January 2026 Latitude 38

VOLUME 583 January 2026

W e G o W here T he W ind B lows

GRAND MARINA

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

DON’T ALWAYS LAST… deep water double-fingered CUTTING OUT CHOCOLATE? Prime concrete slips from 30' to 100'. berthing available for a GOING TO THE GYM MORE? Guest weekend or any day getaway.

Complete bathroom and shower TRY A RESOLUTION THAT facility, heated and tiled.

Free pump-out station open 24/7.

DELIVERS REAL BENEFITS: F F F F

Try a resolution that delivers real benefits: Move into a first-class marina and start saving today!

Now offering 41'–43' slips.

510.865.1200 Leasing Office Open Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2099 Grand Street, Alameda, CA 94501

www.grandmarina.com

F Full-service Marine Center and

haul-out facility.

F Free parking.

F Free on-site WiFi. And much more...

Directory of Grand Marina Tenants

Blue Pelican Marine Boat Yard at Grand Marina, The Marchal Sailmakers MarineLube New Era Yachts Pacific Crest Canvas Alameda Canvas and Coverings Alameda Marine Metal Fabrication Atomic Tuna Yachts BAE Boats Mike Elias Boatworks Mosely’s Café UK-Halsey Sailmakers

Imagine the best yachts. Then add the best locations.

We offer the newest sailing and power yacht fleet in the world’s 20 finest cruising destinations.

So all you need to do is choose.

VISIT MOORINGS.COM 800.669.6529 Page 3 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Dry Storage Available Power and Sail

GREAT RATES!

Napa Valley Marina Yacht Sales

CONTENTS calendar 12 letters 17 subscriptions 31 sightings 32

37' Fisher Pilothouse Ketch 1977 $54,900

48' Tollycraft Cockpit 1979 $54,500 (Twin diesels)

32' Westsail 1974 $25,000

37' Islander (cruise ready) $75,000

Visit www.yatco.com/company/napa-valley-1220 for more information

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS • We are uniquely positioned to haul your boat • We carefully haul you on our Brownell Hydraulic trailer. NO STRAPS! • We safely store your boat on Brownell boat stands supplied by us!

• We have some of the best weather for drying out your boat.

• We have seasoned professionals that can field your calls or work on your boat.

• We have a safe environment for your boat.

• We have very reasonable rates

Come visit us – let's talk!

winners part 2

42

pac cup — get ready early

46

baja bash — challenges

50

max ebb — a little book 54 racing sheet

58

loose lips

65

world of charter

66

changes in latitudes

70

classy classifieds

80

advertisers index

88

brokerage 90 Rand Arnold and Gary Gremaux on the International 14 A Bumblebee Called Kate stretch their legs during Richmond Yacht Club's December Small Boat Midwinters.

Photo: John Liebenberg

MARINA 1200 Milton Road • Napa, CA 94559

(707) 252-8011 • Fax (707) 252-0851 www.napavalleymarina.com

Marina • Boatyard • Chandlery • Brokerage Dealers for

Page 4 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Distributors for

Brownell

Boat Stands

Copyright 2026 Latitude 38 Media, LLC Since 1977 Send us your story. Latitude 38 welcomes editorial contributions in the form of stories, anecdotes, photographs — anything but poems, please; we gotta draw the line somewhere.

What helps you get published? Read our writer's guidelines here: www.latitude38.com/writers-guidelines.

Have writer's block? Go sailing — you're sure to come home with a story.

RUBICON YACHTS

Ready to sell?

We’re here to help.

QUALITY YACHTS • BROKERS YOU CAN TRUST! YACHT SALES & ACQUISITION SPECIALISTS

EMERY COVE • ALAMEDA • SAN RAFAEL CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS 3300 POWELL ST., EMERYVILLE (510) 601-5010 • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121, ALAMEDA (510) 838-1800 25 THIRD ST., SAN RAFAEL (415) 453-4770

W W W. R U B I C O N YAC H TS .C O M

W W W. R U B I C O N YAC H TS .C O M

RR UU BB II CC OO NN YY AA CC HH TTSS E M E R Y C O V E • A L A M E D A • S A N R A F A E L

(3) 42' AquaLodge Houseboats 2020 - $115,000 ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347

55’ TAYANA 55, 1983 $144,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

54’ JEANNEAU 54, 2016 $549,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

52’ TAYANA AFT COCKPIT, 1983 $138,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

45’ WAUQUIEZ KRONOS CATAMARAN $190,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

42’ HUNTER 426 DECK SALON, 2003 $149,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

40’ LAGOON CATAMARAN, 2020 $549,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

37’ TAYANA 37, 1978 $75,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

36’ HUNTER, 2004 $74,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

36’ CUSTOM PINKY, 2008 $90,000 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.

34’ SABRE MKII, 1985 34’ JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 349, 2021 33’ that BENETEAU We currently have$39,000 three (3) identical Floating Cottages available at $115,000. each. These are new houseboats have never331, been2001 used. With $209,000 $59,000 the acquisition of all three one could start a unique Air B&B type business in a nice location.

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010 San Rafael (415) 453-4770 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010 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.

RUBICON YACHTS

EMERY COVE  3300 POWELL STREET, SUITE 105  EMERYVILLE, CA 94608  (510) 601-5010  1150  (510)601-5010 BALLENA SUITE ALAMEDA, 94501 838-1800 ALAMEDA EMERY COVE • 3300 POWELLBLVD., ST, #105 • 121, EMERYVILLE, CA CA 94608 • (510)  25 THIRD  (415) STREET SAN•RAFAEL, CACA94901 453-4770 SAN RAFAEL ALAMEDA • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121 ALAMEDA, 94501 • (510) 838-1800

SAN RAFAEL • 25 THIRD STREET • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • (415) 453-4770

W W W. R U B I C O N YAC H TS .C O M

RR UU BB II CC OO NN YY AA CC HH TTSS E M E R Y C O V E • A L A M E D A • S A N R A F A E L

(3) 42' AquaLodge Houseboats 2020 - $115,000 ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347

50’ AAGE NIELSON YAWL, 1956 $159,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

48’ WYLIECAT 48 $115,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

47’ VISONIA 47 CATAMARAN, 1999 $349,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

40’ HUNTER LEGEND, 1986 $36,500 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

40’ PACIFIC SEACRAFT, 1999 $299,000 Alameda (510) 838-1800

39’ VALIANT, 1996 $155,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

35 JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 36.2, 1997 $59,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

35’ GREEN MARINE TRIMARAN, 1982 $79,000 Alameda (510) 838-1800

34’ CATALINA MKI, 1988 $34,500 Alameda (510) 838-1800

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.

33’ J BOATS J/100 “EIGHT BALL”, 2005 31’ CORSAIR F-31, 1996 30’ NONSUCH ULTRA, 1986 We currently have$150,000 three (3) identical Floating Cottages available at $115,000. each. These are new houseboats that have never been used. With $69,750 $39,000 acquisition of all three one could start a (510) unique838-1800 Air B&B type business in a niceEmery location.Cove (510) 601-5010 Emery Cove (510)the 601-5010 Alameda 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.

RUBICON YACHTS

EMERY COVE  3300 POWELL STREET, SUITE 105  EMERYVILLE, CA 94608  (510) 601-5010  1150  (510)601-5010 BALLENA SUITE ALAMEDA, 94501 838-1800 ALAMEDA EMERY COVE • 3300 POWELLBLVD., ST, #105 • 121, EMERYVILLE, CA CA 94608 • (510)  25 THIRD  (415) STREET SAN•RAFAEL, CACA94901 453-4770 SAN RAFAEL ALAMEDA • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121 ALAMEDA, 94501 • (510) 838-1800

SAN RAFAEL • 25 THIRD STREET • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • (415) 453-4770

W W W. R U B I C O N YAC H TS .C O M

RR UU B I C O N Y A C H TT SS E M E R Y C O V E • A L A M E D A • S A N R A F A E L

FEATURED (3) 42' AquaLodge Houseboats 2020CRUISING - $115,000YACHTS ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347

54’ JEANNEAU 54, 2016

$549,000

40’ LAGOON CATAMARAN, 2020

$549,000

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.

NOTE: There is no propulsion included. An outboard engine could be installed on the bracket but, these boats are not equipped with any 39’ VALIANT, 1996 $155,000 propulsion. They would need to be towed or trucked to their destination.

RUBICON YACHTS

EMERY COVE  3300 POWELL STREET, SUITE 105  EMERYVILLE, CA 94608  (510) 601-5010 EMERY COVE • 3300 POWELLBLVD., ST, #105 • 121, EMERYVILLE, CA CA 94608 • (510)  1150  (510)601-5010 BALLENA SUITE ALAMEDA, 94501 838-1800 ALAMEDA ALAMEDA • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121 • ALAMEDA, CA 94501 • (510) 838-1800 SAN RAFAEL  25 THIRD STREET  SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901  (415) 453-4770

SAN RAFAEL • 25 THIRD STREET • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • (415) 453-4770

W W W. R U B I C O N YAC H TS .C O M

R U B I C O N Y A CC HH TTSS E M E R Y C O V E • A L A M E D A • S A N R A F A E L

CONSIDERING DARK (3) 42' AquaLodge Houseboats 2020 - THE $115,000 ea. MarkSIDE? Miner (415) 290-1347

36’ JARVIS NEWMAN FLYBRIDGE CRUISER

$195,000

47’ SABRE COCKPIT MOTOR YACHT, 1997 $295,000

36’ GRAND BANKS CLASSIC, 1997

$225,000

42’ GRAND BANKS CLASSIC, 1989

$210,000

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 42’ GRAND BANKS CLASSIC, 1982 $144,000 GRAND BANKSin“WIDE BODY”, 1994 $265,000 the acquisition of all three one could start a unique43’ Air B&B type business a nice location.

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.

RUBICON YACHTS

EMERY COVE  3300 POWELL STREET, SUITE 105  EMERYVILLE, CA 94608  (510) 601-5010 EMERY COVE • 3300 POWELLBLVD., ST, #105 • EMERYVILLE, CA CA 94608 • (510) 601-5010  1150  (510) BALLENA SUITE 121, ALAMEDA, 94501 838-1800 ALAMEDA  25 THIRD ALAMEDA • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121 ALAMEDA,CACA94901 94501 (415) • (510) 838-1800 STREET SAN• RAFAEL, 453-4770 SAN RAFAEL

SAN RAFAEL • 25 THIRD STREET • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • (415) 453-4770

RIDE THE WAVES OF IMPROVMENTS AT

The Berkeley Marina & Waterfront

NEW BOATER SPECIALS TWO MONTHS FREE AND A $75 GIFT CARD

REFER A FRIEND $250 0FF SLIP FEES FOR EACH OF YOU

Scan the QR Contact our team 510-981-6740 marina@berkeleyca.gov www.Berkeley-Marina.com

Page 10 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

See it.

Believe it.

Roads Docks Dredging Electrical Cameras Pilings & More!

WINTER SPECIALS 1/2 PRICE HAUL OUT With your choice of any one of the selected service options:

- Free thru-hull inspection - 25% off hull buff and wax - 25% off Propspeed application NOW THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026.

Offer only applicable to vessels under 60’.

Does not include extra straps or blocking, if required.

Maintain performance, protect your investment, and prepare for the season ahead at the Bay Area’s premier yacht repair facility.

310 W. Cutting Blvd., Richmond CA 510-237-0140 | sbm.baymaritime.com

Page 11 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 11

CALENDAR Non-Race Dec. 26-Jan. 1 — Kwanzaa.

Dec. 31 — New Year's Eve. Jan. 1 — Happy 2026!

Jan. 3 — Full Wolf Moon (supermoon) on a Saturday.

Jan. 3-31 — Small Boat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, weather permitting. Free, but preregister. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing.

Jan. 4-25 — Keelboat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, weather permitting. Free, but preregister. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing.

Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Jan. 24-25 — Get to Know Jeanneau, San Diego, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, https://marinesc.com/event/get-toknow-jeanneau-winter-san-diego.

Jan. 30 — Corinthian Speaker Series, CYC, Tiburon, 7 p.m. Researcher, advocate and author Dr. Ray Dorsey on Parkinson's. Free. RSVP, speakers@cyc.org.

Jan. 30-Feb. 7 — Seattle Boat Show, Lumen Field Event Center & Bell Harbor Marina. Info, www.seattleboatshow.com.

Jan. 30-Feb. 7 — Get to Know Jeanneau, Seattle, WA, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, https://marinesc.com/event/getto-know-jeanneau-seattle.

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 — International Offshore Safety at Sea Course with Hands-on Training, San Diego YC. $450. Sail Aweigh, www.sailaweigh.org/course-details.php?course=120.

Racing Jan. 1 — New Year's Day Regatta at ACSC. Vanguard 15 Fleet 53, https://vanguard15.org.

Jan. 1 — Master Mariners New Year's Day Regatta and Chili Cook-off. MMBA, www.sfmastermariners.org.

Jan. 1 — Brrrr Rabbit. CPYC, www.cpyc.com.

Jan. 1 — New Year's Day Race. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.

Jan. 10 — Vanguard 15/FJ Team Races. Info, www. sailalameda.org or https://vanguard15.org.

Jan. 24-25 — California Dreamin' match racing series in San Diego. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.

Jan. 31 — Three Bridge Fiasco. SSS, www.sfbaysss.org.

Feb. 7 — Double Up and Back. CPYC, www.cpyc.com.

Feb. 7-8 — BAYS Winter #3. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

Feb. 7-8 — California Dreamin' match racing series in Corona del Mar. Balboa YC, www.balboayachtclub.com.

Feb. 13-15 — Birthday Regatta for Charity, Lake Pleasant, AZ. PHRF, Santana 22, J/24, Buccaneer 18, Sunfish, Laser and multihull fleets. Arizona YC, www.arizonayachtclub.org.

Midwinter Series ALAMEDA COMMUNITY SC — Vanguard 15 Winter Series: 1/11, 1/25. Info, https://vanguard15.org.

BENICIA YC — Frostbite: 1/10, 2/7 (Sweetheart Race), 3/14. Info, www.beniciayachtclub.org or www.jibeset.net.

BERKELEY YC — Midwinters, separate Saturday and Sunday series: 1/10, 1/11, 2/14, 2/15, 3/1 (Champion of Champions). Chowder Races: every Sunday through March except when it conflicts with the Midwinters. Info, www. berkeleyyc.org or www.jibeset.net.

CAL SAILING CLUB — Sunday morning dinghy races, year round, intraclub only. Info, www.cal-sailing.org.

CORINTHIAN YC — Midwinters: 1/17-18 and 2/21-22.

Page 12 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

The Finest Sails Begin with the Best Sailcloth Our patented woven Vectran® sailcloth performs like the laminates with the durability of Dacron®, especially in roller furling applications. In fact, Vectran® 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 Vectran® 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 for 50 years. To discuss your sailcloth needs – whether our state-of-the-art Vectran® or our soft, tight-weave Dacron® – give us a call today.

New Sails Sail Repairs: any brand Furling Cover Replacements Pickup and Delivery Outbound 46 with Hood Vektron Full Batten Mainsail, 140% Genoa, and Solent Jib

HOOD SAILMAKERS 465 Coloma Street, Sausalito, CA 94965 Call Robin Sodaro (415) 332-4104 hoodsails@aol.com Page 13 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 13

CALENDAR Info, www.cyc.org.

COYOTE POINT YC — Winter Sails: 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/15, 3/29. John, regatta@cpyc.com or www.cpyc.com.

ENCINAL YC — Jack Frost Midwinters: 1/3, 2/7. Info, www.encinal.org.

GOLDEN GATE YC — Seaweed Soup: 1/3, 2/7, 3/7. Info, www.ggyc.org or www.jibeset.net.

ISLAND YC — Island Days: 1/11, 2/22, 3/8. Info, www. iyc.org or www.jibeset.net.

KONOCTI BAY SC — OSIRs (Old Salts in Retirement) every Wednesday, year round. Info, www.kbsail.org.

MARIN YC — Midwinters: 1/10, 2/7, 3/31. Ellen, (415) 509-6863 or ellenpclark@comcast.net.

OAKLAND YC — Sunday Brunch: 1/4, 1/18, 2/1, 2/15, 3/1, 3/15, 3/29. Info, www.oaklandyachtclub.net.

RICHMOND YC — Small Boat Midwinters: 1/4, 2/1, 3/1.

Info, www.richmondyc.org.

SANTA CRUZ YC — Midwinters: 1/17, 2/21, 3/21. Winter Tuesday Afternoons through 3/3. Info, www.scyc.org.

SAUSALITO YC — Chili Midwinters: 1/4, 2/1, 3/1.

RegattaPRO Winter One Design: 1/10, 2/14. Info, www. sausalitoyachtclub.org.

SEQUOIA YC — Winter Series: 1/10, 2/21, 3/14. Redwood Cup: 1/24, 2/28, 3/21. Dinghy Dash: 1/4, 3/1. Info, www. sequoiayc.org or www.jibeset.net.

SOUTH BEACH YC — Island Fever: 1/24, 2/14, 3/21.

SBYC, www.southbeachyachtclub.org.

TIBURON YC — Midwinters: 2/15, 3/15. Rob, (415) 5777199 or race@tyc.org.

VALLEJO YC — Tiny Robbins Midwinters: 1/3, 2/7, 3/7.

Info, www.vyc.org or www.jibeset.net.

YACHT RACING ASSOCIATION — Doublehanded Midwinters: 1/11, 2/8. Info, www.yra.org or www.jibeset.net.

ONE-DESIGN RACING CRUISING

SLACKWATER_SF

Ullman Sails San Francisco & Monterey Bay Dave Hodges 104 Bronson St. #20 Santa Cruz, CA 831.454.0868 dhodges@ullmansails.com

Ullman Sails Sausalito Robin Sodaro 465 Coloma St., Sausalito, CA 415.332.4117 UllmanSailsSausalito@gmail.com Page 14 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

In the Tropics Jan. 10-11, 17-18 — Vallarta Cup, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Vallarta YC, www.vallartayachtclub.org.

Jan. 24 — International Safety at Sea with Hands On Course, Kaneohe YC, Oahu. PCYC, https://pacificcup.org.

Feb. 6-16 — Cruise-in Week, Barra de Navidad, Mexico.

Sign up by 1/30. Info, www.cruiseinweek.net.

Feb. 15-28 — SailFest/Por los Niños, Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Info, www.zihuatanejo-sailfest.com.

Feb. 26-Mar. 6 — Puerto Vallarta Race, San Diego-PV. Info, www.pvrace.com.

March 4-9 — WesMex Small Boat International Regatta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Info, www.wesmexregatta.org.

Mar. 7-11 — MEXORC, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Part of Nayarit Sailing Week. Info, www.mexorc.com.mx Mar. 17-21 — Banderas Bay Regatta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Info, www.banderasbayregatta.com.

Apr. 24 — Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

NOSA, www.nosa.org.

July 6-10 — Pacific Cup Starts. San Francisco-Kaneohe, Oahu. PCYC, https://pacificcup.org.

Please send your calendar items by the 10th of the month to calendar@latitude38.com. Please, no phone-ins! Calendar listings are for marine-related events that are free or don't cost much to attend. The Calendar is not meant to support

BORN TO DREDGE M ARI N AS

|

H OM EOW NERS

|

MUNICIPALITIES

OffERINg UPLANd ANd IN BAy dISPOSAL

Lind Marine is proud to announce it has launched an entire NEW FLEET of marina and homeowner dredging equipment.

Providing services throughout the San Francisco Bay and Delta, and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, since 1906.

Lind Marine Added Capabilities  Fleet of 4 new dump scows designed to fit in all marinas and homeowner docks  New electric clam shell dredge, ABS loadline, designed to dig out slips up to 90’ long  Pile driving, dock repair, seawall repair and installation  In house permitting department  Survey boat with brand new state of the art single beam system  Small and large vessel salvage  Full service shipyard

Please call 707-762-7251 for all dredging inquiries or email us at: chris@lindmarine.com LIND MARINE SHIPYARD | 1250 Nimitz Avenue, Vallejo, CA 94592 | www.lindmarine.com Page 15 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 15

POINT CALENDAR

WHALE

MARINE & HARDWARE CO •Marine Parts & Accessories •Complete Hardware Store •NOW also carrying Lumber & Fishing Gear

WH

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS! E AL

POIN

commercial enterprises.

January Weekend Tides

T

Predictions for Station 9414290, San Francisco (Golden Gate) date/day

MONTHLY SPECIALS

12/31Wed 1/01Thurs 1/02Fri

by Kiwi Grip

1/03Sat 1/04Sun

WINDDEX NON-SKID COATING by Davies Windex 15 #11627

$5899 Quarts: Now $4999 Blue #121354, White #12339 Cream #12349, Grey #12355

TRINIDAD HD BOTTOM PAINT

by Pettit Fast drying, high copper content, hard durable finish.

Black, blue, red & green.

Extra Vane #3151

$2999

DOCK STEPS

by Taylor

1/17Sat 1/18Sun 1/19Mon 1/24Sat 1/25Sun 1/31Sat 2/01Sun

time/ht.

HIGH 0751/6.9 0841/7.0 0934/7.2 LOW 0419/3.1 0514/2.9 LOW 1136/1.5 1241/1.1 HIGH 0950/6.2 LOW 0434/3.1 0510/3.0 LOW 0916/1.6 1027/1.1 HIGH 0930/6.8 1022/6.8

time/ht.

LOW 1504/-1.0 1554/-1.4 1642/-1.7 HIGH 1026/7.1 1118/6.9 HIGH 1735/3.6 1925/3.5 LOW 1655/-0.7 HIGH 1029/6.2 1108/6.1 HIGH 1518/4.1 1652/3.7 LOW 1631/-1.3 1712/-1.2

January Weekend Currents

1-Step, #47100 .......................Now $16999 2-Steps, #47200 .................... Now $23999 3-Steps, #47300 .................... Now $33999

Gallon:

Now $22999

FLARE GUN

FENDERS

by Orion

Lifetime warranty

#6963

NOW $7999 Twin-eye Fender 5” x 18” ............. $1399 6” x 22”............. $1999 8” x 26”.............$2999

1/10Sat 1/11Sun

time/ht.

LOW 0124/2.9 0225/3.1 0323/3.2 HIGH 0004/5.1 0048/5.2 HIGH 0451/5.6 0532/5.6 LOW 0357/3.3 HIGH 0014/4.7 0042/4.8 HIGH 0311/5.6 0350/5.8 LOW 0324/2.9 0417/2.6

Hole-thru-middle Fender 6.5” x 15”..........$2999 8” x 20”.............$4999 10” x 26” ..........$7499

MARINE ICE CHESTS

by Igloo

54 Quarts, #86446: Now $7999 120 Quarts, #8306805: Now $12999

Replacement Flares 4-pack, #21450

NOW $4199

WE NOW CARRY FISHING SUPPLIES!

205 Cutting Blvd, Corner of 2nd, Richmond

510-233-1988

Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm • Sat: 8:30-5pm • Sun: closed FAX 510-233-1989 • whalepointmarine@yahoo.com Page 16 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

time/ht.

HIGH 2226/4.6 2318/4.9 LOW 1729/-1.7 1814/-1.5 LOW 2236/2.1 2335/2.7 LOW 1727/-0.8 1758/-0.8 LOW 2051/1.4 2139/2.2 HIGH 2341/5.1

NOAA Predictions for .88 NM NE of the Golden Gate Bridge date/day slack max slack max 12/31Wed 0029/0.9E 0228 0636/3.2F 0919 1227/2.9E 1951/2.9F 1656 2321 0146/0.8E 1/01Thurs 0359 0718/2.5F 1013 1316/2.4E 1746 2109/2.9F 1/02Fri 0046 0248/0.9E 0459 0812/2.6F 1105 1414/2.5E 2157/3.1F 1838 1/03Sat 0136 0341/1.1E 0557 0904/2.7F 1158 1508/2.5E 2243/3.2F 1925 1/04Sun 0221 0432/1.2E 0653 0954/2.7F 1250 1559/2.5E 2007 2327/3.2F 1/10Sat 0247/2.3F 0858/1.3E 0631 1245 1558/1.3F 1911 2114/0.8E 2349 1/11Sun 0334/2.0F 0712 0946/1.2E 1354 1728/1.5F 2040 2228/0.6E 1/17Sat 0113 0312/0.8E 0822/2.0F 0519 1122 1429/1.8E 1842 2208/2.5F 1/18Sun 0146 0346/0.9E 0601 0903/2.1F 1200 1506/1.9E 1909 2233/2.6F 1/19Mon 0216 0419/1.0E 0643 0943/2.2F 1237 1543/2.0E 2257/2.7F 1934 1/24Sat 0114/2.8F 0441 0715/1.5E 1023 1337/1.6F 1649 1937/1.3E 2215 1/25Sun 0200/2.6F 0521 0759/1.6E 1129 1451/1.5F 2044/0.9E 1827 2305 1/31Sat 0027 0241/1.1E 0456 0803/2.6F 1103 1422/2.4E 1823 2138/3.2F 2/01Sun 0107 0327/1.4E 0552 0855/2.7F 1155 1509/2.4E 2217/3.3F 1902 Source: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov

LETTERS

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⇑⇓ "THE SPORT IS THRIVING" Hello! My name's Mikayla, and I'm on your November [2025] cover! That photo was taken during a race where I was crewing with my skipper, Rafi, on his Corsair 880. We were racing in the YRA Encinal regatta that weekend from the East Bay out to Point Bonita and back, and he told me to climb on the boom.

Then he sent y'all the photo, ha ha!

I grew up sailing, starting out on Optis when I was 5 years old, then moved onto Lasers and 420s in high school, but my passion was always offshore racing on the bigger boats. Most of my sailing in the last 15 years has been on trimarans, so when I moved out to San Francisco for a travel nurse contract, I was Mikayla Scot says hello. stoked to find that BAMA existed. I got connected with a couple of skippers and have been lucky to crew on a couple great boats out here.

Sailing in S.F. Bay is wildly different from sailing offshore in Florida. I love seeing that the sport is thriving on the West Coast. I worked in San Diego a little and was blown away by how active their racing fleet is — we had over 60 boats one night all flying spins for a Wednesday night beer can.

I'm thankful for the travel opportunities that sailing has afforded me. I've spent my last few summers crewing on a sailboat somewhere new each year, which has led me to New Zealand, French Polynesia, Greece and the Bahamas.

Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself and for featuring me on your cover! I'm looking forward to picking up a couple of copies from a local spot.

Mikayla Scot Mikayla — Thanks for reaching out to us. We are thrilled to hear that West Coast sailing is thriving! ⇑⇓ WELCOMING THE NEW BAJA HA-HA POOBAH CHUCK SKEWES, AND MANY MEMORIES OF MEXICO I'm so happy to hear that the Baja Ha-Ha will sail on!

We did it twice, and our second Ha-Ha, in 2019, launched our five years of full-time cruising in Mexico. It was the absolute best way to launch our new life and to join the cruising community. We bumped into friends we'd made on that rally in anchorages all over Mexico — many of them are still our favorite people in the world.

My memories of the Ha-Ha will last my entire life. Good luck Chuck and [Assistant Poobah] Patsy [Verhoeven]!

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January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 17

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LETTERS ⇑⇓ ALL KINDS OF ACCOLADES, WELL WISHES AND QUESTIONS THAT WE CANNOT ENTIRELY ANSWER Congratulations Chuck, Richard, and Donna.

I had to abort my Ha-Ha in 2024 because of TIP problems, but I got that all cleaned up now and I'm ready to go!

Steve Berl Chuck is a great guy and the Ha-Ha will benefit from his taking the helm. It might even motivate me to do one in the future. When do signups for 2026 open up!

Joseph DiMatteo Joseph — Ha-Ha sign-ups traditionally kick off in May. We'll keep Latitude Nation posted.

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LATITUDE / NICKI

New picture

Richard Spindler, the longtime Grand Poobah, right, hands the ball, the baton, the keys, the wheel, the torch, the helm and the mantle of the Baja Ha-Ha — and a bit of the Latitude 38 aura — to Chuck Skewes.

The Ha-Ha couldn't be in better hands. Thanks for ensuring this awesome tradition survives, Chuck!

Lisl England This is great news. We did the 2008 Ha-Ha and cast off with our two kids, then 8 and 9. After cruising Mexico for five seasons, we started up a watermaker company and became Ha-Ha sponsors. We hope to continue for many years to come.

Rich Boren La Paz Cruisers Supply Vallarta Yacht Club is delighted to hear that our friend, Chuck, will be the New-bah! We look forward to continuing to support the Ha Ha here in the Bay! Congratulations, all!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Charity Palmatier Membership Director, VYC Muy bellos los nuevos patrocinadores. ¿Entonces, cual sera el nuevo nombre de la regatta para el 2026?

Maria Ignacia Gerrardo Castro

LETTERS Translation: "The new sponsors are very nice. ¿So, what will the new name of the regatta be for 2026?"

Maria — We're assuming that the Baja Ha-Ha will retain its name of 31 years, but we shall see. ⇑⇓ UNFINISHED PARTYING/BUSINESS IN CABO Looks like this year was a wonderful Ha-Ha adventure.

I am so glad to see that Chuck will be taking the helm to ensure that this amazing event continues on.

I am just a bit jealous of the celebrations in Cabo, as I sailed down on last year's Ha-Ha when the festivities were rightly canceled due to the impending bad weather.

Congrats to all that made the trip!!

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We hear it time and time again: While the Baja Ha-Ha is often the impetus to get people to finally cast off the docklines and chase their long-held cruising dreams, it's the people you meet that truly make the event magic. Above: the Baja Ha-Ha Bahia Tortugas beach party in early November.

⇑⇓ A GOOD HUSBAND AND CAPTAIN I do so wish I could have joined the fleet this year. The pictures were great and showed lovely sea conditions. After signing up in May, my wife developed a medical condition and I felt it was my duty to be with during her treatment period for morale and emotional support.

I participated in the 2015 and 2016 Ha-Has in my little vessel and had a wonderful time. I was very much looking forward to the adventure, especially since it seemed likely to be the last. I'm very glad to hear it will continue.

But the Poobah will certainly be missed.

By they way, I love Mexico. My first cruise to Baja and beyond to Acapulco and thence on to Hawaii was in 1965 on my incredibly forgiving 22-ft boat Isle of Skye. Those were the "old days" of celestial navigation and paper charts.

Tom Carr Bluebird, Mirror Offshore 19 Santa Cruz ⇑⇓ WOODEN BOAT SHOW ORGANIZER RANDALL VON WEDEL FINDS 'GRISETTE' IN EUROPE I was so thrilled to read this article. [Tom is commenting on the November 2025 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter.] I was the fourth owner of Grisette.

