Newport Beach Harbor races toward increasing speed limit during regattas

NEWPORT BEACH — A consent calendar item seeking to coordinate with multiple agencies on extending speed limit restrictions to regattas and sailing events was approved by the Newport Beach City Council. Newport Beach Harbor Commission sought the council’s permission to pursue speaking with other agencies, such as the Department of Boating and Waterways, to extend the current speed limit of 5 nautical miles per hour during regatta races and sailing events. The council voted unanimously to allow Harbor Commission to forward proposed speed limits to the state for review. “Given that some racing activities in the Harbor can mean that some boats exceed posted speed limits (generally 5 nautical miles per hour), one item would ask the council for permission to speak with other relevant agencies (like CA Department of Boating and Waterways) to maybe allow exceedances of the limit for races and similar events,” city staff stated in a newsletter to council members. Overall, Harbor Commission found the Municipal Code’s speed limits in the harbor should have exceptions related to human or wind-powered vessels during sailing races and other applicable events. Before the code can be officially changed, however, it would need to be approved at the state level. “In the Newport Beach staff...