From the boathouse: Of lobsters, sandcastles, tropical storms

Ahoy!

Oct. 1 is nearly here, which signifies the beginning of local lobster season.

I cannot wait to dine again on our local crustaceans.

Speculation is floating across the waters that this year will be a good one for catching bugs.

So send me updates with your catches this year, versus the past couple of seasons.

Also, I am curious if anyone notices any difference in the taste or texture.

Update on Tropical Storm Roslyn

The witches will be riding their broomsticks, and hurricane season is coming to its annual conclusion.

When the hurricane season is officially over next month, insurance rates will decrease for boaters to travel south of the border, and we will notice larger yachts missing from their slips.

At the beginning of the week, Tropical Storm Roslyn was located about 740 miles WSW below the Baja, California Peninsula, with sustained winds near 35 mph and 40 mph maximum gusts.

By the weekend, Roslyn’s NNE direction will likely have the storm’s center almost halfway up Baja’s Peninsula, but miles out to sea.

The storm will be dissipating, and boaters wanting to get a head start on cruising to Mexico will be out of danger.

However, we are not yet out of hurricane season, so, if you are planning to point your bow south in the next few weeks, forecast with a boating weather service.

Sandcastle contest returns to Corona del Mar

Tip of the week: An exciting target is closing in fast on my radar at Big Corona State Beach on Sunday.

Thousands will flock to the beach for the 55th annual Sandcastle Contest presented by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. I should disclose that I am a staff commodore, so yes, I am biased in my desire to help promote this fun-filled, family oriented event.

This is a Southern California tradition, where families, architects and friends participate as teams to build not only castles but incredible sand creations.

I have seen sand sculpture depictions ranging from SpongeBob SquarePants to abstract works of art. Everyone is welcome to walk along the beach and observe the man-made formations.

This year’s event has been expanded to include new features and activities. I think most people will enjoy the new display of classic cars in the adjacent parking lot.

Additionally, there are additional exhibitor booths and food options. There are also activities for kids.

Enter through the Big Corona parking lot off Ocean Boulevard. You can find detailed information, times and directions at NewportBeach.com.

Remembering Bob Robins

Sadly, I would like to sound the ship’s bells eight times in memory of Bob Robins, who was a friend and fellow commodore.

Theodore Robins Jr. had a profound impact on the Newport-Mesa community.

Many knew him as the owner of the Theodore Robins Ford dealership, where I brought a few cars, but they may not realize how much he gave back to and supported the community.

Robins sponsored community activities and programs, and he graciously volunteered thousands of hours. Always, smiling he was known for a great closing joke at our commodores’ meetings.

Dr. Donald W. Wise emailed me, saying, “Hi Mike — his father was one of the founders of the Newport Beach-based Amigos Viejos group founded by his father, Leslie J. Steffensen, leader of the group who wrote Newport Beach’s city charter, and local Judge Robert Gardner.

“They were among a handful of locals who formed the social group called Amigos Viejos (Old Friends) in the early 1950s. The stories vary whether it started in 1950 or 1953. Bob was the current Presidente and the former chairman of the Board of Governors of the Balboa Bay Club.”

Bob was a clean sweep at whatever he touched, so let’s replace the broom hoisted high on the staff with a Mustang stick shift. My captain’s hat is off this week in his honor. RIP.

Safe Voyages!

MIKE WHITEHEAD is a boating columnist for the Daily Pilot. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to boathousetv.com.