The Harbor Report: In the summertime, when the water is high

Dan Rosen and Len Bose sailing on BCYC Taco Tuesdays photo fron Joysailing

By Len Bose

June 6, 2013 | 12:49 p.m.

It's summertime in Newport Harbor, and I had promised earlier this year that I would check in with everyone.

My first stop was with one of my favorite people, Mandy McDonnell. Mandy is the founder of Paddle for Privates and, in my mind, the person you go to to find out what's going on in the paddleboard world. This season, Mandy is working for UC Irvine coaching their kayaking, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and sailing classes. These classes are open to UCI students, faculty, staff and alumni of all UC schools. Lessons are available in 15-foot Capris and J/22 sailboats located at the Orange Coast College sailing base. Kayaking and SUPs are at the UCI crew base in the Back Bay; lessons are available along with sunset and full-moon paddles. UCI is also contracted with the city to run its sailing and paddling program. Mandy is one of the best instructors in the harbor and a fun person to be around. Great value here; just search "UCI sailing" and "SUP" for more information.

Mandy also referred me to Pirate Coast Paddle Company, located in the Back Bay. When referring Pirate Coast to me, Mandy explained that this group goes the extra mile to ensure your safety by offering you proper lessons before just pushing you into the harbor and wishing you luck. I was referred to contact Tim Lukei about the group's lessons, kids' camp and group events. The event that grabbed my attention was the SUP glow night tours. This group came up with the idea of placing lights under the boards that place a large phosphorescent glow around the boards at night. You might have seen these lights under some of the larger power boats over the years. This sounds like "too much fun" and you can reach Tim at Pirate Coast Paddle Company at (949) 278-0011.

My next stop was with Billy Whitford at the Newport Aquatic Center. If you want to take your paddling experience to the next level, you have to check out the NAC. This is where it all started in our harbor and, without a doubt, it offers some of the best coaching in the country. NAC offers a Kids Paddle Camp and Novice Rowing Camp. You can contact the NAC at (949) 646-7725.

Summer sailing in the harbor is under way with the American Legion Yacht Club's Sundowner Series on Monday nights, with 50 boats entered. In Harbor A fleet, it appears that Jim Kerrigan in "A Salt & Battery" has a small lead. In Harbor B fleet, Judy Weightman aboard "Amazing Grace" is in the lead at this time. In PHRF A, Roger Gooding aboard "Rhythm" is starting to stretch out into the lead. In PHRF B, the gorgeous "Whisper," Bob Dodds' boat, is in control, and in PHRF C, Dustin Arnold's "Tranquility" and Leo Vortouni's "Lydie" are in a neck-and-neck battle for the lead. In PHRF D, Mike Inmon's "Sleeping Beauty" and Geoffrey Girvin's "Mystery" are tied for first. The Sundowner Series is the first to start and the last summer series to finish in the harbor, so it still is anyone's race.

On Tuesday nights, it's the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club's "Taco Tuesdays," with 52 boats entered. The awards for this event are given out after each night's race, so you will need to check the BCYC website for results. It's good to see the UCI J/22 and all the different PHRF boats out racing. I have been sailing in the Harbor 20 A fleet, where Bob Yates, aboard "Jubilee," has been sailing the most consistently over the last four weeks. In the Harbor 20 B fleet, Mark Hurwitz, aboard his boat "Miss Shell," has been finishing at the top of the fleet.

I then checked in with Amy Elliott at the Balboa Angling Club. She informed me that the yellow tail, white sea bass and halibut are running and most fishermen are doing well south of Newport. Last April, the winners of the Lily Call Tournament were Rob Meinhardt with a 1.98-pound bass and Kenny Knight finding a 3.89-pound corbina. Friday starts the YSH (Yellowtail, Seabass & Halibut) Tournament, which is one of the larger events of the year.

This weekend, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club is running the Star North American Championship with 42 entries. Star boats always catch my eye, and the bay has been active with the boats sailing out to practice each day this week. This event will attract the world's best, so make sure you find a boat to go watch this weekend. Thursday was the start of NHYC twilights, which always has a good turnout.

I will be sailing in the BCYC Ocean Series this Saturday aboard the J/109 Linstar — wish me luck. Last time you wished me luck, we finished second in class around Catalina.

Sea ya.

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

FLASH BACK 2010 NAC – Best Kept Secret In Town

By Len Bose

Billy Whitford, exective director of the Newport Aquatic Center

This past Wednesday, I went down to the Newport Aquatic Center (NAC) to meet with Billy Whitford, the executive director of the NAC, to talk about our harbor's best kept secret. We talked about the center's public use to elite rowing teams and everything in between, including the impact on the harbor, boating safety and rules of the road.

