Sailing from Land-Locked Texas

A couple vacationing from the Fort Worth area took their two sons sailing on a quiet York River, where they got to appreciate the serenity of the concept. It proved unique outdoors fun near Williamsburg. “We used to live in San Rafael,” said Chris Gilbert, “and I sailed with my parents on a boat this […]
Sailing after Disaster

To wrap up their vacation in Williamsburg, a Maryland couple and their son sailed a serene York River on a balmy afternoon. The trip brought back memories of disaster. Lori and Bill Rodean have traveled all over the world. They got to recall some eerie aftermaths. “We seem to bring bad luck wherever we go,” […]
Sailing San Francisco Bay

People ask, “How many couples can you take?” Three couples enjoyed unique outdoor fun near Williamsburg by sailing in a light breeze off Yorktown. The York River has never been so serene. Contrast that with the high winds and waves of San Francisco Bay, where Jim Cockrell and his wife Chris sailed years ago. Today […]
Sailing to Church
Two couples who never met before had the extraordinary career of part-time ministries in common. Bruce Queen of Richmond is an intentional interim minister, and so was the late father of Jane O’Dell of York SC. Her husband Mike works with the Baptist Church of North Carolina in the wheelhouse of such ministers. “They are […]
Sailing to Serendipity

A couple eager to sail hard on a windy day joined a family who thought they were just going for an outing on the York River. The result was sailing to serendipity. Cathy and Steve Kirby vacationed in Williamsburg from their home near Charlotte. “I have a 26-foot Hunter that’s trailerable with the water ballast. […]
Sailing vs. Fishing

People ask, “Can you fish off a sailboat?” Yes, but you should try a fishing boat instead. Two sailing parties from Richmond had a lot in common with medical institutions. Joe Karch brought his wife Paige. He’s a general surgeon and she’s a nurse. They knew a lot of the same hospital friends of the […]
Sailing with Experience

In the annals of “Sailing Fails” there lies the successful outcome of a bad situation. While sailing the York River on a magnificent day with his wife and family, Bob Benton recalled his sailing experience from long ago. “We had 20 people on a 27-foot sailboat, if you can imagine that. Seven of them were […]
Sailing the Union Label

On this warm day of mild winds, we encountered a coincidence. America’s labor unions have shrunk drastically in the past 50 years, so it was a surprise to encounter three people affiliated with disparate unions. Scott Weiler clarified that he isn’t in the union but contracts with the Painters Union of Cincinnati. His wife Jennifer is […]
Sail Army & Marines

Sailing attracts a different demographic, usually better educated and more outdoors oriented. Now and then you run into people who are not only fascinating but selfless. On this day we sailed with a police office, an Army soldier and a hospital nurse. John Barkas is training at Ft. Eustis in helicopter repair, Blackhawks to be […]
Memories of Six-Meter Sailboats

Two couples from Arlington came to Williamsburg and celebrated their dual anniversaries by sailing the York River. They navigated a beautiful east wind that eventually turned to a light rain. A Florida sailor and her friend joined us in a fast day of excitement. Denisse Paz reluctantly took the wheel instead of her beau Jay Sasporlas, […]