* 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.
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.
Fun Zone Boat Co. runs a 45-minute cruise (adults, $6; children,
$1) and a 90-minute cruise (adults, $8; children, $1) departing from
Balboa Fun Zone every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. A
60-minute showboat sunset cruise (adults, $6; children, $1) leaves
the Fun Zone at 7 p.m. daily. Private charters are available. (949)
673-0240.
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