For the love of water!

Water has been the biggest thrill of my entire life. It started at 2 in my Dad's arms at North Star pool in Delaware. By 4, I had joined the swim team. By 6, I was state champion in the 25 yard free with a state record. I continued competitive swimming thru college and at 66 still swim weekly. On the water sports side, we boated as a family on the Chesapeake in the summer. At 10, I started surfing in southern Delaware and got pretty good at. After college, I moved from Vegas to Carmel. The most beautiful beach town in California. After living in the desert for 4 years during college, I was back on the water and surfing up and down the coast. From Point Arena to Cabo San Lucas, I was hanging 10. In 1981, I moved to the Bay Area and met a guy who rented sailboats on the weekend. Falling in love with the SF Bay was easy with it's iconic views and storied winds. And then it happened, I found out how to really harness wind with a wind surfer. I fell hard, and soon I was skipping across the bay at 20-25 knots and loving the freedom that it brought to me. In my early 40's it was time to purchase a keel boat for bay adventures. Three of us joined financial forces and found the perfect bay boat in a Newport 30 from 1981. For the first few months, it seemed something broke everytime we went out. Once we got her up to speed, she was a platform for learning and fun. My goal was to learn everything about boat care and to immerse myself into sailing the bay and beyond. My self owned event planning company allowed me to sail a few times a week. Soon I was sailing over 100 days a year and soaking up tons of knowledge and wisdom along the way. My dream was to sail the Pacific. After 17 years on Addiction, I purchased my dream boat Aquarius. She was a 40 foot Jeanneau sloop. She was as fast as she was sexy! My biggest criteria was a three cabin boat as by this time I had enough open water experience to know that 4 hour watches are much more comfortable with 4 hours on and 8 hours off. With two sailors, you are constanly wiped out from lack of sleep. It took her a year to get her ready for the ocean. A complete refit and upgrade. In September of 2018, I embarked on a 7 month voyage deep into Mexico. Myself and two friends took off for the adventure of a lifetime. The 20 year old boat was flawless on the 4000 mile trip. 25 friends and family met us along the way to join in our fun. We arrived back under the Golden Gate in mid April, 2019. So glad we finished up before Covid! My present dream is to sail around the world...but fly to paradise instead of sailing to that spot. There is saying: sailing is the most expensive way to get somewhere where you can stay for free. While chartering is certainly not free, it is an amazing way to discover the garden spots of our world. In just the last 9 months, I have sailed Greece on a 52 foot Beaneteau with winds in the 20's all week long. In October, I was on the Baja Haha on a beautiful Catalina Morgan 440. Then in April, 7 days on a Leopard 45 catarmaran in Bora Bora, Tahiti. The water color is phenomenal. Lastly, an over the top luxury charter in Croatia. Glorius days on a 62 foot Lagoon cat with all the ameneties including captain, gourmet chef and bartender. To top it off, friends of 40 years joined as guests. I am used to giving orders on a boat, however the only ones I was giving was for more margaritas. Today, my love of our beautiful bay continues to grow. I am off to a 7 day celebration 60 miles up river to the Delta. For the uninitiated, there a 1000 miles of water ways just northeast of the bay. My first mate Tex and a sailing friend, Chris, will buddy boat up with another boat to what is called burning man on the water. Ephemerisle is over 15 years old and should be a kick in the pants. As you can see, water has been a huge part my life. In the last 25 years, I have sailed the bay approximatly 2800 times. A day of sailing refreshes the soul and opens the mind!

Webb Chiles - Almost dying is a hard way to make a living!

Webb Chiles is a pioneering figure in solo offshore sailing—a philosophical writer whose voyages were as much about inner discovery as external adventure. Over decades, he’s shaped a life rooted in passion, purpose, and artistic expression on the open sea. Now, already in his 80s, he balances the allure of one more journey with the joys of domestic serenity, continuing to wrestle with—and report on—the question: What comes next? He has been around the planet 6 times and was the first American to sail solo around Cape Horn. He has some very cool books out about his (mis)adventures. He also did a very long voyage in an open boat.

Ephemerisle

This weekend we head up to the delta for an extrodinary celebration. Ephemerilisle is also known as burning man on the water. We are expecting over 150 boats to join in over the weeklong party. Warm fresh water is the norm as this water is coming down from the Sierra Nevadas and heading to the Pacific. I will be posting the highlights next week upon our return. Stay tuned. https://ephemerisle.org/index.php/Ephemerisle

Rainblow!

