While trying to get my inventory back in order, I found something that I didn’t know I may be interested in till last week: SL sailing. Well, I knew there were people fond of SL seas despite the rough sim crossings and other technical peeves. I even have a few friends that own large vessels (they rarely use them anyway), but that was it. Last Sunday, though, I came across a sexy boat I thought I could try myself, and so it sparkled my new-found longing for the sea.
I always go for waterfront parcels when I’m about to rent a new plot because I’m pretty aquatic by nature, so I don’t know why I never tried sailing before. Now I’m into it, and for the last few days I’ve been exploring SL marinas, mostly along the Blake Sea and the coast of adjacent continents, in search of a nice slip to moor a small craft. Actually, I was looking to buy a humble parcel, even going premium and risking mainland, but hell everything is so expensive around there, that I’m sure it will (most probably) never happen.
There are plenty of docks all over the grid, but not all of them have public access or offer slips for rent. I even find it curious that two Linden-controlled areas, Bay City and Nautilus City, despite having such prominent marine names, lack a proper harbor (well, they do, but hmm… they’re not that “practical”, you know). That’s pretty stupid, if you ask me, but such is life…
During my explorations, I came across a fabulous marina that I hoped would offer slips for the common man, but after noticing all boats were mostly of the same maker and model (with some exceptions), I thought it was a yacht rental instead (you can rent land and houses in SL, and there are car, bike and boat rezzers, so why not?). Yet, I didn’t find where to pay for a ride, or how much was the fee. So I asked the owner, Marcus Ansia what was this place about. It turns out this is just his living quarters (the what?). He likes to paint boats (and that’s why there are so many of them) and enjoys a realistic-looking port. And yes, he keeps the area open to the general public. Sailing enthusiasts can even visit the docks to rezz their ships if they wish to or need a place to do so. Anyone can also use the nearby landing strip to set their aircrafts to the skies.
The Calpe Airfield & Marina, as the place is called, is so close to the Blake Sea, that it would be an ideal starting point if it were public. It is just a few sims north of the popular Tradewind Yacht Club in Dex, for those that know that landmark.
Although there are no rules to enter the place, use common sense and don’t abuse the owner’s trust so we can keep enjoying such a great corner. The parcel description says: “Privately owned Civilian Airfield & Marina. All Aviators and Mariners are welcome to rez their ‘LIGHT’ Aircraft & ‘SMALL’ Sea Vessels here.” Caps show owner’s emphasis, not mine, so be respectful and keep his words in mind when visiting.
I couldn’t stop taking pictures, isn’t it obvious? Congratulations to Marcus Ansia for owning such a beautiful and enviable piece of SL paradise.
To visit the Calpe Airfield & Marina in Balista, follow this slurl.
Comments
[…] The Calpe Airfield & Marina, as the place is called, is so close to the Blake Sea, that it would be an ideal starting point if it were public. It is just a few sims north of the popular Tradewind Yacht Club in Dex, […]
Not only a great looking marina, the owner Marcus Ansia is one awsome and nice guy too. I sort of bumped into him (well through IM) and our chats since then has been very nice and funny.
Hi there, Marcus!
I’ve been visiting your sims a lot recently and I can’t help notice the level of detail your lighthouse and airfield and marina you own are awesome! I’ve been wondering a few things about it and the stuff you have…
1: Is there any way I can be in your group? I notice your lands have a group. How do I join it?
2: If I can’t be part of your group is there some other way we can keep in touch and speak to each other?
3: I see you have a small shed with a sign marked ‘Danger: Flammable Materials”. How can I get a shed like this? I already know how to get the barrels and crates.
4: Does your airfield have a heliport I could use to launch my helicopter from? If so, where is it located?
5: Do you like puffins? Because I think the puffins you have near your lighthouse are truly awesome!
6: Can you tell me where you got some of the other stuff you own? I’d like to buy some of it myself.
7: Do you have a store on the Marketplace or In-World where I can buy some of the items you made?
Please get back to me whenever you can…Cheers!
Hello Henry. This isn’t Mr. Ansia’s blog. That’s but a post I wrote about his great marina a while back. I suggest you try to contact him inworld. Do a people’s search for Marcus Ansia and you’ll surely find him. I think he’s online daily so chances are you’ll be able to talk to him personally. Of all your questions, I think I can only answer #4: Yes, Mr. Ansia has a heliport; it’s at the very beginning of the runway, on top of a building if I recall correctly. If he doesn’t have his own copter stationed in there, I’m pretty sure you could use it to launch your own occasionally, but ask him first.