THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Ahoy,

It must be that time again when you can see the temporary docks filling up with boats in front of Lido Marina Village.

What time, you ask? Time again for the Newport Boat Show, deemed the premier in- the-water, big-yacht boat show in the West. I am always amazed with Duncan McIntosh, the show organizer, who coordinates the logistical challenge to juggle and squeeze in all the show’s boats on display into the lagoons and docks before the show starts next week.

The 36th annual show will have more than 300 boats for you and your family to view inside and out, and the show is situated in a great outside venue on beautiful Newport Harbor. Additionally, this show is especially for the serious buyers, as vessels can range up to 100 feet in length with multimillion-dollar price tags. Just keep me off the docks if I have my checkbook in my pocket.

As a special bonus, once again my Boathouse Radio Show will broadcast live 11 a.m. to noon April 18, at our broadcast booth on the cobblestone street across from Electra Cruises office. I invite you to join Capt. Chandler Bell, my show manager, and me for a fun radio show as we interview various folks at the show from boat dealers to the show’s organizer.

I highly recommend that you use the free parking and free shuttle bus with close-by locations that you can view on the website. The Newport Boat show is organized by Duncan McIntosh Co., publisher of the Sea and Go Boating magazines and the Log newspapers. For show information you can call (949) 757-5959 or visit www.NewportBoatShow.com.

Tip of the week is sign up your dog for the Newport Boat Show’s Nautical Dog Contest to see whose pooch will the next Top Dog.

The contest will be just before my broadcast at 9 a.m. April 18, and I have been asked to be one of the judges looking for the best nautically dressed dog in categories ranging from best nautical attire, saltiest dog and best overall.

I have been known to take bribes as a judge and I will share with the other judge, so bring it on.

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.