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 19

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Page 20 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

RANDALL VON WEDEL

Cheers to our many great friends and customers for your support!

Here’s to a great 2026!

I found her in Ala Wai harbor in Waikiki, Oahu, in 1966.

I had just sailed in from Acapulco on my 22-ft sloop Isle of Skye. Grisette was on T-pier, an eighth-of-a-mile-long wood pier that bisected the harbor about three-fourths of the way out, a few slips away from Vivika and John Ford's 90-ft ketch Aroner on the end.

Grisette's bowsprit hung over the pier and with a little "for sale" sign going up and down with the tide (three to four feet in Hawaii). My crew from our voyage from Acapulco got a job attending to the deck seams of her pitch pine decks and reported to me the sale price was $12,000. (I had $13,000 left from an inheritance from my grandmother.) I was sure she would be worth much more in California, so I jumped. I contacted a surveyor who came aboard, seemed to assess my financial situation, did a perfunctory inspection and declared her "quite good" and didn't charge me.

I became her new owner.

From the Nov. 17, 2025 'LL: "While traveling in Europe, Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show organizer Randall von Wedel has a knack for discovering and visiting former Bay Area classics that have found a new home, such as the cutter 'Grisette', which spent many years sailing on San Francisco Bay. 'You can't imagine how excited I was to find "Grisette" in such good hands at such a fine boatyard after 30 years since I sailed on her as first mate (foredeck) on S.F. Bay 1991-1996.'"

The seller, Dick Terry, had bought her from the second owner in 1958 in England, where she was built in 1904. He replaced the gas engine with a diesel and made other changes, then set sail for the Caribbean. He and his wife, Tony, sailed to the Panama Canal and got a job there, keeping Grisette in Gatun Lake. During their four years in Panama, Dick did extensive improvements, including moving the galley forward, altering the circular cockpit to a bench type, installing roller furling on the jib and mainsail, installed a non-hunting Wood Freeman autopilot, etc. They eventually set sail for French Polynesia and Hawaii.

After two aborted attempts to leave Hawaii (we were in a time bind to get my brother to his USGS posting), I finally took the time to get to know Grisette better via two trips to Kauai. I eventually recruited a crew and had a wonderful passage to Santa Cruz, arriving with 34 cents in my pocket.

I got a job right away to pay the $62-per-month slip rent. I sold Grisette five months later to Wilbur Sproul and made some money.

A note about the name Grisette: If you look up the origin of the name, you might find that in French it means "a lady of the night." I was told by a friend who had spent a lot of time in Paris that in the mid-1800's, Grisette referred to the

LETTERS SAN JUAN ISLANDS

LETTERS young girls from the countryside who came to Paris to work in textile factories — they were nicknamed "grisettes" because they were universally clothed in grey. Young Englishmen at the time regularly traveled to Paris to experience the liberal lifestyle it afforded and often had affairs with these young girls.

I suspect the original owner/builder of Grisette had just such an experience.

Tom Carr, Again ⇑⇓ THANK YOU FOR THE ARTICLE AND FOR PRESERVING HISTORY Thanks for letting me know about Grisette, Randall! I raced and worked on that beautiful boat for a number of years when she was here in the Bay. I am also grateful to hear about Pursuit and Wander Bird. We can't let these beautiful boats wither away and die.

Many thanks for publishing this, Latitude!

Milly Biller Big Pink, International 110 Inverness ⇑⇓ THE OG RIGGING I hope the Chantier du Guip restores her to her original gaff cutter rig.

Mark Darley

Readers — The Chantier du Guip shipyard in Brest, France, has a reputation for restoring historic wooden vessels, workboats and classic yachts. The 1904 teak cutter Grisette is in the midst of a complete restoration at the well-known French yard. "I was amazed to see how well the heavy teak planking has held up, now splined along every seam … amazing progress," Randall von Wedel told Latitude.

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Yes, I know Sally. Years ago, when she was in the hands of Orange Coast Community College and I was enrolled in a sailing class there, we were invited for a daysail.

Of the original 14 Starling Burgess-designed and Abeking & Rasmussen-built 10-meters, only two remain: 'Branta', #7 and 'Sally', #12, seen above in 2023.

'Sally' may be best known for her beautiful medium green, which the marine paint maker Z-Spar would name "Sally Green."

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 21

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LETTERS I think there were about 30 students and two or three faculty. About a half hour out of Newport, there was good breeze, maybe 12-15 knots. We were on port tack — killing it — and I was sitting farthest aft, next to backstay, when we all heard a bang. The main chainplate had broken. I lifted my head as we were rounding up. The whole rig was in the water off the starboard side, and the mast was a three-foot stump above the winch and broke at the spreader, as well. A few freaked out. Finally, we lashed the mess alongside and were towed in.

John Chodzko John was commenting on the April 2023 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter.

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⇑⇓ IT WARMS MY HEART TO SEE THAT VIVEKA IS STILL SAILING I went for a daysail on Viveka with Merle and his crew around 1995 off the northern coast of Sardinia. At the time, I was stationed on board the USS Simon Lake (AS-33) in LaMaddalena, Italy, while Merle and his crew were sailing around the world.

I remember him saying that he had left Hawaii 12 years earlier; Merle said he might get the award for the slowest around-the-world trip, but that they were enjoying life on the ocean. From that day, I was hooked on sailing. I was amazed at how well Viveka sailed to weather and amazed at how Merle could swing her around in the harbor and moor at the head of the pier, completely unassisted, only using the inboard engine to gently bring in the stern.

It warms my heart to see that Viveka is still sailing; I can only hope that Merle is still sailing too.

Phillip Phillip was commenting on the February 2022 'LL: Classic Schooner 'Viveka' Continues to Turn Heads in Europe. ⇑⇓ INVITATION TO CALIFORNIA SAILORS TO RACE IN A LONG-RUNNING REGATTA AND CRUISE THE PNW The Pacific NW Offshore Race is one of the longest coastal West Coast races, and likely the most challenging.

WWW.PACIFICNWOFFSHORE.ORG

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STEERING THE DREAM Page 22 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

The 193-mile Pacific NW Offshore Race will celebrate its 50th running this year. Above: Kevin Welch's 65-ft Bob Perry Custom 'Icon' set a course record in 2014.

LETTERS

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The race runs 193 miles from just outside the Columbia River Bar to Victoria, BC. The 2026 race will be its 50th year. We get racers from not just the Portland area, but also Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver.

It has occurred to us that we never extended invitations to California sailors. Accordingly, it is our hope that Latitude 38 could help us promote the race to Californians.

We know the trip to Oregon is long and not without its discomforts. However, the Offshore Race isn't the only sailing activity. A week after the offshore regatta is the Swiftsure Race, another classic West Coast race out of Victoria.

If memory serves, next year will be its 82nd running. Then there's the Van Isle 360, which entails — as the name implies — circumnavigating Vancouver Island. (By the way, the Pacific NW Offshore Race is a qualifier for the Vic-Maui race.) In addition, once in the Pacific Northwest, there are some great cruising grounds such as the San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound.

Whatever Latitude 38 can do to help us promote the Offshore among the hardy California sailors, be they hard core racers or cruisers like me, would be greatly appreciated.

Philip A. Lewis

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⇑⇓ HAS WEATHER FORECASTING GOTTEN BETTER WITH THE ADVENT OF AI? I use the paid Windy app for forecasting, which shows forecasts generated by eight different organizations. You can select the forecast source you want, or you can select "compare forecasts." Then you can read all the forecasts and see where there is consensus — if you believe that consensus is the best. If you scroll all the way to the right, you see a brief description of each forecast model.

The description of the ECMWF (European) forecast says that it is by far the best.

The free, default Windy forecast as seen on December 8, 2025.

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The way the current forecasts work, as I understand it, is that a computer models the atmosphere as cubes at all altitudes for every place on and above Earth. For some of the cubes, they have actual meteorological data; for other cubes they have calculated data. For example, if one cube has higher air pressure than its neighbor then they predict a wind from one to the other.

ECMWF is best because they have more smaller cubes, January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 23

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and they run their model more often, as compared to the other models.

The October 25 issue of The Economist magazine describes a totally new approach that has been tested in India.

Large parts of India have many small farms, and accurate local forecasts are vital for knowing when to plant and when to harvest. They've been using the modeling technique described above.

This year, 38 million farmers received weather forecasts generated with AI. There are evidentially many weather stations in the farming area of India reporting things such as barometric pressure, temperature and humidity/rainfall.

Decades of this data have been used to train an AI model.

Then when they run the model, it may (for example) recognize that the current set of parameters has happened X times before and each time it rained after five days in a particular location. Interestingly, this AI approach consumes thousands of times less power as compared to the millionsof-cubes approach. However the AI approach fails to predict rare or extreme events. So they are currently combining the two approaches.

The article said that in October the ECMF forecast started to use a combination of the millions of cubes approach and the AI approach worldwide.

Have you noticed a difference?

Dan Marshall Readers — FYI: In simple terms, weather models divide the atmosphere into thousands of small 3-D cubes and calculate how air, moisture, and temperature move from cube to cube over time.

Dan — We cannot personally venture a guess on how the models may be changing as AI comes on board, but we feel confident in saying that technology continues to improve at a dramatic, AI-accelerated rate. ⇑⇓ GIVE UP YOUR LIFE OF SAILING, OR LEARN MORE ABOUT SPADE RUDDERS AND ALL OF THE THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG AT SEA Regarding the letter this month demanding "culling" the offensive orcas that break rudders, I'm sure you'll get a few responses, but I'll add mine.

I hope that writer gives up his life of sailing.

There are many things that can damage a spade rudder, especially twin spades, and now those choosing to sail in that area can add one more. In 1981, I was crew on a delivery of a Frers 65 from Singapore to Hong Kong. Halfway there, at 3 a.m., my buddy kicked me and said, "Get up, the rudder's gone." For some undetermined reason that big spade just snapped off. There was some speculation it had been damaged in striking something some 1,000 miles previous. In any event, we didn't sink, and indeed we discovered we could still sail her, albeit with a little bit of difficulty and only really on two headings. It would have been great if we had had a spare rudder to slide in.

Now, if I ever get a boat with a spade rudder I will be carrying a spare. And that would be my recommendation to those choosing to go to the area of the orca activity around the Strait of Gibraltar. As far as damage to a spade rudder causing the complete loss of a boat, well, for crying out loud,

Page 24 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

LETTERS beef that sucker up! And if you still think killing orcas is appropriate I'd suggest you find a new hobby, or a new ocean.

Don Litton Pythagoras Channel Islands Harbor Don was commenting on a letter in the November issue that also appeared in the October 2025 'Lectronic Latitude: Two Hot Takes on Each End of Environmentalism. ⇑⇓ AROUND AND AROUND WE GO In reply to your response to my letter published in your November [2025] edition: I don't think and didn't mean that motoring sailboats are a big environmental issue. In the big picture, they're not even an afterthought regarding environmental and ecological harm and destruction that humans are doing. If I were writing for an environmental publication, I wouldn't even bother mentioning this issue.

But you are a sailing magazine, and I was responding to an issue raised about motoring to the West Coast from Hawaii. Sailboats motoring, especially when they don't have to, is a pet peeve of mine, and unfortunately I see it all the time in Berkeley and Oakland. I even have a friend who always motors out of the Berkeley Marina because he says it's too much tacking to sail out!

That's called "sailing" as far as I'm concerned, but you see the attitude being adopted here, and I don't like it a bit.

LATITUDE ARCHIVES / TIM HENRY

SAUSALITO

In November 2018, we wrote a 'Lectronic titled, "Is Using the Engine 'Cheating?'" In that article, we asked, "Are you a sailing 'purist?' Do you avoid using the motor as much as possible? Do you sail into situations that would perhaps be safer with the motor on, but with your experience, you feel more than capable doing under sail?"

I also agree with Joshua Wheeler's letter in response to mine (except for the not-for-environmental-reasons part): "Sailing" is about sailing, not motoring, period. If I were to sail offshore again, my crew would be informed and have to agree that we don't motor unless absolutely necessary, and we could just go swimming when we get becalmed. I realize that people like the Pardees and me are now anomalies and outliers, but as someone who's been a radical in many ways since I was about 15, I'm used to being a minority of one.

No need to get into a long discussion about this, I just wanted to clarify where I'm coming from.

Jeff Hoffman Berkeley

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Page 26 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Jeff — Allow us to be blunt: Who cares what your pet peeves are as it concerns how other people sail their boats?

Sure, there are things that are universally accepted as sailing faux pas, such as fenders dangling over the side, poorly trimmed sails, not enough or too much scope in an anchorage, the endlessly running generator, the poorly coiled line or countless other "infractions" evoking indignation in the observer while the offending party merrily sails/motors on.

Every sailor must judge for themselves what's "absolutely necessary." Would you only take crew who has unlimited time with no other commitments in their life? (Do those unicorns exist among us?) Would you motor to get into the harbor ahead of a 25-45-knot storm? Would you sail in or out of a narrow slip deep within a marina? This is just the tip of the iceberg of the infinite subjectivity of what's "necessary" that is up to each individual sailor to decide. (PS: Josh Wheeler's response to your letter read, "I try not to tell people what they can and can't do, lest they try to do the same to me.")

If you do own a boat in the future, Jeff, then sail as you see fit and extend people the same courtesy. You've already said multiple times that motoring sailboats isn't a big issue, which makes the crusade over other people's choices feel even more circular than usual.

Please — No need to further clarify or expand. You do you! ⇑⇓ CALIFORNIA IS MAKING YOU PAY PROPERTY TAX ON SALES TAX! A friend suggested I contact you in reference to my boat's property tax assessment. The county assessed my 59-ft Nordhavn Coastal Pilot for over 50% more than I'd paid for it five years earlier, though we've cruised on it for over 15,000 miles and visited six countries and 22 US states.

I fought the assessment valuation, and what I learned shocked me. Marin County, like other counties in the state, adds sales tax to the value of an assessment every year. This is against the state constitution and California Supreme Court rulings — and it's hidden!

I also found that the Marin County assessor does not follow the guidelines set forth by the State Board of Equalization (BOE). That affected me personally, but it is the inclusion of the sales tax every year that affects just about all boaters in the state. Airplanes too. I filed an appeal for both 2023 and 2024 assessments and had my 2024 hearing on August 15 [2025], where I presented evidence that the sales tax inclusion is illegal.

I have yet to receive the verdict from the Appeals Board.

They add sales tax to the value every year and hide it in what they call "full assessed value." For example, let's say your boat's assessed value is $100,000. They then add sales tax of 8.5% to come up with a full assessed value of $108,500, which is what they then tax at 1%. Their justification is based upon the court case of Xerox v. Orange County, where Xerox was fighting for charging sales taxes on leased copying machines. This ruling, from 1977, is the BOE's justification for adding sales tax by saying that if you are going to buy a boat, you have to pay sales tax.

The state constitution limits personal property taxes to 1%; in California, they are charging 1.085%. That does not sound like a lot, but it adds up to tens of millions extra being charged to boat owners. In my Appeals Board hearing I

LETTERS

LETTERS mentioned all of this. The assessor had no defense when he was questioned by a board member. There are over 600,000plus people in California who are being taken advantage of to the tune of 8.5%.

I did a seven-minute video that I posted on YouTube to try to let other boaters know about this.

Larry McCullogh Readers — See the November 2025 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter to watch Larry's video.

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⇑⇓ EARLY PAYMENT? HERE'S YOUR LATE FEE Solano County does something similar. They start with the personal property value. Then they add a "late file penalty" of 10% to come up with the net value. I should note that my taxes were paid about 30 days before the due date.

It does not make sense that I'm charged a 10% late fee even though I pay before the deadline and have to pay taxes on that "late fee."

Russell Breed Treasure Island Yacht Club

LATITUDE / TIM HENRY

⇑⇓ TAXATION WAR STORIES They did the same thing to me on my boat purchase in 2011. I contested it in writing and the assessor called me on the phone and he admitted,"I used online comparable sale price listings to assign your property tax."

I told him the vessel I bought is a "dock queen" because the motor and fuel cell are bad and the seller gave me a discount. We went back and forth and finally I just cut him off and asked for his manager. He then said that would not be necessary and stated he would re-assess the value to the stated purchase price that I did actually pay. Which he did.

Grant Goza

In the midst of this thread about overtaxation, we offer you a serene look of San Francisco Bay in the winter, seen above from San Quentin Village last month (and year). For the record, Latitude 38 is against what seems to be a growing trend of state and county authorities fundamentally misunderstanding how boats are valued and depreciate.

I paid unsecured property tax on the sales tax when I bought a boat, and was livid when I did. The county explained the full cost of my boat included the taxes paid, therefore it's part of the value!

Rowan Fennell Paramour, Moore 24 The exact same thing happens to small businesses- especially hitting manufacturers. We get hit with property tax on 20-year-old machinery even though it is fully depreciated.

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The one statement that is a bit confusing is that they add the tax every year. Is that compounded year after year, or only when the boat is reassessed?

On another point: Does this contain the elements for a class action suit? I would bet that the crowd of plaintiffs would be huge! We could even fly a special burgee.

John McNeill Schooner Yankee San Francisco Marina My eight-year-old boat in Alameda is valued about $20k more than what I paid for it six years ago. That's a ripoff because boats don't appreciate like houses do, yet they're treated as if they were houses.

Steve Hajnal I tried fighting this in San Joaquin County to no avail.

I was told to go get a new survey and if it was significantly less, they would consider lowering the tax. Why would I pay another $1,300 for a survey two months after I just paid for one to purchase the boat? It's been 10 years now since I purchased the boat. It makes my blood boil when I think about getting double taxed.

Cindy VanNieuwburg

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My advice is just stop paying these bullshit boat taxes.

I completely stopped paying the personal property tax and possesory interest tax and never looked back. It's never been an issue. They know the taxes are illegal. My boat is USCG registered yet I was getting two bills from Alameda County. I throw them in the trash and carry on.

Joe Seraphin ⇑⇓ TAXATION WITHOUT DREDGE-ESENTATION? I've paid "mud tax" for the patch under my privately berthed boats in Marin, Solano and Contra Costa counties.

All three "value estimates" ridiculously overvalued my boats.

Auto owners aren't taxed for parking their cars in front of their house on a public street. Since the California government "claims" the mud, even in private marinas, why don't they arrange and pay to dredge them regularly?

Keith Phillip Davi ⇑⇓ WHAT YOU SAID I just paid my $175 mud tax, on top of boat tax of $559 for a 1988 powerboat that's 37 years old. Really, if I'm paying a tax on the dirt under my boat, don't they have a responsibility to keep it deep enough so I can move my boat anytime?

Dennis Lear ⇑⇓ PROGRAMS = MONEY = TAXES Taxes are great. Being able to afford more toys is not as important as our social programs having funding. In fact we need more taxes. If you are comfortable enough to be complaining about taxes, you are comfortable enough to pitch in to fund teachers, transit and roads.

Tommaso Nicholas Boggia Tommaso — But what if you are not comfortable enough

Page 28 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

LETTERS

BROCK DE LAPPE

with the taxes? What if the tax burden is high enough to prevent a person from getting needed medical care? Or if they can't pay their rent? The truth is that the tax burden is too high on the workingclass people in California, and not high enough on wealthy people. Like so many things, implementation matters. Simply raising taxes without ensuring it's collected and spent fairly is dangerous.

But I agree — many of our social programs need a lot of help. But lets start with the world's first trillionaire, not hard-working This boat, which apparently dragged people who are struggling. anchor in the Oakland Estuary unWarren Holybee manned before it ran aground, is the subject of much speculation on this I'm not opposed to proppage of Letters. erty tax, I am opposed to

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the ineffective and inefficient processes and waste of resources.

Barry Demak ⇑⇓ "MAYDAY, MAYDAY" — THAT SINKING FEELING ON THE OAKLAND ESTUARY Here is the dark underbelly of fiberglass hulls that last forever: The number of boats in the Oakland Estuary pales in comparison to those getting moldy and growing underwater vegetable gardens in marinas everywhere. (It would be interesting to get an estimate of the number of these boats in Bay Area marinas alone.) Like many problems, it comes down to money. Until boatowners and marinas get an affordable disposal program — not one controlled by a government bureaucracy — the numbers will continue to grow.

Neal Holmlund Neal was commenting on the November 21 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter. ⇑⇓ IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING I have a question about the boat you mentioned [in the November 21 'LL] that ran aground near Brooklyn Basin: You stated that the boat had been dragging around the Estuary with nobody aboard for a couple of days …

Who saw this boat moving around the Estuary with nobody aboard? Did they call the USCG to report a boat adrift, and did they give a description of the boat and its location?

If they did not call to let the Coast Guard know a boat was adrift, the issue is on them. (I think the USCG would have at least checked to see if the captain was OK.) The real issue is many people do not want to make that call but are ready to complain after the fact.

JJ

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Adjacent to South Beach Harbor and Oracle Park January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 29

LETTERS

⇑⇓ THE JOY OF COMPLAINING It sounds like you're saying this boat went aground because concerned citizens and volunteers aren't doing enough. JJ's comment seemed to refer specifically to the boat you referred to in the photo [previous page], and that by being observed pilotless for several days — but not being called in to any of the appropriate agencies — that approach helped to ensure the resulting wreck.

While the USCG appears to have the staffing and funds to solve a known problem, no agency can monitor all 1,600 square miles of San Francisco Bay. Solving this issue will require a combination of better communication between agencies, better options than allowing an anchor-out freefor-all, stronger political will to follow the law and creating better societal safety nets and a community of citizens who, as JJ points out, seem to often prefer the joy of complaining to the inconvenience of helping with prevention.

Brad

enforcement. These operations require an enormous number of cutters, small boats, aircraft, and highly trained personnel. The snide suggestion that Coast Guard crews could "walk over on their lunch break" is not only inaccurate, but dismissive of the operational tempo these personnel face.

Small-boat stations and patrol boats sit idle only to the casual observer — they may be on standby for imminent search and rescue, conducting crew rest after overnight operations or preparing for deployments.

Derelict and abandoned vessel enforcement is not a Coast Guard mission. State and local authorities, the BCDC, city governments, environmental agencies and harbor districts all have legally assigned responsibilities for this. Many of those agencies lack staffing, and funding — a regional policy issue, not Coast Guard negligence.

⇑⇓ A BLOW BY BLOW The boat in question was anchored inside the buoys near Coast Guard Island. Either the storm or the owner moved it out into the middle of the channel last Thursday [November 13, 2025]. On Sunday, she blew/drifted up into the shallows off Brooklyn Basin. She was still floating at high tide and laid over on her hull for four days.

Yesterday morning [November 21], she had swung around and grounded hard on the rocks. At 3:45 p.m., after numerous patrols had raced by, a Coast Guard boat finally approached to within 50 yards and called out to the boat repeatedly over the loud speaker.

There was no appearance of anyone on deck.

This morning, as high tide returned, she did not float, but had water over the rail. She has now moved from a navigation hazard to an environmental catastrophe. Fingers will be pointed in all directions in a bureaucratic dance with no one taking responsibility. A sad commentary on our city, county, state and federal government and marine agencies.

Michael Severson ⇑⇓ GROUNDHOG DAY IN THE OAKLAND ESTUARY This article on the Oakland Estuary's derelict vessel problem [from the October 2025 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter] paints a picture of Coast Guard inaction that simply doesn't align with the reality of their mission, their manpower, or the complex legal structure governing these waters.

Frustration with the situation is valid and pervasive, but focusing on one agency already stretched to its limits — while not doing so on obligations of the multitude of other agencies — does a disservice to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The agency has approximately 60,000 total personnel — active, reserve and civilian — tasked with safeguarding 95,000 miles of coastline and global responsibilities performing search and rescue, counter-narcotics, migrant interdiction, polar operations, cybersecurity, aids to navigation, marine inspections, national defense roles, etc.

The Coast Guard must prioritize life-saving operations and national security missions — not municipal code Page 30 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

LATITUDE / JOHN

LETTERS

The Estuary has seen a sad end to boats, and to public policy that briefly enforced existing no-anchoring laws.

The Coast Guard has repeatedly offered outreach, safety checks and regulatory guidance on the Estuary, but cannot enforce local anchoring rules without a request for assistance or remove vessels without the required interagency process. They certainly cannot absorb the workload of multiple agencies simply because their island is nearby.

We all want sustained cleanup efforts and a solution to this complex problem. Scapegoating the one maritime agency that is already operating at maximum capacity adds nothing to the discussion other than division.

The women and men of the Coast Guard serve us all with great professionalism and often at personal risk. It is amazing they do all they do with their current staffing level.

They deserve our respect and support. This article does in fact praise the Coast Guard multiple times, and due credit to you for doing that. But that is undermined with trolling comments such as, "Boats keep sinking along the Oakland Estuary right under the nose of the USCG officers and staff on Coast Guard Island."

Seriously, what was your point?

Steven Bustin Steven — We'll refer you to our years of coverage of the United States Coast Guard as evidence of our respect and admiration for the men and women of the agency who shoulder a long list of responsibilities — with search and rescue standing as the USCG's most awe-inspiring mission. We've been fortunate to meet and work with members of the personnel stationed at District 11 here in the Bay. Our point — or rather, our complaint — is not now, and has never been, with USCG personnel, but with state, county and city lawmakers who have hamstrung the Coast Guard, local police departments and countless other agencies. Just a few years ago, the Coast Guard and Oakland Police worked

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LETTERS

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together to crack down on rampant theft in the Estuary and dramatically reduce the number of anchor-outs.

It's not a question of agency capability. It's a question of the will of elected officials. ⇑⇓ EIGHT BELLS I was fortunate enough to have met John Guzzwell and sat and chatted with him aboat three of his later boats at the annual Wooden Boat Festival here in Port Townsend.

When we first met, I also had a Laurent Giles-designed Vertue Class sloop, which I loved dearly and had singlehanded around Vancouver Island in 31 days. In my 20s, the first cruising boat I bought was also a rare, Laurent Giles copper-riveted 26-ft lapstrake sloop — the first-ever reverse transom design! John and I immediately connected and enjoyed many conversations. He was a genius boat builder and obviously quite brilliant, but also very humble, generous and kind!

Kirk R Gresham

WWW.LATITUDE38.COM/SUBSCRIPTIONS Set sail on a journey of discovery with Latitude 38 Magazine, your one-stop shop for all things sailing Check out all Latitude Nation has to offer.

Kirk was commenting on the December 2024 'LL: Eight Bells — West Coast Circumnavigator John Guzzwell. ⇑⇓ UNFURL THE SAILS NOW There's a special kind of friendship born dockside at dinner parties — with the easy laughter of yacht club gatherings — while getting your boat put away after a Friday night beercan race. You meet someone who speaks your language.

You trade stories about your sailing adventures, share your dislikes of yacht club politics, and share your dreams aloud about the perfect downwind run on your way to Mexico during a Baja Ha-Ha. You clink glasses, promise to plan a weekend sail "one of these days," and revel in the comfort of knowing you've found a kindred spirit.

But life gets in the way, as it often does, with schedules colliding, weather windows slipping by, and those casual plans drifting into that quiet corner of the mind reserved for good intentions.

Then comes the news no one expects.

Your friend is diagnosed with a brain tumor, and doctors, instead of the wind, suddenly dictate the course of their world. The realization hits you with the force of a rogue wave — all those easy promises to hoist sails together couldn't be kept and now the chance is gone forever. In the reflective hush that follows, you find yourself replaying every conversation, every shared dream of open water, wishing you'd seized the moment.

It's a sharp reminder that life can be unpredictably short.

Nick Sands was a special guy and a dear friend. Sometimes, you have to unfurl the sails now, with the friends who matter — while the wind is still yours to catch — and enjoy an afternoon sail on the Bay. Kevin Roesler FriendShip, Hanse 388 Corinthian Yacht Club

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Have a comment? Email us at editorial@latitude38.com January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 31

SIGHTINGS last hurrah and ha-ha for the poobah

catching you up on

With the 31st Baja Ha-Ha now complete and the helm passed from the Grand Poobah to Ha-Ha veteran and sailmaker Chuck Skewes, we can't help but reflect on the three historic decades of Baja sailing.

In 1994, Latitude 38 founder Richard Spindler — aka the Poobah — was preparing to join the annual fall cruising migration to Mexico on his Ocean 71 Big O when an idea struck. He and Latitude invited West Coast cruisers to join a casual rally starting in early November in San Diego and ending about two weeks later in Cabo San Lucas. Some 36 boats and 125 crew answered the call. (The inaugural starting day turned out to be one of the windiest in the event's 31-year history, with 15- to 20-knot winds on the starting line.)

The roaring success of that first Ha-Ha rally created a tradition that has launched thousands of cruising dreams and friendships.

Thousands of sailors have gladly shared their gratitude for Richard Spindler's initiation and long stewardship of one of the world's bestrecognized and most-enjoyed cruising rallies.

Bill Lilly sailed his Lagoon 470 Moontide in six or seven Ha-Ha's.

"While in Bahia Santa Maria in 2005 on my first Ha-Ha, Richard decided to throw a party for all singles under 35, thinking people in that age group were crew and had fewer options for relaxing. My older crew decided that we did not want to be left out, so we announced a party on board for those 40 and over. For some unknown reason, Richard decided to cancel his party and ended up coming to ours. Moontide loaded up with something like 65 people on board that night. No wonder I came back for many more!

"We learned two lessons that night. First, Moontide had always floated high in the stern, but 25 or 30 people in the cockpit brought her down on her lines; second, make the party BYOB. That party put a big dent in our liquor supply." The tradition of that impromtu party has continued with an annual three-boat raft-up. "Thank you, Richard," Bill Lilly concluded.

Leif Vasstrom wrote, "The Baja Ha-Ha is one of my wonderful memories sailing with my friends on Solar Planet from San Francisco all the way to Puerto Vallarta. I thank Richard for such a great event!"

Assistant Poobah Patsy Verhoeven sailed her first Baja Ha-Ha in 2007. "It was a wild year — 72 members of the fleet slept ashore in Bahia Santa Maria because there was high surf. During the 2025 HaHa, I found myself standing in that same tiny building where about 50 of the 72 somehow fit. Unbelievable.

"After a few years, I started volunteering — first helping with the offshore check-ins so that we'd have two boats tracking everyone's positions. I also volunteered my boat, Talion, and her crew to help stuff the swag bags each year. It's always fun for the crew to get to know everyone early on."