The first thing I noticed when I met Whitford is this guy loves what he does, and he is passionate about yachting. I asked him what the NAC has to offer the public and he was off and running. I'm just glad I brought my tape recorder; I'll try to highlight some of the points of interest I learned from my 30-minute interview. You should also check out the NAC's Web site at www.newportaquaticcenter.com/index.html for everything I am about to miss.

The aquatic center is open to the public, and offers double and single kayaking rentals. It doesn't offer any stand up board paddling rentals yet, although you can take a board paddling class to find out if you like it or not. Visiting the center and signing up for beginning lessons is also the perfect introduction to this part of the boating world.

There is something for everyone at the aquatic center – from the person that wants to join the Canoe Club to the Junior Rowing Team, private rowing lessons and kids' paddle camp. To the patient out there that read my column, there are more than a hundred different schools that offer full scholarships in rowing. The center also offers other activities such as team building, birthday parties, Back Bay environmental expeditions ... and all of this information is available on their Web site.

I wanted to find out information for my readers that was not available on the NAC's Web site. The first thing I noticed, is there is no better person for its executive director than Whitford. He knows more than I do on what’s going on in this harbor, and his first concern is the impact his vessels have on the harbor. “The harbor is a privilege and without this privilege there is no aquatic center,” said Whitford, who's gone great lengths to communicate with the charter captains, sailing teams and yacht clubs. He informs his coaches when the charter boats will be most active and when the Beercans will be starting. I wish my yacht club was as conscientious as he is.

We talked a little about water safety. There are many similarities between sailors and rowers. The beginners are wearing life jackets and taking all the proper precautions, while the advanced crew members have developed bad habits. For example, why do I wear my life jacket when I am racing my Lido 14 in the harbor, but when I race outside on keel boats no one wears one? Anytime a vessel goes outside the harbor, it's in one's best interest to always have a life jacket on, and make sure you have some type of communication via VHF radio, cell phone or even better – EPRIB [Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon].

The last thing I wanted to talk about is who really has the Right of Way when we are all on the bay together. Now I asked a number of different people and did not get the same answer. Whitford said the aquatic center's policy is that they never have right of way. I'm still not clear about this even after reviewing my navigation rules. First, avoid collision at all costs; a man-powered boat is a vessel with limited maneuverability. An overtaking vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. I'm not clear what the rules are in crossing situations, and who has the right of way between a man-powered boat and a sailboat. My guess is that the vessel with the most maneuverability keeps clear. What I think we should all do is keep out of each other's way when we're racing. If I'm out for practice or on a day sail and I see a canoe making its way to the finish line on a race from Catalina, I'm going to keep clear. If the people in the canoe are out for a workout and they notice we're racing. they'll keep clear of us. We both must keep our heads out of our boats and do what’s fair and always avoid collisions at all costs.

Talking about keeping heads out of your boats! Something doesn't feel right to me regarding the weather. If you're going to Catalina this weekend, keep a heads up! I'll be out there this weekend and will be racing around Catalina. I'll be easy to spot, as I'll be the one with a life jacket on!

The Newport Aquatic Center is located at 1 Whitecliffs Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 646-7725.

Sea ya'

Len Bose

Len Bose is a contributing writer to the Newport Beach Independent and owner ofLen Bose Yacht Sales.

The Harbor Report: Oh, what a beautiful mooring

Deputy Sean Scoles of the Newport Beach Harbor Patrol 

By Len Bose

May 30, 2013 | 4:41 p.m.

This week, I sat down with Deputy Sean Scoles of the Newport Beach Harbor Patrol with the intent of introducing myself and learning more about moorings in our harbor.

The first thing I learned was that Sean is very approachable, and he quickly made me feel comfortable talking to him.

From the start of our conversation, I felt like I was talking to someone I had known for years and would call my friend. Sean has been assigned to the harbor department for the last eight years and worked closely with his predecessor, Deputy Carlos Contreras, as the mooring deputy and boat accident investigator.

Sean duties included monitoring the mooring fields, keeping the moorings' maintenance schedule, contacting derelict boat owners, maintaining a mooring waiting list and anything mooring-related.

I learned that a derelict boat is a vessel that is losing its hull integrity and has a high possibility of sinking. "When a vessel sinks, at a mooring, a number of different agencies have to be notified, and a hazmat team is very often called," Sean explained. "An independent salvage crew is also needed to remove the boat from the bottom of the bay. These costs are all on the owner of the boat and are very expensive."

I was informed that mooring permit holders no longer have to keep a boat on their moorings. This can be part of the reason we see so many open moorings in the harbor at this time. If you do happen to own a boat that is in danger of becoming a derelict, your best option is to bite the bullet and pay a salvage company to dispose of your vessel. You also need to keep an eye open and hope that the city receives a grant from the state referred to as the Vessel Turn In Program (VTIP). These grants will be awarded by July 1. Should Newport Beach be so lucky in obtaining this grant, this will be your best option. Stay tuned for more details on this very important topic.

