Adventures Aboard
the Chardonnay II
by Sari Mitchell

It’s a perfect day, a breathtaking June morning, fresh from a soft kiss of nighttime fog, the ocean gently rocking the brilliant white Chardonnay II racing yacht, all seventy feet of her. She’s moored for the boarding of 49 passengers for an exciting adventure at sea – the Marine Ecology tour. It’s a magnificent photo op, splashes of rainbow-hued droplets like priceless diamonds, cascading back to the sea. Bobbing heads aren’t logs or sharks, they’re otters, or sea lions playing in the safety of the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor.

Before you board, slide your feet into boating shoes, tennis or any rubber-soled footwear that will prevent slipping on the boat’s pricey varnished wood floor. Kat Burrows, First Mate, reminds that sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat (if it ties under the chin) and any seasick meds, bracelets or patches that you prefer, plus a light jacket are smart choices to have aboard with you.

This gorgeous vessel with an extended cockpit, stainless railing on the outside, a large galley area and every amenity, speaks of wealth and freedom. For these two hours not only will the Chardonnay II heel in the fresh breeze (causing servers of a tasty lunch to demonstrate their well-practiced tray-carrying dance) she will bring a sense of adventure and excitement to all aboard.

Meet our host and head naturalist, Christopher Reeves. Tall, suntanned and sandy-haired, you know he’s spent most of his young life on or near the sea, even at UCSC where he gained his degree in Marine Biology. Also to Chris’s credit is his work with SOS (Save our Shores), on O’Neill’s Sea Odyssey, and, for seven years, aboard the Chardonnay II.

Kids (and adults) are drawn to this mentor who convinces them to try a taste of kelp while we’re looking down into the green, nourishing plants that keep over thirty species of animals “hanging around” Santa Cruz and Monterey. When Chris says that we’re related to whales, the kids want to but just can’t quite believe it. He explains, “Baleen is made of keratin, which is the same material that our hair and fingernails are made of. Plates of baleen hang inside their mouth from the upper jaw catching food from the seawater. The food is swallowed,” Chris explains as he passes the baleen sample around.”

So much fascinating information, and plenty of time for questions. Plus, the kids can drive the Chardonneay II with the help of one of the captains. This project magically materialized when Reeves approached owner (with the Seaside Company) Jim Beauregard, and received a hearty “go.” Once you’ve “sailed the seas” with this enthusiastic team, you’ll want more. And choices are plenty with Sunset Sails, Winemaker Cruises, Sushi Sunday, Wednesday Night Races, Thursday Night Special (Bring your own food and beverages on this discounted cruise), Aloha Island Grille, A Taste of Santa Cruz, Whale Watch Interpretive Tours and, of course, Pacific Life Ecology Tours.

For information on going out on the Chardonnay II go to their website at www.chardonnay.com.