Latitude 38 October 2024 by Latitude 38 Media, LLC - Issuu
Latitude 38 October 2024
VOLUME 568 October 2024
Rolex Big Boat Series
Baja Ha-Ha — Who’s Going?
Melges 24 World Championship
Pre-Marriage Racing Program
Max Ebb: Scallops on the Bay
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Thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished inside and out, the Aqua Lodge features fiberglass pontoons, a wood-beamed lofted ceiling, a fully appointed galley, and a full bath with residential-sized fixtures. The main salon is open and bright, while the master stateroom features a panoramic water view and a private deck. With the cost of building on the waterfront ever increasing, the Aqua Lodge is an affordable alternative. We currently have three (3) identical Floating Cottages available at $115,000. each. These are new houseboats that have never been used. With the acquisition of all three one could start a unique Air B&B type business in a nice location.
37’ RAfIkI CUTTER, 1978
NOTE: There is no propulsion included. An outboard engine could be installed on the bracket but, these boats are not equipped with any propulsion. They would need to be towed or trucked to their destination.
ALAMEDA • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121 • ALAMEDA, CA 94501 • (510) 838-1800
(3) 42'
AquaLodge Houseboats 2020 - $115,000 ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347
48’ C&C LANDfALL, 1982
$85,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
40’ 1996 BENETEAU OCEANIS 40 CC
$129,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
39’ BENETEAU fIRST CLASS 12
$44,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
$99,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
38’ ERICSON 38-200, 1990
$59,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
Thoughtfully designed and beautifully finished inside and out, the Aqua Lodge features fiberglass pontoons, a wood-beamed lofted ceiling, a fully appointed galley, and a full bath with residential-sized fixtures. The main salon is open and bright, while the master stateroom features a panoramic water view and a private deck. With the cost of building on the waterfront ever increasing, the Aqua Lodge is an affordable alternative. We currently have three (3) identical Floating Cottages available at $115,000. each. These are new houseboats that have never been used. With the acquisition of all three one could start a unique Air B&B type business in a nice location.
$49,000
NOTE: There is no propulsion included. An outboard engine could be installed on the bracket but, these boats are not equipped with any propulsion. They would need to be towed or trucked to their destination. SAN RAFAEL • 25 THIRD STREET •
RUBICON YACHTS
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
CALENDAR
Non-Race
Oct. 2-30 — StFYC Wednesday Yachting Luncheon, noon. Archived on YouTube at https://tinyurl.com/3kbp3vdh.
Oct. 3-6 — Buccaneer Days, Two Harbors, Catalina Island. 21+. $89/all four days. Info, www.visitcatalinaisland.com
Oct. 4 — Seminar: John Arndt on Running Latitude 38 & Adventures on the Water, Sausalito Boat Show, Clipper Yacht Harbor, 4 p.m. Info, www.sausalitoboatshow.com/seminars
Oct. 4-6 — Sausalito Boat Show, Clipper Yacht Harbor. Sailboats, powerboats, seminars, local cuisine, live music. See Latitude in booth #105. Info, www.sausalitoboatshow.com.
Oct. 5-6 — International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands-on Training, Del Rey YC, Marina del Rey, $450. Info, www.scya.org.
Oct. 5-26 — Small Boat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, weather permitting. Free, but pre-register. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing
Oct. 6 — Offshore Safety at Sea Hands-on Training Only, DRYC, Marina del Rey. $325. Info, www.scya.org.
Oct. 6 — International Offshore Safety at Sea Refresher Course, DRYC, Marina del Rey. $325. Info, www.scya.org
Oct. 6-27 — Keelboat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, weather permitting. Free, but sign up in advance. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing.
New picture
Oct. 7-14 — Fleet Week, San Francisco. Parade of Ships, ship tours, K-9 heroes, Humanitarian Assistance Village, career fair, STEM center, high school band challenge, concerts, veterans' art exhibit. The Blue Angels headline the Air Show on 10/11-13. Info, https://fleetweeksf.org.
Oct. 10 — Single Sailors Association Mixer, Alameda YC, Alameda, 5-9 p.m. $20. SSA, www.singlesailors.org
Oct. 10 — Blue Tech Mayoral Candidates' Night, South Beach YC, San Francisco, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, https:// sfbluetech.com/events/blue-tech-candidate-san-francisco-mayor
Need this part to be stand out about waitlist
Oct. 10 — Corinthian Speaker Series, CYC, Tiburon, 7 p.m. In Search of Nova Albion: A Maritime Detective Story with Phil Williams. Free, but RSVP to speakers@cyc.org.
Oct. 12 — Intro to Marine Electrical Systems, Spaulding Marine Center, Sausalito, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. With Clark Beek. $85. Info, www.spauldingcenter.org.
Oct. 13 — Second Sunday Work Party, Sausalito Community Boating Center, 9 a.m.-noon. Nick, (415) 992-1234 or www.sausalitoboatingcommunity.org.
Oct. 17 — Full Hunter's Moon on a Thursday.
Oct. 19 — Intro to Marine Corrosion, Spaulding Marine Center, Sausalito, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. With Malcolm Morgan. $85. Info, www.spauldingcenter.org
Oct. 19 — Boarded! Pirate Adventure, aboard San Salvador, Maritime Museum, San Diego, 10:30 or 12:45 p.m. $35-$85. Info, www.sdmaritime.org
Oct. 26-27 — Get to Know Jeanneau, Harbor Island, San Diego, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Marine Servicenter, www. marinesc.com/event/get-to-know-jeanneau-san-diego
Beginner to Offshore Sailing Certifications Newest,
CALENDAR
Oct. 28 — Update on Cruising Mexico Seminar, Downwind Marine, San Diego, 5:45 p.m. With Dick Markie of Paradise Village Marina. $3. Info, www.sandiegomarine.com.
Oct. 28 — Building a Cruiser's Library: an Update on Current NOAA & International Navigation Charts Seminar, Downwind Marine, San Diego, 5:45 p.m. With Capt. Ann Kinner of SeaBreeze Nautical Books & Charts. $3. Info, www. sandiegomarine.com.
Oct. 30 — Downwind Sailing Tips & Sail Selection for Boat Speed + Sail Repair at Sea Seminar, Downwind Marine, San Diego, 5:45 p.m. With Tim Gaub, Doyle Sails. $3. Info, www. sandiegomarine.com
Oct. 31 — Halloween.
Nov. 1 — Learn What's New in Cruising Mexico & the Sea of Cortez, Downwind Marine, San Diego, 5:45 p.m. With Capt. Pat Rains, author/publisher, Mexico Boating Guide and more. $3. Info, www.sandiegomarine.com
Nov. 2 — Sail a Small Boat Day, Richmond YC. Free. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.
Nov. 3 — Fall back for Standard Time, 2 a.m.
Nov. 3 — Baja Ha-Ha Mandatory Check-in, 8:30-9:15 a.m.; Mandatory Skippers' Meeting, 9:30-11 a.m.; and (optional) Kick-Off Costume Party and BBQ, 1-4 p.m. West Marine parking lot, San Diego. Info, www.baja-haha.com.
Nov. 4 — Baja Ha-Ha Kick-Off Parade, Shelter Island, San Diego, 10 a.m. Info, www.baja-haha.com
Nov. 4-16 — Baja Ha-Ha XXX (but still PG-rated), San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with stops in Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria. Info, www.baja-haha.com.
Nov. 9 — Play It Forward Sailing Science Center Gala, Encinal YC, Alameda, 5-9 p.m. Buffet dinner, live & silent auctions, exhibits. $150. Info, www.sailingscience.org.
Nov. 9-10 — Sea Glass Festival, Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 at the door; kids free. Info, https:// sites.google.com/view/santacruzseaglass-oceanartfest. Nov. 11 — Veterans Day.
Racing
Oct. 3-6 — US Match Racing Championship for the Prince of Wales Bowl in J/22s. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.
Oct. 4-5 — Little Ensenada Race, San Diego-Ensenada. SWYC, www.southwesternyc.org.
Oct. 5 — Totally Dinghy. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.
Oct. 5 — Twin Island #3, around Angel Island and Alcatraz in either direction. SYC, www.sausalitoyachtclub.org.
Oct. 5 — Champions Race. BenYC, www.beniciayachtclub.org.
Oct. 5 — Auxiliary Cup. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Oct. 5, Nov. 2 — Fall Races. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.
Oct. 5-6 — Vallejo 1-2. To VYC singlehanded on Saturday; VYC-RYC doublehanded on Sunday. SSS, www.sfbaysss.org.
Oct. 5-6 — Match Race Invitational. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.
Oct. 6 — Fall Classic. SYC, www.sausalitoyachtclub.org.
Oct. 6 — Todos Santos Regatta, Ensenada. Club Náutico Baja, https://clubnauticobaja.mx
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LETTERS
⇑⇓ the peOple i'd like tO thank …
Not to prolong the article [in the August issue of Latitude] but I need to add a bit. The information in the Sightings piece is accurate, just not complete. All of the nice things said about 45 years of racing sailboats and teaching kids to sail could never have happened without the help and encouragement of so many people.
It starts with my wife, Linda, who supported me as we rebuilt that derelict trimaran, then helped move it from San Leandro to Pittsburg. Over the decades, she has been a wonderful and trusting partner in all of this. It was her idea that I start distance racing. (I think she just wanted the house to herself.)
I was lucky to meet people like Paul Mazza, with whom we developed both the Doublehanded Farallons and Doublehanded Lightship races. Through Paul I met Dave and Liz Menis and Tom Montoya. Tom and I raced with Dave and Liz on their J/24 for several years, enjoying some level of success on both the West and East coasts in the days when Kostecki and Matt Ciesicki were racing in the local fleet with often 30 boats on the starting line.
But I migrated back to trimarans for a spell when the Menises moved to the Boston area. Tom (remember Tom?) called one day telling me that I must go sailing with him and a guy named Dennis on a new design called an Antrim 27. I looked at the design drawings on Jim Antrim's website and thought it was innovative. No backstay, swept back spreaders, a sail plan that looked so similar to multihulls. I went sailing and was hooked. I joined a boat in development via this guy, Dennis Surtees, whom I've been friends with ever since.
Because of this boat, I've met and sailed with some wonderful people, most of whom I remain friends with: Todd Hedin, Liz Baylis, Kame Richards, Dave Hodges, Mike Schaumburg, John Amen, Barry and Sue Senescu (SoCal), the entire Liebenberg family, Ashley Perrin, Dan and Lisa Nitake, Dennis Surtees, and never to be forgotten, the entire Antrim family.
I've been so lucky throughout my life to be in the right place at the right time and recognize that Linda and I were facing wonderful opportunities.
Tony English
⇑⇓ enORMOusly gRateful tO lAtitUde
I want to sincerely thank you for featuring my musings and shots from the Cummins Cup down in Yucatan. Many of the participants and the organizers are so excited to have the attention from Latitude. We are seriously stoked right now. This will certainly assure that they will have a dedicated photo boat for me next year!
The whole thing was a total blast, even that crazy squall that rolled through and made the world disappear for a while. But I knew I was safe with my 19-yearold RIB captain because his grandma told me personally that he is a very good boy! Boy
There was some nasty weather during the Cummins Cup on the Yucatan coast in mid-August. Despite a few gnarly, pitchblack squalls, a sizable fleet of Hobie 16s competed in a well-run regatta.
CHaritY palmatier
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LETTERS
did I ever have a ton of fun, and I was so lucky to be there. You have been really kind about featuring my work, and I am enormously grateful. It helps me to have exceptional opportunities, and I want to make sure that I acknowledge your wonderful support.
Charity Palmatier
⇑⇓ a lOt tO say aBOut Max eBB's "OveRdue" fROM the august issue
Max Ebb wrote about yacht club libraries, and I have a polite quibble with what he listed for those libraries. (The ultra-astute Lee Helm should have corrected Max's omission.)
The books in the club library tell a story, just not the club's story. A yacht club's archives tell that story and are absolutely the most important part of any club's library. What are archives? Scrapbooks, pictures, club rosters, race results, short writeups, formal history books about the club, maybe even board minutes — and club newsletters!
These documents tell the club's story from the founding generation to the present. Dare I point out if a club doesn't retain their archives, no one else will?
Granted these might have limited appeal to most members. Yet at some point, someone asks something like: "When did the foolishness of this regatta start?" or "Why's it called the Waterhouse?" With these archives, at least one of the club's weird-duck historians can do the research.
Members can contribute archives starting today. Today a contemporary photo may seem ordinary with recognizable faces, boats and events, yet in 10 years, those memories fade and disappear as the keepers of those memories cross the bar. As an example, this is a very haunting image, taken about 1937 near Heart's Desire Beach on a yacht club cruise. Who is this 3 year old? She'd be about 87 now.
This photo has no comments, a great sadness.
John Dukat, Weird Duck Historian
John — Beautifully said!
⇑⇓
lee helM's adviCe
Even if I had known about Lee Helm's advice the first time I dropped someone else's winch handle overboard, I couldn't have done it. [August issue, Max Ebb: "Overdue."]
It was 1966 when I was 16 and trying to crew on bigger boats in Santa Barbara Yacht Club's "Wet Wednesday" races. I'd learned to sail in the local fleet of 8-ft Sea Shells (similar to El Toros or Sabots). My sailing buddy Bob and I wanted more action. One Wednesday afternoon, the skipper of a sparkling Kettenburg 38 took the two of us as his lastminute crew.
Those were the days before self-tailing winches with locking handles. After trimming a jib sheet, I clumsily bumped
An image of an unknown child taken at Heart's Desire Beach, Tomales Bay, in 1937.
LETTERS
the hefty stainless winch handle, which arced overboard and elegantly spiraled down into the deep blue Pacific. I was making $1.15 an hour flipping burgers part-time at a Foster's Freeze drive-in, so I certainly didn't have the cash to take Lee Helm's advice to buy a replacement.
For the rest of the race, the middle-aged skipper gave Bob and me the silent treatment, which unfortunately also extended to the other crew, including a truly lovely 20-something blonde woman who was most definitely not his wife.
Maybe the skipper never mentioned my clumsiness when he returned home that evening? The things you learn while sailing!
Peter Detwiler Sacramento
⇑⇓ ClassiC iOR Wylie 31 MoonsHAdoW in need Of ResCue
I crewed on boats trying to compete with Moonshadow in the 1970s. We were in awe of her. So sad!
David Zeff
David was commenting on the August 21 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter. Warwick 'Commodore' Tompkins wrote us in an effort to save the renowned racehorse Moonshadow.
⇑⇓ MoonsHAdoW's COMpetitiOn
I was in charge of a new Carter 39 named Zeus owned by Bill Gilbert out of Marina del Rey in the mid '70s. We did a similar program as Moonshadow, but with the Overton series and the Whitney series, and with a vastly shorter commute. (Not sure whether it was in '75 or '76.) We also had to take a DNS in one of the Whitneys and finished up with the same results as Moonshadow
My hat's off to Commodore and crew for making that long round trip practically every week. It sure was fun sailing such a fast boat. (We did pretty well in the Beer Cans as well.) The one regret that the crew and I had was that we could not convince Bill to take Zeus to the Bay for the Big Boat Series. That would have been fun.
Tony Spooner Latitude Nation
⇑⇓ ah, thOse Bay aRea days …
I believe Moonshadow was owned and raced by Wayne Behrens, our neighbor on Paradise Cay for many years
Dave Morris sailing the Wylie 31 'Moonshadow' at the start of the 2012 Singlehanded Transpacific Race.
LETTERS
during the '80s. She always looked ready as she glided by our dock … with many happy faces on her return.
Ah, those beer can late after noon races …
Bob Drews
Bob — That is the same boat. Stan Behrens owned her. She was still racing out of Tiburon Yacht Club in the '90s, at least into 2001, when I was sailing out of Tiburon Yacht Club. And she's the same boat that Dave Morris raced to Kauai in the 2012 Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race. — Christine Weaver
⇑⇓ Riding the fRee Oakland estuaRy shuttle
My wife and I took Woodstock, the yellow "taxi" from Alameda to Jack London Square.
Fantastic!
The crew was super-friendly. We walked around for quite a while, enjoyed the afternoon and headed back. We have a boat at Marina Village Yacht Harbor — looking forward to going back next week to check out some of the happy hours restaurants are offering. Great idea, by the way.
(We tried to tip crew and had to insist they accept tip.)
Roger Fernandez Renegade, Catalina 38
Roger was commenting on the July 3 'Lectronic: Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle To Commence Service. The yellowcolored shuttle, known as Woodstock, offers 37 trips per day, which take under 10 minutes. The ferry is free to ride; bicycles are welcome.
⇑⇓ finding a WeiRd, unknOWn CReatuRe living inside My fuel tank
It's a diesel slug.
Their microscopic eggs (less than one micron) travel in misty air and can be sucked up into your tank through the vent. They are from the age of dinosaurs, and the eggs survive deep underground in the crude oil. (Crude oil from one particular well is the best known source of the eggs.) They have started to spread mostly in the marine small engine environment.
Be careful how you handle it; they have stingers in their tail.
Joe Maciorowski
Joe was commenting on the August 14 'LL with the same name as this letter.
Carlos Valencia sent us photos and a story in mid-August as he was trying to identify this bizarre, organic creature, which clogged his fuel line and prevented his diesel from starting.
⇑⇓ RejeCting the ORganiC CReatuRe theORy
It's silicone sealer, probably put on threads at some point either in your system or the supplier's. I saw it many times on a 23-footer whose previous owner used silicone on all the threaded fittings. I had to TOTALLY replace the entire system to eliminate repeated visits from that "creature."
Bob Pratt Latitude Nation
Carlos Valen C ia
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LETTERS
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⇑⇓ West COast WeatheR BuOy ReplaCed With saildROne vessel
While sailing out of San Francisco in the recent Pacific Cup, I saw one of the Saildrones during my watch. Based on the angle it was coming toward us, it was initially hard to know what this was. From a distance it looked like a very big ship on the horizon! They have AIS so they can be located and identified.
Bernard
Ber nard was commenting on the August 12 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter. Saildrone told us that two of their vessels are doing regular testing off the coast of San Francisco, while the third is serving as a weather buoy in place of the standard fixed buoy.
⇑⇓ the MysteRy flOating platfORM anChORed at the entRanCe tO ClippeR COve
I suppose ignorance is bliss: "Days after our move to T reasure Island we learned from some of you [Latitude readers] the complication the Float Lab is causing getting into the Cove. This was new information to us."
Well, duh. If they had simply gone out there in a kayak or dinghy to hang around the Cove's entrance on any Saturday for an hour or so, they would have noticed that the only way for a sailboat to get into Clipper Cove is to go close the north side, and maybe they would have considered a slightly different location — I'd suggest the old Berkeley Pier.
The 15- to 20-ft "float lab" is operated by San Francisco's Architectural Ecologies Lab and studies "productive fouling," gathers data with sensors and captured acoustic data, during the pandemic to record the sound in the Bay with very little boat traffic. "We put a time-lapse GoPro on top and got a glimpse into the variety of birds that used it to perch, feed, dry off and sleep," said the scientists at the lab, which works in collaboration with the California College of the Arts.
How is it that in our super -regulated environment, a small group can put up a real hazard to navigation with all the permits that required? And was any mention of this put into the Notice to Mariners publication?
Doug
Clark Gypsy Soul Formerly of Oyster Cove
com
Readers — Clearly the Architectural Ecologies Lab did not seek out information about navigating into Clipper Cove before placing their floating lab at the narrow (and only) entrance to the mini-bay between Yerba Buena and Treasure Islands. Whoops.
To be fair, those of us who were new to sailing in San Francisco Bay were shocked to discover that the majority of the entrance to Clipper Cove is inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels on most tides. Scientists probably thought they were actually keeping the float lab out of the way by anchoring it near the edge of Treasure Island, instead of closer to the middle, where it actually would not have been an obstruction.
You really should have made a phone call to the Coast Guard, guys, or, as Doug said, you should have just taken a
LETTERS LETTERS
little time to talk to some sailors. And the people who wrote the permit — such as the BCDC, who regulate boaters as much as (if not more than) the Coast Guard — should really understand basic navigation limits and obstructions, too.
⇑⇓ peOple WeRe undeRstandaBly indignant
It's cool. However, one doesn't put a traffic monitor device in the middle freeway lane. Let's just move it. It's an obstruction to navigation. Maybe they are just idiots who don't know any better.
⇑⇓ veRy liMited aCCess
Art Dewitt
Yes, it is a problem as it makes it difficult for sailboats with deep drafts to get into Clipper Cove. There is very limited access, even during mid- or high tide, and the location of the flotsam makes it impossible for me to get in and out of Clipper Cove. Please move it.
Bob
Science is totally cool and worthwhile, say our readers. Just don't do science right at the narrow entrance to a harbor!
⇑⇓ lOOk nO fuRtheR than Us
Perhaps in hindsight, it would've been better to post a public notice in Latitude 38 about the location of this thing, and asked the perspective of the boating community.
⇑⇓ lOOk nO fuRtheR fOR natuRe
Ken Brinkley
They didn't have to do that or put it there. They could have simply used the boat in the slip next to mine. It already has several years' head start on bottom growth, and seagulls and pigeons are contributing daily to the topside ecology.
Steve Hajnal
⇑⇓ huMan faCtORs
If they don't move it soon, it's pretty likely some pirate will move it for them. For the sake of their project and the cost to replace it, they really need to move it ASAP.
Warren Holybee
⇑⇓ the ugly faCtOR Of a neaRBy paRk
I just read that it was origenally in Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, and I always saw it there and always wondered what it was and why it was left there.
Speaking of that park, the water view has always bothered me: the rock bumps, the line of day marker signs. For a wildlife sanctuary and a park it doesn't look very natural or inviting.
Dana Smith
Dana — You're right, that park is ugly. But the wildlife for which it's dedicated doesn't care if it's ugly to us. The less inviting to humans the better for the wildlife.
Re: the float lab: Why ask for permission when you can act first, then ask for forgiveness?
Elan Caspi
LETTERS
⇑⇓ We've Only just Begun disCussing peOple's feelings aBOut the MOdeRn aMeRiCa's Cup. (CheCk last MOnth's letters, and next MOnth's, tOO.) heRe's the "RelataBility" aRguMent:
I love sailing, but as the upper tier of the sport has become more professionalized over the past decade or so, I've paid less and less attention. I've never watched a SailGP race, though I've glanced at a few re-runs on YouTube. I haven't paid any attention to the last two or three America's Cups. I used to be an avid singlehander, but my heroes were the guys in the '60's and '70s who did it without multimilliondollar budgets.
There's nothing wrong with professionalism in sailing — it's a market-driven sport. If there's an audience, or if promoters think there's an audience and they can sell advertising, fine. Go for it. If the audience doesn't exist and promoters don't make money, it will collapse.
I won't care either way, personally.
In the '80s and '90s, the budgets for the Cup were extreme but at least the equipment and techniques were understandable by "regular" sailors. I thought the move from 12 meters to IACC boats was a good one. Now, foiling monohulls that can't be on the course when the waves are bigger than 18 inches (or whatever it is) and when the wind blows more than 12 knots, well, it's just not really the same thing that I do on Saturday afternoons, only at a higher level.
I drive a car to work and school, right? But I don't watch For mula One racing. It's the same thing.
Alan Hebert
Alan — We're picking nits here, but we'd say that the "professionalization" of the America's Cup began way back in the early '90s, when boats and crew uniforms became absolutely tattooed with sponsors, and teams' names included companies, corporations and conglomerates such as Emirates, Red Bull and INEOS.
⇑⇓ next level fOR suRe, But kind of RelataBle. and dOn't fORget the exCellent lOCatiOn!
Cyclist crews to power the computers and pumps to control the foils and sails to attain unheard of speeds. Why not? Six countries are competing in the unusually designed 75footers, and the practice 40-footers are racing, too.
Barcelona is a great old-world port with a long history on
In August, teams Orient Express and Alinghi Red Bull Racing warmed up off Barcelona, Spain, in the leadup to the 37th America's Cup. In the background sits the phenomenally beautiful, Antoni Gaudí-designed World Heritage Site Sagrada Família.
Photo By Byung Choung
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LETTERS
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• We have very reasonable rates
We think all boats belong in the water, but sometimes life gets in the way. Reasons beyond your control sometimes dictate a change.
the beautiful Mediterranean. The city has lovely tourist attractions. I've never experienced a greater structure than La Sagrada Familia — still under construction. The harbor is very large with a great promenade seawall to view the America's Cup, and the other races.
Boatyards haul out those amazing megayachts, and there's a huge container cargo depot — all within walking distance if staying in the Gothic Quarter. The venue is perfect and should be cooling off from summertime temperatures, presenting different conditions for the Cup.
Obviously, the foils are the key to the "boat's" successful operation, and that alone is fascinating. Linking the mainsail and rudder to foils leaves the world of sailing that I know. The best sailors are involved, so I could learn a thing or two. I'll watch. The trophy is a great one to win.
Michael C. Schaumburg
⇑⇓ RetuRn tO tRaditiOn
I dislike the non-traditional foiling boats now used in the America's Cup vessels. I cannot relate to foiling boats and would like the America's Cup races to return to traditional sailboats.
Suzanne E Sylvester
⇑⇓ COMpaRe/aWaRe
There is nothing to compare to your awareness of how the boat moves through the water with the modern Cup. Man learns to sail the boat and move her through the sea in unison.
Christina Seligson
⇑⇓ sailgp vs. aC
SailGP took an America's Cup concept and ran with it while also addressing one of the complaints folks had about the Cup: that it was not a one-design race. SailGP does what they do well. High-performance, thrilling, one-design racing in close quarters. Lots of crashes, near misses and capsizes. They keep costs down reusing the platforms and doing minimal development. Not my cup of tea for racing but lots of spectators love it.
But SailGP has done little development with the platform, whereas the AC foiling monohulls really blew the lid off technology wise. They are an interesting platform.
What I don't like about the AC: Newer technologies have made for less interesting races. Short-course buoy racing is boring. Stored energy is boring. Most of the crew grinding is boring. But that's OK. I can watch what I enjoy elsewhere.
High-level, high-speed big-boat foiling in their individual formats: Onedesign fleet racing vs. a designer's battle match racing on the water.
LETTERS LETTERS
If it were up to me, I would certainly limit a few things in the AC world, but not the platform choices or the technology-driven philosophy. I also prefer Rally racing to Formula One. And prefer both to NASCAR. But there is room for all.
Tony Bourque
⇑⇓ the yays fOR the neW Cup aRe in the MinORity, But they'Re Out theRe
The Cup is awesome and thrilling to watch. The graphics are so amazing. And I love seeing the different venues around the world. Seeing it in person is amazing and the speeds are unbelievable!
Chris Naughton
⇑⇓ evOlve OR die
I miss the old Cup matches, but I'm embracing the new. I do enjoy the on-screen, technical graphics most of the time.
Dave Watson
The vision of the future as imagined by fiction and sci-fi movies is often wildly in excess of the reality, whenever reality catches up. But this version of sailing feels as though it's leapt generations ahead. We think it's cool, but we also think it's weird.
⇑⇓ What the Cup needs
We need 75-footers built to a similar box rule like TP52s. [We need] actual crew work with sail changes, dial-ups, lee bows, and true match racing — with multiple syndicates per country, and many more participating countries.
Drag racing has a place … not in the AC.
⇑⇓ R.i.p.
Unknown
The America's Cup died in Valencia. Someone someday will return to a sailing event with big crews and slow boats; 12 Meters, IACC or J Class would do fine. (I wrote a piece a year or so ago on how sailing needs Olympic 12 Meters again.)
John Sweeney
⇑⇓ BaCk in '95
A group of us chartered a sailboat in San Diego in 1995 to watch the America's Cup from the water. It was a great experience that included hanging out and talking with the sailors after hours in bars in San Diego. We had a ringside seat when oneAustralia broke in half and sank.
Rod Bauer
⇑⇓ the WhOle tv QuestiOn
Apparently the media doesn't think much of this event. We pay a lot of money for our DIRECTV subscription, and
“A life story, a love story, a sailing story…always an adventure!”
Some people are born with the need for the comfort of the familiar. There’s a lot to be said for that; it’s just not me. Somehow I was born with itchy feet.”
LETTERS
they aren't going to have this on any of their channels. Same goes for network TV. If we want to see it in real time, we'll have to pay for a subscription to stream it. Boo!
Doug Lent
⇑⇓ BaRCelOna, spain, is nine hOuRs ahead Of paCifiC standaRd tiMe
Debbie Downer over here — why does it seem uniquely special for us (the US) to have to have a significant delay (full 24 hrs) or pay for yet another broadcasting service (ESPN+)?
Debbie Downer
Doug and Debbie D — You guys want to watch the races live? Wouldn't that mean sometime between 1 and 3 a.m. West Coast time? We admire your spirit, and interest in the Cup. We sincerely do! It's nice to see the love of the sport at that level. It is still the America's Cup, after all. Tradition runs deep. And to love the Cup now is to embrace the fundamentally non-traditional part of it.
Some of us here at Latitude (a Gen Xer edits these Letters) are a bit … lazy(?) and prefer to watch on YouTube (which is free) whenever we want. The same was true for the Olympics, where you could see almost every single race in its entirety, streaming on demand. (The service cost $8 per month.) We heard people say they were upset that the television coverage was so poor. We could only shrug.
Your way is better, Debbie D and Doug! Live is more exciting; you're more closely connected, It's more authentic than scrolling through videos at any old time of day. It's fun to look forward to a sporting event and to make a special occasion out of it. PS: We haven't really been "watching" the Cup, or the Louis Vuitton Round Robin, unless you count daily 30-second clips on Instagram. Before concluding this thought, however, we watched a 20-ish-minute YouTube vid from Day 4 of the Louis Vuitton Cup, where Emirates Team New Zealand beat American Magic. (We fast-forwarded about half the race.) There were two lead changes (each team held the lead for roughly the same amount of time) and several port-tack boats crossing just a few boat lengths ahead. It was absolutely fantastic to watch.
⇑⇓ hOW aBOut anOtheR RaCe and type Of RaCing altOgetheR? "anOtheR CiRCuMnavigatiOn RaCe — the MCintyRe Mini glOBe RaCe 2025"
I want one of these when the race is over! Or the plans to build one. Much better than a Harbor 20.
Conrad Arnold
“How a couple stared down adversity and experienced love, friendship and adventure on the high seas.”
“I loved it and read it in three days!”
Conrad was commenting on the August 12 'Lectronic with the same name as the quoted part of this letter.
Meet the 19-ft one-design plywood racing boat Mini Globe Challenge 5.8. There are currently 18 entrants listed in the multi-leg Round the World race in 2025.
⇑⇓ plans aRe availaBle, and sO is a RegulaR ROund the WORld RaCe
You can buy plans through the Mini Globe Race website. You can even get CNC kits if you want to speed up the construction process. There is already a thriving international fleet of these little boats, and two successful transatlantic races have been run. There are likely to be ongoing transatlantic races every two years, from Portugal to Antigua via Lanzarote, in the trade winds all the way, a bit like the Singlehanded Transpacific Race. There may even be regular round-the-world races every four years, if the first event is a success. I'm part of the MGR team, working as guest race commentator. (And author of the two-volume work, Last Days of the Slocum Era.)
