* 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 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. on Dec. 12 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.

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.defenseof

freedom.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 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.

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. (949) 675-4984.