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

* 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 summer. 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.

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

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.

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.