Latitude 38 December 1986

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

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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

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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.

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 becomepersonalities and friendships are born. We’re cruising._— tim Stapleton & karen munro

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page 140

SEND YOUR YACHT TO STANFORD

The Stanford University Sailing Program is seeking motor yachts and sailing vessels for its instructional, recrea¬ tional and competitive programs.

The DONATION of your boat is TAX DEDUCTIBLE. While most boats can be used by our sailors, others will be sold to help finance these educational offerings.

All donations will be handled in a timely and effective fashion. You will be surprised how attractive donating your boat to Stanford can be.

For More Information, Please Contact: Joe Petrucci, (415) 723-2811

Marine Development Office 375 Santa Teresa, Stanford University Stanford, California 94305 Verna Steinmetz, (213) 627-0653 Stanford So. California Office 900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1114 Los Angeles, California 90017

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