The mooring waiting list was a joke in the past, but that has quickly changed. The time will come when you can no longer transfer your mooring permit, and should you ever decide that the cost of maintaining the mooring no longer fits into your budget, your only option will be to surrender the mooring back to the city and collect the value of your mooring equipment. I wondered how the waiting list will work?

At this time, there are 250 people on the waiting list. Every two years, the people on the list have to respond to a letter that they still have interest in obtaining a mooring. If they do not respond, they are off the list. When a mooring is returned to the city, the next person on the list will receive the permit and have to pay for the mooring tackle. At this time, it is unclear if the person at the top of the list can pass because they do not like the location of the mooring. It is also unclear if you can trade your permit with another permit holder to obtain that better location.

So I would advise, if you ever considered purchasing a mooring permit and you want a certain location in our harbor, the time is now to act. Another thing I would advise is not to hesitate in contacting Sean with your mooring questions. Like in any office, the person at the front desk is the key holder, and in our case, that's Sally Cooper. Sally has been one of my favorite people around the harbor and always goes out of her way to answer my silly questions. Sean and Sally make a great team, and we are very lucky to have them. In fact, if any county supervisor reads my column, make sure you give Sally a pay raise; she is worth every penny.

Big race this weekend at the Lido Isle Yacht Club. It's the Senior Sabot Nationals, and all of the best of the best in Southern California will be out racing. I plan on going out to watch and will provide a recap of the race in my next week's column.

Sea ya.

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

Around Catalina Aboard LINSTAR

Hello Everyone,

Fun race this last weekend “Around Catalina”. We sailed a very consistent race making very few mistakes earning a 2nd in class, 1 min. out of first, and 10th overall. In fact, I don’t recall making any mistakes? OK, maybe two mistakes, one by not bringing the propane tank and feeding everyone a hot meal and the other by not having a camera to take a photo at the end of the gig.   http://www.dpyc.org/race/results/2013/CatIsl13.pdf   

             

                                      

     

Pre-race things could not have gone any better by adding two more people to “The Bands” roster and Milton returning from his solo tour. Greg Wall and Patrick Kincaid have agreed to sit in for awhile and continue to work with us as we proceed in our quest in becoming local rock stars. We all understand it takes 10 members to keep us in tune with at least 6 members attending each gig. Yes, we missed “The Big Kahuna” John as he continues his world tour. Ada is still recovering from her stage accident and Gary had to take care of his peoples.

MVP this week goes to Milton and Patrick. The work you two did in the AM hours was just outstanding, out of the park, killer, impressive, distinguished or just fucking lucky. I don’t know what you two did but thats when the race was won. “Well Done” Milton and Patrick.

Quotes from the gig: “ The Beer and a Muffin Show” with Big Rob and L.Bose. Len “I think we are a minute early for the start” Milton “No Lenny we got it, keep going”. Rob “Fuck Propane”. Milton “ I ate so much, I am going to fart green”.

What quotes do you remember?

Well done everyone next race is June 8th  Ocean Racing Series # 7  BCYC. Please RSVP. ASAP!

Remember to join this weeks MVP “Milton, mumbles, Santos” and his pick up band every Thursday night this summer!

Party on!

The Harbor Report: Trophy brings back memories of a friend

Doug Campbell, left, a member of the Balboa Yacht Club, poses for a photo with Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club commodore Tom Madden after accepting the 2013 Edward F. Kennedy memorial trophy during opening day for the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club on May 11. (KEVIN CHANG, Daily Pilot / May 11, 2013)

By Len Bose

May 23, 2013 | 4:26 p.m.

Every so often, I find a favorable wind shift and pull a rabbit out of my hat. This last weekend, it was my turn to get lucky and win the 2013 Lorin Weiss Series sailed in Harbor 20s out of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. Lorin Weiss was a very good friend of mine who sold me advertising in Santana Magazine; I sold his Cal 2-46 "IdleWeiss" for him, and he made you smile every time you noticed him around town. Lorin passed away about 10 years ago, and ever since BCYC named this regatta after him, I would look across the harbor during this event and want my name on that trophy. Something tells me I had a little help from an old friend last weekend. Thanks, Lorin.

Lorin Weiss "he made you smile every time you noticed
him around town"

Now, this is a strange way to go into an interview, but it just feels right for me to go from one of our harbor's best to another. Most of you might have noticed Doug Campbell receiving the prestigious 2013 Edward F. Kennedy Memorial Trophy during BCYC opening day a couple of weeks ago. This award is given out to our harbor's yachtsmen of the year. I first met Doug 15 years ago at a Balboa Yacht Club race council meeting, and as soon as he started talking, I knew this guy knows his stuff, he does not want to waste time and he truly wants to improve yachting in Newport Harbor.