Past participants Charles and LeeAnne Clark last sailed the Ha-Ha in 2019 aboard their Mason 44 Juliet out of the Channel Islands. They wrote, "So happy to hear that the Ha-Ha will sail on! We did it twice; the second time in 2019 launched our five years of full-time cruising in Mexico. It was the absolute best way to launch our new life, and to join the cruising community. We bumped into friends we made on that rally in anchorages all over Mexico. Many of them are still our favorite people in the world. My memories of the Ha-Ha will last my entire life.

Good luck, Chuck and Patsy!"

Cruiser and recent Baja Ha-Ha sponsor Rich Boren wrote, "We did the 2008 Ha-Ha to cast off with our two kids, then 8 and 9. After cruising Mexico for five seasons, we started up a watermaker company and

The latest run of the Good Jibes podcasts will get you on the water while you're driving home from the office, doing the dishes or varnishing your hatch boards.

Almost 90 years after he first sailed under the Golden Gate, Commodore Tompkins sailed under it again in 2025. The sailor, whose logbooks total more than 600,000 miles, catches us up on his latest voyage.

At 93, Commodore is still very much underway. Recorded aboard his Wylie 39 Flashgirl, the conversation ranges from recent health scares on a 48-day passage to memories that sound almost mythical.

Cape Horn appears early, not as a

continued on outside column of next sightings page Page 32 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

SIGHTINGS the good, good jibes bucket-list destination but as a point rounded at age 4. The Golden Gate Bridge makes an appearance too, with Commodore recounting the moment his family became the first sailing vessel to pass beneath it.

The stories are not delivered as nostalgia but as living history, shaped by decades of work, curiosity, and a lifetime spent around boats.

Long before the tiny-home and vanlife movements, there were Lin and Larry Pardey circumnavigating the globe on their low-impact, engineless 24-ft homebuilt cutter Seraffyn. Good Jibes traveled far continued in middle column of next sightings page

poobah's ha-ha hurrah — continued became Ha-Ha sponsors and hope to continue for many more."

Steve and Charlotte Baker were dissatisfied with their suburban lives and bought Willful Simplicity, a 1973 Catalina 27, in 2009. "Many people told us we couldn't enjoy Mexico with our 'minicruiser.' The only person who encouraged us was Richard Spindler. Had we listened to the naysayers rather than Richard, we would have missed out on the nine best years of our lives."

Vickey Snook wrote: "My husband Hugh and I loved the Ha-Ha. We had fun in Zijua too. A Ha-Ha co-sponser sailed with us on our first rally, and our three kids sailed with us the second time. The cook-offs and the beach contests were great. Hugh passed away in April, but he loved looking at the photos of our cruises."

Don't miss out on the Baja Ha-Ha legacy. Need inspiration? You can read the annual Baja Ha-Ha wrap-up story online!

— latitude

LATITUDE 38 / BAJA HA-HA

A few scenes from this year's bittersweet Baja Ha-Ha, as Richard Spindler, the Grand Poobah (top left and right) bids farewell. But the cruising tradition will continue with the "New-bah" Chuck Skewes (bottom left).

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 33

SIGHTINGS good jibes

the secret to a long life? sailing If you've sailed San Francisco Bay in the past decade, chances are you've crossed paths with Adagio, a 30-ft S2 sailboat with countless miles under her keel. Behind the helm is Jon Price: gentleman sailor, community builder and, at 88 years old, living proof that saltwater might just be the fountain of youth.

Jon bought Adagio 14 years ago, and he's put her to work. He is out on the water three or four times a week in summer and once or twice per week in the winter. (The name Adagio suits both boat and captain. In music, it means "at ease," a tempo that's relaxed but never lazy.) Sometimes Jon is aboard his own boat, sometimes he crews on OPBs (other people's boats), particularly those belonging to his "Gang of Four," a tight-knit fraternity of sailors recently rechristened "The League of Gentlemen Sailors" (LOGS).

Jon didn't grow up yachting. He found his tribe through Meetup

COURTESY ADAGIO

continued on outside column of next sightings page

Page 34 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

south, meeting Lin and her partner David Haigh aboard their steel-hulled Sahula in Queensland, Australia. Docked safely below the cyclone belt, we had a wide-ranging conversation about what adventure really looks like after decades at sea.

Lin makes the case that those promoting safety are often motivated by commercial interests, which can undermine people's sense of adventure. Pardey still urges people to get out there now and have fun and adventure. Stories move easily between camping in the Australian Outback, anchoring off the Great Barrier Reef and the creative rhythm of life aboard a small cruis-

Jon Price, top and bottom left and center, has lived a long, fulfilling life through sailing on his 30-ft S2 'Adagio' and inviting people of all backgrounds and experience levels on board. The result? A fun, vibrant community sailing on San Francisco Bay.

SIGHTINGS — continued ing boat.

There is talk of writing, painting, staying put long enough to feel a place, and resisting the urge to carry the entire world on board. The episode feels like sitting at the cabin table, listening as the conversation wanders, settles and wanders again.

Closer to home, another GJ episode focuses on the value of mentorship and the long arc of sailing development. Olympic sailor and sailing coach Stuart McNay steps into the conversation not as a distant elite figure, but as a coach, learner and sailor still experimenting. He's currently helping continued in middle column of next sightings page

a long sailing life — continued groups, crew list parties, and volunteering on the St. Francis Yacht Club race committee. Along the way, he built a sailing community that spans generations and continents. His crew roster reads like a passport stamp collection. On any given sail, you might find an Italian restaurateur winching the jib, a Romanian software engineer trimming the main or a Spanish psychologist at the helm. An anesthesiologist has crewed beside an optometrist; a life coach has shared the cockpit with retired engineers. A former St. Francis Yacht Club commodore has taught first-timers how to read the wind. Recent college grads have learned to coil lines alongside sailors in their 70s and 80s. Everyone gets a turn aboard, and everyone leaves better for it.

The typical route is familiar but never boring. Jon casts off from Paradise Cay in Tiburon, sails toward Angel Island and sometimes ventures into the Slot when conditions are right. Or he will tack up Raccoon Strait and circumnavigate the island. Then comes the midday ritual — stopping at Ayala Cove for lunch.

Angel Island is one of the crown jewels of the California State Park system, though lately, it's become a study in neglect. The docks, which should have been replaced years ago, are often slicked with harbor seal waste. "It is a travesty for a state-run park," said Jon. Half the slips have been closed due to disrepair, with pilings that date back to the 1980s finally giving way during winter storms. A $2.7 million renovation has been delayed to 2026, tangled in the usual bureaucratic web of permits and approvals.

But Jon and his crew aren't deterred. They tie up where they can, break out lunch, and make the best of it. And they meet new friends there — like Bobby, a retired Marine fighter pilot who arrives in his powerboat, trading stories between bites. After lunch, they sail toward Red Rock to get back to Paradise Cay. Amy, a regular crew, puts it simply: "Sailing on Adagio with Jon and his crew just doesn't get old. He's given us all an enormous gift: the chance to learn to sail in a supportive and interesting community and take in the beauty and challenge of sailing on San Francisco Bay. Best of all, we've become friends, as you can't spend hours on a boat routinely without getting to know one another pretty well."

Spending hours together on a 30-ft boat does something to people.

You learn who keeps their cool when the gusts pick up, who volunteers to do dishes after lunch, and who tells the best stories on the gentle sail back. The small space and shared tasks strip away pretense. What's left is something real. This is what Jon has created — a floating commons where strangers become crew and crew becomes community. Where people half his age — or a third of it — discover what 88 looks like when it's fully engaged, not winding down and not proving anything. He just shows up week after week because the boat needs sailing, and there's always someone new who wants to learn.

The Bay doesn't care how old Jon is. The wind and current don't give passes, and maybe that's the point. There's a particular vitality that comes from being needed — from having a reason to check the tide tables to have the boat ready when the crew arrives. It's not about defying age. It's about staying in motion and staying at the ready for what the conditions will bring.

So the next time you're dockside in Tiburon wondering what it takes to stay vital as the years pile up, look for the guy loading up a 30-ft S2. Ask Jon how he does it and odds are he'll point to the water and say, "This is the secret." But pay attention to what he doesn't say: The other half is the community he's built, one sail at a time.

— thea yoshida January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 35

SIGHTINGS the to-do list en route to the ha-ha John Walsh sailed from his home port in Mendocino to San Diego to cast off with the 31st Baja Ha-Ha, but not before completing a long list of jobs on his 1978 Cal 29 Ondina.

Greetings from San Diego! I arrived at Southwestern YC two weeks and two days out of San Francisco. I made many stops, including some multiday stops. It was quite an adventure! And still, I arrived almost a week early for the start of the Baja Ha-Ha. My 1978 Cal 29, Ondina, had a wonderful caregiver in previous owner Dave Garcia. A big part of why we bought this boat was because of all the great work Dave had done. Nevertheless, she is a boat — and an active one at that — and there is always an endless list of things that need attention. There was recently an article in Latitude 38 asking, "Is DIY dead?" I can tell you, DIY is not dead — though it did nearly kill me!

PHOTOS ONDINA

continued on outside column of next sightings page

Scenes from John Walsh's singlehanded voyage down the coast of California en route to San Diego and the start of the 31st Baja Ha-Ha.

Page 36 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

good jibes coach US Olympic sailors to succeed at the 2028 Olympics in L.A. The stories touch on early chaos, hard lessons and the joy of helping sailors at any age sail better and gain more confidence on the water. Whether working with junior sailors or seasoned racers, the emphasis stays on curiosity, repetition and the shared language of boats moving through water.

Then we talk with Tamara Sokolov and Simran Phojanakong about sailing's next generation through the lens of the oftenunderappreciated Sea Scouts. What begins as a youth program quickly reveals itself as something more lasting. Young sailors

SIGHTINGS — continued learn not just knots and navigation, but responsibility, teamwork and how to show up for one another afloat. The episode captures Scouting as a very different form of youth sailing. It highlights hands-on training with voices who are still forming their sea legs, offering a reminder that sailing stories start close to shore, with volunteers like Tamara willing to teach and Simran eager to listen.

Taken together, these episodes feel less like interviews and more like open companionways. Each invites listeners aboard a different boat, into a different season of life and out onto a different stretch of water. continued in middle column of next sightings page

ha-ha to-do list — continued I spent the better part of six months working on Ondina, and while it certainly broke the bank and nearly broke my spirit, it also strengthened my resolve to make this trip happen.

First was a visit to Easom rigging, where Scott was kind enough to help me get the mast off the boat and then let me work on it at his facility. I stripped nearly everything off the mast, replaced everything that came off, and put it all back together with new wire rigging, new electrical wiring and lights, an antenna, halyards, furler, etc. I even did some touch-up painting. When I asked Scott why I shouldn't just repaint the whole mast, his simple answer became one of the guiding tenets for the next six months — you don't have time for that and you have to draw the line somewhere!

I learned that what I thought would be routine inspection and maintenance almost always became a complete replacement for disaster avoidance — two contrary principles that describe a working man's sailing life! Many thanks to Scott, Dylan and Ian for their help.

Next was the haulout. I had some concerns about my rudder; there was a little bit too much play in the bearing. My buddy and professional rigger Andy McCormick told me there was no way I could go offshore without addressing it. When I began asking around about the issue, the only person who understood it as related to my particular boat was Cree at Berkeley Marine Center (BMC). So, off I went! Not only did the rudder need attention, but the thru-hulls were questionable, too. Of course, it was just about time for new bottom paint as well. I won't go into all the details of the three weeks poor Ondina was high and dry, but let's just say everything I thought needed to happen, happened — and then some! Luckily, BMC allows owners to work on their boats, so my bill wasn't a total heart attack! But I'm very grateful to the skilled workers who helped me do the things I couldn't, particularly Peter, Ish and Goyn (John) in the metal shop.

Finally, there was the engine. My sweet little Yanni, a Yanmar 2GM20F, had never given me any trouble, but I was becoming concerned about the water pressure in my exhaust, or lack thereof.

Hence, some inspection and maintenance was done, which led — of course — to some major parts replacements and repairs. I won't go too deep into the details, but I do wish to thank Chuck of Chuck's Marine Diesel, who was able to go deeper into my engine than I was able to do.

A true professional, Chuck's knowledge of engines, and all mechanical and electrical systems, was impressive and invaluable. Like all the great folks who worked with me on these different projects, he helped me understand a lot more about my boat.

At last, the major work was done and the final pieces were falling into place for this trip. Help for the final stage, provisioning, came from my number-one supporter throughout, the lovely Liz. She had been reading up on this aspect of sailing trips and was fully prepared to help stock the boat. In the final three days before departure, she shopped, stocked, prepared and packed our sweet boat with more food and drink than I thought possible. I think she enjoyed herself, too! It was great fun finding all the nooks and crannies and fitting the odds and ends into said spaces. The plan was for me to harbor-hop the boat down the coast singlehanded, and Liz would join me in San Diego, if I made it. I'm happy to say that the trip down was wonderful, nearly trouble-free and I met many more great people along the way.

— john walsh Head over to this month's Changes in Latitudes to get Liz Newkirk's perspective on Ondina and the couple's Ha-Ha voyage.

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 37

SIGHTINGS three bay area classics in europe Three San Francisco Bay classics are spending the next phase of their long sailing careers in Europe. If you sailed the Bay any time from the 1980s onward, you probably remember at least one of the three: the English teak cutter Grisette, the 82-ft M-Class sloop Pursuit, and Humphrey Bogart's and Paul and Chrissy Kaplan's former Sparkman & Stephens schooner Santana.

For years, they were part of the Bay's everyday skyline. Now all three are in France, trading San Francisco Bay for the breezy Bay of Biscay and the Med. Grisette is one of many that have hooked Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show organizer Randall von Wedel. The heavy teak cutter was built in England in 1904. She arrived on San Francisco Bay by the early 1980s and quickly became one of the most admired local classics. She raced offshore and on the Bay under owners Jim Van Dyke, followed by Lowden Jessup. Von Wedel spent much of the early '90s on continued on outside column of next sightings page

LATITUDE ARCHIVES

Clockwise from left: 'Grisette' some years ago, before she began (and ended) her life on the Bay. Capt Tanneguy Raffray stands in front of 'Pursuit', which is undergoing a restoration at Saint-Guénolé Classics Restoration in France; 'Grisette' is also being restored in France; 'Grisette's sumptuous wood; 'Santana' in St. Tropez.

Page 38 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

good jibes — continued There is no single definition of adventure here. It shows up in ocean crossings, quiet anchorages, coaching conversations and the first time a young sailor takes the helm.

When you listen to Commodore, Lin and David, Stu, Tamara and Simran this winter, you'll be much more inspired and ready for spring sailing with an expanded view of the sailing adventures that are right for you.

— latitude / ryan SoCal Correspondent Do you have a story to tell? Do you know a fascinating sailor who is full of salty tales?

Please let us know! Email Ryan Foland at ryan@latitude38.com.

SIGHTINGS the 2026 yra calendar

bay classics in europe — cont.

We're proud to kick off the New Year with this issue of Latitude 38 and the 2026 Northern California sailing calendar. Inside are nearly 1,000 reasons to sail in 2026, most of them in the form of easy-to-join races.

Some sailors swear they'll never race.

Others wouldn't sail unless they were racing. Between those two camps lies a lot of good sailing. If racing feels intimidating, you'll find no shortage of sailors, clubs and events designed to help you give it a try.

In 2026, the Yacht Racing Association (YRA) is launching an introduction-to-racing series aimed squarely at non-racers.

ALL PHOTOS RANDALL VON WEDEL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

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her foredeck as first mate. He never forgot her.

To the disappointment of many, Grisette left Sausalito in 1996 when she was sold to a French artist. The boat headed for Costa Rica, but an intended refit there never happened. Several years later, a group of investors stepped in, shipping the cutter back across the Atlantic to France. The boat was still fundamentally sound but in need of a new interior and plenty of love.

Randall recently found Grisette tucked in the Chantier du Guip yard in Brest, in the middle of a full restoration. Her teak planking, newly splined, has held up astonishingly well for 120-year-old timber. The yard is taking her down to bare hull and building her back up, from hull to deck to rig, with the kind of craftsmanship that gets wooden-boat people emotional and inspired.

A few hundred miles down the French coast, von Wedel tracked down another San Francisco Bay icon: Pursuit, the last surviving MClass sloop. Designed in 1927 and launched in 1929 by Abeking & Rasmussen as Avatar, the 82-footer has long overhangs, low freeboard and large sail area. Pursuit spent 55 years on the Sausalito waterfront under the stewardship of Ron MacAnnan. She was a floating, local landmark along the Sausalito boardwalk, kept alive by the passion and hard labor of MacAnnan as her owner and caretaker. (Before MacAnnan, she'd been owned briefly by Randall's grandfather, making this latest reunion in Europe a family affair.)

After Ron's passing, Pursuit fell on hard times. A local campaign tried in vain to find a patron who would keep her on the Bay and fund a major rebuild. In the end, it was a French classic-yacht enthusiast, Benoît Couturier, who stepped up. He arranged to ship Pursuit to Brittany for a comprehensive restoration at Saint-Guénolé Classics Restoration. Randall's photos show some detail from the refit: frames and floors exposed, planking opened up, the full sweep of her deck stripped and being rebuilt.

The third member of this Bay Area expat trio is the most famous outside sailing circles: Santana, the 1935 S&S schooner once owned

by Humphrey Bogart. She, too, spent meaningful time on the West Coast, racing beer cans at Balboa Yacht Club in the '50s and '60s, then sailing the Bay under the ownership of Paul and Chrissy Kaplan, who restored and raced her out of St. Francis Yacht Club for about 15 years. In 2014, the Kaplans passed Santana's stewardship to Wendy Schmidt, who took the boat east for an active racing program. Recently, Latitude 38 reader Howard Clayman, who cruises the Med aboard his Bavaria 44 Ciao Mano, went for a dock walk in Antibes. A familiar sheer and house line made him stop and discover Santana showing off in Mediterranean sunshine. Howard chatted with a worker sanding her brightwork, who had no idea of the yacht's long California backstory. Schmidt raced the now yawl-rigged Santana in this fall's Voiles de St. Tropez.

Grisette, Pursuit and Santana, which all began life oceans away from California, join Viveka and Wander Bird, also now living in Europe. What's more, Bob Hanelt reports that his former 1937 S&S-designed Skylark is living in luxury in Monaco. There's no doubt Europe has a larger contingent of sailors with the money, skill and appreciation for wood that will help keep these classics alive. But there are still many classic sailing boats on the Bay and available for your patronage. To see them up close, visit the Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show, scheduled for June 21 at Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon.

Otherwise, you'll have to book a flight to Europe to see some former Bay Area classics.

— latitude / john January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 39

SIGHTINGS chinook, queen of the bay

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It begins with two free online webinars covering the basics, followed by a simple three-race series to get you started.

Why race?

There's the fun of sailing with others — both on and off the racecourse — and the chance to sharpen your skills. Sailors love helping other sailors, and racing exposes you to subtleties of boat handling, sail trim and decision-making that casual cruising often misses.

But the best reason is simple: Racing gets you out on the water! You'll sail when conditions aren't perfect, and without even

ALL PHOTOS ELIZABETH HENDERSON UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

The year 2025 saw the debut of the San Francisco Bay Yacht Racing Association's (YRA) Women's Championship Series, a three-race circuit in which the skippers, tacticians and 50% of the crew on each boat had to be women. Being the first year of the series, it was fittingly won by a team that was sailing their first season: Elizabeth Henderson's J/105 team Chinook, racing for Island Yacht Club (IYC).

"The boat initially came up in Latitude 38 and I just had to have it," Henderson told Latitude. "This is the first sailboat I've bought. I knew I wanted to learn how to be a boat owner and work on the boat, and you don't get to do that when you're crew. Learning those skills was a big motivation and learning how to really race was another motivation.

The J/105 was a great opportunity."

After buying Chinook in October 2024, Henderson set out to get the boat ready to race in the 2025 season, particularly in the Women's Championship Series.

"I joke to people that it's the newest J/105 on the Bay, because, quite literally, she's had everything done," Henderson continued.

"She's in great racing form now and an absolute joy. We finished our refit in three months and our first race started on March 23. We took third place." Henderson noted that Chinook is a brand-new team made up of friends. Their goal was to sail in every yacht club's women's sailing event."

Henderson highlights her crew and their collective dynamic as an important factor to the team's success in the Women's Championship Series this year, and to the continued growth of the team.

"The thing I've learned is that sailing is the least of it," Henderson said, adding that crew dynamics and mechanics are a huge part of success. "I had no clue how much went into it; we must have done something right, because I'm still sailing with the same core crew. As a skipper I wanted to make sure I was being very methodical and deliberate about what we were going to do."

Henderson mentioned an interview she'd heard with Blackhawk skipper Ryan Simmons on the Sail Faster podcast, in which he advised skippers of new racing programs to find consistent crew. "When I learned that the least-veteran person on Blackhawk has five years on that boat — and everyone else has 10 plus — I realized that we'll be a successful program if we keep the same people coming back for more and build this program organically."

Crew don't necessarily have to come from a sailing family, Henderson said, nor do they need college-sailing experience. "You just have to be quick on the uptake, put in the work and the hours, and get the reps. None of us are college sailors; none of us had formal training.

Most of us started sailing somewhere in the middle age-ish range. The average experience on our team is around three years."

After six months of "deliberate" practice, Chinook ended up winning their last race of the season, which Henderson called the highlight of the year. "I had two goals at the start of the season: One was to build the boat and the team, and one was to win a race."

Henderson said that the Women's Championship Series was a "cool idea and cool event." Henderson and most of her team were typically the only women on the boats that they'd raced on previously. "There are a lot of really great female sailors out there. That meant a lot to us; to have a space where we could come together and share knowledge, build skills and celebrate each other. It was a great opportunity to elevate the status of women's sailing on the Bay. It's heartwarming and wonderful to be that crazy idea in somebody's head."

northern california

SIGHTINGS chinook — continued

sailing calendar — cont.

"At the YRA end-of-the-year awards party, two ladies we didn't know approached us, and they were like, 'That's really cool! We didn't know this existed, that's really inspiring.' The fact that we're out there representing women's sailing and doing it at a fairly high level — while we're still learning — is really cool.

"I'm hoping that continues."

Henderson said that her biggest fear is that the women's series end up with low participation. "Granted, the first season wasn't a big turnout, but I think that's going to be true any time you're starting something. It will take some time to get traction. Hopefully we can keep that ball rolling and it will continue to grow and become more competitive.

If it does, I think it will really elevate the profile of women in the sport.

And at the end of the day, the sport grows and we all get better when we all get better."

— latitude / fritz

HELEN GALLI

TRACY WARD

realizing it, your knowledge will expand exponentially.

Racing is, at heart, a mutual-assistance program for people who sail. There's even a singlehanded sailing society for sailors who prefer to sail alone — together. And yes, as you've probably already heard: Racing is famous for its most excellent parties.

That's reason enough!

So pick up the 2026 Northern California sailing calendar to find events on the Bay and offshore that can sharpen your skills and take your sailing in a new direction.

— latitude

What's the key to a successful racing program? Start with fun and friendship and go from there. Scenes from 'Chinook's inaugural racing campaign. Owner Elizabeth Henderson is pictured in the bottom left photo, on the right, among other places.

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 41

2025 SEASON CHAMPIONS, pt. II — J

Moore 24 Roadmaster Series — Firefly, Joel Turmel, RYC The Moore 24 is one of the legendary one-design racing boats of the West Coast, and this season's champion in the fleet was Richmond Yacht Club's Joel Turmel and team aboard Firefly.

"The 2025 Moore 24 Roadmaster Series was certainly a challenging one, with up to 16 events covering the majority of the West Coast, from Long Beach, CA, to Hood River, OR," Turmel tells Latitude. "Firefly has been campaigning with the same crew, who are Chris Weis, Rob Dubuc, and Noah Barrengos, for the last three years. My mates are very talented sailors and great friends, which is certainly needed to compete against a fleet with such high-caliber competition. Of course, others sit in from time to time, which is always appreciated!

"I cannot say enough about the Moore fleet in general; the family-type atmosphere along with the extremely talented competition is the part I enjoy the most," Turmel continues. "Firefly looks forward to next season's campaign, which is a milestone for the Moore 24 fleet. It is our 50th year anniversary and the Nationals will be held in Santa Cruz, the birthplace of the Moore 24! We are expecting at least 50 boats to compete for the 50th! The regatta will be one for the ages."

Right: David Gruver at the helm of his Olson 25 'Sketch' on a blustery day.

Page 42 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Joel Turmel

STEVE GREEN; INSET: JOEL TURMEL

anuary means time for everyone to swear that they're actually going to be better about going to the gym this year, time to get some skiing in (if the Sierras actually get any snow) — and the second installation of the Latitude 38 2025 season champs feature.

After highlighting 10 one-design classes in the December issue, we have many more in this edition. The January issue covers everything from dinghies such as the El Toro and Mercury classes, up to long-standing keel lag classes such as the Express 37 and Moore 24.

Stay tuned for the February edition of the 2025 season champs feature, and if your class's champion hasn't been highlighted yet, please reach out to fritz@latitude38.com.

Joel Turmel sailing downwind in his Moore 24.

Olson 25 — Sketch David Gruver, SFYC The 2025 Olson 25 champion was a familiar face: multiple-time National Champion David Gruver, and his team aboard Sketch.

"My boat partner John Collins and I attempted a double this year, dividing our time between the SFYC club series and the Olson 25 fleet series," Gruver tells Latitude. "Despite overlapping weekends, we came out on top in both.

The Olson 25 fleet series was challenging, coming down to the last race against Steve Smith and Terry Lahey's Synchronicity.

"Synchronicity sailed very well in every race and was consistent throughout the series. We missed several races, but were able to win nearly every race we sailed. For the final race, Berkeley YC's Big Windward Leeward, we gained an early lead, covered Synchronicity tightly, and maintained it throughout

JANUARY EDITION

Wylie Wabbit — Mr. McGregor Kim Desenberg, RYC Longtime Wylie Wabbit sailor Kim Desenberg and the Mr. McGregor team of Richmond Yacht Club took home the 2025 season championship of the lightweight speedsters.

"Mr. McGregor entered six of the seven races making up our season," Desenberg tells Latitude. "Our three best events were placing first in the fourmonth Richmond Yacht Club's Small Boat Midwinters in the Southampton Shoals area — typically our most wellattended event — and in the two-day San Francisco Yacht Club's Fall Classic on the Knox courses. Our team consisted of boat partner John Groen, who as a youth worked with me at North Coast Yachts building the Wabbits, and who lends his expertise helping maintain our 43-year-old boat; and Terry Sistek, our regular sheet hand for over 15 years.

"The last event of the season was our Nationals at Encinal Yacht Club, in a

unique three-venue and light-air series," Desenberg continues. "We came second in the 12-boat fleet.

As our regular team was unavailable, our crew consisted of longtime Wabbit sailor (and John's youngest sister) Liza Trombi, and local rock star/senior ferry boat captain Bart Hackworth. Bart got back to his dinghy roots in our lightweight racer, and our strong finish helped us secure the season win. It is challenging to still be racing in our fun and competitive class."

Kim Desenberg and team won the 2025 Wylie Wabbit season championship.

International 110 — Lady Bug Bren Meyer, InvYC Bren Meyer of Inverness Yacht Club was crowned the 2025 International 110 season champion after a successful season of racing on Tomales Bay. "Inverness sailing began this year more as a hope than a reality," Meyer tells Latitude of the start of the season.

"A year ago in mid-December a combination of high tide, storm surge and strong wind wreaked havoc on our pier and dock. But by the beginning of the racing season in May, we had managed to rebuild the pier and get our season opener off without a hitch. Our season is made up of 16 race days, with a mix of long-race days and multiple shortrace days from mid-May to November.

The premier event is the annual Hog Island Race in August, 16 miles up to the mouth of Tomales Bay and back to the Inverness Yacht Club.

"This year my 1945 International

Bren Meyer races upwind on Tomales Bay in his International 110.

110, Lady Bug, managed to win the light-air race with regular crew and Wabbit sailor Erik Menzel on the trapeze," Meyer continues. "Additional crew help during the season came from Cynthia Gerlinger, Steve Caletti and Amy Badore. In addition to winning the Bender Series on Tomales Bay, Erik and I made the trek north to Bainbridge Island for the annual 110 Pacific Coast Championship. Five other crews and boats came from Inverness and were joined by a very competitive local fleet of six boats at the Port Madison Yacht Club. Again Lady Bug managed to take first in light but challenging conditions.

85+ years after the 110 was designed and the first one built, the class is still going strong on Tomales Bay and in the Pacific Northwest."

Mercury Travel Trophy — Mike Burch, CBYC "Our year started with the Midwinter Regatta down in Los Angeles, hosted

by Cabrillo Beach YC," Mercury season champion Mike Burch tells us. "I sailed with my little brother JJ from Arizona.

We were in third after day one. We had a great day on Sunday to pull off the win. It was a very competitive regatta from start to finish. Conditions could not have been better for a Mercury.

BARBARA WHELAN

the race, clinching the season.

"A pivotal race was at the EYC Estuary Extravaganza," Gruver continues. "Leading, we mistakenly chose the wrong windward mark, setting our kite to watch the rest of the fleet sail past.

By the time we realized our mistake, we were far behind. Fortunately, the Estuary proved ideal for working puffs and shifts, allowing us to battle back to third. This tiebreaker victory against Synchronicity ensured our series win, preventing them from securing the title with a race to spare.

"Sailing on Sketch this year, we benefited from a deep bench of incredible Bay Area sailors, including Tom Ducharme, Craig Healy, Dan Brousseau, Joe McCoy, Nick Gibbens, Steve Pugh, PJ Cosgrove, Betsy Weiler, Keith Stahnke, Peter Wagner, Sofia O'Hara and Cory Shillaci," Gruver tells us of his crew.

"We all seem to be at an age where it has become less about what boat you are sitting on and more about who you are sitting next to. John and I are fortunate to sail with such a fun and talented group on our boat. We enjoy sailing in the Olson class. The entire fleet is kind, helpful, supportive and enthusiastic.

We've seen growth in participation as boats have changed hands, and with new owners getting out on the water."

BRAD GAMBRELL

PHOTOS COURTESY THE WINNERS EXCEPT AS NOTED

Mike Burch (left) won the 2025 Mercury Travel Trophy.

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 43

"We missed the Hart Nunes Regatta up at SFYC, as we were preparing for Transpac," Burch continues. "The class then went up to Huntington Lake. My son Kyle was to go with me, but the night before we were to leave his wife fell and broke her jaw. My wife and I went up anyway. The wives in this fleet travel very well. I found Brendan Bradley available as I was putting the boat in the water. We had a great time, started out a little rough but finished strong.

