Visiting soon, want to get on the water (San Diego, Marina: rent, hotels)

[rgscpat]

We are an adult couple (middle-aged, gasp) who would like to visit mid-week later this month. We used to visit often when my wife's brother lived in Mira Mesa but haven't visited San Diego for maybe ten years. Back home, we sail (mostly inland lakes) and in San Diego we'd love to get out on the water. Of course, the Maritime Museum and casual seafood will also be on our list.

1. What are neat opportunities for getting out on the water? (We are intermediate sailors with certifications/training, own a couple of small keel sailboats, and have done a few charters in Marina del Rey and other places. I've visited marinas and web sites but would appreciate tips on what is special / who provides a great experience or deal, and tips on out-of-the-way opportunities I may have missed.)

2. Are there reasonable mid-week deals on motels/hotels/inns, preferably near or within sight of the bay or Mission Bay? Really reasonable would be under $100 per night, with some flexibility depending upon value received.

Fair winds, Pat

[oddstray]

I know you can rent sailboats in Mission Bay. If you google (+"San Diego" +rent +sailboats) you can see a list of them.

I don't know anything about lodging costs there.

[cruitr]

Here's a decent Mission Bay hotel for $99 a nite:
http://www.lmgdata.com/AVLNew/defaul...E24vogww%3d%3d

[MAK802]

Priceline for hotels. If you know what you're doing, you'll score an awesome hotel for a great price. I've helped my friends use it and they all have been very happy with what they got on Priceline.

For water activities, we mainly use Mission Bay Sportscenter. The staff is awesome and their prices are very reasonable.

[rgscpat]

Thanks and keep the ideas coming.
Cruitr, the Dana Inn would be good, with WiFi and the $18 off; I could also try AAA, Entertainment, Priceline, Travelocity, and the usual suspects for discounts.
Mak, I've visited the Mission Bay Sports Center but not yet been a customer of theirs. They have a 2nd hour free special on non-powered boats during mornings only, but with the marine layer acting up I wonder whether there would be any wind in the am; NOAA doesn't show wind filling in most days until about noon. Oh well.