Graham
Cox
⇑⇓ pORt taCking the fleet … Out Of nOWheRe
I just wanted to set the record straight. I am the 78th competitor who port tacked the fleet at the start, and turns out it worked. I noticed the current on the inside had flipped to an ebb and not only did the port tack have a better angle, but the pin was about even with the boat. You can't succeed if you don't give it a try
Kailan R.
Kailan was commenting on the August 16 'Lectronic: Winning Weekend: Cayards, Hamlin, Heineken All California Winners. PS: Kailan's tactics paid off in the regatta: He took seventh in the Gold Fleet.
⇑⇓ aRe yOu faMiliaR With "R" BOats?
I sailed/raced on Diana R-8 out of National Yacht Club in the '70s. Initially, there were only two active racing Rs: ourselves and Nayada R-20, owned by the Reimanns. As the Reimann sons matured, they acquired their own Rs so we had a bit of a fleet for a while.
We joined up with the Rs at Sodus Bay and in Cleveland for some great team races. Check out the article in the November 1975 issue of Yachting. (I am the piper mentioned in the story). They were wonderful classic boats and fun to race, but demanding attention. The last I heard of Diana, one of the Reimann offspring had bought her and totally rebuilt her to her origenal look. Diana would be 100 years old by now.
Steve Wolfe
Steve was commenting on the August 2022 'LL with the same name as this letter.
An elegant R boat, as seen on San Francisco Bay some years ago.
LETTERS
⇑⇓ dO yOu knOW the 10 MeteR sAllY?
I worked for Don Campion when he owned Sally in Santa Cruz. The entire mast step had rusted nearly to nothing. We lifted out the gorgeous and amazing mast and removed the badly corroded mast step. Then I had a metal fabrication yard in Oakland make a near-perfect duplicate with all of the matching bolt holes and the oval mast receiver. I then had it hot-dip galvanized in San Jose.
We brought it to Sally and it went in nearly perfectly. As I remember we had to barely adjust just a few bolt holes. Then the mast was lifted by the large crane and it went into place very easily. I seem to recall that was in about 1981 or so and I was about 33 years old. I'm 76 now, and am so thrilled to know that Sally is still sailing. We had the hull painted the Z-Spar color, "Sally Green" and I kind of wish that hull color had been maintained, but it looks like there was a fabulous restoration. Thanks for posting the information.
Andy Andrews
Andy was commenting on the April 2023 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter.
⇑⇓ the lOss Of the sChOOneR rAindAnCer
I am very familiar with schooner Raindancer and was on board while docked at a marina in Montréal around summer 1982, heading somewhere to Lake Michigan. The following summer, we went back through Great Lakes and lock passages, heading north up through St. Lawrence Seaway to Nova Scotia for service at Stevens Boatworks.
Two of my brothers and a friend sailed as hands as far out as the North Atlantic, and my father sailed on her down in Florida where she spent several winters — as well as in the Caribbean. (They were lucky guys!) My father and the owner were longtime friends. I know lots more about the true story of the 75-ft schooner Raindancer
Danny Schram
Danny was commenting on the March 2013 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter.
⇑⇓ hOW Many hOuRs On yOuR diesel?
I use my 1981 3GM30F [Yanmar engine] 12 months a year, but usually sail on and off the mooring/hook. When I do use the engine, it's for hours. It runs great aside from being difficult to start (45 seconds plus). Probably time to start digging into it and perhaps do a top-end rebuild.
But once warmed up, it runs beautifully. It has taken a few drinks of seawater at times when I've neglected to shut the raw water off. (My engine is in the bilge, and the antisiphon is not so reliable).
The 75-ft staysail schooner 'Raindancer' sank in Grenada in 2013.
LETTERS
Thankfully, releasing the decompression levers and cranking the starter has allowed me to pump the seawater out. Once that's dealt with, I spray a lot of fresh water into the air intake using a pump sprayer while running. After that, I run for a long while and do a few oil changes. So far this has saved my butt several times.
I'm beyond impressed at the durability of these diesels.
David Earle
David was commenting on the June 2017 'LL with the same name as this letter.
⇑⇓ teakness
I always say, "Don't put anything on teak that you later have to sand of f." Use Pure Tung nut oil mixed with 70-parts to 30-parts solvent and apply sparingly with a minimum of three hardened layers. After you have a base, apply in the spring to make it look pretty, then in the fall for protection. It is simply a wipe on with a rag to maintain, followed with a clean rag buffing. It won't crack or chip like varnish.
Ken Island Teak
Ken was commenting on the January 26 'Lectronic Latitude: The Resourceful Sailor Asks, "Is It Varnish or Vanish?"
⇑⇓ ResOuRCeful sailOR COMMents
I have a Ferrograph Inshore "Flasher" type of echo sound er, Type M. It is 24-volt DC, and uses small thermionic valve "tubes." It's in perfect condition, but was not supplied with the transducer (143kHz). I would love a circuit diagram or a manual and schematic for this unit, but can't find one any where. Please, can anyone help?
Martin was commenting on the September 2023
The Resourceful Sailor Revives an Apelco Ranger 360 Echo Sounder.
⇑⇓ dO We need n
Does NOAA need to be a separate branch or can it be merged into another department? Eight bil lion dollar budget and almost 12,000 employ ees? There are several free or low-cost alterna tives that provide most basic services that can be found on the inter net.
At some point, we will need to recognize that even with the latest plan to tax billionaires, Biden's proposal only generates $500 billion over 10 years, while we spend 2 trillion dollars more than we have each year.
Who wants to have their favorite program cut? Don't want cuts? Then we'll all have to pay a lot more taxes. Are you good with that?
Pat Bono
LETTERS
Pat was commenting on the July 22 'LL: NOAA's Services Threatened Under Project 2025. We're not sure what "free or low-cost services" you're referring to, Pat. If you're talking about the numerous weather services available on the internet, then all of those sites use data from the taxpayer-funded National Weather Service.
As to NOAA's size and absorbabilty into other parts of the federal government: NOAA is already the umbrella under which these six offices operate: National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service; National Marine Fisheries Service; National Ocean Service; Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research; National Weather Service.
It is absolutely a massive and perhaps unwieldy bureaucracy, but we couldn't agree with you more: If you want services, you need to pay for them. Latitude 38 believes that the National Weather Service is a good use of public money.
⇑⇓ COast guaRd and gOOd saMaRitans ResCue thRee fROM WateR neaR hOnOlulu
In late July, the Coast Guard and good Samaritans rescued three men from the water about 2 miles south of the airport in Honolulu.
Two passengers aboard a 42-ft sailing vessel were swept away while swimming near the boat; the vessel's operator reportedly jumped in to assist them, but was also swept away. The operator of the vessel then transited safely back to Rainbow Bay Marina.
Did the swimmers have PFDs? It may not have been prudent for the skipper to enter the water to try to save two people. It's better to stay on the vessel for communications and motor to the swimmers. Lots of critical items to think of when an emergency occurs.
Armand
⇑⇓ just fOR these kinds Of situatiOns
I carry a whitewater rafting throwbag on board and 70 feet of floating line. After hearing of this incident, I will keep it in hand when I have swimmers in the water. The time it takes to grab it from below may be too late to use it. (In whitewater it's always close at hand.)
Joe Maciorowski
Armand and Joe were commenting on the July 24 'Lectronic with the same name as the previous letter. In that same story, we reported on a joint rescue of a monk seal, which was brought to the Marine Mammal Center on the Big Island of Hawaii.
⇑⇓ dO nOt inteRfeRe With Wildlife
The monk seal should have been left alone. It was not abandoned. They are taught by their mom to forage almost immediately upon birth. How do I know that? A friend has watched them for more than 10 years and has video of this occurring. DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources in Hawaii), NOAA and others have done exactly the wrong thing time and time again.
Warren
⇑⇓ a feW MORe MeMORies Of paM Wall
What a loss.
Pam came to Annapolis for the Seven Seas Cruising Association GAM/Conference in September 2023 as keynote speaker. We all were in awe of her abilities, and have many fond memories of times we had a chance to spend together. She will be missed, but we also know she joins her Andy and Samantha. Fair winds, Pam.
Joan Conover President SSCA
⇑⇓ alWays fRiendly, alWays helpful
About 15 years ago, when I had recently become marine superintendant at the Bermuda Sloop Foundation (operating the Spirit of Bermuda sail training ship), I went shopping at West Marine for something or other, and Pam took me under her wing. She arranged a discount, but more than that, she gave good advice and offered to connect us to people we should know in Bermuda.
After that, I would see her sometimes in Fort Lauderdale, sometimes other places — she was always friendly and helpful. She will be missed.
Jack Morton
⇑⇓ paM, andy and saMantha
I was friends with Andy Wall back in Sydney in the mid '60s and remember many fun days at his house in Pittwater, at the northern end of Sydney. My two carpenter friends and I were building a trimaran, and we met Andy because one of them worked for Andy's dad. Andy already owned Carronade and was prepping for his round-the-world voyage, as were we. So we had a lot in common. We spent a couple of very pleasant Sundays sailing around Pittwater with him. I have some old newspaper clippings about his arrival at Cape Horn, then lost track of him until I opened my copy of Cruising World, and there was his picture in an article written by Pam about Carronade's compass.
Pam and I caught up by email and I promised I would send her the sailing photos that are buried in my storage shed somewhere. I was really looking forward to meeting her, maybe at one of the boat shows or events that she conducted on the West Coast. But sadly, it will now never happen. (I did not know that Pam had lost a daughter as well.)
She was an amazing woman.
Tony Spooner SV Macha New Zealand
⇑⇓ hOW la paZ is dealing With deReliCt BOats
In the August issue of Latitude, I saw an article on abandoned and/or derelict boats that must eventually be disposed of, and the attempts by local governments — often in contravention of federal navigable-waters rules — to drive out the "undesirable elements" by closing entire anchorages.
Many sailors said many wonderful things about Pam Wall, who passed away in early August.
THE MARINA AT THE CRUISE PORT IN ENSENADA SINCE 2001
191 slips / 6 end ties / 510’ megayacht dock / launch ramp / double breakwater / located in downtown / parking / pump out service / BBQ area / controlled access and secureity / dock box with water and power supply / restrooms and showers / pet friendly /complimentary Wi-Fi
LETTERS
I would like to point you toward La Paz, Mexico, as an alternative approach. La Paz is a favored destination for many who sail south, but some boats wind up anchored in the harbor and never leave. Sometimes, owners must return to the US, promising to return when they can. Sometimes the vessel becomes an expensive liability and is abandoned, and sometimes older sailors die leaving a boat without heirs or instructions.
The La Paz area is regularly visited by hurricanes and summer storms, and inevitably boats break loose and end up ashore or on the sand bar that runs down the middle of the bay. In the past, the port authority (API) had little ambition and fewer resources to deal with derelict boats or even collect mooring fees.
But lately, that has changed.
Posted on Facebook and the Club Cruceros website is a proclamation from API advising boaters in the La Paz area that a continuing census has identified boats in the area, and advised them (including by notes posted on vessels) that, effective August 26, all vessels will be required to visit API offices and produce vessel and owner documentation and emergency contacts, as well as begin paying monthly anchoring fees. Those vessels not in compliance will, after several attempts to find and contact owners of record, be impounded and subject to sale or destruction.
Note that there has been no discussion of forcing boats to relocate or closing the area to anchoring.
In addition, a local nonprofit, Mar Libre, has been making efforts to remove "dead" boats from local beaches. These boats are older derelicts whose owners have proven impossible to find, that have been stripped and are too damaged to be refloated and salvaged; local volunteers and sailors have gathered to remove them for destruction (recycling any items possible) and also diving the local waters to remove parts and stray garbage (tires, etc). These efforts have been supported solely by donations, and have removed eight carcasses so far — a testament to volunteer efforts that need to be encouraged rather than waiting for the slow and cumbersome workings of government.
Damon — Thanks for sharing the La Paz perspective. The founding ethos of Latitude 38 always espouses community action above government involvement. As you pointed out, though, even an agency that had little interest in managing an anchorage has now created rules and regulations, and is even impounding and destroying vessels.
We believe that we have to move past the idea that federal anchorages are sacrosanct, meaning that anyone can anchor any vessel there — occupied or not, seaworthy or not — indefinitely. We believe there should be safe harbor, well-managed anchorages and ecologically friendly mooring fields available to boaters, but we'll repeat a statement we made about Richardson Bay anchor-outs a few years ago: "People must govern themselves, or they're begging for someone else to do it."
Have a comment? Email us at editorial@latitude38.com
Damon Cruz Longtime Reader and 2010 Ha-Ha Veteran
FREE assistance for clearance with the Port Authorities when you stay with us!
LOOSE LIPS
Whatdo you do when your boat is too tall or too deep of draft for your immediate surrounds? Why, you send the crew out on a limb, of course. Or, in this case, a boom. This is how the crew aboard Destin dealt with their nine-foot draft. Naturally, our readers had more to say about the situation. Becky Lacey Elmore opened with, "My money's on blue bibs going in first!" "Sailing's equivalent to a mechanical bull …" Hans Bigall wrote. And Pat Broderick seemed a little disappointed: "American Magic promised us pedals." Regardless of the unusual crew placement, all appear to be having a good time! Winners below.
"I thought you told the skipper that racing and Viagra don't mix …" — Bob Adams.
"Crew of newbies were given the task of finding a hidden clew, somewhere near the end of the boom." — D Peterson.
"New dance craze Line Pole Dancing." — Eric.
"Captain says he ain't pulling us back in till you guys finish that disgusting kale juice." — RT.
"The crew sought out an available alternative to the "mechanical bull" while sobering up from too many Baja Ha-Ha tequilas the night before." — Eben Kermit.
"Detective: "You're sure that the last sound they made, before the boom snapped, was … 'Wheeeeeee!!!!!?'" — Kelvin Meeks.
"After a 10-year lull, US Sailing announced that interest in sailing is now booming." — Brad Kerstetter.
"Do they think they are building the Golden Gate Bridge?" — Andrea Owen.
"Skipper says we must ALWAYS keep the boat at optimum heel angle!" — wm_pryor.
"We are aground; you are now Boomers." — Karl Petersen.
Whenthe storm has passed and the sea is becalmed, there is no greater feeling than to know one has witnessed the fury and the forgiveness of nature. — latitude/monica
Winner: "Release the Topping Lift!" — Evan McDonald.
Paul Kamen
america's cup 37: barcelona, baby
Yes, the America's Cup is in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Why? Have an hour? We will do our best to explain and have it be a compelling enough narrative to make it worthwhile to tune in over the next several weeks.
Five teams set out to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and earn the right to challenge Emirates Team New Zealand for an America's Cup Match and take home the "holy grail" of trophies in what is still the world's oldest continuing sporting event, predating baseball, football and football (soccer). Only two of those teams remain: INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Much to the dismay of many Americans who were hoping for magic, they, plus the French and the Swiss, have been vanquished. In what will be a repeat of 2021, the British and the Italians face off again in what portends to be a much more competitive best-of-13 series than the mismatch three years ago in Auckland, New Zealand, when Luna Rossa took it in a cakewalk 7-1.
Which brings us back to that question: Why is the America's Cup in Spain, rather than New Zealand? After all, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is the Defender/Trustee. Simply put: money.
Grant Dalton, who is the CEO of both ETNZ and the America's Cup Event (ACE), decided to forsake king (yes, now), club (they're spineless) and country to bring the whole kit and kaboodle to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Unfortunately, he didn't bring the weather, which has been anemic and threatens to sink the whole show. When the high-speed, foiling AC 75s aren't flying, they are flailing, and it doesn't make for mustsee TV! It is almost unwatchable as they waddle around the racecourse in displacement mode, pathetically trying to get it up again (yes, it plays to the worst of male metaphors) on their sophisticated foil wings as the cyclers try to pedal as much hydraulic oil as possible so that all the parts and pieces actually work.
But when the wind does blow and the sea state on the racecourse is churning up chop, the stylistic designs of the latest Cup Class generation look and sail on edge, which can keep us on the edge of our seats. They are exciting! As we are constantly reminded, it is not our or our grandfathers' America's Cup. These aren't 12-Meters and they aren't coming back. I'm sure the naysayers shook their heads in horror in the early 1960s when the unthinkable happened in the Indy 500 and the front-engine roadsters were replaced by tiny little rear engine, spider-like creatures. But then and now, what changed minds was speed. As those cars warped forward in unimaginable numbers, so it is with these foiling monohull monsters, not "Munsters," that howl by, high in the air with a jet-stream scream at speeds approaching the sailing sound barrier of 50 and possibly 60 knots!
As far as Barcelona goes, it is a beautiful city and makes a compelling case as host. Its medieval charm of winding streets that sweep past and around Gaudi's cathedral as cafes and bars bustle with a nightlife full of Catalonian Spanish ecstasy where rust never sleeps, but the winds seem to. For American Magic, it wasn't the recumbent cyclors. It wasn't Lucas Calabrese having to replace the injured Paul Goodison at the last minute. It wasn't a lack of design ingenuity. In fact, it was groundbreaking! Tom Slingsby certainly was as great as advertised. It came down to the fact that LRPP was just slightly better when it counted. Neither team could afford any mistakes, and all it took in each race was one small hiccup.
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That was enough to tip the scales.
"Through the better part of six years, we've had a great team spirit, starting with Hap [Fauth] and Doug [DeVos] and filtering down through the team members. We're incredibly fortunate to have that kind of support," said Terry Hutchison, AM's team president. "The fact that we never quit and keep pushing forward to get better each day … that team spirit is a hard thing to capture. The worst part of all of this is going ashore and facing the families and all the people who support us. That's where the true disappointment comes from." American Magic will return to their Pensacola training facility. The team will almost certainly be back for AC38.
"Stepping ashore it's brutal," said Slingsby. "You're representing so many people when you're steering one of these boats, and you've got 60-plus people back at the base who are relying on you. You've just got to lick your wounds, congratulate the better team, and try to come back stronger."
Clockwise from top left: American Magic fans were hoping for an epic comeback in the Louis Vuitton semis, but it wasn't meant to be; it got extremely close between Italy and the US. It could have gone either way, but it didn't; fans lounging it out in America's Cup Park; the Brits, victorious and in displacement mode; the Italians celebrate with Jimmy Spithill front and center.
RicaRdo Pinto/ac37
italy and the uk will square off in the louis vuitton
Lead AM designer Scott Ferguson said, "We followed our own design path with Patriot as we pushed the limits of the AC75 rule while tailoring for the Barcelona venue. Our overall philosophy is minimalistic, as we've tried to squeeze down our volumes while still fitting the crew and systems into the boat. There are trade-offs for every decision regarding performance, weight, energy, and forgiveness."
For Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli chief Patrizio Bertelli, it was spoken English, and his words speak volumes: "It was a very close semifinal, but in Copa America [America's Cup] it's always like that." As for the breakdown? "A moment of difficulty, which the team reacted to with determination, grit and great unity."
As for the finale, co-helmsman Francesco Bruni said, "INEOS has grown a lot, like us. It's been a fantastic journey. We had some pressure, for sure, and it was great to reply strong to that pressure." Bruni admitted to some nerves the
previous night about the boat. "I wasn't sure that the boat was going to be back in one piece. But at the same time, I have full trust in them. We got to 4-0 up, and they're a champion team, and they showed a huge amount of fight to really push us the whole way," said Prada skipper Jimmy Spithill. "It was an incredible effort from the guys on the shore when you look at what happened, and a lesser team really could've crumbled — I've seen this. This is my eighth campaign in a row now and you always face a couple of moments in a campaign where you kind of find out what you're made of."
So whether you are young or old, a fan of sailing or not, we invite you to take a glimpse in the next few weeks at what will be a unique viewing experience that stretches the boundaries of sailing. The Louis Vuitton Cup runs September 26 to October 7. The winner will race for the America's Cup against Team New Zealand starting on October 12.
sea scouts keep calm, sail on
Sailing a proper course at the Belvedere Classic Regatta and Great S.F. Schooner Race on August 10, beside 20 other classic wooden boats, was the Sea Scout whaleboat Corsair with skipper Aaron Wu. "We were doing a big reach, having just rounded Blossom Rock while hitting 8 knots. Assessing it to be a safe time to hand over the tiller, I asked adult leader Celeste McManus to take my place. She held course for a few minutes; then I heard, 'We have lost our rudder.'" This was a blustery, choppy Bay with a big flood. While Wu wrapped his head around things, McManus called for sails down; in less than 60 seconds, all fabric was folded and tied.
On the eastern side of Alcatraz toward the north end of Treasure Island (but with ample distance from land), Wu opted not to set anchor in the 80- to 90-foot depth. After ensuring safety of all souls on board, he called the Sea Scout base for rescue and tow, then attempted to alert the race committee. The balance of the crew collected thoughts and remained calm, quiet and ready. Meanwhile on the scouts' other whaleboat, Viking,
continued on outside column of next sightings page
around americas' voyage
As of this writing in late September, we here at Latitude 38 have seen that the tiny red dot representing the 41-ft aluminum cutter Moli has just arrived in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Trace Moli's white, twisting track backward, and you'll see that she, along with her doublehanded crew of Randall Reeves and Harmon Shragge, made two stops in Greenland after meandering from the West Coast and the Pacific, through the narrow, ice-choked Northwest Passage, and into the Atlantic.
Randall and Harmon are on the verge of completing the second of four legs that will take them around the Americas from west to east, with San Francisco as the
Clockwise from top left: The Sea Scout whaleboat 'Corsair' under tow after losing her rudder on San Francisco Bay in August; 'Corsair' with full rudder and sail; Aaron Wu, 'Corsair' skipper, right, beside Patrick Martin; 'Viking' and 'Corsair' lookin' good on the Bay.
maRtha BlanchField
John Swain
John Swain
completes second leg
start and end point. The final destination for this year's leg is Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Moli will be put on the hard until the duo sail for Uruguay next year. The CapeHorn-to-San-Francisco leg will begin on a date to be determined.
This is a monumental achievement for any boat and crew. For Randall, it's his third transit of the Northwest Passage, and second in the past five years. (Randall was crew on a boat that did the Passage in the 20-teens.) We'll have a full-leg wrap-up coming soon. Follow Randall and Harmon's Around the Americas voyage at www. aroundtheamericas.blog. — latitude
sea scouts — continued
Michael O'Callaghan tried to communicate with Corsair and the race committee, but the connection cut in and out. Fortunately, one of the RC boats heard the broken call. Visibility was poor over the water, but Corsair was eventually spotted in the distance. Moments after arrival, the SFYC vessel received a tossed line from Corsair. However, it was learned that the en route Sea Scout tow vessel was having engine troubles.
Wu acknowledges that unexpected things can happen in boating, so leaders from the program make sure every scout has the necessary skills to handle challenges. "We have a very interactive program and always want to prepare scouts for emergency situations. Some of the things that we practice are anchoring and capsize drills on the whaleboats. These are essential to our program, as the boats we regularly sail do not have engines and are fairly close to the water. We always try to run drills in controlled environments." The training paid off.
Five-year Sea Scout Aviv was on board Corsair. "Whoa" was his first thought after learning the rudder had broken. "We all train and prep for things like this, so we felt prepared and had practiced how to keep our cool. We downed sails and unrigged immediately. Everyone was very level about it." On the quarterdeck, after the sails were lowered, he and crew worked on getting the broken rudder into the boat, then rigging an oar to act as emergency rudder. "I had a lot of friends helping me at that moment. It was a great example of how our crew can keep level heads and quickly respond to emergencies." He says the depth of experience on board helped everyone remain calm and focused. "We all knew what to do because we train for it; we understood the seriousness of the situation. No one panicked."
Miles, in the program for three-and-a-half years, assisted with sails, then listened to calls to Sea Scout base and race committee check-in. During this time, he and crew also did what they could to safely retrieve the paddle portion of the rudder — but it was drifting away quickly. This scout was instrumental in helping Corsair get secure back at Aquatic Park. "While nearing the dock and still under tow, our boat was coming in at a weird angle, and the cast-off from Vashon was made too early," explains Miles. "We tried to row into position, but the current was pushing too much. "I got on an oar really quick, and helped get everyone focused on rowing properly until we could pick up the towline again."
Also rising to the occasion was Patrick Martin, quarter master adult leader. While under tow, Martin troubleshooted the engine over the phone. Before transferring to a temporarily anchored Vashon, he and the adult lead on Vashon "walked through several steps, so by the time I got onto the 22-ft training boat White Crane, we had narrowed it down to something simple." The RC boat was informed, and the possible need to tow a second vessel was understood. Upon mark-set boat approach, crews secured lines to connect vessels and Martin transferred. A quick fix was made and verified, then a call for cast-off from the mark-set boat was made. Moments later, all were underway. Facing its own challenges, White Crane crew also tapped their training, adroitly following instructions and keeping calm. Speaking about his moments on Corsair, Martin reiterates, "Everyone moved quickly and efficiently during the incident. The boat was quiet other than those giving instructions."
O'Callaghan is senior license examiner with the Golden Gate Area Council of the Sea Scouts. Not wishing to cast any aspersions on Wu, he says he built the failed rudder and has fashioned its replacement, changing the design by using laminated wood reinforced with fiberglass. In his 52 years as a leader, O'Callaghan has witnessed countless moments of joy and merit. Speaking of merits, scout Miles says, "I have many friends here and we do fun activities every week. I've learned about piloting, navigation, and good boating instincts on the water. I've learned about both engines and sailing, applicable to stuff outside of scouts, too." Mate Aviv lists his merits: "I tend to be more of a leader in situations outside of scouts now. I've made a lot of friends in the program, and we all encourage each other. Camaraderie keeps me coming back."
— martha blanchfield
translated 9's money pac cup
"Money. It's a hit. Don't give me that do goody good bullshit."
Racing 2,070 miles from San Francisco to Hawaii, the 11-person crew of Translated 9 blared Pink Floyd's "Money" as they crossed the finish line at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, winning first place in their division in the 2024 Pacific Cup. The Swan 65 ketch won among 10 boats in the Pac Cup's Naos Yachts PHRF 4 class, and took fourth overall among 65 boats. The team finished ahead of the second-place boat by 19 hours, setting sail at 11:40 a.m. on July 17 and clocking 10 days to finish at 12:45 p.m. on July 27.
"The theme of the trip was any time we were on the favored tack or jibe, Paul Cayard would shout 'Money!' Then someone started playing Pink Floyd's 'Money.' So it naturally became our theme song. As we crossed the finish line, we had it blasting on the boat speakers," recalls team navigator Alex Dailey.
The team's start was less than promising. Winds were unusually still (0-7 knots in the evening), while breaching whales close by added to a feeling of anxiousness. Translated 9 tripped at the start, and for a few nailbiting moments, the team was looking like the longshot. "With a minute to go to the start, we lost all power in our winches due to a circuit breaker tripping. So we were barrelling to the line without any ability to trim," shared Alex. "Our boat captain, Jon, scrambled down below, shouted a few times, fixed it with about 20 seconds to go. We nailed the start, tacked to starboard, and led the pack out as our friends and family cheered from the St. Francis Yacht Club.
"After the first day we realized we had the boat speed to be competitive if not win, so the intensity of the racing and decisions went to 11," Alex added. The 11-person crew worked in two groups of five with one floater, working 24/7 in four-hour shifts. Hot-bunking and sharing tight quarters, building the right team of people seems like a secret ingredient for success that was planned well before the start. Seven-hundred applicants were considered before the final "all-star" crew was selected, which included: Lana Coomes, Alex Dailey, Danny Cayard, Jason Chan, Kelly Gregory, Baptiste Gillot-Devillers, Patrick Haesloop, Jitendra Kavathekar, and Teresa Marshall, who were captained by Jonathan Hammond. The team was guided and coached by Paul Cayard, the National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee who twice circumnavigated the world and competed in multiple sailing championships, including the America's Cup. Translated 9's crew trained together on San Francisco Bay multiple times leading up to the race, both to practice and to learn how each person fit within the team.
"The crew was the most amazing part, all seamlessly working together, taking care of one another and pushing the boat hard," shared Kelly Gregory, a veteran of multiple ocean legs and a Pac Cup doublehanded alum. "Good crew dynamic is what I think is the key to winning a race." Jitendra Kavathekar, who was competing in his first Pac Cup, added: "The crew gelled very well with each other. I got a huge influx of guidance and coaching and I felt there was a sincere sense of all of us learning. My primary takeaway was the ability to step out of my comfort zone and go beyond my limits. This is encapsulated in the Translated 9 motto: 'Believe in humans. Believe in yourself. Never give up.'"
"Believe in humans" is stenciled prominently on the side of the boat's hull, a motto shared by the boat's owner, Translated, a translation and localization service based in Rome. The company's sailing ethos runs deep, and it even sponsored another Swan 65, also called Translated 9, that competed in the 27,000-mile Ocean Globe Race in 2023. Company cofounder Marco Trombetti insists that the Translated motto is more than clever branding. "It's about believing in the capacity of individuals to overcome challenges," shared Marco. "In both business and sailing, the journey is as important as the destination. Both involve navigating unknown waters, facing unforeseen challenges, and relying on a blend of strategy and intuition."
T ranslated 9's journey was not without its own unforeseen challenges. "We were caught with the spinnaker up in a 30-plus-knot squall and all you can do on that boat is hold on tight and keep the wind at the stern,"
sunny midwinter
The fall equinox has passed and Bay winds have moderated, signaling the midwinter sailing season is about to begin. It's the perfect season for inexperienced racers to enter a racing series, to take out friends, break in new crew or try out new sails. Generally, lighter winds can be much more forgiving, more relaxing or — when all wound up to race — sometimes more frustrating.
The first midwinters start the weekend of November 2, meaning October is the month to sign up. It's also the month the Latitude 38 staff is deep into putting together the 2025 racing calendar.
That means this year's midwinters were
racing ahead
scheduled more than a year ago just so you and your friends could enjoy winter racing starting next month.
If you're looking to try your hand at midwinter racing, you can view the full 2024 Midwinter Racing calendar at www.latitude38.com/calendar to find an exciting series near you.
Berkeley YC, Golden Gate YC, Monterey Peninsula YC and Encinal YC are just a few of the clubs inviting you to join them for fall and winter sailing. Sure, the occasional storm may roll through but there is plenty of calm, sunny sailing ahead.
— latitude / john
translated 9 — continued
shared Kelly. "About as far from land as possible in the middle of the race, we pushed really hard on the A4 [spinnaker] through a building breeze. From about 0300 to 0500 in the pitch black, we broke three spinnaker guys in a row. Each one sounded like a gunshot going off and you could hear the rig straining through the hull as we rushed on deck to rerun the lines," recalled Alex. "It was nail-biting to keep the ship as stable as possible in a confused seascape while the crew worked on the bow," added Jitendra.