The next time I met Doug, we were doing mark set for a BYC regatta and we were both in a 23-foot Skipjack by the name of "Gringo." The sea conditions were difficult and I was having problems keeping one of the marks in the boat, and Doug, from the helm of the boat, reached back over the helm chair and grabbed hold of the mark. Just then, we came off a rather large swell and landed hard, and Doug broke a couple of his ribs. I continued to ask him if we should retire from the race and head in, but he wanted to complete our task and waited for the race to finish.

These are just some of the reasons Doug's name is now on the Edward F. Kennedy Memorial Trophy. Other past winners of this award are Swede Johnson, Almon Lockabey, Burt Zillgitt, Gil Knudson, David Grant, Brad Avery, Carter Ford, Nick Scandone, Jerry Moulton, Rod Woods and Mike Pinckney, just to name a few.

Doug was born in Toronto and started sailing Albacores in the lakes north of his hometown. After graduating from the University of Toronto, Doug went to work for the Coleman Company, then, after a few years started his own company. In 1975, Doug was recruited to become president and CEO of the Hobie Cat Company.

From 1975 to 1989, Doug ran the Hobie Cat Company and, as you can guess, spent most of his sailing time on Hobie 14s, 16s, 18s, and 33s. "That was a fun job; that was a great job," Doug explained and inflected his pride in running one of the most successful fiberglass boat manufacturing companies to date. Just ask anyone who is sailing now on our harbor, "What was the first boat you owned?" I bet eight out of 10 people you asked would say, "Hobie Cats." During the time Doug ran Hobie, I bought and sold three 16s myself, and it's the first boat I owned. Other boats Doug sailed and owned were a Santa Cruz 27, a Lido 14 and Twitchell 12s. Unfortunately, Doug hurt his back playing hockey as a kid, and it's kept him out of sailboat racing the last few years.

Doug Campbell with Hobie Jr testing the Hobie 18

Doug's back injury did not keep him off the water; after he retired from Hobie Cat, he became the U.S. and international sailing judge. For 15 years, he was chief judge for the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. He worked at the 1996 Savannah Olympics as a rules judge for the Solings and Tornados, then later in a couple of Pan Am Games.

While I was interviewing Doug, the question came to mind if he had any comments on the state of the harbor and sailing in Newport Beach? "I find it a little distressing what's happening in boating," he explained with concern in his voice. "I think that the city is hurting boating, I really do. There might be a Laffer curve on fees, assessments, and taxes on boats in Newport Harbor. I have never seen so many open slips and moorings. People are moving to Long Beach and Dana Point, and there comes a point when you get diminishing returns. I feel boating is very important to our harbor." Hearing this type of comment from someone of Doug's stature makes me go hmmm?

Summer is here, and I am skippering the J 109 Linstar in a race around Catalina Island this weekend. Wish me luck.

Sea ya.

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

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The Harbor Report: As season approaches, get to-do list ready

By Len Bose

May 9, 2013 | 2:13 p.m.

As most of you already know, last weekend and this weekend open the season for our harbor's yacht clubs. This is the time of year boat owners should have completed their "to-do lists" and are ready for the 2013 boating season.

What, you have not completed your list? Don't feel bad; I still have 20 items on the J 109 Linstar list and five on my Harbor 20 to complete. Over the years, I have entered boats in my club's yacht inspection and worked my way down the general criteria list. This list includes checking my safety gear by making sure it's up-to date — with flares, fire extinguishers, EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacons), life rafts and ditch bags.

The typical opening-day inspection process starts early in the morning with yacht club inspectors walking though your boat asking you questions and working their way through the general criteria list. Owners are aboard to answer questions and, for the most part, sell their efforts of preparing their boat for the upcoming season.

I have always felt that something was missing in the inspection criteria, and that is the boat's first mate being present during inspection. I have watched a number of skippers' faces turn sour — yes, that's green after it turns red — when I have, as an inspector, turned to the first mate and asked them questions about the boat. Questions like: Can you show me the latitude and longitude (L&L) of the boat; can you show me the L&L of our harbor entrance; what VHF channel can you call for assistance on; what is the location of the medical kit, EPRIB and life raft? If you are the first mate, can you answer these types of questions and return your vessel home safely should something unfortunate happen to your skipper? If you can answer these questions, your vessel should receive extra points during inspection.

