Parasailing with the Evans family

Fresh from a big controversy over who gets to run kayaks at La Jolla Shores, the City of San Diego is now preparing to award an exclusive deal for parasailing operations on Mission Bay. But hopefuls who haven’t already worked out a deal with bayfront hotel owners need not apply.

“The operation must be based out of a hotel or marina in Mission Bay Park and will operate as a sublease to an approved master lease,” according to the city’s solicitation for bids. “Proposers will need to identify the property and provide a letter of intent from the master lessee agreeing to the proposed sublease.” Among other requirements: “Only parasailing systems which operate by means of a winch system from an approved vessel will be considered. Concessions may only conduct parasailing activities from an approved vessel and never from the beach, a dock, or any other platform.”

Applicants will also need a good accountant to figure out how much of the proceeds they’ll be turning over to the city, though the minimum hasn’t actually yet been set: “Consideration paid to the CITY by each of the selected Proposer(s) shall be the greater of either: (1) at least Ten Percent (10%) of the Proposer’s(s’) gross income from operating the Concessions (“Percentage Fee”); or (2) a guaranteed minimum annual fee (“Minimum Fee”). The Minimum Fee will be established by the CITY based on historical use (if any) and proposals from each of the selected Proposer(s). Proposers are welcome to offer a higher Percentage Fee.”