College sailing: Women’s National race on San Diego Bay!

ICSA Women's Semifinals on San Diego Bay. Competing sailboats approach downtown's Cruise Ship Terminal.
ICSA Women’s Semifinals on San Diego Bay. Competing sailboats approach downtown’s Cruise Ship Terminal.

Check out these cool photos!

I was walking along the Embarcadero early this evening when I saw dozens of tiny sailboats out racing on silvery San Diego Bay. I noticed the sails featured the letters SDYC, which stands for San Diego Yacht Club.

When I got home, an internet search revealed that I had been observing the first day of ICSA Women’s Semifinals action. San Diego is the location of the 2016 College Sailing / Sperry Women’s Nationals. The 36 sailboats that I watched represent top universities from all around the United States, which are competing through Friday right here on our beautiful bay! Winner takes home the coveted Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association’s Gerald C. Miller Trophy!

Small sailboats float on a sheet of silver, beneath dramatic clouds.
Small sailboats float on rippled silver, beneath dramatic clouds.
Shining sails dance in the wind, as paired sailors from 36 colleges around the country compete in the Women's Nationals.
Shining sails dance in the wind, as paired sailors from 36 colleges around the country compete in the Women’s Nationals.
A zoomed photo of the sailboats dancing across San Diego Bay.
A zoomed photo of the sailboats dancing across San Diego Bay.
The San Diego Yacht Club sailboats approach the Embarcadero, having just passed the finish line.
The San Diego Yacht Club sailboats approach the Embarcadero, having just passed the finish line.
These sailors were among the leaders. The top 18 semifinalist teams will move on to the finals.
These sailors were among the leaders. The top 18 semifinalist teams will move on to the finals.
A very cool sight during a random walk along the water before sunset!
A very cool sight during a random walk along the water before sunset!
The leading sailboats approach San Diego's Cruise Ship Terminal, as gleaming skyscrapers rise in the background.
The leading sailboats approach San Diego’s Cruise Ship Terminal.  Gleaming skyscrapers rise in the background.
The leaders from this race lined up in finishing order. Fascinated, I watched from the Broadway Pier.
The leaders from this race appeared to line up in finishing order. Fascinated, I watched from the Broadway Pier.
And then a few minutes later they are off again! A seagull watches the sails dip and tack over the water like white wings.
And then a few minutes later they were off again! A gull watches sails dip and tack in the sea breeze, like fluttering white wings.
A team that competed in College Sailing's ICSA Women's Semifinals starts back across San Diego Bay before night falls.
A team that competed in College Sailing’s ICSA Women’s Semifinals starts back across San Diego Bay before night falls.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Sea Shepherd in San Diego after protecting Vaquita Porpoise.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's old Coast Guard patrol boat, renamed M/V Farley Mowat, is docked this weekend on San Diego's Embarcadero.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s old Coast Guard patrol boat, renamed M/V Farley Mowat, is docked this weekend on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Yesterday after work, I noticed that an unusually decorated old U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat was docked along the Embarcadero, just north of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Naturally, I had to investigate!

Turns out the renamed boat, M/V Farley Mowat, is now owned and operated by an organization called the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, whose stated mission is to defend, conserve and protect marine ecosystems and species. They use direct-action tactics to expose and confront the illegal slaughter of marine wildlife at sea. I’d seen their exhibit aboard the steam ferry Berkeley during Earth Day on the Bay, where their representative explained that Sea Shepherd was like Greenpeace on steroids.

I spoke to a friendly crewmember near the Farley Mowat and learned they would be offering the public free tours on Saturday. The vessel has just returned from its second mission in the Sea of Cortez off Baja California–the wildlife defense campaign was titled Operation Milagro II. For a number of months, Sea Shepherd worked with the Mexican government in a marine refuge near San Felipe to identify and intercept illegal gillnet fishing which has reduced the population of the rare Vaquita Porpoise over the decades to just about 100 animals. This is commendable work! Sea Shepherd not only has permission from the Mexican government to patrol for poachers and pull up illegal fishing nets when encountered, but they are making observations concerning this endangered marine species. They are doing similar work to protect another rare fish in the region: the Totoaba Bass.

Working within the law in a positive way to protect these species is commendable and extraordinary! After doing some research at home, however, I learned that the organization is quite controversial. Some say they go too far. Some, including other environmental activists and organizations, have called them eco-terrorists. I don’t know enough to comment, but I do know that sometimes people with enthusiastic agendas and a sense of urgent purpose can lose their sense of humanity. The people I met yesterday and this morning when I walked again along the Embarcadero seemed like very nice people. I will say no more.

