Marina News - June 9th 2008
Great Salt Lake Marina
 
Current Conditions
Lake Level                    4195.9
Lake Level Trend         Steady
Water Temperature     68 degrees
Hypothermia Index      Exhaustion 2 to 7 hours / Death 2 to 40 hours
Current Flows               Low to moderate
Snowpack                    123%
 
 
The Reef
Just another reminder about the reef outside the marina.  Yes, it is still there.  Yes, there are still those that want to prove it is there.  In the last six weeks we have had several groundings resulting in serious damage to three boats.  Do not attempt to use the Reef Channel Buoys.  Use the Deep Channel buoys.  If you have a question about the reef, where it is at, what it is, please come into the marina office.
 
There are different types of reefs in the Great Salt Lake.  All these reefs are called Tufa but some are not true Tufa.  Tufa Reefs are composed of Calcium Carbonate.  The other type is formed from bacterial activity in the lake.  Both are continually growing. Neither are fun to hit.  They are like hitting pumas rock.
 
The Tufa Reef most encountered on the Great Salt Lake is Mushroom Tufa that can grow two to thee feet from the sandy bottom.
 
Oh, and yes, the reef does extend out almost all the way to Antelope Island.
 
 
Successfull Events
It was certainly a busy weekend at the marina.  Both Great Salt Lake Rowing and Great Salt Lake Yacht Club held events this weekend and it appears both were very successful.  We have many more very busy weekends coming up full of oportunities for the marina users. 
 
Sail Fest 2008
Another Sail Fest is upon us.  If last years Sailfest, along with all the other events this year are any indication, Sailfest will be very busy.  Weather is looking great so come on out and enjoy the festivities.  Remember, this event is open to all regardless of affiliation.
 
This year the theme is Caribbean Island Time.  "Throw away your watches, relax and join us for some Caribbean Island Time".
 
Wednesday, June 11th:  D. L. Davis Founder's Cup Race at 6:00pm
 
Friday, June 13th: Opening Ceremonies and Jerk Pork Barbecue at 6:30pm
 
Saturday, June 14th: Breakfast provided by Utah State Parks (Great Salt Lake State Marina) and cooked by team Nine & Change, Children's activities, Cardboard Boat Race, Free Sails, Caribbean Barbecue, Bonefire and Flare Launching (see note below)  Utah's own Zion Tribe band will play live at 8:00pm
 
Sunday, June 15th: Breakfast provided by Utah State Parks (Great Salt Lake State Marina) and cooked by team Nine & Change, Utah Cup Offshore Race, Hot Dog Barbecue and Closing Ceremonies.
 
If you have never been to Sail Fest, you don't know what you are missing.  Besides some good food and good friends, many of the events are downright fun and very entertaining.  If you do not plan to enter the cardboard boat race, at least come out and watch it.  It is hilarious and a huge crowd pleaser.
 
Flare Launching:  If you have expired flares, this is your chance to expose of them in a legal manner.  Bring them out Saturday night and launch them with us.
 
For more information on Sail Fest 2008 go to www.gslyc.org
 
Please keep in mind that it will be very busy during this event.  Parking will be very tight.  Please utilize actual parking stalls.  Please park trailers in the gravel Bus Parking area in the north parking lot.  If you do not have to have your dog out here this week please leave them home or keep them from the main gathering area up at the patio and restrooms.  There are so many people at this event that even dogs on leashes can be a tripping hazard.  Dog fights are also a common issue.
 
Abandoned trailers
We have a vew trailers sitting over on the gravel in the north parking lot.  This area is for bus parking or day trailer parking.  These trailers are now considered abandoned and will be hauled away before the weekend before sailfest.  If you own one of these trailers you may want to retrieve it before Thursday morning.
 
Boat Registration
It looks like most boat owners have proper registrations on their boat.  The rangers have postponed their "Dock Walk" until late next week.
 
Limited Access to the Marina, June 9th (Today)
Rocky Mountain Power will be working on installing a power line over our frontage road today.  This will create access problems to the marina.  Their plan is to have only one lane of traffic open and alternate traffic flow.  Traffic usually isn't too congested on Monday's but be aware of this situation
 
 
Thank you
 
 
Dave Shearer
Harbormaster
Great Salt Lake Marina
 
Have you checked your docklines lately?