History

It was 1991 and I was working as a cashier at West Marine in San Diego as we prepared our sailboat for cruising to Mexico and maybe beyond. By my working at West Marine we saved more on my discount than I made on my hourly wage. :) But there were benefits of many kinds. The discount on boating supplies was just part of it. I was able to be around other people who had boats and dreams of sailing around the world just like I did. One of those people was a repeat customer named Jim. Jim and I hit it off the first time I waited on him. He asked me to reserve a new Garmin GPS for him at the special price of $850!(can you believe that price??)  He said he was going cruising just like we were! I put the GPS in reserve for him and a few weeks later he came back to claim it. That was the beginning of a long and wonderful friendship.

A year or so later, I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico when, to my surprise I spotted Jim at the local marina. We both were there fulfilling at least a part of our dream. Fast forward almost 20 years and you will see Jim and I having lunch at Tom Ham's Lighthouse in San Diego. We have both had our Mexico adventure and more!

Jim (Delphis) Whitley and I were meant to be friends!  Somehow we have always remained in touch.  He has been such a great friend and I love him dearly!  (OK, he doesn't like it when I call him Jim Delphis but Delphis was the name of his boat and for a few years that was the only last name I knew for him!)  So, if it is appropriate or proper or possible or whatever - I want to dedicate this page to my dear friend!!  Love you, Jim!