A very friendly, informative crewmember of Farley Mowat explained their recently completed mission, which was to defend the Vaquita Porpoise in Mexico's Sea of Cortez.
A very friendly, informative crewmember of Farley Mowat explained their recently completed mission, which was to defend the Vaquita Porpoise in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.
Photograph of M/V Farley Mowat the following cloudy morning. Visitors were being given tours aboard the vessel.
Photograph of M/V Farley Mowat the following cloudy morning. Visitors were being given tours aboard the vessel.
Interested people and crew mingle before boarding the Sea Shepherd boat in San Diego.
Interested people and crew mingle before boarding the Sea Shepherd’s cool boat.  Public tours of M/V Farley Mowat are being offered this weekend in San Diego.
Looks like kids made some Thank You signs for Sea Shepherd!
Looks like kids made some Thank You signs for Sea Shepherd!
A tent near the boat featured gifts and information in support of Sea Shepherd. Defending Ocean Wildlife Worldwide.
A tent near the boat featured gifts and information in support of Sea Shepherd. Defending Ocean Wildlife Worldwide.
A detailed poster explains why sea turtles should be defended. Click to enlarge. San Diego's South Bay has its own small group of migratory green sea turtles.
A detailed poster explains why sea turtles should be defended. Click to enlarge. San Diego’s South Bay has its own small group of migratory green sea turtles.
Sea Shepherd stops in San Diego. They were featured in Animal Planet's television show Whale Wars. Farley Mowat will soon be on its way to another location on the high seas.
Sea Shepherd stops in San Diego. They were featured in Animal Planet’s television show Whale Wars. M/V Farley Mowat will soon be on its way to another location on the high seas.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Bright, magical clouds crown San Diego Bay.

A seagull flies above San Diego Bay as the sun illuminates fantastic, stormy clouds.
A seagull flies above San Diego Bay as the sun illuminates fantastic, stormy clouds.

San Diego’s weather today was stormy.  So the clouds were more amazing than usual. Late this afternoon, they were simply magical.

As I walked along the Embarcadero, gazing out across San Diego Bay, my small camera filled up with images. Here are my best shots!

Amazing clouds above tall ships on the water. The weather has been unsettled lately, creating rare opportunities for the camera.
Amazing clouds above tall ships on the water. The weather has been unsettled lately, creating rare opportunities for the camera.
A cruise ship docked next to downtown San Diego seems small and rather bland compared to the sunlit clouds mounting high above it.
A cruise ship docked next to downtown San Diego seems small and rather bland compared to the sunlit clouds mounting high above it.
Magic seems to crown San Diego's Broadway Pier. The sun is falling as day comes to a close. Light shines through clouds gloriously.
Magic seems to crown San Diego’s Broadway Pier. The sun is falling as day comes to a close. Light shines through clouds gloriously.
A simple photograph taken one spring day in wonderful San Diego.
A simple photograph taken one spring day in wonderful San Diego.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Take a San Diego Eco Tour . . . and benefit local students!

You can go kayaking on a cool Eco Tour and try to spot green sea turtles in San Diego's South Bay! Image courtesy of Ocean Connectors. Photograph by Harry Orgovan.
You can go kayaking on a cool Eco Tour and try to spot green sea turtles in San Diego’s South Bay! Image courtesy of Ocean Connectors. Photograph by Harry Orgovan.

If you’d like to take a cool San Diego Eco Tour, check this out!

At last weekend’s Earth Day on the Bay, I learned about some awesome Eco Tours on San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Experienced guides take you by kayak around the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge to search for green sea turtles, or by bicycle around San Diego Bay to view all sorts of migratory birds, or by boat off our coast to spot gray whales and other marine life! These tours are provided by Ocean Connectors.

Why am I blogging about this? What makes these tours so amazingly cool? Ocean Connectors uses the money they make from their San Diego Eco Tours to directly benefit local students! Every year, Ocean Connectors introduces hundreds of kids in the National City School District to the beautiful natural world along San Diego’s coast, educating them about migratory wildlife and stewardship of the environment–all at no cost!

