Channel properly while parading

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

The boat parade has started successfully, and unfortunately, so

have the Santa Ana winds. However, neither winds nor snow on the

harbor will stop the 96th annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade

presented by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of

Commerce.

I can only think of a few times that the parade was canceled for a

night because of weather in all the years I have been participating.

In my column last week, I wondered if we have ever had a submarine

or an aqua car participate in the parade? Well, this year we had a

classic military seaplane visit the harbor, and the plane could have

qualified to enter the parade. The Billabong Clipper, a vintage

Grumman HU-16B “Albatross” seaplane, landed in the ocean just outside

of the Newport jetty entrance earlier this week. Billabong has

restored this aircraft as a great marketing tool for shuttling its

surfers to the hot spots in style. Now, I have to find out about any

submarines in the parade. I bet either Seymour Beek or Art Gronsky

will know the answer.

However, this year’s parade will continue until Sunday, with

perfect weather predicted for the weekend. Parade officials will

monitor marine band VHF working channel 68. However, all commercial

vessels will monitor channel 16 as required by the U.S. Coast Guard.

You will want to contact parade control on 68 for any questions, but

remember to use channel 16 for all emergencies and for hailing other

vessels.

Be wary that what you do with your boat will affect all the boats

around you. Therefore, before you turn your boat, look behind you to

see if it is clear of any vessel abaft your stern. Also, you can help

the parade’s flow by not stopping in the middle of it unless, of

course, safety reasons arise or you’re trying to close any gaps in

the route without creating damaging wakes. Keep in mind that you are

responsible for any damage or injuries caused by your vessel’s wakes.

You will notice that most of the larger commercial boats will

cruise mid-channel at a slow speed, and you will want to give these

vessels a little room. At a slow speed, the wind and current will

have an effect upon these vessels that, at a slow speed, will take

time to counteract. Observe the wind and current (tide changes) to

try to calculate any effects that a larger vessel may be

experiencing. This will allow you to control your own boat and also

know what the other skipper is planning. If you are in doubt as to

the commercial operator’s intentions, then hail channel 16 for

passing coordination. The skippers not paying attention to their

responsibilities and not using their common sense are the ones who

cause most accidents.

If you are shoreside looking for a spot, I have a great viewing

spot, and all you need is a blanket. Drive to Balboa Boulevard and

18th Street, where there is a small parking lot, restrooms and open

bay-front beach between 16th and 19th streets. You may want to bring

along a flashlight, but please do not shine flashlights from shore

into the eyes of those trying to skipper in the parade.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Before you leave the dock, have a brief safety announcement and

show all your passengers the locations of the life jackets, fire

extinguishers, ring buoy and other safety equipment. I always

designate someone as a deckhand, the person who will help me with the

lines, fenders and who is able to assist should a situation arise

onboard. Find out who in your group has any boating knowledge. That

someone must be able to understand your requests (orders), so you may

not want to use only nautical nomenclature.

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.