Latitude 38 May 2023

Master Mariners Racing

BVI Spring Regatta

America’s Schooner Cup

Pitfalls Haul in Tahiti

Cabin Tables for Two

AT GRAND MARINA

YOU WILL FIND WIDE FAIRWAYS, WIDE CONCRETE DOCKS AND STUNNING ESTUARY VIEWS

that create an open feel and a relaxing serenity that makes time on your boat just how it should be.

Call or come in to fnd out about our extraordinary deals! Our ofce is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you’re unable to stop by, visit our website www.grandmarina.com

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 Prime deep water double-fingered concrete slips from 30’ to 100’.

F G uest berthing available for a weekend or any day getaway.

F Complete bathroom and shower facility, heated and tiled.

F Free pump-out station open 24/7.

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

Alameda Canvas and Coverings

Alameda Marine Metal Fabrication

Atomic Tuna Yachts

BAE Boats

Boat Yard at Grand Marina, The Blue Pelican Marine MarineLube

Mike Elias Boatworks

Mosely’s Café

New Era Yachts

Pacifi c Crest Canvas

UK Sailmakers

2013

Beneteau 41

2013 Beneteau 41

This 41 has been very lightly used an regularly maintained. Recent bottom painting and engine service. Good bones and ready for you to customize.

This 41 has been very lightly used an regularly maintained. Recent bottom painting and engine service. Good bones and ready for you to customize.

$235,000

$235,000

2019

2019

BENETEAU

BENETEAU 46.1

If you're serious about performance cruising, this well maintained and equipped 46' cruising yacht. Includes A/C, generator, inverter, full electronics, Code 0 and much more

$495,000

$495,000

WHY PAY MORE THAN YOU NEED TO

WHY

PAY MORE THAN

Reduced Cost Listing Program For Savvy Sellers Dedicated & Defined Services That Educate, Support and Saves You Money

Reduced Cost Listing Program For Savvy Sellers Dedicated & Defined Services That Educate, Support and Saves You Money

If you are considering selling and value high-touch service, cost savings and want to reduce sales issues, our RCL Program is for you. It’s designed to provide you with all the services you need, from preparing your boat, full market analysis, sales strategy adapted for your boat, and pre-survey inspections CHECK IT OUT

If you are considering selling and value high-touch service, cost savings and want to reduce sales issues, our RCL Program is for you. It’s designed to provide you with all the services you need, from preparing your boat, full market analysis, sales strategy adapted for your boat, and pre-survey inspections CHECK IT OUT

RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR THESE POPULAR FREE WEBINARS

CRUISING SAN FRANCISCO BAY

CRUISING SAN FRANCISCO BAY

May 24 7:00-8:00 pm

Explore the world right outside your door. Get tips and ideas for overnight and day anchors, best marinas and restaurants.

HOW TO BUY A USED BOAT

HOW TO BUY A USED BOAT

May 17 7:00-8:00 pm

May 17 7:00-8:00 pm

What you don't know when it comes time to buy a boat can cost you, but what you don't know you don't know can cost you even more.

What you don't know when it comes time to buy a boat can cost you, but what you don't know you don't know can cost you even more.

FEATURED CRUISING

YACHTS

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

55’ WATERLINE PILOTHOUSE CUTTER, 2000

$590,000

TRUE LOVE offers a tasteful blend of function, luxury and cruising performance. She is a well-designed steel pilothouse sailboat that offers the ultimate margin of safety for offshore world cruising. Please contact Listing Agent Mark Miner at 415-290-1347 or mark@rubiconyachts.com

40’ CALIBER LONG RANGE CRUISING CUTTER, 1997

NORSEMAN 400, 1997

$159,000

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.

$159,000

VISION is a Caliber 40 LRC (Longe Range Cruiser). The 40 LRC is one of the smartest offshore capable boats you will find in this size range. Her construction is as solid as it comes. Tankage is incorporated in the modified fin keel and with 212 gallons of fuel and 179 gallons of freshwater, the capacity is impressive for a boat this size. Please contact Listing Agent Mark Miner at 415290-1347 or mark@rubiconyachts.com

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

The Norseman 400 is highly regarded for its sailing performance in both light air as well as heavy weather. Wither her modified fin keel and skeg hung rudder, few vessels of this size combine such excellent sailing performance and safety along with two comfortable staterooms, a spacious galley and salon, a luxurious head with a separate stall shower and ample storage space.. Please contact Listing Agent Mark Miner at 415-290-1347 or mark@rubiconyachts.com

RUBICON YACHTS

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

290-1347

$28,000

San Rafael (415) 235-7447

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 propulsion. They would need to be towed or trucked to their destination.

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

37’ LITTLE HARBOR HOOD BLACKWATCH, 1967

36’ C&C 36, 1978 $39,500

32’ ERICSON 32, 1990 $49,000

RUBICON YACHTS

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

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 propulsion. They would need to be towed or trucked to their destination.

RUBICON YACHTS

CALENDAR

QUALITY YACHTS FROM SWIFTSUREYACHTS.COM

Strong, bare, shallow … The Allures 45.9 is a cruising yacht that combines so many positive features: A strong, easy to maintain aluminum hull with no topsides paint. Three and a half foot draft to access shoal waters. And deceptively good performance with a modern twin rudder, centerboard Olivier Racoupeau design. Gerty is hull No. 3 of this model. The sellers are meticulous, detail-oriented sailors who have perfectly balanced cruising comfort with simplicity. They’ve logged numerous 200nm days while crossing the Atlantic. Gerty is ICW capable and located in Rhode Island for summer Northeast cruising or ocean passage to anywhere one desires.

Non-Race

May 3-31 — Wednesday Yachting Luncheon, via YouTube, noon. StFYC, www.stfyc.com/wyl.

May 4-7 — CYBA Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show, Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City. See Latitude 38 in booth #205. $15. Info, www.pacificboatshow.com.

May 5 — Full Flower Moon on a Cinco de Mayo Friday.

May 5 — Cinco de Mayo Block Party, Latitude 38 booth #205, Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show, Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City, 6 p.m. Free with show admission. Info, www. pacificboatshow.com.

May 6 — Drone Show, Port of Redwood City, 8:45 p.m. 100+ drones will project aquatic images over the port. Info, www.redwoodcityport.com.