That’s right! Thousands of students in Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades have had an experience of a lifetime thanks to Ocean Connectors. In their formative years, these young people, many from low-income situations, have ventured out from the city and have experienced profound wonders they otherwise might have missed. They are taken on fun and inspiring educational field trips that are sometimes described as the best day of their lives!

Thanks to Ocean Connectors, local school students can learn about marine wildlife during a whale watching tour off the San Diego coast. Image courtesy of Ocean Connectors. Photograph by Ralph Pace.
Thanks to Ocean Connectors, local school students can learn about marine wildlife during a whale watching tour off the San Diego coast. Image courtesy of Ocean Connectors. Photograph by Ralph Pace.

Seeing green sea turtles, wild birds taking flight, and majestic gray whales out on the wide blue water deeply affects a young person’s view of the world, teaches one about the web of life, helps one to grow into a thoughtful, responsible adult. I know this is true. Because I had a similar experience when I was growing up.

Back in junior high school, I went on a sea adventure with some classmates along Alaska’s Inland Passage. I saw breaching humpback whales, bald eagles, even an orca. That memory is still vivid in my mind. That unforgettable experience broadened my horizons, made me appreciate the wonders of nature, gave me a sense of belonging to a larger world, a world that should be carefully preserved. I’ve been an avid hiker and lover of the outdoors during my adult life, and I have no doubt my own personal adventure those many years ago is one big reason why.

So . . . have you been considering having your own unforgettable adventure in ecotourism? Would you like to possibly spot one of the 60 green sea turtles that spend part of their lives feeding on eel grass in San Diego’s South Bay? Would you like to bike around the Bayshore Bikeway and see hundreds, even thousands of wild birds? (And some are quite rare!) Would you like to head out onto the ocean with trained, knowledgeable naturalists, and see gray whales, dolphins, and a huge variety of other sea mammals and coastal wildlife?

Ocean Connectors’ mission is to educate, inspire and connect people to the outdoors. And one of those people could be YOU!

Click here to have your own unique Eco Tour in San Diego. Book a tour, and you’ll benefit kids in San Diego’s South Bay! It’s a win-win!

Someone learns about the amazing Eco Tours and the educational programs provided by Ocean Connectors during Earth Bay on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Someone learns about the amazing Eco Tours and the educational programs provided by Ocean Connectors during Earth Bay on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

A spring Sunday. Life is good on San Diego Bay!

Visitors and members of the Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoy a spring Sunday aboard HMS Surprise. The Star of India's masts rise in the background.
Visitors and members of the Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoy a spring Sunday aboard HMS Surprise. The Star of India’s masts rise in the background.

A sunny spring Sunday. So I just walked along the Embarcadero. To no place in particular. I started late this morning at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where Earth Day on the Bay was taking place. I checked out the exhibits for a few minutes, talked to a few cool people, then walked around outside. And I just kept on walking. Life is good on San Diego Bay.

Today was Earth Day on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Exhibitors on the passenger deck of the steam ferry Berkeley demonstrated the work they're undertaking to protect the environment.
Today was Earth Day on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Exhibitors on the passenger deck of the steam ferry Berkeley demonstrated the work they’re undertaking to protect the environment.
It's Sunday, which is volunteer work day at the maritime museum. If I recall correctly, these guys near the San Salvador were applying tar to some steel cables that will be used on the HMS Surprise.
It’s Sunday, which is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum. If I heard correctly, these guys near the San Salvador were applying tar to some steel cables that will be used on the HMS Surprise.
Two parrots on the Pearl Harbor memorial plaque near the USS Midway. Behind it is the Navy Bicentennial plaque, whose mysterious origin was revealed by visitors to this blog!
Two parrots on the Pearl Harbor memorial plaque near the USS Midway.

In the above photo you can see the rear of the Navy Bicentennial Commemorative Plaque.  As you might recall, that plaque’s mysterious origin was revealed in detail by a few of its creators here!

