A great day on the Bay

Yesterday, we took out another family. A good friend of my daughter, her parents, and her sister. The father and I have talked about sailing a lot. He's been through the full ASA certifications series, and at the most notable sailing school around here. I say notable because the instructors have also been called the "sailing nazis." So, in all honesty, I was a little intimidated to have him aboard. I love finding people who share the interest and like to get out myself whenever we can. But I was a little worried about looking foolish for not knowing enough and still buying a boat. 

Well, now I'm kicking myself for not inviting them sooner. Both husband and wife are Kiwis, and they have the typical fun and chill personalities of the Kiwis I've met before. The kids are both nice and get along with my daughter well. 

And most importantly, he had some suggestions and tips, but wasn't at all pushy about it. In fact, I told him to feel free to offer ideas, and he said he was interested in learning about my particular boat's set up. I operated the wheel most of the day, and he took some turns. He was likeminded about resting the sails and ensuring the easiest ride for the three kids 11 and under. 

We sailed the Bay just South of the Bay Bridge, and had no particular destination. The dad, Mike, noted that he enjoyed just sailing where the wind worked out best for us since before he's beat into the wind just to make it to points of interest but it wasn't always the most fun sailing. He was also highly complimentary of my boat. That sounds like vanity on my part to hear it, but he mentioned that when we first talked about my boat I had emphasized it was a 1977 vessel and needed work, so he thought I had an ugly tub. It just reinforced my own opinion that you don't have to buy a $100K newer boat to enjoy nearly all the same things. 

After returning to dock, we kept the nautical theme going by having dinner at Quinn's Lighthouse, a local place on the water with its own marina. The have a nicer dining room downstairs but we and the kids always prefer the bar and grill upstairs where you toss peanut shells on the ground and if you're lucky you get a great view from one of the outside deck tables. 

All in all, one of my favorite days on the water so far and more to come.