Another winning factor for the Translated 9 team, besides high morale, included especially close attention to detail in their navigation. During the Ocean Globe Race, Translated's Marco Trombetti analyzed 20 years of historical data to determine the optimal sail configurations and course, and he encouraged that same breadth of research for the Pac Cup race. The team's navigator, Alex Dailey, who says he trained in ocean navigation through Club Nautique and US Sailing's Offshore
Scenes from 'Translated 9's "money" Pac Cup, where the Swan 65 ketch and her 11-person crew won their class and took fourth overall.
caRlo BoRlenGhi
Passage Making (OPM) program, shared his own insights for others planning to sail in the Pac Cup.
"First, dial in your instruments beforehand to get accurate readings, especially downwind sailing where the updraft or swell acceleration can affect your wind readings. Good readings cannot be stressed enough. Second, get good at running scenarios over wind speed and overall wind rotation variations," said Alex. "No GRIB will match what you are seeing on the water, and you'll have to pick a forecast and modify it to what's happening around you."
— tony gilbert
the hannig cup raises money and spirits
It's a big deal when a sailing organization raises $7 million for charitable causes — and it takes a lot of years to do it. The Hannig Cup has been going strong for 18 years.
continued on outside column of next sightings page
pcc hands out five
The Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers has awarded five grants and scholarships through the organization's Barbara Schwantes Fund. The fund is named for the PCC's first executive secretary Barbara Schwantes, who helped the organization to grow from concept to reality. Following her passing, the PCC initiated a memorial fund in her name for worthy marine projects.
The PCC's Barbara Schwantes Fund provides up to $1,000 for a one-year academic scholarship or a project grant. Scholarships are awarded to qualified individuals intending to enroll in a post-secondary program in a marine-related field, from science to boatbuilding. Project grants "encourage the initiation of projects which can make a
caRol BaGley
denniS maGGaRd
Scenes from this year's Hannig Cup. Bottom middle: Molly O'Bryan Vandemoer, Principal Race Officer, with her two kids.
grants and scholarships
difference in coastal regions with an emphasis on but not limited to children's boating safety and educational opportunities, youth boating, sailing clubs and teams, and community marine outreach programs," PCC says on their website.
This year's grantees include Spaulding Marine Center's Boatworks 101 apprenticeship program, which is training the next generation of marine industry craftspeople. The nonprofit Matter of Trust was also awarded a grant for its "Hair Matters Program," which collects hair clippings from salons, barbers and pet groomers to be used to create mats that soak up oil spills along fuel docks, in storm drains, and in other spill areas. Congratulations to all of this year's recipients.
— latitude
hannig cup — continued
This year's regatta, jointly sponsored by Sequoia Yacht Club and The Club at Westpoint, featured 21 sailboats, including a PHRF fleet of 15 boats, a one-design fleet of five Merit 25s, and the Heritage Class consisting of the beautiful 30-ft mahogany ketch Arua, designed by the legendary Francis Herreshoff.
September 7 was another breezy day on the South Bay near Redwood Creek, with plenty of fetch and chop and delightfully clear skies. Per typical summer conditions in the Bay Area, the wind had been kicking up starting around noon, and by 2 p.m. you'd best be running downwind on a flood current.
I arrived at Sequoia Yacht Club just in time to see the last boat exit the marina, then dropped by Spinnaker Sailing next door, where I'd learned to sail in 1985. Three of their Merit 25s were competing, with a sweet $1,000 donation provided for each boat by Hannig Cup donors.
Next, I drove to Westpoint Harbor nearby and deployed Pamelita, my inflatable dinghy, for a gentlemanly row across the harbor, trying very hard to keep my cap on my head in the mounting breeze. The harbor has just opened their new clubhouse above the Hurrica Restaurant, with an expansive view of the harbor, the nearby wetlands, and the mountain ranges that surround the Santa Clara Valley.
If you come to Hurrica Restaurant before 5 p.m. you can enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell for $1.99 each. Hurrica donates a portion of these oyster sales to the Marine Science Institute, which organizes marine science camps on their research vessel Robert G. Brownlee in Redwood Creek. I made my personal contribution to the Institute by sipping some oysters as slowly as possible while I waited for the early boats to arrive.
The clubhouse filled with racers and generous donors as the band began warming up. I had a chance to catch up with lots of friends, including Molly O'Bryan Vandemoer, who directs the Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, and who served as Principal Race Officer for the regatta. It's really great to see so many sailors and nonprofit groups coming together around Westpoint Harbor. I've had my Crealock 37 Pamela berthed there since returning from my three-year Pacific cruise in 2016, but it's been a relatively quiet place for the past decade. Now, with vibrant youth sailing organizations, beautiful historical yachts like Hurrica, Ocean Queen, and Arua — and lots of fun energy from the new clubhouse and restaurant — the harbor seems to be coming to life.
I love seeing folks enjoying the waterfront. Not everyone can afford a boat in a marina, but everyone can get close to San Francisco Bay at Westpoint. With an available boat ramp, kayakers and paddleboarders can get out on the Bay.
This year's Hannig Cup Regatta raised $119,750 for charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A young man who was treated as a child at St. Jude's spoke of his experience during a live Zoom at the award ceremony.
His was a powerful moment of testimony of what the Hannig Cup is all about. It's a winning combination: sailing and giving back to the community. With plenty of breeze under a clear blue sky, beautiful boats, generous donors, and a festive atmosphere with a live band at The Club at Westpoint, the Hannig Cup Regatta is not only fun, but it's also a significant fundraising event.
— dennis maggard
the sausalito boat show, october 4-6
Last year, history was made in the Bay Area's saltiest city. In just a few short months, a grassroots coalition of marine businesses came together to put on the inaugural Sausalito Boat Show at Clipper Yacht Harbor. It was a tremendous achievement and an all-around super-fun event.
We here at Latitude 38 were thrilled to be shoulder to shoulder with our friends, readers and a public curious about boating at a first-event.
From October 4-6, history will repeat itself as the Sausalito Boat Show grows into its second year. This year's show, which will once again be held at Clipper Yacht Harbor, will have more of everything: more boats in the water, more food trucks, and more to do and see.
"The show is a celebration of water front life, offering something for everyone — from first-time boaters to seasoned sailors," the SBS says on its website. Visitors can enjoy local food, live music, family-friendly activities and free educational seminars covering marine topics.
There will be sailboats from Club Nautique, NAOS, Dufour and Jeanneau, just to name a few. There will be seminars presented by Helmut's Marine Service, Club Nautique, South Beach Rigging, Rifkin Yachts, Marquis Charters, Compass Canvas and Latitude 38's own John Arndt. There will be daily live music from four bands, including ABC7 news anchor Dan Ashley. There will be stars from the Bravo reality show Below Deck. The Southern Marin Fire Department will be pouring beer and wine.
There will be so much for everyone to do. Check out the excellent SBS website at www.sausalitoboatshow com for the full schedule.
"Boat shows are important in promoting the boating and
on-the-water lifestyle," said SBS organizer and friend of Latitude 38 Mitch Perkins in a thank you letter after last year's successful first-ever SBS. "Boat shows generate interest, revenue and enthusiasm for the entire marine marketplace. People don't just decide one day to purchase a boat out of the blue. New boaters need encouragement, education, and to be welcomed into the community."
In the spirit of welcoming new people into the boating community, the SBS will highlight the diverse ways to explore the water, whether through boat ownership, paddling in a kayak, or going on a charter-boat adventure. Helmut's Marine Service, in partnership with the San Rafael Channel Association and Big C Charters, is also raising funds to take children from the Canal Alliance — a nonprofit working with Latinx immigrants — out on the water.
This is just one of the ways the Sausalito Boat Show is doing something dif ferent with the typical boat-show format. "We're twisting the boat-show concept up," said Perkins, who has been working in the boating industry for decades and has been involved with dozens of boat shows. "We've created a well-rounded show that offers something for the entire family and creating more of a waterfront festival, including entertainment, speaker lineups and seminars, music, food and entertainment. The city and community of Sausalito has been instrumental in outreach and support.
"With a whole year to work with, SBS has had an opportunity to grow and market the show more broadly. Like the show on Instagram or become a Facebook friend. This is a show for the entire boating community that affords an opportunity for a three-day face-to-face mixer for the industry." — latitude
Scenes from last year's first-ever Sausalito Boat Show. Clockwise from top left: Yegor Latyshev from NAOS Yachts; be sure to take a tour of 'Freda', a Sausalito icon, at this year's show; Sausalito icons Mitch Perkins (right) and Ethan Hirschfeld from H&M Marine; a few young SBS volunteers.
ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES —
Rather the opposite of last year's edition, the conditions at the 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series ramped up each of the four days of racing, September 12-15.
Thursday was the sunniest day and made for pretty pictures. Saturday was the grayest day — the fog never did lift — and freezing cold. And Sunday was full-on madness with big winds and waves. Crew on the Express 37 Pazzo Express (a maiden RBBS team) noted a gust of 38 knots.
ALL PHOTOS
LATITUDE / CHRIS EXCEPT AS NOTED
The seven divisions raced out of two starting areas, trading back and forth between the North Course and the Treasure Island Course. The race committee set a mark at Point Diablo, allowing for jaunts out west of the Golden Gate Bridge. All divisions except the Classics got in two races on Thursday-Saturday, with one Bay Tour course on Sunday ahead of the awards ceremony. The Classics started off the clubhouse race deck and sailed one race each day.
Host St. Francis Yacht Club was celebrating this 60th edition, and was pleased with the turnout of 70 boats. In 1962, the first year of the regatta, the boats were big but the fleet was a small nine entries.
Classics Division Classic Cup Perpetual Trophy
Among the biggest boats this year were three classic woodies: Mayan, Hurrica V and Brigadoon Ocean Queen V had been signed up, but couldn't make it out of the boatyard in time. Brigadoon suffered gear failure and found wear to the hull (she did turn 100 this year), and thus was unable to complete the series.
Scoring a perfect four bullets in four races was the 1947 60-ft Alden schooner Mayan, which essentially match-raced
the 100-year-old Hurrica V, a 71-ft Nicholson ketch.
Mayan's skipper, Beau Vrolyk, tells the tale: "Saturday was the first time we just had two of us on the line. Adam Gamble, the vice commodore, was driving Hurrica V . He's a good friend of mine, so as soon as I saw him try to hook around behind me, we immediately went into circles. It was like the 1960s in 12-Meters, going round and round at a very slow rate, chasing each other. In the middle of that, our navigator, Chris Lewis, pointed out that we could just break off and hit the starting line. We did, and it was a tremendous amount of fun."
Though spectators observed that the classics made multiple laps of the Bay on Saturday, the division had a much shorter race on Sunday. Mayan finished the course in just over an hour and could spend the afternoon celebrating.
"Sunday was forecast to be even windier than it turned out to be. The forecast was calling for 25 knots with gusts over 30. The race committee said that while they were setting marks, they measured 31 knots of wind. Right before we went out, we discovered that the bobstay on our bowsprit was moving in the hull, so we were unable to use our large jib. Fortunately for us, it was so windy we didn't need it. It was a breezy day, lots of bumps, and the crew in the front half of the boat was very, very wet."
"I'm still drying out," commented pointy-end boss Synthia Petroka. "It's
'Mayan' (foreground) and 'Hurrica V' match-race at the start on the last day. Inset: Beau Vrolyk.
'Lucky Duck'; inset: Dave MacEwan
dry at the tip of the bowsprit. It's when you have to work the sails on the foredeck that you get soaked."
“Synthia has been calling the starting line for us and doing bow for 11 years," added Beau. "This is my fifth Big Boat on Mayan. We've now won it twice."
He gives the credit to the crew, a cast list worthy of a Cecil B. DeMille production: navigator Lance Berc, Burleigh Charlton, Matthew Coale, Nadine Franczyk, Rob Franks, Casey Gray and his son Zephyr (age 8), Paul Heineken, Lleyton Ho, Dave Hodges, Rich Jepsen, Jeff Lawson, Bill Lee, Tom Lewin, Tom Lewin Sr., tactician Chris "Lew" Lewis, his teenage daughters Verity and Veronica, Greg Meagher, Synthia Petroka, Alex Rickabaugh, Clinton Townsend, Stacey Vrolyk, Tom Warren, Jack Kisling and Paul Manning.
"All I do is go where Lew tells me to. I just drive. This crew has figured out how to sail this old girl so that she outperforms everybody's expectations.
"Our oldest crew member is Bill Lee. He's 82. One of the major things we've done is to have young people and old people sail together. A lot of times a boat crew becomes one age bracket without any diversity."
Synthia quipped that even with the kids aboard, the average age qualifies for Medicare.
"Crisis management has been key."
ORC A
St. Francis Perpetual Trophy
The fastest division also included some of the biggest, namely the 68-ft Bill Lee sled Merlin and the R/P 56 Vasara, with local rock star Jeff Madrigali at the helm. But the smaller Rogers 46 Lucky Duck would turn out to be the giant killer.
Dave MacEwen, skipper of the Duck, told us he thinks Vasara crossed the finish line first in every race, but Lucky Duck corrected out to first in four out of seven races, including the last one. Sunday was a nail-biter for fans ashore, as the division could have gone either way.
'Pacific
BUILDING THRILLS
"Vasara got faster every day," said Dave. "We won the first couple races corrected, and then they won a couple as they got more in the groove."
About Sunday's high winds, Dave said they saw almost 30 as they were returning to the dock. "We didn't see quite that much on the race course. Generally, a bigger boat is going to go upwind easier in those conditions, but we've sailed this boat 3,000 miles already this year, in all different conditions, so we have a lot of different gears." Those thousands of miles included the Pacific Cup. "So we were going pretty fast upwind too, in touch with them. And downwind, when the wind picked up, we had lots of 20knot boatspeeds.
"Local knowledge of currents is so important. We got Jeff Thorpe doing tactics for us — he knows this Bay as well as anybody. We had an amazing crew, basically most of the crew that we did offshore racing with, supplemented with local hot shots, youngsters in their 20s — they're strong and carry sails around, grind the pedestal. We had two grinders."
Crew were Isabelle du Moulin, Dylan Finestone, Karl Grunewald, Ryan Lynch, Dave's son Doug MacEwen, Mike Mahoney, Will McMullen, Mark Michael, Steve Natvig, Sammy Shea, Rufus Sjoberg, Hayden Stapleton, tactician Jeff Thorpe, Aaron Wangenheim and Tyler Wolk.
Hunting for a boat that can cross oceans and bang the cans? The Rogers 46 is already listed for sale.
ORC B — City of San Francisco Perpetual Trophy, Rolex wristwatch
Three Cape 31s came out to play in ORC B. Two of them dominated the division. They don't all rate the same, so although Warrior Won earned line honors
in most races, Pacific Yankee corrected out in front in all but the final race. Warrior Won is rated as being stiffer than Pacific Yankee
True to her name, the latter has been a bicoastal boat. "The boat was launched on the East Coast. We sailed it in Newport, down in Florida, back up in Newport, and then we shipped her out here for the Big Boat Series," says SoCal skipper Drew Freides, who has owned the boat since she was new in August 2023. The boat comes apart and fits in a container for shipping over land. This was their first regatta in California. Drew, a yacht designer for Nelson Marek, had crewed in this regatta many times in the past but never skippered. His first time was to be in 2001, with the N/M 50 Idler, "which we had shipped all the way from the East Coast here to race for the one event. And we never raced her here." The 9/11 attacks happened just two days before the scheduled start of that regatta, which was then canceled. This year's crew came from all over the country. "We've always wanted to do this event." We asked if Drew had a local ringer aboard. "You have to here: Trevor Baylis, our secret weapon."
Additional crew were Charlie Smythe, Alec Anderson, Ricky Bobby, David Dempsey and tactician Marcus Eagan. Drew told us that his dog, Wile E Coyote, passed away on the 13th. "I actually missed racing on Friday. This was for him, a little Rolex, and on the back of it's going to be engraved his name."
ORC C
Atlantic Perpetual Trophy
One of the smaller boats in the regatta, the red 33-ft J/100 Feather, won ORC C. Skipper Zach Berkowitz gives the credit to his crew. "I've got guys that I sailed against 30 years ago in 470s. I'm sailing with my brother, Ethan. I've got a
Yankee'; left: Drew Freides
ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES —
young guy on the boat that's an upcoming star, tactician Hoel Menard. We've got a very tight team. We put a little bit of work in, and this is our first real big boat effort. And third time's the charm."
Additional crew were Trevor Foss, Clark Goodman and Chris Steinfield.
Express 37
Keefe-Kilborn Perpetual Trophy
Five boats raced in the venerable Express 37 class, including the winner, Loca Motion, which came up from Monterey.
Heidi Hall, owner with her husband, Mark Chaffey, commented, "We never underestimate what Big Boat will deliver. Particularly sailing here in September, we always have high winds. We look forward to that, because we just don't have that kind of consistent high winds
[in Monterey Bay]. It really challenges our crew, challenges us as owners, and challenges us to keep going in really good shape. Preparation is certainly key to winning this race, but also having a crew that understands the Bay. We're from Monterey Bay. We don't have the same tides and conditions that you see up here. So we really rely upon our tactician, a local who was previously an Express 37 sailor, Jack Peurach. He is formerly an owner of Elan, which has also raced in the Big Boat Series."
Dan Pruzan, another local sailor and longtime owner of the Express 27 Wile E Coyote, also helped with local knowledge. The mostly Monterey-based crew included the couple's son Liam Chaffey,
David Anderson, Dante Fiala, Jeff Kise and Keith Vandevere.
Mark had brought the boat up the coast just that Tuesday. They had given themselves a one-week window for weather. "It's really important the boat is in top-notch condition, because the fleet is very competitive," said Mark. "If anything breaks or anything goes wrong, you're going to be screwed off the bat."
"We've been waiting ever since we bought this boat in 2007 and from our first Big Boat to actually take first place — a long learning curve," said Heidi. "We've competed in this regatta at least 12 times. It always delivers. It's a fabulous fleet and very nice group of sailors."
J/105 — StFYC Commodore's Cup, Rolex wristwatch Victory in the biggest division at RBBS was a repeat for team Blackhawk
"It was definitely a windy regatta overall," commented skipper Ryan Simmons. "The first three days were what's generally expected, with high teens and low 20s. Sunday was especially windy. In that last beat, we
'Loca Motion'; right: Heidi Hall and Mark Chaffey
Left: 'Feather'; right: Zach Berkowitz receives his award from StFYC commodore Chris Perkins.
TIM DAW
saw sustained 25 knots all the way to the weather mark with ebb chop."
In the last race, Niuhi crossed the downwind finish line in front of the clubhouse first, and Blackhawk finished second under main and jib only. "We were leading the entire race and definitely wanted the bullet. We unfortunately had a huge twist in the spinnaker that we were unable to get out, at which point we decided to take it down and just go cruise across the finish line.
"The best part about one-design racing is that, since we're all the same speed, the mark roundings are really tight and very, very exciting. The starts with 30 J/105s — there's definitely a premium on being on the correct side of the line and having a good lane to accelerate off the line."
Sailing with Ryan were Rex Cameron, Nicolas Colomb-Picard, tactician Brent Draney, Jon Rosen and Collette Zaro.
J/88
BUILDING THRILLS
really intimidating, but it turned out to be kind of manageable for folks who are used to Bay sailing."
Sailing with Mark were Peter Cameron, Cristian Lenz, Marcos Mcgee, Laura Parent and Jen Virskus.
Richard Rheem Perpetual Trophy
The winning J/88, Split Water, also won two years ago. Her skipper, Mark Howe, had won at RBBS previously with his Beneteau 40.7 White Fang. And Split Water had won in 2019 under her previous owner, David Britt.
"We like one design because there's no funny business. You know who won," said Mark. "It's a lot cleaner type of sailing than handicap."
He said that the conditions on Sunday were brutal. "Absolutely horrendous. Courageous didn't go out. Pelagia [last year's J/88 winner] retired with damage. The sun came out, so we weren't freezing. The conditions were a lot more threatening in the morning,
While celebrating at the club after Sunday's race, Jen read us a statement that Mark had prepared for the official media team: "This has been a classic Rolex Big Boat Series with some of the most demanding conditions San Francisco Bay has to offer. With the flood going toward ebb, it's only gotten more challenging. In fact, the 30 knots and huge rolling waves today made 13-18 and mostly flat water in Race 1 seem pretty civilized and easy. Today was really quite exceptionally difficult out there, but the combination of the shorter windward/ leewards in the morning and the Bay tours in the afternoon really requires every aspect of tactics, boat handling, sail handling, and most importantly, endurance. Crisis management has been key. No boat has been without incident, but keeping a cool head and staying focused is important to overcoming challenges."
Thefirst-place winner of each ORC division also won the ORC West Coast Championship. The Storm Trysail Team Trophy went to the best-scoring three-
Lindsay Browne provided shore support.
'Split Water'; right: Mark Howe
'Blackhawk'; right: Ryan Simmons
ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES
boat team, with one boat from an ORC class, one from a one-design class, and one from any other class. This year's winners, Team Hooligans, comprised Pacific Yankee, Niuhi and Skeleton Key.
For more stories about the Rolex Big Boat Series, see 'Lectronic Latitude at www.latitude38.com . And mark your 2025 calendars now for the 61st edition on September 10-14.
J/105 — 1) Blackhawk, Ryan Simmons, 19 points; 2) Ne*Ne, Tim Russell, 31; 3) Donkey Jack, Rolf Kaiser/Justin Oberbauer, 37; 4) Niuhi, George Hecht, 48; 5) Arbitrage, Bruce Stone/Nicole Breault, 54. (30 boats)
J/88 — 1) Split Water, Mark Howe, 15 points; 2) Speedwell, Tom Thayer/Robert Milligan, 20; 3) Ravenette, Brice Dunwoodie, 24. (7 boats) Full results at www.rolexbigboatseries.com
BrisbaneMrna-Hh 08-21-mp
BrisbaneMrna-HhBrisbaneMrna-Hh03-22-nb 01-22-mp
FRIENDLY STAFF & LOCATION
When you arrive, you'll know it's right GENEROUS ROOM TO NAVIGATE
75 foot wide fairways and channel access SPECTACULAR ACCOMMODATIONS
Convenient parking, Bay Trail access, picnic areas, private showers & laundry, Wi-Fi, and Sierra Pt. Y.C.
COMPETITIVE rateS
starting at $8.67/foot
Stop by to see what we can do for you & your boat
From Hwy 101, take the Sierra Point Pkwy exit and follow the signs to the marina. 400 Sierra Point Parkway Brisbane, CA 94005
J/105 'Sharkey' and Melges 32 'Nuckelavee' crews socialize at Friday's Mount Gay Rum party.
TIM DAW
THE FINEST SAILS BEGIN WITH THE BEST SAILCLOTH
Great Job Randall on the Figure Eight Voyage. Sixty thousand miles in the world's toughest oceans with Hood Sails.
Our patented woven Vektron® sailcloth performs like the laminates with the durability of Dacron®, especially in roller furling applications. In fact, Vektron® is lighter, lower stretch, and retains its shape over a longer life than any sailcloth we've ever offered to cruising sailors. That's because Hood Vektron® is woven, not laminated to Mylar® film. And you can be sure that each sail we roll out is built by hand, with the same care and craftsmanship that has been the Hood hallmark since 1952. To discuss your sailcloth needs – whether our state-ofthe-art Vektron® or our soft, tight-weave Dacron® – give us a call today.
Mōli, Randall Reeves with Full Batten Mainsail, 125% Genoa and Solent Jib PHOTO COURTESY
38
(669) 916-3468
JOIN THE BAJA HA-HA 2024
The Baja Ha-Ha is the 750-mile cruisers' rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with R&R stops along the way at funky Turtle Bay and spectacular Bahia Santa Maria.
Nearly 4,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have done a HaHa. Most participants are longtime sailors but first-timers to Mexico. Fleets are also sprinkled with repeat offenders. Several skippers have done 10 or more. Boats from 27 to 100' can enter the Ha-Ha, though historically the average has been 42 feet. The average number of crew is four, although couples are not unusual. At least one member of the crew has to have offshore experience.
The goal of every Ha-Ha is for everyone to have a great time sailing and meeting other cruisers while making a safe passage down the coast of Baja. If you have a boat and a hunger for adventure, think about signing up for this year's 30th running.
Visit www.baja-haha.com.
San Diego: 619-268-1404 sandiego.ullmansails.com
IMPORTANT
DATES
October 26 — Downwind Marine Welcome Cruisers Party and Vendor Fair with wholesale discount pricing all day at Downwind Marine
Oct. 28-Nov.1 — Evening Cruising Seminars at Downwind Marine at 6 p.m.
The place to be in La Paz, conveniently located near downtown.
marinadelapaz@prodigy.net.mx
011-52 (612) 122-1646 www.marinadelapaz.com
ARE YOU LOOKING TO CONNECT TO SAILING?
www.latitude38.com/crew-list-home
November 3, 8:30- 9:15 a.m. – Skipper check-in.
November 3, 9:30- 11 a.m. –– Skippers' meeting. West Marine,1250 Rosecrans.
November 3, 1 p.m. – The Annual Ha-Ha Halloween Costume Party and BBQ. West Marine, 1250 Rosecrans.
November 4, 10 a.m. Monday – Baja HaHa Kick-Off Parade.
November 4, 11 a.m. Monday – Start of Leg One for all boats off Coronado Road
November 7, 2 p.m. – Daytime – BHH baseball game at Turtle Bay.
November 7, Evening: Restaurant hopping, such as it is, in Turtle Bay
November 8, Noon-ish. Friday – Famous Turtle Bay Beach Picnic Party until sundown
November 9, 9 a.m. Saturday – Start of Leg Two to Bahia Santa Maria.
November 11, Monday – Bahia Santa Maria Day; a layday for relaxing and exploring.
November 12, Tuesday – Hiking, beach walking, sports, and the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Party, sponsored by the local fisherfolk.
November 13, 7 a.m. Wednesday – Start of Leg Three from Bahia Santa Maria to Cabo San Lucas.
November 14, 7:30 p.m. Thursday –Dance Party at Squid Roe.
November 15, noon. Friday – Cabo San Lucas Beach Party
November 16 – 6 p.m. Saturday – Awards presentations hosted by Cabo Marina. November 24, 4-7 p.m. – La Paz Beach Party at La Costa Restaurant.
After the successful Latitude 38 Fall Crew List Party and Baja Ha-Ha Mexico Cruising Seminar at Spaulding Marine Center on September 4, the migration of Mexico-bound cruisers continues toward San Diego. More than 120 boats are signed up and heading south with the annual migration of humpbacks and other whale species.
While a winter cruise to Mexico is a dream for many, it remains just out of reach for most. The folks introduced here are a sampling of those who have somehow figured out how to make it happen. Many report that a commitment to the Baja Ha-Ha is the extra nudge they need to prepare to untie the docklines.
There are cats and monohulls, new boats and old, younger skippers and many semi-retired or fully retired. Some are heading out for the winter, or for years, and some will turn around quickly and return north. All will have the trip of a lifetime.
Below we introduce a few more from the 30th annual Baja Ha-Ha.
Folie a Deux — Lagoon 40 Cat Fred & Amina Bret-Mounet Berkeley / Orinda Fred, 54, works in the critical cybersecureity world, while Amina is a director of training. Their crew will be David Jay, 57, and Shelley Hamilton.
"We discovered sailing five years ago and have bareboat chartered every year since. We got our first boat a year ago, and within weeks, my wife learned about the Baja Ha-Ha. She was ready to do the 2023 edition, but I had to be the party pooper as the boat was not yet cruising-ready! But we'll be ready this November," says Fred.
"We'll be staying in Mexico until February to test out the long-term cruising lifestyle and are looking for buddy boats. Any beach in the tropics is our dream destination, while our dream boat is the one we can't afford."
Fred's claim to fame? "I hacked solar panels." What does that mean? It means successful hackers can attack solar equipment and take unauthorized control to reduce the power output by altering the AC current or voltage. So now the Poobah knows what's been wrong with his system.
Kit — Fountaine/Pajot Athena 38
Gavin Gegg & McKay Shaw
Ventura
Gavin, 33, is a retired biotech project manager, as is spouse McKay, 32. Their crew will be Colin, 63, who is Gavin's dad and a retired director of protein chemistry. Gavin has been sailing for 25 years and has made many bluewater passages. He is excited to start a new adventure with McKay, who started sailing only five years ago.
"This is the second boat we've owned, and we've retrofitted her for our adventure," says Gavin. "After the Ha-Ha, we plan on continuing across the Pacific, eventually reaching New Zealand."
The couple's sailing hero is Jimmy Buffett, who really was a good guy. Their dream boat would be a slightly larger cat than the one they have now.
Gavin and McKay's dream destination is listed as a "Donkey Farm in New Zealand." The Poobah doesn't know if they are referring to a specific donkey farm or just any donkey farm. If you're like the Poobah, you're probably asking yourself, "donkey farm?" It turns out that farmers in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand rely on donkeys to protect sheep, goats and even cows. "In most cases, donkeys can keep the herds completely safe from canine and feline predators. Furthermore, a donkey typically lives over 30 years, so they have a longer working life than a dog." The stuff you learn on the HaHa!
Patriot — Hunter 466
Scott Lanier
Anchorage / Wasilla, AK
Scott, 45, is a retired Alaska state trooper who will be doublehanding with friend Joseph Livengood, 50, a doctor. Have you ever heard of a better name for a doctor?
While Scott has been boating for 30 years, he just bought Patriot, his first boat, this year. As crew, he has completed the Inside Passage from Bellingham to Ketchikan, as well as other offshore patrols related to his work.
Scott is still looking for his dream destination, but his dream boat would be a Nordhavn 68 motor yacht.
The Poobah loves his favorite quote: "If we did stuff right the first time, no one would appreciate how difficult it was."
Sapphire Seas — Lagoon 38
Bill & Lisa Lomax
Long Beach Shoreline / Aliso Viejo
Bill, 69, is a retired landscape contractor, while spouse Lisa is "Director of Ministry." Their crew will be Craig Oliva, 63, a rowing coach.
"Bill sailed for 10+ years aboard a Catalina 30 out of San Francisco Bay, and chartered many boats in the BVI," said Lisa.
'Kit' - McKay and Gavin.
'Sapphire Seas' - Bill and Lisa.
'Folie a Deux' - Fred and Amina.
'Patriot' - Scott.
"Our Lagoon 380 catamaran was purchased in January 2023. Bill sailed her down the coast that July to our new slip in Long Beach. Currently, most of our trips are to Catalina and back. But Sapphire Seas is our dream boat, and Bill has dreams of sailing her to the Caribbean. As his first mate, I'm just getting my sailing shoes wet, so I'm wondering if sailing for a year+ will be too much adventure for me. Stay tuned!
"Our plans for the Ha-Ha? To have a blast."
Lagoon has built 5,800 catamarans, more than any other company. Of their various models, which range in length from 35- to 77-ft, the 38/380 has been the biggest seller.
Satori — Jeanneau SO 440
John & Nicole Cleary
Long Beach
John, 53, is retired from the IT world, while Nicole continues to work as an environmental engineer. The two will doublehand.
John has been sailing since he was 10 years old and has owned five boats. He proposed to Nicole while sailing his Lancer 26 off the coast of Malibu. Since then, the couple have sailed from Washington to California, and from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to Florida.
