GRAND MARINA TIMES
April 2010
Latitude 37◦46.73 North – Longitude 122◦15.13 West
Harbormaster's Corner
Ahhh… Sweet sunshine! Things are finally drying out around here, and the housing project is moving along. Look for the models to be open April 24th.
My parole officer has advised me that I will be hauled off by Alameda’s finest on April 7th at around 11:30 am. That’s right, handcuffs, back seat, the whole bit. Be sure to bring your camera and take some incriminating pictures. Looks like I’m going to need some bail money. Seriously, though, I’m participating in a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The “arrest” will actually involve Alameda Police, who are also participating. I’ll be jailed at the La Piňata restaurant on Park St. at noon. Getting released involves raising some money for the MDA. If you’d like to help out, visit my website at https://www.joinmda.org/alameda2010/amckinley
Be sure to watch the video; it’s funny. Any little bit helps these kids a lot! Donations are tax deductable.
Guess what! Your friendly neighborhood dock master has been with Grand Marina since January of 1990. Yep, that’s 20 years that Ray Corral has devoted to keeping the marina up. I am frequently complimented on how well the place is maintained, and we have Ray and his team to thank. Thank you, Ray! Enjoy those Raiders season tickets!
The only people that have been here longer than Ray are Margie and Alfredo Sandoval at B-1. They are Grand Marina’s very first tenants, and moved in on January 1st, 1989. Always genuine and full of cheer, they are a great couple of people. Hats off and Olé!
Holiday Lighted Boat Caroling
Our 4th annual Lighted boat caroling contest will be on December 12th from 7pm to 9pm.
We will have plenty of coffee and hot chocolate for all who wish to join us as we walk the docks and rum for those who will actually sing Christmas carols with us.
As always, there will be prizes awarded to 1st – 3rd place of the best decorated boats and first prize is 1 months berth rent free! We will have goodie bags for all who participate. Judging will be done by an outside party.
Have fun and show your holiday spirit!
Calendar of Events
April 3rd – Marine Swap Meet @ Alameda West Marine, 7am to 2pm 510-521-4865
April 3rd – Finding & Maintaining the Right One by Guy Stevens @ San Carlos West Marine 12-3pm 650-593-2070
April 10th – Encinal Yacht Club’s Nautical Flea Market 6am to 1pm. Breakfast, lunch and beverages available. 510-522-3272 or www.encinal.org
April 10th – Emeryville Marina’s Third Annual Boater’s Swap Meet, 9am to 2pm. 510-654-6437
April 11th – Marine Swap Meet & Open House @ Berkeley Yacht Club, starts @ 6am. Contact John @ 510-843-9292, manager@berkeleyyc.org or www.berkeleyyc.org
April 15th – 18th – Strictly Sail Pacific @ Jack London Square. Back to sail-only, this year will feature used boats as well as new!
www.strictlysailpacific.org
April 25th – Opening Day on the Bay!
Get out there and have some fun!
In the News
The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche, named for Adm. Russell R. Waesche, is the second of eight planned Legend Class cutters preceding the Coast Guard Cutter Dorothy Stratton and following the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf.
The Coast Guard’s newest and most technologically advanced ship is 418 feet, has a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles and a crew of 110. It's equipped with a 4,000 square-foot flight deck that is outfitted with an automated landing and dual track hangaring system.
Waesche is also equipped with two Short Range Prosecutor small boats that can be deployed and recovered from the stern launch system, increasing the ability to launch and recover boats in heavy seas.
The ship will be commissioned at a ceremony on Coast Guard Island in May.
“I look forward to the future accomplishments of this ship and crew as it contributes to the safety of America’s coasts,” said Bardo.
Adm. Russell R. Waesche was the Coast Guard’s longest serving Commandant who presided over the greatest expansion of the service in history. Waesche ensured the integration of the U.S. Lighthouse Service into the Coast Guard and is also credited with the organization of the Coast Guard Reserve. He graduated from the Revenue Cutter School of Instruction and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1906. Waesche retired from active duty Coast Guard service and passed away shortly thereafter in 1946. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Around Town
2010 Earth Day Festival, April 17th, 10am – 3pm
@ Washington Park (Central Ave. & 8th St.)
Zero Waste is a new way of thinking about the products we consume in terms of its life cycle to minimize waste. This philosophy supports product redesign so that all products are considered a resource when it is no longer considered useful in its current life.
Enjoy FREE activities for the kids, Earth Day games and exhibits and learn about building a clean, healthy, sustainable world for generations to come.
• FREE!
• Free parking available at Robert Crown Memorial Beach parking lot (Otis Drive at Westline Drive)
• AC Transit accessibility
• Free valet bike parking