Captain's Log

Compass Divider
A boy pushing a lawnmower on a green lawn.

My First Job

September 27, 2024

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 […]

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Colorful sail boats cruise along the harbor.

Is that a ring box in your pocket?

August 28, 2024

The giant bulge in the front pocket of his jeans was a dead giveaway. What else could a two-inch square be but a box containing an engagement ring? But Joanne, the lovely “fiancee-to-be,” asked no questions as they boarded Riviera and made themselves comfortable. She had resigned herself to enjoy the lavish attention shown by […]

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A view of boats sailing along the San Diego Harbor at dusk, with the Rady Shell and the downtown skyline in the background.

A Very Rady Shell Experience

July 26, 2024

I’ve witnessed the evolution of San Diego’s Waterfront all my life. As a teenager armed with my camera, I rode my bike through the railroad yard wastelands before the creation of Seaport Village and on the boardwalk planks of the Embarcadero, and watched the Portuguese and Italian tuna fisherman unload their catches. For many years, […]

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View of the sunset over the San Diego bay, as seen from the back of the Riviera sail boat.

Unplug and Revamp Your Life in 6 Hours

June 21, 2024

“You haven’t lived until you’ve sailed.” Anyone fortunate enough to have stood on the deck of a sailing vessel as it cuts through the sea powered only by wind knows this to be true. In a world where adults spend, on average, a staggering 7 hours per day in front of a screen, a day […]

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A World War 2 era photo of a man in uniform posting with a woman at his side

The last words my father said to me

May 24, 2024

My Dad, a man of incredible bravery, was a WWII war hero, a father of five, and a devoted husband who had been married to my mom for over 50 years. His courage and dedication were unmatched, and I consider myself beyond fortunate to have him as my father. Dad introduced me to the magical […]

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Dorothy Barnett headshot

“Hey Paul, is that your grandma?” “No, man, that’s my mom!”

April 22, 2024

When I was born, my mother was 41, and in the 1960s, having a baby when you were over 40 was rare. I realized by the fifth grade that my parents were old. I don’t mean they were just older than me; they were ancient! My two best friends, Richie Brownsberger, and Mike Fillipponi, had […]

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Teenage girl smiles as she sails on the SV Riviera

Spring Break & Teenagers: How to reconnect with your teens on vacation

March 28, 2024

“The kids will love it”! Famous last words spoken by innumerable parents as they plan their spring break vacations: Past bad memories of family excursions gone awry fade as the fantasy of a successful vacation with the kids, full of love, laughter, and gratitude, soaks the parental brain into believing a fun-filled family outing will happen, […]

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A man on one knee, proposing to his girlfriend on the deck of the Riviera sailboat in the San Diego Bay.

The Back Story

February 26, 2024

It always fascinates me how couples meet—a dinner party, arranged by a nosey aunt. A chance meeting with friends at a bar, or perhaps she just swiped right, and the rest was history. Clinton, a young man from Arizona, first saw Kaleen (his future wife) in 2017 on a beach in San Diego, precisely seven […]

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A silhouette of a couple dining out. A rose sits on the table between them.

The Perfect Date?

January 22, 2024

Statistically, going to dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day does not end well. A recent poll suggests that 49% of all couples that dine out for the Holiday of Love find it disappointing. Yet, year after year, couples flock to overcrowded restaurants, go through the motions, and pay the swollen check on what is typically a […]

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Group of people posing for a photo on the deck of a sailboat

Thank You!

January 5, 2024

As we close the door on 2023; I want to thank everyone who has helped make Sail Riviera come to life. Four years ago, when we started this little adventure, we had a simple mission statement: Provide a customized private sailing experience that was luxurious, exciting, authentic, and fun. I’m happy to say we’ve managed […]

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