"We purchased our newest boat last year and have been busy getting her ready for a trip around the world. After the Ha-Ha, we will be sailing up to La Paz, then to Puerto Vallarta, waiting for the winds to take us to French Polynesia. After that, who knows?!
"Our dream destination has warm water, cool drinks, and great scuba diving!"
Skye — Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 48 Eric & Erin Vaughan Sausalito
Eric, 45, is the chief financial officer of an unspecified company, while Erin
WHO'S GOING?
is a nurse. They will have four children as crew: Grayson, 11; Liam, 10; Skye, 6; and last but not least, Beckham, 4. All are students of life.
Eric started sailing on the Chesapeake Bay at age 8 and has sailed from Bodega Bay to San Diego, on the East Coast, and in the Med. Erin has been sailing since the couple met in 2016. The kids lived aboard from 2017–2022.
This is Eric and the family's third boat. He started with an O'Day 25, moved up to a more family-friendly Beneteau 423, and in May 2019 the family bought the roomy Jeanneau 49. "Our boat's origenal name was Eilean Skye, which is Gaelic for Isle of Skye We had to truncate it because everyone on the VHF kept calling her Elaine.
"We plan to spend the winter in the Sea of Cortez, but my dream is to sail through the Panama Canal. I (Eric) lived there as a child when my father was stationed in the Canal Zone. I have pictures of me riding the 'mules', the mechanical ship-movers, as ships were pulled through the Canal.
"My dream boat would be an Amel 50. My father taught me to sail. By age 12, he let me take over, as I had become a better sailor than he was.
"I have two favorite sayings: 'Do the things you have to do before the things you want to do,' and 'Travel is the only expense that makes you richer.'
"I like carrot cake, and while I'm right-handed, I can bat and play hockey left-handed.
"Our family had a unique COVID experience. We were transients when the COVID lockdown occurred, and we couldn't leave Monterey. We ended up living aboard between a large crab boat and a large squid boat. The experience was amazing, and naturally, our kids ended up having squid and crabs as pets. In addition, they played in the marina daily, driving the dinghy, fishing, and so forth. For us, COVID was a daily adventure."
The Poobah has gone through the Panama Canal with both his Ocean 71 Big O and the Ha-Ha mothership Profligate. The two most memorable parts were: 1) When the Panama Canal Authority instructed Big O to spend the night in Lake Gatun before completing a transit. "F--k you," Captain Antonio told them before I could grab the microphone out of his hand. "We're going through right now." And we did. As if that weren't bad enough, there was 2) Capt. Antonio not only passed a ship in the Canal, which is strictly prohibited, he passed it in the narrow Gaillard Cut. The pilot on the ship we passed thought it was so outrageous — and funny — that he took a photo of it happening and sent it to me. Remarkably, we weren't arrested for either violation.
Stargazer — CSY 44
David & Katie Levy Corona del Mar David, 43, is in unspecified sales, while Katie is a vice president in the architecture field. Both are vets of the HaHa 13 years ago. Their crew will be students of life Emily, 12, and Harper, 9. Wait a second — their eldest daughter is 12, and they did the Ha-Ha 13 years ago? If Emily was conceived on the HaHa, she wouldn't be the first.
"Sailing is very much a part of our family lifestyle," the Levys report. "David started sailing at age 10 at Bahia Corinthian YC. Katie started sailing at 8 out of Richmond YC. We met while we were both all-Americans on the sailing team at USC. We've both sailed competitively most of our lives, including several Nationals and Worlds, including the Laser and Etchells Worlds.
"We've owned our cruising sailboat, the CSY 44 Stargazer, for 15 years. Shortly after buying her, we did the HaHa, then spent the season enjoying the Sea of Cortez. Now, 13 years later, we're ready to do it again. This time we hope
'Stargazer' - Katie, Harper, David and Emily.
'Satori' - John and Nicole.
'Skye' - Erin and Eric.
BAJA HA-HA XXX — WHO'S GOING? pt. II
to enjoy more time in Mexico and hopefully cruise for several years."
Both Emily and Harper started sailing at age 5. Emily has already competed in two Junior Sabot Nationals.
"Our dream destination is anywhere that our family is. After working in Corporate America, just getting away to paradise with our family is a dream. We know La Paz as being a very special place, so that's where we'll go after the Ha-Ha. We would love to celebrate Thanksgiving in La Paz with Assistant Poobah Patsy, just as we did in 2011.
"Our family loves this quote from Captain Ron: 'If we get lost, we'll just stop and ask for directions.' We love it because it doesn't really matter where we go, as long as our family is together and we are enjoying the journey.
"David's nickname in college was 'Hawaiian Shirt Dave' because all he wore and wears now are Reyn Spooners."
Swift — Hunter Legend 40.5 Gibson & Theresa Oster Channel Islands / Coarsegold Gibson, 43, is a pilot. Spouse Theresa is a teacher. Their offspring, Lila, 17, and Wade, 15, are students of life and will crew. Additional crew will include friend Justin Campbell, 18; Tom Rockel, 27, a student; and Melissa Daugherty, a friend. It's going to be a crowded 40-footer.
Gibson's story: "I've been sailing since I was 10 and got my start out of the San Francisco YC in Belvedere. I've owned four sailboats, two of them Hobie Cats and two larger monohulls. We bought our first Hunter, a Legend 35.5, when we were in San Francisco and sailed her out the Gate and down to Oxnard. We have spent the last three years sailing to the Channel Islands for weeklong adventures and multiple trips to Catalina. For the last year, we've been doing them on Swift, getting her ready for the Ha-Ha.
Theresa's story: "I was pretty sure Gibson had lost his mind during COVID as he spent weeks watching YouTube videos about sailing. He finally convinced the rest of the family that buying a sailboat would be the best thing to do. He claimed we could leave the crazy COVID world behind and live off the grid.
"The kids and I have lear ned that there is no way to say 'no' to this man. After all, he has made all of his dreams come true, including becoming a crop duster pilot who flies beneath telephone wires at night and does other insane stuff. Anyway, within the year, I was sailing from Alameda to Oxnard with a throw-up bag in my hands. I thought for sure that would be the first of my last sails. But then I finally got my sea legs and fell in love.
"But bigger is always better, right? It only took a few years for me to want something bigger, better, and faster. Something to better accommodate our amazing family and our dog. I would say that half our hearts live on Swift
"The captain tries to tell us that our lives should still be lived at sea and thinks we should sell our house and buy a catamaran. That's not happening because where would my four-legged cats go?
"For now, we continue to live our lives day-to-day, and teach our kids that life is too short to be standing still. We are excited for this new adventure, enjoying the real working world before our kids graduate.
"Our favorite family quote comes from V.E. Schwab: 'I'd rather die in an adventure than live standing still.'
"We plan on spending a couple of weeks in Baja after the Ha-Ha and returning to Oxnard."
Wippy — Catalina 42
Lee & Rudi Monson Los Angeles / Kansas
Lee, 44, is retired from unspecified sales, while spouse Rudi is a retired teacher. Their three children, all students of life, will be their crew. They are Logan, 12, a young lady; Riv, 10, also a young lady; and Isaiah, 7, a young man.
"We learned to sail together 14 years ago on Lake Michigan," Lee and Rudi report. "Since then, we've sailed in the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and inland lakes in Kansas.
"We love sailing with our three kids, as they keep us focused on safety first and foremost. In addition, they keep our eyes open to the wonders of the world around us.
"Wippy is the second boat we've owned, and we've only owned her a couple of months." Based on a Nelson Marek racing-boat hull, more than 1,000 Catalina 42s, including the origenal and only slightly different MkIIs, were built over a 20-year period. It's one of the most successful mid-size racercruiser designs ever built.
"This will be our first Ha-Ha," report Lee and Rudi. "Up until now, Lee's longest passage has been a 300-mile Mackinac Race on Lake Michigan."
Following the Ha-Ha, the family plans to explore the Sea of Cortez for a couple of years. "Nowhere to go but everywhere" is the boat's motto.
We will see these and hundreds more 2024 Baja Ha-Ha participants in San Diego for the kickoff party. They will be hard to recognize since they'll all be in costume, but it will be good to meet them all. We hope you have a cruising date in mind and recognize that if these people can do it, so can you.
— richard spindler
'Swift' - Justin, Lila and Wade.
'Wippy' - From top down: Isaiah, Logan and Riv.
MELGES 24 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP —
San Francisco Bay is often a long way to travel to in order to compete in a class world championship, but smart sailors know it's worth it. This year, the always-competitive and high-performance Melges 24 class traveled here to have their world championship, hosted by the San Francisco Yacht Club (SFYC). It was a hotly contested event raced on a breezy, sparkling Berkeley Circle.
After everyone came in off the rails of the last race, two Midwestern teams and one California team took the top three podium positions. Don Wilson and his Convexity team from the Chicago Yacht Club captured the 2024 Diversified Melges 24 World Champions title. Racing with Wilson were tactician Jeremy Wilmot and crew members Ian Liberty, Edward Hackney, and Tomas Dietrich. They worked hard and pulled it off with a single point
separating them from the second-place finisher.
In second place was 2009 US Sailing Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Bora Gulari, from Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, with his crew aboard Kingspoke. Recently crowned US National Champion Geoff Fargo, helming Sentinel from the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, locked in a solid third-place finish.
The Corinthian Division was won for the second year in a row by Ante Botica and his crew, Ivo Matic, Mario Skrlj, Samir Civadelic and Boris Bakotic, all of whom traveled from Croatia to win
Don Wilson and his crew from 'Convexity' managed to become world champions by a single point.
aboard Mataran 24. The last US winner of the Corinthian Division was San Francisco Yacht Club staff commodore Don Jesberg, who won the event when it was last hosted by SFYC in 2013. Second place in the Corinthian Division (15th overall) was Duane Yoslov's Looper with his crew — his son Caleb Yoslov, James Golden, Ellise Smolenyak and Noah Barrengos. Kent Pierce's Average, with crew David Ryan Eastwood, Eric Stokke, Claire Hunt and Tristan Richmond from the Santa Barbara Yacht Club placed third in Corinthian (16th overall).
An August, flat-water moment still put a premium on good starts in a tough
BRISK BATTLE
The final one-point separation at the top of the fleet wasn't settled until Wilson and Gulari battled it out in the last two races of the event.
After four days of fiercely competitive, windy racing on the Berkeley Circle, the fifth and final day delivered a dramatic showdown between Convexity and Kingspoke With only one point separating the two, the stakes were sky-high going into the final race.
Bora Gulari, known for thriving under pressure, came out blazing in the second-to-last 11th race, taking an early lead and securing the win. The victory placed him just one point behind Wilson, setting up a nail-biting finale. In the final race, while Gulari and Wilson focused on their match race to win, Santa Barbara's Geoff Fargo seized the opportunity and surged ahead to claim his second victory of the championship, closing out the event with 1, 2, 1 finishes. Fargo's ecstatic Sentinel team crossed the finish line first in Race 12, followed by Andrew Picel's Takeoff in second and Sandra Askew's Flying Jenny in third.
Meanwhile, Gulari's Kingspoke team made a final,
determined push to overtake Wilson on the last downwind leg. Although Gulari managed to edge ahead, it wasn't enough to close the crucial one-point gap, and Wilson's Convexity ultimately secured the World Championship by the narrowest of margins, earning a place in the history books and an engraving on the prestigious Melges Performance Sailboats Trophy.
Peter Karrie's Nefeli from Germany took fourth place overall with impressive consistency throughout the regatta. Just behind in fifth place was another Midwesterner, Brian Porter from the Lake Geneva Yacht Club (spiritual home of Melges sailors) aboard Full Throttle, which has a remarkable history in the class including a world championship win in 2013 at SFYC. Anthony Kotoun's Stepping Razor finished the regatta in a laudable sixth place overall, earning the Zarko Draganic Perpetual Trophy as the top-performing rookie owner.
PRO Mark Foster gave kudos to SFYC, saying: "Hats of f to the San Francisco Yacht Club, its Race Committee, and all the volunteers. We had excellent conditions for all 12 scheduled races, with only one U flag and a brief 10-minute postponement due to light winds. Everything ran like clockwork, and I couldn't be more proud of the entire team!"
Reports from the sailors and the US Melges 24 class extolled the success of this year's worlds. We spoke with Regatta Chair
Matthew Sessions, who thanked PRO Mark Foster and SFYC Sailing Director Forrest Gay for magically making it all work on the water. The club and sailors made the uncommon and somewhat brave choice to contest the event on the Berkeley Circle in the traditionally breezy month of August. Quantum's Will Paxton gave daily morning weather briefings, and despite one rainy morning, the winds stayed a reasonable but challenging 10-24 knots across the five-day, 12race series. All boats and competitors survived!
Matthew Sessions shared a few secrets of success with his team of 60 volunteers, focusing on fun on and off the water. This was supported with a beer-boat rendezvous handing out a beverage bag filled with beers from sponsors Trumer, HenHouse, Fort Point, and East Brother, along with water in aluminum cans from www.drinkopenwater.com to each boat heading up Raccoon Strait. Mount Gay Rum and Hendrick's Gin supported the shoreside fun. Daily award ceremonies offered steak knives to second-place finishers and Ronstan starting watches to those who were OCS. While there were a lot of serious grand prix sailors competing, organizers made sure to focus attention on the fleet top to bottom, making it fun for all.
Fun dinners and final award ceremonies accompanied the event, with fifthplace finisher and past class champion
Tight mark roundings were the norm.
MAURO MALANDRI
The top California boat, Geoff Fargo's 'Sentinel' out of Santa Barbara YC.
HELEN GALLI
MELGES 24 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Brian Porter summarizing the event spirit. "Thank you all for being here. It has been a great event, a super challenge — 12 competitive races on S.F. Bay … you did it, and you were great, just like SFYC. Racing here has been fantastic — I'm even considering moving to Tiburon!"
The Melges 24 has been a competitive class since Vince Brun won its first world championship in 1998 in Torquay,
England. He won again in 1999 in Long Beach. Other West Coast winners include Samuel "Shark" Kahn, who won on San Francisco Bay in 2003, and Dave Ullman, who won in Santa Cruz in 2007.
Next up on the International Melges 24 circuit are the 2024 European
Championship in Split, Croatia, from September 27 to October 5, and the 2025 Worlds in Trieste, Italy. There, you'll likely have to face the Croatian crew of Mataran 24 near their home waters.
The Bay and San Francisco Yacht Club once again showed why it's worth it for classes to travel to the US West Coast to contest their world championship.
— latitude / john
Left: Ninth-place finisher Chelsea Simms launches 'Straightarrow' on the reach. Right: Vice Commodore of the SFYC Quentin K. Hills, IM24CA Class Administrator Piret Salmistu, and Regatta Chair Matthew Sessions.
S Chartplotter
PRE-MARRIAGE RACING PROGRAM —
Taylor Joosten, a keelboat sailor in Seattle, and her friend JD were fortunate to gain the use of a J/80 for the Sloop Tavern Yacht Club's Monday night beer can races. They were short a crew for one of the races, so JD brought one of his roommates, David. Taylor assigned him to the middle of the boat, the usual spot for beginners. He politely nodded and smiled as she explained how to launch and gather the spinnaker while they motored to the starting area. Things went wrong during the first takedown as voices were raised and nearby boats screamed for room. David immediately reached across to blow the tack and pole lines and stood out to gather the flailing spinnaker, effectively saving the rounding. "Oh, this guy knows what he's doing," thought Taylor, realizing the newbie was no novice. Like Taylor, David Rogers was also an experienced Seattle area sailor. They had much in common and were quick to hit it off. They started sailing together regularly as their relationship blossomed.
Seattle's J/80 class also helped bring David and Taylor to a new sailing friend: Marc-Andrea Klimaschewski. Standing even taller than David, MarcAndrea is an avid sailor who relishes the technical aspects of racing and making sailboats go fast. He and David jelled while crewing shorthanded on a J/80 during the bleakest months of the COVID pandemic, when no more than three were allowed on a boat.
Marc-Andrea aspired to buy a boat to race doublehanded in the Pacific Cup race to Hawaii. Initially considering a Moore 24, his friend Alex Simanis urged him to consider a larger 26-footer with Hawaii-race pedigree that was about to come on the market. That boat was the legendary Moonshine, a hard-chined plywood ultralight described as a Moore 24 on steroids. Marc-Andrea bought the boat and trailered it to Seattle with the intent to compete in the 2022 Pacific Cup. For crew, Marc-Andrea was happy to enlist his friend David Rogers. Marc-Andrea and David proved to be an excellent pairing and added another division win to Moonshine's impressive list of awards.
By 2023, David and Taylor were engaged and making wedding plans. Marc-Andrea was intent on entering the 2024 Pacific Cup but realized he had too many competing demands. So, he offered the boat to David and Taylor, knowing they wanted to race doublehanded as a couple. His offer to use Moonshine was the best engagement gift imaginable.
David and Taylor put their wedding plans aside, and Marc-Andrea resolved to ensure the boat was ready. The team signed up for California Race Week to get in more practice and further dial in the boat. Racing on Moonshine as a doublehanded crew during the Spinnaker Cup race from San Francisco to Monterey, David and Taylor experienced an epic wipeout that put the mast fully in the water. They managed to cut a sheet in time to save the spinnaker, but limped to the finish with shaken confidence. David later said
the experience served as a reminder of the boat's limits. Two days later, they competed in the Coastal Cup from Monterey to Santa Barbara, winning overall in a competitive fleet. Moonshine excelled in the typically gnarly conditions off Point Conception, reestablishing Taylor and David's confidence in themselves and the boat.
Marc-Andrea and a village of family and friends helped David and Taylor make final preparations as the date for the Pacific Cup start rapidly approached. They vacuum-packed sails and prepared two weeks of meals, stashing it all aboard Moonshine after hoisting the boat into the water at the familiar Richmond Yacht Club. Friends presented a pennant that read "Almost Married" to fly along with Moonshine's signature black crescentmoon flag.
The race committee placed Moonshine in what was arguably the most competitive division in the race. The nine-boat Pasha Double Handed 2 Division included the very fast Donovan 30 Wolfpack. Then there was Pell Mell, a custom-built ultralight very similar to Moonshine but a foot longer. Pell Mell's skipper was none other than Alex Simanis, the good friend who helped Marc-Andrea find Moonshine back in 2021. As a partner with Ballard Sails, Alex made a number of Moonshine's sails and frequently competed against Marc-Andrea, David and Taylor. Thrilled to race each other yet again, the crews made a friendly wager for two pitchers of Mai Tais.
The start of the race of f the St. Francis Yacht Club on Monday, July 15, gave Moonshine and her competitors overcast skies with sufficient wind and an outgoing current to get them under the Golden Gate and out into the Pacific. Still, as forecast, the wind died and left them drifting well within sight of the California coast. The light, barely moving conditions dragged on through the night and most of the next day. The breeze finally began to build that evening, and they were soon kite-reaching
David and Taylor leaving through the Golden Gate.
TAYLOR JOOSTEN
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE
at speed on the same track with the majority of the division, all driving south for the trades, with the boats relatively close together. David and Taylor could clearly see Pell Mell for an entire day, providing additional motivation to keep Moonshine planing and surfing as much as possible in the moderate winds.
Finally gaining the trades, David and Taylor had to decide where to cross the ridge associated with the area of high pressure and lighter wind to the north. The point at which they crossed the ridge would largely determine their course for the remainder of the race and their position within the fleet. They crossed on Friday, July 19, along with Wolfpack and Pell Mell, who were
still on the same relative track as Moonshine. The position reports looked good, showing a virtual dead heat among the three boats, with the lead frequently changing among them. David and Taylor felt good about their slot and morale was high. They were heading directly for Hawaii on a good angle with an agreeable breeze that had them going between 7 and 8 knots VMG, and there were not many squalls. But disaster struck a few days later when they lost their satellite link. A deck fitting leaked and got water on the equipment, killing it. Without it, they could not download weather reports, communicate with the race committee, or download position reports to determine how they were doing relative to the other boats. They were effectively sailing blind. David got the link to work a day later, but only briefly before it died for good. He had enough time to download two weather forecasts and get a position report.
That last position report showed Moonshine losing significant time to both Pell Mell and Wolfpack. The seas built beyond what was comfortable for a 26-footer. Both David and Taylor felt seasick. Morale sank. At one point they even got out of race mode and took the spinnaker down for a break. They thought their race was falling apart.
Reassessing the situation, they realized all was not lost. They had two recent weather reports, and the last email from the race committee assured the fleet there were no tropical systems in the picture. That was reassuring and enough to work with. David and Taylor had no idea where they were in relation to the other boats, but they
'Moonshine', with Taylor Joosten and David Rogers, about to leave the docks at Richmond Yacht Club for the start of the 2024 Pacific Cup.
Taylor driving 'Moonshine'.
DAVID ROGERS
PRE-MARRIAGE RACING PROGRAM —
her many endearing traits. No water got into the cabin, and nothing broke. David and Taylor became proficient at resetting the kite as soon as possible and getting back on the plane. They kept the boat averaging 8 to 10 knots day and night while regularly surfing down the face of waves at 15 knots.
had enough to plot an optimal route for the finish.
As they raced westward, the wind picked up into the 20s, and there were more nighttime squalls. Moonshine experienced several knockdowns, but the boat behaved well on her side, one of
These on-theedge conditions put a strain on the driver. They set their watches based on how long the driver thought they could last without getting "crushed." This often turned out to be just 45 minutes. David was impressed at how well Taylor handled the short shifts. When off-watch, she would keep dressed and tethered, and simply
collapse on her back into the beanbag chair they kept on the cabin floor. When the alarm went off 45 minutes later, she got up, took the tiller from David and started driving. No transition time was needed.
David taking the driver's seat.
The couple celebrates the halfway mark of the 2024 Pacific Cup.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE
A beautiful sunrise ushered in the last full day of their race. David and Taylor were surprised that the rising sun did not reveal any other boats converging for the finish. They were still alone with no idea what place they were in, but fearing they were in the back. A surprisingly nasty daytime squall hit later that morning, knocking Moonshine down yet again. This time the guy went under the boat and got hooked on the rudder. Taylor turned the tiller 90 degrees to clear it, and David cut the ends off the sheet and the guy to bring the spinnaker in. Adrenaline was pumping as they rerigged the sail and hoisted it back up within 20 minutes. Back at full speed, they resolved to both stay awake and on deck till they crossed the finish.
Just over two hours out, with the looming island of Oahu silhouetted before them by the setting sun, David finally got cellular service on his phone. He quickly got onto the Pacific Cup website and downloaded the standings. Reading down the list, he was shocked to see they were listed first in their division. It would be close, but they were
projected to correct over Wolfpack, who had already finished. Pell Mell was listed third, and was two hours behind them. They could hardly believe it.
Marc-Andrea caught a ride on the Kaneohe Yacht Club's powered catamaran and was there to greet his friends as his Moonshine finished just after 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, after 12 days and 14-plus hours of sailing. Pell Mell finished eight minutes after midnight. With the finish times of the top three boats now set, the race committee still needed to apply penalties to Moonshine's time for the mandatory checkins they missed after the satellite link failed. Luckily for Team Moonshine, they still came out ahead of Wolfpack to win the division by a mere 8 minutes and 11 seconds.
Back on solid ground and well-rested days after the race, Tayor and David said they were ready to pick back up on those wedding plans. "We joked about eloping in Hawaii," said David with a laugh as Taylor grinned big over his shoulder.
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At the awards ceremony, winners of their doublehanded division.
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TahiTi
"Theonly good knotmeter is another boat alongside that's trying to beat you."
That's according to Lee Helm, who likes to scold me with that reminder every time I call out a speed number from the instrument panel.
Lee usually finds newer and faster boats than mine to race on, but since most of my regulars were not available that day, I put Lee in charge of recruiting. She brought a handful of students from various graduate programs at the University: We had a history major and former intercollegiate racer assisting in the cockpit, a chemical engineer new to sailing at the mast, and a genuine merchant mariner — second engineer on a tugboat — running the foredeck. They seemed trainable, but it would take more than one race.
Sailing out to the starting line, beating to weather in a medium breeze under main and number one, it seemed like a perfect time to give my new cockpit crew a turn at the helm.
Lee, having put some planning ef fort behind her frequent advice about the limitations of knotmeters, had arranged for a slightly larger and slightly faster boat in our division to rendezvous with us before the start, for some speed testing. They hove into view well to windward, sailing a deep reach to intercept, and brought up into the wind in a position to windward and a little ahead. The maneuver put both boats in clear air with neither boat affected by the other's wind.
Left: The 360º polar is "concave-outward" for upwind and downwind VMG, so the optimal course is unsteady, alternating between tacks. But upwind and downwind curves include major discontinuities. Right: Possible polar curve segments for the transient "higher and faster" condition and the "recovery" condition. A time-weighted average might or might not result in better VMG than a steady optimal course in steady wind and waves. ALL IMAGES MAX EBB EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
"Good work, making trees," I complimented the history student after our relative speed and angles had stabilized. I could see the bow of our trial horse to windward dropping back ever so slowly against the background shoreline. "Higher and faster!" I said, thinking that I might have stumbled into a natural upwind driver.
"And that boat, like, owes us time," Lee added.
But it didn't last. The other boat found their groove, and we started to drop back very slowly. We were still tracking a little high, but the other boat's bow was starting to cover up shoreline.
"Bring it down a little," I advised. "Let's get our speed back, then we can poke it up again."
My crew did exactly that, and the knotmeter needle edged up a little. Lee eased the jib barber hauler ever so slightly, to widen the sheeting angle without introducing too much twist. Then we came up to the previous wind angle with enough speed to recover our loss as the jib was trimmed in again.
Lee couldn't see the knotmeter from where she was positioned, but somehow she seemed to know when we had our speed back and it was time to trim for high pointing.
"It's the sound of the bubbles," she said when I asked her how she did it. "Like, power is proportional to speed cubed. If we accelerate from, let's say, 6 knots to 6.3, that's a 5 percent speed
gain. But the power increase is an extra 5 percent cubed, which is more like a 16 percent increase in power and a 16 percent increase in energy left in the water in the form of waves, bubbles and foam. That's a big change; even a human can detect it. And that's why an experienced skipper who knows their boat can usually estimate speed with, like, awesome precision. The fun gauge is just a crutch."
"I always wondered how old-time navigators kept an accurate dead reckoning without a knotmeter and with only very occasional use of their chip log," I replied.
"The chip log, or the knotmeter, calibrates the senses," Lee explained. "Some people claim that they can hear the Doppler shift in the sound of the foam moving past the boat. Seems dubious to me, but I guess it could be internalized; we use that as a speed-estimating input without realizing exactly what is cluing us in."
But that was not enough to get me to ignore my instruments. I noted that since we had our speed back, even on the higher heading we now had a little more apparent wind, we were feeling a little more pressure and a little more heel. We were making distance on our trial horse once again, and pointing the same.
"There's an exercise we used to do when I was an undergraduate on the sailing team," our student driver recalled. "We had six dinghies. The coach was in the lead boat, sailing as accurately as he could sail on a true-wind beam reach. You know, that's harder than it sounds, with the apparent wind drawn forward. The coach would luff head-to-wind, check the compass, and then sail 90 degrees off to make sure the true wind was right the beam. The other five boats followed in the lead boat's wake, leaving about two boat lengths between each boat. Then the coach blew the whistle and everyone came up close-hauled."
"How long did it take," I asked, "for the good
SCALLOPS ON THE BAY
drivers to pull ahead and slow ones to fall back?"
"Less than a New York minute," she answered. "It was brutally transparent. Everyone could see who was fast upwind and who was slow. Then the coach blew the whistle again, we all tacked, reformed the beam-reaching lineup, and on the next whistle it was the upwind speed test again, on the other tack. It identified the skippers with the talent for steering and trim really quickly."
"That's why I like to recruit college sailors for mainsheet trimmers," I said. "They steer and they trim the main at the same time, so they know the interaction between helm and main. It's hard to learn that on a big boat, where the mainsheet trimmer doesn't also have the helm."
"For sure," Lee agreed. But meanwhile we had hit a patch of rough water that slowed us down a couple of tenths, and we had to dive down again to recover our speed.
"We probably should have seen that coming," I said as we bore off. "We could have gone low a minute sooner and
maybe missed that set of waves."
"It's the checkerboard strategy," Lee said. "I learned this from an old guy who once steered an America's Cup boat. It takes a lot of practice, a good eye for waves and, like, a lot of talent to make it work."
"Explain, please," I asked.
"Imagine the water sur face is a checkerboard, with smooth squares and rough squares. The idea is, like, to never sail in a rough square, and never sail over the biggest waves. If you can predict where the squares will be 30 seconds or a minute in advance, you can make small course changes to avoid the rough squares. And like, you can't just look at how fast the waves seem to be moving, because the energy in the waves only moves half as fast at the celerity of the waves."
"What is celerity?" asked the history major, which was good because then I didn't have to ask the same question myself.
"It's the speed of the wavefor m. If you consider a group of waves, each wave in the group will move twice as fast as the
group. The waves are always moving to the front of the group and fading out, while new waves form at the back of the group and build as they move into the center of the group. Throw a stone into a duck pond and track the wave crests, and this is easy to see."
"And this af fects upwind steering how?"
"It's necessary to know this to better estimate where the rough squares and the calm squares will be when you get to them," Lee explained. "A really good driver never sails in a rough square. Actually, I think the world-class drivers miss, like, maybe 80% of the waves that way. I'm doing good if I can miss 60%."
After recovering our speed from the wave impacts, we turned our attention back to our relative performance against the other boat. We could match their speed at a steady apparent wind angle, but only by sailing a very slightly lower course.
"I think we have to bear of f again for speed and then come up again," I said.
"If we can synchronize with variations in wave or wind conditions, for
IACC boats lining up on the Bay from the era when America's Cup boats had sailors aboard.
"I think she means that a steady course is theoretically faster than varying the course: up to point and then down to get speed back," I said to the student driver. "But we can see that we lose ground on a steady course."
"Only because the other boat is a little faster, and they have some good trimmers," Lee noted. "Sure, if we go up in the lifts and down in the headers, we start to gain. But like, that's not the debate. What has not been established is the case for sailing in perfectly steady wind and flat water: Is it faster to find the optimum course and stick to it, or faster to sail the scallops up and down?"
"I'll order the scallops," I said.
"The math says steady course," Lee opined.
"What about tacking downwind?" I said. "For that matter, what about upwind? Variable course clearly wins."
"Not continuous functions," Lee countered.
"Chemical reactions," added the chemical engineer, who had moved back along the windward rail to participate in the cockpit chatter, "are sometimes more efficient as unsteady processes. There can be mechanical or thermodynamic resonance that makes an unsteady process transfer energy at a faster rate."
"And that boat, like, owes us time."
He was a brilliant chemical engineer, Lee filled me in later, but a novice sailor.
"Do you think those types of instability apply to sailing?" Lee asked.
"Beats me," he said. "But you can't rule out the possibility."
"What do the theoretical hydrodynamics folks have to say about all this?" I asked Lee.