If you can't answer some of these questions, it's time you learn. On your next outing, ask if you can start the boat at the dock; you do not have to pull the boat out of the slip, but you should be able to steer a course from a compass. Make sure, as a first mate, you take part in your ship's routine. As a skipper, I can't tell how many times I have had to hand the helm over to my first mate, Jennifer. I am lucky in many ways, but Jennifer never has been intimidated to take the helm of our boats, and it's taken many years for her to understand how to use the safety and navigation items. Now I just need to make her comfortable with my anchoring in Catalina rather than always picking up a mooring, but that's another story.

Another opening day bug-a-boo I have is flag etiquette. There is no real pattern to dressing your signal flags during opening day or on the 4th of July and other special occasions. Most yacht clubs will follow the standard sequence, but what gets me the most bothered is timing. While driving by the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club and Balboa Yacht Club this Friday through Sunday, you will notice how many boats will be dressed for well over a week.

If I was a club inspector, I would not give out awards until after sunset on opening day because that's when your colors should be taken down. Personally, (don't ask me why), flag etiquette is very important to me. Ships' flags and ensign should be raised at 8 a.m. and drawn at sunset. I would be elated if everyone followed these standards — and how smart would that yacht club look if its members did this in unison? Can you imagine what it would be like to be at your club and watch everyone raise their flags at 8 a.m. and drop them at sunset when the cannon is shot? In my book, you would be the best-dressed club in town.

Keep in mind, opening day is all about using your boats safely and having fun while doing it. I will be at BCYC on Saturday for opening ceremonies and then over to BYC, where Linstar will be open for you to stop by and say hello. If you would like to make a difference in our harbor, the city is accepting applications for the open Harbor Commission seat up until the 15th of this month. If you are the type of sailor who yells protest when you have been fouled on the race course and flies your protest, then does not file your protest, it's time you do! If you feel you have been fouled a lot lately, it's time you take it to the room and get involved with our harbor by applying for harbor commissioner.

Sea ya.

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

The Harbor Report: Riding the sun with Riding Currents

By Len Bose

May 2, 2013 | 4:19 p.m.

This last week, I was able to catch up with Billy Dutton of Riding Currents, a group dedicated to promoting renewable energy, raising awareness about plastics in the ocean and recognizing the advancement of renewable energy and its application to watercraft.

To achieve this goal, Billy and Mark Ward founded the group Riding Currents, then selected the Duffy 22 electric boat as their vessel. SunPower provided the power with solar panels and Trojan batteries (T-145s) were used to store that energy. The three companies worked together to properly install their equipment for maximum efficiency.

To gain the attention of the public, Billy and Mark thought it would be fun to take a type of surfing safari from Santa Barbara to Ensenada, Mexico in their custom Duffy 22, only using the power generated by the solar panels. During their 300-mile trip down the California coast, the crew would take water samples, collect floating plastics and look for some tasty waves to surf.

Last October, when the team started its journey, fall was in the air and sea conditions in the Channel Islands were at small craft warnings. During Billy and Mark's run from Santa Barbara to Ventura, the wind and waves were behind them; it was reported that while entering Ventura Harbor, the Duffy 22, with its small sail area of enclosure windows, propelled down a wave at 14 knots of boat speed. Can you imagine the look on Billy and Mark's faces as they dropped into that wave? You have to give it to Duffy boats for building a solid boat and steering system to meet these sea conditions. The Riding Currents team completed its cruise in two weeks' time and achieved its goals, arriving in Ensenada safely.

With summer quickly approaching, the Riding Currents team took advantage of our harbor's busy April boating schedule and decided to take the boat around Catalina — this time nonstop, again promoting renewable energy and its application to watercraft.

On April 19, the team was again greeted with challenging sea conditions, but nothing it had not seen six months earlier. This time, Billy's crew was Brady Hollingsworth, and the team was escorted by Duffy electric boat owner Marshall Duffield aboard his pristine Bertram 55 "Following Sea." Again, this week, I am reminded of the "Gilligan's Island" theme playing over in my head. As the team approached Catalina, the weather started getting rough as the winds approached 25 knots. Billy explained, "Duffy took the Following Sea around the back side of Catalina to give us a weather report as we ducked into Avalon. About 50 minutes [later], the report came back that everything was still a go, but it was not going to be as easy as they wanted."

As the team rounded the east end of Catalina, the sun had set, and in the darkness, the winds grew in strength with gusts reaching 35 knots at times. With the escort boat only about 25 yards abeam, the team made it up the back side of the island and to the west end by sunrise, where it was greeted by a fog bank. Just as the team started to get concerned about the extra power that was needed to make it through the rough sea conditions, the fog lifted and the sun poked out through the marine layer. By 6:30 p.m. Saturday, the team was tying the boat back up at Newport Harbor.

Again, this journey brought more awareness to boat builders and the public of renewable and clean energy applications to watercraft. The SunPower'd Duffy circumnavigated Catalina with only the sun to recharge its batteries.

