THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge always brings back memories of the hundreds of boats that I have skippered to and from the San Francisco area.

Many times new crew members tried to get a picture as we cruise underneath, but the fog was too thick.

I have noticed there is a fog line just inside the harbor between the fogged-in bridge and no fog by the St. Francis Yacht Club.

I am in San Francisco for a meeting at the Westin St. Francis, but I will head back soon for the Lido Yacht Expo.

The big boat and yacht show is back in Newport Harbor, and you cannot miss seeing all the yachts floating in the harbor off Lido Marina Village as you drive along West Coast Highway.

This show is for the serious buyers; however, everyone is welcome to tour these beautiful bigger boats.

This is actually a good time to buy a new or used boat with the brokers eager to move inventory, and I am told the financing interest rate is still good.

I will have a special treat for everyone this Saturday at our radio broadcast booth in Lido Village on the cobblestone street across from Electra Cruise’s Offices.

We will have a double broadcast starting at 10 a.m. with “Food & Dining with Mario and Amy.”

You probably remember chef Mario Martinoli from his years of broadcasting on KCAL 9 News, CBS 2 News and the radio.

Immediately after “Food & Dining” we will broadcast the Boathouse Radio Show live.

We are planning to have the Boathouse Girls (Hilary Seal and Lauren Colletti) give away some delectable delights if we can work out the details in time.

Remember, the gangways are open only until Sunday evening, and you can find our more information about the Lido Yacht Expo at www.lidoyachtexpo.com.

Tip of the week: There are two free parking areas for the Yacht Expo and the shuttles constantly are running back and forth.

I find these shuttles are very convenient; you do not have to hunt for the parking space, and it is free.

Tune in at 11 a.m. Saturdays to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” on KLAA-AM (830).

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com.