The Harbor Column:

Ahoy,

Wow, a real weather system in our area, including lightning and thunder. The seas are flat, and I mean flat all the way up to coast to Canada, which is very unusual. However, I have traveled down the Pacific Coast many times on flat seas, and you can enjoy the cruise without being tossed around the boat. If you plan to go boating or outdoors this weekend, then keep in mind that there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms into Saturday night and maybe Sunday. Be careful when lightning is near as it can kill you, so you should go indoors if you can count less than two seconds between the lightning and thunder.

Should lightning develop, or should it have a chance of developing, then I highly recommend boaters return to their docks, even those cruising inside the harbor. Boats do get hit by lightning, which also can strike the water near your vessel. Sailboats are extremely dangerous, with the metal mast and bonding system resembling a lightning rod on steroids. Your electronics are very susceptible to the increased flow of ions in the atmosphere, and the electronic components will be fried if a strike hits nearby. Turn off every piece of equipment, if feasible, until the storm passes, and remember your radar will show strikes and squalls.

I always mention boat smarts with the weather and sea conditions in mind and keep an eye to the north, but with this storm pattern, also keep an eye to the south.

Tip of the week: What national celebration of fishing and boating starts Saturday? The celebration is National Fishing and Boating Week, and all across America, there are special events planned with this year’s slogan, “Take Me Fishing.� Unfortunately, I cannot find any events in Newport Harbor, which is the largest recreational harbor in the world.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the National Fishing and Boating Week from Saturday to June 14 by introducing someone new to boating or fishing. You can find out more information and read a list of events for National Fishing and Boating Week and the remainder of the year at www.takemefishing.org.

Also, organizations should acknowledge the week such as the Marine Committee of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Southern California Marine Assn., California Yacht Brokers Assn. and yacht clubs.

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