Sea Base welcomes summer

NEWPORT BEACH — Dave George is only 20 years old, but he’s already a seasoned sailor — not to mention a mentor for the next generation.

The Cal State Fullerton student serves as the boatswain of the Del Mar, one of the sailboats docked at the Newport Sea Base.

He also has seven and a half years of experience in the Sea Scouts, an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America, and Saturday morning and afternoon, he joined fellow crew members in giving tours of the Del Mar to families.

“We’re always looking for younger guys, of course, because they stay around longer,” said George, a Villa Park resident.

Saturday marked the opening day of the summer season for the Newport Sea Base on West Coast Highway.

As hundreds of people milled around, crew members showed off their boats, the Boy Scouts held a flag ceremony and the U.S. Coast Guard gave tours of a 60-foot cutter vessel.

The Sea Base opens on the weekends year-round, but offers classes, sailing programs and other activities all week during the summer.

Saturday marked the first day of registration for the summer programs, which begin in June and include classes in sailing, fishing, preserving the environment and even forecasting the weather.

“That’s what we’re all about,” said Lara Fisher, the director of marketing for the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America. “It’s all about bringing kids down and showing them all the joys the water can bring.”

One who answered the call was Kathrin Eayer, 14, of Lake Forest, who recently joined the Sea Scouts and proudly sported her white sailor uniform at the Sea Base.

“I just love going out on the ocean and seeing all the different animals out there,” she said.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.