No one was gonna beat Ben Bradley this weekend. It was Ben's first class win, and he took home the perpetual trophy. Pretty special. His name goes on the Bill Bradley Trophy, which is named after his grandfather, who raced the first Mercury Huntington Lake Regatta 69 years ago.

"Next up was Stillwater Yacht Club's annual Labor Day Regatta. This would be the 74th year that the Mercury Class has raced this event," Burch tells us.

"My daughter Kristen was with me on this one. It was challenging, with light and shifty conditions on both days.

Kristen is able to keep things in perspective, keeping it fun, win or lose.

This win was all because of her.

"We finished the year down at LAYC for the Pacific Coast Championships," Burch says of the end of the season.

"Again, I had Kristen with me. We didn't start this one out so good, but were fortunate to finish strong. Again a very competitive regatta. It was a great year for the entire class. Participation is strong, and we have a few active younger sailors out on the water. Looking forward to a great 2026."

BARBARA WHELAN

2025 SEASON CHAMPIONS, pt. II —

Mike Burch sails his Mercury upwind.

Express 37 — Golden Moon Michael Spitz and Mike Laport, RYC/StFYC The Express 37 fleet was won in 2025 by a famous boat with a new ownership duo in the form of Golden Moon.

"Through decades of leadership from Carl Schumaker and Kame Richards, the famous Express 37 Golden Moon became a Bay Area icon in the sailing community," Golden Moon co-owner Michael Spitz tells Latitude. "The story almost immediately went down in flames when I adopted her from Kame in 2022, but you just can't keep Golden Moon down! She wants to go fast and she wants to win.

HELEN GALLI

'Golden Moon' in action during the 2023 Express 37 National Championship. The boat won the 2025 Express 37 season championship.

Page 44 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

"After a gunshot wound to the mast and a ski crash to the knee, I realized the program needed my old Etchells boat partner, Mike Laport of StFYC, to bring us some luck," Spitz continues.

"I was right. After three years of DIY, KKMI, Water Rat, Hansen Rigging and Will Paxton fixing things, we finally recruited Katie Cornetta of RYC as our coach/tactician, and I'm surprised to be still allowed on the boat based on the talent we have now."

Express 27 — Motorcycle Irene, Will and Julia Paxton, RYC "Motorcycle Irene had an excellent season," Will Paxton, co-owner of the 2025 Express 27 season champion Motorcycle Irene (RYC) tells Latitude. "The Express 27 season has a funny schedule, as it actually starts in late fall at the RYC Great Pumpkin Regatta and finishes at the National Championships the next year in October. Our run started with winning the RegattaPRO Midwinters from November 2024 to February 2025. We also raced the Berkeley YC Midwinters doublehanded division, crewed primarily by myself and Jeane Rodgers, which we won overall in a mixed class.

"Next up was the SSS Three Bridge Fiasco, as the E27 fleet counts many of the SSS races as part of the season," Paxton continues. "After some tricky drifting for an hour or so behind the North Tower, Jeane and I took off in the new west breeze to win the class and take fifth overall. Next up was the SSS Round the Rocks, which was helmed

by Julia Paxton and David Liebenberg, who again won class and placed eighth in the fleet. The following race was the SSS Corinthian race, also crewed by Julia and David, who took third in the fleet after an unfortunate restart late in the race.

"Our favorite race is the Delta Ditch Run, which was next in the order," Paxton tells us. "Julia (my cousin) and I take turns on who wears the captain's hat, and this year it was her turn. After a promising start, we were caught

by Brendan Busch on Get Happy and proceeded to change leads with them multiple times in an intense battle that saw Motorcycle Irene come out on top by just over 30 seconds for the class win and a 10th in fleet.

NICHOLAS CRUMLEY

IRA POTEKHINA / WWW.WHITERAVENMEDIA.COM

JANUARY JAN UARY EDITION

'New Wave', the winner of the 2025 Tahoe Cup, sails with the Sierra Nevada peaks in the background.

'Motorcycle Irene' sailing upwind during 2025 Express 27 Nationals. The boat, owned by Will and Julia Paxton, won the 2025 Express 27 National Championship.

"Jeane did bow for that one and bravely put up with the 'competitive camaraderie' between myself and Julia.

We missed the next couple of events, as David and I were away racing on the Transpac, and then four of us were busy with our BBS rides on our return.

"Fortunately for us and our season standings, the E27 class puts on the National Championships in October every year after the big events in order to guarantee the best attendance," Paxton continues. "This is another event that Julia and I trade driving on year to year, and this time it was my turn to defend Julia's championship run from the year before. The E27 season scoring system uses a weighted system by which your results at higher-attended events count for more than smaller events. Our scoring line of four firsts and a fifth in the 19-boat fleet took the Nationals and season championship! Our Nationals and regular-season team was Will Paxton, Jeane Rodgers, Julia and David Liebenberg, and longtime teammate John Donovan, with occasional cameos

by Bryan Moore throughout the year."

Tahoe Cup — New Wave (Express 27), Eric Villadsen and Ashley Farr, SLTWYC The 2025 Tahoe Cup was won by a new Express 27 team, aptly named New Wave. The boat is co-owned by Eric Villadsen and Ashley Farr, of the South Lake Tahoe Windjammers YC. "My life/boat partner Ashley and I bought our Express 27 New Wave in January, painted the bottom in April, and sailed the boat at least three days a week all summer here in Tahoe," Villadsen tells Latitude. "We had a solid core crew, including fellow E27 owner Dave Wick, Moore 24 owner Sam Corso, Mandi Dickie, Kit Ahler, and Matt Albani (all Tahoe locals).

"Tahoe has nine local E27s, and we thoroughly enjoyed racing against both our class and the rest of the Tahoe PHRF fleet," Villadsen continues. "We were able to win four of the six regattas in our coveted Tahoe Cup series, sailing against some longtime local competition. We were able to consistently find a fast light-air mode, and I think that made a huge difference this season. I am super-thankful for the sailing community we have here in Tahoe, and I highly encourage anyone thinking about racing up here to join us for this year's Tahoe sail week."

2025 El Toro season champion Tom Tillotson sails upwind.

El Toro — Tom Tillotson Longtime El Toro sailor Tom Tillotson took the season title in the historical dinghy class this year.

"Coming back to the El Toro class after a 60-year hiatus has been incredibly interesting, in a Rip Van Winkle kinda way," Tillotson tells Latitude. "So much has changed and yet a lot is the same. It's still a lot of fun!"

O

ver the past two season champs features, we've covered most of the one-design fleets and a few other trophies. Our last installment of the season champs feature will be in the February issue, primarily highlighting YRA and SSS season champions. However, if your one-design fleet or club perpetual trophy hasn't made it, please reach out by emailing me at fritz@latitude38.com.

— fritz

Below, left to right: David Gruver (left in photo) and his team pose with the Olson 25 National Championship Trophy; Express 37 season champions Mike Spitz and Michael Laport with their championship trophy; The team from 'Motorcycle Irene' with the Express 27 National Championship trophy. (Photos credits, left to right: David Gruver, Gavin Corn, Will Paxton)

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 45

PAC CUP PRIMAVERA — ALL PHOTOS LISA WILSON EXCEPT AS NOTED

P

rimavera literally means "spring."

The Pacific Cup 2026 starts July 6; that's summertime. The winning strategy is to have the boat, crew and details sorted by spring so you can focus on sailing and doing well this summer.

Plus it's supposed to be fun! Don't forget that. Even if your goals don't include winning, you will have more fun if you're actually sailing the boat, not chasing electrical gremlins and arbitrary deadlines, and fighting traffic to get more somethings while everyone else is often enjoying the send-off party sponsored by your own dear yacht club.

Set a goal to have the boat crew and safety equipment finalized race-ready

by April 1. It's the perfect day. What kind of fool spends all those greenbacks when the wind is free? Even if you miss your goal of April 1, May 1 is the day the circuses used to hit the road, so it still makes sense. May 1 still gives you time to slip your mooring lines and slip under the bridge to sort out details.

Race preparation breaks down into several categories. If you are doublehanding, it's easy to assign duties: It's up to either you or your wing person.

On larger boats, you can spread the load to your crew's strengths. Typically, the foredeck ape takes charge of the Author and skipper Andy Schwenk will be making his 57th trip to or from Hawaii.

sails and rigging. This is an important category aboard a sailing vessel.

Chow varies from freeze-dried mush to steak and seafood, depending on what vessel you are aboard and what the plan is. Pressure cookers are popular to speed up cooking processes. Other vessels plan a daily cocktail hour and wine pairing with the main course. Best to know if your expectations match the vessel's chef's talents.

Navigation has changed since the days of sextants, HO 249, pilot charts and plotting sheets. Now, thanks to Elon and his cronies, weather updates and wind predictions are available 24/7, and that coupled with powerful navigational software can easily show you in retrospect where you strayed off course. Charging systems and batteries to drive all this technology require an individual who understands electrical wizardry. It may say "Plug 'n' Play," but the reality seems to mean the definition of "Play" includes calibration, recalibration, rebooting and adjustment. The ability to connect, interpret and apply the technology available to your vessel is directly proportional to your chances of a podium finish.

Drive the boat! This seems obvious, but it's probably one of the biggest keys to success. This is exceedingly true if it's windy and dark, the waves are large, you're tired and in a hurry, and yes, now it's really dark. Many modern vessels, Cal 40s included, have the ability to surf these foamy, blue Pacific rollers. Watching the knotmeter, aka the fun meter, score double digits is fun for the whole crew. Heck, I can remember scoring a Bo Derek at 10 knots! Top scores are not just posted on a prominent bulkhead or the log book anymore. Now all your interGoogle followers know who the Speed Queen is, or isn't!

O

n the practical side, how much fuel do we need for charging? How much water does that machine make?

How much extra water should we carry? How long does that much propane last? Did we bring a swim mask for clearing the rudder of fishing detritus? Some vessels go so far as to regulate crew caffeine intake and headphone use. These issues can create Page 46 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

confusion, particularly if pre-race days were spent filling in checklists, drilling holes, cleaning winches, and mounting hardware rather than actually sailing the vessel here and there.

If you're still wondering what could possibly go wrong, consider this: my first Pacific crossing in 1982 to the area that was once Lahaina, Maui. We planned and provisioned for 14 days.

The voyage actually took us 22 days.

Yes, we learned a lot and became better sailors. One crewman lost his first wife to the percussionist in the house band at the condo while we were completing our extended voyage at sea.

After the 22-day trip, I actually ran away from home, ending up in Butte, MT, for a while, but hey! Evel Knievel was from there, so that is cool. Now, 44 years later and preparing for my 57th Pacific crossing, the skipper had us practice the five weekends in May and June testing sails, gear drivers and sail changes. The boat was then hauled for two weeks before the race for bottom prep and to minimize the chances of our damaging something we couldn't fix. There were no divorces directly attributable to this trip and we won Transpac overall. I still learned stuff and I think I always will.

The race is often won by the pre-race preparation. 2022 class winner, 'Spindrift', getting ready for the run.

GET READY EARLY

Sir Edmund's skipper suggests, get the rigging ready and don't bring anything extra.

G

etting back to our lowly foredeck ape — some sails are required and some sails help speed you along your way. Literally, each pound aboard the vessel that isn't required is slowing you down. Sails that never leave their bags are in this category. In the pre-start of that last Transpac, our navigator determined via our latest weather update that the #3 jib and the brand-new Code 0 would not be utilized enough to justify the extra weight aboard.

With less than 10 minutes until our scheduled start, we passed these two sails off to a waiting powerboat. In contrast, during the next Transpac two years later aboard a certain schooner, we carried well over a dozen sails and used everything except the storm canvas. As a side note, we did use the storm jib as a sunshade on the way home. We slipped it over the boom and it worked very well. Probably the most pleasant hour spent under storm jib deployed in my career.

Talk to your sailmaker. Sometimes a sail can be modified or converted to do two jobs. One common trick is to add a second high clew to a genoa to give it the ability to pull double duty as a blast reacher. It is also not uncommon to see salty seamen using

The brochure says "Plug and Play", but best to practice with all systems before you're "out there".

their storm jib as a makeshift staysail. Speaking of staysails, there are spinnaker staysails, genoa staysails, storm staysails, even mizzen staysails.

Talk to your local sailmaker; determine your needs. The foredeck ape usually just wants more. The spinnaker net is easily the most underrated and underutilized piece of ocean-duty equipment aboard.

You can probably make one yourself and never wrap a spinnaker around the forestay again.

Yes, they really are all that.

Spinnaker wraps are so annoying and take hours to rectify. Get a spinnaker net and use it.

Learn how to adjust the brightness of your instruments and add a rheostat to your compass light if you need it. Most sternlights reflect off the stern pushpit and need a plastic guard.

The regatta requires you to send in a video of yourself doing a crew-overboard recovery and deploying the emergency steering gear. Don't edit this tape: Really prove January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 47

DEVIN STAPLETON

SPINDRIFT

PHOTO CREDIT NEEDED

SIR EDMUND

PAC CUP PRIMAVERA

Clockwise from top left: Lisa Wilson confirms a good, working bosun's chair in another vital piece of equipment; A moonlit night on the Pacific Cup makes all the prep worth it; A successful race starts long before the two-week run to Hawaii; Lisa gets ready to cook the last of the eggs. If provisioning and sailing worked out, they're almost there.

to yourself you can do it and your crew and vessel are ready. Assign a spotter, sound the alarm, press MOB, start the engine in neutral, know the steps of your preferred recovery.

Empty the vessel; only take what you need, seriously consider. I can almost understand three spare fuel filters but three spare oil filters seems excessive. You can never have too many USB outlets or stove lighters.

Press water onto your crew and carry Page 48 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

You will have more fun if you're actually sailing the boat, not chasing electrical gremlins and arbitrary deadlines…

plenty of drink powder to get the crew hydrated. An extra starter and alternator are common considerations.

Certainly an impeller or two, and a belt.

O

f course, following jet contrails and just poling out a headsail will get you there, but divorce is expensive and you're better than that.

— andy schwenk

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January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 49

TACKLING UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES AND ALL PHOTOS 'DOLCE VITA' EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

I

t was to be a routine Baja Bash delivery aboard my friend Manny's SV Dolce Vita, a 47.3-ft Beneteau, from the Sea of Cortez to Emery Cove, San Francisco Bay. Jeanie and I (the crew) flew in to San José del Cabo, Mexico, where we familiarized ourselves with the boat, quickly made a provisioning list, and took an Uber to the local grocery store.

Within minutes of our departure, we noticed a substantial discrepancy between the chartplotter compass and the fixed magnetic compass in the cockpit, leading us to ask, "Where is the fluxgate compass located?"

"Ahhhh …" I said, "we just stored some canned foods in that very location!"

It was a quick and easy fix as we relocated anything with metal to another location.

For the next hour we enjoyed sailing in sunny conditions — until the wind died and the sea became flat. We set our three-hour watch schedules as we motorsailed in the company of whales, dolphins, birds, and a huge sea turtle leisurely paddling by our vessel.

A starry and moonless night followed as we averaged 5 knots. The reflection of the phosphorus lights surrounding Dolce Vita's hull set us up for a peaceful mood as we continued into the night.

All systems, as well as the three people aboard, were in sync and happily moving along — that is until at noon the following day we noticed white smoke emanating from the exhaust, a Jeanie, Eva (author), and Manny.

Page 50 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

slight increase in engine temperature, and an increase in pressure on the Racor housing gauge, all indicative of the need to change the diesel fuel filter, which we did.

W

e continued on to Baja Asunción, where we refueled and reprovisioned with the help of a friendly local fisherman, Lery Espinoza, who operated a water taxi service. Under rather breezy conditions we continued on to Turtle Bay. Here we joined a nearby multihull for a lovely home-cooked shepherd's pie, prepared à la French cuisine. What a treat!

By day seven we had lively sea conditions with apparent wind speed of 25 knots on the nose, and 5- to 7-foot seas at nine seconds. We passed Isla Cedros averaging 3 knots in washing machinelike conditions and wrapped in dense fog, a heavy marine layer all around us.

On day nine we re-evaluated our slow progress. There was no sign of relief gathered from the various weather sites.

PredictWind was our most reliable source, while Navionics showed us nearby anchorages.

At 0300, our speed over ground was less than 2 knots against a stiff headwind. We also noticed the white smoke again, and some oil and water drips below the engine. We were approximately 50 miles from our intended stop, Bahia Santa Maria, so we decided to take shelter at Punta San Carlos, 15 miles off our starboard beam. After we lowered the anchor at 0730, we noticed a different coolant smell emerging from the engine compartment. Later, we discovered significant chafing and unraveling on the outhaul line for the in-mast furling mainsail, which reduced our use of the mainsail to a diaper-sized sail area. After a call to our on-call rigger in Ventura, we made a quick fix by wrapping the frayed area with rescue tape until a permanent repair could be made in San Diego.

When the sun rose, we were surprised and relieved to see that there was a small fishing camp close by.

We were happy not to be alone in an

unfamiliar anchorage with engine and sail issues. We were approached by a heavy blue panga with four very friendly fishermen, who showed us the catch of the day: lobsters stored in a variety of colorful buckets. The panga captain implored us repeatedly, in Spanish, to move Dolce Vita another half-mile out into the bay. Using our cellphone translator and the basic English spoken by one of the panga crew, Ramone, we understood that a heavy surf was forecast over the next few days.

Ramone also informed us that an American expat, Jim, and his Mexican wife Lorena lived in a house at the fishing camp. As luck would have it, they had Starlink! These helpful, well-meaning people not only became our friends, but were instrumental and selfless in offering us unexpected and muchneeded assistance.

Manny, Ramone, Jim and Lorena.

The next day, we determined that Dolce Vita was incapacitated; without a running engine and usable main. We made the tough choice to leave her at anchor to get the crew home safely and get the parts we needed to fix the engine. The fishermen took us and our luggage to shore in their panga. The fishing camp was isolated by a twohour-long rugged dirt road ride through the desert to Highway 1. Ensenada was an additional seven-hour drive, and it was another two hours to Tijuana! Incredibly, Ramone drove us all the way to Ensenada in his pickup truck! He also arranged for his brother Paco, who lived in Ensenada, to drive us to the Tijuana side of the border!

From Tijuana we walked across the bridge to San Diego, fetched an Uber

TURNING A BAJA BASH INTO A GREAT VOYAGE

'Dolce Vita' safely docked at Marina del Rey.

I

n preparation for our approximately five-day absence, we had secured Dolce Vita with solid ground tackle — a 60-pound Rocna anchor, 275 feet of heavy chain, a Mantus swivel, and beefy bridle and snubber gear along with chafe gear placed as best as we could predict. We had departed heavy-hearted.

During our absence, Jim and Lorena emailed Manny photos of Dolce Vita, reassuring us that she was still afloat and secure. How awesome is that?

After a short week, Manny and I drove back to the Punta San Carlos fishing camp from San Francisco, loaded with tools and parts. Jeanie, our previous crew, could not join us; it was just the two of us, Manny and me, using the mantra of Rosie the Riveter: "We can do it!"

Upon our return, we not only found Dolce Vita safe and secure, patiently waiting for us, but also that she was not alone. A seemingly young and tired

sea lion was keeping her company, resting on the swim platform. I named her Josephine. She did not appear to be disturbed by our arrival. She remained for a few days before finally departing.

Over the following five days we flushed and replaced hoses, replaced the heat exchanger cap, cleaned the The Punta San Carlos fishing camp.

cooling rods in the heat exchanger, and more. The rigging would have to wait until San Diego.

February 26: At 1900, we had double- and triple-checked all systems, secured the anchor on deck, and headed for San Quintín, where we arrived safely and got a little sleep before beginning the next leg to Bahia Colonet. It was a cold and black night of motorsailing,

EVA TANNER

ride to a hotel, and made arrangements for upcoming repairs, which we knew we had to perform ourselves.

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 51

EVA TANNER

TACKLING UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES AND

Josephine kept 'Dolce Vita' company.

interrupted by a thumping sound followed by a 50% reduction in speed over ground. There were no obvious signs of shaft or rudder damage inside the boat, and no water was coming in.

There was no place to stop anyway, so we continued on. We anchored at first light at Bahia Colonet. Manny dove below to inspect the hull. He found a huge kelp air bubble with long trailing fronds wrapped around the prop and shaft. It felt good to know that's all it was.

Upon attempting to raise the anchor, the only response we got was a "clickclick" sound. The windlass motor had given up the ghost. The only way to bring the 60-pounder and chain aboard was for Manny to pull it up hand over hand.

S

tubborn but motivated, we kept motoring up the coast, slowly but surely north.

Ensenada was the next stop where we could clean up, rest, do laundry, and reprovision. Here we discovered lovely restaurants, beautiful art, lovely and kind people, and a museum about the Baja Peninsula history, and enjoyed a visit from Ramone and Paco.

Page 52 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Ramone drove Manny back to Punta San Carlos to pick up his car.

We ordered a new windlass motor to be delivered and installed in Ventura upon our arrival.

March 8: We departed Ensenada for San Diego, arriving one day later after experiencing lumpy seas with winds exceeding every weather forecast.

(After arriving in San Diego, I was treated for pneumonia.) Sean at Rigworks came on a day's notice and replaced the frayed line in the rain, giving us full use of the mainsail.

We rented a car and I drove Manny back to the border, where Paco picked him up and drove him to Ensenada to pick up his car. Manny's wife Karen flew in from San Francisco to spend a day with us and drive the car back home the following day.

We constantly and carefully monitored the weather toward our next Jeanie and Eva check the weather forecast.

destination, Marina del Rey. After a 26-hour motoring passage and 107 miles, we arrived in Marina del Rey at 12:30 a.m. in zero visibility. Manny stood at the bow, providing specific instructions over the two-way Eartec headset. "Three degrees port, four degrees starboard." I felt as if I was steering the boat by braille, the headset making our communication easy and precise.

Again, we fixed some minor breakages before we headed to Ventura.

We met up with cruising friends while keeping a close eye on the weather in hopes of a nonstop sail to Emery Cove.

We saw a weather window, knowing also that we'd have to punch through a few hours of gnarly conditions off the coast of Monterey. But we stuck to our mantra: "We can do it!"

After sailing nonstop for 300 miles, in the darkness of the early morning hours on March 25 with 28 knots of wind behind us, Dolce Vita entered the shipping lanes, motorsailing toward the Golden Gate. That is when she decided to enter San Francisco Bay on her terms, the only right way to do so — under sail. The engine temperature gauge had shot up, necessitating the engine to be shut down and the steaming light turned off, making sure we would be seen as being "under sail." Manny went below and worked on a collapsed coolant hose.

TURNING A BAJA BASH INTO A GREAT VOYAGE W

Stocking up on diesel in Bahia Asuncion.

e managed, with the help of a little adrenaline, to sail across San Francisco Bay in the dark with 25 knots of wind on the stern pushing us toward our destination. The wind died miraculously just as we entered the yacht harbor outer channel, and Manny was able to coax the engine to life to deliver us to the marina safely.

At 0600, we secured Dolce Vita in her home port of Emery Cove Yacht Harbor.

The takeaways: Stay flexible while having a dependable land "lifeline" available to help evaluate and manage some of the unforeseen issues. Have excellent on board communication with full trust in each other. Take care of each other. This was and is of utmost importance. We had one goal in common: getting Dolce Vita back home.

A final note: The journey itself, how we did it, and who we did it with, will always live within us.

— eva tanner

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 53

MAX EBB — ALL IMAGES MAX EBB

I

have been putting "stabilized binoculars" at the top of my online wish list for years. This list is readable by anyone, and I know that my close friends and family all consult these lists to better inform their holiday shopping. And yet, year after year, the binoculars of my dreams never seem to appear under the tree.

So I finally had to buy them myself. I chose an $840 German model, the Sig Sauer 16x42. It seemed like a good balance of price, quality, and water resistance.

And I've never looked back: They are great for those of us with failing eyesight in a "spray rich" environment.

Now I'm the first to spot the mark, not the last.

Ever since then I've had a new gift in

the top position on my wish list: Bernot on Breezes, an unassuming little book on coastal wind patterns. First published in French more than 30 years ago. This book is highly recommended by some of the world's best navigators, but even used and a little worn, it has been listed at a higher price than my new binoculars.

Until this year.

There are suddenly a few copies available at the $150 price point. Still outrageous for an old 111-page smallformat paperback, but someone who knew I needed this book had snatched one up and there it was, under the tree with my name on it.

Lee Helm, still a starving grad student, could not have spent that much money on a sailing acquaintance. It's a dense book, information-wise, and I wanted her take on it. I knew I could find her at the University Sailing Club, even on Christmas afternoon.

"Cool!" she exclaimed when I showed her the coveted book. "It's as good as they say it is for understanding the interactions of wind and land."

"You've read it?"

I asked.

"Someone that I know did something, like, sort of illegal, and I have a printout of a scan."

I "Great!" said. "Maybe you can explain some of it to me."

"No prob," she agreed, and led me to the blackboard inside the damp little shack that serves as a clubhouse for college dinghy sailors, windsurfers and foilers.

"Bernot starts with the synoptic map," she said.

"High- and lowpressure systems.

"Bernot doesn't deal with it explicitly, but he gives us the tools."

Bernot's diagram showing how surface friction disturbs the balance between pressure force and Coriolis force acting on moving air.

The wind follows the isobars at altitude. (Or stated differently, the isobars always adjust to be parallel to the flow.) But at the surface, the wind is deflected to the left by friction over water, and a lot more by friction over land.

Page 54 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Air tries to flow from high pressure to low. But like, air does not have free will and does not really 'try' to do anything.

I'll ask you to accept that air will move from high pressure to low pressure in the absence of other forces."

"No need to be that rigorous, Lee. Or did you end up in a philosophy class by mistake?"

"OK, I'll assign free will to an air Bernot's diagram showing diverging and converging winds along coastlines. The diverging wind is typical of much of the California coast, with lighter winds inshore. The converging flow can be found along the north shoe of Catalina west of the isthmus. The increased wind and a left shift can be used to advantage on the first day of Transpac. Bernot goes on to add thermal breezes to the mix, which complicates things considerably.

A LITTLE BOOK GOES A LONG WAY mass. Start with a high-pressure area. The air tries to flow toward low pressure, and let's say the wind aloft is maybe, like, 40 or 60 knots. In six hours the air has moved 300 miles.

But in those six hours the Earth has turned through a quarter of a circle.

At the equator the Earth is spinning around its axis at 900 knots! And after just six hours the air is moving at right angles to its initial direction because the Earth has turned underneath it.

In our rotating reference frame, the air appears to be pushed hard right. But like, actually, the air is just trying to go straight, as we're observing from our spinning Earth. This is Coriolis effect, and it's actually very strong compared to the pressure forces."

"And that's why the wind aloft flows parallel to the isobars?"

"Very good!" Lee encouraged me.

"Except at the water surface, the wind is slowed down by friction, so Coriolis forces are reduced. But there's still that pressure gradient. The result is that the surface wind is deflected to the left."

"In the Northern Hemisphere?" I added.

"For sure. Assume north latitude unless otherwise specified. The surface wind is typically about 20 degrees to the left of the wind direction at altitude. That's why squalls usually have a right shift: Upper air comes down to the surface."

"Right," I said. "Bernot covers this.

But then he goes on to talk about convergent and divergent winds along shorelines, and classifies four different kinds of winds."

"Let's take, like, two of the most important examples for us Left Coasters. Facing the California coast, the prevailing synoptic breeze is from the right. Wind over the land is slowed down, Coriolis force is reduced, so the wind is diverted inland by the pressure gradient. This creates divergent flow, with the streamlines spreading out and slowing down. There's less wind close to the shore, which is good news for anyone who has to do the 'Baja Bash' back up to S.F. 'Sail with one foot on the shore,' they say."

"Now consider the first day of Transpac," Lee continued with a new scenario. "Sometimes you can lay the

The little book that once sold for over $1,000, used. With luck, you can find one for about $150.

west end of Catalina on starboard, but sometimes you can't. You'd think that going all the way in close to the beach below West End would put you in a calm spot, but it turns out that there's good breeze and a left shift in there, and both can be used to advantage compared to boats that tack to port farther out."

"How do you explain that?" I asked.

"It's our best example of wind

coming from the right when you face the shore. The wind over the island is slowed, the pressure gradient bends the wind to the left, and it converges with the systemic wind. Like half of a nozzle. You get a so-called 'slot effect' when winds converge, and also that nice left shift just before you tack to port. But like, watch out for kelp!"

"I'm going to look up one of Stan Honey's pre-Transpac briefings to see January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 55

MAX EBB if he agrees with that," I said, still a little skeptical. "I've spent a lot of time slatting in the lee of some of those Channel Islands." [Here's the URL: https://tinyurl.com/9fkp22up] No surprise: Stan confirms Bernot's theories, as interpreted by Lee. "What about that 'late afternoon lefty' that Stan refers to later in his talk, when he discusses strategy for the later part of the race? Does Bernot explain that one?"

"Bernot doesn't deal with it explicitly, but he gives us the tools. And like, I have my own way to explain it."

"OK, I think I can handle more," I said cautiously.

"All morning the water surface is heating up, and we have cells of rising, unstable air, often marked by clouds.

When some air is going up, other air has to come down, the point being that there's mixing of upper and lower air and mixing of upper and lower wind directions. The average surface wind is closer to being parallel to the isobars, maybe 20 degrees deflected away from

the high-pressure center on the synoptic chart."

"Got it," I said.

"At night it's a little different. The air is still unstable, especially the moist air in the tops of the clouds when they

"I'm going to look up one of Stan Honey's pre-Transpac briefings to see if he agrees with that." lose sunlight and cool, so we get the classic squalls, or squall-like vertical flows, with cold downrush winds.

These downrush squalls or squall-like flows bring right-shifted air to the surface. My explanation of the afternoon lefty is that there's a period of transition between mixing caused by unstable rising air and mixing caused

by unstable sinking air. It's like, late afternoon or early evening might offer a period of relatively little mixing of upper- and lower-level winds, letting the surface friction dominate without upper air in the mix, and we're left with lighter winds that try to follow the pressure gradient rather than the Coriolis deflection to the right. Hence we observe a left shift that lasts until the squall activity begins. But like, it's subtle; you have to measure true wind direction pretty accurately to see it. Still worth planning to be ready to jibe from port pole to starboard in late afternoon. It's a good time to put out the fishing lines, for some reason."