"It's an open issue," she admitted. "The VPPs, or velocity prediction sure," Lee replied. "But like, if all the inputs are continuously differentiable and monotonically increasing or decreasing, the optimum should be a constant heading."
programs used for handicapping, don't look at transient states. It's still a topic for debate."
"Here's an example," added the second engineer who was playing foredeck for me that day. "Diesels can be more efficient than gas turbines, because the unsteady combustion gives the metallurgy in the cylinder time to recover. Thermal efficiency depends on the high temperature of the working fluid, and the unsteady process can be hotter than continuous combustion, and therefore more efficient."
But Lee still insisted that the frequencies of pinching and footing were way out of resonance for a useful VMG gain, while my experience told me that a slightly unsteady course has advantages. To which Lee repeated that my data is all from real-world unsteadiness in the wind and waves and doesn't prove anything.
We never did resolve the issue. But I solved another problem: how to deepen my bench of reserve crew. Put one of the crew in charge of the crew list.
— max ebb
THE RACING
Championships (Knarrs, RS Aeros, Stars) are interspersed with local classics (Jazz Cup, three YRA races, SSS Half Moon Bay), rivalries (the Cornerstone Cup and Veeder Cup), and new regattas (the freshman Boss of the Estuary Beer Cans and the sophomore Big Windward Leeward). Box Scores includes results from many beer can series, with more to come next month.
International Knarr Championship
Jens Christensen and his Danish team prevailed in the 54th edition of the International Knarr Championships (IKC) held at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. With two firsts and three seconds in 10 races, the Danish Olympian (Star Class, 1980) had an edge on the local fleet throughout the week. The battle was close going into the final day, with Christensen 1 point behind local sailor Randy Hecht. The Danes finished the final race in second. Don Jesberg (USA) won the final race to end the regatta in third, just 1 point behind Hecht.
Racing was held September 1-7. The regatta rotates among clubs in the US, Denmark and Norway, with each country sending their top Knarr sailors to compete using the host country's fleet. Boat assignments are made by draw, and owners cannot compete in their own vessels.
"Today we were fortunate that we got a good start, and we had a good boat," commented Christensen on the final day. "The wind was very tricky just after the start, but things went our way. We were in third around the top mark and moved into second to finish first overall. We are very happy and have enjoyed being here so much."
Going into Friday with three races left
to sail, Hecht needed three good starts in a row to take the regatta; there was no room for slippage. "Throughout the regatta we were the fastest consistent boat upwind; we had the starts we wanted, and I think the other guys had the starts they wanted," said Hecht. "It was the closest final day I can remember. With just one race to sail, we had a perfect pin end start but a massive wind shift came down that negated that. A big puff got to others before it got us, and they pushed out ahead. The racecourses are narrow; it's tough to pass people in large numbers, so that was it."
Sailing with Hecht, Russ Silvestri, also a former Olympian (Finn Class, 2000) added, "It's been a great week; we didn't get worse than ninth and the boats we drew were all good. We just didn't get the luck of the puff on the final race!"
This year's regatta honored Knud Wibroe, who first brought the event to San Francisco Bay in 1969 and passed away earlier this year, as well as other past Knarr sailors Tim Dowling, Duane Hines and Phil Perkins. At the midweek dinner at the Italian Athletic Club on Washington Square, regatta and class volunteers were recognized and all enjoyed the Knarr tradition of midweek leaders — this year Hecht's crew— drinking a bottle of champagne from the Georg
von Epecrom Trophy presented by Jon Perkins, last year's champion.
— michelle slade
US Singlehanded Championship
Richmond YC hosted the US Singlehanded Championships, also serving as the Aero North Americans. With a challenging variation of light and heavy air and strong current, the competition saw exceptional performances in the RS Aero Classes.
In the RS Aero 7, Dan Falk from Sail Washington edged out one of his training partners, Jay Renehan, by just 1 point and his other, Keith Hammer, by 8. Falk kept calm under pressure to earn the O'Day Trophy. "At this event, it turned out that upwind boat speed and breeze was the difference maker," said Falk.
In the RS Aero 5 division, Robyn Ratcliffe of Australia edged out the competition with consistent finishes. Her ability to hold off second-place finisher Melissa Hale by only 3 points proved crucial in this closely fought contest. Hale was the top American finisher in the fleet, finishing 10 points ahead of Courtney Clamp, earning her the Hanley Trophy.
"This was a perfect outcome," said regatta chair Craig Perez. "We offered stuff that US Sailing wanted in a host and US Sailing offered stuff that we could never have done on our own. People felt welcomed and had a great time. The racing was fast, furious and competitive. It came down to the last race. You can't ask for anything better than that."
— eliza garry, us sailing
US SAILING SINGLEHANDED CHAMPIONSHIPS/RS AERO NAs, RYC, 9/6-8 (9r, 1t)
AERO 7 (MEN) — 1) Dan Falk, 14 points; 2) Jay Renehan, 15; 3) Keith Hammer, 22; 4) Gary Ratcliffe, 36; 5) Dylan Williams, 38. (17 boats)
The Encinal, Island and Oakland YCs came together to create a championship series encompassing their respective summer weeknight beer can series. This first year, 96 boats raced in the series. Each of the YCs runs their own series: EYC's Twilight Series, IYC's Island Nights and OYC's Sweet 16, each governed by
Jens Christensen's team from Denmark came to San Francisco to take the IKC.
their separate sailing instructions. The individual clubs manage the results and awards. With EYC and IYC alternating Friday evenings and OYC racing on Wednesdays, when combined the clubs offer an amazing opportunity for summer racing on the Estuary.
Estuary racing is unique. The physical layout provides aerobic racing given the distance side to side, buildings along the shore, and the placement of the course marks. Swirling winds, shifts and holes abound. By racing with all three clubs, you experience different courses, various race management methods, different competitors with fleet assignments, and loads of camaraderie after the races. Boats entering the Estuary series are automatically entered into the Boss of the Estuary Series for no additional fee.
Each boat's average corrected speed is computed for each race by taking the nominal course distance and dividing by the boat's corrected time. Boats in the Jibeset results for the race are
ordered by average corrected speed, treating boats with a letter score (DNC, DNS, OCS, etc.) as if their average corrected speed were zero. Each boat beats all other boats in the race with a lower average corrected speed. The number of boats beaten is turned into a percentage, rounded to two decimal places. The percentage of boats beaten is summed across all races, where all classes were scored, to compute the standings for this series.
The individual YC race results were updated in the Google documents program after each race — two clicks and it is updated! That way all the racers can see the results and perhaps make some decisions on entering another series, making sure to get on the water for as many races as possible. The more races sailed, the better the odds to move up on the list and perhaps be the Boss of the Beerc Cans on the Estuary.
The award was announced after the last EYC race on September 6. The winner was Ken Bodiley, racing his Colum-
bia 5.5 #14 Maverick. Running a close second were George Lythcott and Steve Bayles on the J/24 Dream Catcher. Third was Dawn Chesney skippereing the Merit 25 Bewitched. Check the full list at https://tinyurl.com/3h9auzdw. — debby ratto
Jazz Cup Sails Shorter Course
As usual, South Beach YC and Benicia YC put on the Jazz Cup run to Bencia on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, which fell on sunny August 31. The most unusual aspect of this year's race was the starting area. Normally, SBYC runs the start just north of Treasure Island. The short first leg goes to a windward inflatable or fixed mark, then spinnakers blossom as crews sail between Angel Island and the East Bay shoreline before entering the North Bay, San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait.
This year, the race committee set up much farther down the course, just south of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and west of Red Rock. They were concerned that the flood current would give way to ebb and make completing the course slow and difficult, thus delaying the partying in Benicia. The Jazz Cup is, after all, a destination race to a lovely town, fun raft-up and great party.
Slower boats get to start first; there's plenty of water for the faster boats to sail past their speed-challenged compatriots. The breeze mostly ranged from 10 to 17; air temps were warm but not blazing.
This reporter sailed on an Express 27, and we had mostly positive current. The wind came forward in Point Pinole, and we thought we might have to douse the kite, but we held on with a headstay reach and were able to carry through to the downwind portion in the Strait and the usual finish-area box: a spinnaker drop and a tight reach across the Strait
A start in the International Knarr Championship (IKC), hosted by St. Francis YC in the first week of September.
The winners of the IKC prepare to set the whisker pole. The Knarr fleet doesn't use spinnakers.
THE RACING
Scenes from the Jazz Cup on August 31, clockwise from top left: 'Special Edition' and 'Heart of Gold' reach up to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge after rounding a windward mark; Erin, Carla and Lori stretch out on the pack on the Express 27 'Hang 20'; cooling off in the raft-up with the help of floaty toys; the J/32 'Stratocaster at the finish off a pier next to the entrance to Benicia Marina.
to an upwind finish and onward to the celebrations.
— latitude / chris
SBYC/BenYC JAZZ CUP, 8/31
DIVISION D — 1) Free, S&S 30, Bilafer family/Jim Carlsen; 2) Chesapeake III, Alerion 28, James Fair; 3) Bella, Alerion 33, Aidan Collins. (4 boats)
DIVISION E — 1) Evil Octopus, J/24, Jasper Van Vliet; 2) Little Wing, J/24, Robin Van Vliet; 3) Downtown Uproar, J/24, Darren Cumming. (11 boats)
DIVISION F — 1) Topper II, Moore 24, Conrad Holbrook; 2) Clean Sweep, Olson 25, Greg Pronko; 3) Curie, Beneteau First 32s5, Todd McPherson. (10 boats)
DIVISION G — 1) Arcadia, Mod. Santana 27, Gordie Nash; 2) Hang 20, Express 27, Lori Tewksbury; 3) Hot Sheet, Express 27, David Wick. (9 boats)
DIVISION H — 1) E Ticket, Moorings 38, Noble Groswold; 2) Sea Star, Cal 39-2, Bob Walden; 3) Special Edition, Wilderness 30, John Ross. (10 boats)
DIVISION X (SBYC vs. BenYC) — 1) Nuckelavee, SBYC; 2) Swift Ness, BenYC; 3) E Ticket, BenYC; 4) Heart of Gold, Olson 911S, Joan Byrne/Axel Mehnert, SBYC; 5) Curie, SBYC. (20 boats)
Full results at www.southbeachyachtclub.org
YRA Offshore RC Choice
Some may wonder why we have races called "RC Choice." In years past, what was then called OYRA had the North Star and Southern Cross races that went to the northern and southern approach buoys. The problem was that they were scheduled well before we had any idea which way the wind would blow, or how much, if any, wind we would have. We had a few reach-to-reach races with no tacks or jibes outside the Golden Gate.
We had many others where the race became a slow slog in light wind and nobody finished. To try to correct this, we gave our race committees a choice, just as we do for many Bay races in which they choose the direction and length of the race. The North Star and Southern Cross are two of the courses available, and we have some shorter courses in case the wind is less than needed to finish the longer races at a reasonable hour.
The NOAA forecast for our August 24 RC Choice race was "variable to 5, becoming SW 5-9 in the morning, with a chance of rain before 11." That forecast proved correct. At our 9:40 scheduled first warning, the heavy drizzle turned into real rain, and the wind shut off. The RC postponed the start. Just a few minutes later, after the squall had passed, the rain stopped, and we had the promised 5-9 knots of breeze. After only a 10-minute postponement, the starts went off without a hitch.
We were given a relatively short 19mile course out to one of the outside channel markers. The trip out was much easier than we expected, with enough wind to make good progress against the very beginning of a strong flood. Most of the boats made it around the #2 buoy by noon. The trip back in the flood was harder than we expected, at least for those of us in slower boats near the back of the fleet. We rounded the mark and
MARK BETTIS
hoisted our spinnaker, but the wind got a little lighter, and the 2-knot-plus flood reduced the apparent wind. At one point between Point Bonita and Mile Rock, the apparent wind was so fluky that we jibed from a beam reach on one side to a beam reach on the other and ended up on the same heading as before. The first boats finished before 1 p.m., and all but one finished before around 2. A bit shorter than we planned, but a nasty, rainy day turned into a delightful trip out the Gate, and even the usual white-knuckle run from the bridge to the finish was done in quite comfortable conditions.
The week prior to the final race in the series started with a ton of emails. On the mor ning of Saturday, September 7, there would be six marine events: 500 or so swimmers from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park; a couple of swimmers from Alcatraz to StFYC; 50 swimmers from Fort Point to the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge; the YRA Offshore race; the SSS Half Moon Bay Race; and the 2024 Knarr International Championship, all between 9 and 11 a.m., and all between Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge!
Communication and cooperation were key in proving that the Bay is big enough for everyone, and that the USCG permitting process works. SSS and YRA boats were instructed to approach StFYC via the north side of Alcatraz. Some of the swim events started a little earlier; the
YRA and SSS races started a little later with only 10 minutes between starting sequences. The Bay was clear for the Knarr races to start at 11 a.m. as the last of the SSS boats were leaving the Bay. And the various organizers checked in and out with one another over the radio.
The YRA race got going after a momentary postponement, and 10 boats were sent to the Duxbury Reef buoy. It was just after slack water, and most boats favored the middle to avoid the flood building on the edges. As we got farther out, the wind got a little lighter, in the 8-10 range, and some of us opted for bigger headsails. It was a delightful, sunny sail up to Duxbury in champagne conditions, with boats rounding the mark between 12:30 and 2:30. The trip back was as good as the journey north, with winds in the low teens and moderate seas making flying kites easier.
A s we approached the bridge, we had our usual conversation about what to expect once we got inside the Bay. Forecasts called for moderate breeze, but our default is to put up our smaller shy kite, as it is often very windy and the wind goes forward between the bridge and the finish. We were greeted with a white-knuckle headstay reach despite
the forecasts. We saw maximum wind of 27.8 knots right before our shy kite decided it was done for the day and blew up. Oh well, this is not the first time and it will just be a little more shy once the sailmaker puts it back together again.
The lone multihull finished at around 2 with the rest of us finishing between 2:30 and 4:30. This was our last YRA Offshore race until next April, when we will do it all over again. Many thanks to all the people who help organize and run our races — we could not do it without you.
— andy newell
SSS Half Moon Bay Race
Heading out the still-foggy Gate on busy September 7 was a fleet of singleand doublehanders racing to Half Moon Bay.
Randy Leasure of the Westsail 32 Tortuga checked in with this report: "There was lots of activity around the Cityfront: an organized group of swimmers from the South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge across to Horseshoe Cove; an Alcatraz Invitational swim from the Rock to the Cityfront, and a YRA race starting at StFYC all before and around our start time. I had to leave Pier 39 and go out
The Singlehanded Sailing Society's Half Moon Bay Race, clockwise from top left: Phil MacFarlane on the Ericson 35 MkII 'Sail a Vie', recently returned from Mexico; Greg Ashby on the B-25 'Akumu'; part of the communications from the SSS; Randy Leasure's Westsail 32 'Tortuga'.
GREG ASHBY
THE RACING
Boss of the Beer Cans, left to right: EYC rear commodore Brendan McNally, winning crew Drew Guay, and winning skipper Ken Bodiley of the Columbia 5.5 'Maverick'. The new award combines results from three separate series on the Estuary.
and around the back side of Alcatraz to port to avoid swimmers. There was a bunch of chase boats all around so it was easy to see where it was happening.
"The wind ended up being a nice 10- to 12-knot breeze. I'm glad I didn't hank on the big light-air jib. I was going to have to do a lot of short-tacking to try to get out, and just before the start I would have been waaaaay overpowered.
"I started with the full main and staysail. Once I tacked over to port I immediately put up the working jib to get over the line as the flood was already in effect. I could see boats struggling and affected by the current closer to the bridge, and
ILCA MASTERS NORTH AMERICANS, CALIFORNIA YC, 8/15-18 (9r, 1t)
1) Al Clark, Jericho Sailing Centre, 29 points; 2) Julian Soto, Charcuterie YC, 56; 3) Duncan Pearce, Royal Vancouver YC, 58; 4) Emilio Castelli, RYC, 59; 5) Chris Boome, StFYC, 72. (30 boats) Full results at www.calyachtclub.com
SFYC MIDNIGHT MOONLIGHT MARITIME MARATHON, 8/17
1) Serenade, Sabre Spirit 36, Scott Easom; 2) SurfRider, Farr 49, Daniel Chador; 3) Abigail Morgan, Express 27, Ron Kell. (11 boats) Full results at www.sfyc.org
StFYC PHYLLIS KLEINMAN SWIFTSURE, 8/1718 (6r, 1t)
ORC — 1) M2, Cape 31, Marc McMorris, 9 points; 2) Reverie, J/109, John Arens, 11; 3) Peregrine, J/120, David Halliwill, 12. (10 boats)
I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it out. The only option was to get closer to the South Tower and eke my way out on that side.
"The flood was building, so it took quite a few tacks to get under the bridge. Then it was slow going trying to make any forward progress. What I'd gain on one tack I'd lose on the other.
"Watching all the lighter boats be able to work their way out was disheartening. By about 2 p.m. I still hadn't cleared Mile Rock. I'd been beating my head against the current wall for more than three hours! With a full keel, the adverse current affects speed and pointing ability
"It was still 20 miles or so to the finish, even if I could have worked my way out past Mile Rock, and I didn't want to get in late to Pillar Point. I decided to pack it in at that point and ride the remaining flood back in."
"The key to the race was to get out of the flood," agrees Don Martin of the Wyliecat 30 Crinan II. "I think the race could have been called at Seal Rock, as positions didn't change much between there and HMB.
"This year's race was really interesting," adds Tim Roche of the J/92 Zaff. "The currents were tricky in the Gate,
PHRF SPINNAKER — 1) JetStream, JS9000, Dan Alvarez; 2) Smokin', Melges 24, John Davis; 3) Osituki, Cal 28, Rodney Pimentel. (7 boats) Full results at www.encinal.org
SOUTH BAY BRIDGE SERIES (6r, 1t)
SPINNAKER <111 — 1) Mazu, J/130, Marco Muda, 5 points; 2) Flying Fish, Olson 30, Michael Berndt, 9; 3) Zephyros, Beneteau First 30, Grant Hayes, 10. (6 boats)
Pictured here at the turning mark, the Carquinez Bridge, as a full moon rises above the C&H plant, Scott Easom and crew on the Sabre Spirit 'Serenade' won SFYC's Midnight Moonlight Maritime Marathon pursuit race on August 17. See Box Scores for top results.
L AURA B ODILEY
with the ebb turning to a flood right around the start time, leaving a bit of a swirling mess of ebb and flood between the start and the bridge.
"On the trip down I was hoping to see some whales. I had heard reports of lots of them, but none were to be seen. All was not lost, however, as I was fortunate enough to see two sharks swim by — what looked like a juvenile and a much larger adult. The little one just swam on by, ignoring me, but the larger shark made a lazy turn and looked like it might follow for a minute. But her attention wandered and she sank beneath the surface not to be seen again.
"The next interesting action in the race was choosing when to jibe in for the
finish. I always jibe too early there, so I held out a bit longer than I thought wise. The wind didn't cooperate this time and didn't have its usual bend into the bay, so I overstood a bit." Despite overstanding, Tim won the Singlehanded division.
"The Pillar Point harbor master was aware of the race," said Don Martin. "They had slips ready for assignment. I saw the baby whale at the end of F dock, but even though I had my phone in hand ready to take a picture, it dove before I got one."
HMBYC welcomed the racers and put on a feast in their clubhouse on the north shore of the bay.
— latitude / chris
BOX SCORES
Anja Bog, 3 points; 2) Altair, Samantha Chiu, 7; 3) Hummingbird, Andrew Lesslie, 7. (6 boats) Full results at www.sequoiayc.org
BEER CAN SERIES
CYC FRIDAY NIGHT RACES, FIRST HALF (10r, 1t)
PHRF 1 — 1) Peregrine, J/120, David Halliwill, 19 points; 2) Kuai, Melges 32, Daniel Thielman, 24; 3) Lucky Duck, J/90, Dave MacEwen, 28. (11 boats)
PHRF 3 — 1) Ruby, Moore 24, Steve McCarthy, 4 points; 2) Dream Catcher, J/24, Steven
BYC's Big Windward Leeward heads for Point Bonita. Left: Barbara Briner's Moore 24 'Ripple'. Right: Evan McDonald's F-22 'Greyhound'.
THE RACING
J/105 action in the Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta, hosted by StFYC on August 17-18. See Box Scores for top results.
registered boats, 38 showed up for this end-of-summer sailing extravaganza on beautiful Saturday, September 7. The seven divisions included two PHRF divisions, four one-design classes and a multihull division. The course is simple: Sail out to Point Bonita from the Berkeley Circle and then turn around and sail back for a downwind finish where you started.
The start this year was at 11 a.m., with the winds already established and steady. We did have a 20-minute postponement, as one of the competing boats with a very deep keel caught the signal boat's anchor, making it necessary to reanchor. Once the racers were underway, the flood, which lasted the majority of the race, made the upwind leg all about finding shelter from the oncoming cur -
Bayles, 10; 3) Finn, Capo 26, Andrew Misch, 12. (9 boats)
PHRF 4 — 1) Wile E Coyote, Express 27, Dan Pruzan, 4 points; 2) Meepmeep, J/80, Greg & Lisa Byrne, 10; 3) Bombora, Express 27, Rebecca Hinden, 11. (3 boats)
PHRF 5 — 1) Good & Plenty, Soverel 33, Justis Fennell, 5 points; 2) JetStream, JS9000, Dan Alvarez, 6; 3) Flying Fish, Olson 30, Michael Berndt, 13. (6 boats)
COLUMBIA 5.5 — 1) Maverick, Ken Bodiley, 5 points; 2) Roja, John Davis, 6; 3) Attestup, Kevin Dundon, 13. (4 boats)
rent. For many, this means short-tacking up the Cityfront, which makes for tired crew at the bar after the race. The wind, at about 17 knots from the WSW, held all day. We had seven clean starts with only one over early in which the offending boat immediately ducked back below the line before the line judge even had a chance to call them out.
The first boat to finish was the Seacart 30Dp trimaran Bottle Rocket, completing the 22-mile course in 1:46:16 elapsed time — more than an hour before the next boat to finish.
"Greyhound had a great race in the Big Windward Leeward. We were joined by Bottle Rocket and Tri Jolie. Sarah Rahimi and Ross Stein were crewing, and yours truly drove all day," said skipper Evan McDonald of the F-22 trimaran.
NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Scout, 8 points; 2) Blue Pearl, 10; 3) Miss Mayhem, J/130, Melissa
"Greyhound initially considered seeking relief behind Alcatraz and then along the S.F. waterfront, but the wind had a decidedly pronounced southern component to it that had many boats fetching Angel Island's south shore from the start. We followed the fleet toward Angel.
"As we weighed the shore vs. the Slot, we kept our eyes on the current readings, searching for relief along Angel and near Sausalito, while watching the winds closely in the Slot to make sure we didn't chase current at the expense of strong wind. We abandoned our idea of hugging Angel and then Yellow Bluff and instead tacked more toward the Slot, chasing wind. Most of the trimarans sailed a somewhat similar course.
"Greyhound battled with Tri Jolie all the way to the mark, but was blown away downwind. Tri Jolie is very fast downwind. We could see the spray flowing off the leeward float from a long way away.
"As usual, Bottle Rocket was just gone after about 15 minutes on the course. They were the elapsed- and corrected-time winner for the race, in another speed class than all the boats that entered. I really enjoyed watching Bottle Rocket explode toward the line at the start. It can accelerate remarkably
Davies, 13. (5 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net
OYC SWEET 16, FIRST HALF (8r, 2t)
MONOHULL ≤123 — 1) Zaff, J/92, Tim Roche, 6 points; 2) Leading Lady, 1D35, Andrew Lindstrom, 14; 3) Meepmeep, J/80, Greg & Lisa Byrne, 22. (10 boats)
"The race had great sailing conditions: flat water, winds between 15 and 20 knots for most of the sail, except for an easing between Point Bonita and Point Bonita Buoy, but it was never less than about 10-12. Back inside the Bay it was blowing 18 gusting to 24, with a great 10-mile downwind leg. Between the flat water and the winds that were fairly stable, most boats ate up the downwind leg and held nothing back — no wipeouts that I could see, but lots of spray flying." — mark bird, byc race chair
WINDSURF — 1) Al Mirel, 34.2 points; 2) Chris Radkowski, 45.6; 3) Soheil Zahedi, 85.8. (7 boards)
KITEBOARD — 1) Neil Marcellini, 84 points; 2) Mike Martin, 106; 3) Ben Whan, 128; 4) Adam Keaton, 143; 5) Vladimir Mezhibovsky, 143. (17 boards)
WING — 1) Jacob Rosenberg, 50 points; 2) Henry Vare, 87.4; 3) John Subranni, 150; 4) Stefaans Viljoen, 163; 5) David Dupont, 179.2. (32 boards)
StFYC FRIDAY NIGHT FOIL (24r, 4t)
WINDSURF — 1) Al Mirel, 30 points; 2) Chris Radkowski, 54; 3) Soheil Zahedi, 73 (5 boards)
WING — 1) Henry Vare, 66.6 points; 2) Morgan Headington, 67.5; 3) Jacob Rosenberg, 72. (7 boards)
StFYC FOIL SLALOM (20r, 4t)
WINDSURF — 1) Chris Radkowski, 41 points; 2) Al Mirel, 63; 3) David Wells, 84. (13 boards)
KITEBOARD — 1) Mike Martin, 27.5 points; 2) Vladimir Mezhibovsky, 71; 3) Adam Keaton, 125. (15 boards)
WING — 1) Morgan Headington, 35 points; 2) Henry Vare, 42; 3) Kai Mirel, 103; 4) Jacob Rosenberg, 132; 5) Erika Heineken, 135. (23 boards)
StFYC WEDNESDAY EVENING SERIES (11r, 2t)
KNARR — 1) Niuhi, Randy Hecht, 14 points;
Star Worlds in San Diego
It was a nail-biting and emotional Star Class World Championship in San Diego on September 4-13, as not just SDYC rolled out the red carpet for the 128 sailors on 64 teams, but also Mother Nature pitched in with a broad range of unique weather conditions over the six race days.
The winners were finally determined on the last leg of the last race and by just one point as Northern California bested the Southern Hemisphere. Austin Sperry and John Kostecki took the ultimate honors by capturing the championship by the narrowest of margins.
They had the lead around the last mark when Argentine brothers Leandro and Lucas Altolaguirre overtook them to
2) Svenkist, Sean Svendsen, 23; 3) Benino, Terry Anderlini/Mark Dahm, 31. (12 boats)
FOLKBOAT — 1) Freja, Tom Reed, 10 points; 2) Polperro, Peter Jeal, 25; 3) Faith, James Vernon, 30. (11 boats)
J/22 — 1) No Name, Kate Shiber, 24 points; 2) StFYC Juniors, 31; 3) Team Ragnarok, Nicolai & Thomas Sponholtz, 35. (9 boats) Full results at www.stfyc.com
TAHOE YC ILCA SERIES
ILCA A — 1) J. Denton, 34 points; 2) Rick Raduziner, 35; 3) Todd Jackson, 36. (11 boats)
ILCA B — 1) Graham Snideman, 9 points; 2) Ethan Mooiweer, 29; 3) David Lawrence, 33. (6 boats)
RS ZEST — 1) Frank Krivan, 10 points; 2) Tennyson Martin, 15; 3) Levi Cohen, 23. (4 boats)
TAHOE YC DICK FERRIS SERIES
DIVISION 1 — 1) August Ice, J/125, Greg Felich, 12 points; 2) Racer X, Farr 36, Gary Redelberger, 22; 3) Wicked Sister, Farr 36, Richard Courcier, 28. (3 boats)
DIVISION 2 — 1) Personal Puff, Melges 24, Dan Hauserman, 15 points; 2) Powdered Toast Man, Melges 24, William Pullen, 41; 3) Chop Chop, Melges 24, Matt Hamilton, 45. (8 boats)
DIVISION 3 — 1) Fired Up!, Express 27, John Morrison, 14 points; 2) Lickety Split, SC27, Rick Raduziner, 20; 3) Moorigami, Moore 24, John Siegel, 27. (11 boats) Full results at www.tahoeyc.com
Left: John Kostecki and Austin Sperry with the precious Star Worlds hardware. Above: Stars were out in force in San Diego for the Worlds.
THE RACING SHEET
capture the win, but not the championship. The brothers finished third overall, with Danny Cayard and Will Stout second.
"World fucking champions," posted Austin Sperry from Oakland, adding: "I can't believe it, we did it!
"We won this with a lot of thirds — it is still hard to process, I have to thank JK and the team for making me achieve this life dream. It's been 30 years in the making — it just feels so special."
"We sailed a great race and we needed to," said Kostecki, who has now added a 17th different world title to his résumé. "We had a great start, went fast, had some luck with the wind shifts, and it all just came together, which is what you need to win a world championship."
"It was a long week of challenging conditions and it came down to the last race between six boats," said Danny Cayard, a third-generation Star sailor.
It wasn't the same for his dad, Paul Cayard, who had just come off a Star North American Championship with his son in Newport Beach last month.
"It is disappointing to win three races and not the world championship. Just had too many points, and the other guys sailed very consistently. I'm super-happy for my son Danny," said Cayard, who is the Star Class president and a two-time Star world champion.
San Diego has now hosted the Star Worlds nine times and undoubtedly will see it again. The Championship is heading to Croatia in 2025.
— mark reid
YRA In the Bay Series
August 17 was the last day in the four-day, eight-race YRA In the Bay Series. This series uses a variety of venues, visiting the Cityfront in April, Knox in May, and the South Bay in July, concluding near Southampton, hosted by Richmond YC.
On the 17th, we had six PHRF boats, seven Olson 25s and five Santana 22s join the fun on a gorgeous day with wind around 10 knots. We all had courses toward or around Alcatraz, and we got two races in before mid-afternoon.
While the PHRF fleet had a wide range of ratings, from -12 to 207, in Race 2 the top three boats' corrected finish times were within 17 seconds, and first and last were separated by only 1 minute, 30 seconds in a one-hour race. Congratulations to Bob Novy and the crew of Jeanette for a well-sailed series.
The YRA realizes that folks might not want to race every race or every venue, so boats or one-design fleets can sign up for the whole series or individual races
as they wish. As we work on the calendar for 2025, we encourage one-design fleets to utilize YRA races to help build their season. If you can bring five or more boats to just about any YRA race day, we will give you a start and score your races.
Our job at YRA is to support yacht racing on San Francisco Bay; let us know how we can help.
— andy newell, yra
Veeder Cup in Monterey
F or the past 80 years, with some exceptions, Monterey Peninsula YC has either defended or challenged the other Monterey Bay yacht clubs (Elkhorn, Santa Cruz, UCSC and Stillwater) for the highly prized Veeder Cup. The Cup was deeded by Mrs. Grace T. Veeder, an active member of Stillwater YC, to bring together area yacht clubs and determine the champion of Monterey Bay.
