A special sailing event is coming to San Diego Bay June 12 and 13. The first ever West Marine Challenged America Regatta will bring the waters off Shelter Island alive with dozens of sailboats racing to help raise money to help those with disabilities learn to sail. Challenged America, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of adaptive sailing, providing free learn-to-sail and advanced sailing opportunities to kids and adults with disabilities, their loved ones, and volunteers. For more information, call 619-523-9318.

The only vacation home at sea will pull into the Port of San Diego on Sunday, May 31, after circling the globe for the past three years. May marks the first time since 2006 that “The World” has visited the United States.The vessel is not your ordinary cruise ship. It has earned its spot in maritime history as the only ship where residents live in their privately owned homes.“For some, it’s their vacation home. For other residents, it’s their permanent home,” said Renato Chizzola, General Manager of The World. “The people who come to us want really want to be very special – they want to feel as being part of something that is really more of a very unique, homey lifestyle.”The World offers its residents and guest travelers the comforts of home while visiting some of the most exotic destinations around the globe. Read more: http://bit.ly/rfrI7

Pet owners and lovers came out in droves to particpate in the 9th Annual Pet Rescue Day on the Big Bay, May 14, 2009. Port of San Diego tenant Hornblower Cruises and Events hosted the event which benefits Helen Woodward Animal Center. With the donation of a gently used blanket or towel, pet owners and their dogs cruised for free on a one-hour harbor cruise. Thousands of blankets were donated, as well as cash, pet food and toys.

For the second year in a row, the Port of San Diego is offering free boat tours to the public. On the tours, the public gets the opportunity learn about San Diego Bay and its environment, become familiar with Port operations, and get an up-close look at maritime and industrial businesses, all at no charge. Make your reservation online at http://www.portofsandiego.org/tours or call 619-686-8008. Participants must be 18 years or older.

"You've been served," is about to take on a whole new meaning. Each year, the Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department helps raise money for the San Diego County Special Olympics through the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser. This year's event will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 5 p.m. at the Boathouse Restaurant at 2040 Harbor Island Drive on Harbor Island.

A renewable energy project from Port of San Diego tenant Knight and Carver Wind Group is being applauded by the federal government and creating green jobs in San Diego. The Department of Energy's Wind and Hydropower Technologies division named Knight and Carver's innovative wind blade, the STAR blade, as one of the top 10 accomplishments in the nation. STAR stands for Sweep Twist Adaptive Rotor, is being tested in Tehachapi, California.Read more: http://bit.ly/OCfqK

Something wild is coming to San Diego's Seaport Village. The 2009 Busker Festival is a thrill for the senses and the public is invited to take part in the fun Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. Buskers are professional street performers who perform for tips. This year's event features 10 different performers that will be entertaining crowds of all ages for two days, from noon until 5 p.m. There will also be a new event, Buskers After Dark, on Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.Read more: http://bit.ly/3tD647

The West Coast's largest Sportfishing Celebration is coming. The 30th Annual Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks is taking place Sunday, April 19, at the San Diego Sportfishing Landings in Point Loma. The event is considered the official start of Southern California's spring saltwater fishing season.Full story: http://bit.ly/4c2xNn

The Newport Hornblower is cruising the waters of Southern California with an experimental paint job on its hull. Port of San Diego tenant Hornblower Cruises and Events volunteered to test 10 eco-friendly paints as part of an EPA funded study to find safer alternatives for the commonly used copper-based hull paints.Read more: http://bit.ly/Ab035

A new program to help those in need kicked off along the Embarcadero on March 6, 2009. The Port of San Diego is participating with Holland America Line's Ship to Shelter program, a philanthropic endeavor which donates items from cruise ships to homeless shelters.