The lure of the sea. Mysterious, ominous, seductive, always unpredictable. It has, through the ages, promised adventure and rewarded those who have accepted its challenges. The rewards come in many forms. Mastery of the elements, the value of teamwork, respect for the awesome power of nature, and inevitably a mirror into one's very soul--as E.E. Cummings observed, For whatever we lose, it's always ourselves we find at sea.
Learning to sail isn't hard. But it takes the three "Ps"--practice, patience and professional instruction. The truth is, if you don't know a luff (leading edge of a sail) from a sheet (rope that controls a sail), you'll soon find yourself "in irons" (stuck motionless at sea). So where to start? One of the best places to learn is at SailTime in Newport Beach. Whether you're a novice or seasoned sailor, you'll get personalized training tailored to your skill level. Best of all, as a SailTime Member, you'll learn to sail on a new, fully equipped sail boat, a beautiful yacht you'll be able to call "your own."
SailTime's "ownership" concept is called Fractional Sailing. Somewhat like a timeshare, a boat is "shared" by seven Members and one Owner Member who each are guaranteed, but not restricted to, at least two weekend sail times and five sail times every month. Members are also entitled to unlimited "as-available" use on a 24-hour notice at extra cost.
"One of the things that makes our fractional program so unique is its flexibility," says SailTime's Base Manager, Chris Jester. "Thanks to focus group input, which helped shaped our boat sharing system, and the Internet, which gives Members 24/7 access to a boat's reservations schedule, Members can design their own sailing calendar."
SailTime's real-time scheduling system offers sailors a wish-list of possibilities. "Members can make instant reservations up to a year in advance, request to swap sail times with other Members, even carry over unused sail times from a past month or borrow time from a month to come," says Jester. "The system also prevents one Member from monopolizing weekends and holidays. And there's flexibility for frequent travelers, too. Members on the road can avail themselves of boats in any of the 30 or so SailTime bases scattered throughout North America and parts of Europe."
Another SailTime benefit is its surprising affordability. "SailTime eliminates the barriers and headaches usually found in boat ownership. There are no huge down payments, no insurance expenses or marina fees, and no worries about boat maintenance," explains Jester. "You sail virtually when you want, without the hassle and expense of a charter."
SailTime Training is "hands on" and top drawer all the way. "Courses are limited to just two members, so you'll spend plenty of time at the helm," says Roger Philips, SailTime's in-house captain and U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. "We offer ASA 101, 103, 104, 105 courses, and a "back-up" skipper course--as well as the "tips and tricks" that go above and beyond ASA course material. Almost everyone learns and participates--couples, families, friends."
Once you get a little salt in your veins, you'll discover that Newport Harbor is one of the best small recreational harbors in the world. White sand beaches, imposing bluffs, charming coves and sunbathing sea lions all add to the experience. Sailing is also a great way to enjoy the Harbor's many fine restaurants. Or you can shop at the dozens of quaint shops on Balboa Island. If you're fortunate enough to sail during the Christmas holidays, you won't want to miss Newport's famous "Parade of Lights." This "must see" event has been hailed by The New York Times as one of the "Top Ten Holiday Happenings in the Nation."
If you have time for a full day of sailing or even a weekend, a coastal cruise down to Dana Point makes an ideal getaway. One of the finest man-made harbors in the world, Dana Point was christened "the only romantic spot in California" by 19-year old Richard Henry Dana, who first landed in Dana Point in 1835. Today, Dana Point Harbor is home to 2,500 boats, with guest slips to accommodate visiting boaters all year round.
For novice island hopping, nothing beats the short trip to Catalina. Just 22 miles of the gold coast, Catalina's rugged natural beauty with its majestic peaks and pristine canyons is eye candy for nature lovers. And there's plenty to do once you get there--restaurants, galleries, and a beautiful casino on the water will make you forget you're on an island.
If you're in the party mood, you'll want to join the 75 or so SailTime Members for a christening party whenever SailTime launches a new vessel. Of course, for the real blowout, you won't want to miss the Newport-Ensenada race, the world's largest international sailboat race with over 500 boats in 20 classes. The race ends--and the huge bash begins--at Ensenada! read more