May 6 — Reed Boat Launching, Galilee Harbor, Sausalito, 1 p.m. Bagpipes, food and drinks, the launch of a 30-ft tule reed boat; speaker Jin Ishikawa, a visiting Japanese boat builder from Expedition Amana. Info, www.galileeharbor.org

May 6-27 — Rock the Dock Concert Series, Port of Redwood City, every Saturday through November, 3:30-6 p.m. Info, www.redwoodcityport.com/rockthedock

May 6-27 — Small Boat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, weather permitting; RSVP in advance. Free. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing

May 7, June 4 — Open House, Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina, 1-3 p.m. Introductory sails. Info, www.cal-sailing.org

May 10 — Singlehanded Transpacific Race seminar, via Zoom, 7:30 p.m. Weather considerations; race strategy. Free. Register, https://tinyurl.com/3bcb5f8j

May 11 — Northern California Dockwalker Volunteer Refresher Training, online, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Cal Parks, https:// dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230 .

May 11, June 8 — Single Sailors Association Mixers, Oakland YC, Alameda, 6:30-9 p.m. $15. Info, www.singlesailors.org

May 13 — Boaters Swap Meet, Point San Pablo YC, Richmond, 8 a.m.-noon. Buy and sell gear, art, treasures. Food, beverages. Info, 1stMatesPSPYC@gmail.com or www.pspyc.org

May 13 — Southern California Dockwalker Volunteer Training, Silver Gate YC, San Diego, 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Free. Cal Parks, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230 .

May 13 — Sea Chanteys are back in person, Maritime Museum, San Francisco, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info/RSVP to Peter, peterkasin5@gmail.com.

May 13-14, June 3-4 — Laser Clinicgatta, Alameda Community Sailing Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $130. Julian, www. mindbodyboat.com.

May 14 — Mother's Day.

May 14, 28 — Sunday Sailing on Santa Monica Bay, Burton Chace Park Clubhouse, Marina del Rey, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $15 includes light brunch and post-sail dock party. Info, www.marinasundaysailors.org.

May 15 — Opening Day on the Bay awards ceremony and delegates' meeting, Oyster Point YC, South San Francisco, or via Zoom, 4:30-9 p.m. PICYA, www.picya.org.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Swiftsure Yachts broker Allison Lehman at 510.912.5800 or allison@swiftsureyachts.com. With brokers in the Pacifc Northwest, California and Rhode Island, Swiftsure Yachts provides premium service to to sailors buying or selling quality yachts.

SwiftsureYachts

www.swiftsureyachts.com

206.378.1110

info@swiftsureyachts. com facebook.com/swiftsureyachts

May 20 — Opening Day on the Strait, Benicia YC. Open to the public; live music in the afternoon and evening. Info, www.beniciayachtclub.org

May 20 — Water Safety Fair, USCG Station Golden Gate, Sausalito, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free PFDs (while supplies last); see CG, fire and police boats and trucks; meet SAR dogs; learn knots, heaving lines and marine radio skills; watch cliff rescue and helicopter rescue swimmer demos. Free; free parking. Info, WaterSafetyFair@auxgoldengate.org

May 20-26 — National Safe Boating Week. Info, https:// safeboatingcampaign.com

New yachts for world cruising: Allures Yachting Garcia Yachts Hallberg-Rassy

CALENDAR

May 23-25 — California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains Training Conference and Trade Show, Sacramento. Info, www.harbormaster.org.

May 29 — Memorial Day.

June 1 — Speaker Series, Corinthian YC, Tiburon, 7 p.m. Katherine Hijar, S.F. Maritime NHP on The Sea as Muse. Free. RSVP, speakers@cyc.org

June 3 — Women's Sailing Conference, Sail Newport, RI. $250; virtual passes, $65. Info, www.womensailing.org

June 3-4 — Women's Sailing Seminar, CYC, Tiburon. Morning workshops; afternoon sailing. $395 includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Register by 5/24, www.cyc.org/wss

June 8 — World Ocean Day. Info, www.worldoceanday.org.

June 10 — Southern California Dockwalker Volunteer Training, online, 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Free. Cal Parks, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230 .

June 18 — Father's Day.

June 18 — Wooden Boat Show, CYC, Tiburon, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MMBA, www.sfmastermariners.org.

June 19 — Juneteenth.

June 21 — Summer solstice, 7:57 a.m. PDT.

June 24 — Summer Sailstice. Global celebration of sailing. Info, www.summersailstice.com

Racing

May 5-7 — Yachting Cup. SDYC, www.sdyc.org

May 6 — Cinco de Mayo Race. TYC, www.tyc.org.

May 6 — Doublehanded Long Distance Race #1. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.

May 6 — Frank Ballentine Race. CPYC, www.cpyc.com

May 6 — Club Laser Championship. MPYC, www.mpyc.org

May 6, June 3 — Mercury NorCal Series #3 & #4. EYC, www.encinal.org

May 6-7 — Great Vallejo Race. Race to VYC on Saturday, raft up and party, race back on Sunday. YRA, www.yra.org.

May 6-7 — SailGP, San Francisco. Season 3 Grand Final. Info, www.sailgp.com.

May 6-7 — NWISA Gold Fleet Championship (high school), Columbia River Gorge, OR. CGRA, www.cgra.org

May 7, 21 — Spring Series. FSC, www.fremontsailingclub.org.

May 7, June 4 — PHRF Spring. MPYC, www.mpyc.org

May 11-14 — Schooner Creek Boat Works Pacific NW Offshore International Yacht Race, Ilwaco, WA, to Victoria, BC. CYC of Portland, www.cycportland.org/pnwo-home

May 13 — OYRA Duxship Race. YRA, www.yra.org.

May 13 — S.F. Bay J/105 Women Skipper Regatta. StFYC, www.stfyc.com

May 13 — Singlehanded Farallones Race. SSS, www. sfbaysss.org

May 13 — Around Monterey Bay. MPYC, www.mpyc.org.

May 13 — Berger/Stein Series, Point Dume & Return. Del Rey YC, www.dryc.org

May 13 — Yesteryear Regatta in San Diego. AMSS, www. ancientmarinerssailing.org

May 13 — Spring Series. CYC, www.cyc.org

May 13, June 10 — South Bay Bridge Series. Info, www. jibeset.net

May 13-14 — Gorge Invite/Alumni Regatta (collegiate), Columbia River Gorge, OR. CGRA, www.cgra.org

May 19-21 — Etchells Nationals. SDYC, www.sdyc.org

May 19-29 — Made in Santa Cruz Race Week. SCYC, www. scyc.org

May 20 — Behrens Memorial Regatta. TYC, www.tyc.org

May 20 — Intraclub #1. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.

May 20, June 3 — Summer Series #2 & #3. SeqYC, www.

