As most of you reading this know, now-a-days it seems like there is never enough time to sit back, relax and enjoy life. Well, My wife decided for our 20th wedding anniversary that her little workaholic needed to step away from email, constant travel and the Blackberry and spend some quality time, just us two, enjoying ourselves.

That's where Captain Dan Ryder and Sail Channel Islands comes in.

Never in a million years did we dream how truly relaxing and enjoyable sailing the Channel Islands would be. The majestic views coupled with the calm waters and beautiful weather made this a trip to remember. It was without a doubt one of the best gifts she's given me, I just wish she hadn't waited until our 20th anniversary to do it. She has promised me it won't be that long next time.

The sailboat was amazing. The craftsmanship and lines were incredible and we constantly marveled at how every detail was taken care of for us. There was nothing left to do but sit back and enjoy!

Captain Dan and Dennis, the Bosun, have my sincere thanks for the opportunity to leave work, stress and maybe most notably, the kids behind and spend some quality time with my wife. We can't wait until we have the opportunity to go out with them again! I would also be remiss if I didn't compliment Dennis' wife on some outstanding food. If seamen eat like that all the time I should have joined the Navy years ago!

I can't say enough good things about our weekend with Captain Dan and Dennis. I look forward to our next booking, heck, we may even let the kids come :-)

- Renée & Mike

What a fun way to celebrate a wedding aniversary.
I had never been sailing before and the overnight cruise was a good way to be introduced.
The scenery was spectacular and the dolphins were entertaining.
My husband loved the kayaking and I read a book while being gently rocked on the boat. How relaxing is that!
Capt. Dan and Dennis made this a very memorable experience.

- Sharilyn

Watching the sun rise next to Anacapa Island will forever be in my mind! "Well, a week later, I think everyone we know has heard all about our sailing weekend on Sancerre and seen all of our pictures. We had such a great time.

Capt. Dan, you really helped me pull off the perfect birthday present. It is not often that I get to see John so relaxed. He has talked about how he loves sailing for years, and I am glad I was able to see how much enjoyment it can give him. You and Randy were so accommodating and easy to get to know.

Kayaking at Santa Cruz Island was incredible. I still can't believe how clear the water is.

It was really great to watch the stars and see the moon above our heads from our bed. And watching the sun rise next to Anacapa Island will forever be in my mind.

I think sailing will definitely be part of our future adventures in Southern California. We can't wait to go again. Thank you so much."

- Lisa and John

Loved the gorgeous scenery, the drinks, the food ... the conversation

It really was such a fantastic trip. I felt like we had the best of both worlds on our adventure -- one smooth, slow, mellow day, one fast and furious one, and plenty of sunshine all around! We loved the gorgeous scenery, the drinks, the food (special thanks to mrs. dennis), and of course the conversation! And the luxury accommodations in the state room made it that much more of an enjoyable experience.

It was so fun to ride the big waves with the dolphins today, and to set the speed record for Sancerre, 12.6 knots!! Bardis sure got some great instruction on those monster waves!

We hope to come back soon to share some more vegetables and do some more day drinking. Be sure to let us know if you open up shop in San Diego.

Take care,

- Jody & Bardis

Thank you so much for such a fun afternoon sailing. We had such a nice time; I am sure we will do it again. You and Tony were so much fun to talk with. I am glad to finally meet you in person after all our phone calls!

I have received hundreds (ok, hundreds is just a little high) of calls from my friends the past few days asking about our sailing trip. I told everyone just how much fun we had and that we can not wait to do it again.

Looking forward to seeing you again sooner than later.

With tons of Thanks,

- Michelle

I just wanted to thank you and Tony for the great afternoon Michelle and I had last Friday. You guys have one beautiful boat and I was honored to sail on her.

I never really thought I would be able to sail on a regular basis but after speaking with you and looking at the SailTime website, I really think it could be a viable hobby.

First things first, I need lessons!

Should Michelle be ASA certified? I don't think she would ever go sailing without me but if I fell (was pushed) overboard...

Thanks again and I think you have one of the coolest jobs ever.

- Rob

My fiancee and I recently took a sailing trip with Captain Dan and had an absolutely wonderful time. We not only loved the sailing experience, but we also enjoyed Capt. Dan's conversation and sense of humor so much. We were so pleased with our trip that we cannot wait to take another. In fact, we're considering doing one of Capt. Dan's over night trips to the Channel Islands with a few friends next time. I would strongly recommend a sailing trip with Capt. Dan and have already recommended him to my friends, co-workers, and family.

- Kary

Mary's Log

We've been aboard Sancerre for a couple of days now. Celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary on board and are having a grand time. I feel like we have just sailed away from all the things we usually worry and fret about.

Dan had made arrangements for us to spend night before the cruise aboard Sancerre. That gave us some time to orient ourselves and relax. And to celebrate properly. Sancerre is a beautiful and comfortable boat.

Saturday was our first day underway and we had a thrilling time on our way to Santa Cruz. The winds were about twenty knots, and Sancerre performed beautifully, holding better than 7 knots all day. I love Sancerre's two wheels. It makes visibility much better than on our Catalina.

