What’s up, docks?

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

The Marinapark saga continues, and as the election nears,the

anticipation builds as to whether the land will become developed into

a privately owned hotel or that the last remaining bay-front land

could become a public park.

It is interesting to read the comments in the Pilot’s forum, where

the points for and against each usage is like comparing Sabots to

submarines -- two completely different uses that serve two completely

different objectives.

I really appreciate Tuesday’s letters to the editor, written by

Wes Armand and John Hart, that mentioned my column on this issue.

Armand’s letter highlighted the positive issues for public access on

public land and the need for aquatic resources for our harbor, while

Hart’s letter hit the nail on the head about the city’s vision for

our harbor.

I have received a lot of e-mails and calls of support for my Oct.

8 column, “Local boating industry undervalued,” as to what is

actually occurring in this harbor and the “on the record” comments

from the mayor of Newport Beach. I must remind my readers that I do

actually travel the Pacific coast from Mexico into Canadian waters

and out to Hawaii as a yacht captain. As such, I know first hand what

it is liketo visit other harbors on the West Coast, and I have

reports on my weekly radio show as to what is happening in our

nation’s harbors. There is a lack of amenities in Newport Harbor for

visiting boaters and no plans to address these needs. The big

question is if Marinapark is a location to start addressing the lack

of boating facilities and launch ramp?

Perfect example: Can anyone tell me where there is one public dock

that I can temporary dock a 1950 boat -- a dock that has the

proper-sized cleats to secure the vessel? I skipper many local boats,

and it is sad when I have to explain to the vessel owner that there

are no public docks, where I can dock for him and where his guests to

go ashore. The only option is for me to return to their slip, and the

group returns to their cars to drive to their destination. Am I

missing something here about the lack of facilities and planning?

Most opponents to a park and boat launch cite the capital outlay

to the city for building a park. Well, there are funds available at

the state level from the Department of Boating and Waterways for

building boating facilities. These are the funds paid by boaters that

the department gives back for boating projects throughout the state.

Just look north to Long Beach or south to San Diego as to how those

cities are using that funding to improve their boating facilities.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Watch out for all the “stuff” that is flowing down into Newport

Harbor from the recent rains. Unfortunately, what I call the

“inventory” backs up in the storm drains and into the channels that

feed the harbor during the dry months. I have noticed the storm drain

screens being installed by Newport Beach and Costa Mesa to help

prevent larger items from entering the drains. It’s a proactive move

that I support, but you still need to be aware of what ends up in the

gutters.

After the rains, boaters are at risk with this floating debris

that can damage propellers and be sucked up a boat’s water intakes.

This is not just inside the harbor; it’s present for a couple of

miles out to sea. If you are going cruise along the coast, then head

out to sea, but watch for logs and telephone poles.

Lastly, I would like to give a personal thanks to Jerry Shandera,

who last week I referred to as my cabin boy. Jerry asked me to emcee

the Corona del Mar Centennial Classic Boat Parade last Saturday.

Well, Jerry was actually my co-emcee and helped bring the parade to

the shoreside spectators.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation, “Capt.

Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show.” It airs every Saturday from

noon to 1 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170). You can join me, Chandler Bell and

Eric Hovland by calling the listener line at (888) 344-1170.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to mike@boathousetv.com or visit https://www.boathousetv.com.