WELLCRAFT 355 - The Adventure Begins

THE BENETEAU SAGA

From fishing boats ...

1884

Benjamin Bénéteau starts designing and building fishing boats in the Brittany region of France.

1906

He designs an engine-powered sardine boat and sets off to sea as local fishermen, who fear the engine noise will frighten the fish, jeer at his innovation. Benjamin comes back to the dock before all the other boats with a hold full of sardines… his revolutionary innovation was the first of many throughout the history of Beneteau.

1965

L'Ombrine a small 5.80m tulip-shaped speedboat is launched. Beneteau had just created a new market segment, which will be known as the “recreational fishing boat”.

Beneteau Spring Savings event: financial incentives, extended engine warranties - until 5/31/2023

…To recreational boats

1970s

Launch of the First sailboats and the Antares powerboats, both of which are still in production today.

Innovation & Creativity

Polyester hulls in the mid 60's - The air step patent in 2003 and the new air step patent in 2013 - A joystick, rotating saildrive pod, and bow thruster combination for easy docking - These are among some of the most impactful innovations from Groupe Beneteau, one of the oldest boat building yards in the world and a worldwide market leader in boatbuilding.

Since 1884, from one generation to the next, the passion for innovation and making the sea more accessible is at the heart of Beneteau.

Los Angeles - Channel Islands Harbor - San Francisco Bay - naosyachts.com

CALENDAR

sequoiayc.org.

May 20, June 10 — North Bay Series. VYC, www.vyc.org

May 20, June 10 — Single/Doublehanded Races. BenYC, www.beniciayachtclub.org

May 20-21 — Elvstrom/Zellerbach. StFYC, www.stfyc.com

May 20-21 — J/105 & Knarr Regatta. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

May 20-21 — Moore 24 Roadmaster. SCYC, www.scyc.org

May 20-21 — Founders Regatta on the San Joaquin River. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.

May 20-21 — Spring Regatta on Lake Yosemite. LYSA, www.lakeyosemitesailing.org.

May 20-21 — Windermere Regatta, San Juan Islands, WA. Anacortes YC, www.anacortesyachtclub.org

May 21 — Single/Doublehanded Series. SeqYC, www. sequoiayc.org

May 21 — One Design Spring. MPYC, www.mpyc.org

May 21, June 4 — YRA Shorthanded Sunday #1 & #2. YRA, www.yra.org

May 21, June 11 — Baxter-Judson Series. PresYC, www. presidioyachtclub.org

May 21, June 11 — Club Series. CYC, www.cyc.org

May 26-29 — CA 500, San Francisco to San Diego. Info, www.offshoreraceweek.com

May 27 — Master Mariners Regatta, a Bay tour for nautical eye candy. MMBA, www.sfmastermariners.org.

May 27-28 — Whiskeytown Memorial Regatta. WSC, www. whiskeytownsailing.org.

May 27-28 — Spinnaker Cup, San Francisco to Monterey. Info, www.offshoreraceweek.com

May 27-29 — SC27 Nationals. SCYC, www.scyc.org.

May 29-30 — Coastal Cup, Monterey to Santa Barbara. Info, www.offshoreraceweek.com.

June 1-3 — SoCal 300, Santa Barbara to San Diego. Info, www.offshoreraceweek.com

June 3 — Delta Ditch Run, Richmond to Stockton, 65 miles of nonstop fun. An official Delta Doo Dah 15 event (separate registration at www.latitude38.com/delta-doo-dah). RYC/ SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.

June 3 — Midnight Moonlight Maritime Marathon. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

June 3 — Merton Yolles Race. CPYC, www.cpyc.com

June 3 — Rear Commodore's Regatta. HMBYC, www. hmbyc.org.

June 3-4 — Go for the Gold. GCYC, www.gcyc.net

June 3-4 — US Match Race Championship Qualifier in S.F. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.

June 3-4 — US Match Race Championship Qualifier in San Diego. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.

June 10 — Full Crew Farallones. YRA, www.yra.org

June 10 — Spring Series. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org

June 10 — Little Boreas Race, Monterey Bay. ElkYC, www. elkhornyachtclub.org

June 10-11 — Classic Boat Invitational #1. SYC, www. sausalitoyachtclub.org.

June 10-11 — Women's Sprint 4 in RS21s. SFYC, www. sfyc.org.

June 10-11 — BAYS #1. RYC, www.richmondyc.org

June 10-11 — Berger/Stein Series, MdR-Catalina Harbor and back. Del Rey YC, www.dryc.org.

June 11 — Race of Champions. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org

June 15 — Opti Heavy Weather Slalom. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.

June 16-18 — Opti Heavy Weather Regatta. StFYC, www. stfyc.com.

June 16-18 — San Francisco Lipton Cup in StFYC's J/22s.

There is nothing like it... Hold onto that feeling

Keep her in top shape with Svendsen’s Bay Marine

Available Spring 2023 SOLD

CALENDAR

Distance races and windward/leewards. SFYC/PICYA, www. sfyc.org

Beer Can Series

BAY VIEW BOAT CLUB — Spring Monday Night Madness: 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/12. Nick, (510) 459-1337 or www.bvbc.org.

BENICIA YC — Thursday nights through 9/28. Dan, (707) 319-5706 or race@mail.beniciayachtclub.org

BERKELEY YC — Every Friday night through 9/29. Mark, (214) 801-7387 or www.berkeleyyc.org

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

CORINTHIAN YC — Every Friday night through 9/1. Marcus, (415) 435-4771, racing@cyc.org or www.cyc.org.

COYOTE POINT YC — Sunset Sail, every Wednesday night through 10/18. Mark, (408) 718-1742 or www.cpyc.com

ENCINAL YC — Friday nights, Spring Twilight Series: 5/5, 5/19, 6/2. Chris, (650) 224-3677, www.encinal.org

FOLSOM LAKE YC — Every Wednesday: 5/3-8/30. Info, www.flyc.org

GOLDEN GATE YC — Friday nights: 5/19, 6/2, 6/16, 6/30, 7/14, 7/28, 8/11, 8/25, 9/8. Info, www.ggyc.org.

ISLAND YC — Fridays, Spring Island Nights: 5/12, 5/26, 6/9, 6/23. Ed, (775) 336-7398 or www.iyc.org

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

LAKE WASHINGTON SC — Every Thursday night: 5/49/28. Mark, owing78@yahoo.com or www.lwsailing.org

LAKE YOSEMITE SA — Every Thursday Night: May-Sept. Dennis, (209) 722-1947 or www.lakeyosemitesailing.org.

