OMG! Ok, my brother used to live on his sailboat in morro bay, so I'm totally seeing where he prolly was- or the general area! And knowing just how cold that water is.. OY!! Someone was looking out for the both of you today. Count your blessings girlie- though I KNOW you are!! Send him my bestest warm fuzzy AZ vibes!
Oh- and I can't believe that his "friend" actually expects him to replace the pole!! If it were MY boat I wouldn't think of it! Even if he offered I would refuse.. People!!