When it comes to socializing in a small group of three to five people, few outdoor activities can compare to sailing. Santa Barbara has one of the world’s greatest playgrounds for this activity just outside its beautiful harbor, and even a small sloop such as the popular Catalina Capri provides ample room for safe and secure interaction with or without masks. A group of three people seated several feet apart can count on the breeze not only to power their journey but also to sweep the air around them clear of most of the airborne droplets released by normal conversation. It’s an ideal way to embrace again the sense of freedom that comes with unimpeded natural movement.
Mask up for the trip from the harbor parking lot to your point of embarkation, and bring some disinfectant wipes if the boat you plan to use is one that’s available to other sailors. Keep a sharp lookout as you navigate the channels that lead from the inner harbor to its mouth between Sandspit and Stearns Wharf, as the traffic, especially on weekends, can be significant. Kayaks and paddleboards share the lanes with all manner of craft, from glamorous cruising yachts to venerable fishing boats, sleek racing dinghies, and even Little Toot, the harbor’s bright yellow water taxi. Red and green channel buoys flank the deepest part of the harbor where it’s safe to maneuver without risking an inadvertent scrape on the bottom.
Emerging from the harbor most often means encountering a freshening breeze out of the north northwest. Head up to close-hauled when you see the familiar red and white harbor buoy and begin tacking back and forth to windward. This course offers the day sailor his or her safest bet for a carefree experience. While crewmembers gawk, wave, and whistle at the sea lions lounging on the base of the buoy, you’ll be feeling the confidence that comes with recognizing and using the region’s aids to navigation. Awareness of approximately where you are, how fast you are traveling, and what will be involved in returning to the harbor at any moment are the fundamentals of a satisfying sail, and a good skipper, no matter how close the shore may appear or how much fun everyone on board is having, will never lose these crucial threads.