For photos of this trip and my review of the Ensenada race, go to my blog site at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com.

Sea ya.

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

The Harbor Report: McMuffin or not, a terrific race

The Band

By Len Bose

April 25, 2013 | 9:32 a.m.

As most of you already know, Friday is the start of the 66th Annual Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race.

If you are reading my column before 10 a.m., you still have time to head out to the Corona del Mar cliffs to watch the starts from 11 a.m. to noon. If you are looking for the real character of the race, go to the public dock at the end of the Balboa Peninsula. Don't go all the way to the dock's edge because the fisherman will be rather bunched up after all the sailboats have gone by, too close to the dock, and snagged their fishing lines. That's not the type of tight lines they were looking for. What you will see and feel from the dock is the intensity and excitement that this race truly has to offer.

It's easy to spot the difference between the all-out race boats and crews from the weekend warriors who are just out for some good times with family and friends. The all-out race boats will be sleek and move through the water like knives, producing little to no wake.

The crews will be gathered in the cockpit, and everyone will look like attendees at a board meeting dressed in similar-styled suits. Go ahead, wave to them and say "looking good"; they will not respond to your friendly wave and good wishes, but rather will give you a grunt and shake their heads like you are just pointing out the obvious.

If you had a water toy and tried to shower a sleeping sea lion on a moored boat, my bet is you would get the same response.

Most of the fleet fits in the "weekend warrior" category, and there are many different subcategories. The first subcategory I always notice is the one made up of the novice sailors, and God bless them, because that's how our sport grows.

It's easy to spot the novices; they will all have their foul weather gear on before pushing off the dock. Their seasick patches, below their ears, have been placed on by their spouses the night before. Eyes are wide open like they were driving through a police sobriety checkpoint. One can imagine the "Gilligan's Island" theme playing over and over in their heads as they approach the bell buoy at the harbor exit.

Another subcategory is the "win the party" crews. These crews are all in costume, and in past years, I have seen everything from O.J. driving a white Bronco, past presidents, the Rat Pack and Rastafarians.

You should be able to hear them coming down the bay, music blaring, beverages in hand. Make sure you wave to these crews and give them your good wishes; their response is normally a loud "haaaaaaa, whoooooo."

Their boats' watch system, when the crew goes down for some sleep, normally starts earlier for these crews than for other boats, since most of the "win the party" crews are a little slow from the night before and are starting to wonder if that Sausage McMuffin they ate an hour ago was a good idea.

You will also notice the spectators throughout the harbor. One cannot miss Da-Woody, a boating photographer who rides around in a boat that looks like an old woody wagon. Religious folks are always out on the water trying to convince the racers to change their paths. Then blend in all the boats going out the jetty at one time, and you have the Ensenada race, baby!

I will be sailing on the J 109 Linstar, and we have "the band" back together as crew. If I was to place myself into one of the above categories, we would be 50-50 all-out racer and win-the-party boat. I am too old now for the party the night before, and I gave up Sausage McMuffins a long time ago, but that's another story.

Wish me luck again, because it's been working. Last week, we sailed to third place in the Newport Harbor Yacht Club's Ahmanson Cup aboard Linstar. I'd also like to give a little shout-out to my friend Chris Raab, who finished fourth just behind us.

Remember to go to my blog site at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com for an update on the Newport Beach High Point Series.

Sea ya.

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

The Harbor Report: A busy two weeks on the harbor

BCYC Team Stella Maris

By Len Bose

April 18, 2013 | 4:06 p.m.

The harbor will be bustling these next two weeks with the 40th Newport Boat Show and Newport Harbor Yacht Club's Ahmanson Cup Regatta this weekend, not to be outdone by next weekend's 66th Annual Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race and the Balboa Angling Club's 50th Annual Lily Call.

This last Wednesday afternoon, I spent a couple of hours previewing this year's spring boat show at Lido Village. As I walked down the main dock, I started to feel like years past when confidence was high within the marine industry. Andy Estiri from Sea Furniture was busy assembling his dock display of helm chairs, upholstery work and stainless steel hardware. Duffy Electric Boat Company has a large in-the-water display of their product line just below the main ramp.

BLACK IRISH

As I walked down the docks I started calling my clients, informing them that there was something for them to see at this year's show. Some of the standout boats I noticed were the 1970 Hinckley Bermuda 40 "Black Irish," the 54 Eastbay "Scout" and the new Fleming 65. There was a number of clean, smaller express cruisers, sport fishers and even a couple of sailboats. Over the last couple of years, I have had that "bah humbug"-type feeling. This year, the show feels like it has something for everyone. I give it a thumbs up.

