The eclectic houseboat community at Waldo Point Harbor in Sausalito is a San Francisco Bay landmark. In June 1967, Otis Redding rented a houseboat there, strummed his guitar and sang a ditty that was rolling around in is head: Sittin’ in the morning sun I’ll be sittin’ when the evening comes Over the past 50 Read More
Chartering the Pacific Northwest
If you are visiting from another part of the country, chartering a boat in Anacortes or Bellingham is a great way to cruise the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Last year, Peter and I chartered a power catamaran from San Juan Yachting in Bellingham for a five day cruise. We were novices to a Read More
The Best of the Northwest – San Francisco or Seattle?
Waterfront SAN FRANCISCO The Presidio offers an iconic waterfront with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, hiking trails and museums. Explore this former U.S. Army military fort turned recreation epicenter. SEATTLE The historic Pike Place Market (home to the original Starbucks) continues it tradition of year-round farmers market featuring specialty foods, crafts and shopping. Read More
Top 10 Maritime Museums
As you cruise around America’s coastline, do you ever gaze at the night sky wondering what it was like to navigate a boat by the stars instead of a GPS? Do childhood fantasies of cavorting with pirates still stir in your heart and conjure up dreams of sailing with rum-guzzling scoundrels? And when veterans reminisce Read More
San Diego – By Sea or By Land
There’s just something about California. It’s the land of dreams that beckons the dreamers, the great frontier promising glamour and glory. It’s the height of American beauty — the majestic purple mountains and the shining sea. And San Diego, the state’s second-largest and undeniably most pleasant city, is its crowning jewel. San Diego’s reputation for Read More
Florida’s East Coast – From Fernandina Beach to The Keys
Sunny by day, glittering by night, Florida is irresistible. The 1,350-mile coastline is the longest of any state in the mainland United States, and its unique heritage has had countless influences, with Native American, European, Latino, and African-American cultures among them. From the graceful charm of Fernandina Beach to the casual sassiness of Key West, Read More
Top 12 Seafood Dives
What’s one of the best ways to get to know a new location? Find the area’s best seafood dive and start eating like a local. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite spots. 1. Dirty Al’s Seafood Restaurant – South Padre Island, Texas Hanging out on a gorgeous barrier island with tropical breezes and crystal-clear Read More
Exploring the Broughton Islands on Canada’s Pacific Coast
When I’m asked about my cruising adventures in the Pacific Northwest, most people nod appreciatively when I say I love cruising the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands. They know something about the natural beauty, the wildlife, the charming island towns and marinas. But when I mention the amazing cruising grounds of the Broughton Archipelago, Read More
Great Lakes’ Beaches Rival Florida and California
When thinking about loafing around on a beach, Florida, California and Hawaii immediately come to mind — the Great Lakes, not so much. But they should. The Great Lakes have almost 10,000 miles of shoreline, more than three times the combined coastlines of Hawaii, California and Florida. And while the Great Lakes may not be Read More
Yachts Cruising the Northeast – From New York to Maine
NEW YORK CITY bagels, New England clam bake, Boston cream pies, Maine lobster rolls, maple syrup, johnnycakes, baked beans, seafood chowder, coffee milk, whoopie pies and blueberry everything … who needs more reasons to spend time in the Northeast? Aside from the amazing cuisine and the obvious historical significance, there are many more incentives to Read More