The Harbor Column -- Mike Whitehead

Ahoy.

Tomorrow being Christmas, I wonder what surprises good boaters will

find under the tree from jolly ‘ole Saint Nick.

I can only look into the future to see how the new technology will

change the way we boat today:

* Hull designs changing to incorporate hydrofoils or multihull designs

to increase speed while lessening the effects from swells.

* The new VHF marine radios are using digital selective calling (DSC),

allowing you to call another boat by typing in their code number without

having to hail on channel 16 for all to hear. Also, DSC will allow you to

send an automatic mayday signal that will include your latitude and

longitude and vessel information with the push of a button.

* I can see more boats installing bow thrusters as the prices continue

to drop and the units becoming more compact to install.

* The navigational systems will be combined into one or two flat panel

displays showing everything from radar, Global Positioning System

tracking, engine readings, fuel consumption and your e-mail.

* The building materials in the boats are making great improvements

with lighter and stronger materials. Fiberglass may be replaced with a

molded plastic hull, allowing easier repair and quick custom production.

Wiring inside is replaced with fiber optics stopping the corrosion that

affects every wire connection one time or another.

* Finally, there will be fast upload and download connection to the

Internet while on the water. This would allow for you to actually take

your work on the water, getting you out of the office. With the Internet

you would have the capability of viewing information on upcoming harbors

along your route. You would be able to see live in your boat any cameras

that many places are installing for an actuate image of that harbor.

Packages under the tree can hold many new and exiting advances in the

boating world, but there are many who like to reminisce to the yester

years of boating. Sailing on the high seas with the wind in your face and

the tiller in your hand, and boat designers know this, too.

You will see new boat designs with a retro style capturing the classic

yacht look docked in the slip next to a euro designed yacht of stainless

steel and glass. For some, change is welcomed, and for others change

leaves a yearning of the past. For me -- bring it on, but I will always

remember how to hold a tiller and mainsheet in one hand and a paper chart

in the other hand.

I hope everyone had a wonderful time during the Christmas Boat Parade

and everyone should make plans to attend the Newport Beach Chamber of

Commerce’s Awards Dinner and Auction on Jan. 25 at the Four Seasons

Hotel. The dinner recognizes the winners of the boats in the parade and

homes that won the Ring of Lights. Plus, the event features an incredible

silent and live auction, dinner and dancing.

As I head up just past San Francisco for Christmas, I wanted to leave

you a Christmas poem I wrote:

‘Twas the Day Before Christmas Upon Newport Bay

‘Twas the day before Christmas, And all through Newport Harbor

You could see a few boats sailing on the water

And sea lions were resting on top of their buoy

And the bell clanging with each passing swell.

The fish were happy as no hooks were around

And the sea birds were eating, being fed by a shore crowd.

When all of sudden there arose such a clatter

The Mermaids swam up to see what was the matter.

The sea lions dove into the water and the boats sailed home to be away

from the splatter.

When shore crowd looked out to see such a sight

but the birds just continued eating their supper.

All of a sudden but what should appear

the King of the Sea bringing his own Christmas cheer.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

As King Neptune held up his scepter for all to see

, And out of the scepter came a lightening bolt so grand

it made a clap when it hit the land

And to everyone’s amazement as you looked around

Disappearing were all the storm drains that drained into his sea from

the land.

His gift for Christmas was no more polluted bay

But I heard him exclaim, ere he swam out of sight

What starts at the drain, feeds the harbor when it rains

And Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe voyage.

Safe Voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him

your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail

to o7 [email protected] or o7 https://www.BoathouseTV.comf7 .