"Don't tell me you've raced on boats that drag fishing lines to Hawaii!" I said accusingly.

"We use the Green Buffalo rule: Fishing only when we're either way ahead or in the bottom half," Lee admitted. "And the best lure: a plain cedar plug with some anchovy paste rubbed in."

— max ebb

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Page 56 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

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THE RACING Just because it's the "offseason" doesn't mean that sailing takes any time off.

This month's Racing Sheet highlights a collegiate regatta like no other in the form of the Big Sail between Cal and Stanford, along with midwinter racing hosted by Encinal Yacht Club, Island Yacht Club, and San Diego Yacht Club.

We have also included an expanded box scores section in this month's issue.

While not in the Racing Sheet, be sure to check out the second edition of the season champions feature!

Stanford and Cal Do Battle on the… Water?

On Wednesday, November 19, generations of sailors and fans descended upon St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) for the 21st edition of the Big Sail between Cal and Stanford. With the regatta a few days before the 132nd edition of the Big Game on the gridiron, fans, alums and bands alike got a head start on the tradition of Bay Area collegiate rivalry via sailing.

The spectacle of Big Sail is unlike any other college regatta. It's not an official Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) regatta, but bragging rights are on the line. StFYC was adorned with both the blue and gold of Cal and the white and red of Stanford. Alumni and students alike crowded the clubhouse to see the racing, and the bands and mascots from both schools made appearances, performing in the clubhouse and on the racing deck in a musical faceoff.

"My dad, Jim Mullen, and Jaren Leet were both J/105 owners and racing campaigns on the Bay," Cal alum and Big Sail team captain Brian Mullen tells Latitude. "Their thinking: It's Big Game week. We have the Big Game, the

Big Meet, the Big Splash … why isn't there the Big Sail? And Jim (and Jaren) agreed it should be a spectacle!"

"We wanted 'arena racing,' where the boats would be racing so close to the spectators that the alumni could see the windward and leeward marks," Ron Young, one of the creators of the Big Sail, tells Latitude. "As a result we now have racing where we have the bands, the cheerleaders, the mascots and the racers all within shouting distance of one another. We are still the only collegiate regatta that has all of that.

"Over the years, a couple of interesting trends have formed," Young continues. "One is that the varsity teams of Stanford have won more often than not. And ironically, the Cal teams have won more of the alumni matches. Who knows what happens after they leave Stanford, but it is a bit of a joke between the teams."

The regatta also isn't between only the two current varsity teams of the schools. Each school fields five boats: a varsity boat, a women's boat (which can include both women from the current team and alumni), a young alumni boat, a master's alumni boat, and a grandmaster's alumni boat.

In the past, the regatta had been a match-racing event, but this year the format shifted to two-on-two team racing — a format in which the last boat to finish loses — on a box course. Another unique twist to the format was that in each race, it would be a different pairing of boats making up the two competitors. For example, the first race of the event featured the young alumni and varsity boats from each school racing against each other. The pairings changed with each successive race.

Conditions were light and shifty, with the wind dying multiple times.

The plan was for 10-minute races, but given the light winds and a cross current caused by a southerly wind direction early in the day (not to mention the nature of two-on-two team racing), most of the early races took far longer.

It became clear early on that the original plan to crown a winner once one school got to 11 wins wasn't going to be feasible. In the end, 12 races were finished, with Stanford taking the win 8-4.

Several days later, the Cardinal would also beat the Golden Bears on the football field by a score of 31-10.

"The two-on-two team-racing format was great, and we definitely built on its success after StFYC introduced it last year," Cal young-alumni skipper Max Lawall tells Latitude. "Racing was

CHRIS RAY

ANDRE LINTNER-CALVO

Left: Cal and Stanford, with their colorful school spinnakers, race downwind during the Big Sail. Right: Cal and Stanford's bands do battle on the shore while their sailing teams do battle on the water.

Page 58 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

ANDRE LINTNER-CALVO

SHEET

A close finish in a two-on-two team race between Cal and Stanford at the 2025 Big Sail.

incredibly close right out of the gate, through challenging wind conditions.

Many of our alumni teams had honed our skills in StFYC's J/22s, and gotten to know the Cityfront's current challenges through regular competition in the Wednesday evening series, where many competitors are also ex college

sailors. We're looking forward to doing it all over again next year — and flipping the score! Marks two and three always got a bit feisty, with Stanford often falling right into Cal's mark traps!"

"Beyond sailing, it's about relationships and connection," Brian Mullen adds. "These sailing teams from each

CHRIS RAY

Cal and Stanford fight to keep their spinnakers full in the light wind.

school span generations, and there is a common thread through each sailor, from each era, across multiple generations. Once a year, the Big Sail brings everyone together by pulling that common thread. The oldest generation reminisces, telling old stories from back in their day. The young alumni embrace their newfound status as college sailor emeriti just a couple years out from graduation. And the varsity sailors themselves see what lies ahead: a camaraderie that will last for decades."

"For me, Big Sail is one of the highlights of the racing calendar," said Al Sargent, a Stanford sailing alum, bowman for the Cardinal master's boat, and Big Sail Stanford team captain. "It's a great opportunity to reconnect with old college sailing friends, and make new friendships with younger college sailors. It's also a great opportunity to team race with some of the best college sailors in the country, since Stanford has recently podiumed multiple times in nationals… I'd like to give credit to the Cal team. In the last three years, they've gone from losing 0-10 in 2023, to 2-8 in 2024, to 4-8 this year. At the current pace, we could have our hands full next year!" ­— fritz January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 59

LISA ROHR

THE RACING

The new Bay Area Harbor 20 fleet racing in the Oakland-Alameda Estuary.

LISA ROHR

The Solution to Low Participation in Regattas Are you tired of hearing about regattas with very low turnout? Well, Encinal Yacht Club (EYC) has solved the problem. All you have to do is have a fun regatta in an awesome, easy-toget-to place with great boats. EYC did just that when they hosted another Alameda Estuary One-Design Regatta on Saturday, November 15, for the newly formed San Francisco Bay Harbor 20 Fleet #10 and the local Columbia 5.5 meter class.

The Harbor 20 fleet was just recently formed with seven boats. It has already grown to eight, with more to come soon. All eight boats in our fleet showed up for a great day on the water that was dominated by Drew Hess and PJ.

Encinal's fleet of 5.5s racing in the Estuary.

Page 60 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

You can't really say that PJ was crew on Drew's boat because they traded off skippering. It didn't seem to matter who was driving, because they won four of the five races by sailing fast and staying away from the crowds. The only race they did not win was taken

by Mike Bishop with Gerard Sheridan crewing. Mike had won the last Alameda Estuary One-Design Regatta, but ended up a close fourth this time — a testament to the close racing all day.

Second in the Harbor 20 fleet were Jon Andron and Chris Boome, who were only one point ahead of Rebecca Hinden and her dad Bob in third.

The beautiful Columbia 5.5s had three different race winners. Coming out on top with two of the wins was Ken Bodiley and his crew of Drew Guay

and Brendan McNally, who ended up four points ahead of Ryan Nelson, who also had two wins.

Ryan sails with his two sons: Wallace (age 11) on jib trim, and Thomas (age 14), who steers downwind while Ryan plays with the spinnaker. The other win went to Chris Davis and his crew of Volker Frank and Stephanie Wilson, who ended up two points behind Ryan to take third in the six-boat 5.5 fleet.

The awesome race committee worked overtime because during the day, the wind shifted from west to south, but they kept getting the marks and the starting line organized very quickly, so we were able to get all five races completed before the 3:30 cutoff time.

This allowed everyone to join up at EYC for some nice social time. Many thanks to PRO Bryan Aamot, recorder Anne Aldridge and vice commodore Mike DiBella, who were very busy all day moving marks.

— chris boome EYC ALAMEDA ESTUARY ONE-DESIGN REGATTA, 11/15 COLUMBIA 5.5 — 1) Ken Bodiley, 10 points; 2) Ryan Nelson, 14; 3) Chris Davis, 16. (6 boats) HARBOR 20 — 1) Drew Hess, 8 points; 2) Jon Andron, 14; 3) Rebecca Hinden, 15. (8 boats) Full results at www.encinal.org

'Snowy Owl' cruises through the Oakland-Alameda Estuary with a full spinnaker.

and Ted, who offered steady guidance and good-natured commentary. And every time the number-one jib needed a skirt — which was often — our foredeck sprang to action like a 6-foot-tall mantis. I told her I was just helping her hit her step count; really, she needs no such assistance.

No matter. Jens was satisfied, the crew was satisfied, and we agreed to do it all again next month. And as for me? Sweat-soaked under my foulies, I can report that few things taste as sublime as a cold beer and a most excellent post-race lox bagel aboard Snowy Owl. — ros de vries EILEEN ZEDD

IYC's 2025 Island Days Series Kickoff: Snowy Owl Spreads Her Wings Island Yacht Club's 2025-26 Island Days winter series opened on Sunday, November 16, with the kind of forecast that makes you pack both your foulies and your optimism. Thankfully, the rain never arrived, but there was no doubt that wet weather was coming.

I raced aboard the Express 37 Snowy Owl (EYC), owned and helmed by the formidable Jens Jensen, the current Express 37 Class Association fleet captain. Having now sailed on three Express 37s, I can say with confidence (and possibly to the irritation of some friends) that Jens' boat is my favorite, by a combination of good condition, good humor, and a crew temperament that embraces both "serious racer" attitudes and "you know, we have cookies, chocolate, and lox bagels down below." Sometimes, a girl like me really can have it all.

We were a crew of eight, including two brand-new sailors who were thrown into one of Alameda Estuary's challenging winter racing modes: a mostlysoutherly breeze with 30-degree shifts, surprise puffs and surprise lulls. On some winter days, the Estuary becomes a boat parade, with positions set after the start with little chance to claw anything back. This was not that day. This was a day for the lucky… or the obsessively attentive.

I was assigned roles that ensured I would work hard for my post-race beer and bagel: mast for the hoists, jib trimmer for everything else. Luckily for me, plenty to do. Unluckily for me, my crewmates had an uncanny ability to catch every moment of distraction or outright incompetence. My usual preference for subtlety did not serve me at all, as often the best response to a 30-degree wind shift or velocity change is to dump — or suck in — an alarming amount of jib sheet. I would have loved to borrow Popeye's, or really, anyone else's, arms for a day.

The trimming was constant. Relentless. I ground, dumped, trimmed, and repeated, encouraged by Jens, Rick,

ROS DE VRIES

SHEET

The fleet at IYC Midwinter #1 sailing upwind in light conditions in the Estuary.

Despite our collective aerobics, Snowy Owl sailed a strong race, finishing the 5-mile course nearly two minutes ahead of our closest competitor, Dan Pruzan's Express 27 Wile E Coyote (EYC). But corrected time had other plans, putting us in third place behind Wile E Coyote and James Dumas's Farr 1020 Tramp Boat (IYC).

IYC ISLAND DAYS SERIES #1, 11/16 SANTANA 22 — 1) Fun, Chris Nicholas; 2) Anemone, Hank Lindemann; 3) Blåsig, Martha Emmanouilides. (6 boats) NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Mystic, J/27, Christian Jes; 2) Blue Pearl, Newport 20, Shawn Wilson; 3) Sashay Aweigh, Harbor 25, Ghaida Zahran. (3 boats) SANTANA 525 — 1) Loki, Walter Shih; 2) Gonzo, Madeleine Loh; 3) Vivaci, Vance Cearley. (3 boats) COLUMBIA 5.5 — 1) Maverick, Ken Bodiley; 2) Attestup, Grant Hayes; 3) Alert, Dick Waterloo. (5 boats) SPINNAKER 1 — 1) Dream Catcher, J/24, Steven Bayles; 2) Faster Faster!, Merit 25, David Ross; 3) Bewitched, Merit 25, Dawn Chesney. (4 boats) SPINNAKER 2 — 1) Wile E Coyote, Express 27, Dan Pruzan; 2) Tramp Boat, Farr 1020, James Dumas; 3) Snowy Owl, Express 37, Jens Jenson. (6 boats) Full results at www.iyc.org January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 61

Hot Rum Sailing in SoCal Between November and early December, the San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) hosted its 2025 Hot Rum Series. The series consisted of three races sailed across three different Saturdays.

Each day consisted of one race, starting in North San Diego Bay, sailing out past Point Loma and just into the Pacific, and returning between Coronado and Point Loma.

Of the 122 boats that were registered, 120 sailed in at least one of the three days. Boats were divided into eight different PHRF divisions, and scored both overall and within their fleets.

The overall winner was Jim Madden in his Swan 601 Stark Raving Mad VII (SDYC). Madden and team were sailing in Fleet One. Stark Raving Mad VII won race one outright, and finished second in both races two and three.

Second place went to another Fleet One boat, James Nicholas's Cookson 50 Arcturus (SDYC). Nicholas didn't log RYC FALL ONE DESIGN INVITATIONAL, 9/19-21 J/24 — 1) Tenacious Cuttlefish, Brandon Mercer, 8 points; 2) Downtown Uproar, Darren Cumming, 10; 3) Little Wing, Ryan Milne, 18. (6 boats) MOORE 24 — 1) Firefly, Joel Turmel, 6 points; 2) Paramour, Rowan Fennell, 13; 3) Safety Third, Kurt Lahr/Alex Simanis, 20. (10 boats) SANTANA 22 — 1) Alegre, Chris Klein, 6 points; 2) Zingaro, Jennifer McKenna, 14; 3) Albacore, Sara Hudspeth, 24. (12 boats) ULTIMATE 20 — 1) No Name, Travis Gregory, 9 points; 2) Toon Town, Michael Eisenberg, 15; 3) Cinderella Story, John Andrew, 19. (7 boats) Full results at www.richmondyc.org MERCURY PCCs, LAYC, 9/26-28 (5r/0t) GOLD — 1) Axon, Messano/Vilicich, WYC, 10 points; 2) No Name, Erik Lidecis/Greg Dair, CBYC/BCYC, 14; 3) Jade, Mike Burch, CBYC, 17. (14 boats) Full results at www.layc.org US PARASAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS, Coronado YC, 9/26-28, (11r/1t) HANSA 303 — 1) J. Smith, Silver Gate YC, 22 points; 2) Bridget Bodo, BAADS, 24; 3) Jim Thweatt, BAADS/Lake Washington SC, 25. (8 boats) MARTIN 16 — 1) Michael Lung/Scott Kolb, Kailua YC, 22 points; 2) Jane Pimentel/Jessica Koenig, Longshore Sailing School, 24; 3) Eddie Lewis/Steve Bridge, Challenged Sailors San Diego, 36. (9 boats) Full results at www.coronadoyc.org Page 62 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

BOB BETANCOURT

THE RACING

Kites in the sunlight.

a top-three finish, but a very consistent fourth and two sixth-place finishes secured his spot on the podium.

Third overall and the Fleet Three winner was Dennis Conner's N/M 43 Menace (SDYC). The America's Cup legend recorded 23 overall points. The fourth overall finisher and Fleet Two winner was Ralph Hasl in his J/145 Palaemon (SDYC). The top five were rounded out by the Fleet Five winner

Still 2 Crazy (SDYC), a Melges 30 sailed

by Shampain and Plant.

The highest-finishing Fleet Four boat was a J/105, Michael Hatch's J Almighty (SDYC), which finished ninth overall and put up a picket fence when scored only against the other boats from its fleet.

The next fleet winner was Boondoggle (SDYC), a J/70 driven by Steve Wyman that topped Fleet Seven. Similar

BOX SCORES

De, Alerion Express 28, Chris Kramer, 7; 3) Diana, Alerion Express 28, John Arnold, 8. (4 boats) SPORTBOAT — 1) Rufless, Melges 24, Rufus Sjoberg, 2 points; 2) Dragonsong, Olson 30, Sam McFadden, 5; 3) Akumu, B-25, Gregory Ashby, 8. (7 boats) MULTIHULL — 1) Wingit, F-27, Amy Wells, 3 points; 2) Greyhound, Farrier F-22, Evan McDonald, 5; 3) Rainbow, Crowther 10m, Clifford Shaw, 6. (3 boats) Full results at www.sfbaysss.org

OPTI PCCs, SFYC, 9/27-28 (8r/1t) GREEN FLEET — 1) Max Milano, SFYC, 16 points; 2) Anna Torres, SFYC/StFYC, 28; 3) Pablo Guestrin, PYSF, 38; 4) Maclin Gear, SFYC, 46; 5) Luke Kaiser, SFYC/YYC, 47. (36 boats) OPTI — 1) Hayden Zieger, California YC, 28 points; 2) Lap Yan/Nathaniel Cheung, California YC, 31; 3) Molly Kern, SFYC, 41; 4) Harrison Doyle, SFYC, 42; 5) Storm Husky Kim, Best Coast Sailing, 46. (50 boats) Full results at www.sfyc.org SSS VALLEJO 1-2,10/4-5 (2r/0t) SPINNAKER ≤114 — 1) Sun Dragon, Sunfast 3300, Sergei Podshivalov, 2 points; 2) Fugu, Cal 40, Chris Case, 9; 3) Kincsem, J/105 ODR, Joerg Esdorn, 10. (5 boats) SPINNAKER 123-135 — 1) Arcadia, Mull/ Nash Hybrid 27, Gordon Nash, 3 points; 2) Bandicoot, Wyliecat 30, Erik Menzel, 5; 3) Joujou, Capo 30, Thomas Boussie, 5. (9 boats) SPINNAKER ≥150 — 1) Can O'Whoopass, Cal 20, Richard vonEhrenkrook, 3 points; 2) Slainte, Cal 20, Paul Sutchek, 6; 3) Three Fisted Rat Boy, Santana 22, Giuseppe Lavelle, 7. (7 boats) NON-SPINNAKER ≤159 — 1) Mojo, J/35, George Sirogiannis, 5 points; 2) Free, S&S 30, Jim Carlsen, 7; 3) Rumour, Ericson 32-3, Bryan Reed, 8. (5 boats) NON-SPINNAKER ≥168 — 1) Zenaida, Alerion Express 28, Fred Paxton, 6 points; 2) Sweet

SeqYC WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUNSET SERIES (22r/7t) PHRF — 1) Imagination, Bavaria 40, Erik Jessen, 20 points; 2) Revelry, Catalina 42, Rick & Petra Gilmore, 43; 3) Allons-y, J/70, Davis King, 49; 4) Rascal, Wilderness 30, William Larsen, 56; 5) Mistral, Beneteau 36.7, Mark Wommack, 69.

(22 boats) OPEN 5.70 — 1) Altair, Samantha Chiu, 31 points; 2) Hummingbird, Andrew Lesslie, 36; 3) Beast, John Mulcahy, 52. (10 boats) Full results at www.sequoiayc.com RYC EL TORO STAMPEDE, 10/12 (4r/0t) EL TORO SENIOR — 1) Haydon Stapleton, 8 points; 2) Gordie Nash, 10; 3) Tom Burden, 19; 4) Tom Tillotson, 19. (17 boats) Full results at www.richmondyc.org OYC OKTOBERFEST RACE, 10/18 SPINNAKER PHRF ≤ 120 — 1) Good and

to Hatch's J/105, Boondoggle recorded a picket fence in its own fleet. The J/70 finished 11th overall.

The Fleet Eight winner and 14th overall finisher was Karen Busch's Ericson 35 Mkll Wani Racing (SDYC).

Busch never won a race within her division, but finished second in each race to claim the distinction of top finisher in her fleet.

The final fleet winner was the 19th overall finisher and Fleet Six winner, Buttercup (SDYC). Roderick Messinger skippered the Schock 35 to a scoreline of second-fourth-second in Fleet Six (13th-41st-34th overall).

— fritz SDYC HOT RUM SERIES (3r/0t) OVERALL — 1) Stark Raving Mad, Swan 601, Jim Madden, 5 points 2) Arcturus, Cookson 50, James Nicholas, 16; 3) Menace, N/M 43, Dennis Conner, 23; 4) Palaemon, J/145, Rudolph Hasl, 35; 5) Still 2 Crazy, Melges 30, Shampain/ Plant, 41. (120 boats) Plenty, Soverel 33-2, Justis Fennell; 2) Twelve Bar Blues, J/105, Hugh Westermeyer; 3) Wind Dancer, J/99, Bill Mohr. (7 boats) SPINNAKER PHRF ≥120 — 1) Double Agent, Merit 25, Scott Ollivier; 2) Blue Jay, J/22, Ros De Vries; 3) Dream Catcher, J/24, George Lythcott. (3 boats) NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Sterling, Catalina 34, Jim Brady; 2) Dominatrix, Santana 22, Suzanne Lee; 3) Roxanne, Tartan 4100, Michael Mitchell; (3 boats) MULTIHULL — No finishers. (1 boat) Full results at www.oaklandyachtclub.net MISSION BAY YC PCISA ISSA NATIONAL ALLGIRLS INVITATIONAL, 10/18-19 (18r/0t) FJ — 1) Point Loma Pointers 1, Paige Tilson/ Julia Stewart, 82 points; 2) Corona del Mar Sea Kings 1, Shoemaker/M. Nichols/Suplizio/S. Nichols, 111; 3) Point Loma Pointers 2, Kaya Hancock/Kylie Peterson, 116; 4) Corona del Mar Sea Kings 2, Paloma Arrigo/Julia Getter, 126; 5) Mater Dei Monarchs 1, Carmichael/Norton/Crompton, 148. (30 teams) Full scores at www.hssailing.org InvYC 2025 BENDER SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP, (16r/4t) INTERNATIONAL 110 — 1) Lady Bug, Brendan Meyer, 18 points; 2) Nomodoma, Michael Sporer, 20; 3) Smart Shoes, Brian Lee, 42. (11 boats) OPEN CLASS — 1) Granuaile, Flying Scot,

BOB BETANCOURT

SHEET

Full results at www.sdyc.org

Top: Two J boats race downwind in light conditions during the Hot Rum Series. Bottom: Barefoot during a midwinter race?!

BOX SCORES

Sally Lee Stewart, 20 points; 2) Loup de Mer, Day Sailer I, Skip Shapiro/Jenny Wread, 21; 3) USA 131, Johnson 18, Shawn Kelly, 25. (8 boats) Full results at www.invernessyachtclub.com SYC REGATTAPRO WINTER ONE DESIGN, 11/8, (2r/0t) EXPRESS 27 — 1) Motorcycle Irene, Will Paxton, 4 points; 2) New Wave, Eric Villadsen, 5; 3) Bombora, Rebecca Hinden, 6. (12 boats) J/105 — 1) Arrived!, Tom Struttmann, 3 points; 2) Beast of Burden, McDonald/Sellers/ Turner, 6; 3) Peaches, John & Michael Rivlin, 6.

4) Roulette, William Woodruff, 10. (15 boats) J/88 — 1) Butcher, Dave Corbin, 4 points; 2) Speedwell, Tom Thayer, 4; 3) Ravenette, Brice Dunwoodie, 5. (5 boats) MOORE 24 — 1) Moorigami, John Siegel, 3 points; 2) Topper II, Conrad Holbrook, 4; 3) Mooretician, Peter Schoen, 5. (3 boats) Full results at www.sausalitoyachtclub.org SFYC 2V2 WOMEN'S TEAM RACE INVITATIONAL, 11/8-9 2V2 TEAM RACING — 1) San Francisco YC; 2) St. Francis YC; 3) California YC. (6 teams) Full results at www.sfyc.org PCISA ANTEATER, NHYC, 11/8-9, (20r/0t) GOLD FLEET — 1) Pt. Loma Pointers 1, Anton Schmid/Wyatt Kelly, 93 points; 2) Mater Dei

Monarchs 1, Nickolas Lech/Kingston Keyoung, 99; 3) Pt. Loma Pointers 2, Oscar Parzen/Kevin Cason, 117; 4) Cathedral Catholic Dons 1, Owen Fretwell/Sean Kaseburg, 139; 5) Mater Dei Monarchs 2, Colin Kennedy/Gage Christopher, 156.

(34 teams) SILVER FLEET — 1) La Jolla Vikings, Malia Wilke/Maggie Ugoretz, 139 points; 2) Urban Blues, Henry Scalise/Mackenzie Burns, 175; 3) The Bishop's Knights, Celeste Oder/Cameron Rosso, 200; 4) Stevenson Pirates 1, Patrick O'Hara/Nate Burgstone, 201 5) Oakland Technical, Garrett Connorton/Hera Handy-Madsen, 202.

(30 teams) Full results at www.hssailing.org ICSA WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS, SAN DIEGO STATE & UC SAN DIEGO, 11/8-9, (18r/0t) CFJ — 1) San Diego State Aztecs, Ian & Noah Nyenhuis, 61 points; 2) UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, Henry Boeger/Jonathan Seawards, 68; 3) Stanford Cardinal, Lucas Woodworth/Thomas Whidden/Alice Schmid, 92; 4) USC Trojans, Luke Harris/Hudson Mayfield/Cameron Law, 99. (17 teams) Full results at www.collegesailing.org InvYC DRUMSTICK RACE ON TOMALES BAY, 11/9 INTERNATIONAL 110 — 1) Loup de Mer, Skip Shapiro; 2) Gunsmoke, David West; 3) Nomodoma, Michael Sporer. (9 boats) Full results at www.invernessyachtclub.com January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 63

THE RACING SHEET YRA DOUBLEHANDED MIDWINTER 1, 11/16 MULTIHULL <171 — 1) Dylan, Corsair F28r, Keith Kreycik/Hal McArthur. (1 boat) SPINNAKER <66 — 1) Invictus, Sunfast 3600, Nico Popp/Burak Kocal; 2) Sun Dragon, Sunfast 3300, Sergei Podshivalov/Felix Oehme; 3) Arsenal, J/125, Andrew Picel. (3 boats) SPINNAKER >66 but <83 — 1) Prima, J/105, Artem Savinov; 2) Kestrel, J/105, Eric Patterson; 3) Twelve Bar Blues, J/105, Hugh Westermeyer.

(4 boats) SPINNAKER >83 but <117 — 1) Kangaroo Jockey, J/70, Peter Cameron; 2) Rooster, Melges 20, John Oldham/Ian Charles; 3) Calypso, J/92, Alexander Band. (5 boats) SPINNAKER >117 — 1) Can O’Whoopass, Cal 20, Richard vonEhrenkrook; 2) Nancy, Wyliecat 20, Patrick Broderick; 3) Sketch, Olson 25, David Gruver. (3 boats) NON-SPINNAKER 150 — 1) Free, S&S 30, Jim Carlsen; 2) Sir Edmund, Covey 49, Cyril Kollock/Andy Schwenk; 3) Sapphire, Alerion Express, Michael Chammout. (4 boats) Full results at www.yra.org

BOX SCORES — continued TYC WILD TURKEY REGATTA, 11/28 PHRF ­— 1) Peregrine, J/120, Randy Smith; 2) Joyride, J/105, William Hoehler; 3) Natural Blonde, J/105, Rob Cooper. (4 boats) Full results at www.tyc.org GGYC MANUEL FAGUNDES SEAWEED SOUP REGATTA RACE 2, 12/6, PHRF <64 — 1) Skeleton Key, J/111, James Wagner; 2) Nuckelavee, Melges 32, Mark Kennedy; 3) Swift Ness, J/111, Nesrin Basoz, RYC. (11 boats) PHRF >66 & <115 — 1) Feather, J/100, Zach Berkowitz, J/100; 2) Tangaroa, J/109, Dan Brousseau; 3) Rhapsody, Sabre Spirit, Laurence Pulgram. (8 boats) PHRF >117 — 1) Wet Spot, Moore 24, Mike O’Callaghan; 2) Arcadia, Mull/Nash hybrid, Gordie Nash; 3) Margay, Wyliecat 30, David Bacci. (8 boats)

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KNARR — 1) The Sinking Dutchman, Ty Ingram; 2) Thor, Ryan Busalacchi; 3) Flyer, Chris Kelly. (3 boats) FOLKBOAT — 1) Polperro, Peter Jeal; 2) Faith, Erin Slichter; 3) Circle Sea, Kelley Gallese.

(5 boats) Full results at www.ggyc.org SeqYC WINTER SERIES RACE 2, 12/6 PHRF — 1) Allons-Y, J/70, Davis King; 2) Frequent Flyer, Farr 30, Stanleigh Phillips; 3) Divine Wind, 2005 Flying Tiger, Mark Townsend.

(10 boats) OPEN 5.70 — 1) Roxy, Felix Oehme; 2) Altair, Samantha Chiu; 3) Granuaile, Meaghan Brosnan. (4 boats) MERIT 25 ODR — 1) Brett Herr; 2) Juan Blanch; 3) Steve Klein. (4 boats) Full results at www.sequoiayc.com VYC TINY ROBBINS MIDWINTER SERIES #1, 12/6 A SPINNAKER — 1) Jeannette, Dufour Arpege, Michael Boese; 2) Aerie, Canadian Sailcraft, Mark Littlefield; 3) Pearl, J/80, Jack Vetter.

(4 boats) C NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Kon Tiki, Cal 2-29, Dan Karonis. (1 boat) Full results at www.vyc.org

PERFORMANCE. BUILT DIFFERENT. FOR SAILORS WHO DEMAND MORE. At Quantum Sails, performance is more than just speed. It’s about giving every sailor access to the same knowledge, technology, support, and expertise that fuel champions.

S A N DIEGO

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L ONG BE ACH

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SCAN FOR QUOTE

LOOSE LIPS

FACEBOOK/SAILINGROSE/MARION MARTIN

D

id anyone spot Santa in his new sleigh this Christmas? We heard the reindeer had gone on strike for better feed and longer vacations. The Christmas Eve sleigh ride must have been a success, as we didn't hear of any boats falling from the sky. Of course there could have been a cover-up by the North Pole. Winner and top 10 comments below.

"Tink! Keep thinking happy thoughts and hold your course: second star to the right and straight on till morning!

With a little pixie dust we'll be in Neverland by sunup." — Eben Kermit.

"First test flight for December 2025, Total success!" — Dale Land.

"Larry Ellison was forced to hire an entirely new racing crew when he discovered his guys had strongly left-oriented inclinations that he felt were not publicly appropriate?" — Lee Panza.

"Hey, Randy! Could you scoot down to the leeward hull and get my Coke?" — Jere Visalli.

"The Oracle crew test the world's first oceangoing teetertotter." — Monica Grant.

"After years in the afterguard on tall ships, Edison realized he'd been missing this kind of view!" — Richard vonEhrenkrook.

"Scott's crazy theory is that if you can hold the heel angle to equal our latitude, it will add several knots to our speed!"

