There is a World War II era popular navy song that has the line “I’ve never seen the Admiral because the Admiral has never been to sea”. Well Admiral Debra has been to sea, just more infrequently than I’ve nagged her. It took 17 years to get her onboard. The first four day sails she enjoyed. The fifth not so much. There is a funny story there about no wind, no engine, drifting, and scaring a couple of grown men with the declaration “I’m not having fun”. But that’s another story.

So after asking, well perhaps nagging, the Admiral for another appearance I somewhat surrendered to the notion the she might not enjoy sailing.

The Admiral wants a flat boat on flat water on a warm day. Pretty much the exact opposite of what I deem an interesting sail. Though truth be told a warm day does sound good. Sail boats heel or they don’t sail. The optimal 15 degree designed in “tilt” makes her a bit twitchy. Burying the lee rail would be grounds for keel hauling. Reefing in 10 knots is a bit embarrassing, but if that’s what it takes to make your Admrial happy, what’s a fellow to do?

The weather has been a bit warm in Southern California. Inland a balmy 110 has been recorded. It has made for small craft winds about 50 nm off shore but only 5 to 10 knots in Santa Monica bay. This nets out to 3 or 4 foot seas, rounded, yet short times between them. Every nine seconds another one. And not necessarily enough wind to comfortably power through them.

Which in turn has been know to produce chum in some folks. Actually I was privileged to witness the remarkably positive attitude of David Hillebrandt. He produced a prodigious amount of chum and later remarked how glad he was to have done so, it gave him the full experience of sailing. He meant it. He also mused that the last time he and I met – this was three decades and 3 years ago – he also got sick. That was altitude sickness when he had invited me to climb the 1,300 foot east face of Mt Whitney. Where we spent the night in the ice at 13,000 feet, in a rock shack. Another good story. He went on to climb 40 of the worlds tallest.

So when I told her – I mean asked her – about taking her daughter Crystal for an evening sail I didn’t bother asking her to come. Off to work. I was surprised when she called to say she had spoken with Crystal and decided to tentatively join the voyage. I expected her to back out later. I’ve never been very good at predictions.

Leaving work at 1700 the sea breeze was 10 knots. Crystal was working on the teak. A good job, I’m proud to say. Admiral and I finally arrived dockside at 1800, and shoved off at 1820 into a breeze of 2 knots. So it was the iron genny or no go until another day. I wasn’t about to let this opportunity to pass.

Now I adhere to old school physics. I’m not sure the same physical laws applies to the guys with the newest designed production boats. Like the other day we were making 5.5 to 6 knots heading towards Marina del Rey when a brand new sail boat of greater water line very slowly passed us. He didn’t have a stitch of sail up. I’m assuming he is using his engine because the alternative would be a very swift counter current or that a wizard has cast a mage wind.

For me when under power the main is always up. It saves fuel and it make for a more comfortable ride. It makes sense on a lot of levels. Since the guy wasn’t motor sailing it only makes sense that his physical laws were different than mine. As a group, sailors tend to be green and thrifty. He was just mystery to me.

I digress. So we’re moving out of the harbor and by golly there is little wind and the aforementioned 3 to 4 foot seas. I was finding it a bit hard to keep on my feet. So I’m all anxious about the Admiral.

Her station is on the stern locker prone on a pillow. From there she can observe everything I do, the sea, and everything I ask the acting mate Crystal to do. I think the latter is what kept her from noticing the conditions. She was impressed by Crystal’s performance. She was also enjoying the recently installed sound system. It was on only by luck of forgetting to turn it off; and playing a great set.

Crystal, a PFD for your mom. Down the companion way and pops back in a flash. Crystal, the nav lights please. Crystal ease the traveler. Could you take the helm for a moment? Keep a sharp lookout, thought I saw a group of kayakers ahead hidden in the sun. Aye. One to starboard, four to port, crossing. We slow to bare steerage threading our way through the group. Mind you the waves were bumpy for me, must have been thrilling for them.

As it does most evenings the sun went down with quite a good display. A veil of mist on the horizon enhanced the show. I’m always looking for the green flash. I’ve only seen it once, just a couple years ago. Just a few seconds more and, and, … maybe tomorrow.

And as it does after most sunsets it got dark. Moonless and, although a clear night, starless. LA lights hide stars.

Wind was picking up, noticeably. So were waves. Not a peep from Admiral. I was considering a reef because I know for a fact that such seas wasn’t her favorite thing. Yet not a peep. Deploy the jib, Crystal take the helm, there’s a fouled line to clear. Now we’re full under sail, none of that infernal engine noise. Just bow parting water bubbling off the stern. I realized I was happy.

Before I could reef the mate announce she was a bit queasy. I take seasick seriously so within a couple minutes had gybed towards the harbor. The reciprocal course was a broad reach with the current and a bit of surfing. Its going to be a fast return. When the only cure is being on land, there is no such thing as fast enough. With a slower breeze the engine is back on.

Finally, the fair channel marker with its trademark seals barking. Turn dead down wind. Mind the waves, things get to rolling quite well here. Turn again into the harbor. Head to wind, drop main while nosing up to a boat length from breakwater. Dark, quiet, Crystal is manning the helm. Four sail ties later and we’re ready to head-in. My turn at the helm.

Tis dark but no undue encounters.

Back on the hard, the Admiral declares “It wasn’t so dark”, “Did you see how Crystal knew what to do?”, and the most satisfying “I want to go again at night”. She liked it! Oh my.