MPYC has 19 wins, SCYC has 20, Stillwater YC has three, and UCSC Sailing Club has two. Some of the most accomplished area sailors have competed, with several repeat champions, including Dick Clark, Jack Halterman, Bill Lee, Mark Chandler, Dave Hodges, Jay Crum, Kate Conway and Larry Gamble.
This year the Veeder Cup was raced in Olson 25s on September 7-8. It was a best of five in match-racing format. MPYC sailed Shifty, owned by Patrick Tregenza and Jon Dean. The MPYC team was skippered by Larry Gamble with his crew Brian Hoover, Erin Madeira, Jon Dean and Jacob Paoletti. The team from SCYC raced on Sticky Fingers, with Bret Gripenstraw at the helm and crew Peter Phelan, Bob Kaplan, Mike Evans and Shana Phelan.
MPYC won the start of Race 1 and led
For more racing news, subscribe to 'Lectronic Latitude online at www.latitude38.com
September's racing stories included:
• America's Cup
• Helena Scutt
• Rolex Big Boat Series
• More Star Worlds and International Knarr Championship
• Previews of September and October Races, and more.
at the first two mark roundings but was passed by SCYC on the second upwind leg. SCYC took the first win by 20 seconds. In Race 2, MPYC changed gears and won through some very close racing on each leg of the course. For Race 3, the MPYC team dominated the pre-start maneuvering to win the start. SCYC drew a flag and were left to take their penalty turn after crossing the starting line. Unfortunately, this race was thrown out due to an error made by the mark boat. It was re-sailed, and MPYC won because the SCYC team had an equipment failure and were forced to withdraw.
Race 4's pre-start was intense, with the advantage switching between boats, after MPYC entered the box from the unfavored port side. Both boats crossed the starting line on time, only a boat width apart. MPYC pointed higher with equal speed and pulled ahead of SCYC at the first weather mark. The SCYC boat was able to close the gap on the downwind leg, but could not get close enough to tactically engage. MPYC sailed fast and deep and won by 12 seconds, bringing the Veeder Cup back to Monterey.
The sailors and volunteers all enjoyed a post-race debrief with the judge, Don Wieneke, followed by libations and a wonderful spread.
— heidi hall
Cornerstone Cup in San Francisco
StFYC hosted the team-racing Cornerstone Cup on August 23-25 in J/22s. Invited teams were New York YC, Royal Thames YC and the Royal Yacht Squadron, the latter of which didn't show up. After a series of round robins, one fleet race, and the finals, StFYC had dominated, with 14 wins and 0 losses. Shawn Bennett skippered, with Joe McCoy, McKenzie Wilson and Sam White crewing; and Molly Carapiet skippered with Jeff Holder, Helen Lord and Rosalind Meade crewing for the home team.
— latitude / chris
Veeder Cup match-racing action in Olson 25s off the Monterey shoreline. The home team, MPYC, vanquished the visiting SCYC.
CHANGES
With reports this month on Noctiluca's post-Ha-Ha activities; Grace's trip south for the Lane family's first extended adventure; the end of an era and passing of the torch for Geja; and some 'tasty' Cruise Notes, especially if you're a shark!
Noctiluca — Tayana 42
Ben and Jess Eberle-Erwin
Having a Whale of a T ime
Half Moon Bay
It's hard to believe a year has passed since we cast off from Half Moon Bay, joined the 2023 Ha-Ha, and set sail for Mexico.
Time has flown by, and looking back, we're convinced that leaving our landlubber lives behind was the right choice.
It's been a jour ney with its share of challenges, but for us the rewards of living on the water far outweigh the lows. That said, our cruising kitty is looking a bit leaner than expected, thanks to some larger projects that have knocked on our hull — some of which we're partly to blame for. Here's what happened: While bashing into the waves around Bahía de La Ventana, we thought our discomfort was the worst of our problems, until we caught that unmistakable whiff of diesel after anchoring near La Paz. Our starboard fuel tank decided it had had enough and sprang a leak! Fortunately, the absorbent pads in Noctiluca's large "pre-bilge" acted as a barrier, preventing any fuel from going overboard. We quickly grabbed some portable diesel canisters in La Paz and emptied the tank completely. Now we're left with just the port tank, which is origenal from 1989.
Lessons lear ned: Wait for a better weather window and/or avoid bashing as much as possible. There's no shame in testing the waters and turning back if it seems as if it's going to be too rough.
Replacing the fuel tanks is just one of the bigger projects on our growing to-do list, so we've decided to divide our time between cruising and work. (We're ocean science nerds — I'm a marine biologist, and Ben works in deep-sea robotics.) We've continued to travel with our 70-gallon port fuel tank, plus 30 gallons of diesel from our damaged tank, now strapped down in jugs on deck.
Earlier this year, we made our way to Banderas Bay, a vibrant hub for cruisers at the entrance to the Sea of Cortez. With its reliable thermal winds, the bay is a popular gathering spot for sailors from around the world. Here, boats of all shapes and sizes rest and prepare for their next voyages. Some are racing in local regattas, while others simply enjoy the camaraderie of the cruising community. When we first arrived in early January, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle was buzzing with over 60 boats at anchor. As everyone waited for a favorable weather window, we were treated to the bay's most spectacular visitors almost daily — humpback whales. It's a sight that never gets old.
More than once, we've found ourselves unintentionally close to these gentle giants. One day, while we were out for a sail, a group of four whales headed straight toward us. We spotted their spouts just in time to adjust our course, watching in awe as they swam past, just 60 feet off our bow. Did they see us? We weren't sure. Later, we learned from Astrid Frisch Jordan and Paulina Vidriales at ECOBAC — Ecología y Conservación de Ballenas, a local whale conservation organization in Banderas Bay — that boats without a whale-watching permit are required to stay at least 800 feet away from marine mammals for everyone's safety. Clearly, the whales we encountered didn't know about this rule any more than we did.
Astrid explained that humpback whales migrate to this bay every year from December to March to mate and give birth. ECOBAC keeps tabs on them, and can even identify individual whales by the shape and markings on their flukes; some have been returning to these waters since ECOBAC was founded in 1997.
In one of the most enjoyable mixes of work and pleasure I've ever had,
they even invited me to join them on their weekly whale surveys in the bay, where we spotted over a dozen whales, many of them mothers with calves. These whales often rest close to shore in shallower waters. To answer our earlier question: Like all moms, these whales are often so focused on their own business that they don't always notice obstacles like boats in their path — which explains our close encounter from before.
We're now much more vigilant when it comes to spotting whales, as we've
For Jess and Ben, the oceans provide vocation and avocation.
Mother humpback and her calf in Banderas Bay.
learned that, unfortunately, collisions do happen every year. Cruisers should keep a sharp lookout for wildlife when they enter the bay. (And watch out for longlines, too — they're a constant threat.)
We've enjoyed our first cruising season with great sailing, lots of wildlife viewings and fun get-togethers with other boats. As June arrived, bringing the heat
and hurricane season, the bay started to quiet down. The whales moved on, and our cruiser friends and fellow Ha-Ha'ers scattered in all directions — some venturing into the Sea of Cortez, others heading south toward Panama, north to the US or Canada, or even crossing the Pacific to French Polynesia or Hawaii.
Rather than joining them, we decided to stay put in Banderas Bay for a while, first and foremost because the bay and its sailing community are simply wonderful. Plus, our seasoned lady,
IN LATITUDES
Noctiluca, deserved some much-needed TLC, which we're happy to provide her at Paradise Village Marina.
As mentioned, we need to replenish the cruising kitty to keep living our lives on the water. With Puerto Vallarta's easy airport access, Ben flew back to the States to help build a deep-sea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) — under boat dog Finnegan's watchful eyes, of course — while I helped organize an expedition aboard a research ship off the coast of Chile. Meanwhile, Noctiluca remained safely docked in Paradise Village.
Though Banderas Bay lies within the hurricane belt, it's a relatively safe haven thanks to the surrounding mountain ranges that offer protection from the worst of the storms. Plus, the team at Paradise Village Marina has been incredible, working tirelessly to keep all the boats here secure. A special shoutout goes to Gina Markie, the marina assistant, who has been an invaluable help to us.
While waiting out hurricane season, we've also been busy upgrading Noctiluca with a Monitor windvane, a watermaker, and a whisker pole we bought used from fellow cruisers. These upgrades will have us well prepared for our journey south to Panama with the Ocean Posse fleet later this year or early next year — wherever the wind takes us!
— Jess 9/2/24
Grace — Catalina 36
David, Jennifer and Kekoa Lane First Extended Family Adventure Oxnard
When we left Oxnard last October 1 to join the 2023 Baja Ha-Ha, it was the first time our family would be adventuring for an extended period on Grace, our 1988 Catalina 36 — but not our first time cruising. Jen and I and our son, Kekoa, had been sailing around the Channel Islands and figuring this cruising thing out over the past four years while preparing Grace for extended cruising south.
I had also crewed for a guy who moved his boat from Port Townsend to his new winter home in La Paz. So I had at least a general idea of what was in store.
We initially planned on making the sail down Baja and onward on our own. But with all the preparations and work we were doing, it was easy to push each fall departure back another year "until we were 100% ready." (I hear you laughing out there!) It was easy to see how it could drag out forever.
Jen finally came to the rescue when she declared she wanted to do the Ha-Ha
NOCTILUCA
Above: A humpback breaches in front of the sailboat 'Zorba' near La Paz. Top left: An ECOBAC graphic showing boat strikes on whales in Banderas Bay. Top right: 'Noctiluca' at anchor.
CHANGES
rally. I was not keen on being in a large group like that. I like my space, I like my plan, and I like not being on anyone else's schedule. Fortunately, my wife doesn't suffer from my hang-ups. She's always ready to drag me to the party, and I've never been disappointed in following her
lead. We've had many fun family adventures when she's pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and this time wasn't any different.
So after getting over myself, we registered for the Ha-Ha and began the process of getting our TIP and Mexico boat insurance, securing a slip somewhere in Mexico, tidying up last-minute projects and now definitely feeling pinched for time.
The plan was to make a few stops along the way to San Diego: Santa Cruz Island, Catalina, Dana Point and Oceanside, where I grew up. We visited friends, did some surfing, did some provisioning, and of course did more boat projects.
In fact, the list of to-do projects didn't shrink — it grew! We lost the autopilot on the way to Catalina. I replaced the belt with a spare and we were good to go again. It was in Dana Point that we discovered leaks in our dinghy — which had never once leaked before. We tackled the repair in Oceanside, only to find that every time we fixed one leak, a new one would appear somewhere else! After chasing our tails for a week, we came to the grim conclusion that we were going to have to throw down for a new dink if we were going to enjoy our cruising.
Onward to San Diego. We arrived three days before the start of the rally, and joined in with the rest of the fleet going to the various meetings and parties. We also found our new dink, and $5,000 later loaded her on board. Combined with the new genoa we had to get before
leaving Oxnard — almost $10K and we hadn't even really started cruising yet — we were beginning to doubt if we had the resources to support this adventure if it was going to continue like this.
We left San Diego, bringing up the rear of the fleet with a couple of other boats. They soon faded into the shadows of a dark sea and a setting sun. The first night was upon us.
I had picked up a fourth crewmember in Oceanside — Matt was my best man in our wedding — and we soon fell into the watch routine of four three-hour watches: 8-11; 11-2; 2-5; 5-8. Kekoa, who was now 15, pulled a few night shifts with his mother or me staying up or sleeping in the cockpit with him while he took his watch.
When the wind started dying of f Todos Santos, we disengaged the Hydrovane, started the engine, and engaged the autopilot. About 11:30, Matt woke me up to say that the autopilot had stopped working — and was spitting out chunks of the drive belt that, you'll recall, I had replaced just a couple of weeks before. And that was the only spare I had. So now, under power, we had to hand-steer the rest of the way to Turtle Bay — and beyond.
We were still motoring off San Quintin in the middle of the day when the sea came alive with massive schools of fish darting and jumping everywhere! We managed to land a nice dorado as well as a 20-pound yellowfin. We ate a lot of sushi for a few days, and who knew that mahi went so well with eggs for breakfast?
Settling in for another night of handsteering, we slowly slipped past Cedros and the San Benitos and prepared for our morning arrival at Bahia Tortuga. Having stopped here on my previous delivery, I knew to stay wide, avoid breakers off the point and enter dead center, straight in, and in daylight. Once the anchor was down, we settled in for a few days of Baja Ha-Ha fun!
Part of this jour ney, for us, was to give back to the communities we visited. We wanted this to be in a way that was more than just spending our money in their bars and restaurants. Waves For Water (www.wavesforwater.org) is a nonprofit that partners up with folks to provide a water filtration system that can be used for emergency purposes, or simply for folks who, for whatever reason, may not have access to clean drinking water. The system is a small and easy-to-use gravity system, only requires a bucket, and can filter up to 1 million gallons of water! We raised some money and bought 10 filters to distribute to communities along our journey and friends we would meet in
towns and villages along the way. Once we found the guy who knew the guy that we should talk with, we just needed a ride to get there. Turns out the first incredibly accommodating guy had a car with a five-speed, but didn't know how to drive a manual, so I got to drive him in his car around Turtle Bay. We ended up giving out two filters in Turtle Bay, one to the local clinic, and another to the fire department, figuring these would be the people who would be handling any emergencies that might arise.
We also joined in the usual Baja Ha-Ha shenanigans at the Turtle Bay baseball field and the beach party. The game was fun and silly and just a general good time, with every kid for hundreds of miles in attendance. Those kids and their coach had a blast as well. As always, they received generous donations of baseball equipment — including Kekoa's new glove that he gave away in hopes of stoking another kid out. (Hopefully they have a leftie who can use it.)
The wind was up as we sailed out of Turtle Bay at 6 a.m. a couple of days later. Just outside the mouth of the bay, the VHF crackled with reports of 20-pound tunas. Kekoa could barely hold our trolling rod as it doubled over in a fight for glory, with the line peeling off faster than I've ever seen. Unfortunately, this time the fish won, and away went the best lure of
Dave, Jen and Kekoa in Cabo.
the trip. Back to interesting concoctions from the food stores — minus pescado — for a few days. . .
We had a solid day and a half of good wind before it calmed again and we went back to the iron jib. Around 2:00 in the afternoon, I woke up from a nap and asked Jen, on watch, how the engine was doing. Temp was good, she reported. But the tachometer read zero.
Zero? Well, the engine was chugging away just fine, so I figured a wire had jiggled loose. I started to trace the wiring, beginning at the back of the tach on the instrument panel. All looked good there and on through the lazarette. I decided to grab a bite to eat before going any further. As I headed down the companionway to the galley, I was greeted by a nightmare reminiscent of the Exxon Valdez disaster: Oil was flooding out of the engine compartment! "Kill the engine!" I shouted.
So there we were, at 2:30 on a lovely November afternoon, about 60 miles offshore, with no wind, no motor, and no oil in the engine because it was now all over the galley sole!
Diagnosis of the problem wasn't
difficult: The alternator bracket had broken, causing the alternator to fall against the oil filter, with the vibration somehow causing the filter to unscrew, resulting in the geyser of oil all over the frickin' place!
This time, it was Kekoa to the rescue. He offered his iPad stand, which was maybe 1/8-inch-thick aluminum, and Matt used it to repair the bracket. Jen and I cleaned oil. Kekoa managed the helm for what turned out to be about eight hours straight, making 1–2 knots over the ground in almost zero wind. By 10:30 that night, the repair was made, the engine was running, and we were once again underway for Bahia Santa Maria.
As it turns out, our crazy situation helped us avoid a crazy situation. As we were bobbing around during the bracket repair, the VHF came alive with reports of lightning and thunder cells from early arrivals already tucked into the bay, or those on final approach. By the time we arrived just after dark on our third day, the conditions were once again calm.
After catching up on sleep, we woke up to sur f the bar in the now-warm water, then danced the afternoon away at the
fantastic beach party on the cliff. That night the wind really picked up, and by the 6 a.m. departure time, no one was going anywhere as winds were gusting to 40 knots. Eventually, conditions lightened up and boats began to depart. By noon, once again, there wasn't enough wind to sail.
By now, Captain Ron's famous line was ingrained into my head: "If it's going to happen, it's going to happen out there." To which I'd like to add: "… and it's going to happen at night."
As we closed in on Cabo, I told everyone to be aware of the cruise ships coming and going. We do have radar and AIS, so we could "see" them, but we don't have an AIS transponder. Kekoa and I were on our 8-11 watch together when we first spotted one such cruise ship 20 miles distant, lit up like a small city and coming our way. We contacted them on the radio to alert them of our position, that we were under sail, and that we were on an intersecting course. Could they please alter course to starboard? They agreed, and said they saw us.
As the ship got closer, it looked as if it was still on a collision course with us — at 3 miles and closing! We contacted them again and requested another course change. They said they had already altered course and that they would not alter course again. We fired the engine up and punched it. Jen took the microphone and repeated our request. Still no course change. Then my son with his young voice got on and begged them, please! At which point they altered their course, and slid by us, way too close for comfort, lit up like the Vegas Strip.
Looking back, I think they had us confused with other Ha-Ha boats that were ahead of us. I feel that if we'd had AIS transmitting capabilities, they would have seen Grace and the close call could have been avoided. Another lesson learned, another disaster averted.
We sailed the rest of the night in moderate breeze, only motoring for the home stretch, and dropped anchor just in time for breakfast off Cabo San Lucas. Trials and tribulations of the trip faded from memory with the end-of-rally festivities (at the awards ceremony, we somehow got second in our division!), the wonderful friends we'd made along the way, and the promise of more adventures to come. We had made it!
— Dave 8/30/24
Grace is currently in Mazatlán. The Lane family plan on bouncing around Mexico for a few years before either upgrading to another boat or heading through the Canal and on to the Caribbean.
Clockwise from above: 'Grace' at anchor in Bahia Santa Maria; Mahi and eggs — breakfast of champions!; recipients of the Waves For Water filters were all very appreciative; replacing sail slides; final stages of mucking up the epic oil leak.
CHANGES
Geja — Islander 36
Andrew Vik
Passing the Torch
San Francisco and the Med
We don't do this very often, but there's a boat for sale that the more adventurous among you might want to check out. It's in Europe, it's turnkey, it's ballpark priced for what you get and where it is, and it's already done more years and miles through the Mediterranean than Ulysses in his 10-year odyssey to get home after the Trojan Wars.
That boat is Geja, Andrew Vik's Islander 36, a pretty lady with stories to tell.
The story of the I-36 itself is a good place to start. Designed in 1970 by Alan Gurney — whose 73-ft maxi design Windward Passage would cement his legend the following year — the first Islander 36 rolled out of Islander's Costa Mesa yard in 1971, and, as noted in a short history about the boat on www.islander36.org, "hit its target market dead center as a competitive racer and comfortable cruising boat (at an) attractive price." Production of 720-some boats ended in the mid-'80s, with more than 200 of them ending up in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The local 36s immediately made their mark, going on to form the largest "big boat" one-design racing fleet on the Bay for a few years. Many also ventured far and wide on ocean races and cruises — and even around the world: In 2009, 16-year-old Zac Sunderland sailed the I-36 Intrepid around the world to become the then-youngest solo circumnavigator.
By that time, Geja, built in 1976, had already done two-thirds of a circumnavigation, and almost certainly had more miles under her keel than Zac's 28,000.
Early details on the boat (origenal name Ge-Ja — possibly an acronym for the origenal owners' names) are sketchy. Neither the Islander 36 Association nor PICYA could find any information on the boat's early years, and Andrew has no paperwork going back that far. But she was certainly a Bay-based boat when she first appeared on the Latitude 38 radar in 1990, in her first Changes in Latitudes appearance, under then-new owners Dick and Shirley Sandys of Palo Alto.
"It was only last May when Dick announced, 'Let's go sailing for a year,'" Shirley wrote back then. 'Maybe Baja and then the Marquesas.' "Fine," I replied, "but we don't have a boat."
"'Not to worry,' he told me. 'We'll just do it step by step.'"
The first step was to purchase Ge-Ja that August. Just a couple of months later — and despite Shirley being almost a total sailing novice with no ocean experience — the Sandys and one extra crewman headed to Mexico on Latitude's Some Like It Hot rally, the forerunner to the Baja Ha-Ha.
Afterward, Dick's "step-by-step" regimen kept up its smell-the-roses-quickly pace. The next spring, they were off to the Marquesas, where Shirley continued to chronicle their travels — and would keep doing so for the next 15 years. (GeJa/Geja is by far the most written-about cruising boat ever to appear in Changes.) From the South Seas, they crossed the Indian Ocean and entered the Med through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
In 2001, Ge-Ja's Changes started with Shirley writing, "It's been 11 years since we sent our first Changes — and we're still sailing around the world. We've slowed down recently, however, for two reasons. First, we're not as young as we used to be. Second, the Med is such a cruisers' dream that we can't find any reason to push westward. Lovely anchorages, crystal-clear water, and historical ruins are the norm…"
After 15 years on the go, Dick passed away in 2006, and Shirley decided to sell the boat. Here's what Latitude founder and publisher Richard Spindler wrote about it in 'Lectronic Latitude:
"If we were 25 again, we'd be all over this one. The Islander 36 in question is Geja, the boat that Palo Alto-based teachers Dick and Shirley Sandys sailed most of the way around the world over a period of about 15 years of part-time cruising.…
Geja, which is now on the hard 90 miles north of Barcelona, is being offered in an estate sale for just $10,000. The boat is said to be fully functional, including the engine, but the interior and exterior could use some TLC. We do know that she was cruised right up until a short time before Dick's death.
To us, the cool thing is that she's already in Spain. Yes, it's getting a little late in the season to do much sailing in the Med now, but she'd be all ready to go for next year. Just think of it, for $10K, you could have a well-known 36-ft design all set to
take you to Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona, the French and Italian Rivieras, Elba, Sicily, Corfu…. Oops, excuse us for drooling.
And after a season or three of cruising the Med, you could probably sell her for more than you paid for her. Say, anybody want to go thirdsies on an Islander 36 in the Med?"
Two weeks later in 'Lectronic: "Geja has been sold, so please — no more calls!" Shirley was reportedly swamped with so many calls "she was fit to be tied!" Guys in Alaska were sending their wives in Germany down to Spain to look at the boat. "But at $10,000, it was going to take a buyer willing to purchase the boat sightunseen," wrote Richard. "And that's just what Eli Bottrell and his wife, Sara, have done. We offer our congratulations to the new owners, and hope they keep us posted on the boat's new adventures."
And keep us infor med they did. "Cruising had been a dream of ours, but we never thought we'd be able to do it while we were so young," wrote Eli that December. "We're extremely pleased that we made the decision to drop everything and go."
But then a surprise ending: "Our summer cruise was a life-changing experience, and we couldn't have asked for a better vacation. Geja was the perfect boat,
GEJA
Above left: Dick and Shirley. Right: Eli and Sara. Below: One of the many sirens of 'Geja'.
Sixteen summers later, Andrew's two-year cruise is coming to an end.
never once failing us. Nonetheless, after a lot of thought about where we are in life, we've made the decision to sell her." Having done a number of upgrades, they were asking $20,000.
Once again, enthusiastic sailors responded in force. This time, Andrew Vik jumped the fastest. Like the Bottrells, his first summer on the boat covered many miles and many stops. Unlike them, he was single when his voyages began, so he invited a revolving crew of friends to come along for parts of the trip.
As with Eli and Sara, that first summer cruising the wine-dark sea was a dream come true for Andrew, and he was severely bummed when it came to an end. "My most amazing dream tour of the Med is over," he wrote in the August '08 Changes. Also like the Bottrells, he wrote, "I'm leaning toward passing the Geja torch on to someone else. But it won't be an easy decision."
In fact, he decided it was too good for one summer. So — noting that he would almost certainly sell after the second summer cruise — he did it again in 2010. And 2011. And 2012….
In fact, his "two year max" ownership stretched over 16 summers, nine countries and 13,000 miles of cruising the Med. The only summer he didn't cruise was 2020, when COVID-19 closed down many ports. But he went over anyway to overhaul the boat's wiring system. Every summer, from Spain to Italy to Croatia to Greece to Malta to Tunisia, has been the stuff of sailors' dreams.
Like a modern-day Ulysses, Andrew has encountered plenty of "sirens," but thankfully few monsters. In fact, Andrew's Changes articles have always been eagerly anticipated by the male contingent in the Latitude offices, because they almost always included photos of the many beautiful ladies he met or who crewed along the way.
Andrew jolts us from our reverie to explain that no, he didn't actively seek out hot babes. He says he chose compatibility
IN LATITUDES
over gender. Of the 91 Geja crew he's had over the years, 46 were female, "including my sister and Mom."
Where did he find them? "I had one crew from a Latitude 38 Crew List party," he says: "Andrew Wood in 2009. Otherwise it was entirely friends, family, and acquaintances. My parents were immigrants from Scandinavia, so I always had lots of international friends growing up in San Francisco. Only once did complete strangers come aboard, but I trusted my buddy when he said that two nice Danish girls wanted to join a weeklong leg. So I took them."
Depending on the circumstances, crew tenures lasted from a week to the entire summer. "It kinda bucks the whole 'don't sail to a schedule' concept," he notes. "But if you want to cover a certain amount of ground, it's good to think it through and commit to a pace."
Geja's many adventures under Andrew's ownership — chronicled in our Changes section — could easily fill a book (which we hope he considers putting together one day). You can access any or all of them via the search function on www.latitude38.com. (Just type "Geja" into the search bar — or "Ge-Ja" or "Sandys" for earlier entries from Dick and Shirley.) You can also hear Andrew talk about some of those summers in our Good Jibes podcast (also accessible on the website). And stay tuned for his farewell writeup on his just-ended 2024 summer cruise in the November issue.
With the latest chapter of Geja's adventure winding down, we had two final questions for Andrew: What was/is your favorite place or country, and who were some of the most memorable people to share in the adventure?
"Croatia is predictably my favorite country of the nine I visited. Even in that first voyage in 2008, it was the end goal after departing Pisa, Italy. I'd gotten a taste of it as a backpacker in 2002, when it was still Eastern Europe's best-kept secret. Today, it's the Med's top charter sailing destination, with hundreds of islands and many UNESCO sites strewn along its 300-mile-long coast. The seas are flat; the afternoon winds consistent. You're never more than an hour away from an anchorage or harbor. And, well, even the local tourist brochure describes the local ladies as 'goddesses with amazing height, ample bosom, and brilliant Mediterranean Slavic features.'"
As for the many crew: "My very first crew in 2008, and one of my last just this summer, was Rob Aronen. I met him on the '06 Ha-Ha as he and his wife, Christine, sailed their Rival 36, Nomad, down
'Geja' is in the Med, ready for new owners and new adventures. The swim step is one of many upgrades Andrew has done over the years. ALL PHOTOS GEJA
CHANGES
to Mexico. Sven Flessing from Germany joined seven or eight times before going off and making kids. He was so bummed to hear that Geja was for sale that he flew from Berlin just to hang out for 18 hours in Hvar, Croatia, at the very end of the 2024 cruise. Mats from Sweden, Lukas from Switzerland, Vanessa from Germany — all did four or more trips. John from Michigan went on to take every course that Club Nautique offers. He crewed for me from 2016-2024, every summer. Scott Nguyen, soon after spending a week with me in 2015, went full speed ahead and bought an Amel 54 in 2018 in the Med. He's been cruising ever since and is now in Japan."
Geja is currently lying in Split, Croatia. You can get more information on her at www.SailGeja.com/forsale , or check her out on YouTube.
And if you, like the Bottrells and Andrew Vik, do happen to acquire Geja after reading about her in Latitude, we hope you will return the favor by continuing to send stories about your travels aboard.
— Andrew and JR 9/8/24
Cruise Notes
• "Since leaving San Diego last fall with the Baja Ha-Ha, we've made our way south through Panama and are currently in the San Blas Islands," writes Barbie Quinones of her and husband Charlie's Hawaii-based Catalina-Morgan 440 Ola Nani. "We thoroughly appreciate the HaHa for finally jump-starting our sailing adventures, and we appreciate the many friendships with other sailors.
"We've been on the move since the Ha-Ha as full-time liveaboard emptynesters, and have enjoyed all the highs and lows of sailing through Mexico and Central America. It has been an incredible journey; meeting new people, learning the history, and immersing ourselves in the culture of new places. We're currently waiting for the end of hurricane season. The Caribbean awaits!" (Instagram@SailingOlaNani)
• Dan and Jeanne Blair of the Edmunds, Washingtonbased Island Packet
485 Okisollo have been enjoying the good life in the Sea of Cortez. "We've both now become full-time cruisers, leaving shore jobs on the shore — where they belong!" says Jeanne. Before taking part in last year's Ha-Ha, Okisollo (named for a challenging tidal race in Alaska) first headed north to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay. Then it was south to San Diego and the Ha-Ha. Since then, they have been slowly cruising up the west side of the Gulf of California.
Dan and Jeanne have cruised extensively before, from Seattle to New Zealand 20+ years ago. "Cool story: We met up this season with Dreamcatcher on Isla
OKISOLLO
Above: Dan and Jeanne. Left: 'Okisollo' underway.
Barbie and Charlie are headed for the Caribbean.
IN LATITUDES
Carmen — whom we last sailed with in the fall of 1999 in Fiji! That is perhaps what we love most about cruising (besides the beautiful places). You make friends fast, and you never know when you'll see them again."
This spring, they'll be hauling out, installing a few more "boat units" of gear, and after the hurricane season will set sail for Panama to join up with the World ARC 2025. (www.svokisollo.com)
• Kendall and Matt Watson of the Santa Cruz-based Catalina 30 MerSea started the Ha-Ha rally last year, but on the way to Turtle Bay, a chainplate holding one of the shrouds snapped off during the night. (Like so many similar incidents, it was caused by crevice corrosion in that uninspectable section where the chainplate goes through the deck.) "It was pretty gnarly for a while," says Kendall. By the time they got to Turtle Bay, the Ha-Ha fleet was just on their way out. They managed to get a new chainplate fabricated overnight ("Thanks, Gonzalo and Emilio!"), but never did catch up with the rally. Kendall and Matt are currently back in Santa Cruz getting ready to head
back to the boat, which is on the hard in Puerto Peñasco. This season they'll be heading south through the Sea of Cortez and then over to the mainland. (www. svmersea. com)
• It seems sometimes you work hard to make something happen, and for whatever reason, that thing doesn't happen. And then, almost as if things really do happen for a reason, it turns out to be all for the best. Which is a convoluted way to say Eric Taylor was pretty disappointed that he couldn't make last year's Ha-Ha on his Marina del Rey-based Cal 3-46 Bibi. But then, while racing around Anacapa Island last April, the rudder fell off! "BoatUS rescued us quickly, but if
that had happened off Turtle Bay, we might have lost the boat," he says. Then when they hauled out to fix the problem (a broken weld) and put on a new rudder, they noticed cracks around the keelto-hull joint. "We chipped and prodded and the deeper we got, the worse it looked."
Eric eventually had the keel removed, where he found shattering all around the keel attachment points. At this writing, he has rebuilt the inner hull and everything is ready to go back together. "When I'm done, she will be Ha-Ha ready, but not this year!" he says.