Some folks out fishing from the Tuna Harbor pier were catching a few spotted seabass! This one was too small and was quickly returned to San Diego Bay.
Some folks out fishing on the Tuna Harbor pier were catching spotted seabass! This one was too small and was quickly returned to San Diego Bay.
This sneaky gull perched atop a docked bait boat seemed to be watching the folks fishing nearby!
This sneaky gull perched atop a docked bait boat seemed to be watching those folks fishing nearby!
Someone zooms by riding a bucking water scooter over the sparkling blue water.
Someone zooms by riding a bucking water scooter over the sparkling blue water.
Close-up photo of a colorful float inside a lobster trap. I just walked along the pier, looking out at boats, water and the beautiful San Diego skyline.
Close-up photo of a colorful float inside a lobster trap. I just walked along the pier, looking out at boats, water and the beautiful San Diego skyline.
Skaters take a break in the sunshine near Tuna Harbor.
Skaters take a break in the sunshine near Tuna Harbor.
Someone relaxes on a spring Sunday by maneuvering a remote control model sailboat in Tuna Harbor. Another cool sight along San Diego's always lively Embarcadero.
Someone relaxes on a spring Sunday by maneuvering a remote control model sailboat in Tuna Harbor. Another cool sight along San Diego’s always lively Embarcadero.
Fun marine artwork depicts a pod of dolphins in the ocean. A window of the Wyland Galleries in Seaport Village.
Fun marine artwork depicts a pod of dolphins in the ocean. A window of the Wyland Galleries in Seaport Village.
Colorful banner fluttering in the sea breeze proclaims Life is Good. I always enjoy walking past Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.
Colorful banner fluttering in the sea breeze proclaims Life is Good. I always enjoy walking past Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.
Just some bright yellow flowers.
Just some bright yellow flowers.
A street magician, cyclists, and the Californian tall ship out on San Diego Bay.
A street magician, cyclists, and the Californian tall ship out on San Diego Bay.
Papa Alex is a very friendly, happy, soulful psychic. He hangs out near Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. His motto is:
Papa Alex is a very friendly, happy, soulful psychic. He often hangs out between Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. His motto is: “Peace and love. No drama.” Sounds wise to me!
Wow! Look at those massive bubbles flying through the air! This fun could be found on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Wow! Look at those massive bubbles flying through the air! This fun could be found on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
And high above those bubbles was this kite. I love San Diego.
And high above those bubbles was this kite. I love San Diego.
Tourists rent some wheels near the Marriott Marquis and Marina.
Tourists rent some wheels near the Marriott Marquis and Marina.
I rested for a bit on the fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Here comes the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, carrying people enjoying an adventure on our picturesque bay.
I rested for a bit on the fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Here comes the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, carrying passengers enjoying a unique adventure on the Big Bay.
And there goes the Silvergate, ferrying people over to Coronado Island. What a glorious spring day!
And there goes the Silvergate, ferrying people over to Coronado Island. What a glorious spring day!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy even more Cool San Diego Sights by following me on Facebook or Twitter!

Online petition to prevent Coronado Bridge suicides.

The Coronado Bay Bridge has seen too many tragic suicides.
The Coronado Bay Bridge has seen far too many tragic suicides.

Would you please consider signing a very important online petition? The Coronado San Diego Bridge Collaborative For Suicide Prevention has begun a petition to help prevent Coronado Bay Bridge suicides.

Tragically, in the past 47 years, about 370 souls have jumped from the bridge. Most of these people felt driven to end their own lives because of deep depression. All could have been helped. The petition, addressed to the California Department of Transportation, asks that a suicide barrier be installed on the San Diego–Coronado Bridge. It would be similar to a intelligently-designed device now being installed on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, which is a unique type of a net that is configured to safely catch jumpers and arrest them until help arrives.

You can sign the petition by clicking here.

Thank you for your consideration, and for any help that you might provide!

Richard

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

A fun walk: Tidelands Park to Coronado Ferry Landing.

Dinghy landing and colorful boats by San Diego Bay at one end of Coronado Tidelands Park's popular beach.
Dinghy landing’s colorful boats by San Diego Bay. One end of Coronado Tidelands Park’s popular beach.

Yesterday I took another fun, leisurely walk! I went from the Coronado Bay Bridge end of Tidelands Park up the sunny Bayshore Bikeway to the Coronado Ferry Landing. And I took lots of pics, naturally!

Perhaps you can see why Coronado is one of my favorite places.

I feel very fortunate to live in San Diego. There are so many cool and beautiful sights. And I swear every day is amazing.

