* 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

A basic sailing and seamanship course will be held from 9 a.m. to

4 p.m. Saturday at the Orange Coast College School of Sailing and

Seamanship, 1801 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Information: (949)

645-9412.

Two intermediate Lidos sailing classes will be offered by the by

the Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship. Students

should be graduates of a beginners’ sailing class. The first set of

classes will meet from 1:45 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. The second set

of courses will meet at the same hours Sunday. Classes will meet at

1801 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 645-9412.

The “Introduction to Shields” sailing class will teach a

transition from small boats to keel boats. The class will meet from

9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Orange Coast College School of

Sailing and Seamanship, 1801 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Information: (949) 645-9412.

A new sailing class taught aboard a 30-foot Shields sloop will

meet from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 18 at the Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship, 1801 W. Coast

Highway, Newport Beach. Registration will cost $329. Information:

(949) 645-9412.

A basic cruising class for students seeking Basic Cruising

Certification will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 19 at

the Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship, 1801 W.

Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Registration will cost $229.

Information: (949) 640-1678.

A keelboat class for beginning sailors will be held for students

who have passed an intermediate level shields class. The class will

meet from 1:45 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 19 at the Orange Coast

College School of Sailing and Seamanship, 1801 W. Coast Highway,

Newport Beach. Registration will cost $175. Information: (949)

640-1678.

A decorative knot-work course will include lessons on the Monkey’s

Fist, the Double Coin Knot and the Emperor Sinnet, among other knots.

The class will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Dec. 17 at

the Orange Coast College of Sailing and Seamanship, 1801 W. Coast

Highway, Newport Beach. Registration will cost $45. Information:

(949) 645-9412.

A Marine Radio Operator’s Permit class will meet from 1 to 5:30

p.m. and will be followed by a one-hour permit exam at 5:45 p.m.

Thursday. The class will be at the Orange Coast College School of

Sailing and Seamanship, 1801 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Registration will cost $75; the test will cost $50. Information:

(949) 645-9412.

Sailing Fascination offers classes in boating safety and sailing

year-round for persons with disabilities. Classes are Tuesdays and

Saturdays at the Balboa Yacht Basin, slip B1, 829 Harbor Island

Drive, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 640-1678.

The 1812 American Privateer Schooner Lynx is offering educational

programs for fifth-and eighth-grade students based on state

standards. The Lynx operates from the Scout sea base, at 1931 W.

Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 723-7814,

https://www.defenseoffreedom.org.

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 your sportfishing 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.

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.