The day began with the usual overcast skies as we weighed anchor at 930 on September 26, setting our sights on Paradise Cove in Malibu.

With flat seas, we motored most of the way and just before 1400 hours, a gentle breeze of 8 knots prompted us to raise the sails for the final 1.5 hours to our anchorage.

As we neared Malibu, the sea temperature was a refreshing 18.9, and the sun broke through, revealing the stunning blue skies.

By 1530, we had anchored in the picturesque Paradise Cove, surrounded by magnificent mansions owned by the rich and famous perched on the cliffs.

To our delight, we crossed paths with familiar faces from our previous adventure at San Miguel Island, sailing side by side into the cove and snapping photos of our billowing sails. Jim and his friend Steve, along with Kevin and Jackie, joined us on Jim’s Beneteau 49 for a wonderful happy hour, sharing laughter and stories as the sun descended behind the cliffs.  Jackie animatedly pointed out Barbara Streisand’s exquisite mansion, leaving us with a cheeky hope for an invitation next time.

The next morning, we set foot on shore to indulge in the lively vibe of the Paradise Cove Cafe, where the surf danced along the shoreline. In a baffling twist reminiscent of my Avila escapade, I took an unexpected plunge into the ocean while attempting to land my paddleboard, leaving me both drenched and slightly annoyed, while Alex remained completely dry. After enjoying breakfast and a warming coffee, we paddled back to the boat and charted our course for Newport, leaving behind a brief yet unforgettable visit to Malibu.