The Port of Bellingham released a 128-page report detailing the investigation of the fire which caused the death of Jim Langei and his wife Sterling Taylor aboard their 42-foot trawler Breakwind early March 30.  They were trapped inside their boat by the flames. Eleven other boats at G Dock East were also destroyed in the fire.  The couple apparently could not use their escape hatch because it was covered by rug and pinned by the barbecue.  The dock where the boats burned had a history of electrical issues.  Here is the article from the Bellingham Herald in hopes that boaters will learn lessons from this incident:

Electrical issues are focus of Squalicum Harbor fire investigation

Two key points of utmost importance to boaters:

1)  Always keep escape/deck hatches clear of all equipment.
2)  Be wary of AC electrical circuits on the dock, connections to the vessel, and possible overloading of circuits.

10. Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?

9. Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?

8. Come on up and see me urchins.

7. Yes, that is a hornpipe in my pocket and I am happy to see you.

6. I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.

5. Pardon me, but would ya mind if I fired me cannon through your porthole?

4. How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?

3. Ya know, darlin’, I’m 97 percent chum free.

2. Well blow me down?

And the number one pickup line for use for pirates is...

1. Prepare to be boarded.

Space Shuttle Discovery's flight deck during decommissioning in the Orbiter Processing Facility (360 degree view).

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When:  Thursday, April 12, 2012
Time:  4:45 PM
Location:  Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show, Oakland, Calif.
Speaker:  Steve Szirom
Company/Sponsor:   Oyster Yachting   







Details: Choosing the right sailboat for a cruising lifestyle depends on many factors, such as, budget, sailing region, length of cruise, and others. Today's economy presents both challenges and opportunities for boaters seeking to purchase cruising sailboat. The presentation will cover the strategy for planning the search, selecting sources for research, viewing the prospective vessels, working with brokers or owners, approaches to valuation in today's market, offers/contingencies, and cruising budget expectations.

The seminar is free to all attendees with boat show tickets.  I will present some money saving tips and ideas for buying your dream boat in a buyer's market.  Avoiding pitfalls is key to a successful boat purchase.

Strictly Pacific is West Coast's largest sailboat-only boat show which will be held Jack London Square, Oakland, Calif. from April 12-15, 2012.  For full details of the show and seminars, visit the Strictly Sail Pacific website,

Missed the seminar?  View it here.