From the Boathouse: Dreaming a course for the new year

Ahoy and New Year captain’s log!

New Year’s Day is next Friday, and I want to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous new year.

As you sail into 2016, take a moment to reflect on your past boating experiences and what lies ahead on your radar for nautical enjoyment. Additionally, make a resolution to be courteous on the waterways, and watch your wake when cruising in the harbors.

I shared my annual poem in my last column, so now it is time for my updated annual captain’s log, from the past to the future.

Time — 00:01 on Jan. 1, 2016.

The crew on the bridge and I just finished checking the GPS and radars while onboard a newly built yacht that is under my command. As we deliver the yacht to its new home port, I scan the Pacific’s horizon for other boats and ship traffic and notice that we are alone with the last quarter-moon’s light reflecting off the water.

The yacht carves through the ocean swells, and we maintain our headings for the final leg of a long voyage. Checking the security monitors from the bridge, I can see that those in the main salon are cheering in the New Year.

I know the celebration will not disturb anyone while we are cruising miles off the coast, but all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a ghostly-looking ship navigates in on a very close parallel course.

I come alongside to take a closer look. I peer out the starboard side, where I can faintly see celebrations onboard the dark, shadowy ship. It looks like a reflection of a centuries-old New Year’s party aboard a wooden schooner of the past.

I can see the helmsman trying to turn a large wooden wheel as he fights to keep the boat on course while looking at an ancient binnacle. He is reading a crudely hand-drawn chart that looks like a worn treasure map. Below him on the deck, the crew is cheering in the New Year with tankards of rum scooped from wooden barrels as the crew dances to a lively tune.

We almost bump beams with a passing swell. I correct my course and check my electronics, but I do not have any targets on my radar, not even this ship from the past.

As I gain my bearings, I glance out to spot a megayacht that has appeared alongside from nowhere. I notice the ultramodern, sleek-looking yacht appears to be effortlessly gliding through the water.

I glance through a large porthole to see what looks like a future New Year, with the yacht’s interior better than a five-star hotel. The helmsman is using voice recognition and virtual controls to maneuver the vessel.

The charts are 3-D images floating in the air, and the heads-up displays are detailing vital information about the yacht for a safe voyage.

To my surprise, I notice that the crew is watching my “Boathouse” TV show while feasting on a gourmet dinner from an extensive menu. I would order the chef’s special, which is always my favorite and a real treat.

Hey, is that a — oops, I am suddenly awakened from a nap by the loud warning signal coming from the GPS chart plotter, which is alerting us that the harbor entrance buoy is nearing. I glance from the bridge’s ultra-soft leather couch to see my helmsman standing his watch. I know we are getting close to the harbor when I glance out the bridge windows and see the glowing lights on shore.

As I stand up to take the conns for the harbor entrance, I cannot help but adjust the radar and scan the horizon for those two mysterious boats — or was it just a dream?

All safe, the yacht is securely moored in her new home slip.

End captain’s log:

Happy New Year!

As always, just keep an eye to the weather for any changes. Please be boat smart and boat safe. Lastly, please boat responsibly during the parades and look behind you before you turn the wheel at the helm.

The original boating program, “Boathouse TV & Radio Shows,” has stretched from coast to coast for more than two decades. See the details at boathousetv.com facebook.com/boathouseradio and twitter.com/boathouseradio.

Safe voyages!

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