The Harbor Column -- Mike Whitehead

Ahoy.

This is an open letter to Orange County’s Sheriff Mike Carona,

praising him for selecting Capt. Marty Kasules to serve as harbor master

for Newport Harbor, Dana Point and Huntington Harbor. The knowledge and

expertise that Kasules possesses in boating as well as in law enforcement

is very beneficial to our harbor.

Kasules has brought back community service to Newport Harbor and the

boating public, something that’s apparent in every deputy who patrols the

waterways. As an active boater on many harbor-related committees, I

welcome him and his staff to continue the development and connection

between the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the city of Newport

Beach, the boaters and the other entities in Newport. I hope that

everyone has the time to visit the harbor to see the considerable

difference since Kasules’ appointment and how Newport is becoming a

“boater-friendly” port.

Kasules has proven that the county can provide the contractual Harbor

Patrol with the city of Newport Beach. As the Newport Beach Harbor

Commission takes official duties next month, I urge the county and city

to work as a team and suggest the new Harbor Commission acknowledges

Kasules’ knowledge base.

Speaking of the Harbor Commission, where is the new commission? There

are many ongoing items that the harbor committee was acting upon to help

the harbor. Sources tell me that there are about 40 applicants for the

seven commission seats and that a number of the applications were

received on the last day applications were accepted.

Who are these 40 applicants? I never saw 40 people at the harbor

committee meetings we held during the last three years.

Present at the meetings were the ones who actually care about the

harbor and not the ones who now come out of the woodwork just to get a

commissioner’s title.

I am not trying to persuade the selection committee, but one only has

to look at who has been active to this point in time with the city’s

Harbor Committee, Harbor Water Quality committee and/or the Newport Beach

Chamber of Commerce’s Marine Committee. These are the people who will do

the job without the fanfare that some people want from being on a

commission.

***

An important Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade meeting is set for 5

p.m. Wednesday in the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s conference room

at 1470 Jamboree Road.

Change is necessary to save the parade and now the question is not the

number of days, which has been changed from seven to five, but the route.

One new idea is that on the weekends, the boats will follow the normal

route and on the weekdays, they will follow a shorter route.

Good idea, but will it confuse the boaters? Yes. However, I think it

is feasible to at least try it this year.

After following the normal route seven nights last year, I was

surprised at the lack of decorations and support of the parade in light

of all the press in the two areas being considered for removal from the

route. These areas need so-called “block captains” who will ensure that

the homes are lit with decorations to show their support. A few of the

homes or condos were lit, yet more were dark as I cruised by every night.

Also, whoever took the cheap shot threatening volunteer Brett Hemphill

should step up the plate and be an active supporter to see firsthand what

it takes the chamber to organize this event every year. If my math is

correct, the city estimates that there are more than 9,000 boats in the

harbor, and if only 10% participate, that would be 900 boats. But we are

getting only about 1%, or 90 boats, registered in the parade.

Let’s work as a community on the parade to keep the tradition alive

for the next hundred years.

***

Tip of the week is to check your dock lines. During this time of year,

most boats sit idle and the weather is at its worst causing chaffing to

the dock lines. Trade out any worn lines and use chaffing gear where the

lines touch a hard surface that will wear out the fibers. Also, be

certain that you have the correct type of line and diameter for your

boat. I always add in a few extra spring lines this time of year to help

absorb some of the stress off of the bow and stern lines. If you’re on a

mooring can, use an extra helper line along with your primary line plus,

as I mentioned, chaffing gear. Think smart and your boat will thank you.

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 .