Last Days of Winter

Looking over the taffrail of "Amethyst" during a late afternoon sail along Santa Monica beach, heading towards Malibu! Book a sailing trip now!

Winter Sailing in Southern California

As 2017 is upon us, so has begun a new year of sailing trips. The local Santa Monica mountains above Malibu are vivid green from the rains. Whales have been spotted off of Venice Beach! The sea air is so very fresh and crisp, clean!

   

Winds of Winter

February is a time of weather, in Southern California. It rains, yes, but never for more than a day or so. When it stops, the winds shift 180 degrees and blow, in what is known as a clearing Northwesterly. Exhilarating blue skies, fresh sea air and salt spume excite the senses. Here in this picture, "Amethyst" is close hauled and beating to weather, on such a day. Dolphins were escorting us, as we sailed along. The fore deck awash with salt water, "Amethyst" the 46' wooden ketch is in her groove. Visit us on your next trip to Marina del Rey! http://www.GoSailNow.com

Valentines Dinner Cruise

Happy Valentines Day!
Tonight, a couple will enjoy a private dinner aboard, followed by a sunset cruise. We have warm and dry Santana conditions which are so welcome this time of year. Hot dry desert winds blow outwards toward the sea creating clear skies, smooth waters and spectacular sunsets.
Ahhhh.....sailing into the sunset. Does it get any more romantic than that?
Visit us soon at www.GoSailNow.com
Regards,
-Capt Mack

A Sunset Sail

Hello sailors!
So many times it is, that the best sunsets are in the winter months. The clouds, low sun angles and weather adds up to some very memorable evenings. Here, returning to Marina del Rey, we saw a beautiful rainbow. Wish you could have been there......

Summer Sailing in Southern California

When the morning dew has gone as the mid morning sun warms and dries the "Amethyst's" decks, it is yet another perfect day for a sailing adventure in sunny Southern California. We gather at the dock, with anticipation of fair winds, sunshine, sea air and relaxation.
Leaving the harbor and all of civilization behind, the bowsprit of "Amethyst" cuts a clean wake as she enters the blue Pacific Ocean, with her guests and Captain eager to hoist sails......
What will be seen today? Sea Lions , and all manner of sea birds for certain, and possibly dolphins....stay tuned!

Grey Skies

Hi everybody, Captain Mack here....
When the skies cloud over and the sunshine just can't quite break through the clouds, the days spent on the ocean still have a beauty of their own. I would like to share some thoughts describing the subtle hues and feel of the sea on these special days, when the winds are light and the sea is quiet....

Grey Skies

Up on deck this morning, just after waking,
was a grey sullen dawn, on sea of lead breaking.
No warmth in the dawn or sign of cheer,
I return below to plot the day's course I’ll steer.

Of silver grey clouds and a leaden sea I dream,
and of Heaven and water with a wooden yacht between.
And of sea smoke rising in the chill dawns air,
a sea bird’s plaintive call , and of a mermaid fair.


Sea adventures, voyages and memories in the making at http://www.gosailnow.com//

"Amethyst" riding peacefully at anchor in Emerald Bay, Catalina Island, Southern California.
Just one of the beautiful places to visit when you sail with Mariner Sailing Charters. Visit us now at www.gosailnow.com

A history of the Sailing Yacht, "Amethyst"

Yacht Name: "Amethyst"
Year Built : 1969
Model and Hull # : Mariner 40, #51
Owner's Name : Capt. Mack Steagall,
Hailing Port: Marina del Rey, CA

History:

Yes, a fine history she has. One of trials, sorrow, abuse and ultimately, redemption and excellence!

"Amethyst" was once known as "Yontonka" and with that name she led a life of ignominy, going from owner to owner, marina to marina, scarcely ever receiving proper maintenance, and simply languished, awaiting her fate, one to which so many of these fine vessels have been sentenced to.

And so, in 1997 in such a wretched state I found her, as she laid along side the Balboa Boat Yard in Newport Beach, CA. So sorrowful in appearance, was she, scarcely recognizable as the Wooden Boat Regatta winner that she was to become!

She was missing her mizzen mast and families of pigeons(!) resided in her, down below.The guano of many generations of various seabirds was upon her decks, and she was devoid of anything reminiscent of bright work. I wondered who it was and how it could be that this could have been allowed to happen.....

something surely must be done..........

I of course snapped her up for a paltry sum, due to the owner realizing his failure as a yachtsman, and after some stop gap mechanical work, delivered "Amethyst", ( the new name that I gave to her, to change her luck) to Marina del Rey, to start her new life. The delivery, a voyage of about 50 miles, is a story in it's own and for the sake of brevity, will not be told here.

Immediately, work began on "Amethyst" with the initial haul out and the sistering of 16 frames, eight port and eight starboard. We also painted her bottom and topsides, losing the garish blue 70's racing stripe that all vessels of the 60's and 70's seemed to be inflicted with. I implore all you fellow Mariner owners.....Lose the stripe! A classic design such as the Mariner possesses owes nothing to the trends of the 70's!

And so it began, a five year restoration of every conceivable facet of this Mariner 40. Water and fuel tanks, plumbing and electrical, engine and batteries all were replaced and rebuilt. And then the varnish. All spars were varnished, as is befitting a proper yacht, and 12 coats more of Epifanes varnish were lavished on the interior. No flat varnish is allowed aboard the "Amethyst". No, no, no...

In November of 2002, I deemed her ready for her maiden voyage, and with a light heart, cast loose the dock lines, and left the confines of her slip! The wind filled her sails and she took to the wind and raced towards Malibu, with a bone in her teeth. She had been reborn, and again would ply the waters of Southern California.
The story of "Amethyst" continues, as she is now the flagship of Mariner Sailing Charters, LLC , where she is in service carrying people on day sailing adventures and trips to Catalina Island. For more about the "Amethyst" and Capt. Mack, or to contact us, please visit our website at http://www.gosailnow.com/.

I hope all who strive to restore their vessels win in the end as I have. Do not listen to what negative people say, for it can be done. I have proved it!
Happy Sailing,
Capt. Mack