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Whenever I watch a nautical film that is based on little boating experience or “fly by the seat of your pants” long distance cruising, I am simply amazed by sheer blind luck or divine intervention, (or both), which is the case with “Sea Gypsies” in this year’s Film Festival. My...

Boy, what a difference a year can make! The last several years the drought we have lived through has allowed some of the warmest and best autumn, winter and spring weather any boater could dream of. Winter and spring allowed the Blue Fin tuna to stick around within daytrip...

For those of us with the pleasure of growing up on Newport Harbor, many times we found ourselves admitting it’s a small world along our bay. Whether it be the yachts cruising in and out of the local waterfront, owners or families who own and use the yachts, or the men and women...

I had the pleasure for the first time to attend the trophy presentation following the Newport to Ensenada race. This year’s race had a substantial increase in participants, and all were treated to vibrant winds allowing for several record breaking finishes. The boisterous and...

My wife and I recently spent some time in Denver. We thoroughly enjoyed the impressive Denver Salt Water Aquarium and Zoo. Even though it was winter, the weather was in the 60s. Knowing this prior to leaving, I was looking forward to sailing on Cherry Lake in the “burbs” of the...

From the mid-1940s to around 1958, my dad operated Port Orange Deep Sea Fishing along Mariners Mile. By 1958 the commercial fishermen had wiped out the sardine population and until 10 years ago we were never able to use sardines for bait, so we’re happy to see their return....

Hopefully, we’re about to say farewell to the drought! While the professional doomsayers predicted we’ll never recover from the drought we’re off to a great turn-around. For those non-native locals, we have an arid climate that has always seen dry years and wet—but mostly dry...

As you read this we are about to commence the third night of the Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. The theme of “Seas the Holidays” couldn’t be more appropriate. The organization and supervision of the Commodores of the Newport Chamber has been superior, as always. This event...

Every year when lobster season commences, 50 or more lobster traps with attached lines and a floating buoy encompass the area outside the Newport Harbor jetties. We’ve returned from several Catalina trips in the evening and even though we are aware of the situation, one or two...

Over the years there have been many fires aboard locally berthed yachts, and I always find it very sad when the yachts are one-of-a-kind or owned by noteworthy users. Frank Sinatra’s yacht, Christina, named after his daughter, off and on berthed at the Bay Club, and a Linda Isle...

A week and a half ago I skippered a 44-foot Trojan International to Avalon for the day, so an out of town couple could spend part of their 10 year wedding anniversary celebration as guests of one of the owners. The seas were calm and the ocean water temperature was 73-degrees,...

  Last week one of the morning news shows placed an alert that there is a high surf warning that encompasses Malibu, Seal Beach, San Diego and Irvine. Irvine? Is a machine writing this or are Hollywood newscasters living on the moon? My favorite place to spend Labor Day is aboard...

If ever there is an appropriate phrase to sum up what a multitude of anglers are thinking and doing, it’s “Gone Fishin’” Last summer and throughout what we used to consider the off-season, water temperatures were above normal and the Bluefin Tuna never left the outer banks within...

Summer continues on Newport Harbor with an active amount of boaters seven days a week. As proud grandparents ourselves, we really delight in watching youngsters operating family vessels up to 20 feet, and the seven year olds (and above) being tutored and learning sailboat racing...

The 2015 Governor’s Cup 49th Annual International Junior Match Race Championship sailbing regatta hosted by Balboa Yacht Club was held last week, with the final races last Saturday off the Newport Pier. Competition was fierce with the two Newport crews staying in contention until...

The summer sailing season shifted into high gear last week when laser sailors from all over Southern California raced in the Flight of the Lasers on Sunday. This annual regatta is always fun for the small light weight and fast dinghies. The day before the race, we had a steady...

The Fourth of July had an abundance of yachts of all sizes enjoying and celebrating one of the busiest boating days of the year. We entered the Old Glory Boat Parade put on by the American Legion Yacht Club. The crowds ashore and on their docks were quite appreciative and...

It’s a small world on our waterfront. For those many of us who have spent their lifetimes in Newport Harbor, we share similar memories of harbor events. While we may not know everyone’s name, we know of them on sight. A few years ago I walked into Beach Pit Barbeque in Costa...

Superior! That is the one word to me that describes the Wooden Boat Festival that I attended at the Balboa Yacht Club several weeks ago. The location, booths, support staff, program, shuttles and the yachts (small to big) were very impressive. I’ve attended scores of boating...

The fishing season is greater than ever for this time of year. As mentioned months ago, last fishing season was the best I can recall of the last 60 years. I bring this up because now a climate expert with Scripps Institute is saying while last year could have been (but wasn’t)...