TERRANCE PHILLIPS -- The Harbor Column

On Saturday, it’s Time to Clean the Coast, a cleanup day sponsored by

the California Coastal Commission and Brita. With the closing of hundreds

of beaches this year because of pollution -- such as oil spills, runoff

from storm drains, sewage leaks, commercial catastrophes and other

misfortunes -- the visibility of this cause needs to be elevated to a

higher priority. The statewide event is expected to enlist thousands of

concerned citizens from the Oregon border to San Diego, each helping to

clean our most prized possession, the coastline. Corporate teams,

families and individuals are encouraged to participate in this worthwhile

cause. To dive in and help, call (800) COAST-4U or visit the Web site at

https://www.coastal.ca.gov.

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Break out the big boat bucks once again as the 22nd annual Lido Yacht

Expo Boat Show returns to the Lido Village Marina Thursday through

Sunday. The show features vessels 26 feet and larger with a sizable

number of marine vendors and displays. For approximately $2 million, you

can cruise home in a 60-foot Hatteras convertible with four staterooms.

If that doesn’t suit you, McKinna Yachts has a 60-foot model available

with a revolutionary interior. Now what could be revolutionary about an

interior? It makes you wonder if they have three heads and one stateroom

instead of the other way around. Now that would be revolutionary!

What is really revolutionary is that every year, the boats seem to be

getting more expensive, and they always seem to sell. But where do last

year’s models go? You know, the boats that contain the formerly

revolutionary interiors? Oh well. All kidding aside, folks, the show is a

great place to watch people, down a hot dog or two, daydream and to step

aboard some of the world’s most beautiful floating fantasies.

For more information about the Yacht Expo, call (949) 757-5959.

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Has a tidal wave hit our coast? What is going on? Our beaches, harbor

and local waters are being hit from all sides.

On Sunday, both kids and adults were observed crawling all over our

beaches like ants at the 39th annual sandcastle contest held on the

shores of Corona del Mar State Beach.

The event, sponsored by the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce,

once again lived up to expectations by drawing thousands of enthusiastic

spectators. Open to all age groups, it was a great event to bring family,

friends and cameras to view fantastic sand sculptures of sea life,

animals, buildings, castles, cars and characters -- not to mention

enjoying a great day at the beach.

Each registered participant received a round-trip ticket to Catalina

and an official T-shirt. Many prizes and cash were awarded to the

winners, and best of all, the event was free to all spectators. For more

information on how to view or participate in next year’s contest, contact

the chamber at (949) 729-4400.