. You can add a triangular style dock box at the junction of the dock and your finger pier should you desire. We understand that while working on your boat or organizing for a trip things will move on and off the dock, but at the end of the day or time of departure, your finger and head dock need to be clear. If it's not going with you it needs to be somewhere other than the dock. Our pump-out service accesses many of your slips from the outboard/water end of the finger pier. If they are forced to navigate flower pots, coolers, crab pots, etc., it’s at the least bothersome and at most a real hazard. Imagine the problems created in the event of a fire or other emergency. So with all that said, please help me in maintaining a clear path at all points of the docks and piers. Thanks and happy boating.

Scottie M. Protect you and your little dog too! Operations Manager

PEEK IN OUR ATTIC AND SHARE OUR DREAM: NEW EXHIBITS OPENING MAY 18 ! In May, the Seaport opens with new and engaging exhibits! Visitors will learn more about the historic Balfour Dock Building housing our museum along with an exhibit highlighting the people who make our waterfront possible, the working longshoremen. A new exhibit on fishing as a commercial and recreational resource illustrates the types of vessels and fish once encountered in great numbers, and how this resource must be protected. Our Port of Tacoma timeline will show important milestones in our own Port which nears its centennial in a few short years. An exhibit on the Willits Brothers and their canoes, along with a rare one-of-a-kind launch made by the famous brothers showcases a story of Tacoma ingenuity. Exhibits on steam power will not only show the mechanics of the steam engine, but its significance on commerce and transportation. We will display a unique Puget Sound ocean-going rowboat, designed to go out into open water and test human determination and endurance. Our visiting exhi- bition on vintage scuba gear will take visitors into the early days of scuba diving along with artifacts recovered from our local wa- ters. Key Dates for the Calendar: • May 10 – Rainier Dragon Boat Festival on Foss Waterway, Puget sound family fun day at the Seaport • May 18th – Peek in our attic and share our dreams • June 25th – Whoopee! It’s Wednesday • July 12th – No Gas, just paddle all the way •August 9 & 10 – T-Town Sailing Championship: Foss Waterway & Commence- ment Bay •August 23 & 24 – Steam Days •September 20 & 21 – Maritime Festival

3 Pets On The Poop Deck

This little 10 pound troublemaker is Mugsy, AKA The Mugger. He is the part-time pet of yours truly, and the Mugger of my heart. (and generally the hearts of anyone else he meets) When out and about, the Mugger likes to do this really neat “SQUIRREL!!!” Oops, what was I saying?

Do you have a pet on your poop deck? Send a photo of your four legged family member to [email protected]!

Tacoma Farmers Market It’s almost time again! Thursdays 10-3

The Market starts on May 1st at 9th and Broadway in downtown Tacoma. The Farmer’s Market is a great way to get fresh food and much more for your weekend outings on the boat. Just a hop skip and jump away!

F o s s Harbor P h o t o o f t h e M o n t h

Cloudy springtime day on Ruston Way Photo by Dustin Van Patten Send your photos to [email protected] 4 Why didn't I think of that? By Hira Barbara Reid

Aids to Navigation: Wind On The Water: Here are some samples I have in my files for you www.windonthewater.com to see from The Columbia River at Hood River, John Day River and the Bonneville Dam. While I was cruising Shatoosh along the Columbia and Snake Rivers I learned about a wind site the wind surfers had created especially for Hood River, Oregon, the Wind Surfing Capital of the World. I asked myself, “would this be a helpful aid for my navigation?” As time passed more and more wind sites were created and now there are many to choose from and Puget Sound has its own collection of sites to monitor. Without this site I could not have cruised these rivers as safely as I did. I continue to use this site in planning, implementing and forecasting my routes. While underway, I can see what may be coming my way from ahead or astern. I can look at wind patterns, direction speed, gusts, time over a 24 hour period. If high winds are showing up each night for 3 nights before I arrive to my destined anchorage, I will know to set my heavy and pay out more scope. One time when returning from Possession Sound a surprise wind came up and I took a beating as I crossed to Kingston. Early the next morning I checked the Wind Site and chose to duck down through Agate Pass missing all the wind on the water in the Sound. I arrived at Blake Island with calm seas and minimal wind. A wise decision, timed perfectly.

