January often arrives quietly at the harbor. The holiday rush fades, the docks grow calmer, and winter light settles gently over the water. Many boaters step away during this season—yet it remains one of the most rewarding times to simply show up.

A January visit does not require a sailing plan, a project list, or even much time. It can be as simple as stepping aboard, opening the companionway, and taking a few moments to reconnect with your boat. Bring a cup of coffee. Sit in the cockpit. Listen to the halyards. Notice the way the harbor feels when it slows down.

Even brief visits make a difference. Boats perform better when they are visited—lines are checked, covers adjusted, and small details are addressed before they become larger concerns. But just as important, boaters do better, too. Spending time aboard, even without casting off, restores the sense of why your boat matters.

January in Dana Point often offers some of our most pleasant days—cool, clear, and uncrowded. The harbor feels more personal. Walk the docks. Exchange a wave with a fellow boater. Take in the calm that is harder to find during busier seasons.

If you have not visited your boat in a while, consider this a gentle invitation. Even if you do not sail. Even if you stay only briefly. Even if all you do is check in and say hello.

Showing up builds momentum. It keeps you connected. And sometimes, that quiet moment aboard becomes the best part of the day.



We hope to see more lights on, more footsteps on the docks, and more boaters enjoying the simple pleasure of being at the harbor this January.

The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade once again brought sparkle, creativity, and holiday spirit to our waterfront, and we are delighted to announce this year’s Spirit Award winner. The Dana Point Boaters Association proudly honors Clare Kinney, #254, Clarebuoyant, for capturing the heart of this cherished tradition. The boat parade continues as a beloved Dana Point Harbor event—bringing our community together and filling the harbor with light and holiday cheer. This year’s parade reflected the creativity and enthusiasm that define our boating community. With festive flair, thoughtful details, and joyful dancers aboard who brought the theme to life, Claire’s beautifully decorated boat stood out among an impressive lineup of parade participants. We extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the boaters who participated.

Decorating a boat takes time, effort, and creativity, and every entry contributed to the festive atmosphere that made the evening memorable. Whether large or small, each display added to the magic of the harbor.

Special appreciation also goes to the volunteers and organizers who helped make the event run smoothly and safely. Community events like this succeed because of the collective spirit behind them.

Once again, congratulations to our winner—and thank you to everyone who helped light up Dana Point Harbor this holiday season. We look forward to many more moments on the water together in the year ahead.

The Dana Point Boaters Association exists to represent, inform, and connect our boating community—and your voice plays an important role in that mission.

As we plan future newsletters, we invite you to share the topics, questions, and ideas you would like covered. Whether it’s harbor updates, boating tips, community stories, event highlights, or issues that matter to you as a slip holder, your input helps guide the conversation and keeps our communications relevant and meaningful.

This newsletter works best when it reflects the interests and experiences of the people who live and boat here. If there is a subject you would like us to explore—or a perspective you think deserves attention—we would love to hear from you.

We also want to thank those who have supported the Dana Point Boaters Association through donations. Your contributions directly support our advocacy efforts, communications, and ongoing work on behalf of the boating community. Every donation—large or small—helps strengthen our ability to represent boaters and protect our shared interests.

If you value staying informed, having a collective voice, and preserving a strong boating presence in Dana Point Harbor, we invite you to consider making a donation. Your support helps keep DPBA active, engaged, and effective.

Thank you for being part of this community—on the docks, on the water, and behind the scenes. Together, we move forward.

“A harbor thrives when those who love it take part.”



— Dana Point Boaters Association
#dpbaters

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari has partnered with Dana Wharf and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to host a virtual training session next Tuesday, January 20, focused on best practices for successful whale and dolphin encounters.

This session is designed for boaters and marine enthusiasts who want to better understand how professionals responsibly spot, approach, and observe marine mammals in the wild. Topics include seasonal patterns, spotting techniques, and appropriate vessel behavior around fast-moving dolphin pods, feeding whales, and sensitive mating activity. Attendees will also learn how to recognize signs of injury or entanglement, what actions to take, and how recent disentanglement efforts are making a real impact.



Registration is open here:

https://forms.gle/xMhGRqQ1LuuuXJ3w5



We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with your subscribers and followers. A graphic is attached that can be easily embedded in an email or social post.

Thank you for supporting responsible boating and marine wildlife protection.

Warmest regards,

Denielle Conley

Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Experience the Connection

Tel. 949-488-2828

Text 949-763-4488

www.dolphinsafari.com