Attention Goofballs! Flugtag is almost here

This Saturday, August 21, Red Bull Flugtag will wallow all over Long Beach Rainbow Harbor from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Thirty six teams will be competing. Having designed a flying vehicle, the wackier, the better, these brave souls will push it off a platform into the bay to be judged on distance of the flight, creativity of design and showmanship. There's even a people's choice award. Gates open 11 am.

All Aboard the Tall Ship

Long Beach's official tallship, American Pride, a 13o-foot, three-masted schooner, has two scrumptious sailing opportunities this month. On July 25 for 10 am to 1 pm, there's the BBQ Sail and on July 26 there's a Sunday Brunch. No details on the menu, but it better be ample because the price tag for adults is around $40. Some of the proceeds will go to the Children's Maritime Foundation.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler en Plage Longue

It’s great to know that Long Beach has taken its Mardi Gras celebration to the waterfront. It may not be the French Quarter, but Rainbow Harbor has a lowland feel and seaport ambiance that hints of New Orleans. The event runs from 6 to 10 pm this Saturday and costs $15. There’s music and costumes and beads, beads, beads. What better way to top off the Chocolate Festival than with some Oysters Rockefeller, an authentic King cake (flown in by the Tulane Alumni Association—Go Greenies!) and a Bacardi Gras Hurricane. Wow! I need an Alka Seltzer just thinking about it.

Over the Bounding Main

Yes, I’m starstruck, not by Johnny Depp, but by a ship he sailed on during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean. Privateer Lynx, a topsail schooner docked in Rainbow Harbor yesterday. This ship is modeled on vessels used during the War of 1812 and is fitted with cannons and other authentic gear. This weekend, February 21 and February 22, the Lynx will be open for tours, and three-hour cruises are also planned for both afternoons. I’m a sucker for the gleaming hardwood decks and soaring white sails. It’s so interesting that previous generations understood the power of “alternate energy sources” long before it’s become so, well, twenty-first century.

On a vaguely related note, I came across this interesting how-to for taking a shower in three minutes. How is it related? The average American uses water to wash with in quantities large enough to float a boat. In addition to all the practical tips here, I would add that just using a timer for a few showers helps you pick up the pace. Water is too precious a commodity to let it slide down the drain.

Down to the Sea in Tall Ships

Paddle on down to the Rainbow Harbor Marina this weekend! The tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington are on view Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Replicas of 18th century trading vessels, the ships make use of old-fashioned wind power that was once cutting edge technology. The majesty of the towering sails bring a bygone age back to life.

For a mere three bucks, you can climb aboard for an on dock tour on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Over the weekend for considerably more money, you can take part in an adventure sail or battle sail, featuring cannons and close-quarters maneuvers between the ships. The Historical Seaport website gives all the details. Check it out before they set sail for Oceanside next week.