This Saturday and Sunday is the NHYC Ahmanson Cup Regatta, which is the third race of the Newport High-Point Series. This race is a little unusual in that it is run as a pursuit race. The smallest boat starts first, which is me on the J 109 Linstar, with your handicap time as your head start. Just think of the 1980s arcade game "Pac-Man"; for us, Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde are the Santa Cruz 70s OEX and Retro. If they catch us after our head start and eat us up, we lose. The winds are forecasted to lighten up this weekend, so it does not look too promising for us.

Ahmanson Series Photo fron Joysailing

We are sailing in the Ahmanson in an effort to get ready for the following weekend's Ensenada race. I've gone through all of the Linstar emergency gear and should have our Man Overboard Module (MOM) back this week after being repacked this year. I am sure all my readers understand that MOMs need to be repacked annually. There is an interesting story developing out of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for this year's race. Commodore Tom Madden, aboard his Hylas 46 Stella Maris, has invited four BCYC junior sailors and their fathers to crew for him on this year's race. This should make for some good stories and good times.

Something tells me that there will quite a few moms on the buses that are available to take down to the Hotel Coral and racers can sign up for rides back. Seventy dollars round-trip and $50 one-way sounds like a great deal to me. Let's hope that this warming trend does not stay around for long and we have some wind this year. Because aboard Linstar, we "wanna race" and place our name on that two-year lease on the Lexus IS F Sport for winning the best corrected time.

Now while all us silly ragheads are out sailing under a full moon, the true harbor user will be competing in the 50th Annual Lily Call fishing tournament. The tournament is scheduled for April 27 and 28. According to the Balboa Angling Club's website, "This is a 4# line class tournament held inside Newport Bay. Qualifying fish are Corbina, Spotfin and Yellowfin Croaker, Calico (Kelp) Bass, Sand Bass, Spotted Bay Bass and Halibut. This is one of our most attended tournaments and is limited to the first 150 entries." If you have never been down to the Balboa Angling Club and looked through their history of past winners of this event, you are missing a big part of this harbor history.

Linstar Last weekend

Please wish me luck again this week; last week, it worked. Alan Andrews joined us Saturday aboard Linstar, and we won our class in the BCYC Ocean Series. On Sunday, Craig Fletcher sailed with in my Harbor 20 to a second-place finish in the Lorin Weiss Series. Life is good in Newport Harbor!

Sea ya.

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

FOR SALE: 2001 Bayliner 3788

SHE IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY WITH HER TWIN STATEROOMS, CUMMINS DIESEL INBOARDS WITH ONLY 650 HOURS, AIR, REVERSE CYCLE HEAT, GENERATOR, MAJOR ELECTRONICS, FULL CANVAS AND READY TO GO......... She is an updated version of the original 2788 Command Bridge with a fresh appearance and a new two stateroom interior. Built on a conventional modified V hull with a relatively flat 10 degrees of transom deadrise, she is a good looking boat with more than a hint of European sudan styling. Large cabin windows make her salon open. Her galley is up and her master stateroom has a walkaround center berth. Hatches in her salon sole provide access to her engine compartment. Topside, her flybridge accommodates five adults and a long overhand shades her cockpit. Molded steps, instead of a ladder, make reaching her flybridge easy and safe. Additional features include a swim platform, transom door, opening side windows, foredeck sun pad and a tub/shower to her head. She is a wonderful opportunity and she is here for your inspection. 

ASKING: $ 145,000

FOR SALE: 2001 C & C 110

It may be impossible to have both cruising luxury and performance in the same boat, but the C &C 110 comes as close as can be achieved in the search for the right blend of compromises. With refrigeration, ample fresh water, and two comfortable staterooms, a couple can cruise for several weeks without needing to visit port. The Value is in the early design and quality construction, which will allow you to sail, and take the family to the island’s safely. When viewing this C & C 110 please note the overall appearance Refrigeration, Radar, Chart Plotter, Windless, Dingy with outboard. This is the type of yacht you can be proud of in front of the Yacht Club. HARD TO FIND! GREAT VALUE  ASKING $129,500 Located in Newport Beach

Just moments from the Newport Boat Show!

The Harbor Report: Leaving Costa Mesa for calmer waters

Tattoo Yachts New 22 Footer

By Len Bose

April 11, 2013 | 8:58 p.m.

Two years ago, almost to this date, I interviewed Roger MacGregor and his daughter, Laura MacGregor Sharp, at their boat building plant located on Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa. The story was titled "The dawning of the age of fiberglass," and now, after some 50 years and 45,000 boats built, the MacGregors have decided to stop production of their 26-foot sailboat at their plant.

"Dad's not closing the doors," Laura explained over the phone this week. "He continues looking forward and plans on building custom-ordered 70-footers. Both my parents are in good health. They are both like Energizer Bunnies. They just keep going and going."

