The Harbor Column:

Well the New Year is here, and I know all good boaters have made their New Year’s resolutions, which will be broken before the spring thaw. Oh wait, Newport Harbor does not have a spring thaw, so how do the yacht clubs plan the opening day, which is when the waters thaw?

Just what kind of resolutions do boaters make anyway? How about that skippers will be courteous to everyone while on the water, whether sail or power boater. Reminds me of the wish to let there be world peace. Second resolution is that you will always display the correct navigational lights at night. Hum, count how many boats run with their anchor light brightly shinning, or how many sailboats under engine power cruise at night without their masthead light shining.

Another good resolution is that you will not cruise with your boat’s fenders hanging over the side, commonly referred to as the del rey stripes, which are named after Marina del Rey boaters. What is a fender, you ask? That cylinder-shaped vinyl thing that you place between your boat and the dock, which many boaters incorrectly call a bumper.

Following up with the previous resolution, you will learn the nautical nomenclature, and as such, use the proper terminology when referring to “boating things.”

Lastly, on your list of resolutions is that you will not yell, nay scream, at your spouse when docking the boat or launching from a trailer. I wonder how some marriages have stayed together after watching the transformation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, when the boat nears the dock. Dr. Phil would have a field day with these people.

Lastly, the most important resolution you can make is to introduce someone to boating by inviting them aboard for a cruise.

Tip of the week is watch the seas this weekend if you are venturing outside Newport Harbor into the ocean. The swells might build to 7 feet by Sunday, but the slow moving high-pressure system will give us light winds and warm air temperatures. My crystal ball does not show rain this weekend, but a few clouds will move through our area.

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 .