Meeting New Friends — Two Sailors and Their 1966 O’Day

While driving from San Francisco to Sausalito early on Saturday morning and taking a touristy detour through Horseshoe Bay by the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, we were waylaid by the sight of a pretty blue-hulled sailboat being readied to enter the water by the Coast Guard Station.

We all but screeched to a stop and inquired of the two men, first, about the beautiful boat, and then about the sailors themselves — who they were and how they came to be launching that fine-looking craft. We had the pleasure of meeting Kent Irving, who had recently bought the boat, and together with his friend Ian Metcalf, was getting ready for his maiden voyage. We asked Kent to tell us about his background and how he now came to be sailing the small boat. His story begins below.

When I was around 12 or 13, I spent a bit of time sailing Sunfish on the Sassafras River in Maryland. I never had a boat myself, but was afforded the opportunity by several neighbors who loaned me theirs. I was also invited to crew on larger boats during local races. While I did appreciate it then, I have to say my appreciation has grown as I realize how tolerant they were of my inexperience. These kindnesses allowed me to take part in an activity that I otherwise may have missed out on.

I really did enjoy sailing. The freedom a boat provided to explore the waterways was only a small part of it. I had access to kayaks and canoes, and I could catch a ride on a motorboat every so often, but sailing was more than that. I enjoyed having to read the signs of the wind dancing on the water. I appreciated being compelled to slow down; to take the long way in an effort to reach a certain point when the wind wasn’t from the ideal direction. And I enjoyed the mechanics of it, with cleats and winches and lines, all affecting the final outcome through minute adjustments.

I eventually moved away from that area and was unable to sail. I picked up other hobbies and activities more suited to where I lived, but always wished I could get back to it. While living in New Mexico I even looked into radio-control sailboats just to be able to take part in some way! I never thought I’d have the chance to sail again in my future, but then I ended up moving to California.

I hauled a kayak along with me when I moved, and decided to check out the area around San Francisco. I had a great time paddling around the area and taking in all the sights and landmarks that are a part of the San Francisco experience. I also noticed all the sails crisscrossing the Bay. With plenty of wind and water available here, I decided I needed to sail again. A couple of decades older now, I think being able to stop paddling everywhere may have motivated me as well.

I began checking the local online listings and dove down the rabbit hole of specs and characteristics, comparing prices and performance to find something that suited me. I’d like to say this data compilation was the deciding factor in finding the best option out there, but that wasn’t quite the case. While that was helpful, it was a different type of connection that made the decision for me.

I knew it when I saw it. A 1966 O’Day Daysailer — 17 feet of dark blue hull and some wood trim. All the data in the world couldn’t have dissuaded me. I liked how it looked. I liked how it fit my specific situation. And it helped that it was nearby in Napa. My friends reminded me of the acronym for boat being “bring out another thousand.” But it’s not a big boat so it’s only another hundred, right? I can handle that. I contacted the seller, who gave me a really great deal on it, and we made the transfer.

And this is what led to my friend and me prepping to launch at Horseshoe Bay in the shadow of the Golden Gate on a sunny day in December. Finally sailing again, for the first time in my own boat. And now I’m able to provide someone else with the chance to experience sailing in exchange for an extra set of hands. Truly a great day on the water in the boat Cuatro Vientos.