LETTER: Boats fishing in fairways of harbor are navigation hazard

To Ozaukee Press:

I want to take this opportunity to support Harbormaster Dennis Cherny and Assistant Harbormaster Lisa Rathke in their efforts to keep the navigational channels  of the Port Washington harbor and marina open for safe access and egress.

Fishing boats of all sizes, from kayaks to cruisers, have been anchoring and
cruising in the hairpin turn at the marina entrance as well as across the breakwater gap. This presents a considerable hazard to navigation and is against Coast Guard standards.  

Owners of at least three boats kept in marina slips have come alongside and counseled the fishermen in a courteous manner and have been met with considerable invective. One of the fishing boats in the marina entrance was in excess of 24 feet long and was impeding the access of one of our large sailing fleet vessels as it was entering the marina. This was especially egregious when another boat was attempting to exit at the same time.   

 Lines in the water from fishing boats not removed when approached by other boats could lead to entanglements, injuries and loss of life.

Safety on the water is paramount, and as a safety professional I support the efforts of harbor officials to keep the harbor and marina entrances and fairways safely clear of fishing boats. I encourage them to inform all boat launchers of the importance of this when they pay their launching fees.                                    

Gene Pawlowski
Port Washington Yacht Club race director
Port Washington