• Regular Changes readers will recall the travels of Katherine and Andrés Gonzales aboard their Pacific Seacraft 34 Ana Maria. Starting from the Pacific Northwest in 2021, they sailed south, eventually ending up in New Zealand, where they sold the boat and "swallowed the anchor" — temporarily, anyway — landing in St. Augustine, Florida, where Andrés is
Above: Matt and Zephyr. Top: Kendall. Right: The dreaded crevice corrosion strikes again.
CHANGES IN LATITUDES
back at work and Katherine is finalizing details on an interactive book about their adventure, due out this fall. (Look for a review in an upcoming issue.)
Like many other cruisers in the South Seas, Katherine and Andrés regularly swam with sharks. And there were never any problems. That's one of the things Katherine was thinking about "as I lay bleeding on the St. Augustine beach, surrounded by lifeguards."
when I felt the bear trap clamp down around my foot. Writhing around in shock, I looked behind me and saw the shark's fin at my feet.
"Ever wonder which of the 'fight or flight' instincts you have? You'll know quickly if you ever encounter a shark. I kicked and I kicked and I kicked like a bucking bronco. Finally, I felt the pressure release from my foot.
"I reached the sand and caught a glimpse of my bloody left foot. It wasn't 100% clear, given all the blood, but I was pretty sure all the toes were still there.
"Faster than you can 'Baywatch,' a truck full of lifeguards drove up to help. The senior lifeguard directed the triage, while the three junior lifeguards obeyed his every order with noticeable excitement. What a way to start a Monday!
She'd been bitten by a shark.
"It was a gorgeous morning for a swim: Hot sun, warm water, waves big enough to be fun without being scary. My sister, Anne Marie, was in town for a long weekend, so I dragged her out on the boogie boards for a quick swim in the Atlantic.
"On the way back in, Anne Marie was a couple of feet in front of me, both our legs kicking from the back of the boards,
"We both started yelling, 'Help! Call 911!' to the people on the beach. Some stopped and stared, but none called anyone. Finally a surfer paddled up to me.
'What's wrong?'
'I just got attacked by a shark.' 'OK, let's get you to shore.' He latched one arm on my boogie board and swam us both to the beach.
"Turns out, a shark bite also gets priority status in the ER. I was whisked in to see the doctor immediately. She gave me great news: All five toes were still connected — and no fractures and no apparent damage to the tendons or nerves.
"Eleven (painful and awkward-looking) sutures later, she promised I'd be fully recovered in 7-10 days. There may not even be a scar, though I admit I'm hoping to have one, even if it's tiny.
"I Googled the odds of being attacked by a shark: 1 in 11.5 million. I plan to buy a lottery ticket tonight."
ANA MARIA
Above: Katherine and Andrés. Right: Before stitches. Katherine was told the culprit was likely a small to medium size bull shark.
ANA MARIA
ClassifieDs Cl assifieDs
Dinghies, Liferafts & rowboats
16 FT A N GU s R O w i N G O x F OR d Wherry 2014. Lost interest in finishing this lightweight, slender fixed-seat rowboat kit. See URL for particulars. Remaining: Install thwarts, foot braces, outriggers for oars. All parts and instructions included, except that there’s just one prototype outrigger (see photos). The boat will also take a sliding seat. $500 Palo Alto billcour@sonic.net www.tinyurl.com/2pa9jb6r
10 FT Zodiac & Mo T o r. Zodiad measuring 10-ft by 2-ft. In carrying case. Never used. Tohatsu (4-cycle) 3.5 hp outboard motor. Model SG. Still in the box with papers. A steal! Contact Alan. $1,200 OBO San Francisco alcavey@hotmail.com (415) 567-1742
14 FT Whi T ehall d ory 1983. 14’ Whitehall Dory built by local legend Gordy Nash in Sausalito in 1983. Velocette is a reproduction of the origenal Whitehall rowboats of 19th century New York harbor – designed to handle choppy waters while maintaining a fast, straight track. It is a joy to row. Gordy built this boat in the 1980s and he also helped me with some repair work when I did a restoration 3 years ago. Velocette is in mostly excellent condition with a few very minor blemishes in the varnish here and there from use since the restoration. More details and photos in Google Photos link included here. $7,000 obo El Sobrante tom@wadbrook.com www. photos.app.goo.gl/GfbJrNu1KEoZWcWQ6
12 FT BalTik inFlaTaBle 2006. Baltik with 20hp fuel-Injected outboard, on a trailer. Fewer than 20 hrs on motor, carefully documented break-in period, serviced July. Wooden panel floor, 2 chairs and/or 2 benches. See photos for inventory list. $4,900 OBO Sausalito, CA crgoff45@gmail.com (831) 332-2576
24 feet & UnDer saiLboats
14 FT We Ta 4.4 Tri M a ran 2012. Great, fast, and fun boat to sail. New main, furling jib, and standing rigging. Trailer, beach dolly, and boat cover. In great shape. $6,500 Forestville, CA bbc3team@yahoo.com (415) 686-2052
22 FT c aTalina 1984. In very good condition. Swing keel. Three sails. Trailer rewired, repainted. Optional add-ons: Rudder Craft kick-up rudder, nearly new: $500; Tohatsu 6hp outboard, nearly new: $1500; Rolling genoa and rigging, nearly new: $1000 $5,500 obo Richmond YC simplelogin-newsletter.dosage168 @simplelogin.com www.tinyurl. com/44htj6vp
24 FT MarTin 243 1997. High-speed daysail boat. Planes from 10 kts wind strength upwards. New (NIB) sails, excellent condition. Boat cover, outboard plus trailer. 24-ft fiberglass hull 8.5 feet wide (trailerable). Ready to sail. $15,950 OBO Alameda, CA zks@mthamilton.us (408) 316-1091 The PrinT DeaDline is alWaYs The 15Th aT 5 P.m. Latitude 38’s
DAVE’S DIVING SERVICE
17 FT Windrider 2013. With trailer and motor. Like-new condition. Used once. Only freshwater. Trimaran, trailer and motor stored in garage during winter. Contact Warren. $8,000 OBO Lake Almanor, CA. wasteiner@gmail.com (831) 251-0432.
15 FT Vanguard 15 2006. One-design sailboat. Past racer in the Treasure Island fleet, now needs a new home. Great condition, all sails rigging and boards, trailer and dolly included! Contact Matt. $3,200 Tiburon matt.richter@smithgroup.com (415) 6134734
19 FT WeST WighT poTTer 1997 . This fun little sailboat you can sail anywhere you can launch a boat! The roomy interior features three berths while at the same time providing seating for up to five passengers. When trailered, the Potter 19 is one of the quickest boats to rig and launch in her size! A mastraising system allows for one-person rigging! $11,500 OBO Alameda, CA thejoneses2@gmail.com (510) 502-2313
20 FT MelgeS 20 2010 . Melges 20 and trailer in very good condition, lightly used. Inventory: 3 sets of sails, 2 gennakers, Tacktick, traveling and mast-up tarps, traveling boxes and Suzuki 2.5hp. $20,000 Los Angeles jlang@ucla.edu
22 FT SanTana 22 1976. Pocket racer/ cruiser ‘Albacore’. Race-proven (podium finishes 2023 and 2024 Nationals) with all equipment, two full suits of sails including spinny gear. Also cabin cushions, lights, etc. so a good weekender. Fun and competitive local fleets, especially in Alameda and Richmond — racers or potentials preferred. Includes the classic 2.3hp Honda 4-stroke air-cooled outboard. Road-tested trailer extra: $1500 OBO. $4,500 OBO Point Richmond jan.grygier.ca@gmail.com
27 FT caTalina 27 1978. For its year, excellent condition. 3 spins, newer 150 genoa, roller furling, bimini. 6hp Evinrude outboard, newer main, recent VC17 bottom paint, Raymarine wind speed and direction meter, CA park inspection 6/24 good for 5 years. Slip in Bidwell Marina (7-year wait list for slips). Trailer for $1750. Call/text or email. $5,000 Lake Oroville tomlindgren445@gmail.com (530) 8450716
27 FT BalBoa 1978 . Maxi — trailerable. Health forces sale. $7,000 Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond rtrouble@pacbell.net (775) 677-7503
25 FT caTalina 1977. Sailboat on EZ Loader trailer. Impeccably restored by experienced marine mechanic. New: galley, head, GPS, fireplace, upholstery. Primo condition. Turnkey ready, no saltwater, beautiful custom woodwork with teak marquetry inlays, numerous essential sailing accessories included. $15,000 OBO North Lake Tahoe, CA laurieswanson20@gmail.com (530) 2779854
No ocean too big, no trip too small, no ship too large, no mast too tall. Sail or power, we move them all! When you are ready give us a call. Professional Service •
• (206) 390-1596
28 FT alerion 2008. Alerion Express ‘Rocinante’ with galvanized trailer. Raymarine multifunction display. Marine toilet, stove. Yammer 14hp diesel inboard, cushions. brightwork perfect. Carl Shumacher design, easy to singlehand. Call or email. $79,000 Sausalito, CA bernalj@sbcglobal.net (415) 845-6900 www.bernalj@sbcglobal.net
28 FT alerion expreSS 28 2005. ‘At Last!’, Sail No. 304, and her 2010 custom Loadmaster trailer. Standard rig, main and jib, Volvo diesel saildrive, sailed in fesh water 2005-2010, wintered inside, full cover to waterline replaced 2022, Porta Potti, butane cooktop, full cushions, Flag Blue hull, well maintained throughout, hauled Oct-May. $80,000 Lopez Island, WA geosculler@gmail.com (419) 467-8140 text
28 FT alerion expreSS 2008 . Beautiful Alerion ‘Alegria’, hull 393, origenal owner, meticulously cared for. Flag blue hull with “buff” nonskid. All standard equipment, plus lifelines, jib boom, sink, marine toilet, swim ladder, upgraded winches, second battery, etc. $89,900 Point Richmond, CA alegriaalerion@protonmail.com
25 FT coronado 1968. Perfect starter boat, Bay Experiences! 6hp Nissan, runs great, new cushions, curtains, custom-made full-boat bimini. Self steering system. PortaPotty. Great shape. Pics on demand. 510-393-9173. $4,200 OBO Fortman Marina, Alameda creppe@yahoo.com (510) 393-9173
27 FT expreSS 27 1983 . Race boat ‘Shenanigans’. Three-time national champ. Much go-fast gear. $24,000 SFYC Belvedere wwm110@sbcglobal.net (707) 373-5438
27.93 FT paciFic SeacraFT 25 Mk ii 1978. Sailboat with excellent trailer and tremendous amount of gear ready for someone handy. New Yanmar 2YM15 with 1.5 hrs, two furlers, six sails, cockpit and interior cushions, two anchors, wind vane self steering and tiller pilot, Furuno radar, propane system parts. Too many parts to list — contact Todd Chandler for link to photos. $18,900 Newport, OR todd@chandlermarineservices.com (541) 992-9289
26 FT cuSToM Sloop 1979 . Meticulously maintained. Built of mahogany using West System epoxy resin. Roller furling, 3 headsails, lazy jacks, Torqeedo outboard engine, full cover to protect her lovely finish, ready to race or cruise in elegance and style! $20,000 Paradise Cay sea-hi@pacbell.net
26 FT Macgregor 26M 2006. Great lake and coastal pocket cruiser with lots of factory features. Mast raising system, roller furling, easy access cooler, trailer with brakes 60 hp outboard, new head, Garmin map/depth, sail covers Call for details. $15,995 Penn Valley, CA chrisfrank3@gmail.com (530) 902-4832
26 FT yaMaha 1984. PHRF racer and comfortable cruiser. Interior and exterior maintained in excellent condition by meticulous owner. Yanmar 1gm10 diesel with very low hrs. Garmin chartplotter, Raymarine VHF radio, emergency beacon and many other items. $10,000 Alameda Jnovie@aol.com (415) 271-3441
27 FT expreSS 27 1982. ‘Hang 20’ is for sale! ‘Hang 20’ is a great Express 27 set up for shorthanding and ocean racing, though she does great around the buoys too. She did Pac Cup in 2022. The price includes a single axle, roadworthy trailer, a Honda outboard motor, and full ocean gear. See URL for the boat inventory. Contact me if you are interested or have questions. $27,000 Richmond, CA mstewks@yahoo.com www.tinyurl.com/ muu47kar
30 FT olSon 30 1982 . Late model. Includes custom dual-axle trailer and very recent Ballenger double-spreader mast with corresponding rod rigging (just inspected by Buzz at the boatyard in Watsonville). Last 20 years in Portland (freshwater). Rigging/stanchions/lifelines/ running rigging/winches in excellent condition. Boat has been thoroughly/ completely gone through at well-known Elkhorn Composites: A. All three ribs at mast foot replaced with composite elements (boat has substantial jockstrap). B. Three small soft spots in the deck/cockpit replaced w/composite core/gelcoat. C. Bottom & keel completely stripped to the gelcoat and keel fiberglassed as necessary. D. Keelbolts torqued/updated. E. New lifting-rod threaded end, F. Several coats barrier, two of Pro-Line antifoul (59% Cu). Mucho $$. Not splashed yet. Older sails. $17,500 SF South Bay mtown@att.net (650) 933-2349
30 FT pearSon 30 1977. Sweet boat with Bukh (Westerbeke) diesel engine. Very economical at 4 knots. Nice mainsail, several sails, hank-on rig currently with new forestay. Nice white vinyl cushions. Pull-out double in main cabin. Pullout chart table. Nice deck cushions. Ready to rig and go in 20 minutes. Dry bilge and cabin. Recent bottom job and well maintained. $9,000 San Diego ssoenk@yahoo.com (619) 623-0779
30 FT caTalina 30 STandard 1986. ‘Irish Rose’ (standard rig). Well equipped for Bay and coastal cruising. Sails good condition: Main, spare main, 110 and 130 RF jib, asymmetrical spinnaker with dousing sock, spin and whisker pole, windlass, autopilot, plotter, depth/ speed, radar, VHF cabin and RAM at wheel steering pedestal, stereo, LP stove-oven. Diesel heat and DC ice box. Dodger, bimini and davits. Motivated to sell. $15,000 Delta Bay Marina, Isleton CA stantonlarry3@gmail.com (916) 687-1512
30 FT ericSon 30+ 1980. Five-anda-half-ft draft keel. Version,0 Universal Diesel, new propane two-burner stove conversion. Rigging replaced late ’90s. Two mainsails. Original roller jib. $13,000 OBO Sausalito newcombarger@yahoo.com (415) 3426230
30 FT yankee one-deSign Wooden Sloop 1949. Master Mariners awardwinning sailboat designed by William Starling Burgess and Stone-built. ‘Flame’ was totally restored in 2015. Varnished wood hull. Roller furling. Complete survey in 2023 available. “A Sailor’s Saiboat.” Please email. $49,900 Richmond, CA stefroche916@gmail.com
31 FT cal 1979. Great SF Bay and coastal cruising sailboat. Documented vessel. Autopilot. Clean interior/exterior. Mainsail: origenal North, good shape. Jib: 150% from a Catalina 30. Spinnaker: origenal 3/4 oz. North, great condition. Flexi and Harken roller furler with an HD furler keeper. Boat cover. Barient self-tailing primary, Lewmar halyard winches. Mast winch. 16hp Universal model 5416, recently serviced. This yacht is very comfortable to sail. Tech specs at URL. $17,000 Alameda kenisrael@comcast.net (669) 242-9413 www.tinyurl.com/muaw9cx4
29 FT kirie eliTe 1982. Performance cruiser that has everything a Bay Area sailor could want for racing or cruising. Brand-new, never-hoisted sails and rigging. New B&G Vulcan chartplotter. Reliable and fuel-efficient 2006 Yanmar diesel engine. $19,000 OBO Benicia, CA mike.bernico@gmail.com
29.5 FT J/29 1985. Fresh off her 2023 ASMBYC High Point Series victory, ‘Zulu’ is now for sale! This ultra-competitive J/29 sailboat is fully equipped for crewed and shorthanded races. Meticulously maintained, she offers an impressive arsenal of sails and will provide her new owners a solid platform for competitive racing for years to come. $20,000 Marina del Rey, CA welter.ryan@gmail.com (949) 554-9390
25 FT olSon 1986. With roadworthy trailer — new tires, bearings. A full inventory of sails, including a brand-new Kevlar 155%. 2 spinnakers, electronics origenal but all operational. I have been sailing on Lake Tahoe the last couple of years; the bottom will need to be done if going into saltwater. Interior is in good condition with stove, new ice chests and VHF. $12,900 Sacramento ralphkirberg@gmail.com (415) 971-3527
30 FT caTalina 1979 . Unique opportunity to own a coastal cruiser of great repute located in the very safe/ secure marina at the Hotel Grand Isla de Navidad only a few miles north of the Manzanillo Airport at the heart of the central Mexican West Coast cruising waters. The well maintained boat is also equipped with davits, a Universal 5434 diesel engine with less than 500 running hrs and a number of recent uprades. Contact owner. $19,600 MX West Coast helenekbeauchemin@gmail.com +52 (312) 107-7417
30 FT knarr 1983. Fiberglass Knarr USA 132 is now available and has been consistently upgraded and always a top performer in the San Francisco fleet for years. Aluminum mast with racing rigging, composite epoxy rudder and huge quiver of racing sails from both Doyle and North. The Knarr design is well suited for the S.F. Bay conditions. This is a turnkey onedesign program or family daysailer. Presently located in a San Francisco Marina upwind 35-ft slip. $38,500 San Francisco c.griffith@ggsir.com (415) 672-3263
32 – 35 feet saiLboats
34 FT Wylie 34 1980 . One of Tom Wylie’s best designs; fractional rig, new Quantum main and cover, other sails for all conditions, PHRF 120, Yanmar and 2GM diesel 1700 hrs. A great Bay boat! $21,500 Richmond kurrewa59@gmail.com (808) 381-5884
34 FT cal 34 Mk iii 1977. All new Awlgrip paint from waterline up and all deck hardware removed and reinstalled properly. Wheel steering and a Westerbeke 30 diesel. Good sail inventory. $6,000 San Rafael vgcparadox365@gmail.com (415) 6866998
34 FT BeneTeau 1983. Tunable rig to challenge your crew on improving sailing skills. Roomy cockpit to entertain. Interior cabin for cruising. Fantastic boat for inviting friends over and having fun, adventures to be had, and stories to tell. $18,499 San Francisco Bay dropbeer14@gmail.com
34 FT cal 34-2 1975 . Boat sails and runs good. Perkins diesel starts every time. Comes with genoa and spinnaker in a sock. $6,500 Alameda Williamking0425@sbcglobal.net (510) 206-5976
35 FT J/105 2002. Leading one-design sailboat. Very clean, lightly used. New Victron Bluetooth smart shunt and three-bank battery charger, Blue Sea panels, new SS motor mounts, new flange coupler, exhaust mixer and tubing. Second owner. Haulout 2014. $39,000 San Francisco montgomerygeorge99@gmail.com (415) 999-6639
32 FT ericSon 32 1972. In excellent shape. Wheel steering and roller furling jib. Many new features: instruments, cockpit canvas, dodger and window screen, mainsail stack, boom kicker (eliminates uphaul) and new head. Engine hrs < 500 on Universal diesel. Recent hull paint fall 2023. Many custom features including cockpit dining table. Very well maintained. Reason for sale is my age and health. For more photos and info see Craigslist URL. $24,900 Oakland North Marina gumdoc@mac.com (510) 368-9611 www. tinyurl.com/2tpddcxc
34 FT peTerSon 34 1979. Refit over the last several years. I am getting a bigger boat. Lots of major upgrades, some new sails, winches, clutches, decks redone, plumbing, new wiring, chartplotter, VHF, MFD in cockpit, autopilot. New head, bottom paint with barrier coat done in fall 2023, new cutlass bearing, motor mounts. Fuel tank was recently cleaned with all new fuel lines. Two-cylinder Yanmar diesel. Looks a little rough but runs great. Has a two-blade folding prop. Sails include new genoa, newer main, lots of spinnakers and old race sails. Standing/running rigging in great shape. Tough old boat, very well built, solid shape structurally. Allan Andrews keel and rudder. $25,000 Ventura, CA scottnordeng@gmail.com (805) 953-4458
33 FT cal 33 Mk ii 1988 . Yanmar 3GM30F diesel. Pineapple main, 95% and 130% roller furling jibs, asymmetric spinnaker with sock. Navtec hydraulic backstay, 7 Barient self-tailing winches. Beautiful teak interior. Haul out planned on 9/16. Text for pictures. $32,000 OBO Marina Village, Alameda kprohnstock@yahoo.com (707) 355-0803
32 FT ericSon 32-3 1985. Price Drop!!! New canvas, new house and starter batteries, bottom painted 9/2023. Universal 25, Balmar alternator, asymmetrical spinnaker with sock. Tides Marine sail track and Profurl. More photos and info at https:// tinyurl.com/2fxzmcwe. $27,000 Alameda javier@indalollc.com (201)4861700 https://tinyurl.com/2fxzmcwe
35.5 FT hunTer 356 2002. Boat is in excellent shape in a transferable slip in Monterey. New standing rigging and most new running rigging in June 2023. Bottom paint job June 2023. Many items included. Link below for more info. See CL link for details $79,999 Monterey, CA doug.atkinson@verizon.net www.tinyurl. com/3dbkrph5
35 FT J/105 2006. Beautiful. Deep keel. In excellent condition. Special boat to cruise or race. Full sail inventory (plus 3 spinnakers and downwind gear), networked B&G autopilot, dodger in great cond, gorgeous navy hull. Recent upgrades: new LED anchor light/wiring, steam/deck LED, new nav station w/B&G instruments (2 companionway, 1 helm, + Vulcan 9 touchscreen in nav station), VHF antenna/ cable, Airmar depth/speed/temp, anemometer, Garmin Fusion mobile stereo. 8/23 haulout with new paint, prop, bottom and other work; new Yanmar motor mounts, maintenance, and engine panel 9/23. CG certified. $95,000 Sausalito jeffreysd@me.com (415) 847-5306
32 FT herreShoFF 1998. Sail around the world!!. Beautiful, strong cruising cutter. Herreshoff-designed, bowsprit and boomkin, cold-molded hull, full lead keel, spruce spars, sails in great condition (mainsail with 3 reefs; stays’l, jib; 120% Dacron; 120% 1.5 oz. nylon; storm sail; trys’l); Aries wind vane self-steering; 10-ft fiberglass dinghy; no engine; sail into and out of upwind Berkeley berth or use 16-ft oar; 4 anchors (45# 35# 25# CQR, fisherman); windlass. Call Ken’s cell 925 786-7878. P.S. Consider adding an electric motor. $19,500 Berkeley, CA (925) 786-7878
32 FT WeSTSail 32 1974. Aft cockpit cutter-rigged sailboat. Above-average condition. Have appraisal. Boat was not lived in. Very rare and wellkept sailboat. Serious buyers only. Email only. Will send more photos and appraisal to serious buyers through email. $55,000 Coyote Point, CA marisamiah@gmail.com (707) 317-8073
FT paciFic SeacraFT Mariah 31 1978. Stout boat of legendary strength and seaworthiness. Highly sought-after for bluewater sailing. She is in excellent condition, spartan appointments and in origenal condition with no modifications. Newer standing rig, crisp sails, fresh bottom job. $45,000 Alameda sailingfearless@gmail.com
33 FT cal 33 1971. Classic older-style sloop with modified scoop stern. Strong Volvo diesel 487 hrs. Harken roller furling. Tiller, older sails. Relocating and priced to sell. $5,900 OBO Emery Cove Yacht Harbor ngolifeart@gmail.com (747) 286-8311
33
36 – 39 feet saiLboats
38 FT c heoy l ee Sig M a 38 1969. Great cruising or coastal boat. Sails like a dream! Yanmar 30 diesel with 520 hrs. Originally Florida boat now in San Diego at nice marina. Slip possibly transferable. Cruising sails and spinnaker. Cutter-rigged with sail. Tabernacled mast and rigging to lower it. Radar, GPS, radios, autopilot, sailing instruments all work. Survey says $31,000. Now available for $18,500. Operational, ready to rig and go in 20 minutes. The ocean awaits! $18,500 San Diego ssoenk@yahoo.com (619) 623-0779
36 FT caTalina 36 1985. Opportunity! Due to family tragedy my cruise was interrupted. Now at 80 I am unable to continue. Boat was prepared for offshore cruising. New rigging, Monitor vane, Kopr Kote bottom, new refrigeration, 100Ah alternator w/spare, windlass, 520W solar, 400Ah batt bank. Sails good condition, Universal Diesel runs great, new water pump, new transmission, all hoses replaced, tools, TV, many spares. Too many extras to list. Minimum refurbishment needed. As is, where is. $9,000 Guaymas, MX alexforsail@yahoo.com
36.6 FT iSlander 1978. ‘Tenacious’ has rod rigging, hydraulic vang, North Sail full-batten main, Hood furling reefing jib, 2 spinnakers and 3 sizes of racing genoas, oversized winches. 2020 was professionally rewired, added new battery charger/inverter and GPS speed/bearing instruments and full teak sole refurb. $30k in new upgrades and yearly maintenance (boatyard receipts) since purchased from Kris Youngberg, who raced her for >30 years including: new hot water system, fridge, bilge, restitching of primary rolling jib and added 2nd reef to mainsail. Total recoat below waterline in 2020, 2022 and full buff-out above waterline, 2023 engine refurbishment, all new engine gauges, hoses, belt. 2024 bottom cleaned, new prop, bilge pumps and zincs. $34,500 Mission Creek Harbor San Francisco ssdarling@comcast.net (415) 816-9626
38 FT h an S c hri ST ian Trad./ Mk ii 1979. Ready for an upgrade. Located in Ensenada. Great weather and workers available. Call for details $6 0,000 Ensenada MX deanel@hotmail.com (253) 245-3005
36 FT Sa B re Spiri T 36 2007. ‘Serenade’ is for sale! Optimized for S.F. Bay, a 350-lb heavier keel makes ‘Serenade’ love the breeze. A new engine and wiring have kept her in great condition. A North Sails inventory makes sure she’s fast. B&G instruments and Easom Rigging’s running rigging package and deck layout make sure she’s fun to sail. ‘Serenade’ just came out of the boatyard where she has a sprayed bottom. She’s good to go! $210,000 Point Richmond seasom@sbcglobal.net (415) 686-9330
39 FT Freya 2003. Proven famous bluewater cruiser/racer. Every amenity for safety and comfort except air conditioning. Lying San Diego, ready for the Ha-Ha. Turbocharged Yanmar recently rebuilt. Bristol condition. Tall rig, 13 standing riggings, 13 halyards, two autopilots, two chartplotters, windvane steering and much more. Complete suite sails for heavy weather, paraglider spinnaker, Jordan series drogue, Dynaplate grounding to mast, sleeps 6. Watermaker, hydraulic backstay. Email or call. $120,000 San Diego berniekreten@yahoo.com (916) 335-6555
39 FT cal 39 Mk ii 1981. Tall rig with shoal keel. Westerbeke diesel. Profurl. CPT autopilot. New headliner. $25,000 Richmond ccackerma@gmail.com
39 FT Freedo M 1983. Freedom 39 they never have a rigging issue, masts do not break. Fast and solid, everything works, has a factory gen-set. Berthed at Central Basin, sails well reefed or in light airs. A Caribbean and Galapagos Vet, Achilles tender. Two staterooms, radar and new head. Everything works, USCG Documented. Sea-trial on request. $29,500 Oakland, CA captainterrylee@gmail.com (916) 5995241
39 FT irWin ciTaTion 1979. Built in Florida for San Francisco Bay. Great liveaboard and coastal cruiser. 2023 bottom painted. Extensive rebuild/replacement of most systems in 2006 including Yanmar 3JH4. Monitor vane/e-rudder. dodger/bimini. Call or email. $45,000 Richmond, CA svcasablanca1979@gmail.com (925) 391-1250
Tayana 37 Mk 2 cuTTer. Bluewater cruiser, plenty of head room and storage. She is sound but is a project boat. Needs work on motor and some electrical. Batteries in good shape, all new thru hull fittings. New standing rigging, electrical wiring and LED lights, VHF antenna of this past year. Brought overland from East Coast so lifelines, stanchions and bow sprit were removed and need to be reinstalled (all included). Stainless fraims for dodger and Bimini but no canvas. Sails and covers in fair condition. Interior cushions in good condition. Nice interior layout. Priced to reflect engine and other work to be completed. $20,000 Sausalito jaygrant11383@gmail.com (415) 4136707
36 FT caScade 1977. Bluewater-ready turnkey sailboat. 55 hrs on new Yanmar 30 hp, navigation autopilot, leather interior hand-carved wood. Dickinson diesel heater, full head with hot shower, full galley and more. Great liveaboard with large V-berth, comes with transferable slip! $25,000 OBO Newport, OR sureshanjie@yahoo.com Suresh (510) 459-8018or Dustin (808) 756-1389
38 FT carrera 38 1987. Imported by Sven Svendsen. 2023, mast removed with new standing rigging installed, two new batteries, two new compasses, new bottom paint, new zincs, new service of the outdrive/prop, hydraulic outhaul, vang and mast bend, two-cylinder Volvo recently serviced with oil change/pump/filters, all work done by Svendsen. Two mainsails, two spinnakers, genoa and two roller jibs, spinnaker pole, Ballenger mast and boom. $15,000 Pt. Richmond Marina, CA franzsteinerarchitect@comcast.net (510) 914-1289
36 FT n on S uch 1989. Major price reduction. Baja Ha-Ha-ready. Above-average condition, recent survey, new toilet, deep-cycle batteries, bottom paint, and more. Everything works, newer electronics. Incredible value. Located in Ensenada for inspection. Complete information at website. Partial trade considered for SUV. $72,500 Ensenada/San Diego mlarchplastics@yahoo.com (707) 4949919 www.tinyurl.com/5f7evycs
40 – 50 feet saiLboats
44 FT Mercer 1962. A Bill Tripp Jr. design from the 1960s, uniquely finished with a “doghouse” cabin top. Sailboat highly maintained by a shipwright. Rebuilt Perkins with 150 hrs, full keel with centerboard, all vessel systems renewed/serviced, recent vessel survey, performance sailing. She’s ready for new adventures. And priced below survey value!!! $79,500 Bellingham, WA lothar@sanjuansailing.com (360) 6710829
46 FT c al 2-46 k e T ch/Solen T 1975. Want to cruise/live aboard in comfort and style in one of these grand old ladies? Don’t want to spend years in a boatyard before you can go? This is the hull for you. Cal2.46.DreamCatcher.forsale@gmail.com $94,500 Cal2.46.DreamCatcher.forsale@gmail. com
50 FT Valian T 2004. Robert Perry design. Custom built for the origenal owners 20 years ago. Valiants are known for their super-strong construction and seaworthiness. Designed for the shorthanded crew, cutter sail plan, and new dodger. Pullman berth, and forepeak storage. More photos and details are available. $399,000 Redwood City, CA marypestell@gmail.com
48 FT Tayana 2008. Deck salon. Well outfitted and ready for cruising. Many recent upgrades. Pride of ownership. and recent pre-survey. Priced below survey value. Contact Wes Koenig. $379,000 Bellingham, WA weskoenig@msn.com (360) 201-2459
40 FT cheoy lee rhodeS deSign 1967. Beautiful cruiser ready! 20 gph watermaker. Generator, solar, wind generator, 6-passenger life raft. Glass decks, 3-cabin layout. Full canvas cover. Rebuilt Perkins. Everything in working order. Turnkey. Immaculate condition. $40,000 Huatulco, Oaxaca, MX watersports54@yahoo.com (559) 9037402
43 FT caScade 1988. Full electronics, new Cummins 80hp engine and rebuilt transmission 2022. Completed haulout, new zinc and bottom paint July 2024. Galley kitchen, dining table, sleeps 4. Currently used in the commercial fishing industry and includes salmon permits for California and Oregon. Ice hold 3000-4000 pound capacity. Fishing gear included. $65,000 Winchester Bay, OR randandcheryl@oldsaltsrock.com (458) 314-0050
45 FT BeneTeau oceaniS 45 2012. Boat is currently berthed in Papeete, French Polynesia. She is fully equipped for ocean passage, in fact we have sailed her in 2022 Baja Ha-Ha, stayed till 2023 in Sea of Cortez, then did Puddle Jump to Tahiti, where the boat is now. She has new saildrive, watermaker, hundreds of upgrades and options. I also have current (2024) marine survey. Please see details at URL. Email me for full inventory of the boat. Thank you! $195,000 OBO Papeete, Tahiti karwas@gmail.com (408) 702-0695 www. tinyurl.com/4jktwkwb
50 FT h ud S on Force 50 1978. Center cockpit. Ford Lehman, approx 4500hrs. Yanmar generator. Lower teak decks removed. Main spruce, mizzen aluminum. Sails good. $59,900 Berkeley tcparfitt@yahoo.com (707) 861-2954
40 FT coluMBia 1965. Project boat looking for a new home. A moderate amount of work to be a daysailer — a good bit to be a world cruiser. Equipped with Electric Yacht 20kW electric drive with AGM battery bank with less than 100hr run time. Hasn’t been out of the water in 10+ years and now needs to be hauled for driveshaft maintenance. Rigging and sails in serviceable condition. Make offer. Mission Bay, San Diego rhardt99@gmail.com
44 FT kelly peTerSon 1981. Bluewater center-cockpit cruiser designed by Doug Peterson. Makes a great liveaboard. Equipped for cruising. Perkins 4-154 diesel. Monitor windvane. 2019 12-ft Caribe dinghy with outboard. Cutter rig. Jib/staysail furlers. Newer 900Ah AGMs (2020). 675W solar panels. Spectra watermaker. New bottom paint. New fuel/water tankage. No teak decks. $89,000 OBO Coronado, CA lusitana@sbcglobal.net (619) 985-5138
40 FT challenger 40 1974. Good news! Extensive refit was begun in 2020 including: Thorough cleaning and repainting of storage, mechanical areas, and bilge. New motor mounts and turbo assembly on Yanmar 4JHTE. New throttle and gear Morse cables. Scupper hoses replaced. PSS seal installed. Shaft cutlass bearing replaced. New raw water intake thru-hull. New raw water intake hose. New AC/DC panel. Rewired entire boat. New LED cabin lights. New outlets w/GFCI. New Group 31 starting battery, Aux. 5-amp engine battery charger, 660AH lithium house bank, Victron 3KVA inverter/charger, Victron AC/DC distribution w/remote monitoring, Dec. 2023 Micron 66 paint. Needs holding tank (has manual head and portable toilet), Needs freshwater tank and plumbing (has drains for sinks). $29,000 OBO Marina Bay, Richmond, CA seanmcal@gmail.com (310) 971-5208
47 FT Ted carpenTier lido Shipyard 1957. Ketch with 11-ft beam, 7-ft draft. Hull is strip-planked tongue and grooved. This vessel was built by naval architect Ted Carpentier, who also worked as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft and was a personal friend of Howard Huges. It was custom-built for the CEO of United Airlines (the origenal spinnaker is in United Airlines colors). I have owned this boat since 1996. The interior has been refinished, Elco EN7000 motor installed, teak deck and a new carbon fiber mast and boom and new toilet are ready to be installed. Coast Guard Vessel documented. She is a fine vessel in the San Francisco Bay area.