As you can see this information and these graphs are very helpful. Take some time and explore the site so you are familiar with it. They do have smartphone After going on line and selecting our state of capabilities. I continue accessing it with my iphone online. Washington, you can zoom to see a collection of sites or use Perhaps I should get an easier connection myself. Instant the side bar to select a site name. The wind indicators for information is good to have when the wind is on the April 7, 2014 are showing gray which means the wind is less water. than 10mph. The green are above 10mph. See above. For more adventures and tips from Barbara: http://shatooshandpashmina.blogspot.com/ 5 http://pugetmemorial.blogspot.com/ Flagship Maritime Footnotes By Captain Skip Anderson

attached to the boat – one of the most trusted and important Mayday! Mayday! tools ever devised for recovering crew overboard was lost at sea. Welcome, Spring, at last … and all the waterborne events that go Cavalier Attitude: Self-Important Oversight with it! Opening Day, excursions afloat after a long winter’s pause, In 2013, a long-retired tugboat proceeding en route dry-dock in sailing regattas every weekend, powerboat cruises navigating here Seattle ran aground, just inside the R4 nun buoy outside the and there, fishermen hooking up with other fishermen to pursue Ballard Locks, where she remained stuck for several hours before their lifelong pursuits … the combinations are endless. What fun! assisting platforms were able to extricate her. They’re flat out lucky Er, until something goes awry … nothing worse happened. Under experienced and over-confident, Rust comes in many forms. We all know long winters exact their her crew blamed the grounding on a faulty radar and fog – and toll on boat systems, sails, hulls, rigging, et al. But if only there was a even declared on Facebook the grounding was “through no fault of Rust-Oleum for the corrosion that sets upon our systems – the the crew”. These mariners clearly can’t even grasp the notion of humans in the equation. Oftentimes the weakest link in our pursuit Common Sense, let alone the Laws of the Sea, especially regarding of our passions afloat is US! Captains ultimately taking responsibility, no matter what. When things go wrong on the water, the element that triggers the sequence of events leading to disaster is typically a decision, an omission, or a cavalier attitude. Let’s take a look at no-kidding real-life examples of each: Decision: Bad Call In 1997, a fairly substantial commercial vessel proceeding northward in the South Sound tried to take a shortcut along the north shore of Anderson Island in Drayton Passage, and transit via Balch Passage, past Eagle Island. Problem is … the skipper mistook the entrance to Amsterdam Bay as his cue to turn eastward, and promptly drove his vessel aground. Imagine the surprise of the homeowner upon whom the skipper inflicted his impact … that darned near took out the back deck on his house! Omission: Whoops! More recently, a sailing yacht participating in the 2013 Swiftsure International Yacht Race had a man fall overboard, in the dark of The common denominator in these matters is responsibility … night, at high speed, in mountainous seas. Against the odds, they for your actions, your crew, your planning, your conduct, your were able to locate the man in the water, and immediately deployed decisions, your preparedness, your attitude, and on and on and on. their trusted LifeSling MOB system. As they then made their Jan and I responded to a fatality Mayday call on July 4th, 2012, maneuver to encircle the man in the water, they realized to their where a fellow had collapsed over the cabin of his sailboat, out horror that the inboard end of the LifeSling system had not been in Shilshole Bay … dying from a cardiac event. There were people aboard that very boat sitting on their thumbs in despair rather than actively engaging in CPR, and there was a skipper that had no inkling how to act in the moment … this spelled doom for the unfortunate owner. We could only engage as on-scene commander, quickly lead the boat into the south end of Shilshole, clear the fuel dock for their arrival, debrief the Coast Guard officer that had arrived in their 47’ cutter, and watch and wait as the EMTs (fingers crossed) worked their magic. Not this time. Get serious with your training, with your preparation, and with your responsibility, and you will realize far more freedom for the structure and order you embrace, fun from the efforts you apply in advance, pride from your well found preparedness, and ultimately, peace in knowing you’re on the right path.

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