Continued...

"We had such a great time on Sunday. What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day. I love the ocean and have always wanted to go sailing. This was a great way to experience it.

You have a beautiful boat and we enjoyed spending the afternoon with you and your crew.

We can't wait to do it again!"

- Barbara

"We so enjoyed our day trip to The Channel Islands. Great wind, spectacular waters and vistas along with a superb captain made for a most memorable mini-vacation. It was just what we needed before plunging back in to our hectic city lives. You certainly deserve major kudos for taking such great care of us and showing us a magnificent piece of the Pacific."

- Pat and Tom

"The sun shone down from the azure sky and reflected brightly off the bluish-brown water of the harbour as I neared the Sancerre. My crew in tow and my bicorn hat snuggly on my head, I felt a sense of joy and eagerness as my eyes fell on a vessel of such grace and beauty as I had ever seen; her mainmast rising high into the cool Autumn air; her shrouds and stays pulled tightly, securing the mizzen and main; her hull sitting as comfortably in the water as an English gentleman in his favourite armchair. She was a true lady, a boat of such grace and beauty, of curves and sweeping lines, the other boats nearby paled in comparison to her greatness...."

Log Continued Here...

- Ian, Able Seaman

A great day with my family... a few hours of luxury and relaxation!

"Our afternoon on the Sancerre in Southern California was better than we ever expected! Capt. Dan made us all feel very welcome, even the kids. The girls weren't really sure an afternoon of sailing was going to be much fun, but they quickly learned their little brother was right when he had predicted it would be great. It is already one of our favorite family memories.

Andre says his time at the helm was "the greatest."

Sancerre is a beautiful yacht . . . The kids are ready to give up their college fund if they can have one "just like it." It was a few hours of luxury and relaxation for all of us.

Now we are interested in learning to sail and our afternoon left no doubt that Capt. Dan was just the guy to teach us. We can't wait to start our lessons, and look forward to future adventures with Captain Dan."

- Carla and Andre

"Our whole family had a wonderful time. While my wife and daughter sat on the fore deck watching sea lions and other sea life, my son enjoyed time at the helm following Cap. Dan's excellent and patient instruction. Capt. Dan and Sancerre treated us to an enjoyable respite from the heat and our hectic daily lives."

- Scott and Holly

"We had a blast getting out for some fun on the water."

Capt. Dan was a great host! I had never been sailing before, but I know I'll go again. Capt. Dan's's friendly and easygoing demeanor made the trip feel more like he was sharing the boat with us for a while, but at the same time he was keeping us out of trouble. Everyone in our group was welcome to do as much or little as we wanted; from raising the mainsail, to taking the helm, to just relaxing and taking in the salt air. Our next trip will be even more hands on, as we are planning to take lessons with Dan soon.

- Tom

"My son and I had a blast. We couldn't have asked for better weather or wind."

I appreciate your letting Alex "take the helm". It really made his whole trip. It was a great first-time ocean experience. I enjoyed seeing the dolphins and sea lions. Hopefully next time we sail we will get to see the whales! I look forward to maybe doing an overnight cruise the next time we are in Southern California. Take care.

- Maria from SC

Capt. Dan -- HEY!!!!! That was sooo much fun - sailing in the ocean a first time. By the way, I love your Catalina 36 it is the perfect ocean boat. It is comfortable and roomy!! Once again thanks for letting me helm the boat practically the whole trip--that was fun. And I learned somthing that day... how to read a compass.

I am excited you got your spinnaker and am anxious to fly it with you some day (if you need help on rigging let me know). I am hoping to do an over nighter too.

I think that would be awsome! I hope to see you soon!

- Alex from SC

"I have to say that the cruise with you was the high point of the Scorpio Southern California visit, it was all we talked about for the rest of the visit. Our sides hurt from laughing so long and hard that it took several more glasses of wine to get us settled down! - Susan Bray

"Cap'n Dan--the best skipper of them all!!! You made all of us feel so comfortable (especially those of us who know nothing about sailing). You can use me as a reference anytime!" - Amy Ricci

The most wonderful day of my California trip. The Scorpios are still talking about Cap'n Dan and Wiley! We do all hope to get back to CA soon - and we WILL be back onboard, if you'll have us. Blind Jim (Gail's imaginary piratical dog) says "ARF! WILEY CREW" (which we think has something to do with the brand of dog biscuits proffered. We know the wine was excellent.) - Gail Langley & Blind Jim

Hi from Scorpio Carole - loved the sail! If you ever get east we offer reciprocal privileges on Summer Jazz!Thanks again, you and Blind Jim made it a great day! By the way, it is 32 and snowing in Newport, Rhode Island - Sure makes me want to be on the west coast. - Carole Clark

"An outstanding sunset cruise!"

Captain Dan, First, let me thank you again for the outstanding sunset cruise we took with you a few weeks ago. We had such a wonderful time and have been telling all of our friends and family. I've included a few of the best pictures. Mark (my fiance and the eager captain of our trip) - his sister is getting married this fall and I would love for her and her betrothed to meet you. They are still looking for an officiant.

- Gwyn