Small craft advisory

Mike assembling his wicked cool boat

Living on a trawler is not enough marine immersion for Mike, not by a long shot, so in the past 18 months he's signed up for fishing expeditions, cadged sailboat outings, borrowed a rowboat, and scored a free SUP board and a $50 sea kayak at a Marin yard sale. But the currents and shipping lanes and winds of San Pablo Bay have crimped his style, and he's been mostly boatbound.

Last weekend he rebelled, found a used Hobie trimaran for sale north of Sacramento, bought it, and talked the seller into delivering it by Thursday noon. He talked the harbor into finding a place for it and got all the able-bodied men around to help him carry the parts down to the dock. He had the thing assembled and rigged by late afternoon, but the wind was gusting 36 knots. Even Mike the Optimist agreed it was probably not the best time for a sea trial.

Early next morning, however, he was out exploring San Pablo Bay. And this morning he sailed up to Point Pinole. I pray he stays clear of the shipping lanes, but he is so happy that my happiness for him outweighs my worries.