THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Ahoy,

Well, exciting news for all you sailors, judges, committee members and anyone who want to see a humorous and lively presentation by Dave Perry on sailing tactics and rules of sailing. Dave, who was voted into the Sailing World Hall of Fame and is an author of three sailboat racing books, is the authority on sailing’s rules and tactics.

He will have copies available for purchase of his newest book “Understanding the Rules of Sailing” commonly referred to as “The bible” when it comes to the Racing Rules of Sailing.

The refreshments will begin at 6 p.m. April 2 inside the Lido Isle Yacht Club, 701 Via Lido Soud, Newport Beach. Dave will begin speaking at 7 p.m. I have been told that he is not a boring speaker, and you will not be looking at your watch to see if it is time to go yet.

You can make a reservation by mailing a check for $20 per person before March 27 (after the 27th the cost is $30 per person) to Donna Shockley, 523 Via Lido Soud, Newport Beach, CA 92663, and you can e-mail any questions to Club Commodore Frank Gruver at [email protected].

I will not ask why Frank uses Lynda for his e-mail address, but it might make a good column.

The Lido Isle Junior Sailing Foundation will sponsor all junior participants in a sailing program, college level sailors, their instructors and program directors if their reservations are received by March 27.

I think the sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity for sailors who may not have the extra cash to attend Dave’s talk, and I tip my captain’s hat to the Lido Isle Yacht Club organizers.

Tip of the week is for boaters to keep their eyes open with the dredging in the Back Bay in operation again, and the tug(s) with a barge in tow between the Back Bay and the Pacific.

Now, I understand that Newport Harbor is not a large commercial port with large ships, tugs and tows, and submarines transiting the channels.

Therefore, many local boaters may rarely or never encounter these right-of-way situations, but remember that the tug with a tow is the “Stand On” vessel.

Remember to tune in 11 a.m. Saturdays to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” KLAA-AM (830).

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