From the Boathouse: Boating season is upon us
Ahoy!
The Newport Sea Base has declared that the figurative ice on the bay in front of the base has been broken and it’s time for opening day, which is the tradition of yacht clubs on the East Coast. Since we boat year-round and our harbor does not ice over, our West Coast tradition is to pick a day in April, May or June for opening days.
Therefore, the Sea Base is hosting its opening day on Saturday and the whole family is welcome to visit as there will be something for everyone. This is the 78th boating and aquatic education season at the base and the official ceremonies kickoff at noon.
You can join in the numerous activities like Huck Finn fishing, boat rides, origami boat making and tours of the base. The Newport Beach Firefighters Assn. usually brings its barbecue so you can have some pirate grub.
The Newport Sea Base is at 1931 W. Coast Highway but there is limited parking at the base, so be prepared for a short walk. For more information and parking tips, call (949) 642-5031.
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News of the week
Did you know that last week was Air Quality Awareness Week? Well, neither did I, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are encouraging Americans to “Be Air Aware: Keep an Eye on the Air Quality Index.” .
May marks the beginning of ozone season and this is the perfect time to promote the use of air quality forecasts and public awareness of how air quality can affect individual’s health. Boaters appreciate the fresh, clean air when out on the water and sailboats depend on the moving air molecules called wind. Therefore, I thought that I would bring this awareness week to your attention.
However, the only related activity that I can find in California is in San Francisco, where the Bay Area Air Quality Management District launched on Monday the 2015 Spare the Air season, which focuses on reducing smog-forming pollution during the warmer months.
Other newsworthy scuttlebutt is that Nissan Marine Co. of Japan has announced that the company is ceasing production of its marine outboard engines and boats worldwide. Sales will end once the inventory has left the shelves. However, Tohatsu America Corp. will continue to support any Nissan outboard for consumers.
“Now then, we regrettably have to inform you that we have decided to finish development, production and sale business of the boats. We will withdraw from the delivery of newly produced boats by the end of March 2015, but the boat after-sales service and the marina management business of Nissan Marine will be continued. Other marina companies of Nissan group will carry on their current business,” states an announcement on Nissan’s website.
Many boaters might not be aware that Nissan outboard engines are actually built and distributed by Tohatsu America. The move by Nissan Marine to discontinue its rebranded product lines will not affect the Tohatsu product line of outboard engines that will continue to be sold to consumers.
As always, just keep an eye to the weather for any changes. Please be boat smart and boat safe. Lastly, please boat responsibly and look behind you before you turn the wheel at the helm.
The original boating program “Boathouse TV & Radio Shows,” has stretched from coast to coast for more than two decades. See the details at https://www.boathousetv.com, https://www.facebook.com/boathouseradio and https://www.twitter.com/boathouseradio.
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 https://www.boathousetv.com.