State, National & World News
RBOC Takes ‘Save Cal Boating’ Letters to Governor
Recreational Boaters of California’s director of government relations Jerry Desmond Jr. hand-delivered boaters' letters to Gov. Jerry Brown’s office -- all expressing opposition to a new plan to eliminate the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
Cruise Ships Must Stop Dumping Treated Sewage
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a rule banning all cruise ships and most other large oceangoing vessels from discharging treated sewage within 3 miles of California’s 1,624-mile coastline and surrounding islands.
Family Cruising from Mexico to Hawaii Rescued at Sea
Three family members attempting their first voyage across the Pacific in a sailboat were left adrift in rough seas hundreds of miles from land when their mast broke in high winds.
Indicted Marine Biologist Denies Feeding Orcas
A well-known marine biologist under federal indictment for allegedly feeding killer whales has denied ever feeding the marine mammals during her research.
New Orleans Celebrates Steamboat Bicentennial
Two hundred years ago, the first steamboat meandered down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, taking more than four months to reach New Orleans. The journey was marked by Indians chasing the paddlewheel boat, a baby’s birth on board and a powerful earthquake that made the Mississippi flow in the opposite direction for 45 miles.
Sailors for the Sea: Focusing on Clean Regattas
Sailors for the Sea has partnered with the America’s Cup to demonstrate ways that all sailboat races -- big or small -- can minimize their effect on the environment.
Four New Invasive Species Call California Home
The California Department of Fish and Game released a report showing four new invasive species that have taken up residence in San Francisco Bay. The report, released at end of 2011, shows ballast water and boat hulls are main transporters of these marine pests.
Gov. Brown Names John Banuelos to Boating Commission
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. has appointed John Banuelos, a former director of the California Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating), to the California Boating and Waterways Commission.
French Skipper Sets Around-the-World Sailing Speed Record
French skipper Loick Peyron set an around-the-world sailing record in his challenge for the Jules Verne Trophy, beating the old mark by nearly three days to win the race for the first time.
Gun Battery That Once Guarded SF Bay Is Restored
A historic World War II-era gun battery that once guarded San Francisco Bay has been restored as an exhibit that showcases the region’s military past, showing what was once the country’s first line of defense against a West Coast invasion.
Colorado River Dredging Project Completed Dec. 31
A project designed to deepen a shallow portion of the Colorado River 3 miles upstream from the Bridgewater Channel near Lake Havasu City was completed Dec. 31.
Tanker and Icebreaker Head Home After Delivering Fuel to Nome
The mission was daunting by every measure: First, journey 5,000 miles, struggling at times through thick ocean ice with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy. Then, pump 1.3 million gallons of fuel from a frozen-in-place ship to an iced-in Alaska city, half a mile away across the ice -- all while braving sub-zero temperatures.
Dentist Treats Injured Sea Turtle
Dr. Andy Norowski used dental techniques and acrylics to rebuild the broken shell of an endangered sea turtle. The turtle -- nicknamed “Rocky” -- is on the mend at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.
SD's Bill Hardesty Is Rolex Yachtsman of the Year
San Diego resident and Etchells World Champion Bill Hardesty and International Sailing Federation World Champion Anna Tunnicliffe of Plantation, Fla. have been named US Sailing’s 2011 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year.
16-year-old Becomes Youngest Circumnavigator
A teenager from the Netherlands arrived at the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten Jan. 21, completing a yearlong solo journey around the globe aboard her 38-foot ketch named Guppy. Dozens of onlookers cheered as 16-year-old sailor Laura Dekker pumped her fist into the air in celebration.
