@hazardwarning Technically, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, I'm fully qualified to operate a small boat in coastal waters, having completed the relevant course ("Boating Skills and Seamanship") and passed the tests, and I have the still-valid certificate to prove it. Ahem.
In reality, I haven't been sailing in 25 years, so I'm a bit rusty. Also, my wife (who's never been sailing and doesn't really understand it) is likely to be less than thrilled by the prospect of me spending three days away at sea, even if "at sea" is just the Santa Barbara Channel and local waters. So I might not be going along, though it would be fun.