Winner: "The Storm Troopers take out the captured Rebel X-wing racing yacht for a sea trial." — Ron Weiss.

— Scott Henry.

"Flying high. Have to talk with the naval architect about a longer rudder." — Russ Breed.

"This is your pilot speaking. We're jibing in 10 seconds."

— Fritz Baldauf.

"Pizza delivery for the Farallones." — William Mittendorf.

IN THE YEAR TO COME, THE SF ON THE BAY COMMUNITY WISHES YOU PEACE & HAPPINESS, JOY ON THE WATER AND FUN ON SHORE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! w w w. s f o n t h e b a y. c o m / l i s t - 3 8 S WAITING! AT , TAM TAVERN R BEER CO AT K FOR E.B.’S

RICHMOND

scan to visit EMERYVILLE

RICHMOND

SAN PABLO

EMERYVILLE January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 65

WORLD Pippin Brehler embarks on a sailing dad charter with his family in the British Virgin Islands.

You've heard the stories and seen the pictures of sailing the West Indies, where three centuries ago, the real pirates of the Caribbean Sea hid treasure chests and marooned traitorous crew. I had too, and was enthralled. Ever since I started sailing more than two decades ago, I dreamed of a bareboat charter in those clear, warm, aquamarine waters, snorkeling with colorful fish I had only seen in aquariums, and sipping tropical drinks on white sandy beaches under umbrellas.

As life went along, family demands and expenses relegated such a trip to a someday luxury. But as my kids entered high school, I became aware of their growing independence. I had to make this trip a priority if I was to share this dream with them and expand their world far beyond what mine had been at their age. Even if they were not hooked on sailing as I was, I hoped a trip like this would inspire enough interest in sailing that we could continue to share as they became adults.

My wife and I started saving our money and getting the experience it would take to make it happen.

Both girls took turns at the helm.

You see, I was not ready to charter a boat with only novice crew. True, I had sailed and raced on other people's boats for more than two decades, including in some challenging conditions.

(See "I'm Not Bob — The 99th Mackinac Race," Latitude 38, September Page 66 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

2023 at https://bit.ly/3YlHQw9.)

I knew just about all the jobs aboard, but individually, not as a whole. I had seldom, if ever, captained the boat, and had never been responsible for the crew and vessel. I knew I needed to step into that role before captaining a bareboat charter.

We bought a trailer-sailer in early 2020. The boat fit our budget and landlocked location in Davis. We kept it at Lake Washington Sailing Club in West Sacramento, where our daughters had learned to sail in Sabots.

Over the next four years, I learned, on a small scale, what it means to be in charge of a boat, including planning itineraries, repairing damage, maintenance, and instructing crew.

I practiced launching and retrieving, docking, anchoring, heaving to, and crew-overboard drills, and my family became familiar with how to sail. Despite my self-confidence, I knew the charter companies would ask for more.

In 2024, I sold that boat and sailed aboard other people's larger boats.

I passed the American Sailing Association's Keelboat Sailing and Coastal Cruising courses, then took the Bareboat Cruising course through Afterguard Sailing Academy in Oakland. For the next year, I led practice and fun sails with a different crew every month on the OaklandAlameda Estuary and San Francisco Bay. I improved my skills by docking, piloting, planning, and working with people of varying skills and experience. These were the skills I would need to lead my family of unseasoned sailors in safely crisscrossing Drake's Channel under sail and power, anchoring, picking up mooring balls, and docking.

I was becoming ready. We picked dates after the end of the school year but before the Windward Islands hurricane season. We researched first-class charter operations and decided on BVI Yacht Charters. They were great to

ALL PHOTOS PIPPIN BREHLER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

work with. I hoped seven days would be enough time to see and do a lot, but short enough that it would leave us wanting more. With the dates and boat secured, we bought our plane tickets for Tortola.

It was an admittedly easy sell to our daughters, but with the caveat that they would learn knots, read about chartering, and come on practice sails. We described sailing the boat in the mornings and spending afternoons snorkeling among the coral and fish. We shared pictures from cruising guides and involved them in planning potential itineraries. They stepped up, and their preparation proved critical.

We started our trip with an overnight flight from Sacramento to the British Virgin Islands via Miami, arriving at 2 p.m. Our boat and home was Mara, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey. In the afternoon we went over the boat, had our briefing with the charter company, and provisioned from the local market.

We had dinner at the adjacent Moorings restaurant and spent the first night aboard rocking at the dock, listening to creaking fenders, and getting used to 90º F with high humidity.

We left the next morning for Norman Island. The swells quickly overcame our younger daughter, despite her having taken Meclizine. Our older daughter, unaffected, was nimble on the foredeck and mast, helping to raise the mainsail and watching for traffic. But sailing was not enough to smooth the ride, so I lowered sails, and motored to nearby Peter Island.

Our daughter recovered after getting back on land and napping. Meanwhile my foredeck daughter and I enjoyed snorkeling around the island and its bays, where we saw rays and turtles. We stayed two nights at the Peter Island marina, where the ladies enjoyed the spa and massage treatments.

Meanwhile I checked the boat over and enjoyed bobbing in my happy place.

That's where I got ahead of myself.

Because we had motored so much and had gone through some sargassum mats, and my wife was especially

OF CHARTERING

anxious about this trip, I wanted to be doubly sure we were not going to have engine problems. I checked the oil and the water filter, closing the raw water intake to avoid pressure from the filter or backwash from a wave spilling anything into the bilge. But apparently, I forgot to reopen the valve, despite having set the valve access hatch on the cabin floor to ensure I reopened it. I would have sworn on the gallows I had reopened that valve. The only cause I can think of is that when I was done checking the intake filter, something topside distracted me, and I closed the access door quickly without reopening the valve.

But with the valve closed (unbeknownst to me), we set off the next morning under power. The engine seemed to be spitting water as we left the dock, but I guessed those were just the last gasps of water in the pipes.

The problem was then masked by the splashing of waves on the hull and intermittent draining of the thru-hull.

Masked, that is, until the temperature alarm sounded, quickly followed by engine smoke. We immediately throttled down and tried to troubleshoot the problem. The alarm silenced briefly, and the smoke subsided, but then both quickly returned. We had not yet raised the sails, so we turned back to Peter Island. On the way in, the engine worsened, no matter how gently we nursed it, so we shut it down to avoid seizing and hailed a passing catamaran for a tow. Unfortunately, we did not have a bowline ready, so it went by while we started to drift toward the rocky lee shore.

My daughters went to the bow to deploy the anchor while my wife hailed the marina for assistance. Luck was with us. The hook set immediately, despite a couple of jams in the windlass that tripped the breaker, requiring a mad dash below to reset it.

The marina answered the call and towed us in with their inflatable. My crew were courageous and calm in circumstances we had neither anticipated nor experienced before, taking quick

Captain Pippin helming 'Mara'.

action with the ground tackle, securing lines and fenders, and working with the dock hands to get us back safely.

Once secured, we cooled off and had lunch, and I went again to the engine compartment, where I immediately saw, to my horror and embarrassment, the closed valve. But this also meant the problem was apparent and easily solved. We called the home base and told them what had happened, and they had us restart the motor. This time, the water flowed properly. BVI Yacht Charters cleared us to continue, so off we went, bound for Cooper Island a few miles away.

But it was not to be. My younger daughter was again nauseated and was by the leeward rail near the exhaust port. She noticed that the engine was smoking again, and that it was not expelling much water. So we hoisted the cloth and set back across Drake's Channel for the charter base.

We returned without further event on a broad reach and making above 5 knots.

When we returned to Road Harbour, the charter base manager immediately suspected we had burned out the impeller. One of the mechanics, Raul, had it changed in 15 minutes while I watched and learned a lesson I will not soon forget. Fortunately, all the broken impeller pieces were in the housing and had not become entrained in

the water system. Fast-forward note for a moment: There was no extra charge at the end for the repair. Indeed, BVI Yacht Charters thanked us for being considerate and making the right and safe choice to return for an engine check and avoid further and more serious damage, or the risk of a hazardous situation on the water.

Nevertheless, redux, it was after 2:00, and we were again a bit unsettled. So we lunched aboard before deciding how to make the best of our new situation. We took a taxi to Cane Garden Bay for more snorkeling, a painkiller for the captain, and a fabulous dinner overlooking the water.

The girls are all smiles as their sea legs kick in.

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 67

WORLD The next day was Sunday, but we were refreshed and now had a couple of days of sailing and sleeping aboard, so I was more optimistic about the crew's stomachs. We also upped the meds for my younger daughter to scopolamine, which worked great.

We headed back out in the morning, and the first sailing smiles came out. My daughters took turns at the helm and enjoyed time on the high and low sides, watching the waves and listening to that wonderful sound of the hull through the water, backed by our playlist. We had a great sail on a close reach to Cooper Island, with winds at 15-20 knots from the west, and a reef in the main.

We soon reached Manchioneel Bay, where we hooked the ball the first time.

We enjoyed the afternoon swimming around the boat, had lunch, and then that night, cheeseburgers in paradise from the grill on the rail.

That evening, the wind started to pick up into the 20s with gusts approaching 30 knots. I had made a

Page 68 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

rookie mistake picking a mooring ball at the edge of the field. It was easy to reach when we arrived, but also more exposed, so we had a rougher night than if we had anchored closer to shore and more centered in the bay. The wind and waves swung us around, sometimes close to adjacent boats, requiring us to shorten the lead on our ball. As a neighboring captain put it, it was the "famous Cooper Island swing."

Yes, the mooring balls were holding, but we needed to be mindful of intersecting with other swinging boats and had to shorten our scope that night.

The next morning we woke less than fully rested. Nevertheless, with the fresh winds, we had a great sail on a beam reach toward Virgin Gorda, requiring only a tack or two until we lowered sail for the ride into the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. Here we had a great night! The marina is well protected, quiet, and very reasonably priced, if you ever have the chance to visit.

That afternoon, we took a taxi to the

With the problems ironed out, the rest of the trip flew past.

famous Baths and Devil's Bay. It did not disappoint. We snorkeled among giant underwater boulders with living walls of coral and an abundance of fish. We swam unscathed through a smack of moon jellies and saw squid, groupers, and many other fish in Savannah Bay. Chez Bamboo was an excellent choice for dinner.

On our final full day aboard, we had a smooth, fast downwind sail back to Tortola for our last night, reaching

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 provided ample space for everyone.

7 knots while towing a tender. Everyone was feeling great by this point, and a little sad that our trip was coming to an end.

Our voyage delivered far more than I had hoped. We each improved our sailing skills and confidence in general. We learned about ourselves and each other as individuals and as a family, how we can work together and find the best in any situation, and set these lessons in great memories. We like to think our

family would rock it on one of those family adventure/ challenge reality shows.

We learned that the popularity of this paradise has overcome its sailing reputation. Most of the other boats we saw motored from place to place, often with a hired captain, and took mooring balls where the guests sat aboard drinking, often inside their cabins. We also saw a lot of bleached coral. In some places, more dead than alive. Although this renewed my drive to return to my day job working to reduce air pollution, it also showed the precarious position we are in as a planet and a species.

Nevertheless, I am grateful to my family and the community of sailors who supported me in fulfilling this

dream trip. I look forward to many more miles under the keel and more adventures on the water, including some with my daughters in the years to come. To anyone else with a dream of a sailing adventure, keep chasing it, and I wish you fair winds and following seas in your voyages!

— pippin brehler

TOM CONLEY

BVI YACHT CHARTERS / HTTPS://WWW.NAUSYS.COM

OF CHARTERING

Author Pippin Brehler at the 99th Mackinac Race.

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BOOK YOUR FREE APPOINTMENT! CALL US: 415 626 3275 OR EMAIL: INFO@SFBOATWORKS.COM January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 69

CHANGES With reports this month on Ondina's long journey to get to the Ha-Ha;

Second Wind's transformation from racing boat to cruising boat; and the second installment of our Where Are They Now? feature, in which we catch up with 2025 contributors.

ONDINA

Ondina — Cal 29-2 Liz Newkirk and John Walsh Then and Now Mendocino The year was 2022. Our son, Max, had chosen USF for college and we couldn't have been more excited. It

Liz and John up high in the hills above Bahia Santa Maria.

was far enough to be "away," and close enough to visit (probably more often than he anticipated!).

John had been sailing and racing on the Bay for a few months at this point, and I could tell it was back in his blood — his backyard growing up was a dock in Paradise Cay and he raced as a junior national. It was at this point that the "suggestion" arose: "Babe, if we had a sailboat, you could stay on it when you visit Max and wouldn't need to get hotel rooms. It could be fun, and we could save some money! You could stay on it whenever you want!" Damn, was I naïve! He got me right where it counted, and we bought a boat.

So began the love affair with Ondina, our 1978 Cal 29, homeported at Richmond Yacht Club. There is absolutely nothing about owning a boat that involves the words "save money," but she has been worth every boat buck. In very good shape considering her years, Ondina ("water sprite") has been a sanctuary and source of joy time and time again. John has poured hours and hours of blood, sweat and tears into many improvements and adjustments.

It was in those first few months as a new boat owner that I noticed the ad in Page 70 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Latitude 38 for the Baja Ha-Ha, an epic cruiser's rally down the coast of Baja from San Diego to Cabo. By then it was a long and storied event in the sailing community, known for its camaraderie, frivolity, beautiful anchorages and cruising delight. Wistfully, I tore out the page, wrote "2025" encircled by a heart and some stars, and stuck it on the bulkhead of the galley. Seed planted.

That was then. Max is now in his senior year of college. We have spent countless hours aboard Ondina, raced her, anchored out for overnights, hosted friends and sunset cocktail parties, watched Fleet Week from the water, and thoroughly enjoyed being RYC members. From her decks, we have cheered, laughed, agonized, held on for dear life, rested and restored, and learned a lot about our relationship. John's captaining skills continue to be sharpened; mine are blossoming and growing again from a long-dormant place in my past.

Planning for the Ha-Ha has entailed years of consideration, months of preparation, more boat bucks than should ever be a thing, and remains a constant work in progress, even after we completed it! We added many bells and whistles — while simultaneiously not wanting to overdo it until we really had extensive offshore time under our belts — and always erred on the side of safety and, yes, a little bit of comfort.

John departed the Bay singlehanded on October 12, bound for San Diego. He was generously hosted at many marinas and yacht clubs down the coast, spent time at both the Channel Islands and Catalina, and finally arrived at Southwestern Yacht Club in San Diego on October 28. I flew down to meet him two days later, which provided us with a provisioning and grace period before the November 3 Ha-Ha start.

The first leg of the rally is a threenight passage to Bahia Tortuga. In light winds, motorsailing was our strategy.

While this is a rally and not a race, we prefer to optimize speed over ground.

Sails were up, we flew the spinnaker a time or two, and for the first couple of nights, watches were gentle and sleep

was had. On the first night, I showed up early for watches, stayed my full two- and four-hour stretches, got some sleep, and made us a hot breakfast.

John was so impressed! Little did I know that was all about to change.

By the third night, winds were 20-25 knots, gusting to 30, the waves grew, and we were moving! I love this kind of sailing: downwind, wing on wing, gliding to connect waves. Ondina was averaging 7–9 knots, occasionally topping out at 12! That said, it was a long and demanding night right up until the turn into Bahia Tortuga, where were welcomed at 3 a.m. by a bay full of twinkling mast lights and the village glow a bit beyond.

Bahia Tortuga — Turtle Bay — is a remote yet thriving desert community. Inland from the old pier are a

ALL PHOTOS ONDINA

IN LATITUDES

Above: 'Ondina' departs San Diego at the start of the Ha-Ha. Left: Many of the wonders of Baja are found below the waterline. Above center: Mexican sunsets are the best. Top left: Dolphins kept Liz company on one night watch. Top center: 'Ondina's water sprite spinnaker. Top right: There's nothing better after a long watch than a hot meal and a smiling cook.

well-appointed community baseball field, multiple tiendas and restaurants, nicely maintained schools, and a coffee/ice cream shop to boot! Local spirit is strong, and as always, the HaHa fleet is welcomed warmly after 31 years of annual multi-day visits. After a three-day passage, that welcome is much appreciated!

The Ha-Ha holds a beach party the first afternoon, with sand volleyball, high enthusiasm and many stories to share from the passage. The glorious Ha-Ha-sponsored "bazeball" game brings local kids, families and rally-goers together for a knee-slapping good time, as well as the noble cause of

fundraising/donations for current and future local baseball efforts. Hundreds of people were in the bleachers, cold drinks flowed, and an MC kept the energy electric!

The next stop, Bahia Santa Maria, is a different speed altogether. This is rural Baja at its finest! No tiendas, no restaurants, no tourism, no expectations. What exists is the undeniable brilliance of both the land and the sea.

Along the estuary is the expanse of this community, three fish camps "big." The sparkling bay is surrounded by arid mountain peaks, and after a morning hike up one, I also found distant views of sand dunes as far as the eye could

see — striking! The locals we met were thoughtful, hard-working, and extraordinarily kind. One young woman, a new mom, made a lasting impression. As we struck up a conversation, her cherubic baby boy cradled on her hip, she was eager to share about the birth of her son in that small village, and the success of her husband, a shark fisherman and boat captain. She promptly arranged for him to take a group of us on a boat tour of the estuary, where the camps are tucked along the shore, and the many langostina traps are overflowing with nature's bounty. This young woman was proud of her life, her healthy baby and the prosperity of their family. It sure makes one stop and think about what and who makes us happy, where we find meaning and value, and the thousands of iterations of success.

The morning VHF net with Richard, the Poobah, was an adventure in itself!

It is so wonderful to feel connected to all of the people and boats in the rally.

This was Richard's last year hosting, and upon leaving BSM, he announced that the "New-Bah," Chuck Skewes, would be heading up Ha-Ha 32 later this year. Responses were full of appreciation for all Richard has done, and excited to shepherd in the next generation of Baja Ha-Ha leadership! Of course, Patsy Verhoeven (aka "La Reina del Mar," aka "the engine that makes this whole thing possible") will continue her involvement with Chuck as he steps into Richard's rally shoes.

The marine life along the way was nothing short of breathtaking. Whales breaching, hundreds of dolphins in jubilant pods, sea turtles, sea lions, and birds, birds, birds! One of my favorite experiences was the serene night passage when dolphins showed up to ride alongside the boat. Their puffs of breath and sleek images glimmering in the moonlight were comforting and inspiring — midnight companions.

Fishing from Ondina was also a huge success: dorado, mackerel and tuna galore! John has a ritual of a quick kiss of gratitude on the nose of every fish that feeds us, a waterman's sign of respect for the sea.

The last Ha-Ha stop is Cabo San Lucas. I can't even call it organized chaos.

It buzzes and booms with energy at every turn!

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 71

The deep sense of satisfaction that comes from finishing what you started, from stretching every aspect of what you imagined yourself capable of — and doing so in partnership with your person — is a beautiful and magical thing indeed. We did it!!!!!

It goes without saying that when we first began this trip, I was excited and anxious, and held some trepidation regarding my capabilities under extended offshore conditions. The anticipation of conquering the unknown is powerful motivation. I stepped into the experience with 100% effort and was rewarded far beyond my expectations. Mostly, though, I am grateful: grateful for this life, for my love and partnership with John, for our individual and shared passions, and for this life-altering opportunity. It is a humbling and expansive experience being at sea.

After Cabo, we decided to keep going: Los Frailles, Bahia de los Muertos, La Paz, then island-hopping up the coast toward Loreto — who knows what might be next? Whatever it is, I'm literally, and figuratively, on board for it all.

— Liz 12/2/25 Second Wind — Sabre 426 Velina and Peter Barnes From Racing to Cruising Richmond Peter and I both have a lifetime of sailing under our belts. He started in Pennsylvania and I in Florida; and for the past 30 years on San Francisco Bay. Sailing and racing on the Bay and surrounding ocean on other people's boats helped us refine our idea of the best cruising boat for us: reasonably fast, bluewater capable, and with a traditional look. After several years of looking at various models, comparing stats and ratings, we settled on a Sabre 426. Then we just had to find one.

Over about a year, we looked at five boats before we found "the one" in June 2019, on Long Island. We had her loaded onto a truck and shipped to Seattle, thinking we would cruise the Pacific Northwest before coming down the coast to our home waters.

By spring 2020, with the COVID pandemic ramping up, it was clear that Canada was going to be closed to us for a while, and cruising the West Coast was going to be problematic with most visitor amenities closed. So in July, Page 72 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

ALL PHOTOS SECOND WIND EXCEPT AS NOTED

CHANGES

with three friends from the Richmond YC, we made a beeline from the PNW to the Bay. Once there, we set our sights on prepping the boat for our version of the dream cruise to the South Pacific — which would kick off with participation in the Pacific Cup race to Kaneohe, Hawaii. So we spent the next several years sailing locally, doing updates, and adding gear. The PacCup equipment requirements were a great checklist for outfitting a boat for ocean passages.

One by one, we added AIS, new main, 125% jib, spinnaker and storm sails; new life raft, new dodger, solar panels, a second anchor and rode, new lifelines, new masthead tricolor, watermaker — the list went on and on.

Preparations kicked into high gear starting in spring 2023 with crew selection and entering nearly all the YRA

Above: 'Second Wind' at the start of the '24 Pacific Cup. Top left: Exploring Rivière Apoomau in Raiatea, the only navigable river in the Societies.

Center: Friends John and Linda McCoy visited in Raiatea. Right: John and Velina arriving in Tahiti.

Offshore races, including the Bluewater Bash qualifier.

We started the Pacific Cup race on July 17, 2024, with a total crew of six, including RYC racers Cooper Hershfield-Cohen, Amber Moffat, Jocelyn Nguyen, and Matt "Biggie" Osborn.

The first half of the race we were doing surprisingly well — third then second in our division — until we suffered a significant steering failure and had to fall back to autopilot, which meant no more spinnaker. We still managed to finish the race "not last," on August 1, just in time for the Rum Party. We were met by a crowd of 30+ family and friends cheering us in.

IRINA POTEKHINA

IN LATITUDES

From there, with crew and family helping, we completely transformed Second Wind into a cruising boat with gear we had shipped over in the PacCup container: bimini, solar panels, dinghy and outboard, paddle boards, inflatable kayak, BBQ, new house batteries and Starlink Mini.

We left Kaneohe via Kona for a 15-day crossing to Tahiti with three souls on board. Since it was our first time crossing the equator, Poseidon came aboard to demand fealty and a pledge to respect his waters. We honored his wishes with a splash of rum over the side.

Conditions the first week were moderate — for Bay Area sailors. Winds of 18-25 knots during the day, rising to 35-knot squalls during the night with 8- to 12-ft swells consistently from 80-110°. Until we got to the doldrums at about 3° S. Then it was about 12

hours of no wind and glassy water before we reached the trades again.

The second half was lighter: 15-20 knots, with smaller swells, and significantly warmer water. Our course ranged from 170°185°, beam reaching the entire way.

We arrived in Papeete on November 9. After reprovisioning in Tahiti and doing some exploring there (the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles is well worth the visit to get an overview of Polynesian history and culture), we set off doublehanding through the rest of the Society Islands.

The first stop was anchoring deep in Baie de Pao Pao (Cook's Bay) on Moorea. To celebrate, we took the dinghy on our first dusk excursion to Te Honu Iti ("the little turtle") restaurant, where we were encouraged to toss the fish trimmings into the water, which attracted mud sharks as long as the dinghy! After dinner, hearts in our throats, we motored off, peering down the bay searching for our anchor light.

We continued on, celebrating Christmas in Opunohu Bay, before sailing overnight to pick up a mooring on the east side of Huahine, away from the main town and port. We were the only boat in the bay, so we spent several days swimming, lounging on the eastern motu (barrier island), and visiting a nearby pearl farm. Then on to Raiatea and Taha'a. This pair of islands are enclosed by a single outer reef, creating a joint lagoon that is navigable almost the entire way around both islands.

This was certainly where we spent the most time, as every bay provided safe moorings or anchorage, with places to visit and learn more about the geography, culture and people.

The biggest markets are at Uturoa, the main port, but many bays have small markets among a cluster of buildings. Fresh fruit and local vegetables abound. Prepared and canned food is readily available, but all imported. French staples are available and the prices are regulated. This includes fresh baguettes, pastries, wine and cheese. Canned meat such as duck confit are reasonably priced, but fresh

meat all comes from New Zealand and is expensive. By contrast, fresh fish is incredibly cheap; for example, two pounds of fresh tuna for $8 US. Friends flew out to join us for a week, doing our tour in reverse: Taha'a, Raiatea, Huahine, Moorea and back to Tahiti. After more R&R (rest and reprovisioning), we were again off doublehanded, first to Fakarava, the secondlargest atoll of the Tuamotu group east of Tahiti — and then a big leg back north to Hawaii.

This passage was more athletic than the trip south, with slightly higher winds (mid-20s to low 40s during night squalls) — right through the ITCZ; no doldrums this time. After two weeks of beam reaching on starboard tack on the way down, we had two weeks upwind on port tack heading north, reaching Kaneohe after 15 days on April 5.

As it sometimes does, life forced us to take a break and fly home for a few months. Peter returned with two crew, Rolf Jaeger from RYC and Colin Ruppert from Long Beach, to sail Second Wind back to Richmond in company with the Transpac returnees. Departing in mid-July, the mostly light-air passage took 21 days, with the boat finally arriving back in her slip on August 5. In mid-passage, Peter spoke by VHF with our sistership, Tim Sowerby's White Rose, which was returning to Sausalito from the Singlehanded Transpacific Race. How crazy is that to meet midocean!?

All told, we were away for 13 months.

Overall, it was an extraordinary experience, but particularly the six months we spent in French Polynesia, from learning the culture and history of one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the world, to the beauty itself — especially away from the big towns. The immense natural beauty remains little touched by modern scourges, and the local people are still extremely generous, kind and open. The abundance of exotic fruit and fresh fish kept us healthy and happy. Crystal-clear water and almost daily light showers kept us feeling clean and refreshed. The untouched remote beaches, with abundant sea life and diverse coral full of amazing colors and variety, were a marvel. We did not want to leave — and are already plotting our return.

— Velina 12/5/24 January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 73

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY MASON ZAREM

Bacchanal — J/133 Mason Zarem A Kid's Point of View Mill Valley If you've never sailed 750 miles down the coast of Mexico, let me tell you — it feels like stepping into a giant ocean

Mason and Dad, Matt. Right: 'Bacchanal'. Inset top: While underway, the dinghy on the foredeck was the best seat in town.

adventure movie, and you're the star!

I remember when I first stepped out of the cockpit at night, I was greeted by this huge, bright moon and a gentle, cold ocean breeze. I felt tiny, with the moonlit ocean surrounding me for tons of miles.

I'm Mason Zarem, a 12-year-old boy who lives in Mill Valley. I've been sailing for seven years on Teras, Fevas, Quests, 420s, a J/35, a Hanse 37, and for the Ha-Ha, Hop Guy's J/133 Bacchanal with my dad. Before the Ha-Ha, my only offshore experience was sailing around and dropping crab traps next to the Golden Gate, so this was very new to me.

Nothing beat sitting on the comfy dinghy on the bow of the boat with the gentle breeze in my hair in the shade of the big, beautiful, red and blue spinnaker, watching the sun go down behind the horizon of endless beautiful ocean.

I highly recommend that kids from 8- to 16-years-old do the Ha-Ha (even if you might get a little seasick). There were, like, 130 boats doing the Ha-Ha this year, and we buddy-boated with two boats. Everybody was super-nice.

We stopped for a few days in Turtle Bay and Santa Maria. Turtle Bay has a little town where you can walk around.

The local people were a little shy at first, but really nice. At the stops, the people in charge of the Ha-Ha host fun Page 74 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

events like beach parties, volleyball games, baseball, etc.

If you're into fishing, then this is the trip for you. You can catch yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna (known as katsu in Japan), mahi mahi, and wahoo. We caught one yellowfin, three skipjack, one mahi, one juvenile mako shark, and one mackerel. I loved eating the yellowfin.

At night we saw bioluminescence in the water. We saw sea turtles, seals, whales, fish, sharks, squid, dolphins, and flying fish. The water was so clear and nice and warm compared to where I live.

Every night there were beautiful stars that lit up the sky, and I saw some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises I've ever seen. I was never at all scared of the water or from the conditions. Boy, I was so lucky to be crew on such an amazing voyage!

— Mason 11/29/25 Where Are They Now? We're back for the second installment of our annual WATN feature, wherein we catch up with some of the folks whose stories have appeared in Changes in 2025. Enjoy! ☼ Regular readers will remember Kia Koropp's misadventures in learning to become sole skipper of the Auckland-based 49-ft Ganley cutter-rigged sloop Atea (which she kept when she and husband John separated after 10 years of cruising together). We were

happy to learn that "Things are looking up since then — in a pretty big way.

"I have become crew on two iconic New Zealand yachts, Steinlager II and Lion New Zealand," Kia writes. "Both are based in Auckland and well-known for their successes under Sir Peter Blake during the 1985-86 and 1989-90 Whitbread races, respectively."

"Let me tell you — if I thought sailing a 49-ft yacht was stressful, doing so on 80- and 85-ft boats is twice as daunting. The upside is I am not helming the boat, and have more support than my 12- and 14-year-old kids as crewmates."

Both Steinlager and Lion are managed by the New Zealand Sailing Trust, which supports student groups by giving them experience on the water. "Our general trips run a week at a time, and teach teens a little bit about sailing, a little bit about boat mechanics, a little bit about teamwork and a little bit about having fun on the Hauraki Gulf.

"I'm also learning a lot about sailing in the process. Rather than guessing the best angle for the sails and how to fix

Kia has been sailing aboard the Farr 84 'Steinlager II'. Sir Peter Blake skippered this boat to wins in all six legs of the '89-90 Whitbread.

the boat parts that break, I now sail alongside experienced skippers who show me how to do it — and the cost of replacement parts now rests on someone else … a good thing when kit for these big boats costs 10 times as much!

"As the holidays approach I'll be taking Atea out to explore the islands off New Zealand's northeastern coast, this time with a little more training and a little more confidence.

PHOTOS KIA KOROPP

CHANGES

IN LATITUDES barrier coat. They removed everything from the topsides — lines, sails, canvas, all blocks and exposed parts were wrapped and taped with aluminum foil, and "We retreated down to spend the Northern Hemisphere summer months in the cool winter of the Southern Hemisphere in Brazil."

