Forespar's Point of View
Blogging About Life on the WaterCategory Archives: TruPlug
Check for the Wreck
We’re continually surprised at what boaters don’t see when they’re charting a course or looking for an anchorage on the GPS or on a paper chart. You’d be surprised at the number of recreational skippers who think that fish bone symbol means it’s a fishing spot (often it is, but that’s a separate conversation).
What that really means is a shipwreck on the bottom. And, the form of the symbol is an indication of navigability – is it relatively safe to sail near or even over the wreck? Since boating safety is a paramount concern, this is something we all need know about sailing, and keeping the StaPlug, the raft and PDF dry.
On the left-hand chart, you’ll see two wreck symbols, and both are safe to sail across. The remains of the wreck are minimal, and they are in relatively deep water. However, you’ll want to be careful anchoring, as you could foul your and anchor or rode.
In the center, you’ll see the symbols with a dotted outline. That means STAY AWAY. Those wrecks are shallow enough to be a danger to your vessel. You’ll note that the lower wreck even has a notation “Mast”, meaning that the mast is above the surface at low water.
On the right is the symbol showing a semi-submerged hull on a reef. That one is self-explanatory – the wreck is at the surface, and is visible. Without knowing tide and current, the simple solution is to stay out around the 90-foot line. Since it’s not lighted, basic navigation applies (A cross bearing on the nearest lighted marks and a close check on the depth sounder).
Check the chart before you go in there, and plan/plot a course clear of the hazards. A little care will help you not be another symbol on the chart.
Mike Dwight
2010 Whidbey Island Race Week
The sun peeked out and brought wind to the 2010 Whidbey Island Race Week just as the Mark Whitman Band blew into town to entertain the 500+ sailors. After a day of drifters and a shortened race program on Monday, Tuesday provided much close racing and enough breeze to put the event back on schedule….a happy day! Mount Gay Rum and others sponsored the evening’s party featuring the Mark Whitman Band and free drinks…..now that’s a combination for tired sailors to sit back and enjoy!!
As Forespar NW representative–and a member of the band– it was just a huge pleasure to be able to entertain everyone and the band was very well-received. Mark Whitman is the gentleman sitting at the keyboards, and a true NW legend in blues and rock & roll. This year’s Washington Blues Society’s Best Male Blues Vocalist, Mark is also a winner of a lifetime achievement award and Best NW Blues Guitarist before a devastating stroke changed his life two years ago. That band has stuck with him through extensive therapy and helped him to begin mastery of another instrument at age 60, the keyboard. Playing with one hand, he’s just amazing and that fine blues voice has never changed. The band is experiencing a strong surge of popularity that was not even a glimmer on the horizon two years a go…..that goes to show you how tough some folks can be and Mark is our hero. If sailboat racing had been his life’s pursuit he’d have been one tenacious competitor!
The band was approached for more marine industry-related jobs, and hit a nice note with the attending sailors. Halfway through the night, on behalf of Forespar and the band, I talked about the new TruPlugs and gave several out to the sailors as gifts. The next two hours proved how inventive sailboat racers can be as we watched the TruPlugs used in many “non-standard” applications!!! The night ended with our best wishes to crowd for fair winds, tight racing, and room at the mark! An EXCELLENT time!!
Jeff Mason
Forespar NW Representative