Two classic 4X4s, with "stuck truck" in the background at Venice Beach - Click for larger Image (http://jamesmcgillis.com)

A New Energy Weekend in Venice, California

Sometimes we forget how nice it is to be on or near the water. Last weekend, it was hot inland, so we visited WindSong, our 1970 Ericson 35 Mk II sailboat at Marina del Rey (MDR).

On Saturday afternoon, we drove to world famous Venice Beach. For those who wish to be part of the

High-tech trimaran sailing on Santa Monica Bay - Click for larger image (http://jamesmcgillis.com)

scene, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is the place to be. For those of us who like a beach sans crowds, the stretch closest to the Marina del Rey breakwater is best. Despite the dearth of parking near the sand, we decided to try it.

After circling the area for about fifteen minutes, we realized that our Nissan Titan Off-road 4X4 should be able to go where others fear to tread. We held our breath, dialed in low-range 4-wheel drive, then tapped the throttle lightly. We stopped on the sand, within yards of the beach.

As soon as we parked, another 4X4 truck, with fancy wheels attempted what we had just accomplished. Even with his lift-kit and aggressive tires, he spun his wheels until all four were kicking sand. His truck came to rest looking like a 4-wheel drive commercial. His only problem was that he was

Sailboat plying the waters of Santa Monica Bay - Click for larger image (http://jamesmcgillis.com)

stuck there for fifteen minutes.

One of the highlights of visiting MDR in the summertime is the unsurpassed day sailing on nearby Santa Monica Bay. From any boat slip in the marina, you can be sailing on the bay in less than fifteen minutes. Expect cool and overcast conditions until early afternoon, even in the summer. The cloud cover keeps you cool and comfortable as you sail past Venice Pier, then on to Santa Monica Pier, where this high-tech trimaran passed us by.

Powerboat under tow at Marina del Rey - Click for larger image (http://jamesmcgillis.com)

Turning at Santa Monica Pier, we tacked towards the MDR South Entrance. As hoped for, the sun came out, reflecting silver light across the sea. As we delighted in the brisk breeze, Ben played his "Young Man and the Sea" role, all the while keeping us on course.

Later, the less fortunate received a tow from Vessel Assist, while Bay Watch, LA County stood by. In the background, you will see your Alaska Pipeline at work. The tankers moored offshore from El Segundo are unloading there via undersea pipeline, connected to refineries onshore.

The first time I saw this sailboat, I did not know what to think. I have seen graphics on racing sails before, but they tend to be iconic, rather than photographic. Despite its blatancy, I like it. Coors has a legendary quality from the early 1970s, when it was in short supply and bootlegged around the country by truckers. Additionally, one can get quite thirsty while out on the water.

Sunset over the detached breakwater, Marina del Rey - Click for larger image (http://jamesmcgillis.com)

Sunset is always a special time of day at Venice Beach, where it meets the Marina. Having spent as many hours sailing the bay and walking along this shore, I know that the Main Channel at Marina del Rey is at the center of the arc of Santa Monica Bay. The Sun, wind and waves converge and focus vortextural energies on that place, showering and splashing a joy of life both to and from our universe complete.