A new direction in which to sail

Eric C Sanitate

NEWPORT BEACH -- It was good news for the nautical museum, but maybe even

better news for G. Wayne Eggleston.

Eggleston last week was named executive director of the Newport Harbor

Nautical Museum, ending a 2 1/2-year stint where the San Clemente city

councilman filled time by volunteering.

“I’ve been volunteering for 2 1/2 years, so I thought it would be nice to

get a job,” he said in deadpan fashion.

There’s been his near-volunteerism in local politics. Even more

time-consuming has been his work as the volunteer executive director of

the Heritage of San Clemente, a city cultural history museum.

Of course, the volunteer work led him to his new paying job.

Eggleston was chosen by officials from the nautical museum last week

after they had a firsthand look at his work at the Heritage of San

Clemente.

“They all came down one time and took a look around the museum, were very

impressed and things went from there,” he said. “I was contacted and

asked if I was interested, and within seconds, I called back.”

The nautical museum is in a renovated stern-wheeled riverboat and

features exhibits on, among other things, surfing, model ships and

Newport Harbor.

Also, the museum will soon add several more exhibits, including displays

on pirates and navigation across the Pacific Ocean.

“It’s been terrific,” Eggleston said. “We have a very dedicated staff and

an outstanding board of trustees. The Newport Harbor has incredible

potential to grow.”

The councilman said he is excited about the new opportunity, but plans to

remain active in some capacity with the Heritage of San Clemente.

“I’m still very committed to the success of the [museum],” he said. “I

will still assist in the time that I have available with the success of

the Heritage.”