MONTEREY PENINSULA YC — Sunset Series, every Wednesday through 10/11. Justin, (831) 747-4597 or www. mpyc.org

OAKLAND YC — Sweet 16 Series, every Wednesday: 5/108/30. Debby, (510) 390-1620 or www.oaklandyachtclub.net.

RICHMOND YC — Every Wednesday through 9/27. R/C Racing every Thursday through 9/28. Info, www.richmondyc.org

ST. FRANCIS YC — Wednesday Evening Series for Knarrs, Folkboats & IODs:

5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30. Thursday Night Kites: 5/18, 6/1, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 9/7. Friday Night Wing/ Windsurf Slalom: 5/5, 5/19, 6/2, 6/16, 7/7, 7/28, 8/25, 9/8. Friday Night Foil Series: 5/12, 6/9, 6/30, 7/21, 8/11. Info, (415) 563-6363 or www.stfyc.com

SANTA CRUZ YC — Every Tuesday night through 10/31. Every Wednesday night through 11/1. Laser Fridays: 6/16, 7/21, 8/11. Info, www.scyc.org

SAUSALITO YC — Tuesday night Spring Sunset Series: 5/2, 5/16, 5/30, 6/13. Info, www.sausalitoyachtclub.org

SEQUOIA YC — Sunset Series, every Wednesday through 10/4. Andrew, (408) 858-8385 or www.sequoiayc.org.

SIERRA POINT YC — Every Tuesday night: 5/2-8/1. Dylan, racing@sierrapointyc.org

SOUTH BEACH YC — Every Friday night through 8/25. Suni, (415) 495-2295 or www.southbeachyachtclub.org

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE WINDJAMMERS YC — Every Wednesday night: 6/7-9/20. Sam, (530) 318-3068 or www. sltwyc.com

STOCKTON SC — Every Wednesday night: 6/7-8/30. Andy, (209) 483-3677 or www.stocktonsc.org

TAHOE YC — Monday night Lasers, Spring Series: 5/297/10. Dick Ferris Summer Beer Can Series, every Wednesday: 5/31-8/30. Dan, (530) 583-9111 or www.tahoeyc.com

TIBURON YC — Every Thursday night: 5/11-8/31. Mariellen, (415) 606-2675 or www.tyc.org.

In Stock: 2022 Jeanneau SO 440 - 3 cabin, 2 heads, electric winches, dodger and walk around decks

New Arrival: 2023 Jeanneau SO 490 - 3 cabins, 2 heads, electric winches, inverter, and more

Coming in 2023: Jeanneau SO 380 - owners cabin layout with 2 cabin, 2 heads and Jeanneau walk around decks

New Arrival: 2023 Jeanneau SO 349 - 2 cabins, 1 head family cruiser

(510) 981-6740

LETTERS

⇑⇓ MOORE MEMORIES FROM RON MOORE

Thank you, Latitude 38, for publishing the story entitled Moore Memories in the January 2023 issue. Author Paul Tara's description of the Moore 24 as "the birth of the ultra light sailboat" was truly flattering. Paul's writing of the beginnings of the Moore 24, in awesome detail, filled in some gaps in my memory. My mind, and more importantly, my heart, responded to so many shared human experiences and struggles in building Summertime and every single Moore 24.

I was 20 when I relocated my business, Dolphin Boats, to Santa Cruz County. My brother and I were the only commercial boatbuilding business in town. There were many curious people who frequented Moore Sailboats: George Olson, Bill Lee, and Paul were only a few of the "standouts" in my mind. When my friend, George said, "Let's build a Wednesday-night racer out of the Grendel mold" I had rescued, I put down my 5O5 work clothes and did what any 20-year-old would do: I said, "Sounds like fun!" Building that Wednesday-night racer ended my friendship with George.

My brother and I finished the boat. We named it Summertime, and it was launched June 21, 1969.

There is so much Paul wrote that was unquestionably correct. There is so much he left out. There is so much I could say. Thanks to the crew of Hull #7, Poltergeist, and its unbelievable race record, the Moore 24 proved to be unsurpassed in performance, speed, and safety.

My brother John, and George and myself were at the right place at the right time. Thank you to Paul Tara for his recollections of the history of the Moore 24 in the writing of Moore Memories. It is my hope that this will prod myself and others to recount stories of their life sailing my boat. It has certainly made me reconsider my next act in the boatbuilding world. More to come!

Ron Moore La Selva Beach, Watsonville, California

The World’s Most Proven & Trusted Headsail Furlers Exceptional Sailing Brands You Can Trust wichardamerica.com | tel: (401) 683-5055 usasales@wichard.com

®

For boats 16-85’

LETTERS

Upcoming Events

CLC Builds Kayak June 19 - 24

SUP July 17 - 22

Pram August 21 - 26

Youth Summer Sea Camps

9:00 am - 3:00 pm • Ages: 8-15

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Please see our website for more details and registration

Beginner Sessions:

June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14

Advanced Sessions:

July 17-24, July 24-28

Boatworks 101 : Marine Tech Apprenticeships

Selections will be made by late June. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.

⇑⇓ A LONG, FULL LIFE SAILING SNIPES

I've been sailing Snipes since 1987, first with my son Sebastian, and later with my daughter, Miriam. I've been Snipe Fleet 12 captain on and off for 30 years, as well as a member of the Snipe USA Board of Directors.

I got into Snipes when I was burned out on big boat racing. I asked my 11-year-old son if he wanted to sail a small boat with me. His answer was an emphatic yes — so long as he could drive. That was an easy choice. I like to think I had something to do with him and his sister going on to win the Snipe Junior National Championship twice. To be honest, he was always a more accomplished skipper than I was.

Full Service Boat Yard

I've been sailing with Sherry [Eldridge] for many years, after my kids grew up and out of sailing. Our best big-time regatta was the Snipe Masters in Atlanta, where we made the upper half of the fleet. Not a bad showing considering the national and world champion sailors who show up for that fun regatta on a regular basis.

I'm back into racing bigger boats now, and having fun sailing on boats where the emphasis is focus on the racing and making sure the boat is a quiet boat.

Hopefully I have a few more years of competitive sailing. At 77, that's aspirational.

Vince Casalaina

⇑⇓ A SAILOR'S SEARCH FOR THE 10-METER YACHT SIRIUS

Since my birth in 1938, I was raised sailing; however I didn't begin ocean racing until 1956. That year I crewed aboard the 66-ft ketch Nam Sang — a true yacht — in the San Diego to Acapulco Race. That did it: I became totally engrossed in yacht racing. Soon, I was a crewmember aboard the 46-ft Kettenburg-built PCC Squall (PCC hull #1) in "class" races, and I especially loved the ocean-race courses around the various Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. Los Angeles Yacht Club's annual Whitney Series of seven ocean races was hugely popular at the time. The 1957 Transpac Race aboard Squall was the first of my 10 Transpac races.

