MISFITS IN CATALINA
deco interior. Built in 1929 — why did we have to bring that year up — it’s not the kind of place where you leave your popcorn on the floor. For the budget-minded cruiser, the best news of the off-season is that winter rates go into effect for the moorings. When you pay for two nights, you get five free! The unexpected good news is always the best.
w
e were enjoying several cold, beers with some new cruising friends at our cutrate moorings when a local pulled alongside in a skiff. He introduced himself as Bernie Ramming and explained that back in the early 70’s he, his wife and two young chil¬ dren, had cruised the South Pacific on their Islander 55, Starfire. Bernie is living proof that old cruisers don’t die, they just settle down and raise their kids on Catalina until it’s time to cruise again. Bernie’s enthusiasm for the cruising
rRl USERS!
2 HOI SiNGViDEOS!
Sign of the times.
dreams of the future. Later a few of we more decadent cruisers slipped into the inviting warmth of his hot tub. The slide show presented by Bernie and his wife Judy focused on the advantages of getting off the beaten track and meeting the locals. It seemed clear that would be the only way to experience the richness of the cultures so many cruisers only glimpse as they follow routes recommended in the popular guide books. Philosophically we couldn’t agree more — although doing so while on Catalina seemed a little hypocritical.
lifestyle hasn’t waned after his years on Catalina, and it was obvious that he’d enjoy a chance reliving his cruising advertures and vicariously participating in ours. By the time he’d made the rounds of the harbor’s other cruisers it was clear that a party was in the making. “Come on up to my place, we’ll have a BBQ. You can meet the people you’ll be running into for the next few months — and I have a hot tub!’’ Who could resist an offer like that? The following evening a parade of dinks made their way to the dinghy dock. A group of about 30 people assembled on shore and were shuttled inland on the back of Bernie’s truck. The group spanned the gamut from ‘first timers’ to old salts. You’ll never guess what we discussed over burgers and beers: plans, boats, problems, past trips and
GUSTO PRODUCTIONS
Actually, being at Avalon in the off-season felt a little bit like sneaking in the backdoor. You feel almost as though you’re in a con¬ spiracy with the locals, sharing their enjoy¬ ment of the more subtle pleasures of the winter-lulled pace of Avalon. Faces become personalities and friendships are born. We’re cruising. _— tim Stapleton & karen munro
SANTA
GIFTS by Seabreeze
PRESENTS
Harnisch Yacht Lamps Custom Yacht Portraits Clock & Barometer Sets Scrimshaw by Barlow America’s Cup Items Nautical Games & Videos Replogle Globes Sealife Sculptures
Entertaining & Informative Cruising Adventures Aboard a Catalina 30
“Cruising Catalina & San Clemente Islands” $29.95 1 hr To 1987
LntH f°b $59'9'6‘Baya Passage” BU
SPECIFY VHS/BETA. ADD $4.00 PER TAPE FOR TAX, POSTAGE AND HANDLING.
ban Diego to Cabo San Lucas & La Paz $39.95 1 hr 20 min. Follow these voyages through preparation, equipment, sailing, diving, anchorages, port procedures . . . including aerial and underwater photography. ““““““1
[_
(619) 941-5760 L_~J GUSTO PRODUCTIONS 400 S. Melrose, Suite 101, Vista, CA 92083
Gift Wrap & Mail Orders We Ship Anywhere Phone Orders Mon-Fri 10-5.
,
California’s largest selection of nautical books 1256
JSttEet
<ban 'JSiego,
92106
/619) 223-8989
page 140
