DSCN7895Ivan Levy made a return trip for a November sail on the York River, this time with his friend Alena who’s a bartender at Bailey’s in Patrick Henry Mall. She’s from Belarus in the former Soviet Union and speaks perfect English. “I always wanted to live in America,” she said proudly.

DSCN7899In brisk winds gusting to 15 mph, we sailed on only the main and went after a larger Hunter 375 with both sails up. Sure enough, he was overpowered and kept coming up into the wind. He eventually pulled in his jib. Later, when the winds subsided slightly, we put out our genoa and chased the 375. We were about to pass it at Yorktown when it tacked to turn away.

DSCN7890Having bartended in college, I asked Alena what the most annoying drink is to make during Happy Hour. She didn’t hesitate. “The worst is an espresso martini. It requires 1.25 ounces of vanilla vodka, .75 ounce of Kalua, .75 ounce of Frangelico Italian liquor, .5 ounce of Dissrono, and .5 ounce crème de le cow liquor. The bottles are all over the place, requiring a lot of movement around the bar during a very busy time. Some of the bottles have to be refrigerated, so they’re stored elsewhere. You have to freeze the martini glass, shake it, strain it and the serve it.” I asked if after all that work it generates a big tip. She thought about that a moment and said simply, “Sometimes.”

DSCN7914We got back to sailing, and Alena took the wheel with great effect.

Let’s go sail. To see the rates and reserve a date for a sailboat charter,  click here. To check out reviews from sailors,  click here. To become a crew member on a charter sail or to tell us your sailing story,  click here.

More from the Captain...

Sailing to 250th

Sailing to 250th

As America heads toward the 250th anniversary of its independence, we review the events at and near Yorktown that insured our independence. A young man from Prescott AZ (grew up in Baltimore) brought his wife to Williamsburg for an annual trip they’ve done for years. They wanted the History Cruise,

Full Story >
Sailing on the York

York Sailing

Ever since 1982, a blind man has always wanted to be on the water sailing, and he did it here. Let’s go sail.

Full Story >