Ahoy,
Labor Day is the weekend that usually signals the end of summer and recreational boating as everyone returns from vacation to school and work.
However, as I constantly mention, fall is a great time to be on the water in Southern California with the warm weather and thinning crowds.
Because our waterways do not experience the bitter cold, as in other parts of the country, we have the luxury of boating year-round.
So get me my Arctic parka, as the daytime air temperature may drop into the 50s.
On another note, after last week’s column, the e-mails started to flow in reminding me that it is “sou’westers,” not “south-westers.”
Now, to be fair, the correct terminology was sent to my editors, but I am sure that the automatic spell check caught and replaced the word.
The boat show is returning to Lido Marina Village and you will notice the docks being extended out into the small turning basin to accommodate the hundreds of boats on display.
This is the big boat show that has grown over the past 30 years to the best in the West.
The Lido Yacht Expo opens the gangways Thursday to Sept. 14.
I will broadcast my radio show live from the Expo from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 on the cobblestone street across from Electra Cruises’ offices, so come on down and meet the Boathouse Girls.
You can find out more information about the Lido Yacht Expo at www.LidoYachtExpo.com.
Tip of the week is for harbor dock owners to think about importing green sea turtles as pets. Did you read the Saturday’s article in the Los Angeles Times about the discovery of green sea turtles living a mile up the San Gabriel River by the Long Beach power plant’s outflow of warm water? Well, the article stated the adult turtles feast on eel grass that just happens to be very prolific in Newport Harbor. Dock owners who are getting ready to dredge might want to invite a couple of green sea turtles to munch on the eel grass.
Just a thought, but eel grass is natural food for the turtles that were listed under the Endangered Species Act on July 28, 1978.
Tune in at 11 a.m. Saturdays to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” on KLAA-AM (830).
Safe Voyages.
MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com.
