State, National & World News
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 SF Bay 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.
TAKE ACTION: Save the California Department of Boating & Waterways
Make YOUR voice heard by sending an email NOW, to ensure that the governor and California legislators act to represent the needs and wants of California boaters.
Titanic Artifacts Headed to Auction
The owner of the largest trove of artifacts salvaged from Titanic -- more than 5,500 items -- is putting the vast collection up for auction as a single lot in April, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the shipwreck.
DMV Must Pay $5.6M for BUI License Suspensions
The Department of Motor Vehicles agreed to pay $5.6 million to settle a class-action lawsuit resulting from its former practice of suspending vehicle driver’s licenses of vessel operators who were convicted of boating under the influence.
Diesel Fuel Spill Contained in Huntington Harbour
HUNTINGTON BEACH (AP) -- Containment booms were used to prevent the spread of a diesel fuel spill in Huntington Harbour, Jan. 4.
Federal Judge Recuses Himself from Pirate Case
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- A case involving the hijacking of a yacht owned by a Marina del Rey couple that left four Americans dead will be transferred to another judge. U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis has recused himself from the case.
