The Harbor Column -- Mike Whitehead
Ahoy.
I just returned from an ocean voyage and, along the way, we kept
diverting our course due to objects we could see floating in the ocean.
Each time, a string of rubber or Mylar balloons floated on the water.
It is really amazing the number of balloons that we actually see while
out on the ocean -- including on the way to Hawaii, too. I only see the
balloons that drift out to sea and I can only imagine the number that
drift to inland areas.
Well, the damage these balloons cause on the waterways is huge because
the sea creatures eat these floating objects thinking that the balloons
are food.
Please do not release balloons in the air for any reason, and I think
that any event that releases balloons into the air is doing a major
disservice to our environment. Let me know what do your think.
***
I have been receiving a lot of e-mail saying what another great
Christmas Boat Parade we had, and I have only received a few e-mails
saying otherwise.
The problem they mention, first and foremost, is that a few boats hit
bottom in the harbor due to the low tides. This is a perfect example why
we need to dredge the harbor -- whether the Army Corps of Engineers steps
up to the plate or Newport Beach takes charge. Think of the thousands of
dollars that these vessels owner must now pay for a haul out, to fix or
replace the props, shaft balancing, etc.
We need to dredge the harbor not tomorrow but now. So how do we begin?
Funds are being made available for the Back Bay -- where boats are not
allowed -- because of environmental concerns, but we should also make it
clear that the harbor needs dredging due to environmental concerns as
well. With the millions of dollars being spent on the Back Bay, the city
or the county should just purchase a dredger as other harbors have done
to dredge year-round as needed.
Also, I have received negative feedback about this year’s Christmas
Boat Parade, not due to the parade but due to the large boats. One reader
wrote that from his house on Lido Island, his view was blocked by the
145-foot Rapture in the center of the channel.
My question was what view was blocked? The larger boats are asked to
stay in the center of all the channels as to not impede the parade flow.
Additionally, the boats in the parade are decorated on their starboard
sides to display the spirit to the homes, parks and restaurants along the
parade route. So, how do the vessels in the middle of the route block any
view?
I was in skippering in the parade every night aboard private yachts
and believe me, the parade was not too congested. Twenty years ago, you
could not navigate in the harbor during the parade and now it is no
problem anywhere in the harbor, plus after 9 p.m., the harbor is vacant.
Let’s save the parade and encourage boats to join in, not just whine.
***
Finally, I have been researching new boating laws for 2002 and both
locally and federally, I have found no new laws that affect us. If you
know of any new boating laws, let me know, but also include the necessary
information such as bill number and author.
Tip of the week is to check your GPS insert cartridges. The charts are
being updated on a constant basis and if you purchased your GPS chip a
few years ago, it is probably out of date. Check with your GPS
manufacturer or local electronics store to find out if you need an
update.
Recently, I have been on a few older boats and the GPS chips were out
of date. With an updated chip, the old unit becomes new again.
Next time on your boat, look at your electronics and think if it is
time for an update or new equipment. There is more power in the handheld
GPS units than what was aboard the Mercury spaceship.
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 .
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.