* WHAT’S AFLOAT is published periodically....

* WHAT’S AFLOAT is published periodically. If you are planning a

nautical event, submit the information to the Daily Pilot, 330 W. Bay

St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; by fax to (949) 646-4170; or by e-mail to

dailypilot@latimes.com.

SAILING CLASSES

Sailboat rentals and private lessons are available at Marina

WaterSports in the Balboa Fun Zone. Advanced classes include

navigation, big boat, powerboat, introduction to heavy weather and

first-mate instruction. (949) 673-3372; the Blue Dolphin Sailing

Club, (949) 644-2525; or Lido Sailing Club, (949) 675-0827.

Sailing Fascination offers

classes in boating safety and sailing year-round for persons with

disabilities. Free. (949) 640-1678.

Orange County employers can bring their employees out to Newport

Beach on weekdays to enjoy a day of sailing courtesy of Orange Coast

College. The School of Sailing and Seamanship now offers a chance for

groups to work with the on-board instructor on different sailing

techniques while they get advice on how to perform well in business.

No sailing experience necessary. One-day classes cost from $100 to

$125. (949) 645-9412.

BOAT RENTALS

Balboa Boat Rentals can put

you on the water in many ways: with single and double kayaks,

electric boats, 14-holder sailboats, pedal boats and runabouts for

offshore use or cruising the bay. Balboa Boat Rentals also holds

two-hour scavenger hunts aboard the electric bay boats, providing

group activity for corporations, birthdays, nonprofit organizations

and group outings. The hunt packages include boats, trivia questions,

maps, Polaroid cameras and supplies. The cost of a hunt begins at

$225 per boat, and catering is available at an additional rate. For

hunt reservations, call (949) 557-5100, ext. 12. For general

information, call (949) 673-7200.

Electric boat rentals are

available by the hour at Duffy Electric Boats, 2001 W. Coast

Highway, Newport Beach. All boats are equipped with window enclosures

and CD players. Ice and cups are provided. Reservations are

suggested. An hour rental is $70. (949) 645-6812.

Sail airborne outside Newport Harbor at Marina WaterSports, pulled

by a motorboat at Balboa Para-sailing near the Balboa Fun Zone. A

90-minute trip is $45. (949) 673-3372.

A motorized lounge chair may

be rented at Resort Water Sports at Newport Dunes for $25 per

hour. Pedal boats, electric boats, boogie boards, kayaks, inflatable

rafts, beach furniture and wetsuits also are available. (949)

729-1150.

Party pontoons, chaparral runabouts and family pontoons may be

rented at Marina WaterSports Bay Rentals in the Balboa Fun Zone.

(949) 673-3372.

Gondola tours are offered by

the Gondola Co. of Newport, 3400 Via Oporto, Suite 102-B. The $75

cost includes a basket of bread, cheese, salami, ice, glasses, a

blanket, music and a Polaroid picture. Wine is also available. (949)

675-1212.

Gondola Adventures/

Newport, 3101 W. Coast Highway, offers one- and two-hour gondola

cruises. A one-hour tour with champagne is $70. A two-hour tour with

dinner and champagne is $180. Pickup is available at waterfront

restaurants. (949) 675-4984.

Irvine Coast Charters in Lido Marina Village offers two-hour

electric boat cruises with a gourmet dinner. $180 for two persons.

(949) 675-4704.

Gondola Romance offers daily tours of Newport Harbor during lunch

and dinner. Call (949) 675-4730. The tours go out of Lido Marina

Village, 3400 Via Oporto, Newport Beach.

CRUISES

Electric Boat Tours offers two-hour cruises of Newport Harbor ($75

per cruise). Round-trip hotel or off-the-water restaurant shuttle

service is available. Pick-up from restaurants with docks is also

available. Chartered and catered tours. (949) 291-1953 or

www.wattsontheharbor.com.

The Newport Landing Belle is available for weddings and

receptions, cocktail and sightseeing cruises, and meetings. The cost

is $500 for the first two hours, plus $150 for each additional hour.

(949) 361-3640.