* 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

Orange Coast College is

offering new credit and noncredit sailing classes this spring.

Most classes are five weeks in length, and boats range from Lido 14

dinghies to large ocean racers, even keelboats. Cruising seminars are

also being taught. The OCC Sailing Center is at 1801 W. Pacific Coast

Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 645-9412 or visit occsailing.com.

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

With Marina WaterSports at

the Balboa Fun Zone, you can enjoy nautical experiences from mild

to wild. Take a self-guided tour of the bay in your choice of power

and sail watercraft, jump the ocean swells in a Sea-doo jetboat, put

you sport-fishing skills to the test in a fully equipped Boston

whaler, or soar above it all on a parasail flight along the Newport

coast. Complimentary ice and beverages are included with all electric

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) 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 $75. (949) 645-6812.

Pedal boats, electric boats,

boogie boards, kayaks, inflatable rafts, catamarans, beach

furniture and wetsuits are available for rent at Resort Water Sports

at Newport Dunes. (949) 729-1150.