As I imagine many readers are in Silicon Valley, I'd point out that the San Francisco Bay is one of the best places to sail on earth. Beautiful scenery, 20+ kn

As I imagine many readers are in Silicon Valley, I'd point out that the San Francisco Bay is one of the best places to sail on earth. Beautiful scenery, 20+ knots of breeze every summer day (scary at first, awesome once you get used to it...), and endless possibilities from tiny dinghies to 50+ foot racing sleds. And racing sailboats is a tremendously fun, inexpensive (unless you own a boat), social, and high-adrenaline activity. Learn the basics at one of the many Bay Area sailing clubs or schools and go out and try it. There's always demand for crew, and the most important qualities of a new crew member are being ready to take direction, in reasonable shape, and out to have fun. Expertise is a double-edged sword for new crew members, don't think you need it to get started -- you don't. I've been racing on the SF Bay since 2000 and am totally addicted (raced today, as it happens). Forget what you think about sailing -- it's for old rich people; it's boring; I need to have grown up sailing or be some kind of expert -- and go out and try it.