Sailing with old friendsSailing with old friends is the best because it renews ties from years ago and recalls great times on the water.

Maxine and Benton Lutz drove up from Beaufort SC for dinner with Janet and George Goode. They were visiting from France. Maxine, Janet and I began at The Virginia Gazette in the early 1970s.

Sailing with old friendsThe Lutzes went sailing on a sunny autumn afternoon with temperatures near 70 and winds cranking over 10 mph. We reefed the genoa to mitigate Maxine’s bad back. Benton took the helm, which startled him at first because he’s used to a tiller. He’s consolidating three sailboats at home and expects to keep his 21-foot Mobjack, which he built himself.

They admired the refinishing I did on the catbird seats. It required removing the slats, stripping the varnish, sanding the teak to bare wood, and refinishing with seven coats of spar varnish.

Sailing with old friendsBefore anyone knew it, we sailed for 28 miles and completed the narrative of the Battle of the Capes and Yorktown Siege. Then it was dinner for all (though George was sick), prepared exquisitely by Bonnie for the second night in a row.

Let’s go sail

Check rates and pick a day for a sailboat charter. See reviews on Trip Advisor from sailors like you. 

More from the Captain...

New Sailor

New Sailor

me “I grew up in Rhode Island and always went on motorboats with my dad,” said Hannah Zaino as she slipped behind the helm on windy day of 15 mph southerlies. “It had never occurred to me to take a sailing lesson.” He daughter Maureen arranged the trip for Hannah’s

Full Story >
Omaha Sailors

Omaha Sailors

Omaha Sailors has a couple from Nebraska joining their teenage daughter who has already completed ASA 101.

Full Story >

Sailing to Simplicity

Let’s go sail the York River, where couples enjoy a serene three hours. Take one of 6 sailing adventures near the Chesapeake Bay for your best vacation excursion: Adventure, Event, Appreciation, History, Lessons, Boat Buying. Sit in the catbird seat or up on the bow. People often ask, “What’s the

Full Story >