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As I recall, during those years there were around five 10-Meter racing yachts actively racing in our area. The 10-Meter Sirius was the best of them; she was quite unbeatable in the few class races that occurred, and she often raced in the Whitney Series races. We crews of other race boats only saw her before the starts because she quickly sailed away from the fleet, usually finishing first, and often

Vincent Casalaina, driving, and Sherry Eldridge, hiking like a boss, sail a Snipe to weather at an unknown regatta.

VINCE CASALAINA

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LETTERS

winning the races on corrected time.

Some years later, I reconnected with Sirius (then with a new owner) and had the thrill of racing aboard her in some 10-Meter regattas and in the 1966 Big Boat Series in the Bay. We had daily boat-for-boat-races with Baruna, the beautiful 72-ft yawl that was called "The Belle of the Bay." We ended up beating Baruna in that regatta.

In those years, I was painting and var nishing yachts for a living, and I acquired the job of refinishing all the brightwork on Sirius, including her varnished spruce mast, and repainting her light-gray topsides.

I haven't seen Sirius for at least 30 years.

I wonder if any reader of your fine rag might have some current news about the beautiful Sirius.

Fred Huffman La Diana, Contessa 35 Sausalito

Fred's letter, which was also a 'Lectronic Latitude of the same name on January 20, inspired several comments, and a search for another boat's history…

2023 Waitlist OPEN

⇑⇓ A SAILOR'S SEARCH FOR HISTORY AND ANECDOTES ON THE 10-METER SALLY

I recently came across Fred Huffman's request for information on the 10-Meter Sirius, and was hoping you could help me out with a similar request.

Of the original 14 Starling Burgess-designed and Abeking & Rasmussen-built 10-Meters, only two remain: Branta, #7 and Sally, #12. It's rather amazing that after nearly 100 years and 5,700 miles from where they were launched, these two sisters not only survived, but live a few docks away from each other at the San Diego Yacht Club.

As we approach Sally's 100th birthday in 2027, I am trying to compile as much of her history as possible, and I need the Latitude Nation's help. We are looking for photos, results, anecdote's, etc. — anything to help fill in the blanks.

What I have we are posting to her webpage here: www. koehlerkraft.com/sally10meter

Danielle Richards Koehler Kraft Shelter Island

⇑⇓ LET'S TALK COLOR

My grandfather, Wesley D. Smith, owned Sally for many years. He was friends with Andrew Brown (Z-Spar Paints)

That's not the 10-Meter 'Sirius', but rather, the 10-Meter 'Sally', sailing right into this Letters thread.

LETTERS

who made the special Sally Green topside paint. That color remained on the Z-Spar color until the 1970s. After that, Catalina Island continued to use Sally Green for many years on the pier handrails.

Harvey Wills

Harvey — I was painting boats in those days, and I often brushed Sally Green paint on various boats, especially interiors of boats.

Fred Huffman

⇑⇓ LET'S TALK SPECIFICS

Sally is 59-ft LOA, with a beam of 10.5-ft, and 80-ft-tall mast and 8-ft draft. Branta is owned by Rich Reineman; Sally by CF Koehler. As mentioned, they live at SDYC and sail with the Ancient Mariners Sailing Society.

Janie Noon San Diego

⇑⇓ JUNIOR SAILING ON A 10-METER

I had the pleasure of sailing on Sirius in the 1960s out of South Shore Sailing Club (now South Shore YC) in Newport Beach. I don't know what became of her. This article brought back memories of my youth. We once did a cruise to Catalina for the weekend for the Junior Sailing program on Sirius.

John deCastro

John — You and I sailed the midwinters in Long Beach on your International 14. Seems to me we went over.

Captain Jeff Inshaw USCG Retired

⇑⇓ NOTABLE NAMES AND PLACES

I remember Sirius well — beautiful and fast, light gray, 58-ft, 10-Meter #15 designed and built by Johan Anker in 1933. Tommy Webster was her sailing master, and Bill Ficker was guest driver during 1954-1961, when Howard Ahmanson owned her and kept her in front of his home on Harbor Island in Newport Beach.

The other 10s in the SoCal area were Hilaria, Branta, Sally, and Coquille Sirius won at least once every ocean race available to her. I well remember skippering her in the 1966 BBS and steering a 10-Meter on SF Bay with a tiller.

After that, Sirius fell on hard times, and I do not know what ever became of her.

Skip Allan Capitola

That's not 'Sirius' either, but rather, the 10-Meter 'Branta' sailing in the Hot Rum Series in San Diego in December 2022.

LETTERS

⇑⇓ ONE MORE NAME TO ADD

I remember Sally when Don Campion owned her. He kept her in Santa Cruz harbor, circa 1975-ish. Matthew Coale sailed on her and helped keep her afloat.

Tom Carr Bluebird, Mirror 19 Sloop West Coast

⇑⇓ RAIL DOWN ON SALLY

After racing to Ensenada on another boat, I got to sail back to San Diego on Sally in 1964. I was 18 then.

She was Sally Green and run by her pro skipper Jim Newkirk, from Newport Harbor. It was an unforgettable moment in my long sailing career as I was at helm coming to SD past Point Loma, rail down, on Sally

She went on to win the NHYC boat show that same month. Jim Newkirk went on to run the big M boat Sirius after Sally was sold, as I remember. I still stop to look at her when I visit SDYC.

Bob Buell Hawaii

⇑⇓ CHAINED UP?

I remember Sirius being chained up at Lido Shipyard in the early '70s for nonpayment. But I have wonderful memories of the 10 Metre's in Newport — Sally, with her beautiful Green, and Sirius with that wonderful gray.

Steve Sellers

⇑⇓ CUT UP?

I sailed on Sirius in the 1965 La Paz race. The skipper for that race was Lanny Coon from the Newport Beach area. He was a former Snipe champion and all around good sailor. I saw the boat in Ventura in the late '70s or early '80s. There was a failed attempt to save her and a disagreement between partners. I heard the boat had been cut up and removed for nonpayment at the yard. So sad.

Tim Murison Bolero, 44-ft 1946 Davis Sloop San Francisco

⇑⇓ GOD BLESS

These boats give me "chicken skin" as we say in Hawai'i. These yachts are living, breathing vessels. God Bless the people who have maintained, sail, and truly appreciate them, and who will continue to do so.