They returned to the boat in October 2024 and immediately jumped into more projects. "The two of us spent a week sanding the hull as smooth as we could make it. The rudder was dropped and the shaft was disconnected and pulled. We found pitting in the shaft, so had a new one made at a machine shop in Mexico. New engine mounts were installed (old

PHOTOS IWA

PHOTOS LOCHINVAR

"With the skills solo-sailed learned through my the rest of the experience with the way. Upon arTrust, let's hope this rival, Severin time the ship doesn't was promptly return home broken and I don't flown home to return beaten. Wish me fair sailAustralia for ing and good luck!" treatment. He ☼ "We've successfully comthen rejoined pleted our journey!" write Aussie Lochinvar in sailors Natassja Shayer and SevFiji, with Naerin Gatzen-O'Keefe. You may retassja having call that their one-year plan was solo-sailed to buy a boat in California, fix it there from up, and sail it home.

Severin and Natassja finally made it Tonga.

"It turns out this seemingly home to Australia aboard 'Lochinvar'.

"Now safely simple plan was far more chalhome, we lenging than we had imagined," notes have the seemingly insurmountable list Severin. of repairs looming over us," says SevThe boat they chose in November erin. "Although the journey is complete, 2024 was a Westsail 32 named Lochin- the struggle is far from over. But with var. Two months after they bought the our friends and family here, a familiar boat, and after a bunch of hard work by culture, and no more rush to beat the friends old and new, they took off. Their cyclone season, we don't have to stress adventures down the coasts of Califor- anymore. Just chip away at the jobs, nia and Mexico, and thence across the one project at a time, in our own time."

Pacific to Hiva Oa, were chronicled in ☼ Readers will remember the Benelast year's July and August issues. teau 47.7 Iwa and her adventurous When we left the couple, they had owners Robert and Heid Rivard from just arrived in Hiva Oa after a 36-day their snowy October Changes about crossing from San Diego. wintering over in Alaska. They departed "When we finally made it, Lochinvar for points south in April, harbor-hoplooked like it had just sailed through a ping down the coast and eventually arwar zone," says Severin. "By this point, riving in mañanaland in October. all the sealant in the hull-deck joint Since December, Iwa has spent her (original from 1976) had gone brittle time visiting the sights and sounds of "a grand desert landscape," as Robert puts it. "Stopping in the primary towns for provisions, we visited La Paz, Santa Rosalia, San Carlos and Loreto. We hid from Norte winds in Puerto Escondido, and had whales circle the boat in Bahia de los Ángeles. We spent three days trapped in the boat after a swarm of bees took a liking to the boat in Refugio, and almost got creamed by a steel and cracked. So whenever it rained or fishing boat under tow by a dinghy the waves picked up, water would run while tied up to the dock in Peñasco."

The season began to slow as the inside. In combination with the tropical climate, our boat turned into the temperature rose. "We got our first taste of summer heat while pulling into world's best mold incubator."

After more work and lots of sealant, Bahia Concepción, where the breeze they took off for Tonga. In the middle of coming off land at night felt like openthe passage, Severin injured his knee, ing the oven," notes Robert. They rewhich got infected and swelled to the treated north, eventually hauling out in size of a melon. Luckily, thanks to Na- Cabrales boatyard in Puerto Peñasco in tassja's research and preparation, they mid-June.

Before leaving the boat for the sumhad the correct antibiotics to handle the infection, although with him par- mer, Robert and Heid had 25 years tially incapacitated, she effectively of antifouling sandblasted down to

After a winter in Alaska, Robert and Heid are liking it hotter down Mexico way.

ones had to be ground down and cut out). We installed a new dripless cutlass bearing, steering lines, six thruhulls, and a line cutter, and inspected the rudder bearings. We've just finished applying the barrier coat on the bottom in sections — roll, sand, roll, sand — then the new CopperCoat. Our arms and heads are sore!

"The rudder is still off the boat, but we've scheduled a splash date. When that happens, Iwa and crew will again spend the winter months shaking down and cruising the Sea of Cortez one more season." ☼ Iwa wasn't the only cruising boat in last year's Changes to emerge from the frozen north to join the migration south. And when it comes to Louis Hoock and Lerina Winter on the Alaska-based Roberts 48 Arcturus, we're talking waay south — with designs on going even farther south than that.…

"From the rugged, glacial coasts of Alaska to the fern-draped hills of Aotearoa, New Zealand, the crew of Arcturus January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 75

have officially made it across the Pacific," writes Louis.

"After more than seven months in the equatorial South Pacific, we're both humbled and heartened to be sailing once again in cooler seas, charting a course into the Southern Hemisphere's higher latitudes.

"Our months in French Polynesia were a vibrant classroom in a very different kind of sailing than what we knew from Alaska's fjords and chilly coasts. Each island offered new lessons and new wonders. Making landfall in the Marquesas back in March was like arriving in a whole new world, with jagged peaks that rose from the sea like emerald fortresses; from the rugged cliffs of Nuku Hiva's north shore to the famously picturesque anchorage at Fatu Hiva. Each stood alone, a volcanic sentinel in the vast blue expanse.

"The wonders kept rising up to meet us — low coral atolls ringing impossibly blue lagoons in the Tuamotus; Makemo,

PHOTOS ARCTURUS

CHANGES

Above: Louis and Lerina at the Cape Reinga Lighthouse at the northernmost tip of North Island, New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific. Above left: The 'Arcturus' boat garden is back. Above right: At anchor.

with its rich coral gardens and lively reef fish; Makatea, an uplifted atoll between Rangiroa and Tahiti, for its stark cliffs and geological story; and on and

on it went, each stop showing us new wonders — and sometimes challenges: the narrow cuts through living reefs reminded us of river bars in the western United States, demanding timing, precision, and nerve.

"Upon leaving French Polynesia, it was finally time to say goodbye to the beloved Arcturus boat garden, at least temporarily. We had maintained herb and tomato plants in our pilothouse.

But bugs had moved in, and we didn't want to be the bearers of invasive species. So as we crossed the International Date Line, we put on our party hats, recited the words from my grandfather's Order of the Golden Dragon Certificate he got back in the military, and said goodbye to our plants.

"By the time we reached Fiji, our focus shifted from exploration to restoration. Arcturus had endured relentless sun and salt since we arrived in Mexico in December 2024, and her

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steel hull bore the scars. The rust that has slowly been spreading in cooler climates quickly accelerated its spread in Mexico's salty Sea of Cortez, and got even worse under the tropical sun.

"We spent six unrelenting weeks at Vuda Marina needle-gunning, grinding to bare metal, sanding, priming, and painting both hull and deck. It was grueling work beneath the Fijian sun, but by the end, Arcturus gleamed once more, ready for the southern seas.

"Arriving in New Zealand was a milestone that carries both gravity and grace. Nearly a year-and-a-half since we set sail, and more than 15,000 miles behind us, Arcturus now rests among the green hills. Ahead lies a season of exploring the misted fjords of this southern frontier, a return to cool winds, deep anchorages, and the untamed beauty that first called us to sea.

"But before all that, our first order of business now that we've made it to New Zealand was replanting the boat garden with some fresh finds at the local

PHOTOS OATMEAL SAVAGE

IN LATITUDES

Home are the sailors — Digory, Matt, Piper and Frances arrived back in Victoria over the summer. Right: 'Oatmeal Savage.'

garden store in Bay of Islands. (See their blog at: www.questscapes.com.) ☼ "If anyone asks us what our favorite part of our yearlong adventure was, we usually say it was French Polynesia," says Frances Van Tol of the Victoria-based Pearson 424 ketch Oatmeal Savage. "After our epic first crossing of the Pacific from Mexico to French Polynesia, we spent three months soaking

up the wonders of the Polynesian islands. The landscapes were breathtaking, the culture was amazing, the food was to die for, and the people were the sweetest we've ever met.

"But soon enough, our home waters of Canada were calling, and it was time to start heading north and east. The trip from Tahiti to Hawaii took three weeks and some wild adventures. After two weeks in Hawaii playing tourists (we even saw Kilauea erupting in its full glory), we took off for home on June 27. That passage featured almost ghostly light winds in the first half, and some of our roughest (and coldest and foggiest) conditions on the entire trip on the second half.

"After riding out a gale with winds over 45 knots, we finally entered the calm waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait.

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January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 77

CHANGES another season, and crossed from Isabel to Frailes Oregon-based Benein early Novemteau 473 he shares ber. Within hours with partner Erika of arriving back in Simeon. After last the Sea, we modiyear's Ha-Ha, "We fied our itinerhad an amazing, and ary to really slow somewhat whirlwind, down, and made tour of the Mexican the decision not Erika and Jordan enjoy a tropical evening. cruising destinato return to the Inset: 'Torridon' at anchor. tions. Our journey mainland, but included Loreto, Zihuatanejo, and spend the entire cruising season here. many anchorages in between. One of "We've really enjoyed the cruising our top highlights was the Zihua Inter- friends we've made through the Ha-Ha, national Guitar Festival. After a month and others we've met along the way in Zihua, we went back to PV, where we (most of whom are also Ha-Ha vets). It's left Torridon and returned home for the fun to pull into an anchorage and recsummer for a bit of respite after a year ognize boat names from the rally and and more than 6,000 miles aboard. know you are amongst friends. We've But not before helping our friends Brett managed to maintain some of these and Kay on Beagle Spirit transit the friendships over the off season and look Panama Canal. What a blast! forward to our paths crossing again."

"We returned to Torridon in late OcCruise Notes will return next month. tober, readied and provisioned her for

all who are sailing the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Page 78 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

PHOTOS TORRIDON

After more than 13,000 miles and 13 months, on July 15, we finally pulled back into our slip.

"It was so amazing to realize how much we've learned and how far we've come in that year away. Our two teens have grown up so much in the past year, especially our son Digory, 14, who has gotten taller and has a deeper voice. And our daughter Piper, 16, has become so mature and responsible, and she's really honed her writing skills. As a couple, Matt and I have grown in our communication skills and our ability to handle tough times together. We've learned to let go of a lot and just trust each other.

"Life returned to 'land normal' pretty quickly, and some days it feels like we never even left. But I feel a deep sense of richness in our family's DNA that will last a lifetime. We'll all look back on this year together as a truly cherished memory." ☼ "Hola from Torridon in the Sea of Cortez," writes Jordan Creighton of the

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12 FT MANTA TWIN LAND SAILER 2000. US291. Hey, Laser sailors: Having fun at 4-5 kts? Try crossing tacks at 30-40, turning the top mark, and accelerating to 50-60!!! Rig and sail good. Needs wheel bearings, and alignment. $500 OBO Marin Co. jamescoggan41@gmail.com (415) 960-4333 txt SELL YOUR BOAT HERE. Latitude 38’S Classy Classifieds is the best place to buy or sell boats, gear, trailers, and more! Your ad goes live online immediately. $40 for 40 words. Add a photo for $30. Scan the QR code or visit www.latitude38.com/adverts to submit your ad today. Questions? class@latitude38.com or (415) 383-8200.

MARINE SAFETY 78-PERSON OPEN LIFEBOAT. Thirty ft. long x 10-ft beam x 4.33 ft deep. Fiberglass construction, Fleming gear.

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23 FT RANGER 23 1976. Refit in 2021.

Awlgrip hull and topside, Trinidad bottom paint. New standing rigging, tinted tempered glass ports, tri-color masthead lights, mainsail and tiller cover, quarter berth cushions. New hull liner. Equipment: 6hp Nissan 4-stroke outboard, spinnaker and whisker poles, 2 anchors, 4 winches. Electronics: knotmeter, depthsounder, compass, VHF radio, stereo. Sails: jibs (100, 125, 150), spinnaker, main. Additional photos and information available upon request. $12,000 Sausalito, CA rwilsonsf@gmail.com

25 – 28 FEET SAILBOATS 20 FT CAL 20 1963. On trailer with 4hp fourstroke Mercury motor. Good sails, new interior, deck painted. Clean boat! Reinforced rigging.

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27 FT BALBOA 1978. Maxi — trailerable. Health forces sale. $7,000 Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond rtrouble@ pacbell.net (775) 677-7503

27 FT CATALINA 27 1977. Roomy down below for a 27-footer, this one has the dinette layout. A sturdy daysailer, she is big enough to handle the Bay’s winds and tides. She was last hauled in 2022 by KKMI. New standing rigging and roller-reefing jib in 2011; new full-batten mainsail in 2017. Harken roller reefing. Atomic 4 gas inboard starts and runs well. Two batteries. More details at URL. $5,700 Pt. Richmond, CA catalina27ladieschoice@gmail.com https://tinyurl.com/3xtbbjvy

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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

26 FT ERICSON 26 2 1988. Classic small yacht in excellent condition.

Stable and fun. Roller furling jib, wheel, dodger. 10 hp Universal condition in excellent shape. New in 2024: standing rigging, wheel pilot, wireless wind instrument, StackPack. cushions. $15,000 OBO Point Richmond brianbouch1@gmail.com (707) 696-7427

28 FT STONE HORSE 23 1978. With road trailer. 1931 Crocker design crafted in Massachusetts by Edey & Duff in modern Airex-cored fiberglass hull, with 2,000 pounds encapsulated lead ballast full keel. Betamarine 14 diesel, 220 hrs. Very good tanbark sails with wishbone staysail, and furler genoa.

New V-berth and cockpit cushions. In the water in San Diego in very good sailaway condition. Strong, beautiful boat that sails like a dream. Please email. $7,500 stonehorse1978@gmail.com

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

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26 FT J/80 1994. Great family daysailer or club racer. Huge cockpit, high boom, asymmetrical spinnaker. A delight to sail. Comfortable and stable yet nimble and fast. Mainsail, jib, and spinnaker. Priced well below market; here is your opportunity to get a modern sportboat for a reasonable price. More pictures at URL. $14,000 OBO Alameda, CA wayne@sailing-jworld.com tinyurl.com/4kv2s4en

30 FT CAL 3-30 1974. Racer/cruiser sloop. I am selling ‘Williwaw’, my boat of 30 years. A great boat for getting into racing, cruising and voyaging. Safe, dependable and fun to sail. even singlehanded. Full sail inventory and twin spinnaker poles. Powered by a Yanmar 16hp 2GM20F diesel in good condition with new fiberglass fuel tank. Many updated amenities: a new dinghy and engine, sail covers, hydraulic backstay, EPIRB, tiller, roller furling jib, halyards, personnel harnesses, anchor and rode, VHF, bottom paint, winch handles, Autohelm and new wireless Garmin electronics. For specs: ww:listingssport. com/sailboats/cal/3-30 $18,500 Santa Cruz South Harbor/Slip O18 vmartin@cruzio.com (831) 818-3108

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= 30 FT WILLARD 8 TON 1979. Full-keel cutter, Crealock design. Refit in 19971999 including new Westerbeke 42 B4 engine. Currently in La Paz, BCS, Mexico, at Marina de La Paz, can assume the much sought-after liveaboard slip there. Tartarooga hard-top dodger with eisenglass windows. Double solar panel tree, with panels, Aries wind vane, feathering Max-Prop, Navico electric self-steering, 12V inverter, Adler Barbour refrigerator. 35 ft w/bowsprit. $4,000 OBO Marina de La Paz, La Paz, BCS, MX willardsale@gmail.com

31 FT SOUTHERN CROSS 1982. ‘Kialoa’ has just been listed and is currently on the hard in Guaymas, Sonora, at Marina Turistica. Small but mighty, she was made even stronger by a previous owner with inside carbon fiber layups.

Priced well and in good condition, she is equipped with good sails, ground tackle, updated electronics and watermaker. Her solar and refrigeration will have you anchored in your favorite bay for weeks without needing refurbishing.

Repowered in 2014 the engine has low hrs. Quality radios and electronics throughout. More pictures coming.

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30 FT FREEDOM 30 1987. A great condition yacht with premium extras!

Set sail with confidence in this nicely maintained Freedom 30. Featuring a gorgeous two-cabin interior, new plumbing, LED lighting throughout, carbon fiber mast, a high-quality RIB dinghy with outboard motor, and a host of valuable extras. Whether you’re planning long-term cruising or weekend sailing, this Freedom 30 delivers safety, comfort, performance, and style. Don’t miss your chance to own a sailboat that stands out — featured in Ferenc Mate’s World’s Best Sailboats. Contact me today and make this amazing boat yours! For more information, photo galleries, details about Califia, and my contact information can all be found online at the website for this yacht at: Freedom30.boats $27,500 Or best offer Richmond, CA Chefbusby@gmail.com https://freedom30.boats

30 FT CATALINA 30 1984. Well maintained Catalina 30 in great condition, located in Alameda, California. A solid, comfortable, and spacious classic — ideal for weekend cruising, liveaboard living, or a three-day commuter residence on the Bay. Highlights: Universal diesel engine, recently refurbished with less than 500 nautical miles since the rebuild; runs strong and reliable.

Relatively new standing rigging, professionally replaced by a certified rigger. Spacious interior: Bright, open layout sleeps 5–6 comfortably, with a full galley and generous storage throughout. Well-equipped; includes numerous extras and upgrades for sailing or comfortable marina life. Excellent layout: roomy cockpit, easy-to-handle sail plan, and Catalina’s legendary balance and seaworthiness. Many more features not listed; must see. $9,500 Alameda septsept15454@yahoo.com (510) 399-3383

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Afterguard Sailing Academy

Set Sail with Us! ASA series+, Custom Packages and IQCs www.afterguard.net (510)535-1954 January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 81

35 FT SCHOCK 1986. Solid boat. Don’t let the price drop scare you! I cant use it anymore. .New main, 3 jibs, 2 spins. Yanmar 2 gm20. Sailed 3 times in 3 years. Call or email for equip list.

Contact Tom. $5,000 obo Vallejo, CA jinkxochs@gmail.com (707) 694-6846

30 FT BABA 1980. Classic Bluewater cruiser, cutter rigged. Hull # 94 is in very good condition. I am the third owner; previous owner invested ~$18K including a new motor (Volvo Penta 30 w/less than 60 hrs on it), new mast, SS tank replacements, and various maintenance and repair efforts for which all receipts and paperwork are on hand. Since I purchased her in 2023, I’ve performed additional maintenance and upgrades such as redoing the teak decking and new interior upholstery.

She is a clean, stout vessel, perfect for the Bay and beyond in just about any condition. Call for more detailed information. She’s currently in a transferable slip in downtown Sausalito. $42,500 Sausalito, CA bryanlee868@gmail.com (415) 535-3324

30 FT ERICSON 30+ 1980. With 16hp diesel. Runs great! Autohelm, good sails, propane stove, attractive interior. Good bottom, new paint 2024. No blisters! Sale due to health. Contact Theo. $10,500 OBO Richmond Yacht Club, Richmond, CA (925) 872-0403

29 FT COLUMBIA 29 1967. New main and new jib. Atomic Four engine.

Origo cook stove, Cole wood stove.

Six-foot headroom. Sleeps 4. Good condition. $5,000 OBO Vallejo, CA bbrccr@sbcglobal.net (805) 704-1946

30 FT OLSON 30 1982. Late model.

Includes custom dual-axle trailer and very recent Ballenger double-spreader mast with corresponding rod rigging.

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 and keel completely stripped to the gelcoat and keel fiberglassed as necessary. D. Keel bolts torqued/ updated. E. New lifting rod threaded end. F. Several coats barrier, two of Pro-Line antifoul (59% Cu). Mucho $$.

Not splashed yet. Two good race mains, spinnakers, older jibs. $12,500 Morgan Hill mtown@att.net

31 FT OCEAN CROSSING CRUISER 1965. Shadowfox. Ready to set sail?

Shadowfox is a well-maintained cold moulded composite sailboat perfect for weekend escapes or longer adventures.

Priced to sell at $31,00. this vessel offers incredible value for its condition and upgrades. Key Features: Engine: Reliable 20hp Universal diesel, serviced 2023 920 hrs. Sails: New mainsail (2022), roller furling jib several headsails, spinnakers Autohelm, Chart plotter, VHF, Ham radio ” Upgrades: recently replaced ROD standing rigging Meticulously maintained with full service records available. Why Shadowfox? Imagine cruising the coast with the wind in your sails and the freedom of the sea ahead. Previous owner Navigator Mark Rutiguer. $31,000 San Pedro, CA kwasiemoto@cox.net (310) 528-8957

Hull Cleaning/Anodes/Props/Inspections FastBottoms Prompt, professional service for Bay Area boaters since 1994

HULL DIVING

(925) 671-2826

matt@fastbottoms.com • www.fastbottoms.com

2,000 GOOD USED SAILS! Listed at minneysyachtsurplus.com More info? email: minneys@aol.com

Page 82 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

30 FT YANKEE ONE CLASSIC WOODEN RACING SLOOP 1949.

Master Mariners award-winning sailboat designed by William Starling Burgess and Stone-built. ‘Flame’ was totally restored in 2015. Varnished wood hull. Roller furling. Stainless outboard bracket. 2 spinakers. All new stainless rigging. More photos available. Complete survey in 2023 available. “A Sailor’s Saiboat.” Recently shown at the Master Mariner’s Wooden Boat Show. $49,900 OBO Richmond stefroche916@gmail.com

32 – 35 FEET SAILBOATS

35 FT J/35 1993. Hull #324 of 330.

Final design iteration: more spacious, modern cockpit, upgraded Yanmar, hydraulics, winches, stainless grab rails, cushions, head, instrument panel. Excellent condition. Super-clean.

Race bottom fall 2024, New spinnaker, carbon jib, and main, B&G H4000 instruments. ProStart. All cordage is Spectra (most new), never-used stove, 2024 carbon spin pole, spare pole, new whisker pole. 6 Harken winches (4 self-tailing), new line clutches, new windward sheeting traveler, new Harken Carbo headfoil. All hardware is top shelf. MOM-8 w/fresh recharge.

Inflatable, keel and rudder templated

by Dencho. 2024 survey. Easy to sail fast. Successful race record. Comfortable to daysail or cruise. Good transferable slip in San Pedro (LA28 sailing venue). Text for more details/ videos/photos. $32,000 San Pedro, CA steve@pactank.com (562) 234-0991

35 FT J/35 1984. Pacific Cup/Hawaii vet, well maintained, newish B&G electronics, batteries, cabin paint, cushions, shaft, motor work, solar charging. Comfortable in light air, breezy S.F. Bay, ocean crossing. Lots of extra gear, sails, anchors, etc. Designed as offshore one-design, great cruiser, listed in Sailboat Hall of Fame.

Quick, stiff and safe. $35,000 Alameda bill.b.parks@gmail.com (510) 507-2107

35 FT FANTASIA 35 MK II 1979. In very good condition and ready to go.

Most all systems upgraded including standing rigging and lifelines. Abovedeck Maxwell windlass, Profurl 4200 genoa furler, ComNav autopilot, Vector AIS, Dometic fridge in updated galley and full stand-up workroom are just some of the features that make so much in a 35-ft boat. Ten-inch pillow top mattress! Runs great! ComNav Commander P2 color autopilot, Octopus hydraulic steering ram, Blue Sky charge controller, new lifelines (2018), new rigging (2018), New Found Metals stainless ports, Garmin chartplotter, Vesper SP160 antenna splitter, Vesper XB-8000 AIS, Standard Horizon AIS/ GPS VHF w/remote handset in cockpit, Iverson freestanding bimini, lazy jacks, transom hoist. $39,000 Isleton CA carey.shine@gmail.com (541) 973-9562 tinyurl.com/ypssa9ue

Sail Training for 30ft - 40ft Sailboat Owners

Do you sail a boat small enough to sail single-handed, yet substantial enough for passage-making and living aboard? Do you seek mastery beyond sailing school? www.moderngeographic.com

LEARN TO SAIL Delivery Captain & Sailing Instructor providing A FULL MENU of SERVICES YOUR BOAT ON YOUR SCHEDULE References & Quotes: 831-212-0330

35 FT SCHOCK SANTANA 35 1979.

Many upgrades throughout the years (18hp Yanmar). See website for more pics and videos. A must-see.Vehicle trade more or less value ok. $10,900 Alameda saylor44@gmail.com (510) 714-9494 www.schocksantana35.com

36 – 39 FEET SAILBOATS

38 FT CABO RICO 1991. Full-keel bluewater cruiser. Cutter rig has a self-tacking staysail, making S.F. Bay sailing easy. Bottom paint August 2025, varnished November 2025. New lithium batteries 2024, Victron invertor/ charger 2024, and many other recent maintenance and upgrade projects.

Custom offshore layout has a V-berth, no quarter berth, three large lazarettes for storage. Perfect for a couple! William Crealock design. Built in Costa Rica. $99,000 Alameda, CA boats.and. otherstuff@gmail.com (831) 345-6930 36 FT CS 36 ‘MERLIN EDITION’ 1988.

Exceptionally well maintained CS 36 “Merlin Edition” (aft cabin). Located at Puerto Escondido Marina, Baja Sur, MX, just south of Loreto. Owners are motivated due to health issues. $29,500 OBO Puerto Escondido Marina, BCS, MX dfaith@telus.net (778) 421-0458

39 FT FREEDOM 1984. Cat ketch.

44hp Yanmar. Fair condition. Sails are in good condition. Fuel lines to engine need replacing. Lines on the boat are in fair condition. Boat has mostly been sitting in the dock for about 3 years. We have owned the boat for more than 25 years and she has been sailing mostly in the Bay and Delta. Yes, she has raced in a few Plastic Classics and Jazz Cups. $29,000 South Beach Harbor, S.F. wincheshandles@gmail.com

38 FT HANS CHRISTIAN MK 2 1982.

Liveaboard, office, or sail the world.

This mostly original “barn find” is on a mooring in San Diego. Boat can be sailed now, but the low-hrs BMW freshwater-cooled diesel engine is currently not running. The engine is not seized and has run in the last few months.

The hull has blistering in many areas and is due for an epoxy bottom job.

The boat has no electronics, except for NOS autopilot. The teak deck is in disrepair, but could be restored. No deck leaks. Murray bronze winches (IYKYK). All original, ready for minor or major resto. Contact Dave. $30,000 San Diego davidhbrotherton@yahoo. com (619) 913-7834

39 FT CAL 40 1964. Legendary Cal 40, built in 1964 and beautifully maintained, groundbreaking performance and timeless lines, is waiting for new adventures.

This particular boat has been cared for by an owner who appreciates her pedigree and has invested in key upgrades like new sails, new electronics, autopilot and more. $68,000 price reduced Richmond Yacht Club odilehines@gmail. com (415) 963-2160

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

40 – 50 FEET SAILBOATS

39 FT FREYA 2003. Proven famous bluewater cruiser/racer. Every amenity for safety and comfort except air con38 FT HUNTER 386LE 2004. Very clean, freshwater boat. Barrier coat with Interlux 2000. Great Bay or coastal cruiser. Roller-furling main and jib.

Cruising spinnaker included. 40 hp Yanmar diesel. $110,000 Rio Vista, Hidden Harbor Marina kmiller@burkettsoffice. com (916) 508-1514

ditioning. 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@

43 FT SAGA 43 2000. Fast, comfortable Bob Perry design in excellent condition, by original owner. Well equipped with comprehensive 6-sail inventory, new standing rigging, Hydrovane, Raymarine suite, continuously upgraded, ready for long-distance cruising.

Email for lotsa info. $185,000 So Cal saga1108066@yahoo.com

yahoo.com (916) 335-6555

36 FT J/36 1982. Great racer/cruiser.

2021 Quantum Fusion M mainsail, #3 jib, and genoa like new. Raced one season. Forespar carbon spinnakar pole. B&G Zeus 3 chartplotter, radio with cordless hand unit. 2015 upgraded Yanmar 30 hp diesel with 400 hrs.

Beam 11.75 ft, draft 6.6 ft. $30,000 Pt. Richmond, CA kmwino@gmail.com (707) 287-6397 38 FT CATALINA 380 2000. Accommodations: full-sized aft centerline berth, convertible double dinette midships, long sailing settee berth midships, large V-berth forward. Hull type: fin keel w/ spade rudder. Rigging type: masthead sloop. Yanmar 2179 hrs. Reply for more details. $69,000 OBO Brisbane whackel@yahoo.com (510) 410-5401

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

40 FT C&C 40 1981. ‘Tusitala’ is an exceptional boat in excellent condition.

Rebuilt from the keel up eight years ago, she is better and stronger than when originally built. Sails are a couple years old, motor has very low hrs, interior is in excellent condition. She has the extra-tall mast and extra-deep fin keel. Also has a Kevlar rudder. So many other extras that cannot begin to list here but has full instruments, chartplotter, windlass, roller furling, two spinnakers and dodger. $56,500 Santa Cruz Harbor pacrimplangrp@gmail.com (831) 818-6669

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 83

42 FT PEARSON 424 1981. Cruiser-ready. Well-equipped Pearson 424 cruiser with major recent upgrades.

Strong, proven bluewater design. Ideal for Caribbean cruising or liveaboard.

Recent upgrades: new bifacial solar panel, new Lithionics lithium batteries, new interior upholstery, new full boat cover. AB 9.5 RIB dinghy, outboard included. Low-hr Beta diesel inboard.

Dive compressor and generator. Large tanks and storage. Comfortable forward cabin, plus salon and aft quarter berth.

Great galley and nav station. Roller furling, strong rig. Tons of spare parts.

Needs a little love to start cruising. $39,500 OBO Bocas del Toro, Panama jkcsail@gmail.com (415) 300-6761

42 FT GULFSTAR 1979. Center cockpit sloop ‘Footloose’ is like new as she has been completely painted with 5 coats of Awlgrip paint (2 primer, 3 coats of paint) $20,000. Completely reupholstered with light gray leather and all-new drapes and dodger canvas ($10,000).

New Force 10 propane stove, new Raritan toilet, and all thru-hulls replaced ($10,000). Complete complement of Raymarine electronics including: autopilot, radar, E7 MFD, depthsounder/ fish finder. AIS send/receive, 3,500 watt inverter/charger. Beta 4 Kubota diesel (55hp) replaced the old Perkins in 2017 for a total cost of $30,000.

In-mast and jib roller furling. Stainless barbecue, swim ladder. Price has been reduced for quick sale. $50,000 OBO Vallejo Yacht Club, Vallejo, CA fcgmc@lmi.net (707) 330-7712 41 FT CATALINA 400 1997. Dual wheels, power winches, dodger, new chartplotter/radar, new main hatches and heads, Genny and new jib. Never raced or abused. Westerbeke 42b diesel. $94,000 Alameda jjbartel@hotmail.com (925) 449-5987 Page 84 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

41 FT ISLANDER FREEPORT 41 1977.

Roomy teak interior. Raymarine electronics (E80 display, radar, GPS, charts, depth, autopilot). Nissan SD22 diesel.

