MIKE WHITEHEAD -- The Harbor Column

Ahoy.

I have been reading the community feedback in the Daily Pilot and

hearing from many people I speak with around the harbor about the changes

to the Christmas Boat Parade. Most boaters are pleased with the change

from seven nights to five nights. It is interesting that there is not

much feedback from the restaurants or charter boat operators on this

reduction of nights, which might lessen business.

I am pleased that, with the work of people who volunteer their time,

the parade is still afloat, as I mentioned in an earlier column. Still, I

keep reading the complaints from those who are in the two areas the

parade will bypass to help shorten the route. I can understand how people

who may not have the parade pass by next year feel, but we have to keep

in mind that it is the boat owner who has the cost of operation. And

without the boats, there will not be a parade. The Newport Harbor Area

Chamber of Commerce wisely listened to the boat owners and the residents

to try and come up with the correct decision.

I hope if the parade increases in participation and sponsorship, maybe

these areas might be considered to be re-included in the route.

One last thought: I have always wondered why the restaurants (Woody’s

and Hooters) and the residents at the top section of the Rhine Channel

never asked to have the parade make a loop in the Rhine.

***

I just returned from the Fox Marine Dealer Show in Palm Springs, and I

was glad to see how many vendors and members of the marine industry

participated in light of the terrorist attacks that occurred Sept. 11. It

was great to see many familiar faces and see all the new marine products

being introduced, not to mention how the marine products are getting

better and better.

I was hoping to see the new LED boat trailer lights that are not

suppose to short out or corrode -- like normal light bulbs do -- after

backing the trailer into the water, but no one had them at the show.

However, after seeing all the marine-care maintenance products, I can

tell you there is a specialty product for maintaining, reconditioning or

polishing anything aboard your boat. Nice to see that you can use a

specific product to take care of a task while at the same time being

environmentally cautious.

***

Update on harbor security: It seems that San Diego is the most

aggressive and I would not recommend traveling there at this time. The

Coast Guard and harbor police are boarding and thoroughly inspecting

every boat that enters the harbor. I understand that a portion of the

harbor has been closed to boating, with increased off-limits zones by the

Navy ships. You cannot even enter the aircraft carrier basin.

Our harbor seems almost normal, yet keep your eyes open and report any

unusual activity to the Harbor Department. Call the Newport Harbor

Department on channel 16, and if it is not an emergency, the dispatcher

will ask you to switch to channel 12.

***

There are two marine meetings this week for those of you who are on

the committees or those who want to know how to get involved by helping

our youth and harbor.

Today is the monthly Boy Scouts Newport Sea Base committee meeting at

7:30 a.m. at the base. This meeting focuses on the base and program

operations, plus how we help the youth by providing quality marine

programs.

At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Marine Committee meeting I chair for the

chamber of commerce meets at the chamber’s office at 1470 Jamboree Road.

At this meeting, we will be discussing boating guest docks in our harbor

and, I hope, submitting recommendations to the city’s Harbor Committee at

their next meeting.

Remember, the Lido Yacht Expo is Thursday to Sunday at the Lido Marina

Village. This expo is known as California’s All-Big-Boat boat show with

vessels 26 feet or larger on display, and for more information log onto

o7 www.goboatingamerica.comf7 .

Also, happening this weekend, and not just for boaters, is the

California Kruisin’ Days 2001 in downtown Balboa on the peninsula. More

than 200 PT Cruisers, Prowlers, Vipers and the Chrysler concept cars will

be on display with additional entertainment.

Tip for the week: Check all your below water through hull fittings’

shut-off values. Make sure the values are working and not stuck in the

open position.

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 https://www.BoathouseTV.comf7 .