Briefly

-- Mathis Winkler

An exhibition showcasing Newport Harbor’s most popular cruising

destination opens at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum Friday.

The exhibit, “Catalina and the Channel Islands, Newport’s Offshore

Neighbors,” will focus on the nautical history of Santa Catalina and the

seven other offshore sentinels that make up California’s Channel Islands.

While Catalina, the most accessible island, is familiar to the general

public, the other seven remain known to a relative few -- quiet, seldom

visited, and cloaked in obscurity.

The exhibit explores the islands’ maritime evolution from prehistoric

planked canoes to modern day pleasure yachts and sportfishing vessels.

Displays include Indian artifacts, early exploration charts, paintings,

ship models and photographs.

The show will run until June 30 and admission is free. The museum is

open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 151

East Coast Highway. Information: (949) 673-7863.