Bonds between friends are often based on shared interests and experience.  When travelling by small boat it is frequently the case that we meet many like-minded people either on the dock or in an anchorage and our recent very pleasant  stay in Santa Barbara generated a number of new acquaintenances.  We were tied up on the main spine of the dock only a few boat lengths from the gate which meant that pretty much everybody in this large marina walked past Marathon either on their way to or from their boat.  The Canadian flag, the Hydrovane, the nifty canvas covers on the fuel jerry cans and the “currently cruising” ambience generated by all the other stuff hanging off of  the boat, prompted many people to stop and talk.

We were particularly lucky when the owner of “Ma’s Grappa” stopped to enquire about our trip.  Georgio, and his delightful wife, Gloria are now our new best friends in Santa Barbara.  Giorgio’s enthusiasm for sailing and boats along with a generous and warm heart for fellow sailors made our stay that much better.  He is also a distingquished linquist at UC Santa Barbara so our shared academic professional background, enthusiasm for sailing and cooking also contributed to the many hours of engaging conversation that we were able to share.  An invitation to a well prepared and delicious dinner in someone’s home always makes a visit to new city that much more memorable.  We remain very grateful to Giorgio and Gloria for their exceptionally warm and generous hospitality.