California Local Boating News
Santa Barbara Moorings: Trouble Staying Put?
The 46 mooring sites east of Stearns Wharf have been in high demand since the Harbor Department introduced the field in 2006. However, nine out of 12 moorings that utilize rubber band-like stretching lines here have reportedly failed, resulting in some major headaches for boaters.
Boaters Report Continued Whale Sightings All Over
Boaters heading out on winter cruises off Southern California have been treated to some of the best whale-watching conditions of the past 10 years, with gray whales migrating south in record numbers and orcas making sporadic showings, as well.
Public Comments Sought on Port of L.A. Projects
The port has created two Draft Environmental Impact Reports (DEIRs) of interest to area boaters, covering plans for the incoming USS Iowa and improvements at Al Larson Boat Shop.
Balboa Bay Club Sale Called Off
The transaction reportedly fell through after the buyer, a Hong Kong businessman, was prevented by regulators in China from transferring funds out of the country to complete the $174.5 million sale.
Crow’s Nest Yachts’ Newport Office Purchased
The Newport Beach office of Crow’s Nest Yachts has three new owners, the company announced Jan. 24: Jerry Stone, Dennis Riehl and Todd Sherman.
Public Access Coming to Balboa Island’s Grand Canal
A new public pier platform and staircase leading to Balboa Island’s Grand Canal was approved by the California Coastal Commission at its Jan. 11 meeting, bringing the first public access point to the narrow channel that divides Balboa and Little Balboa islands.
San Diegan Charged with Sending False Maydays
A federal indictment charges that a 47-year-old San Diego resident broadcast false distress calls to the Coast Guard four times since 2007. Each time, he allegedly claimed that his boat, Timberwolf, was taking on water.
California YC Hosts Yachting Dinner Feb. 23
Staff commodore Bill Watkins and wife, Carol, will speak at California Yacht Club’s Feb. 23 Yachting Dinner, sharing tales of their recent adventures in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.
Man Cited in Poaching of 47 Lobsters off Laguna
Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens cited a 30-year-old man on charges of poaching dozens of lobsters inside a South Coast Marine Protected Area (MPA) near Heisler Park, Jan 15.
Cortland Berlin Joins Silverton West Team
Silverton West Yacht Sales has announced that Cortland Berlin has joined Chris Droz and John Neff as manager of Silverton West.
Newport Beach Harbor Commissioner Resigns
Newport Beach Harbor Commissioner Vince Valdes announced he will be leaving his commission seat due to “business and family obligations.
An Unscheduled Float Trip
A ride aboard Balboa Island’s iconic ferry took an unexpected turn for the Chu family, on vacation from Taiwan, Jan. 13. After boarding the ferry in a rented minivan, the family of four wound up in Newport Harbor after a Mercedes-Benz behind the minivan reportedly had problems with a malfunctioning accelerator, according to police.
Queen Mary to Host 19th annual Scottish Festival
The 19th annual Scottish Festival -- a celebration of the culture and people of Scotland -- is set to return to Queen Mary from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 18-19.
More Boat Parade Award Winners Announced
While not all Southern California holiday boat parade award winners had been announced in time to be published in the roundup that recently appeared in the The Log Newspaper, the final results are now in -- for San Diego County, Huntington Harbour, Los Angeles Harbor and Long Beach’s Naples Island.
Get Beach Water Quality Grades on the Go
Beachgoers and water lovers wondering about the water quality at their favorite diving and swim spots can now get the info on their phones, as Heal the Bay Santa Monica has released a mobile app showing the latest water quality reports.