⇑⇓ LOOKING FOR SOME INFORMATION ON A COLUMBIA 5.5, HULL #5 I was co-owner of a Columbia 5.5 in the late 1980s. The co-owner was an alcoholic who was a member of the Stockton Yacht Club with an available slip. We rescued the 5.5 from a dock on Smith Canal in poor condition.

Rev. Dr. Malama Hawaii

Here's one more picture of 'Sally', just because.

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LETTERS

We then had hull #5 hauled out at Ladd's Marina and set about fairing the hull and rigging her. I enjoyed greatly racing in a single class with up to nine other 5.5s in the ditch.

My partner went on to sell that beautiful specimen of a pure sailboat without my knowledge. I would like to know the present owner and location of hull #5, if anyone happens to know, so I may correspond with them.

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Eric Candela candela.eric@gmail.com

Eric was commenting on the March 2021 'Lectronic: And Now for Some History on the Columbia 5.5.

⇑⇓ QUARK

Launched in 1979, we sailed Quark 14,000 miles around the Pacific. We sold her to Dave Symonds, who took her to New Zealand and back. Now, Doug Saxe is outward bound from Puerto Vallarta to the Marquesas and beyond.

Dave Case

⇑⇓ CATCHING KELPIE AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY

In the mid-'70s or so, my wife and I were going in to Emerald Cove in Catalina — a beautiful if somewhat small cove. Kelpie was on her own bow hook, or so I thought. We dropped our anchor astern of her at what I thought was far enough away. At some point, a day or so later, I tried to pull the anchor.

No way. I had laid it across Kelpie's stern anchor.

Our boat was an Ericsson 35 MkII. One other boat that was similar in size to mine also caught Kelpie's stern anchor. The two smaller boats took our anchor lines to Kelpie — she powered out of the cove dragging all three anchors and lines; she had a lot of power to pull that off.

We left the cove and motored out a short distance and came alongside Kelpie and got our anchor and gear. I asked one person on Kelpie to take my bow line and check my forward movement to not align my mast with Kelpie's foremast as there was a swell running. Unfortunately we rolled, and my mast got caught in her foremast. When the masts pulled

"This photo is of the sweet, 44-year-old 'Quark' doing what she does best: making a 1,000-mile-plus passage heading southwest," wrote former owner Dave Chase.

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LETTERS

away, it sounded like a cannon shot.

No damage, but scary.

I know it made a log entry on my boat. For years, it also made a great story to tell boating friends. I bought a lot of stuff from Minney's back in the day. Cool place. So was their restaurant next door. Kelpie was a very well-known schooner up and down the Cali coast. Yes, Ernie was colorful.

Bart Wilson

Bart was commenting on the December 2012 'Lectronic Latitude: Kelpie Is Now Kelpie of Falmouth.

⇑⇓ SOME WEST COAST SAILING HISTORY

The Star of France was cut down to a fishing barge in 1932 and towed to San Pedro by the freighter James Griffiths. Since her rigging was cut down prior to her tow south, this photo, if Star of France, was taken while under tow, likely coming back into San Francisco Bay given the poor reefing of

Louis Rother nberg did try to buy her, but the sale fell through and she was ultimately purchased by the Hermosa Beach Amusement Co., Olympic II, and anchored off Hermosa Beach until 1940, when she was moved to about three miles off San Pedro. It was there that on September 4, 1940, the Japanese Sakito Maru, ran her down in the fog and sank her with the loss of eight lives.

eck rests in 100-ft of water, and remains a popular Steve

⇑⇓ (CAPTAIN) MARY PATTEN

Mary Patten was definitely a wife who shared the confidence of her husband, and truly understood the environment she traveled in. There is no doubt that she also held the respect of the officers and crew to be able to convince them that they could and should carry on. I'd have liked to have heard the conversations that transpired between the first mate and crew which convinced them to continue.

Jim Boyd

Jim was commenting on the March 10 'Lectronic Captain Mary Patten of Neptune's Car.

In 1856, Captain Joshua Patten fell into a coma while on a run from New York to San Francisco. Patten's command, the clipper ship Neptune's Car, was near Cape Horn. The first mate lobbied the crew to either make way for Argentina, or return to New York. The captain's wife, Mary, who was 19 and the only other person aboard who could navigate, assured them that she could get them to San Francisco. She won their unanimous support. She was about seven months pregnant.

Neptune's Car rounded Cape Horn under her command and arrived safely in San Francisco 56 days later. Mary Patten is considered the first female commander of an American

The 'Star of France', apparently under tow (perhaps by the freighter 'James Griffths') in San Francisco Bay, some years ago.

Photo By Ornaith Keane

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merchant ship. The hospital at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, is named for her.

One month after arriving, she gave birth to her first child.

SAILORS ARE WONT TO DO

Neptune's Car finally dropped anchor in San Francisco Bay, the crew rejoiced and threw a congratulatory party for the heroic wife of the captain who brought them safely into port. The food and drink were abundant, and Mary had consumed much rum. (This was before anyone knew about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.) And, as drunken sailors are wont to do, Mary got a very large tattoo on her very large pregnant belly; it read: PATTEN PENDING.

Ron Harben West Coast

e is a wonderful book about this — I believe it is The Captain's Wife, or something like that. I have it somewhere in the library.

Milly Biller Big Pink, International 110 Inverness

Readers — The Captain's Wife by Douglas Kelly is, unfortunately, not available on Lationline bookstore, found here: www. bookshop.org/shop/Lati. But the book is available elsewhere.

⇑⇓ A KIND OF EULOGY FOR SAN LEANDRO MARINA

My husband and I are sorely disappointed that San Leandro Marina will no longer be available for sail- and powerboat usage and a point of destination in San Francisco Bay.

We have lived in the Bay Area for over 45 years, and are greatly disturbed by the constant building/development planned and being planned

Mary Ann Brown Patten had a short, spectacular life at sea. She was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1837. She captained, navigated, and piloted 'Neptune's Car' into San Francisco from Cape Horn in 1856. Once in the S.F. Bay, Patten rejected an offer to wait for a pilot, and instead took the helm herself. She died four years later, in 1861, from tuberculosis.

An ad for San Leandro Marina from the April 1994 issue of Latitude 38.

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LETTERS

for the area. It's way too much congestion with no thought for the residents who have made this area the area what it is today. It's just, "Let's pack as many people into the area that the developers can find land for!" Taxes are constantly being raised, so don't tell me there is "no money" for dredging.

