About

Once I began sailing in my early 20s, I dreamed of blue-water voyages. Later I got a taste when I joined good friends a few times during their circumnavigation – and that got me hooked on cruising. It’s time now to realize my dream, having recently retired from 35 years in Silicon Valley, first as a writer but mostly in public relations. Because I’ve worked more than I’ve sailed all these years, I’m approaching this new adventure with caution – I have a lot to learn and there is much to prepare.

The idea for this blog is to share aspects of the sailing and boat maintenance along with stories about the people, places and food I discover – while traveling on Aldabra, a 1997 Catalina 42 Mk II. But first, my postings will be about preparation – for departure sometime in 2015.

Chronology

January 2008 – Purchased Aldabra with co-owner Jim Foley

Summer 2008 – Brought Aldabra from San Diego to Santa Cruz

2008-2014 – Installed new engine, new sails, new refrigeration, new heads, new standing rigging and lifelines. Revised, repaired or maintained various systems, gear and fittings.