LEN BOSE YACHT SALES

My Harbor's New Years Resolutions

OK, I am not going to lie. I did not get off my butt to find a story in the harbor for this week. So, let's talk about my Harbor's New Year's Resolutions.

"Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in."

In 2013, I plan on volunteering my time at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club and trying to help its members and sail fleet Captain Paul DeCapua to the best of my ability. That means at the BCYC, sail fleet meeting people will start to hear me say, "I got this silly idea..." Most of the time, people just roll their eyes and continue to the next agenda item, but this year, I might have found one. On BCYC Tuesday night racing, Paul is always on station early. Rather than just waiting for the official starting time, I came up with the "silly idea" of a couple of practice starts before race time.

Paul DeCapua and Crew

I am hoping that the Harbor 20 class likes this idea and comes out to join us for Taco Tuesdays starting May 14. If you are looking to get back on the race course now, BCYC Ocean Racing Series starts Jan. 19, which was one of last year's best races. If you sign up for the entire series before Jan. 5, you will save yourself $30. Speaking of saving, make sure you enter the Ensenada race today. The early-bird discount ends Dec. 31, and that's a big savings.

I just purchased Harbor 20 No. 108 this week and will be attending most of the H20 events this year with the goal of making A fleet in 2013. As you can tell, I really enjoy sailboat racing in Newport Harbor, and now that I own a boat, I can do more for fleet No. 1. On the big boat seen this year, I will be sailing on the J109 Linstar this coming season. I refer to the crew as "The Band," and we have the goal of winning BCYC Offshore Series, BYC 66 Series and the Newport Beach High Point Series.

On our race calendar for next year is also preparing for the 2014 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The owner has promised to buy a bigger boat if we have good results; therefore, I will be pushing the program a little harder this year. If you are under 40 years old and looking for a new ride this year, please give me a call. I know that reads a little harsh, but because of my age, we have plenty of experienced sailors and are short on youth.

My harbor resolutions will not change that much from last year. I will keep asking the city for eight parking permits to be awarded to the winners of the Newport Beach High Point Series. Last year, when I asked for the parking permits, I got laughed out of the building; let's hope I can improve my presentation this year.

I will continue to push for marine recycling centers and attend most of the monthly Harbor Commission meetings. What I will do a little different this year is to approach the harbor commissioners and ask them how I can help. So if you are reading this, Commissioners Girling and Avery, I would like to help with your task of "Communicate The Harbor Commission's Role with the Public."

I would also like to help with "Enforcement of Harbor Codes," Commissioners Blank and West. As readers of my column, I hope you understand what I am trying to say and make time to ask our harbor commissioners how you can help this upcoming year.

For next year, I will make a better effort to contact the Balboa Angling Club and the Newport Aquatic Center along with SUP Dog paddling club. The Bose family wishes you all a Happy New Year, and we will "sea ya" next year.

SEA YA

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.