Linda Wiederin

⇑⇓ THE PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER THE OAKLAND ESTUARY

Reading the Estuary Crossing Study, I can't help but think that a bridge is a foregone conclusion and they're working backward from there. Independent of whether a bridge is a good idea or not, the language used to weigh the pros/cons of the alternatives seems quite biased.

Case in point:

"The Fruitvale Bridge is located approximately three miles southeast of the Posey Tube, and currently provides a physically separated, bi-directional path on each side of the vehicular bridge, which is also shared by pedestrians. This facility does not provide a convenient travel option for pedestrians and cyclists seeking to travel between west Alameda and downtown Oakland. Park Street and High Street provide alternate crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists near the Fruitvale Bridge.

"Nevertheless, neither are designated bikeways. As a comparison, a bicyclist riding between the College of Alameda and Lake Merritt BART station would travel almost two miles using the Posey Tube and six miles using the Fruitvale Bridge corridor. This facility does not provide a convenient travel option for pedestrians and cyclists …"

Does not, or could not?

Shouldn't the point of a study like this be to understand whether it *could*?

If you're trying to get from west Alameda to Jack London Square, most routing directions will take you across Park Street Bridge. The problem is not the two-mile ride from west Alameda to the bridge or that it's not a dedicated bike path, the problem is that as soon as you're on the Oakland side you're on unsafe, industrial, poorly lit, heavily polluted roads, often with shoulders loaded up with burnt out cars, RVs, chop shops, human waste etc.

Short-circuiting west Alameda and Jack London Square with a bridge might seem like a great idea (it's only a onemile ride, if that's exactly your starting point and destination!), but the reality is that it's a great bike network, not a singular bike path, that increases bike traffic.

Park Street Bridge opens wide for the 'Round the Island Cruise' flotilla on New Year's Day 2022.

HIRING SAILMAKERS

LETTERS

Alameda seems to be proof that people will use well-developed bike networks to travel longer distances.

Here's an example: From my house in Alameda, it's a 20-minute bike ride to Almanac Brewing, or a 20-minute bike ride to Jack London Square. I never ride to Jack London Square, but I happily ride my bike to Almanac, and I'd happily take someone that's not an avid cyclist. If I want to go to JLS I ride my bike to the ferry terminal, then take the ferry over.

It also seems like the elephant in the room is that increased development is going to mean increased car traffic, so there's probably going to need to be development to accommodate increase in car traffic on and off the island. It might sound crazy to spend seven million to modify the Posey Tube or 200 million to build a new tube just for pedestrians/bikes (per this study), but if the tube is already being overhauled for vehicle traffic, then perhaps pedestrians and bikes can be considered at the same time, with a design that avoids the current issues, such as noise, pollution, space and security.

Nathan de Vries Medusa, Santa Cruz 27 Alameda

Readers — All of the things that Nathan said! He was commenting on the January 4 'LL: Want To Have a Say in What a Pedestrian Bridge Over the Oakland Estuary Might Look Like?

⇑⇓

FAR LESS EXPENSIVE

I agree with Nathan about the language used, especially as it relates to the use of the Fruitvale Bridge as a bike route. I have used that route for many years to get from Oakland to Alameda, and the most dangerous part of my trip by far is on the Oakland side of the bridge.

It's not the time traveled, but the physical obstacles (broken pavement, being forced to ride against traffic, debris in the path) that make that ride undesirable.

I suspect it would be far less expensive to improve that existing bike path than to build an entirely new bridge that would only marginally improve bike travel time, but could significantly disrupt boat use of the Estuary.

Rachel H

⇑⇓

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX HERE …

How about a double-decked bike and pedestrian walkway air-conditioned tube inside the Posey Tube where the existing walkway is? With pretty murals inside and security cameras. Just trying to think outside the box a bit for a way to save a huge expense for a project that probably won't make anyone happy.

Steve Gogan

Like

the

be a beautiful example of com-

We're all for improved biking infrastructure lining the Bay. Alameda, seen above at Crown Beach, has giant, well-marked and -maintained bike lanes. Oakland does not. A bridge is only as good as the network around it.

SUMMER SALE

LETTERS

munity and a commercial port. Rules need to be changed. To get any project done on the Oakland Estuary involves multiple government and quasi-governmental agencies dancing around laws that are centuries old. Boats are left as navigational hazards, because to tie them up places the burden of disposal on the good Samaritan. Simple repair projects can take years to complete due to lengthy analysis periods and limited construction windows.

The cities of Oakland and Alameda need to align on a vision, and commit resources to improving the waterfront — and encourage development of shoreline resources. Government agencies, such as the Water Quality Board, should step outside the bubble and see that the projects they are delaying would actually benefit the "little fishies" they are trying to protect.

Tracy Reigelman

⇑⇓ AS SO OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN TALKING ABOUT ANCHOR-OUTS, WE NOW GRAVITATE TOWARD A CONVERSATION ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

Our homeless situation is always so poorly addressed. In my opinion, we do not owe anybody free housing, free food, or safe drugs. All we owe is opportunity.

Opportunity to get healthy, opportunity to find work, opportunity to earn your way, and opportunity to be steered toward an independent and satisfying life. Because you are "homeless" does not mean I have to let my favorite park fill up with tents, trash, sewage, and the unfortunate increase in crime that accompany homeless camps. Because you are homeless should not mean you get to follow different rules than the rest of us. If you live in a car, trailer, or motorhome, it needs to be registered, it needs to be insured, it needs to be safe, and it needs to be compliant with all local rules and regulations.

If you have a boat, it needs to be registered, it needs to be safe, it needs to be insured, and it needs to be compliant with applicable maritime laws. Period. Full stop. There are so many organizations out there to help those that would like to be helped. We spend millions of tax dollars.

My rhetorical question is: Where are these people's families? Why isn't their church helping? There is not one friend willing to lend a couch and a bath while they get back on their feet? Three or four of them can't get enough money together to share a place? You know? Like we all did in college? Given that we keep insisting people would all "live like us" if they could, and given that the government has incurable cranial rectosis on how to address homelessness, I retreat to: "Boating is a privilege, not a right." Everybody should be held accountable to the same rules and regulations.

Let me anchor out in the Oakland Estuary for a few days, and see how fast the USCG boards me.

Mark Wieber

Mark — We agree, except on this: You're basically saying that if people had family, community/church support, and a friend with a couch, they wouldn't be homeless. Well, yeah. Exactly. People are homeless because — for whatever reason — they've had a catastrophic collapse of support networks, so the government is forced to intervene in some way. And, as you said, despite its tax coffers, the government's track record in this area isn't great.

