Got Wind and Water . . .

John http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/member/8/f/f/a/member_6336858.jpeg http://www.meetup.com/gotwaw/members/9064137/
Organizer

Got Wind and Water . . . http://www.meetup.com/gotwaw/ http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/f/4/global_9835284.jpeg 20090329

Alameda, CA 94502

Group Captain

Location:

Alameda, CAUSA 94502

Organizer since:

March 29, 2009

Introduction

A life long sailor, helping people find other people to go sailing with is my way of Paying It Forward.

How would you describe your sailing experience? At the end of your description include a title for yourself (look at other profiles, or the about page for ideas)

I'm a life long sailor. My grandfather introduced me to sailing (and not falling overboard) at the tender age of 5. My first boat was a 8 ft El Toro. Captain of my own small ship, I enjoyed sailing with others. I now sail a LOT.

What type boats have you sailed on - or dream of sailing on? What sort of sailing do you do? Cruising, racing, beercans, YRA . . . Transpac??

I'm not a boat, but I've sailed on a LOT of different boats. From 8 ft prams to large wooden gaff rigged schooners to the square rigged ship 'Lady Washington' to the (then) Olympic Catamarans. I love 'Popping the chute' on a J105. I'm on the RP 44 'Tai Kaui' team.

If you are a private boat owner -- please describe your vessel in as much detail as you can.

My boats are in storage - If I took them out of storage I'd be working on them (lovingly) rather than sailing with you. In life, some decisions are hard.

Do you have any US sailing or ASA certificates? Do you bareboat charter?

Oh yes!, I made the mistake of getting them later in life, but I now have US Sailing BK, BC, and BBC certifications, as well as Asymmetrical and Symmetrical Level 4 Spinnaker ratings with OCSC.

Are you disabled or have limited mobility? You'll be welcomed, but it's very important for skippers to know ahead of time to keep everyone safe while sailing (you included).

I'm old, so I don't move around quite like I used to. I'm crippled, with a bum left leg, but have overcome that disability and can move around on deck like a monkey. I only limp on land :)

Link

Ayala Sandbox

Additional Information

"Ayala Sandbox is a blog I try to write (sailing too often to write much) It's subtitle: - Musings on the beauty that engulfs those who take to the water with but the wind and waves (and friends) to carry their souls to new heights."

What John is saying about this Meetup Group

Want to sail? All you have to do is join this group and attend one of our sailing events. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to step forward and show up.

Art Zocalo aka Bill

Thanks John, I also enjoyed chatting with you. Being the last one out is not as bad as not making it out! You still have some life in those bones, keep sailing and walking. Thanks for hiking with our Wednesday group! Bill

Apr 04, 2013 9:49 PM
Katie

Hi John! The Got Wind and Water Meetup Group is awesome. :-) We featured a photo from one of your recent Meetups on the Meetup HQ blog: http://meetupblog.meetup.com/post/452... Cheers to your continued success! -- Katie, Meetup HQ

Mar 15, 2013 12:39 PM
Lori

Hi John, thought of you as we crossed the Richmond Bridge and saw sailboats on the bay - we were coming home from Point Reyes. I may come back for an Ohlone revisit this spring - would enjoy a cup of coffee with you if it can be arranged.

Jan 01, 2013 9:57 PM
Marianne

Hi John, Do you have anymore room on your boat to watch the races?

Aug 22, 2012 4:17 AM
Jackie

Hi John,

You seem like such a nice and genuine person. I wish your group was in my city!

Jackie

Jul 05, 2012 5:21 PM
Robert Graves

Hey John, good to see you guys are still working on this project. I sent your post to a talented web designer named Jay, but not sure if the does group sites. I ended up going to GroupSpaces after dropping Grouply, but it burned me out so I stopped organizing. I might start up again this spring though. Just one thought, if you can eventually make this site very privacy friendly without all the insanity that's in facebook, I think it will sell. Good articles in this sundays NY Times on this.

Feb 06, 2012 11:44 AM
Viviane Got Wind and Water . . .

Hi John,

I am looking forward to learning about sailing and to experience the adventure of sailing. I heard and read that sailing is exciting and relaxing. In the past, I?ve felt that my fear of not being able to swim discouraged me from any kind of water-related activities. Why try sailing now? I?ve been enriching my personal life as well as networking in the recent two years and hope to add sailing to my experience.

Dec 02, 2011 4:20 AM
Steve Hocking Got Wind and Water . . .

John, on December 18 we have tickwets to Handels Messiah!! Sorry, but we can't make your sailstyice meetup much as we'd like to
steve

Nov 14, 2011 12:00 PM
Erika M.

Thanks for the welcome, Eben before the banshee my heart belongs to the floating wooden water magnet of an El Torro my dad and I built.

Jul 16, 2011 9:57 PM
Johnston Good To Go Sailing SF Bay

Hee hee- the voice of experience! Glad to hear from you John and welcome aboard. I tried to put this race night thing together without enough lead-time I think but will do another soon- or maybe just go sailing. Regards, Johnston

Jul 15, 2011 7:43 PM