Victory Wakes Allegedly Hurt Area Marinas

The San Diego Harbor Police and the Coast Guard are investigating reports that several San Diego Bay marinas were damaged as a result of wakes generated by powerboats celebrating the America’s Cup victory.

Several dozen boats participated in an impromptu marine victory parade of sorts Friday afternoon, accompanying Dennis Conner’s craft as it entered and later exited the San Diego Yacht Club after the final race.

Marina operators said the boats were traveling up to 15 knots (about 20 m.p.h.) in an area where the posted limit is 5 m.p.h. The speed caused substantial wakes, which rocked moored boats against slips and in some cases ruined dock facilities.

“It was pretty poor sportsmanship,” said John Wilson, commodore of the Southwestern Yacht Club, which received perhaps the worst damage, losing six concrete slips. Two moored boats also suffered minor damage, said Wilson, who could provide no monetary estimate for the damage.

“It was ridiculous,” said Libby O’Malley, listing secretary at the Kona Marina, where damage was minimal. “You had motorboats flying through here like they were on the open sea.” Boat owners could be held responsible if an inquiry determines that their craft caused destructive wakes, said warrant officer Alan Dusi of the Coast Guard in San Diego. The Guard’s marine safety office was looking into the matter.