The Harbor Column:

Ahoy.

Labor Day weekend might be over, but recreational boating and fishing in Southern California is at its best. Now is the time to be on the water with flat seas and a gentle breeze in the afternoons.

Still, no hurricanes affecting our area, and Hurricane Linda — a Category 1 — is far to our south. Point Conception is only 4 feet and not expected to build more than 6 feet this weekend.

If you cannot get out on the water, then plan on visiting the Southern California Marine Assn.’s 41st annual Long Beach Boat Show. This show will last through Sunday at Shoreline Village Marina in Long Beach with in-water displays and shore-side booths displaying everything a boater could ask for.

There will be daily seminars such as “Getting your Captain’s License” by Rags Laragione or “Cooking on the hook” with Marilyn Henley. You can go to longbeachyachtandboatshow.com for more information about the programs and ticket discounts.

A busy month as another boat show is zeroing in on my radar closer to home: the 31st annual Lido Yacht Expo at the Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. This expo is the big boat and yacht show with more than 250 vessels on display. The Lido Yacht Expo will be from Sept. 24 to 27. Surf to lidoyachtexpo.com for more information.

Tip of the week is to check out Newport Beach’s new Complete Cruising Guide to Newport Harbor that is posted at www.newportbeachca.gov/Modules/ ShowDocument.aspx?documentid= 5985.

This new 16-page guide is filled with useful information about boating in the harbor, and visiting boaters will be able to view the guide prior to entering the jetty entrance.

Remember to tune in to our syndicated network at 11 a.m. to Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show. For listing of stations, Internet feed and more information, go to www.BoathouseTV.com or www.CRNI.net.

Safe Voyages,

Mike Whitehead, Capt.

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 .