We're all in the same boat. We find ourselves racing along in these crazy times in which we live. Sometimes we are pushing ourselves into the wind and sometimes the wind is at our back. For most of us, it all comes in waves. We're always having to adjust to make the best out of this ride called "life." Most of the time, everything is just swell. In the winter, we cast our eyes on that remote island called summer, as we watch it slowly come into view. With summer upon us now, we all tend to share one big collective sigh and a rush of calm washes over us.

Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall, there's nothing like sitting around and doing nothing once in awhile. In San Diego, we can sit along the embarcadero or seawall and just watch the waves roll in or the boats go by. Naturally, it would be nicer to have your own sailboat, motor boat or yacht, but most of us do not.

We'd never want you to miss the boat on a neat San Diego tradition of enjoying the allure of participating in or watching model boat sailing. We realize that it might not float your boat, but then maybe you've never really thought about it.

Model sailboats are manipulated by remote control and have a small motor for the rudder as well as to hoist the sails, thus propelling the boats across the water. The boats aren't made of matchsticks, either. Some can cost up to $1,000. If that price doesn't take the wind out of your sail, we're not sure what will. Likely, you won't find any model boats on-sale either, but watching the boats is free and it is a relaxing way to to enjoy the water and let your thoughts drift by.

When a city does something special for its residents these days, we're all for it. When they've done something special for a long time without fanfare, we love that even more. If there's a little kid in your life or that little kid in you rears his/her head from time to time, head to City Hall in Escondido.

Fountain- City Hall- Escondido

Just outside the City of Escondido's City Hall building is a large fountain. Escondido allows anyone to enjoy the passage of time by floating simple wooden boats during working hours (M-Thurs 7:30-5:30) and provides the boats, free-of-charge. You can float your own model boat anytime you'd like, including outside of City Hall business hours.

Model Yacht Pond - Mission Bay

The Model Yacht Pond at Mission Bay at Vacation Isle is a special place. Bring a power motorboat or model sailboat or just grab your beach chair and watch the regattas and races. There is plenty of parking, grassy areas, & trees. The pond is available from 4 a.m. - 2 a.m. It's free to watch or join in the nautical fun.

Directions: From I-8 to the Sports Arena Blvd. exit, make a right onto West Mission Bay Drive and continue straight to Ingraham Street. Cross over 1 bridge then make a left at the stop light to West Vacation Road/Paradise Point Resort. Make an immediate left and follow around to the right. Map

We know that you may have sailed through this "Tip" with relative disinterest. It happens. We've saved the best part until the end. Maybe you'd be more interested in the big boy's toy and it is most certainly not a model sailboat. The big boys have, literally, rocked the boat when it comes to maritime design innovation. San Diego is home to the world's fastest boat which hopes to compete in the 33rd America's Cup in 2010. We're talking about the BMW Oracle Trimaran. You can try to catch a glimpse of it by heading to the back of the San Diego Convention Center. Between the convention center and Joe's Crab Shack is a large white tent (not seen on the map). This is the space for the BMW Oracle Boat Racing facility. If you're lucky, you'll be there on a day when the boat is in the water just outside the tent. You won't be able to miss it. There are no words to describe how large this boat is, let these pictures paint a thousand words.

Whichever way the wind blows for you, there's always something right there, right where you live or right here in San Diego, that awaits your discovery. It can be as simple as a municipal fountain. Whatever it may be, all you need to do is take the time to find it.