‘Riding the Dragon’: Santa Barbara Native’s Odyssey Across the Pacific and Back

‘Riding the Dragon’: Santa Barbara Native’s Odyssey Across the Pacific and Back

Sailing across the Pacific Ocean is a journey few attempt, and even fewer pull off. The westward route from North America to Asia is a major challenge, even with the equatorial trade winds on your side.  Making the journey in the other direction is close to impossible — especially if you’re sailing alone, like Michael Elia did for most of the year. “There’s a saying, ‘Gentlemen don’t sail upwind,’” said Elia, a former Marine who grew up in Santa…