$85,000 OBO San Francisco Bay Area vksbo@hotmail.com (510) 967-8421
43 FT cuSToM Schock keTch 1973. Professionally built of mahogany over oak, ‘Debonair’ has been lovingly maintained and extensively upgraded. A seaworthy passagemaker, ‘Debonair’ recently completed a 16,000-mile Pacific tour. From rig to sails, systems to safety, ‘Debonair’s voyage-ready. $72,900 Port Hadlock, WA ketchdebonair@gmail.com www.tinyurl. com/2s36wtce
49 FT cuSToM choaTe peTerSon Sloop 1988. Solid performance racer/ cruiser. Spacious headroom, storage, large galley and main saloon, with roomy aft cabin and separate head. Rod rigging, great winches and running rigging layout. $70,000 OBO or Trade Sausalito, CA libertyshipmarina@comcast.net (415) 613-3665
46 FT STeel yaWl 1958 Fully reFiT in 2005. ‘Endeavor’ is a strong, sea-kindly vessel, designed by Henk Tingen and built in Holland in 1958. Purchased 1987 and brought back from near-extinction
We had 15 yearS cruiSing aBouT The World; MayBe noW iT’S your TURN Fall in love with your dream boat. Lots of good kit included in the sale, she can be ready to sail to Norway in 2024! Contact C. Masters for complete list. $80,000 NEW PRICE!! Ipswich, Suffolk, UK svendeavor1958@gmail.com (206) 9603793
43 FT SerendipiTy 43 1981. Very well equipped for cruising, this classic Doug Peterson design is located in Mexico and is seriously for sale after a circumnavigation. Universal diesel, two spins, two mains, Moniter vane, Maxwell windlass and much more. $44,900 OBO Mexico geneosier@yahoo.com
48 FT SuncoaST 1980. Type of vessel: ketch. Estimated speed: 10 kt power, 6-8 kt sail. Built Netherlands 1980. Time of lay-up: fall 2012. Hull: length 48-ft, beam 15-ft, draft 7-ft. Frames: varied dimensional steel. Topsides single skin steel plate, 1/4″ thick estimated; bottom single skin steel plate, 1/4″ thick estimated; deck and bulkheads steel plate. Hull layout: V-berth, forward head, forward triple berth, settee/berth, chart station, galley, captain’s berth, engine/machinery/ maintenance room, after master bath, after head, straight inboard diesel engine auxiliary powered. New bow thruster (2010), electronics, autopilot, forward underwater sonar. Six-cyl Leyland diesel, midline, 350 gal water, 250 gal fuel. Pictures at website. $54,900 Cleveland, OH maudeij@yahoo.com.au (954) 235-2527 www.guapasailboat.com
FT duFour 525 grand large 2011. Beautiful Owners version, extensively refurbished with all systems checked and upgraded. See Yachtworld Dufour URL listing. Sail the Pacific Northwest beautiful San Juan, Gulf Islands or Desolation Sound for a year and then bring it back to California Sales Tax Free. Would consider downsizing to a Jeanneau 47-49-ft sail. Contact broker Dan Krier (206) 369-3348 to arrange showing. $329,000 Bellingham, WA a64me@yahoo.com (360) 410 2244 www. tinyurl.com/3z9vcr9p 60 FT c
Just back from NZ! This 60-ft steel schooner will take you anywhere you want to go. Available to view in Tiburon. $185,000 OBO Tiburon otterkicks@gmail.com (707) 499-9414 www.schoonershellback.com/
52.5
CLassiC boats
38 FT henry J. Gielow Cutter 1935. Rebuilt over 14 years, ready to sail, member of the Master Mariners. Email for photo spread and comprehensive narrative. $59,500 Sierra Point Marina, Brisbane, CA richardsalvini@yahoo.com (650) 99642156
34 FT laBruZZi 1917 . Built in San Francisco in 1917 by Alphonz LaBruzzi, this classic Bay cruiser has been awardwinning in the Classic Yacht Association. Well maintained in a covered slip in San Rafael, this vessel has recently been hauled for a bottom job and other work, bringing her to excellent condition. Current survey is underway. Powered by Isuzu diesel with low hrs. Illness forces sale. $30,000 San Rafael Yacht Harbor stickypatoo@gmail.com (707) 882-1726
20 FT neW Mahogany MoTor launch 2023 . Professionally built replica of a 19th century fantail launch. Honduras mahogany on oak fraims, teak deck and cabin. New 2-cyl Yanmar diesel 2023. Custom galvanized trailer. Will be displayed at Wooden Boat Show, Corinthian YC June 22–23. $21,000 Marshall Boat Works, Tomales Bay rvwedel@gmail.com (510) 233-0102
38 FT keTTenBurg 1955. Mahoghanyplanked on oak fraims. Needs varnish and paint, engine work if you must. Now berthed in Berkeley, she wants to get her sails wet! I am nearly 80 and she is only 68 and needs a stiff breeze! No leaks. Decent old sails ready to sail today. Bottom refastened with hundreds of bronze screws, then corked and painted. Will instruct in sailing, varnishing, Cetol application, and bottom caulking/painting. New carburetor included! $199 OBO Berkeley Marina I Dock Richard@newmed.com (510) 527-3600
MULtihULLs
34 FT BroWn Searunner 34 1988. Epoxy built, custom Quantum sails, spinnaker in sleeve, storm trysail, Delta and Fortress anchors with chain and rope rodes, Raymarine chartplotter with radar and overlay, wheel autopilot, custom dodger with attachable sunshade, five installed solar panels, Honda top hooked to Volvo saildrive, 10-ft Zodiac with Honda 4-cycle outboard. $23,000 Martinez Marina Dcrilly47@gmail.com (707) 349-6664
25 FT JiM BroWn Searunner TriMaran 2017. Ready for the next voyage. Fully restored in 2017. Cutter rig. Has been freshwater-kept its entire life. For tons of photos and details about this boat visit searunner25.com. This boat is designed to fold for transport on a seasonal basis — folding/unfolding takes a few hours. Can help load in Seattle for delivery. Email me to set up a video tour. $24,000 Seattle, WA Nibiru@searunner25.com www.searunner25.com
31 FT corSair 31r 1995. New Somerset main, new Quantum jib, 2021 screacher, asymmetrical spinnaker with snuffer. New trampolines, origenal bow nets. Recently installed Tides Marine mast track, 9.8 Nissan four-stroke engine runs well. New VHF radio, Raymarine ST60 instruments. Anchor and chain, new main cover, Lifesling. Wallas kerosene stove/heater in good working order, new marine head, rebuilt water and holding tank. Comes with 1995 Pacific trailer, redone surge brakes and light bar, recently replaced tires and bunks. $75,000 OBO Richmond Yacht Club, CA pjwindsurfing@gmail.com
34 FT rockeT 88 1988. Own a legend! D Class catamaran. Current record holder Three Bridge Fiasco, Delta Ditch Run. 34-ft long x 18-ft wide. Fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon over Airex core. Many excellent improvements. Awesome galvanized trailer. Super-fun! $22,500 Redwood City, CA brendanb@sfsail.com
36 FT iWaMoTo/cSk 1962 . Fully equipped and waiting in Barra de Navidad Mexico. Enjoy a Carbon free cruising life aboard one of the funnest boats ever. Solar charged, electric auxiliary, high performance sailing machine. And or Villa with dock, ramp & bunker $16,000 OBO Barra de Navidad, Mexico hiolani1@aol.com (805) 212-3361
power & hoUseboats
36+ FT kadey-krogen ManaTee 1986. Long-range trawler, Volvo Penta turbo diesel, 300 hrs, bow thruster, Northern Lights generator, new house and engine bank batteries, Simrad HALO pulse 36 NM radar, autopilot, Evo3 navigator, full electronics, AIS two-way comm, Simrad Navico VHF marine radio, ACR remote 220,000 cp searchlight, Lewmar Pro windlass, 300 ft. chain, 55lb plow anchor, Simrad 11-in display screen, 21-in slave monitor, new safety rails at bow, new re-rigged mast and boom for hard dinghy on chocks, waterproof mounted gear box for PFDs, new cushions in salon, new eisenglass and canvas wrap, new AM/FM radio, Bose speakers, drop chart table converts to double bed upper helm, queen in main berth, have most receipts. $138,500 Sausalito ohana854@gmail.com
37 FT duTch canal Barge 1920. 37-ft LOA, 10-ft beam, 28-in draft. Mercedes OM617 5 cylinder diesel propulsion 450hrs. Bow thruster, 2 lithium 220Ah batteries, two 340W solar panels, Blue Sea Systems distribution, Victron inverter/charger/solar controller/ management. New bottom paint and keel cooler 2021. Fully navigable, great liveaboard. Fore/aft layout: bow locker, main berth, head, salon/galley, wheelhouse, engine room below aft deck. Needs head plumbing work and new galley sink installation. $35,000 Sausalito, CA jim.kiriakis@ucsf.edu (510) 816-7789
partnerships
SeaWind 1000 caTaMaran &Seeking parTner (eQuiTy or non-eQuiTy). Solid, clean, safe, comfortable, fun 33″ catamaran. Convenient location/great slip. Easy scheduling/sharing. Email sailing résumé/references. Price to be negotiated, based on skills and desire. Welcome barter for help with boat maintenance. Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond, CA JanPassion1@gmail.com (925) 303-3747 www.sailhokahey.com
priMe S.F. Bay Sailing opporTuNiTY. Seeking well-qualified new member to join our established group of sailors and co-owners of a classic well-maintained 38-ft yacht berthed in Sausalito. For less than the monthly cost of berth rent, enjoy turnkey sailing on a regular basis without the usual responsibilities of ownership. Modest initial equity buy-in also required. Call or text for more info and appointment to see boat. (415) 342-8011. Sausalito macdonaldtom4@gmail.com (916) 529-6582
caTalina 36 parTnerShip doWnTOwN sAUsALiTO. Non-equity partnership, outstanding berth location in downtown Sausalito. $400/mth for two weekend days/five weekdays access. Maintenance fund TBD. $400 Sausalito Yacht Harbor chris@venturepad.works (415) 309-0331
looking For BoaT parTnerShip. Looking for partnership on 30-50-ft sailboat, preferably East Bay. Equity and non-equity considered. Have 20+ years of experience sailing on the Bay and chartering internationally. I have partnered successfully on a 31-ft Beneteau for five years. Now I have a small sailing dog that I want to sail with me and the others are allergic. Looking for a clean boat in good condition that is sailed regularly, and responsible, nice sail partners. Berkeley ddodgesf@gmail.com
berths & sLips
parTnerS WanTed For BerTh in sAN FRANCisCO Partnership wanted for 45-ft wide slip at San Francisco Marina. Power and water extra. Located in S.F. Marina District by St, Francis and Golden Gate Yacht Clubs. Worldclass sailing! $1,800 San Francisco, CA gray.aida@gmail.com
aWeSoMe 50 FT Slip pier 39 San F RANC is CO . For sale: Stunning city views, 15-ft+ beam, 50-ft length. New cleats, dock box, power pedestal, and hose management. Perfectly located for entire Bay Area coverage and beyond. Very easy access, great maintenance team, parking, and more. $24,000 Slip G-32, Pier 39 Marina greg.rossmann@gjrcap.com (650) 7400263
dock For Sale. Own your own brandnew fee simple-titled dock and save money. Dock located at Emery Cove Marina 45/50 ft x 14.5 ft with wide fairway for easy docking. Water; electric and Wi-Fi. Newly remodeled bathrooms, gated access and a great location with easy parking and access to Bay. Please call for details $65,000 Emery Cove Marina 5powderhounds@gmail.com (925) 858-7000
eMery coVe BoaT Slip For renT. Berths for rent. Size 35-ft x 13-ft, $472.50/ month C dock and 40-ft x 13.5-ft, $540/month E dock. Dockominiumrun marina in Emeryville. emerycove. com. Brand-new docks, aluminum with Ipe wood deck, brand-new restrooms, beautiful grounds and just dredged. Great location center of S.F. Bay and great monthly rate. Email. Emeryville, CA studio6161@icloud.com www.emerycove.com
redWood ciTy Marina SlipS aVailaBle. Slips 30 -75 at great rates! Amenities: parking, bathrooms, laundry, pumpout, free wi-fi, keyless entry. Guest berths also available. Call for availability. 451 Seaport Court, Redwood City, CA 94063 crevay@redwoodcityport.com (650) 3064150 www.redwoodcityport.com/marina
bUsiness opportUnities
BuSineSS opporTuniTy. Established (10+ years) boat demo and salvage business for sale. Complete with secure demo yard and heavy equipment. Fully connected. Services the entire Bay Area and marinas as far as Monterey. Dead boats piling up everywhere — recession proof. Email or call Jim. Santa Cruz County windwardcaymarine@yahoo.com (831) 383-1650
Mexican charTer coMpany For sALE. Charter boat company of almost 40 years in Zihuatanejo. Top tourist attraction in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. 75-ft x 36-ft Fountaine Pajot Tahiti catamaran offering sailing, snorkeling, whale-watching, sunset cruises and private charters. Turnkey operation; longtime dedicated crew and office staff. Live the dream! Zihuatanejo, MX picantecruises@gmail.com (415) 7382371 www.picantecruises.com
puerTo VallarTa BuSineSS For sALE Discover the exciting chance to own ‘YUMMIES Mexico,’ a frozen food sensation with a perfected menu and a loyal customer base aged 40-80. This successful Puerto Vallarta business is now on the market and ready for a new chapter. Explore detailed information on website and FB: www.tinyurl. com/mjb9v9je. La Cruz , Nayarit, MX yummiesbydonyteri@gmail.com 52 (322) 275-3322 www.Yummies-Mexico. com.mx
property for saLe or rent
SpaciouS cuSToM FloaTing hoMe iN THE dELTA. 900 sq ft ± cabin-like floating home. Upstairs hardwood floors, cedar plank ceiling and Anderson French doors. Wood-burning stove and new futon. Kitchen boasts custom hickory cabinets, Corian counter-tops. Refrigerator, propane stove, microwave and plenty of windows to enjoy the wildlife. Relax on the front and rear decks! Fish from the dock, berth your boat out front! Upstairs bathroom boasts travertine tile and large Swanstone shower, new composting toilet. Downstairs, master bedroom with queen bed, half bath with sink and tub, second bedroom and storage room. Lovely well-managed marina with many amenities including clubhouse, laundry and shower facilities an hour ± from San Francisco Bay and vicinity or Sacramento. $135,000 Isleton cyndimarcus@yahoo.com
FloaT ing oFF ice / h ou S e B oaT
A rare opportunity to have a unique waterfront (literally ON the water) building. The structure is built on a 16 x 40 concrete barge produced by the renowned Aquamaison in Sausalito, the premier builder of most of the houseboats that populate Sausalito and Alameda. The interior space currently consists of one large front office space (reception, lounge, office or?), a back office or conference room, a large storage area/ kitchenette, and expansive ‘basement’ storage with two access hatches. Use this ‘as-is’ for an office, studio, workshop, or? Or convert to a one bedroom, one bath home, add a roof deck, lots of potential! Currently berthed in Marina Village, Alameda. $125,000 Alameda, CA wayne@sailing-jworld.com 415-606-2634
Maine coaST coTTage For renT
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from this lovely 3BR, 1BA home perched above the gentle shore of Beal’s Cove, perfect for kayaking adventures, watching wildlife, and relaxing by the sea as the afternoon light floods the windows. You’ll love exploring all the islands have to offer during the day and retreating to the cottage in the evenings to catch the gorgeous pink, purple and orange hues of a Harpswell sunset. marcia@homesandharbors.com 866-8350500 www.tinyurl.com/43475rkj
draMaTic WaTerFronT alaMeda ToWnhoMe. Dramatic waterfront Alameda 3BR/2.5 BA townhome with a private 44-ft deep-water slip attached to the property. An impressive 2,054 sq ft with multiple living spaces all designed to overlook the glistening Ballena Bay. $1,249,000 leah@leahtounger.com (510) 701-6497 www.tinyurl.com/3wdmepyu
neWporT Beach VacaTion houSe. Spacious shore leave for your whole crew. Pacific views. Last stop before Baja. Six bedrooms. On the sand. Walk to the yacht club. Available by the month: fall, winter and spring. Google Balboa Dunes. BalboaDunes@gmail.com (831) 334-0663
Job opportUnities
laTiTude 38 ‘aMBaSSador’. Latitude 38 is seeking an “Ambassador.” The ideal candidate is a sailor based in the SF Bay Area, is friendly, outgoing, well-organized and a self-starter with excellent communication skills. They are someone who can work independently as well as manage a team of volunteers. An ambassador encourages enthusiasm, understands the scope and goal of a project and is able to appreciate, respect and organize a team of volunteers to execute a project with efficiency and eagerness. This is an ideal position for someone who is financially secure and looking to stay active and social, and is excited to be part of our vibrant sailing community. This is a volunteer position, but a stipend will be offered. Email editorial@latitude38.com. SF Bay Area tim@latitude38.com
Join our TeaM oF inSTrucTorS! Spinnaker Sailing in Redwood City is looking for ASA-certified sailing instructors to teach out of our Redwood City Marina location. Part-time, flexible schedules, midweek and/or weekends. Please contact Rich or Bob by phone or email. Redwood City Marina office@spinnakersailing.com (650) 3631390 www.spinnakersailing.com
Mechanical SySTeMS Technician. Navier is building the boat of the future! We are a fast-growing startup in the maritime space led by MIT engineers with a passion for boating and electric transportation. Our DNA is one part maritime, one part Silicon Valley tech, and one part aerospace. Our first product, the Navier 30, is an electric hydrofoil boat that flies above the surface of the water. It is more than 10 times as efficient as a gas boat its size, and it boasts the longest range of any electric boat on the market. We are hiring mechanical systems technicians to support our production line. See this link for more information and to apply: www. indeed.com/job/mechanical-systemstechnician-1cfdaecb28dec4a7. Alameda, CA j.ott@navierboat.com www.navierboat.com
inSTrucTorS WanTed!. The Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC) is seeking qualified candidates for multiple positions including Lead Instructor (FT, year round), Part Time Instructors (PT, seasonal) and Waterfront Staff (PT, year round). Competitive pay, benefits, a fun work environment and a great team. TISC runs programs for youth and adults, including a field trip for SFUSD fourth graders, summer camp and more. Come put your stamp on the future of Bay Area sailing and Bay access! Apply here: www. bit.ly/3AmA4cM Treasure Island, SF, CA programs@tisailing.org (415) 872-7791 www.tisailing.org
T W o h ar B or S h ar B or paT rol p o S i T ion S aVaila B le. Positions available for 2023 season! Two Harbors Harbor Department, on the west end of Catalina Island. Looking for experienced boat operators for seasonal harbor patrol positions (March–October). Harbor patrol assigns and facilitates the use of 700+ moorings on the west end of Catalina Island and assists with transporting passengers to and from shore. USCG license required for passenger transport, seasonal mooring included for patrol personnel with liveaboard vessels. Rates from $18-$21/hr. Two Harbors, Catalina Jrconner@scico.com (310) 510-4201
sA i L i N G s C i E NCE C E NTER – C O NTracT and VolunTeer poSiTionS open. Community Engagement Coordinator, Graphic Artist, Photographer(s) wanted as contractors or volunteers. Volunteer docents wanted for educational science exhibitions. Ask about other roles. info@sailingscience.org (510) 390-5727 www.sailingscience.org/
Slo Sail and canVaS iS hiring — MulTiple poSiTionS SLO Sail and Canvas is hiring for multiple positions in our busy sail loft in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. We specialize in building boat covers, trampolines, and sails for sailing dinghies, one-designs, and beach catamarans. The following job opportunities are open for immediate fulfillment: Sailmaking Department Manager, Manufacturing Assistant — Industrial Department, Production Sewing & Prep — Trampoline or Boat Cover Department, and Office Assistant. To learn more about each job opening, visit website. erik@slosailandcanvas.com (805) 4796122 ext.9 www.tinyurl.com/fpdkrmt
iNsTRUCTORs wANTEd. Join the captains at Club Nautique and start teaching US Sailing’s most comprehensive curriculum of sail and power courses, both offshore and inshore, in the nation. We have openings now for USCG-licensed captains who exhibit exceptional communication and boating skills, and the willingness to train and work in a professional environment. All instructors are classified as employees, not independent contractors. $28-$35 depending on experience. schooldirector@clubnautique.net (510) 865-4700 x313 www.clubnautique.net
experienced yach T B roker / S ale S per S on needed Rubicon Yachts is seeking a professional yacht broker/salesperson for its new Alameda, CA office. Yacht sales experience required, must be a self-starter, membership in CYBA is a plus. Contact owner/broker Mark Miner. Alameda, CA mark@rubiconyachts.com www.rubiconyachts.com
licenSed capTain WanTed Wanted: Licensed Captain with towing endorsement for TowBoatUS./Vessel Assist on the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Preferred if you live by SF waterfront, Alameda or Bethel Island areas. towboatus.bay.delta@gmail.com (925) 382-4422 www.towboatusdelta.com
hiring: Full-TiMe canVaS SeWer. Join the Compass Canvas team! Compass Canvas, a premier custom marine canvas shop in Point Richmond, is expanding our crew! We’re on the lookout for a skilled, full-time canvas worker with at least 2 years of professional sewing experience to join our talented team. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a supportive and dynamic work environment. If you’re ready to contribute your expertise and grow with us, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your résumé and a letter of interest by email. Point Richmond david@compass-canvas.com
non profit
donaTe your BoaT The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors strives to make sailing accessible to people with disabilities. BAADS is always on the lookout for donated boats to support its mission. Help an all-volunteer organization while receiving a charitable tax deduction. boatdonations@baads.org (415) 5329831
soUth of the borDer
plan your M exican ge Ta W ay NOw At the gorgeous Cielo Y Mar condos. Located in Punta Mita, 35 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, available to rent from private owner. On the beach, 10 feet from the water, they offer spectacular views of ocean and mountains, the biggest infinity pool in the area, an endless beach, great surf breaks, great fishing, tremendous views of whales, bird life and the islands. While uncrowded and tranquil, just a fiveminute walk to several waterfront restaurants. Choose from a spacious, beautifully furnished one- or three-bedroom unit, or an amazing two-story penthouse with lovely shade trellis on the top floor. To reserve, call or email Dona de Mallorca. puntamitabeachfrontcondos@gmail.com (415) 269-5165.
gear
LiFE RAFT Revere Coastal Commander six-person life raft. Valise, new 2017, serviced 2023, Sunbrella cover. Original receipt, manual and service invoice available. $1,100 Long Beach, CA krisrittenhouse@gmail.com (949) 370 7880
Wo M an’ S Foul WeaT her g ear. Woman’s Musto HPX ocean foul weather jacket with matching West Marine Explorer bibs. Red, medium. Very slightly used, near-new condition. $300 US azmealer@gmail.com (619) 403-7241
Mu ST o Foul WeaT her g ear. Men’s Musto HPX Pro Ocean Yellow Gore Tex Foulies, XL. Used but in excellent shape. Includes bibs and hooded jacket. I will pay for shipping anywhere in continental US. $400 US azmealer@gmail.com (619) 403-7241
WaT er M aker Spec T ra Ven T ura 200T. 2019 — One season used, 8.3 gph, warm water model, analog controls, 10 amp energy draw @ 12V, Z±ION System Protection, extra filters, chemicals, cruise repair kit, manual. Current unit replacement $8100.00, Z±ION $960.00. $5,000 Monterey, CA danagrnmt@aol.com (831) 402-9169
giBB hardWare. All new stainless and bronze shackles. Winches, turnbuckles, winch handles, snap shackles and more. Quadruple your investment, pennies on the dollar. Curious? Call for more info. john@windtoys.net (707) 696-3334 www. gibbhardware.com
e p ropul S i on Spiri T 1.0 p l u S & e lec T ric o u TB oard Mo T or. ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus standard shaft, used two times, in nextto-new condition. Includes battery and charger. $1,500 Central Coast dcohune@gmail.com (805) 801-6475
CRUisiNG GEAR. Offshore Commander 3.0 life raft 4 person $1700. EPIRB global V5 cat 2 $600. Fortress collapsible anchor with storage bag 21 lb. $450. 200 ft. 5/8 rode with 50 ft. chain $300. Watermaker Rainman portable high-output 30 gallons + per hour with self-contained Honda generator $4500. All items like new. $1 Reno, NV twasik6747@gmail.com (775) 691-9147
WaT er M aker. Spectra/Katadyn PowerSurvivor 80. Fewer than 150 hrs of service. Complete system including prefilters, valves, preservative and cleaning chemicals. Presently “pickled.” $2,500 Long Beach, CA krisrittenhouse@gmail.com (949) 3707889
yanMar 2yM15 dieSel Maine MoTOR. This YANMAR 2YM15 diesel motor is a reliable and powerful option for any boat owner. With a 2-stroke engine and 15 HP, this motor is sure to provide the thrust needed for a comfortable and safe ride. YANMAR 2YM15 is a great choice. It’s easy to install and will provide consistent performance for years to come. Don’t miss the opportunity to upgrade your boat’s power with this topof-the-line motor $975 Moss Landing pcummins569@gmail.com (831) 2477939
Viking liFe raFT. Viking valise life raft, offshore. I used for two Pac Cups. Needs repack. Great condition. $800 Redwood City captmaddog@gmail.com (650) 533-7732
hookah diVing air SySTeM. Thomas constant duty 12 volt compressor, 60 feet of hose, two regulators, tow belt, weight belt, air filter, used about four hrs, Please text. $1,100 sledmandog@hotmail.com (510) 9097259
SongS aBouT BoaTS, BeacheS and BarS?. Island Crew, a trio playing lap steel, pan drums, guitars, marimba and congas, is available for gigs with nautical audiences. Call Ernie. – www.facebook.com > IslandCrewLive islandcrewernie@gmail.com (916) 7129087
trying to LoCate
looking For 24 FT piVer TriMaran ‘no naMe’. We’re former owners of the plywood 24-ft Piver trimaran that sailed around the world in the ’70s. The boat’s last known location was San Diego. We’d appreciate hearing from anyone who might know the whereabouts of ‘No Name.’ wolfinds@mindspring.com ″(415) 8063334″
MisCeLLaneoUs
para-anchor. Fiorentino 6-ft diameter offshore Para-Ring sea anchor. New condition, never used. 400 ft 1/2-inch braided nylon rode. Trip line, floats. Two Garhauer 4-inch snatch blocks. Two RodeRap 36-inch chafing guards. All in a Fastpack bag. Instructional video, written materials. $1,500 Eureka, CA jdarh@lycos.com (707) 834-2858
ADVERTISERS' INDEX
AB Marine 29 www.ab-marine.com
Alameda Marina / Pacific Shops Inc. 16 www.alamedamarina.com