Newport Harbor rolled out the red carpet

Ahoy.

Last week, while drifting in a yacht off the Corona del Mar

coastline, I could only describe the calm sea conditions as like

floating in a bathtub, and the Santa Ana winds had created a

picture-perfect day, with seaward views from down to Dana Point out

to Santa Catalina Island and up to San Pedro.

Well, we were just settling in the cockpit for an afternoon of

fishing when Marty Kasules, Newport harbormaster, was the first to

hook up right away a good size bass. I still think he had a few of

his scuba divers lurking beneath us to plant the fish on his hook.

You might remember from last week’s column that I mentioned Ray

Tsuneyoshi, the director of California’s Department of Boating and

Waterways, was visiting Newport Harbor, and I had a day’s worth of

adventures planned for him.

Ray’s day began when we met Newport Beach Mayor Tod Ridgeway and

Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff for lunch at the Blue Water Grill.

Lunch was casual, so everyone could get to know one another and help

form a mutually beneficial relationship in the interest of Newport

Harbor and boating.

Immediately after lunch, Ray and I drove to meet Marty at the

Harbor Department for the next adventure.

We headed out on a Carver 530 yacht so that we could fish in

luxury (read: please set the air conditioning to a comfortable

temperature).

Passing the jetty entrance, you could see the excitement ignite

inside Ray as he was preparing our fishing gear.

We had only a few hours to drop the hooks, as the marine event was

scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

The few hours fishing was enough time for a few hookups while

enjoying the afternoon, but I think the jokes will have to be kept a

secret. We used squid for bait, and every catch was released to be

caught another day.

We knew it was time to head back for the dock when the sun started

setting over ocean, and I am still waiting one day to see the green

flash. You don’t know about the green flash phenomenon? Remind me to

explain it in another column.

Arriving in time at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, I was pleased

to see the large number of people already in attendance and pleased

that Karin Graves, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s special event

coordinator, had everything under control, as usual. Karin’s hard

work made Mark Silvey and I look like pros that evening.

We decided to change the format slightly and asked that Jim

Villers, a professional master of ceremonies, take the microphone.

The event went very well, and Ray addressed the audience as

someone who is compassionate in his job and active in boating and the

state’s waterways, hence the Department of Boating and Waterways.

“It is refreshing to have a director of Boating and Waterways who

actually interacts with our local boating community,” said Capt.

Marty Kasules, joined at the event by Harbor Patrol Lt. Greg Russell.

It was a who’s who, with City Harbor Commissioners John Corrough,

Ralph Rodheim and Don Lawrenz among the crowd. My favorite Log

Newspaper reporter, Laurie Morrison, joined publisher Dan Teckenoff.

It is always my pleasure to shake hands with Art Gronsky, Scott

and Marie Schock (OK, a hug from Marie), Jack Means, JR Means, Linda

Mongno and Gary Hill -- to name a few.

Thanks go out to Dave Geoggroy and Stacy Freeman of the Southern

California Marine Assnwho helped sponsor the evening.

Additionally, two nautical authors, Ron Arias and John Guest,

signed copies of their books donated by Bristol Fashion Publications

for the door prizes. They will be back at the next Marine Committee

event for a book signing. Phil Bettencourt, chairman of the chamber,

concluded the event in his gracious manner.

Afterward, Jerry Shandera and wife Dee had arranged dinner for Ray

at the club, to be joined by Mark and Bobbie Silvey, Mary Bacon,

Kasules and yours truly.

Will Ray be back to Newport? I think so, or he will miss out on

another adventure du jour.

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 Mike@BoathouseTV.com or BoathouseTV.com.