My wife and I recently spent some time in Denver. We thoroughly enjoyed the impressive Denver Salt Water Aquarium and Zoo. Even though it was winter, the weather was in the 60s. Knowing this prior to leaving, I was looking forward to sailing on Cherry Lake in the “burbs” of the city. The day we planned for that, the weather did a 180 and poured rain, cancelling what I had hoped would be my tale of sailing in Denver in the wintertime.
Another long sought after goal was to fish Oak Creek in Sedona, Arizona. It had been quite a while since taking in the red hills and peaks of this fascinating area. The town has become citified and tourist oriented.
While not fishing the creek, we were very impressed with the Rainbow Trout Farm near the creek just north of town. The public is welcome to visit and fish Tom Sawyer style. They offer bamboo poles with bait balls to attach to the hook. Seconds later a beautiful trout is landed. Clean your catch and barbeque a few feet away at their picnic tables. The crew at the farm is first class and eager to please. Families will never forget this friendly activity. For more information visit their website at sportsaz.com.
Closer to home, Friday April 22 is the 69th Annual Newport to Ensenada Race at 11 a.m. off the Balboa Pier. A Skippers luncheon
(with speaker) will be held the Wednesday before at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and on Thursday a Skipper and Crew race party at the American Legion Yacht Club will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The international event is viewer friendly with crowds watching near the starting line on the beach and the bluff parks on Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. They’re hoping to have 250 entrants. For the first time the finish will be adjacent to the Coral Hotel and Marina at the Northern part of Ensenada Bay.
Also included at the hotel will be the Sunday afternoon trophy presentation. Many sailors will have rooms reserved for Saturday night. Having stayed at the marina in the past, their staff is excellent helping with any needs.
I will cover the trophy presentation and power back a classic Cal 40 for a client. These Bill Lapworth designed racer-cruisers were built in Costa Mesa during the 70s when Orange County was producing hundreds of new fiberglass yachts, until property values chased most away to Florida and other locations. It was sad to see that vibrant part of our economy and identity disappear.
Next month is the Balboa Angling Club’s family friendly 53rd Annual Lily Call Bay Fishing Tournament open to the public and restricted to Newport Harbor. Grandson Zander, Judy and I will again return to compete. Entry fee is $40 per angler. Entries must be received by Wednesday, May 18. For more information please visit the Balboa Angling Club’s website at balboaanglingclub.org or phone (949) 673-6316.
Sea Ya,
Skipper Steve
Do you have a watercraft that has fallen in to disrepair or no longer use your current watercraft? There is always the option of donating the boat to charity. You will receive a good size tax deduction as well as helping those in need. When you donate watercraft to charity you are telling others that they matter when they need to feel that the most.
Charity Boats is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit who has been helping out those in need for many years thanks to donors not much different than you.
For more information on the donation process, our charity, or to simply fill out the online donation form visit our website http://www.CharityBoats.org. If you prefer to speak with someone you can call us at 888-888-7187 and we will be happy to assist you with any donation questions that you may have. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon.