The Harbor Report: A tribute to two harbor heroes

I spent a good part of Tuesday afternoon cruising from the Balboa Peninsula into the North Balboa Island Channel then around Linda Island and into the Back Bay.

My mind wandered to racing this weekend in the Lido Isle Yacht Club’s “Roy Woolsey” regatta that was sailed in Lido 14s and Lasers.

Then while thinking of sailing on this warm fall day, I could not help but think of my old friend Nick Scandone.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is introducing an “Extraordinary People” exhibit featuring Scandone. It will be paying tribute to his efforts in reaching his Paralympics gold medal in sailing.

I keep a photo of Scandone and I on my desk, and sometimes give the photo a little head node for good luck when I sail.

I also went back and read an old story I wrote about having the privilege of attending this event with Scandone. My last observation still rings true to heart with me:

“Nick Scandone is a class act. He is the perfect ambassador for yachting. You can only wish for a public servant with the same passion, respect, and the support to others. Newport Beach, California, United States of America, the World needs Nick Scandone as their representative…”

Nick and I first met back in the day sailing Lido 14s for the Orange Coast College Sailing Team. While Nick went on to win the Lido 14 Championships a couple of times, I am just hoping for a strong finish to this year’s sailing season.

This must be another strange coincidence, bringing up Nick’s name with Roy Woolsey in the same story. They’re two very extraordinary people.

This regatta is held in honor of longtime Lido 14 and Laser sailor Roy Woolsey, who lived to a grand age of 90, sailing right up to the end. Woolsey lived and sailed in a manner that was held in the highest regard of sportsmanship in our harbor. Like Scandone, Woolsey was a good person to be around, and I am very honored having been able to sail against both of these fine competitors.

A big smile appears on my face as I tell myself how lucky I have been to be able to use this fantastic harbor for as long as I have. I look into the warm sun reflecting off the water, then rub my face in concern and hope for the best in the near future.

I wonder if my son will be as fortunate as me and I ask myself if the harbor will be as easily obtainable with the proposed zoning changes. Will my son be able to afford a boat and take his family to Catalina with the proposed tideland increases in our moorings and slip fees?

Will my son be able to meet our local harbor heroes like Scandone and Roy? Don’t get caught in five years wishing you should have helped! Please contact the Newport City Council members and let them understand just how important this harbor is to you and your family.

I hope to “sea ya” on the water.

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