The Harbor Column:

There is an important blip closing in on my radar screen, and I think you should plot your course to intercept this fast-approaching target.

Why not continue the festive holidays a little longer and help keep the boat parade floating by attending the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction?

The dinner is open to the public, and this gala is how the chamber thanks the boat and home participants, parade sponsors, general public and volunteers. You will enjoy a five-star dinner at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach and have the chance to bid in live and silent auctions, with the proceeds going to fund next year’s parade.

This year’s special grand prize drawing, arranged by Henry Schielein of the Balboa Bay Club, is a 10-day trip featuring luxurious stays at 10 of Germany’s finest cities and hotels.

The dinner is Jan. 22 at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort, 1221 Coast Hwy., To make reservations, which are mandatory, visit the chamber’s website at NewportBeach.com or call (949) 729-4400.

Tip of the week: The weather looks like a winter storm is moving into our area with rain and large swells this extended weekend. Then another storm system is predicted to hit later next week too. The swells might build up to 8 feet by Monday in the San Pedro channel, and Point Conception is anticipated to be slightly less than 20-feet — ouch.

On Saturday and Sunday, the winds should be light, but the winds can change if pressure systems change course. So, you want to prepare your boat for the storms by checking that the decks are clear of debris so that the rain can run-off or drain if on a trailer.

Most important is to check and add extra mooring lines for the boats floating in a slip or tied to a mooring can. You can add chafing gear to the lines to increase protection as I have seen lines snap from the abrasion during a storm.

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 .