Headed for the Annapolis Sailboat Show By MichaelWASHINGTON, DC

That was my sunrise view out the window of the A330 I just flew aboard from Nadi, Fiji, to LAX. I realized this was my 7^th flight across the Pacific, the 6^th on Fiji Airways. It’s a terribly long, overnight slog, but thankfully direct—and Nadi (pronounced nan-di) airport is an easy one to fly through and with a comfortable international terminal (they actually have these large, bed-like platforms that passengers are encouraged to spread out on).

I left Windy and the girls in Fiji and I’m headed for the Annapolis Sailboat Show. I’ve been to the show nearly a dozen times, but this will be my first visit where I’ll be working the show, from the Good Old Boat magazine stall. I’m not a salesman and have been anxious about the prospect of spending 4 days spreading the word about The Sailing Magazine for the Rest of Us. But that was then.

I just spent a few days in California visiting family as well as boatyards and marinas from Morro Bay to Oxnard, passing out magazine copies to sailors and telling them about Good Old Boat, my role as editor, and what we’ve got planned. I always received a warm, encouraging reception and I look forward to more.

I’m also looking forward to meeting in person all of the people I’ve known for years, but have never met. First are the fellow Good Old Boat folks with whom I email daily. Then there are all the editors of the magazines I’ve sold to over the years, my publisher Lin Pardey, my co-author Behan Gifford of Totem, my friend author Rob Avery—and I learned just this morning that my friend Brittany of Windtraveler will be at the show. It’s going to feel more like a party or festival than a boat show.

If your a Log of Del Viento reader, I hope to see you there too. Stop by the Good Old Boat exhibit and say hello.

--MR