Lynn B. Ryder, attorney

Lynn is our attorney. She put together all of our filings for a Limited Liability Corporation and takes care of all the legal, insurance and liability issues.

One of Lynn's specialties is employment law. Since I'm the only employee in these parts, we don't talk much about that. All I know is that I don't really want any employees as business life gets very, very complicated when you have them.

Lynn's primary emphasis is Estate Planning and Elder-Care Law. I don't think that is because she realized I'm old (no longer just getting old), it's simply an important and growing need. There are a lot of Baby Boomers about to retire. They need assistance on two fronts - their own estates and helping their parents plan for the future."

Visit Lynn on the web at Lynn B. Ryder or call 805.644.4707

Planning for life's contingencies

Vintage Marina

I've been in all of the harbors between Sausalito and LA, and I've paid slip fees in a dozen marinas including four long-term stays in Ventura County.

No marina does a better job or offers a better value than Vintage.

Michelle Lapointe, the new manager has things percolating along quite nicely. Paperwork, including billing, has been timely and without error. And the hassles I've encountered in other marinas, well they just don't exist here. If I've got a problem or a concern, Ms. Lapointe works it out in short order.

The maintenance crew is unequalled in Oxnard or Ventura Harbors. They're friendly, helpful and in spite of a very healthy bird population, keep the place clean and safe.

My final point is just a stroke of good luck. I've got great neighbors. That means a lot. When a bilge pump keeps running in the middle of the night, I get a call. If I forget to tie off a halyard and it bangs against my mast, I get a gentle reminder. And any time I'm single-handing, why I have a small reception committee that helps get me tied off.

If you're looking for a new boating home, checkout Vintage Marina on the web or call 805.984.3366

Dawn Barreras, marketer

Dawn has worked with me at Sail Channel Islands since I began the business. She's been a very big part of our success. I'd describe her work and the One Umbrella Marketing concept, but she does a better job of that herself:

We get that your products need to get noticed.
We get that people need to talk positively about your products. Your products need to have promotions, have sales, have slick (and maybe eco-friendly) packaging.
Your products need to have email marketing campaigns and sales sheets and maybe even a style guide refresh.
Your products need marketing.
You need it quick.

We get all of that.

Your products, whether they're virtual or packaged, need a voice, a path, and a point of view. Your products need One Umbrella Marketing because we get it.

Bill Roper, mechanic

"Wayne and Bill Roper are the only guys we trust to work on our diesel, our electrical systems, our plumbing, our ground tackle ... basically everything on the boat.

Bill is branching out and has begun his own marine repair business. Experienced with both gas and diesel engines, he can also troubleshoot and repair all types of marine electrical and mechanical systems. He'll repair your boat in the slip or on your trailer at your home. And he charges about half of what we used to pay less talented mechanics.

I trust the Ropers with my life. There is no stronger recommendation.

Visit Bill on the web at Roper Marine or call 805.216.4024

Sailing Vacations in the Carribbean

"For those of you who love the Channel Islands but yearn for warmer waters and gentler breezes, we suggest you look at what is on offer at Sail with Terry."

Visualize your first day as you sail into a small cove, drop anchor, take off in the dingy to find a beautiful reef to snorkel, later taking a walk on a snow white beach, and that evening go ashore to a small charming beach bar/grill, have dinner while watching a sunset and listening to island music.

Sailing Vacations, Caribbean Sailing Charters All Inclusive, VI Sailing Charter, Private Captain, Sail with Terry

David Gallup, artist

"David Gallup is a luminist in the classical definition of the word, with an ability to capture light in the landscape in a manner unmatched by most contemporary artists. In his paintings, something far greater than scenery is being recorded--it is a sense of place, the spirit of nature, and an impression of light that speaks directly to the soul of the viewer."

~ Allison Malafronte, Staff Writer for American Artist Magazine and Workshop Magazine

Besides all that, Dave's our friend and frequent Sancerre visitor. He travels to paint, but he's also an exceptional cook and racanteur of the first order.

Get a taste of Dave's work at Contemporary California Impressionism

Zaca Mesa

  Aboard Sancerre, we pour only Zaca Mesa wines. We hardly ever set to sea without a bottle or two of their exceptional Syrah to accompany our hearty dinners and some Chardonnay and Viognier that we'll break out if you've chosen to spend a lazy afternoon at anchor. While you're in our area, consider driving to their estate in the Santa Ynez mountains to sample their other Rhone-style wines. I'll point that range out as we return to harbor. It's only an hour and change away. Or click your mouse on zacamesa.com and go there at the speed of light.

Wayward Light Photography

 
Randy Bush is one of our favorite coast photographers. He does other work as well, but the coast and his maritime pics are our favorites.

Check out some of our favorite work at California Coast, or go to his homepage for examples of all of his work at Wayward Light Photography BTW - the leaping mother and baby dolphin on the homepage that we're using as a banner to introduce Sail Channel Islands is Randy's shot.

Coastlight Charters

  So you've been to the BVI. So what?

Really stretch yourself and sail the west of Scotland with with Jane and Richard Sewell's Coastlight Charters.

Unless you've got a great deal of excess time and want to spend all of it studying charts and tide tables, I'd vote for a captained (and catered) cruise. It's the best way to see the area, learn from local experts and do it all safely and comfortably.

If you've ever been through the goat-roping that constitutes picking up your boat, provisioning and loading out at one of the big charter bases, you'll really appreciate being taken care of by Jane and Richard.

Our Manly

Our man in Australia - Paul Hamilton - has been writing some great stuff. We really liked the story about Sail Channel Islands, but his news and his views about the rest of the world are far more entertaining. Visit Pablo, Paolo, Paulie and all his other incarnations at Our Manly

Our Manly, btw, is from Manly Australia - the beach community of Sydney.

Channel Islands Helicopters

"You can see the Channel Islands, the stars homes in Malibu, the Ventura coast, whales; and you can have just one helluva a good time with my friend Dan Casey, owner and chief pilot of Channel Islands Helicopters.

If you've visited our area, you've probably seen their bright yellow helicopter running down the coast a couple of hundred feet off the waves. Watching them is fun, but flying with them is a thrill." Channel Islands Helicopters or call 805.512.1371

Whale Watching in the Sky