Newport boat show sets sail nationally tonight

Greg Risling

NEWPORT BEACH -- The boat show captained by a Costa Mesa resident, which

is a staple in the area, will be shared with a national audience

beginning tonight.

“The Boathouse TV Show” will debut on the Sunshine Network on Saturday at

10 p.m., with more shows the following two Wednesdays.

It’s been a busy time for 41-year-old Mike Whitehead, who hosts the show

and runs the Isla Mujeres tour ship near the Cannery Restaurant.

Whitehead has been talking with television producers about the nautically

themed show several months, and now he has his shot at the national

spotlight.

“It’s been crazy working seven days a week,” he said. “There is a lot of

paperwork involved, but it’s worth it. I’m hoping this is the big kick so

we can be seen all over the United States.”

The cable company that Whitehead signed a one-year contract with mainly

is seen by Florida viewers. However, those with a satellite dish will be

able to watch Whitehead give boating tips to novices and experts alike.

For those who haven’t seen the show, which also airs every Thursday night

on local cable access stations, Whitehead is an informative host who

covers nearly every aspect of the boating industry. It doesn’t matter

whether you are thinking about buying a reel and rod or an expensive

sailboat; Whitehead has the industry covered.

Whitehead said he is excited about the future of the show, adding that he

can’t wait to see what his e-mail inbox looks like come Monday.

He said that no matter how the show does, he will stay in Newport Beach.

“We aren’t leaving this area,” he said. “I’m just happy no matter where

you are on the water, you will be able to catch my show.”