THE HARBOR COLUMN -- Mike Whitehead

Ahoy.

As a I mentioned in my last column, I served as one of the VIP

committee members for the 54th annual Newport to Ensenada International

Yacht Race activities and what a week it was.

My wife and I tried to attend all the events that Jiffy Woods could

schedule for me, but when I arrived Friday at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht

Club to get on the press boat -- “Sea Ya,” a Navigator 5000 owned by this

year’s Commodore of the club -- Jennifer Solomon, Ralph Rodeim’s press

relations person, had to save me down the docks because I was being led

away by many in the boating community.

I was happy to see Leslie DeMeuse of Channel Sea TV, which produced

the video with Roy E. Disney, as she was dropping off her camera crew for

on-the-water coverage. When DeMeuse was leaving for John Wayne Airport to

film from a helicopter for ESPN, I thought “if only Boathouse TV had her

budget.”

When I was talking with Leslie by the flag pole at the yacht club, I

heard a yell from above. It was Lorin Weiss, a well-known boating writer

who said he happens to like my column. What a compliment from someone I

respect as one of the best boating writers. Also, I missed saying “hi” to

Rich Roberts, who is another one of my favorite sailing reporters on the

West Coast, when he transferred off our press boat and onto the camera

boat.

Let’s back up for a moment, as most people are probably unaware that

the race is actually a week of events with both U.S. and Mexico officials

celebrating north and south of the border. I mentioned in my last column

that Thursday was my committee’s Yachtsman Luncheon, which was

professionally chaired by Clayton Shurley, although Karin Graves, from

the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, is our hero in ensuring the

luncheon actually happens.

Well, Robbie Hanes from Roy Disney’s Pyewacket served as the guest

speaker with his Transpac video where he holds the crossing record. Hanes

sailed in the Newport to Ensenada race prior to the fast-approaching

Transpac race.

That evening, most people attended the yacht club’s festivities,

though my wife and I were invited and opted to instead attend the Newport

Ocean Sailing Assn.’s VIP cocktail party at Newport Beach Mayor Gary

Adam’s house. It was a very special night. Not only was it my wife’s

birthday, but Adam’s lovely wife did a wonderful job as hostess, Newport

Harbor Master Marty Kasules attended with his lovely Brenda, and the

Mexican officials, whom I have known for numerous years, finally arrived.

It was only too bad this year that I had to attend a Newport planning

conference in Palm Springs rather than the great events south of the

border.

Oh, back to the start of the race. Tim McClung, the weatherman for the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, predicted good winds

with sail out for 15 to 20 knot winds.

The race started well with only a little foul-up at the fourth start

on the outside line as a boat barged the start line too close. Well,

consider that there were more than 440 boats in what is the largest

international yacht race in the world, and there were only a few minor

problems, and all I can say is “great job” to the sailing association,

the sponsors and the hundreds of volunteers who make this race happen.

***

In closing, do not forget the oldest in-the-water boat show on the

West Coast, which will be at the Newport Dunes May 2 to 6. Duncan

McIntosh and his wife have coordinated the show every year for the past

28 years, and he really knows boats and publishes Sea and Go Boating

Magazines. I know McIntosh and he is one of my well-respected boaters,

and he is someone who can contend with me in taking a yacht around Point

Conception in one piece.

Safe Voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him

your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail

to o7 Mike@BoathouseTV.comf7 or o7 www.BoathouseTV.comf7 .