A humpback inside the SF bay.

Sail Charter Aboard Adriatic Tiger in Croatia

Here is a look back at our summer 2025 European vacation. We landed in Zurich a week before our charter in Croatia. We then drove to Interlaken as Bridget had never been to Switzerland. We had a cute hotel near the river for 4 nights. We did an amazing e-bike tour around the town and visited both lakes that are stunning. I am so impressed by this beautiful town. One of the coolest aspects is the paragliding from the cliffs above. I estimate between 200-250 a day are soaring the friendly skies. The stable air makes this area one of the hotbeds of the sport. The next day we went up to the mountain for a view of the area. On the last day we drove up the local mountains for a view of Eiger that was spectacular. The next day we went back to Zurich to see an old friend. Steve gave a brief tour of the city and then off to the lake to relax. Steve said he moved because of the spot we were sitting in. He loved the lake the weather and the vibe…he never left. Dinner at his house with his family and we had a fondue feast! We spent the next day on a boat cruising the lake with a visit to a chocolate factory. Delicious! The next day we did a 700 mile hop to Split, Croatia. Our hotel was in the heart of Old Town and the Palace. A walking town, some of the walkways are single file. We met up with the other couples for a fine dinner in town. Next we were off to a tour of the national park nearby. The Krka waterfalls were spectacular. On Saturday, we boarded the boat. Wow, what a beauty. 62’ and sleeps 14. We took of to a small cove 1.5 hours away. The captain likes to anchor with the main anchor in front and then two lines to shore to stabilize the boat. It worked well. The meals were superb as the chef worked in a famous restaurant in Slovenia. The next day we were off to the waterfront town of Jelasa. We took off the next morning on an e-bike ride that was so beautiful. Much of it on a trail along the coast. We did make it to another village and then returned for lunch. Breathtaking indeed. One of the highlights was our next stop in Korcula. Tons of charter boats and the cutest town I have ever seen. We spent the afternoon wine tasting. Then after another fine meal went into Old Town. Perched on a hill, this 6000 year old town was hopping in a good way. Along one sea wall were hundreds of folks eating dinner in a beautiful setting. I walked thru the city ally ways and encountered more bars and restaurants that were all busy on this beautiful evening. The next morning we had a long run to a small island with a light house. We were to have dinner at the light house. After a nice lunch and nap, we arrived in the small cove below our dinner spot. At the appointed time we took a 15 minute hike up the hill for lobster, pasta and fresh fish. It was beautiful over looking the waters and at the sunset. I was determined to get down the hill before dark as the trail was a bit dangerous. I got to the dock and took off my clothes for a swim to the boat. As I entered the water a fishing boat was headed my way in the darkness. He could not see the anchor line to shore which if he hit it it would have been terrible. I was able to grab the line and shout to turn around. They heard me and said they need to tie up to the dock as they had lost their anchor. I asked them to wait for the captain as I was a guest. They did so and shortly the captain appeared and motored the dingy over to talk to them. It was decided they would raft up to us for the night. Disaster averted! The next morning we motored to Vis. After a fune lunch aboard, we headed out on e-bikes. In the first few miles I developed a flat and headed back. As I was coming thru, I spotted a bunch of banners from Yachtweek! I have been following these guys and have featured a few vids on this blog. Yachtweek is a company that organizes flotillas of young folks for a week in the summer. Thay have groups in different parts of Europe and the BVI’s. It’s basically a weeklong party on yachts in paradise. I interviewed one of the skippers and told him some tall tales as well. They were getting ready for the farewell party so the talk was quick but insightful. Our last day was spent on a very fast speed boat and out to the Blue and Green Caves. The Blue Cave is a major tourist attraction with tons of folks heading into these beautiful caves. The colors are truly dramatic and a must see. Over at the Green Cave, we could swim and dive in the cave. Lots of fish here too. We met with the mothership in short order for another delicious lunch. The wind had come up to the teens and we were able to sail finally. We did a three hour sail and made it back to Split for our last meal aboard. The chef and crew were fantastic. The captain took care of all the details. When I told bim I had been on a dozen charters and this was the best he was extremely happy. I highly recommend a sail vacation in Croatia. I also recommend a captain as the local knowledge makes the experience effortless.