A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.
A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.
People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you'd go under the Coronado Bridge, along Glorietta Boulevard and Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.
People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you’d go under the Coronado Bridge, then along Glorietta Boulevard and the Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.
Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.
Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.
A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.
A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.
Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.
Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.
At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water.
At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water. (A cool glint of light is reflecting off a skyscraper downtown!)
Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.
Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.
A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.
A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.
These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.
These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.
Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry!
Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry is coming in!
Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.
Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.
Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very favorite places! I'm so thankful to live nearby!
Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very, very favorite places! I’m so thankful to live nearby!
That big group of kayakers is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.
That big group of people in kayaks is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.
Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe's.
Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe’s.
Now we're finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.
Now we’re finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.
Some kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe's, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.
Some more kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe’s, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.
Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!
Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!
Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.
Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Deck replacement has begun on historic Star of India.

San Diego's famous Star of India--the oldest active sailing ship in the world--is having its decks replaced. First up is the poop deck. Work has just begun.
San Diego’s famous Star of India–the oldest active sailing ship in the world–is having its decks replaced. First up is the poop deck. Work has just begun.

Today I boarded the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s world-famous Star of India. The lady in the ticket booth informed me that the deck replacement began about a week or so ago!

You might remember I blogged about the Star of India’s deck replacement effort here.  Click the link to check out that post, and you can see how the poop deck appeared before work began.

A nice docent allowed me to walk up the steps almost to the poop deck so I could get a good photograph. As you can see, the first section of the deck has been removed. I also noted that the saloon underneath has been carefully converted into a work area.

Do you love history or San Diego? Please click here to help with this very important project!

The historic ship's elegant salon has become a work area during the deck replacement.
The historic ship’s elegant saloon has become a work area during the deck replacement.
Gazing up through a big hole in the ceiling! The new, stronger deck will be built using sophisticated techniques and modern materials, but it will visually appear like the original.
Gazing up through a big hole in the ceiling! The new, stronger deck will be built using sophisticated techniques and modern materials, but it will visually appear like the original.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Loaf and Fish sandwiches at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market!

I saw a new canopy and sign at the ever-expanding Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. It's a food place called Loaf and Fish. They've got one of my favorite things!
Today I saw a new canopy and sign at the ever-expanding Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. It’s a food tent called Loaf and Fish! They’ve got one of my favorite things!

I’m not really a food blogger, but I have a terrible weakness for fish sandwiches, fish tacos and fish burritos. So when I saw a new food vendor was selling fresh fish sandwiches this weekend at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, of course I had to try one!

A bit down the pier you’ll find the sign that reads Loaf and Fish. Those are the nice folks you need to see. My grilled fish sandwich was really good! I was told they don’t have a website yet, but they’ll be there on the pier every Saturday morning, a tasty addition to the constantly growing Dockside Market!

(You can visit San Diego’s new outdoor fish market every Saturday morning on the pier just north of Seaport Village, next to Tuna Harbor.)

Loaf and Fish. Built, helmed and crewed by fishing families. The yellow tail in my sandwich was caught by the fishing vessel Wild West!
Loaf and Fish. Built, helmed and crewed by fishing families. The tasty yellowtail in my sandwich was caught by the fishing vessel Wild West!
Oh, man! My fish sandwich is getting ready! Some tomatoes, avocado (yum), red onions, chipotle mayo, lettuce, all on a fresh bolillo roll. And grilled fresh fish!
Oh, man! My fish sandwich is getting ready! Some tomatoes, avocado (yum), red onions, chipotle mayo, lettuce, all on a fresh bolillo roll. And, of course, grilled fresh fish!
And here it is, with a smile! You know what? It was pretty darn good. I recommend devouring these!
And here it is, with a smile! You know what? It was pretty darn good. I recommend devouring these!
Everyone at Loaf and Fish was super nice. Good luck guys!
Everyone at Loaf and Fish was super nice to some strange blogger guy walking around with a camera. Good luck guys!

UPDATE!

Loaf and Fish has added a couple of items to their menu. You can now enjoy fish tacos and tasty fish soup!

The fish tacos are just as yummy as any you’ll find in San Diego. And keep in mind our city has the best fish tacos in the entire world.

I’ve also tried the fish soup and it’s really tasty! In addition to big chunks of freshly caught fish, there are fresh vegetables and slices of avocado floating on top! On chilly mornings this hot soup really hits the spot!

To top it all off, eating on the pier by the water–with the bustle of activity all around, including friendly fishermen and local fishing boats and the seagulls and playful sea lions barking nearby–it’s a feast for the senses that can’t be beat!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! My blog covers anything that catches my fancy!

You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

San Diego history: World War II and the Tuna Fleet.

Information sign beside Tuna Harbor, in downtown San Diego, describes how local tuna boats were utilized in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II.
Information sign beside Tuna Harbor, in downtown San Diego, describes how local tuna boats were utilized in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II.

