NAPA’S PREMIER FULL SERVICE MARINA
LETTERS engaged in an elitist sport, it is still seen that way by many. People onshore don't know who's in the boat. It's not a good image for us. Art Ewart Dream Catcher, Pearson 36 San Francisco
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BE ANYWHERE ELSE? GROCERY • FUEL DOCK • BOATYARD • COVERED SLIPS
• Privately owned since 1957 • Largest full-stock marine store of any marina in Northern California • Within a short drive of 400 wineries, 10 Michelin-starred restaurants and dozens of micro breweries • 400 Feet of Guest Docks • Eight miles by boat to downtown Napa • Epic bike rides • Great Striper & Sturgeon fishing • Electric entry security gate WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT
www.napavalleymarina.com 1200 Milton Road Napa, CA 94559
(707) 252-8011 Page 22 •
Latitude 38
• May, 2020
I agree with Syd T! Solo on a boat is the best way to refresh during these difficult times. It's social distancing at its best. CR Not to put a damper on things, but how does one shelter in place and yet leave home to go sailing? David Henry Planet Earth David — You raise a good question. We will revisit the question, "To sail or not to sail," at the end of this installment of Letters. ⇑⇓ PRAISE FOR A SAILOR HELPING OTHER SAILORS Great news that Cass Gidley's son Memo wants to help [from a March 30 'Lectronic Latitude, in which Memo offered to help sailors stuck on their boats or at home]. 'Memo' is short for Guillermo, as he and his sister 'Lupe' (aka Guadalupe) were born in Mexico after Cass and Mary sailed down to La Paz. I wrote the memorial in Latitude 38 for his father Cass. There was a nice ceremony at Dunphy Park, right next to Galilee Harbor, where Cass had his boat Yo Ho Ho for many years. Cass was quite a character. I think it's great that his son Memo wants to help those affected or who can't get around. His father Cass would have done something like that as well. John 'Woody' Skoriak Tireless supporter of Three cheers for Memo Gidley. Latitude 38
LATITUDE / JOHN
Spectacular sunsets
⇑⇓ IS SAILING SAFER THAN WALKING? I think there's a little overreaction here. If you leave your house, go to your boat, sail singlehanded or only with members of your household, do not stop for gas, and generally keep to the spirit of no outside contact, how is that any different than going for a walk in your neighborhood? On our last evening walk, I couldn't tell you how many times I needed to move out of the way and into the street to keep at least six feet away. I feel going for a sail is way safer for everyone. Syd T. Planet Earth
⇑⇓ A WORD FROM MEMO HIMSELF I value the water and those on it. As a kid in the '70s and '80s, I was raised among the anchor-outs, liveaboards and the many sailors who were unique and interesting folks and had a passion for the water. And the one thing they all shared was that if someone needed help, we made it happen!