THE HARBOR COLUMN:

What a parade!

Of course I am referring to the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The boats are spectacular, and the owners have gone the extra nautical mile to decorate them.

It appeared Wednesday night that more registered boats were cruising inside the lead and finish parade boats, and most had their parade entrance numbers displayed on the hull.

Remember, skippers, to place your number where it will be visible on the starboard hull between midships and the transom, so that my spotters can read the number.

Sponsors of the boat parade are very important so that the chamber can bring you the parade every year, and I hope boaters understand how important it is to register for the event to show your support.

I would like to thank the presenting sponsor Simple Green, Fidelity Investments, and Traditional Jewelers for their continued support.

Also, thanks to Duncan Forgey for filling in as announcer Thursday, as I had to help with a presentation that evening.

Remember, you can join me nightly to watch the parade at the Fun Zone in Balboa, where I will be announcing the boats from the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.

The parade arrives at the Fun Zone area at about 8 nightly, but come early.

Tip of the week: If you cannot come to Newport Harbor to watch the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, then I will bring the parade to you. I will be hosting a special live radio broadcast tomorrow from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

There’s history in the making with a live radio broadcast during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and broadcasting to Southern California on KLAA-AM (830), plus worldwide via the Internet.

I will enlighten listeners about the parade from 7:30 to 8 p.m., and then at 8 I describe the boats as they pass by the museum. Joining me will be special guests Ray Tsuneyoshi, California’s Boating & Waterways director; Rags Laragione, Maritime Institute; and Norm Witt, chairman of the 99th annual parade.

Safe 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.