Some fascinating historical information can be found on San Diego’s Embarcadero, right next to Tuna Harbor where many commercial fishing boats dock downtown. The sign, erected by the San Diego Port Commission in 2008, is titled Tuna Fleet Service World War II (1941-1945). It provides a glimpse of how dozens of San Diego-based Tuna Clippers joined the American war effort during the Second World War.

Here is the text on the sign:

During World War II, 600 fishing vessels were taken by the Navy, Army, and Coast Guard, including 52 “Tuna Clippers”.

On Pearl Harbor Day, the U.S. canned tuna industry was located almost exclusively in Southern California, and canners received most of their tunas from “baitboats”. Fishermen on these boats chum live bait (sardines, anchovies) to attract the tunas into a feeding frenzy and then use rigged bamboo poles to pull the hooked tunas aboard. Dating from 1924, a fleet of large “baitboats” was developed and became know as “Tuna Clippers”. These large ships, equipped with powerful diesel engines and newly developed brine refrigeration, fished for tunas found migrating thousands of miles from San Diego on trips of 90 days or more. During the 1930s, this San Diego high seas fleet was studies by the U.S. Navy, resulting in wartime plans that included the conversion of Tuna Clippers to minesweepers.

At the time Pearl Harbor was attacked, there were 90 vessels in the California baitboat fleet, including 76 Tuna Clippers plus 3 under construction. The 49 Tuna Clippers taken by the Navy and 3 by the Army represented about 55% of the fish carrying capacity of the entire baitboat fleet.

After war was declared, the Government ordered the Tuna Fleet to make port in California or Panama. Ten of the Tuna Clippers entering the Canal Zone in December 1941, were immediately taken for temporary patrol duty. The U.S. Army took three Clippers for use in the Panama Sea region, the SHASTA and CAPE HORN as tugs and the INVADER as a supply ship.

On February 16, 1942, tuna fishermen attended a meeting conducted by Commander W. J. Morcott, USN (Ret.) at the Naval Reserve Armory. 600 tuna fishermen signed up, with Skippers and Engineers receiving warrant ratings, and others given petty officer ratings according to age and experience. Within 10 days, a fleet of 16 Tuna Clippers, painted gray and marked with YP number designations as Yard Patrol vessels, left San Diego harbor on February 25, 1942. Their destination was the “Panama Sea Frontier” for picket duty to protect the Canal.

In May 1942, a convoy of six YP Clippers left San Diego for the “Hawaiian Sea Frontier”. These YPs transported supplies to French Frigate Shoals, the islands of Midway, Johnston, Fanning, Christmas, Palmyra, and Canton. In June 1942, seven YP Clippers left San Diego, for service at Efate Island or Samoa, or Auckland, New Zealand. In November 1942, another group of five headed for the U.S. Naval base at Tutuilla, Samoa. As the conflict moved towards Japan, YP Tuna Clippers were sent on missions to other Islands and Atolls of the Western Pacific.

The Navy discovered that “Yippies” were able to transport troops, gasoline, ammunition, and refrigerated cargoes and capable of navigation within shallow atolls and over minefields, of towing damaged warships, and rescuing downed pilots. This is why “Yippies” were also called the “Pork Chop Express” or “Errand Boys of the Pacific” or the “Solomon Island Ferry”. During the Solomon Island Campaign in 1942, the PARAMOUNT (YP 289) and the PICOROTO (YP 290) delivered frozen turkeys and all the fixings for a traditional holiday feast at Guadalcanal Island. In 1943, frozen turkeys were also delivered to the Marines fighting on Bougainville in time for Thanksgiving by the AMERICAN BEAUTY (YP-514).

“Yippies” were equipped with CW radios, fathometers, Navy radar and Navy sonar. Armament included machineguns, and other gun gear to fire Depth charges. The YP crew of tuna fishermen and regular Navy ran from 4 to 20 men.

Two YPs were destroyed in the Solomon Islands campaign by enemy surface ships: On 9 September 1942, off Tulagi Island, the PROSPECT (YP-346), and on 25 October 1942, off Guadalcanal Island, the ENDEAVOR (YP-284). The number of casualties sustained is unknown.

