A serious sailing event

Once my wife and I took possession of our dream boat, a Pearson 365 Ketch, we were left with the problem of getting it moved about 136 miles down the rugged and often desolate California coast from Santa Cruz to Avila Bay.

Prior to buying THIRD DAY, we had been sailing for about two years on a 26ft MacGregor mostly close to shore and only going out in fair weather. Knowing that our trip would entail sailing through an area of 83 miles with no marinas and only fair weather anchorages, we would have to be prepared for a serious sailing event in a 36ft blue water sailboat, something that, frankly, worried us both.

Get the boat home; learn on the way

We also wanted to take some more advanced ASA sailing classes to hone our skills, but with time being short to get THIRD DAY moved, we were leaned towards hiring a delivery captain for the trip.

But then we found Capt Dan Ryder.

From his initial response to my introductory email, I knew we were in good hands. Safety issues and boat readiness took center stage with him. After further discussions and after he found out our needs, we were able to work in some ASA instruction along with the boat delivery!

It was the best case scenario: have personal sailing instruction on our own boat for some ASA coursework and get the boat safely moved 136 miles south.

A real confidence builder

Prior to the move, we spent class time going over the ASA 105 Coastal Navigation coursework and planning for the trip. During the trip, Capt. Dan was not only a great teacher of boating skills, rules, and tips but he was the type of guy you want along on any trip! By the end of our second day, which started at 0900hrs on Thursday and ended at 0415hrs with us safely at anchor on Friday morning, Capt Dan was like part of our family. While I grabbed a few hrs of sleep up in the V-berth, Capt Dan helped maintain night watch while my wife was at the helm for the first time ever on a 36ft boat at night!

The confidence building alone was worth the cost of his services, not to mention all the skills and boating experience we gained along the way. Every once in a while you run across someone that should be held up as a shining example of his profession. Capt Dan is such a person.

I would recommend Capt Dan to anyone seeking top notch ASA Sailing instruction or Yacht delivery services. I'm sure we will have the pleasure of sailing with Capt Dan again.

Fair Winds,

Rich and Lori Boren
S/V THIRD DAY
Port San Luis, Ca.