If you have some extra cash...this yacht is for you!

Heading to Croatia on Friday for a week of sailing. Switzerland has been exceptional.

Reef Nightmare

Addiction Back in Action

Way back at the start of my sailing days in 2000, two friends and I purchased a 1981 Newport 30, Addiction. We sailed that boat like there was no tomorrow. I estimate that in the 17 years I was a partner, I sailed her 1500 times. After I sold my share to purchase my 40' Jeanneau in 2017 (for the voyage to Mexico), the boat was sailed a few more times. For the last 5 years, she has sat there waiting for love. Out of the goodness of my heart, I approached the owners and asked them if they would like me to help pass the boat on. They agreed and I contacted a local charity. Because the 44 year old boat does not have much value, they declined. I put a listing on Craigslist for a free boat and my inbox exploded. I sent a note out to everyone that replied, reminding them that operating expenses on a free boat are about $10k per year (slip fees, insurance, etc.). On the appointed day, two folks showed up and decided to partner and take over the boat! Yesterday we went for a sail out to the islands and low an behold everything went well. She handled the 25 knot breeze and the sails are still in great shape. The guys are excited and looking forward to sailing the bay. It was a very nostalgic trip for me as I have so many memories on this boat. I am so happy I was able to get her going again and back on the bay. Here is an old clip on the Addiction with my boy Kona.

Departing for a Sail Charter: Croatia

We depart in a week for one of my dream vacations. I have been thinking about this trip forever and now it is coming to fruition. We have a huge cat waiting for us. My friends of 40 years (8) and my wife will join as we tour the highlights of this historic island nation. Hvar, Vis, Split and more! We have a captain (which I understand is important as he has local knowledge that we don't) a gourmet chef and a bartender. Below is a video of some of the highlights of this extrodinarily beautiful place. We also have a week in Switzerland with friends as well as meeting a friend who lives in Zurich. I can't wait to tell you about our adventures!

The Sea!

Too Cute

A Sailing Story of Survival (Barely)

My Latest Crush = Ms. Tucker

I am not a big Facebook fan but once in a while I get sucked into Reels. Random video clips. I keep running into this beautiful sailor, Elizabeth Tucker. From what I gather, She was disenchanted with the corporate world and started sailing. Fell in love with sailing long distances and now has big plans. She just recently sailed 14,000 miles to Sydney with Cole Brauer and her boat First Light. Za, as she is known, has purchased the boat for future racing around the world. Here is an interview after the two had arrived in Sydney.

Do You Know the Answer?

Best of the Best: New Cats for YOU!

7048

The SEVENTY48 is a unique, human-powered boat race covering 70 miles from Tacoma to Port Townsend, Washington. Participants have 48 hours to complete the course using only human power—no motors, no sails, and no support crews. This year’s race starts on June 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM from the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma . The race concludes with the “SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair” on June 8, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend. This celebration includes an awards ceremony and festivities for racers and fans alike. What makes this race so cool is the innovative uses of technology used to move thru the water. I will be featuring some of the wild and wacky ways participants are using. Be on the lookout for updates this weekend on those that dare these wild waters. They have decided to do R2AK every other year so this is a race to fill in the gap. Presented by the same folks that host R2AK.

H2uh0 Turns 20!!

If you can find another sailing blog 20 years old, I hope you will tell me who it is. All my heros and those that encouraged me along the way are long gone. Wetass, Frogma, Proper Course, my2fish, and Horse's Mouth have all gone below the surface and sunk. So why am I still here?? The fact is I love everything about sailing. From my thousands of day sails over the last 25 years, to chartering in exotic locations (we depart for Croatia in a few weeks) to taking my dog and friends out on the SF bay, to my 8 Baja Haha's, my 7 month voyage deep into Mexico and back, and lastly to owning the boat of my dreams (40' Jeanneau). As a retiree, I am sailing 3-4 times a week with Hana (dog) and friends. My inspiration for starting the blog was a couple of sailing accidents on the bay on a weekend in 2005. I brainstormed the name and my thought was we could learn from other's mistakes. The blog has veered in to music, sailing history, chartering, some of my life stories, burning man, astronomy and of course, bonehead moves on the water. I am currently 66 and hope to continue sailing well into my 70's and maybe more. Who knows? Thanks to the 1,326,118 and more visitors to my site. And here to the 1000+ guests I have had aboard my boats. Here is my toast to all of you: Here's to wooden ships, fiberglass ships and steel ships. And here is to the most important ships of all. Friendships! Here is my favorite sailing quote: "Something about sailing a boat brings so many senses and sensations into play that it's very difficult to pinpoint what it is specifically that makes me like it so much: the sight of sails and sheets overhanging the water; the foam and spray flying as the bow cuts the water; the motion of the boat; the physical and mental ballet necessary to handle the boat correctly. A sailboat might just be the most beautiful, sensuous and intelligent blend of man/machine/and elements that exists in the world today. The relationship between the three is the most harmonious I have experienced so far. Besides, you can have a beer while you do it". --anonymous

