|
|
|
|
|
Currents September/October 2012
In this issue
|
|
Exploring through Education:
Discover the Adventure
 This summer marked one of our busiest and most successful yet. Our field trips and public programs continue to grow and draw in visitors from the Newport Sea Base, various yacht clubs, summer school groups and recreational clubs. Tours, scavenger hunts, hands-on activities and our interactive touch tank all contribute to creating a memorable adventure.
Sea Tales, designed for children ages 3-5, continues to expand as we provide engaging opportunities for numerous organizations such as "Mommy and Me," and preschools. This program includes: story-time, songs, nautically themed arts and crafts, interactive activities on our patio and exclusive time to explore the galleries. It is our on-going commitment to provide exceptional educational experiences for children of all ages.
To create a new family memory, book a field trip today at (949) 675-8915 or email info@explorocean.org for details.
|
What's New:
The Perfect Location for your Next Event
 
Experience a spacious waterfront setting for your next special event. Our galleries and outdoor courtyards prrovide a stunning, one-of-a-kind backdrop for personal or corporate entertaining.
Situated on Newport Harbor, our setting provides incredible views of the nationally renowned, Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and is the ideal location for holiday events aw well as special occasions all year round.
|
Upcoming Events:
Waterman Lecture Series presents: Captain Don Walsh
Exploring the Deepest Oceans - A Personal Odyssey
Captain Walsh, explorer, oceanographer and the first to reach the deepest point in the ocean - The Mariana Trench, discusses early deep sea explorations of the 1930's. Walsh travels thirty years later to his very own record breaking two-man descent to The Mariana Trench. He looks at modern day expeditions of James Cameron, concluding with what the future holds for deep sea discovery.
Thursday, October 4
Steele Model Pavilion
Two Presentations:
Matinee at 4pm and Evening at 7pm, including a cash wine bar. Reservations are Required.
Free for Members or $15 for Non-Members.
Family Fright Zone Friday Friday, October 26, 6-8:30 pm
Join us for a BOOtiful evening at our first ever Halloween Event.
 Experience costumes, pumpkins and candy, Oh My!
Trick-or-treat at the Fun Zone as witches, wizards and ghosts
come to life on the waterfront. Enjoy spooky storytelling, kooky crafts, face painting, magic shows and live entertainment for the entire family.
Friends of Frankenstein: Dress in your favorite costume and march in our Howlin' Halloween Costume Parade. Participate in the Monster Mash, the Mummy Wrap and other Halloween activities.
No tricks, just treats! Park your broomstick at ExplorOcean on Friday, October 26!
All activities are FREE for Members or $2 for Non-Members. Become a Member today!
Want to volunteer at Family Fright Zone Friday?
Email vols@explorocean.org or call (949) 675-8915 to join the festivities!
|
In Case you Missed It:
Waterman Lecture Series featuring
Seafaring Tales with David Grant
 | |
David Grant receives a proclamation from the
City of Newport Beach.
|
This September, David Grant returned with his popular
Seafaring Tales. He presented a three-part mini-series about legendary explorers, their expeditions and accomplishments.
Grant began his tales with the inspiration behind Captain James Cook's first voyage and where the journey took him. He continued with the exciting motivation behind Cook's second and third voyages. He then concluded his tales with lesser-known, but fearless explorers of the North and South Pacific Ocean.
To conclude David's Seafaring Tales for his 16th year, the City of Newport Beach honored him with a proclamation, commemorating his countless achievements. He was revered for his exemplary community service as an extraordinary maritime expert, adventurer and an exceptional leader in the community. David inspired, educated and entertained a myriad of audiences and we look forward to continuing his Seafaring Tales in the years to come.
Want to re-live the great moments from this years Seafaring Tales? Stay tuned for upcoming footage from these great tales!
|
Spotlight on the Collection:
Flight of the Snowbirds
 | |
Starting line of 'The Flight of the Snowbirds'.
|
Newport Harbor's 'Flight of the Snowbirds' sailboat race began in 1936 and became one of the largest small boat races in the world. These twelve foot, one sail vessels started at the Pavilion, headed west to the end of the Harbor and ended back at the Pavilion. The snowbird was used in the 1932 Olympics, hosted in Los Angeles. Years later, in the1970's the snowbirds gave way to the name Lasers, and this race continues today and is known as, 'The Flight of the Lasers'.
To see the craftsmanship of a restored snowbird, visit our Newport Gallery and learn about the famous 'Flight of the Snowbirds'.
|
From Around the Oceanic Community:
Five Dives End of Summer Update
As the summer came to a close, it brought home the Virgin Oceanic Sub of the epic Five Dives expedition. For those that are unfamiliar with the catamaran in Newport Harbor, near the Balboa Ferry, countless locals and tourists have been able to get an up-close view of the eye catching submersible. Upon its return, Newport Beach local and co-pilot Chris Welsh, has continued his test diving in local waters. Test dives play a crucial role when going to the deepest point in the ocean. As Chris states, "In a sub, you are at the mercy of your crew for launch and recovery, and it's not always comfortable."
These summer dives have been successful in identifying and correcting issues such as buoyancy. Buoyancy plays a tremendous role in submerging to the deepest depths of the ocean, and while unexpected variable buoyancy occurred in these test dives, they were able to ventilate all occupied air space and solve the problem.
In addition, all oxygen systems were tested to ensure they were operating correctly and the motor controls were upgraded to the standards of the latest technology. As test dives serve to identify potential complications, they also can be exciting with the benefits they bring to those involved. These dives brought an up-close look at the local wildlife such as numerous blue whales, seals, squids and jellyfish. We can be sure that there are many more dives to come, for as long as Chris is around, he will be sure to fulfill his thoughts that "there is no feeling as exquisite as exploring new territory and seeing new creatures." Luckily for us, we have Chris to bring all that he encounters to the surface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
