This is a pic of the guy who took us. The picture is taken from my boat the first time out. We are at Tomales Bay.
Closing in on my 50th, I realized if I was ever going to own a sailboat, now is the time. Soon, I would be too old to do all the rigging and hauling.
I started shopping, and realized that I wanted something fast and safe. I found the boat, a Windrider,(check out their site) and called Wind Toys, the local dealer. They put me in touch with a guy who owns one. He took Chelsea and I out on Lake Mendocino. I loved it.
I found a brand new one on EBay (much less than the local dealer) and bought it. In Oct, 2003 Chelsea, Brett, and I drove to Oregon to meet the guy coming down from Canada. It was perfect.
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This is a pic of the guy who took us. The picture is taken from my boat the first time out. We are at Tomales Bay. |
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Same day, two other 17 ft, and one 16 ft (green). |
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My first day at the helm. Well, it's not exactly a helm. Its more like a cockpit in the back. Steering is controlled by foot pedals. The sails are very simple to rig and operate. It goes faster than a mono-hulled boat, but not as fast as a Hobbie Cat (2-hulled boat.) But this one doesn't tip over. BIG plus! |
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Chelsea concentrating on her driving. |
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My good friend Mac. We spent a foggy day at Bodega bay. Kayaked in the morning and sailed in the afternoon. |
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Another friend from work, Steve. This time at Lake Mendocino. Again, kayaking in the morning, sailing in the afternoon. This time it was warm and windy. I am taking the picture while standing on the port-side pontoon. |
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Lake Henessey (formerly known as Conn Damn). Looks like I am serenading Chelsea with a guitar. Hey, good idea! Allen took this picture. |
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Here's Allen driving the boat. I took him sailing. He took me flying. |
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An old friend, Brian, his lovely wife Sally (far right), and Cynthia at Lake Sonoma. Nice boat! I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Brian spent a few years as Lindsey and Jamie's step-dad in Vancouver when they were young. |
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Click to see video of sailing toward the Narrows at Clear Lake. |
On a spectacular fall morning, Brett and I played this game I have come to enjoy. It is called, 'Hookie'. I think that is how you spell it. We headed to a public ramp behind AT&T park.
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Sailing up from south of the Bay Bridge along the downtown area. Headed for the Golden Gate. The weather was perfect: warm and light wind. |
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We headed through the narrow opening by Muni pier into Aquatic Park. We avoided two swimmers and pulled up on the beach. There were fairly large breakers and we had trouble getting off the beach. Live and learn. |
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Check out the Video of Brett and me. He really did wear a life jacket...this was the ONLY time he didn't..I swear! |