Two YPs were lost in the Midway region: On 23 May 1942, the TRIUNFO (YP 277) was destroyed by fire and explosions enroute to French Frigate Shoals (North of Hawaii), and then scuttled to avoid enemy capture. Only two crewmembers survived. During October 1942, the YANKEE (YP-345), with 17 crewmembers, on a voyage from Pearl Harbor to Midway Island via French Frigate Shoals, was “lost without a trace from causes unknown”.

Four YPs were lost at sea: CALIFORNIA (YP-235) on 1 April 1943, after fire and beaching in the Gulf of Mexico from an explosion of undetermined origin; NAVIGATOR (YP-279), 5 September 1943, foundered in heavy weather enroute to Townsville, Australia; CAPE SAN VINCENT (YP-280), on 24 April 1946, sank near Saipan Island; SAN SALVADOR (YP-281) on 9 January 1944, was destroyed after the foundering in Force 9 storm, with crew of 19 and one dog rescued, near Wallis Island, South Pacific. After transfer to the U.S. Army in July, 1943 the SEA TERN (ex YP-269) was lost at sea off Baja California.

Three YPs were destroyed during October 1945, because of a typhoon off Okinawa: PARAMOUNT (YP-289); CONTE GRANDE (YP-520) and CHALLENGER (YP-239).

The Navy destroyed 7 YPs after the War during 1946 and 1947: AMERICAN VOYAGER (YP-287), CIPANGO (YP-504), EUROPA (YP-236), FALCOM (YP-515), QUEEN AMELIA (YP-516), QUEEN ELIZABETH (YP-519), and YVONNE LOUISE (YP-282).

The successful wartime experience of the “Yippies” caused the Navy to build 30 wood-hull vessels patterned on the Tuna Clipper design. Each of 30 newly constructed wood hull Navy YPs was of 128 in length, of 14 feet draft, and powered with a 500 H.P. diesel main engine. They were built during 1945, two each by 15 different shipyards located in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Commencing in 1947, 24 of these YPs were added to the U.S. Tuna Fleet.

After the war, the Navy and Army transferred 33 surviving former Tuna Clippers to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) for buy-back by the previous owners. Three of these surviving vessels never returned to the U.S. tuna fishery: CABRILLO, FISHERMAN II, AND THEODORE FOSS.

Additional information on the sign:

Tuna clippers joined the navy too and were painted a dull slate grey, while the stalwart Portuguese descendants learned to fire the guns that were mounted upon the deck. Equipped with the finest refrigeration systems, these trim craft became “errand boys” of the Pacific, delivering food and fuel to the fronts. One day these tunaboats will be convoying a fleet of small ships to Panama. Next month, perhaps, they’ll be off to Midway Island with gasoline for navy PBYs. Two months later, they’ll be down in the Solomons running the “milk route” between Guadalcanal and Tulagi with supplies – part of the saga of men and boats.

excerpt from San Diego Union
July 23, 1943

Scores of converted tuna clippers slipped out of San Diego bay on their way to do valiant work in Pacific battle areas. First boats sailed from here Feb. 25, 1942. These small, sturdy diesel-powered boats are ideal for convoying and patrolling as well as for transporting needed war supplies to defeat the Japanese.

excerpt from San Diego Union
July 23, 1943

Today's commercial fishing fleet in San Diego includes picturesque boats that provide fresh seafood for restaurants and a Saturday dockside market.
Today’s commercial fishing fleet in San Diego includes picturesque boats that provide fresh seafood for restaurants and a Saturday dockside market. (The USS Midway aircraft carrier, now a popular museum) is visible in the background of this photograph.)
Someone walking down the Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor pauses to read a bit of fascinating information concerning the Second World War.
Someone walking down the Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor pauses to read a bit of fascinating information concerning the Second World War.
Left part of the sign depicts map of the Pacific theater of World War II in relation to San Diego. Pictured are some vessels that participated.
Left part of the sign depicts map of the Pacific theater of World War II in relation to San Diego. Pictured are some vessels that participated.
A detailed description of how the local Tuna Fleet served valiantly during World War II.
A detailed description of how the local Tuna Fleet served in various capacities during World War II.
California Tuna Clippers: Military Service World War II. (Click the image to enlarge.)
California Tuna Clippers: Military Service World War II. (Click the image to enlarge.)
Commercial fishing vessel Dalena in San Diego's present-day Tuna Harbor.
Commercial fishing vessel Dalena in San Diego’s present-day Tuna Harbor.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of unique photos for you to enjoy!