The North Sails jib on Harken furler is in excellent condition, as is the North Sails main. The staysail and mizzen are still original. This boat had gentle use during the 34 years that I have owned her. The plumbing needs work, but the very attractive asking price reflects that. Contact me by email if you want to take a look at her. $19,000 Alameda plhill1991@gmail.com

49 FT SAMSON C-DEUCE KETCH 2012. ‘Dancing Dolphin’ was built

by Howard White and many expert craftsmen over a span of 40 years.

Equipped with a 371 GMC diesel with a new transmission. She was built for cruising. Regular haulouts have been in Santa Cruz. Handling is easy with bow thrusters and new cutlass bearing. Rigging done by John Hansen, Pacific Rigging and Electronics by Beckman Marine. Spacious interior, beautiful finishes, large work space and storage. Looking for a buyer to live out our dreams. $100,000 Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay (650) 728-3149 howardandkathywhite@gmail.com 40 FT JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 40 2003. ‘Stardust’ is now on the market due to the health of the owner. The first owner had her for 20 years and outfitted her for bluewater adventures: Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. His preparation and modifications were thoughtful and professionally executed. I have owned her since March 2023 and sailed her around the Salish Sea and in club racing on Wednesdays. She is in excellent condition, has superior handling characteristics, is both weatherly and relatively fast, easily singlehanded, can sleep 7, and is warm and comfortable below — the best all-around boat one can imagine. $135,000 Tacoma, WA dstromquist@comcast.net (360) 606-9043

40 FT ENDEAVOUR 40 1983. In excellent condition. The boat is in a slip at Marina Real in San Carlos, Sonora, MX. My wife and I have owned the boat for 10 years.

The engine is a 2005 Yanmar 4JH4E 54hp with 1649 hrs. The included inflatable is a 2011 hard-bottom 10.4-ft Achilles with a 15hp Yamaha 2 cycle outboard.

The Doyle mainsail was purchased new about 6 years ago. See URL for 200 pics I dumped into my AMZ photos.

Equipment: See listing url pictures with previous pictures of Yacht world listing from 10 years ago. Most of the listed equipment is still with the boat. Payment

by US bank to bank transfer only. No cash or check. $48,000 San Carlos, MX rode7 runner@yahoo.com (520) 401-2352 tinyurl.com/32twna5z

47 FT WYLIECAT 48 2000. If you like to sail fast without working hard; if you like to sail without waiting for a crew to show up; if you prefer to avoid “white-knuckle” stressful sailing; if you don’t want to worry about shrouds, stays, rigging; if you think simple is safe; if you don’t want to duck the boom; if you don’t want to spend $400K+ on a new one, then this is the boat for you!!! Well maintained and caredfor, ‘Ahava’ is for sale, or is it sail? $115,000 OBO San Francisco Marina mksabra@aol.com (415) 320-2233 https://tinyurl.com/bdhxxk5p

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

42 FT VAN DE STADT REBEL 42 1977. English-built boat, sailed across the Atlantic shorthanded with no problems. Great sea boat. New standing rigging and lifelines 2024, Perkins 4.108 diesel with BorgWarner V-drive, regularly maintained, works great. New slab-reefing mainsail 2022 and six foresails. In great sailing condition, needs modern electronics. Electric Lofrans windlass and self-tailing 44 Lewmar cockpit winches. Hydraulic steering with wheel. Recent lead acid batteries.

Gimbaled gas cooker with oven. Manual and electric bilge pumps. $25,000 Channel Islands Harbor, CA philip. vaughan@gmail.com (626) 475-8522

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 original 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 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 http://guapasailboat.com

42 FT TAYANA VANCOUVER 1979.

Cruise-ready and beautifully maintained, ‘Sonho’ is a USCG-documented vessel with a Beta 43 diesel with low hrs, watermaker, solar panels, new electronics, complete sail inventory (roller-furling jib, spinnaker, and mainsail with StackPack), fully enclosed cockpit (with interchangeable mesh and “glass” panels), stainless safety rails and recent bottom job. Her current owners lived aboard for 13 years in Alameda before heading south to cruise the Sea of Cortez in 2022. She is berthed in a transferable slip in Marina de La Paz, BCS, MX. This is a rare opportunity to own a thoughtfully refitted bluewater vessel. Her owners have gone to the Dark Side and are ready to pass her on to someone who will love her as deeply as they have. $70,000 La Paz, BCS, MX lapazyachtsinfo@gmail.com +52 (612) 123-1948 https://tinyurl.com/y5r9spdn

MULTIHULLS

38 FT HENRY J. Gielow Cutter 1935.

31 FT CORSAIR F31 1996. The F-31 remains one of the most influential production folding trimarans ever created, beloved for its fast yet accessible sailing experience. $72,955 San Francisco/ Brisbane mevered@gmail.com (415) 745-0384 http://www.corsairf31.com

Rebuilt over 14 years, ready to sail, member of the Master Mariners. Email for photo spread and comprehensive narrative. $49,500 Sierra Point Marina, Brisbane, CA richardsalvini@yahoo.com (650) 996-4215

CLASSIC BOATS 34 FT LABRUZZI 1917. Built in San

26 FT CUSTOM CATAMARAN 2000.

‘PAJA’, a custom-designed catamaran, fun to sail and kept in fresh Delta waters for 25 years. Corecell construction, aluminum crossbeams. 2023: new bottom/ barrier paint; running rigging. $20,000 Rio Vista, CA Peter@Theallensite.com (916) 538-1530

Francisco in 1917 by Alphonz LaBruzzi, this classic Bay cruiser has been award-winning 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 46 FT FELLOWS & STEWART YAWL 1931. ‘Cheerio II’, 1931 46-ft yawl, formerly owned by actor Errol Flynn.

Three-time winner of her class in the Newport to Ensenada Race; first to finish in the 2024 McNish Classic Yacht Race; winner of “Best Represented Theme” in the 2025 Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. Google “Cheerio II” for photos, videos, and articles about the boat, a SoCal classic! Recent survey available. $100,000 OBO Channel Islands Harbor jmcnish@earthlink. net (510) 846-4178 https://tinyurl. com/2bsw8djr

excellent condition. Current survey is available. Powered by Isuzu diesel with low hrs. Illness forces sale. $20,000 OBO San Rafael Yacht Harbor stickypatoo@gmail.com (707) 882-1726

31 FT CORSAIR 31 2003. Folding trimaran on its trailer, recently surveyed at $112,000; priced to sell. 15hp electric-start Honda, recently serviced. Fairly new North main and jib 2018 lightly used. Screacher in good condition, and practically new asymmetric spinnaker.

Carbon graphite mast. Trailer in decent shape. Located in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. $79,000 Kona, Hawai’i strsng@yahoo.com (808) 989-0993

27 FT SCOUT 275 DORADO 2017.

Ready for cruising, fishing, and all watersport activities. Numerous lounging options, telescopic swim ladder, custom fiberglass hardtop, and outstanding fishing features make this a versatile, family-friendly vessel. Multiple aftermarket upgrades include Garmin radar, fishing rod rocket launcher, and custom removable center bow cushion for maximum lounging. Other features: Bluetooth stereo with JL Audio upgrade, electric head upgrade, 152-quart cooler, cockpit sink, LED underwater and cockpit lighting, fold-away stern seat, in-floor fish boxes with pump, rod holders, outriggers, tackle drawers, nine-gallon waste tank, 14-gallon freshwater tank, and 25-gallon bait well.

Boat has been drydocked and shrinkwrapped annually, and all required and recommended service/maintenance completed (all records available). Bow and cockpit cover, lines, fenders, life preservers included. $148,500 Half Moon Bay, CA leslienordin@gmail.com (781) 385-9352

PARTNERSHIPS

POWER & HOUSEBOATS 27 FT NOR’SEA 27 2002. Plume is among the final hulls built to Lyle Hess’s legendary pocket-cruiser design. Meticulously crafted and maintained in Bristol condition, with low engine hours and outfitted for offshore sailing, she is offered by her original owners with a 2009 Tri-Axle Special Pacific trailer. Full

32 FT FRIENDSHIP SLOOP 1947.

Built by Paul Luke in Boothbay, ME. Well found, excellent shape; longleaf yellow pine on oak. Teak decks.

Sails: main, staysail, jib and drifter.

All gear and 11-ft Achilles incl. Sails like a dream. $19,000 Ventura, CA peterwoodboats@gmail.com

for self-contained studio/Airbnb at a private dock. Must be moved. Cash only! More info at URL. $40,000 No trades Richmond, CA loveboatsmc@ gmail.com (510) 631-7289 http://loveboatforsale.com

listing, inventory, and photos can be found at the included link (plume.flupes. org/listing). Please contact us at plume@ flupes.org and tell us a little about why you’d like to be her next skipper. $64,000 Brisbane Marina, CA plume@flupes.org plume.flupes.org/listing

55 FT Smith 1957. Cedar/epoxy leakproof hull/oak frames, no engine, has outboard-ready transom, with 675 sq. ft. redwood home, 9-ft 5-in ceilings, 48in porthole windows and 19 mahogany windows, Jacuzzi/shower, pellet stove, copper counters and tub surround, all plumbing/electrical, Victorian doors, propane stove/hot water, new exterior paint, refinished redwood interior and fir floors — a work of love and art perfect

CATALINA 30 – 1/4 PARTNERSHIP S.F. Looking to join a sailboat partnership in San Francisco Bay? We are offering a 1/4 share in our Catalina 30, berthed at South Beach Harbor. Vessel: Catalina 30 (1975) – a classic, spacious design, ideal for Bay sailing. Slip in South Beach Harbor, San Francisco.

Partnership: Four equity partners. One of our partners is leaving and offering his share. Costs: Typically $175 – $200 per month and partner (covers slip, insurance, taxes, excludes exceptional repairs). Buy-in: $3,500 for the share.

Please contact me for details and to arrange a time to see the boat. $3,500 South Beach Harbor, San Francisco jrathenberg@yahoo.com

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 85

34 FT CATALINA 2007. Selling my 1/5 share in this partnership boat. The boat is in good condition. It is sailed frequently and well maintained. Expenses are divided equally five ways. This is an equity share. $15,000 Emery Cove D Dock mattseely63@gmail.com (916) 214-6288

BENETEAU 473 PARTNERSHIP IN PACIFIC MEXICO/BAJA. Great opportunity to cruise Mexico. Third partner wanted, 2004 Beneteau 473.

Cruise-ready. This season San Blas to Manzanillo. Davits, dinghy, outboard, solar, Starlink, dive gear, well outfitted and maintained. 1/3 ownership $50,000. New bottom paint. Documented, surveyed, insured. Contact Greg, (415) 407-0491, grw@gwilson. com. $50,000 La Cruz, Puerto Vallarta grw@gwilson.com (415) 407-0491 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

50 FT SLIP ON THE SEA WALL WITH ALCATRAZ AND GG BRIDGE VIEWS! 50-ft x 18-ft slip on the coveted Pier39 G Dock. Move in immediately. Don’t miss this opportunity for some of the best views and most convenient slip on the San Francisco Bay! The slip is protected by the sea wall and offers easy access in/out launching across from Alcatraz. $15,000 Pier 39, San Francisco bserling@yahoo.com AWESOME 50 FT SLIP PIER 39 SAN FRANCISCO. 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) 740-0263 EMERY COVE BOAT SLIP FOR RENT. Berths for rent. Emery Cove Yacht Harbor 35-ft = $472.50/month C dock and 40-ft = $540/month E dock.

Dockominium-run marina in Emeryville. emerycove.com. Brand-new docks, aluminum with Ipe wood deck, brandnew restrooms, beautiful grounds and just dredged. Great location center of S.F. Bay. Emeryville, CA studio6161@ icloud.com http://www.emerycove.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT

Page 86 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

GEAR

AMPLE POWER 4159S LARGE FRAME ALTERNATOR. Brand-new Ample Power alternator that was stored on board as a backup alternator while cruising Mexico. The model is 4159S large frame and never used. It was stored in a dry pack for years. $300 Grants Pass, OR john@warren-peace. us (510) 418-3006

TRYING TO LOCATE BERKELEY MARINA OFFICES FOR RENT. Seeking water-related tenants for three office suites at 125–127 University Ave., Berkeley Marina. Suite sizes: 1,706-1,946 sq ft. Rent: $2.50/ sq ft/month. Email or call for more information. $4,265 125-127 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710 jabedon@ berkeleyca.gov (510) 981-6706 https:// tinyurl.com/BerkeleyMarinaOffice

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BERTHS & SLIPS REDWOOD CITY MARINA SLIPS AVAILABLE. Slips 30’-75’ at great rates! Amenities: parking, bathrooms, laundry, pump-out, free wi-fi, keyless entry. Guest berths also available. Call for availability. 451 Seaport Court, Redwood City, CA 94063 crevay@redwoodcityport.com (650) 306-4150 www.redwoodcityport.com/ marina

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 https://tinyurl.com/3wdmepyu

FIJI: WATERFRONT FREEHOLD PROPERTY. The perfect Fiji resort-hotel investment or a place to build your dream escape. This 19-acre freehold property near Labasa on Vanua Levu offers unbeatable value, natural beauty, and development potential. Adjacent to existing eco-resort! $220,000 Labasa, Fiji framegreg@gmail.com (415) 4056384 https://tinyurl.com/49mket4d

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 4080. This successful Puerto Vallarta business is now on the market and ready for a new chapter. Explore detailed information on website and FB: https://tinyurl.com/mjb9v9je. La Cruz , Nayarit, MX yummiesbydonyteri@gmail.com 52 (322) 275-3322 www.Yummies-Mexico.com.mx

SPINNAKER SAILING SCHOOL FOR SALE — SF BAY. After 45 years, Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco is ready for new ownership. This is a turnkey, profitable operation at South Beach Harbor location—immediate dockside access near Oracle Park—with 12 coveted super-prime berths. Sale includes a 1,350 sq. ft. waterfront building (structure owned; land leased from the Port of SF), a fleet of 11 boats from 21’–35′ plus two 35’–37′ yachts on lease-back, 30 sails for the boats, four trailers, classroom, workshop, galley, tools, and a highly qualified, dedicated staff. Established systems, permits, and procedures enable seamless continuity and growth. Founder will assist with transition and remain available for consulting.

Optional add-on: the long-standing Rendezvous Charters corporate charter company. $395,000 San Francisco Bay rendezvous@earthlink.net (415) 8678056 https://tinyurl.com/2cva5fyn

JOB OPPORTUNITIES EXPERIENCED SAILBOAT RIGGER WANTED. Rig shop in business for over 30 years is looking for an experienced rigger to add to our team. Excellent pay is available depending on rigging knowledge. Send a description of your rigging/boat work experience Sausalito southbeachriggers@gmail.com (415) 331-3400 MARINE SPORTS PROGRAM COORDINATOR OPPORTUNITY. The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill a Marine Sports Program Coordinator vacancy within OPRYD. Salary: $83,205.72–$102,156.00 annually.

Opening date: 12/18/25; Closing date: 1/25/26, 11:59 PM PST. Minimum requirements — Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in recreation, leisure studies, physical education, sports science, or a related field. Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience providing direct service in marine-related activities and program administration including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity of marine sports activities. This position will be responsible for the development, promotion, and implementation of all sailing and boating sports programs.

Oakland, CA cvargas@oaklandca.gov https://tinyurl.com/5evr2mfj

RENDEZVOUS CHARTERS — SF BAY SAILING CHARTER BUSINESS FOR SALE. Own a storied charter company on San Francisco Bay! Rendezvous Charters, founded 40 years ago, features a 1985 Santa Cruz 50 “Yukon Jack”, USCG-certified for 25 passengers, fully restored in 2023 with new engine, rigging, electronics, bottom work, and paint. The sale includes three super-prime berths (46′ A1, A3, plus guest dock space to 100′), and a 45 sq ft storage unit. Benefit from an established database of 25,000 past clients, existing social media presence, and the option to purchase alongside Spinnaker Sailing School.

Serious inquiries only. $295,000 SF Bay rendezvous@earthlink.net (415) 8678056 https://tinyurl.com/2pjtx3h7

NOW HIRING: ASA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR. SailTime San Francisco seeking certified ASA instructor with current OUPV license. Must be reliable, organized, and excellent communicator. Pay: $30–$40/hr based on certification and experience. Contact us to see our fleet and chat! $40 San Francisco, CA Mollie@sailtime.com (415) 8692861 https://tinyurl.com/yc8537t5

MARINE CANVAS INSTALLER POSITION. Part or full time. Compass Canvas is hiring a marine canvas installer to join our team in Richmond, CA. This role offers competitive pay and the opportunity to work on quality marine projects. Requirements: 2+ years experience in the marine industry; detail-oriented and reliable a must; experience with canvas installation is a plus. If you’re experienced, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now by sending your résumé to David. Point Richmond david@compass-canvas.com (415) 299-3415 http://compass-canvas.com

WOODEN CLASSICS PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation (PYSF), Redwood City, CA. Full-time. PYSF seeks a hands-on Wooden Classics Program Coordinator to lead maintenance and operations for ‘Ocean Queen V’, a 55-ft Philip Rhodes yawl, and support a fleet of racing dinghies and skiffs. This role blends classic-vessel preservation, youth sailing, and marine trades education.

Responsibilities include routine and long-term maintenance, systems troubleshooting, workshop and inventory management, event support, and coordinating student projects in restoration and boat care. Candidates should have 5+ years in marine maintenance, strong seamanship, and experience mentoring youth. Mechanical, electrical, and wooden-boat skills required; classic rigging or restoration experience preferred. Pay: $25–60/hr DOE. Liveaboard option possible. office@pysf.us

TWO HARBORS HARBOR PATROL POSITIONS AVAILABLE. 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

SAILING SCIENCE CENTER – CONTRACT 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/

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. Meet and greet the great people who help us distribute the magazine. Read about a few of them here: www.latitude38. com/lectronic/meet-great-people.

Email Penny with AMBASSADOR in the subject line. This is a volunteer position.

SF Bay Area Penny@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) 363-1390 https://tinyurl.com/y7b2587wChandlery Front Desk Position.

Berkeley Marine Center is looking for a new member of the team! We are currently looking for someone to work in our chandlery and boatyard office. Experience in retail or customer service is key, as the position involves communication with boatyard clients and chandlery customers. We are looking for a friendly and detail-oriented person who has knowledge of boats and is ready for the fast-paced boatyard bustle. Work schedule is Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, start date ASAP. Contact us for details and to apply. office@berkeleymarine.com (510) 8438195 http://www.berkeleymarine.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

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

PLAN YOUR MEXICAN GETAWAY 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 five-minute 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

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) 532-9831

January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 87

RY OF

aser

69 R 19, 2023

Eight Bells David Forbes OBITUARY

The Murad Bay Naser Areawassailing community known for his ability to has lost one ofcreate its brightest and most influential voices moments of intense excitement, bitter defeat, and hilarious inside jokes.

He was a was imwith the passing of David Forbes.

He at causing bothwhether smiles and groans possiblemaster to overlook, by his jaunty, simultaneously, which endeared him to all long-legged stride or the thoughtful precision who had the pleasure of playing with him. behind every word. David was truly larger than life. HeIn lieu brought energy, of flowers, please joindedication, us for a final and his signature to every gamedry, nightBritish in Murad humor Naser's honor.

We will endeavor, his life withmark laughter, leavingcelebrate an indelible oncamaraderie, all who had the maybe a few royal privilege to and learn from himflushes. or work alongside him.

Rest in peace, dear Murad Naser. Your A lifelong boater, David devoted himself memory will live on in the hearts of those to elevating the standards offunsailing who shared countless rounds of with you.and powerboating education. Over more than 25 years while in roles at OCSC, Alameda Community Sailing Center, Club Nautique and West Marine, he played a foundational role in shaping the US Sailing Keelboat Program, helping establish the national standards still used by sailing schools across the country. As a US Sailing instructor trainer for sail and power, he mentored and certified countless instructors, influencing generations of students through those he trained. Ever forward-thinking, he championed improvements to curricula at every level, from beginner instruction to offshore passage mak-

Born: January 1, 1959 Departed: November 21, 2025 ing, including Cruising Powerboat Standards.

He was instrumental in guiding the transition from paper charts to modern electronic navigation. Recently, he saw the need for a structured program for people to learn electronic navigation. David brought together a core team of US Sailing volunteers who worked on the development and delivery of the NAV1:

Essential Marine Navigation course, bringing insightful leadership and passion to the educational electronic navigation initiative that is quickly becoming the foundation for a new navigation track.

Although he was unwavering in his commitment to rigorous training and high standards, David never lost sight of the heart of boating. He reminded us often that, above all, being on the water was meant to be fun.

David’s dedication to boating extended far beyond the classroom or training program. He was active on the water as an experienced racer, sailing with various crews over the years and contributing his skill, calm judgment, and deep knowledge to every team he joined. Whether shaping national education standards or trimming sails in the heat of competition, David embraced every facet of boating with the same passion and meticulous care.

David was also a generous mentor. He shared his deep well of knowledge freely, guiding students, colleagues, and peers with humility, patience, and clarity. His absence leaves a profound void that cannot be filled, but it will be honored in the work and passion of those he influenced.

To say that David’s passing leaves a gaping hole in the Bay Area sailing world, and in the broader US sailing community, cannot begin to capture the depth of this loss. His legacy endures in every sailor he taught, every program he helped shape, and every life he touched.

ADVERTISERS' INDEX Antioch Marina............................... 68 www.antiochca.gov/antioch-marina

DeWitt Studio.................................. 89 www.jimdewitt.com

List Marine Enterprises..................... 25 www.listmarine.com

ATN................................................ 27 www.atninc.com

Emery Cove Yacht Harbor................ 53 www.emerycove.com

Marchal Sailmakers......................... 21 www.marchalsailmakers.com

Baja Ha-Ha Rally............................. 77 www.baja-haha.com

Fisheries Supply Co.......................... 57 www.fisheriessupply.com

Marina de La Paz............................ 22 www.marinadelapaz.com

Berkeley Marine Center................... 20 www.berkeleymarine.com

Gianola Canvas Products................. 20 www.gianolacanvas.com

Marina El Cid.................................. 28 www.elcid.com

Berkeley Marina.............................. 10 www.berkeley-marina.com

Grand Marina................................... 2 www.grandmarina.com

Marina Riviera Nayarit.................... 78 www.marinarivieranayarit.com

Boat Yard at Grand Marina, The........17 www.boatyardgm.com

Helmut's Marine Service................... 27 www.helmutsmarine.com

Modern Sailing School & Club.......... 19 www.modernsailing.com

Brisbane Marina.............................. 57 www.brisbaneca.org/marina

Hood Sails....................................... 13 www.hoodsails-sf.com

Monterey Boat Haven...................... 12 www.montereyboathaven.com

Canvas Works................................. 23 www.thecanvasworks.com

Hydrovane...................................... 22 www.hydrovane.com

Moorings........................................ 15 www.lindmarine.com

Cruising Yachts................................ 90 www.cruisingyachts.net

KKMI - Full Service Boatyard............ 92 www.kkmi.com

Moorings.......................................... 3 www.moorings.com

Page 88 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

May the season’s change bring warmth and joy.

Think of giving the gift of art.

Visit www.jimdewitt.com

DeWitt Art Gallery & Framing (510) 236-1401 pam@jimdewitt.com Online Stores: www.jimdewitt.com www.DeWittAmericasCupArt.com

ADVERTISERS' INDEX – cont'd NAOS Yachts.................................. 79 www.naosyachts.com

Richardson Bay Marina.................... 26 www.richardsonbaymarina.com

Napa Valley Marina.......................... 4 www.napavalleymarina.com

Rubicon Yachts ����������������������� 5,6,7,8,9 Svendsen's Bay Maritime...................11 www.sbm.baymaritime.com www.rubiconyachts.com

Outboard Motor Shop..................... 23 www.outboardmotorshop.com

San Francisco Boat Works................ 69 www.sfboatworks.com

Oyster Point Marina......................... 29 www.smharbor.com

San Francisco Marina...................... 19 www.sfrecpark.org/ 1228/Marina-Yacht-Harbor

Port of Redwood City....................... 25 www.redwoodcityport.com Punta Mita Beachfront Condos.............. www.latitude38.com Quantum Pacific............................... 64 www.quantum.com

San Francisco on the Bay................. 87 www.sfonthebay.com/list-38 San Juan Sailing.............................. 21 www.sanjuansailing.com

Raiatea Carenage Services...............76 www.raiateacarenage.com

Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors/SAMS....................................... 26 www.marinesurvey.org

Richard Boland Yacht Sales.............. 91 www.richardbolandyachts.com

South Beach Harbor........................ 18 www.sfport.com/southbeachharbor

Page 89 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

Spaulding Marine Center................. 56 www.spauldingcenter.org

Swiftsure Yachts............................... 49 www.swiftsureyachts.com Ullman Sails San Francisco & Monterey Bay.............................. 14 www.ullmansails.com Ventura Harbor Boatyard................. 28 www.vhby.com Westwind Precision Details............... 29 www.boatdetailing.com Whale Point Marine Supply...............16 www.aceretailer.com/whalepoint Whiting and Associates.................... 28 www.norcalmarinesurveyors.com Yachtfinders/Windseakers................ 90 www.yachtfinderswindseakers.com January, 2026 • Latitude 38 • Page 89

Alameda: (510) 521-1327 San Diego: (619) 681-0633 Marina del Rey: (310) 821-8300

www.CruisingYachts.net

LIFE IS JUST BETTER WITH A BOAT. HAPPY NEW YEAR! $749K New Year Special

$499K New Year Special

$502K New Year Special

$588K New Year Special

2024 BAVARIA C50

2024 BAVARIA C45

2024 BAVARIA C42

2024 BAVARIA SR38

2019 BENETEAU 51.1 - $539,000

2002 CATALINA 470 - $229,500

1980 N. SWAN 47 - $98,000

1989 NONSUCH 33 - $84,900

1995 CATALINA 270 - $39,500

LLC OWNED

2000 CATALINA 470 - $236,000

SOLD!

2008 CATALINA 42 - $179,000

LLC OWNED

LLC Owned

2019 CATALINA 425 - $383,500

SOLD!

1997 CATALINA 400 - $94,000

1991 CATALINA 34 - $25,000

1993 CATALINA 34 - $45,000

2330 Shelter Island Dr. # 207, San Diego, CA 92106 yachtfinderswindseakers.com info@yachtfinders.biz A LEADER IN

BROKERAGE SALES ON THE WEST COAST!

(619) 224-2349

66’ GORBON 66 ’97 $425,000

Bajavento. A luxurious performance vessel that can easily be shorthanded. sailed Professionally maintained. Cruise in style 54’ ROBERTS 54 ’79 $225,000 and comfort.

Spirit. Rugged bluewater vessel designed with comfort and safety in mind. Nicely upgraded.

Coast Guard Certified for up to 42 passengers.

ISTING

NEW L

58’ TAYANA 58 DECK SALON ’06 $467,900

Majestic. With electric winches in the cockpit, a Leisure Furl boom and bow thruster, she is easily handled by a couple.

LLC-owned.

ISTING

NEW L

46’ TAYANA 460 PILOTHOUSE ’02 $269,000

Sun Bird. One-owner, well-maintained yacht.

Large enclosed pilothouse with inside helm and large windows.

Ideal for all-weather sailing.

Page 90 • Latitude 38 • January, 2026

46’ HUNTER 460 ’00 $99,500 Ale Er Ron. An extremely versatile yacht for liveaboard, easy daysails or serious ocean passages. All reasonable offers considered.

ISTING

NEW L

46’ TAYANA 460 PILOTHOUSE ’02 $295,000 Peregrine. Masterfully engineered and custom built. Definitely priced to sell. All offers seriously considered by motivated seller.

45’ ISLAND PACKET ’99 $169,000 Wild Blue. Shows real pride of ownership and continuous care. Recent upgrades include new standing rigging and all new electronics in 2020.

THINKING OF SELLING YOUR BOAT?

LET US HELP! 40’ CATALINA 400 MK II ’08 $184,500 Right Action. Very lightly used and well maintained. Great deck design with twin steering stations. Spacious owner’s cabin with double berth.

Power or Sail, we have buyers waiting. Call us at 619.224.2349 or email: info@yachtfinders.biz

Richard Boland Yacht Sales

OPEN BOAT WEEKEND 2ND WEEKEND Marina Village, Alameda Office 510-521-6213 Direct 510-610-6213 OF THE MONTH Svendsen’s, Richmond/Alameda Rob • rbys@aol.com • www.richardbolandyachts.com Richard: 510-610-6213 Mik: 510-552-7272 Rob: 619-552-6943 R AT OU

S DOCK

RADES T UPG N E C E R 51’ JEANNEAU 1994 $80,00 —David

R AT OU

Barney: 510-541-1963 David: 781-526-8469

S DOCK

51’ BAVARIA, 2016 $299,600 —David

R AT OU

S DOCK

50’ CATAMARAN 1998 $295,000 —Richard

42’ LAGOON, 2017 $550, 000 —Richard

420 HUNTER CC, 2001 $124,500 —David

KS R DOC AT OU

38’ DOWN EAST 1976 $39,000 —David

38 S & S CATALINA 1982 $29,900 —Mik

36’ CATALINA, 1993 $54,900 —GEORGE KS R DOC AT OU

33’ HUNTER, 2005 $49,900 —Mik

48’ CHEOY LEE SLOOP $85,000 —Mik

37’ ISLAND PACKET 370, 2008 —David P

34’ CATALINA MKII, 2005 $79,000 —GEORGE

JEANNEAU 349 2021, $219,000 —Mik

KS R DOC AT OU

SOLD

32’ HUNTER VISION, 1990 $34,950 —Mik

30’ HUNTER,1996 $12,000 —Mik

NOV. 1

40’ TASHING ESTATE BOAT HAS SURVEY —David R AT OU

SHAR

SOLD

SOLD

IDS FOR B OPEN

SOLD

45’ CC HUNTER, 2005 $145,000 —David

Michael: 831-236-5905 George 415-793-9376 Stephenie 415-299-9780

S DOCK

OM! BOTT NEW BENETEAU 36.7, 2003 $55,500/OFFERS! —Mik !

TIFUL BEAU

38.1 BENETEAU 2018 $219,000 —Barney

36’ FREEDOM, 1988 $39,900 —David SOLD

HUNTER 340, 1999 $49,500 —Mik

TAL E-REN OFFIC E M HO

47 CATALINA 470, 2005 $264,950 —Michael

X-YACHTS 332 SPORT $69,000 —ROB

MARINA BAY YACHTS CALL RICHARD 510-610-6213