From the Boathouse: Storms can bring debris; Jetpack lifting off from Newport
Ahoy!
Finally, rain fell on the Southland, and the slow-moving storm brought thunder and lightning, especially to Orange County.
Too bad the storm did not linger in our area for a few more days, as we need the rain. However, rain is still forecast for Friday and, at this writing, Sunday.
This is happening while hurricane season is nearing its end next month and, hopefully, the last Pacific hurricane of the season will cause no harm. Hurricane Seymour is active in the Pacific, and it should be downgraded to a tropical storm by Friday.
Locally, after any rain hits our area, I always warn boaters to watch out for debrisflowing into the harbors and ocean. Unfortunately, the debris, whether from people or nature, has backed up and lay dormant in the storm drains and ditches during the dry summer. The rains will wash the stuff downstream, and it will eventually be dumped into our waterways.
Many coastal storm drain inlets have a screen installed across the opening to help prevent larger items from entering the drains. It’s a proactive move that I support, but the law of unintended consequences does rear its ugly head.
The screens, which require constant maintenance, become clogged with debris, and even when cleared, can retard the flow of water entering the drains. It defeats the purpose of the screens, but they need to be removed in a heavy rain to allow the water and debris to freely flow.
Therefore, boaters, swimmers and surfers need to be aware of the gunk in the water after the rains. I see people surfing at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, between Newport and Huntington, where who knows what is flowing downstream. You can see the brown gunk line reaching a mile or so off the beach after a rain.
Boat skippers need to play extra attention in the harbors and on the ocean because of the floating junk that can damage propellers, pierce hulls or enter water cooling intakes.
If you are going to cruise along the coast, head out to sea a few miles. But watch for logs, refrigerators — I have seen them — and large items that can be floating tens of miles off the beach.
You will need to keep an eye to the sky if you are planning to untie your boat from your dock this weekend. The weather is predicted to be nice on Saturday for outdoor activities, but, as I mentioned, there is a chance of rain on Sunday.
The air temperature should be in high 60s to low 70s during the day along the coast. King Neptune will be kind with the seas, if you to play seaward of the harbor’s line of demarcation.
The swells are expected to be a mixed set with a 2-foot from the west and a negligible, 1-foot southerly from Friday to Sunday.
The winds will be variable in the mornings, and only 5 to 10 knots in the afternoon form the northwest. The conditions will great for ocean cruising. Just watch for the rain, or storm conditions, if they develop.
Jetpack America lifting off from Newport
Jetpack America is ceasing operations in Newport Harbor due to restrictions by the city. However, it appears that the company will continue working in other Southern California harbors.
The company provided customers with a water-powered jetpack tethered to a PWC, and this allowed one to essentially fly or hover above the water. There were complaints of noise, safety and overspray. However, others liked the jetpack operations as another water-related activity.
Whether Jetpack America or another company will try to resume operations at a later date is to be seen. If you want to soar above the water then you better do it soon. I hear Jetpack America will be closing Newport operations in mid-November.
Boat safe, boat smart, and wear your life jacket. Lastly, please boat responsibly, and I cannot emphasize enough to look behind you before you turn your vessel.
Safe voyages!
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MIKE WHITEHEAD is a boating columnist for the Daily Pilot. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to boathousetv.com.