Captain's Log

“The work is thankless and fun and messy, and the world would be a kinder place if more people tried it.”On waiting tables – Attributed to Anthony Bourdain This October marks Riviera’s 5th anniversary. For those special few who have sailed with us or follow the blog, you know that Riviera’s road to success has […]

When was the last time you felt completely free? San Diego’s August heat in 1977 was intense. After a long scorching day, the temperature finally eased as the sun dipped behind Point Loma. The Pacific Ocean’s cloudless horizon was poised for a green flash, as the vibrant yellow ochre sunset gave way to the deep, […]

Sailing is a magical experience. An exhilarating journey, with no engine noise and no exhaust. Just the sound of the wind and waves as the hull keeps rhythm with the sea. But there’s another side to sailing in San Diego that’s equally rewarding. Anchoring. You know, that big heavy metal claw-thing at the bow of […]

For the lucky few who have had the pleasure of sailing on SV Riviera, you’ve heard me say for several years, “We need a bigger boat.” That day has come, and we are delighted to introduce our exclusive new yacht, a symbol of luxury and elegance. Riviera 2.0. She’s a 51-foot, French-built Dufour 512 Sailing […]

The trials and tribulations of buying a boat and the value of a good yacht broker. My quest to upgrade Riviera started 3 years ago. Don’t get me wrong: I love the Hunter 45 that so many of you have experienced firsthand. She’s still a fabulous boat, and I will miss her greatly. But the […]

I love restaurants. I do. Enjoying the atmosphere, presentation, taste, and craft of a chef’s culinary dream is truly special. Except on Valentine’s Day. Or, as my friends in the restaurant industry like to call it, “Amateur Hour,” where the mantra among the servers is “Eat Fast, Tip Big, Get Out.“ If you own a restaurant, […]

February 28, 2020. Palo Alto, California Sitting at the breakfast table in my brother Bill’s house, my iPhone pinged continuously with new emails. All the subject lines were similar: “Wedding Postponement – 7.11.2020,” “Wedding Date Cancellation, April 18, 2020” or “May 6-9, 2020 – Corporate Event Canceled.” The photography business I started 30+ years ago […]

Last week, I watched the Browns sneak past the Steelers in white-out conditions. The game-time temperature in Cleveland was 30 degrees, with a wind chill in the low 20s. By the fourth quarter, the field was covered in three inches of snow. Maybe I’m a little envious because San Diego no longer has a football […]

When planning your trip to San Diego, remember that our city’s airport is ranked #1 in the country as the closest to downtown and popular tourist areas. This means your first and last days don’t have to be wasted “travel days” schlepping from airport to hotel and vice versa. Let’s say you’re arriving in San […]

Think back; What was your first job? Cashier? Babysitter? Fast-food? Most people, when asked that question, screw up their faces as they recoil from the memory of their first and often worst job. Yesterday, while wiping the water spots from Riviera’s windows and polishing the stainless steel, I reflected on my first job and how […]