180* South... east or west?

On those monumental days when major dreams become reality, there is often an accompaning frenzied mix of emotion. The root of which is nervous excitement. I loosely observed this phenomenon over the past week as the new captain awaited the arrival of his adventure vessel from Newport Beach, CA. The well versed sailor in him knew that it was going to be serious task to prepare his floating home for the hazards of the open ocean, yet you could see the budding embers of unrestricted exploration glowing in his eyes.


When we arrived in Sausalito we found the small marina nestled behind a newly renovated building and gravel parking lot with overgrown weeds and rusting cars scattered about the perimeter. Walking over temporarily placed plywood from ongoing rennovations, we hopping onto the floating dock and caught our first view of the the 42' Westsail. Impressive indeed.

Within the first hour of my visit multiple people threw out a variety of warm greetings. The marina is home to a relaxed community of live-aboards from all walks of life. Small villages truly bring people together, especially when their is a shared passion/common ground. I like how people living outside the "normal" realm of urban society have an air about them that they know something that the outside world doesn't. As the modern world of "innovation" canabalizes itself, it will be interesting to see who survives. Will it be the wealthy mongol who has as the riches in the world, hiding high above the street, or the adaptable vagabond who throws caution to the wind?

I boarded the white-hulled ship and inspected her lightly weathered deck. Wood trimming and brass fixtures etched nice orderly lines. Down below the space felt foreign, yet comfortable. I am excited to see how the captain and his lady bring their own character to their mighty vessel.

We decided to take her out for a brief putt around the bay in the cold July air. With only a Reacher available to fly and poorly educated deck-hands, it was a short trip. The captain had no intention to risk something stupid happening on his first day on the bay.

We spend the rest of the evening enjoying chicken, beer, rice and rum below deck while listening to groovy Dead tunes. I think we all let our minds wander to things to come in far away lands. Can't you just smell the tropics? Can't you just hear the roar of remote waves? Can't you just see that peak emerging on the horizon? In the meantime- pass the rum.