Historic yacht sets sail for California
A 53-foot yacht is leaving Lake Mead and a colorful past in its wake.
Formerly the flagship of the Las Vegas Hilton, the Rendezvous, better known as the Lady Hilton in its heyday, has been sold and is being readied for a four-day, 700-mile ride to a marina near Sacramento, Calif. Barron Hilton purchased the yacht in 1978 and had her ply Lake Mead with casino and convention clients.
She was the largest of the yachts on the lake at a time when most major hotel casinos used the party boats to impress the uppercrust of high rollers.
Lady Hilton outlasted 'em all, said Michael Gasta, who said he "had the pleasure of her company" during his 1982-1998 stint with the Hilton.
"When the late Arthur Goldberg took over the reins of Hilton Gaming and renamed the company Park Place Entertainment, one of his early orders was 'sell the yacht and find me a golf course,' " Gasta recalled.
Not long after that, Gasta and his partners won the bidding process in 1998 and changed the name to the Rendezvous.
After 32 years at the same slip, the Rendezvous is heading for a new home in Clear Lake, Calif. One of Gasta's favorite memories: "Hosting the 35th birthday party for Celine Dion and her family five days after she opened her Caesars show."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Steve Wynn's publicists have remained mum, offering no official word on their boss's engagement to British girlfriend Andrea Hissom. But sources confirmed she's sporting a ginormous sparkler. Wynn filed for divorce in March 2009, and the decree came down in January 2010. While the divorce was said to be amicable, sources also confirmed that Hissom and Elaine Wynn have yet to meet, although they reside under the same -- albeit massive -- roof at Wynn Las Vegas. ...
Chet Buchanan & The Morning Zoo toy drive kicks off today with the KLUC-FM, 98.5, deejay setting up shop atop three stories of scaffolding in the NV Energy parking lot. He'll roost at the Sahara Avenue and Jones Boulevard location 24 hours a day for 12 days to raise awareness for the less fortunate. You can donate new, unwrapped toys, bikes, gift cards and cash at the location. ...
Blast from the past: A man who identified himself as Mickey Finn's son popped up in the crowd to ask Regis Philbin a question during a taping break Sunday at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The man's parents, Finn and his wife, Cathy Reilly, a banjo sensation, were a lounge institution in Las Vegas for 25 years. They were from San Diego, where Philbin started his TV career. The last of four Las Vegas tapings airs at 9 a.m. today on The CW, Channel 6.
SIGHTINGS
J.D. Fortune, the winner of "Rock Star: INXS" in 2005 on CBS and the band's frontman, stopped by Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on Monday to look for a Fender guitar. He couldn't find a guitar, and the "Pawn Stars" cast members were taking some time off so he returned Tuesday and found a Fender and met Rick Harrison. ... At the World Mixed Martial Arts Awards at the Palms' Pearl concert venue on Wednesday: NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Brad Penny and fiance Karina Smirnoff of "Dancing With the Stars," Randy Couture and Tila Tequila.
THE PUNCH LINE
"President Obama was elbowed during a basketball game and had to receive 12 stitches. Obama said it was almost as embarrassing as the time he was dunked on by Barney Frank." -- Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