Sail GP in Trouble after Dismasting

They have cancelled Rio and hope to be back on the water in June. This is the third dismasting in the fleet this year. Hopefully they can get it resolved before the NY dates in June.

Tahiti Charter was Amazing!

We arrived in Raiatea in the early morning to check in for our week long adventure. Our crew consisted of my sailing/swimming friend Barry, and two other couples. All had sailing experience and a great attitude. We did a bit of provisioning and then were were off in the mid afternoon. We spent the afternoon checking out the controls of our almost new Leopard 45. We got the sails up in light winds and headed for our first overnight destination. After a fine meal we turned on the generator and got the A/C going. We needed it as it was over 80 degrees and little wind. In the morning we sailed to Bora Bora. It was about 40 miles but it went very quickly. In this part of the sailing world the markers are reversed so red right returning does not work. We sailed smoothly and soon we were on a new island and tied to a mooring ball. That night we had dinner at the Bora Bora Yacht Club. It gave us a chance to meet the rest of the 3 boat flotilla. Our leader Daniel was seated next to me and we had lots of sailing experiences to share as well as some laughs too. The next morning were off to our next detination about 9 miles away. The water was shallow so we formed a line to follow our lead boat. When we arrived in Fareone Bay we were stunned by the amazing water color. Jumping in for a swim the water temp is a perfect 80. A little snoreling ensued and we were feeling very tropical. The next day we swam with some sharks and eagle rays. Beautiful. At noon, we headed to shore for lunch at a small compound. Mahi Mahi was the main course and it was delicious. Back to Fareone that afternoon. In the morning, we departed for Taha'a and a new anchorage. We were invited to dinner and dancers on the island. As we anchored, I saw a red hulled boat from our marina in Emeryville. I yelled hello and hoped to hook up with them later. Another group dinner and more fun. The next day it was short sail to a river entrance. Barry and I took the dingy into this tropical pardise. So pretty! I was blown away with the flora along tis stretch of water. Dinner on board and we cooked up some tuna steaks prepared with coconut sauce. Our last day we did a 3 hour race out to a mark and back to the island. Our next anchorage was in very shallow water (4 ft) but it worked. After some snorkeling we headed to a pot luck dinner with all the crews. We were a hit with the tunes and a large pot of spaghetti. In the morning it was a two hour motor back to the base and a flight to SF. We had 9 hours to kill so we hit up one of our friends staying at a fancy hotel and spent the afternoon having lunch and and hanging out at the pool. For those that have not chartered in these waters, I say go! We worked with Moorings and they did an outstanding job. They even came out to the boat twice to make some minor repairs. These are some of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited. And trust me when I say, I have been to many islands. Thanks to all for making this a very memorable expedition to paradise.

Bound for Pape'ete for an Epic Charter

We depart on Friday for a bareboat charter to the Society Islands (Tahiti). We plan to hit 4-5 islands with a flotilla of three 45' cats. The leader of the grop has done this trip several times and will lead the group thru the reefs and into the lagoons. I had thought that I would sail my own boat here one day. However with age and experience I have realized that nothing goes to weather like a 787-9 Boeing aircraft! It would also take 7 months to get there from the west coast by boat. Its 7 hours by plane! I am going with an old swimming buddy from Delaware who has gone nuts for sailing since I introduced him to it on our voyage to Mexico in 2018. He is on the cusp of buying a Catalina 36 for cruising in his home waters of Santa Barbara. Wish us a bon voyage!