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From the Boathouse: Go see some tall ships, visit unfamiliar ports

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Ahoy!

Are you and your family wondering what nautical adventure to embark on this almost-last-of-the-summer weekend? Head to San Pedro for the Tall Ships Festival at the Port of Los Angeles.

I was at the port to watch the world’s largest rubber duck arrive under tow Wednesday morning. The media area was located on a wharf between the bow of the battleship USS Iowa BB-61 and the Los Angeles fireboat station, which is on the south side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

I first spotted the huge duck heading my way when it appeared in the distance on the north side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The inflatable duck’s measurements are 32.8 by 36.1 by 42.6 feet. It was towed by a tugboat, and a support boat was secured to the duck’s aft, or tail feathers.

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Florentijn Hofman’s rubber duck project is visiting the West Coast for the first time while on a world tour to promote diversity and culture.

The Dutch artist states on his website, “The rubber duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate people and doesn’t have a political connotation. The friendly, floating rubber duck has healing properties: It can relieve mondial tensions as well as define them. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages!”

The duck will be one of the main attractions at the Tall Ships Festival through Sunday. For information on parking, hours and the tall ships that are open to tour, go to tallshipsfestivalla.com.

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Try some new harbors

Labor Day is known as the end of the boating season across much of the nation, but not in year-round boating places such as Southern California and the Gulf Coast.

Local boaters still have ample time to plan a voyage to another port and experience other harbors, near and far. We usually have excellent boating conditions in the fall, so plan an adventure up or down the coast.

When I deliver yachts along the Pacific Coast, I find the accommodations for boaters at other harbors to be congenial, and the marinas and yacht clubs are helpful in accommodating my crew for a night or longer. Additionally, I find the local knowledge immensely helpful when looking for a place to eat and trying to understand what sandbars to avoid on the way out. We do have our priorities while in port.

Consider expanding your sights beyond Orange County’s three harbors, and set sail over the distant horizon to the Channel Islands, Ventura or Santa Barbara harbors to the north. And if you have the fuel capacity, punch around Point Conception to Morro Bay or farther up the coast.

Maybe you dream about cruising south to Oceanside, Mission Bay or San Diego harbors. More adventurous skippers can get a taste of international cruising by visiting the Hotel Coral or Cruiseport marinas in Ensenada, Mexico.

If you plan an international voyage, have your vessel, insurance and paperwork in order before departure. Unless you plan to fish in Mexico — and have the proper licenses — take all of your fishing gear off your boat before crossing the border.

An important tip is to check with your insurance agent to ensure that your policy will cover you while crusing new waters.

I mention Point Conception in numerous columns, because this is a crucial land mass and change in the coastline that affects boating sea conditions to its south. Since I am known as an expert yacht captain for rounding the point, I have a personal fondness and respect for Point Conception.

So do the Chumash Indians, who refer to Point Conception as the Western Gate, where the souls of the dead pass between the mortal world and the heavenly paradise of Similaqsa. I sincerely hope that I do not enter the Western Gate on a path out of the mortal world on a future voyage.

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

Listen to my radio show

Tune into the No. 1 boating radio talk show in the nation, “Boathouse Radio Show,” broadcasting live coast-to-coast on a syndicated network. See times at and .

Safe Voyages!

MIKE WHITEHEAD is a boating columnist for the Daily Pilot. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to https://www.boathousetv.com.

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