THE HARBOR COLUMN:Kayaking is a great way to see the harbor

Ahoy,

I can tell summer is here when the bay is full of Sabots tacking every direction, transforming the harbor into a sea of white sails.

This weekend will be one of the busiest times of the year for boaters of all sizes and types of water crafts.

I missed all the crowds on the waterways because on the Fourth of July my family and I left to visit the Grand Canyon, and we are lounging poolside in Las Vegas this weekend.

So, I am still near water, but no boats are in sight. Is it me or are you too noticing an increase in kayaking and canoeing inside Newport Harbor?

What a great way to see the harbor, and you can venture up into the Back Bay under paddle power.

The manufacturers are smart to build the lightweight models out of polyethylene, and some of the boats are rigged for fishing.

The recent legislation that was withdrawn in Sacramento would have required kayakers to have a boating license.

What do you think about mandatory safety courses or licensing for kayaking and canoeing?

The 2007 Safe Boating Campaign, theme is “Wear It,” referring to your lifejacket. So, let’s keep it safe this weekend while boating, starting with checking your lifejackets, and children and non-swimmers always wearing a lifejacket.

If you need help in the harbor call the Newport Harbor Patrol on VHF marine channel 16, and if it is a non-emergency then you will be switched to the working channel 12.

Tip of the week is if you are sailing on a very dark night and you suspect that a nearby boater does not see your boat then shine a flashlight up against the mainsail.

Your sail will glow making it very easy for nearby boaters to see you.

Remember, between sunset to sunrise and other periods of reduced visibility you must display the proper navigational (running) lights for either a vessel sailing or a sailing vessel under power.

Vessels under sail must display the port red and starboard green forward lights plus a white stern light, and when under power you must add the forward white masthead (steaming) light.

Tune in to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” from noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays on KLAA-AM (830)