Two years ago, while walking through the plant with Roger, I did not listen to him closely enough when he said, "Over there is our mold shop, and on the other side of that wall, our neighbors are putting in a three-story retirement community." Two years later, the expense of updating the mold shop to meet today's state and city requirements has become rather tiring. Laura and her husband, Paul, have decided to continue production of the 26-footer and a new 22-foot trailerable sailboat in Stuart, Fla.

"The city of Stuart targeted us and went out of their way to obtain our business and made a huge effort in making us comfortable with our move," Laura told me. "Here, we are targeted in a way that makes it impossible for us to stay. In Stuart, it's like a flashback to the 1960s and '70s in Costa Mesa. On every street corner, there is a marine business, and we feel welcome again."

When you think about it, the MacGregor family has done more for the sport of sailing than anyone else by producing an entry-level boat. "If I had a dollar for everyone that came up to me and said I learned how to sail on a MacGregor 26, my kids would not have to work," Laura said. "We want to keep that section of the market and have made a few changes to the boat."

The new line is called Tattoo Yachts, and you can find them at tattooyachts.com. "With cars getting smaller, the boats need to be lighter," Laura explained. "The towing weight of the new 22-foot is half the weight of the 26-foot."

As a yacht broker who has specialized in the sailboat market, I owe a big thank you to the MacGregor family for giving so many people the experience of a weekend-type cruising sailboat.

With this news, my concern for our harbor continues to grow, and I have said it many times before. What is going to happen as residential use encircles our harbor and forces out marine industry? Will we still have shipyards, restaurants, boat rentals, yacht clubs and boat launch ramps? Will my grandchildren get to race on the harbor, or will the race starting signals be too bothersome and loud for all the residents in their high-rise condos?

Myself, I'm going to look forward to the future like Roger MacGregor and design a kite I can fly from my Harbor 20. This way, I can still find wind 100 feet above the water after the high rises have surrounded us.

Fortunately, the sails that I have now should be good enough to get my name on the Lorin Weiss Series trophy this weekend as I sail out of the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. Wish me luck — I'm going to need it!

Should you wish to read the three-part story of Costa Mesa boat building and follow-up story to last week's Baldwin Cup, go to my blog site at lenboseyachts.blogspot.com.

Sea ya.

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

Is NHYC team "Thunder" immune to the curse of the Bambino?

Today is the final day of the 2013 Baldwin Cup sailed just off the front docks of NHYC. This type of spectating is referred to as a stadium venue that can only be pulled off by NHYC. This format offers the spectators the ability to view the whole race course from land and in this case in front of NHYC. Teams are rotating in and out of boats right in front of you. This gives you the chance to see and feel “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” right there with the competitors.  After a come from behind victory yesterday I had a chance to over hear BYC team member Peter Fallon taking with his teammate Kelsey Gram “ Man I am still shaking after that one”.

Over the last two days and some 100 plus races the top four teams are starting to define themselves. At the top of the heap is NHYC “Team Thunder” with Brian Bissell, Caleb Silsby, Gale and John Pinckney, John Whitney, Michael Menninger, Perry Emsiek and Reid Vitarelli. In second place is Larchmont Yacht Club from New York, Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club from Oyster Bay New York is in third. Yale Corinthian from Branford Connecticut and SDYC trying to stay in the top four.

With todays predicted light winds it appears that the start of the race will be everything. As the wind died yesterday there was a lot of teams rounding the second mark in 1,2,3rd place which is a winning combination and difficult to lose from while the breeze stays light and your sailing H20’s.

The racing today will start with the completion of round 2 and then straight into the final four. At this point all four teams, that make the cut, will be starting fresh. In other words its a whole new ball game at this point. If NHYC is ever going to win this event its this year. Team Thunder has been sailing strong as a team and their boat handing has been superb. 

This team largest obstacle is their “curse of the bambino” and the fans on the dock know it. If NHYC loses the first race of the semi finals the dock will so quite you will be able to hear a seal fart. I am starting to shake my bottle of Zantac already. 

Sea ya on the dock?

Baldwin Cup 2013 Day 1

Should you decide to head down to the NHYC today and watch the team racing keep a couple of things in mind. 

Parking the car at NHYC is challenging and then you have to grasp whats going on out on the water. You will see three racing going on at one time. Just in front of the club, assuming the wind will be out of the same direction as yesterday, was the top part of the digital N course.

At the first two marks of the course the teams are just starting to get into it and by the time they reach the bottom part of the N they are really going at it. If its still a close race its all out war as the two teams of four work their way to the finish line.

Unfortunately this is the furthest distance from the dock and as a spectator you have to pay attention to grasp the game. I trying my best to understand and still have no clue whats going on.

I will be back today, the atmosphere around the club is intoxicating or that could have something todo with the .25 beers??

Sea ya