THE HARBOR COLUMN:

Many of you will be reading this column on your extra day off from work while enjoying the Labor Day weekend, which usually signals the end of the summer season. This summer has been great for boating with mild temperatures, only a few hurricane swells reaching our waters and a moderate wind blowing in the afternoons for the rag boaters — I mean, sailboat sailors.

Great weather will continue this weekend for boating with ocean swells under 3 feet and winds up to 15 knots. However, the sea conditions are not good for boaters north of Point Conception, who will experience up to 12-foot seas. However, no tropical cyclones are expected to reach the Pacific, but we are experiencing a higher than normal humidity level.

This weekend will be very busy in Newport Harbor and off our coastline, and the crowd will appear on the waterways.

You can easily spot the goofy-goes-sailing boater by looking for the boater cruising on the wrong side of the bay against the flow of traffic, the sailor with constantly luffing sails, or the skipper creating the large wakes while on a harbor cruise.

It is comical to watch Sunday sailors attempt dockings with the wife or girlfriend sitting on bow with her legs stretched out forward off the boat.

All the while, the husband or boyfriend is wildly steering the boat into the dock, and he is screaming commands to the foredeck as if she has any control over his bouncing off the dock.

However, we are fortunate to live in Southern California that allows boating to continue basically year-round with only a few winter time south-westers causing the need to seek shelter. I have ridden out a few storms in my past and I have been caught on the high seas during yacht deliveries when storm systems have unexpectedly changed course.

Tip of the week is to check your bilge for oil and fuel before starting your engines and getting under way. I do have an important reminder for those launching a trailer boat this weekend: Remember to check your drain plug, and I think every launch ramp or hoist should have a sign for those who are forgetful.

Remember to tune in every Saturday at 11 am to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” broadcasting from our studios inside Angel Stadium on KLAA-AM (830).

Save voyages.

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