THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Ahoy,

There is an important blip on my radar screen, and I think you should plot your course to intercept this fast- approaching target. Why not continue the festive holidays a little longer and help keep the boat parade floating by attending the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction?

This year’s theme, “100 Years of Christmas Cheer,” was shown throughout the parade route. The dinner is how the chamber thanks the boat and home participants, sponsors, general public and volunteers.

You will not only enjoy a five-star dinner at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach, but you will have the opportunity to bid on both the live and silent auctions, with the proceeds going to next year’s parade.

This year, the special grand prize is a 12-day trip featuring luxurious stays at five of Germany’s finest cities and hotels.

The dinner is Jan. 23, at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, and you do need to make reservations with the chamber at (949) 729-4400, so attend for a great evening out and show your support for the parade.

Tip of week is to send in your organization’s application by Feb. 2 for the BoatU.S. Foundation’s Clean Water Grant. Community organizations, yacht clubs, flotillas and squadrons should think about the environmental issues that affect your local waterways, and nonprofit groups can receive up to $4,000 to help educate recreational boaters about good environmental habits.

Since 1997 the annual BoatU.S. Foundation Clean Water Grant program has awarded more than $300,000 to improve the marine environment, funding 149 projects in 35 states for creative and innovation projects that teach boaters how to reduce their impact on the waters. Topics can range from petroleum pollution prevention to pump-out education to keeping trash out of our waterways.

“Groups have flexibility in deciding what needs to be addressed, whether it’s a pollution issue, preventing the spread of invasive species, or other environmental concern,” said Susan Shingledecker, BoatU.S. Foundation’s director of environmental programs.

To view previous grant projects, learn more about aquatic nuisance species, or download a 2009 application, visit www.BoatUS.com/Clean water/grants. Applications must be e-mailed or postmarked by midnight Feb. 2.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com.