Personally, I am more concerned about the rampant building on both sides of the Estuary and last year's algae

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LETTERS

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Bert Felton

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⇑⇓ ALL THE ENERGY, MONEY AND RAGE

The people "living rent free" at the guest docks never bother anybody. Stop demonizing poor people.

This is the waterside version of the anti-homeless-people efforts on land, and just as pointless. Harassing poor people doesn't make them any less poor.

If all this energy, money, and rage was directed at our city and regional governments for failing to build enough housing and preventing people from falling into homelessness in the first place, maybe we wouldn't have as many poor people trying to eke a living anchored-out.

Tommaso

Tommaso — We disagree that people staying on public docks, anchoring-out, or sleeping in tents in the park aren't "hurting anyone" in a broad sense. More than anything, it's inhumane for people to have to live this way.

What if someone on a brand new 40-ft sailboat took over a public dock, kept their Tesla parked just onshore, and hung out at the microbrewery in Jack London Square every night. We'd all be justifiably outraged.

It's terrible, however, to shoo someone who has nowhere to go from what otherwise might be an empty dock, anchorage or park. We spoke with someone living on a boat that was first anchored off Union Point Marina, then "docked" on shore using a makeshift pier in a corner of the park. They told us (paraphrasing), "It's empty over here. Why does anyone care that we're here? [Speaking metaphorically:] The cops will come and put their boot on my head, and then tell me that I'm not allowed to keep my head under their boot."

Docks and old boats cannot be any sort of short- or longterm solution for housing. It's not just that people become entrenched and in some cases legally shielded in these places, cities often become complacent if the situation isn't causing immediate peril. Anchor-outs in the Estuary are easy to tolerate when the weather's good, but a risk to life, property and the environment once it turns bad.

⇑⇓ DOING NOTHING IS MORE EXPENSIVE

Thank you, Latitude, for highlighting the work that Brock de Lappe has done to cast light on the issues in the Oakland Estuary. Tying the hands of law enforcement and interfering with the rights of the general population to enjoy increasingly rare public resources does nothing to solve the ongoing homeless crisis, not to mention the public safety and environmental issues.

Further, doing nothing and kicking the can down the road, yet requiring urgent remediation of sunken and abandoned vessels (as we've seen recently) is far more expensive than addressing the issue head-on and dealing with it proactively. I have empathy for the minority of illegal an-

March saw yet another bomb cyclone tear through the Bay Area and wreak havoc on the illegal anchor-outs on the Oakland Estuary.

BROCK DE LAPPE

TWO MILES NORTH OF RIO VISTA ON STEAMBOAT SLOUGH

LETTERS

chor-outs who live respectfully of others; I sincerely doubt that Oakland Police Department will prioritize enforcement against them. Additionally, knowing the compassion and generosity of the Bay sailing community, I imagine they would be met with a variety of volunteer and/or financial support efforts. The current state of affairs is neither sustainable, cost-effective, environmentally sound, nor usually safe.

Barry Demak

Barry was commenting on the March 10 'Lectronic: Oakland City Council Passes Nuisance Vessel Act to Clean Up the Estuary.

⇑⇓ DEBATING THE PROS AND CONS OF CONNECTIVITY

Thanks for your perspective on Starlink, Bruce Balan, and for fighting the good fight. [Danny is commenting on the March issue's Sightings: The Freedom of Cruising Without Starlink.] I basically agree with what you're saying about the dangers of technology and the benefits of disconnecting, but I'm going to play Devil's Advocate and ask: Why are you concerned about how people cruise? To me, someone's relationship with technology is deeply personal and constantly evolving. I am more skeptical over someone preaching about the simple disconnected life, or any kind of life, than I am about the technology itself.

I laughed out loud when you seemed to disparage vloggers hustling for followers and patrons, but then plugged your own website and chart business (which I then realized is a free resource. Thank you. I hope to use it some day). Is a website with beautiful pictures of where you've been OK, but not videos? Or videos but not a YouTube channel? What are the lines that separate the correct or most simplified use of tech and media from screen abuse? When you said that you once got on the VHF to ask for help with cleaning a fish, I imagined someone in their 90s thinking, "Back in my day, we would get off our asses and row to another boat for help. Why is everyone so dependent on goddamned technology?"

Aren't the lines that separate 'correct' and 'excessive' use of technology arbitrary?

Like I said, I'm playing Devil's Advocate. Some lines are clear to me. The idea of being on social media all day anywhere is disgusting, but especially if you're anchored off some beautiful island. I enjoy shooting and editing video, but I would never want to do it full-time, or to be on a weekly posting schedule. If some sailor does decide to be a hardcore vlogger, I don't care. I don't care how anyone else cruises or what choices they make.

You said that you're not trying to tell people how to cruise, but you also talk about the chipping away at the core cruising community, and that the simple approach usually equals the most fun. These sound like static benchmarks to me, or uniform values. Is fun supposed to be my ultimate goal? If I manage to set sail someday, I'll be singlehanding, and I want it to be the scariest and most challenging thing I've ever done in my life. Fun will be a bonus on the other side of the ocean.

It's impossible, in my opinion, not to come across as mansplainy and/or self-righteous when trying to comment on or worry about other people's behavior. It's impossible not to sound like you're saying you've figured out the right way and the best way to do things. I like to rail against the perils of technology as much as the next person, but I take comfort in knowing that every generation faces the same questions with each new convenience that comes along. It was the youngest generation that were the first to get off Facebook

LETTERS

and trade their smartphones for flip phones.

If I do have the incredible, once-in-a-lifetime privilege to go cruising someday, I'll probably have Starlink, or whatever's new, so that I can work. I like working. I don't want to retire just because I've gone sailing. If I'm as disciplined as the younger generation, I'll only be connected when I want to be and not because I have to be, or because I'm addicted and need to be.

Danny Hendricks Point Loma

⇑⇓ STARLINK RESPONSE

Danny — I think the main disconnect we have is that we live in dif ferent worlds. You are doing work you like and using technology the way you deem appropriate. I spend a lot of my time out on the ocean disconnected. The main point of the piece in Latitude 38 (as well as my article in Cruising World in November 2022) is that one doesn't know what one doesn't know. A sailor can't know what gifts the disconnected world has to offer if they don't give it a try. And my experience is that a lot of sailors are not trying.

In the past, you were forced to live disconnected because that came with the territory. Now that people have a choice, I'm suggesting they make that choice consciously. Social media and technology companies spend billions of dollars researching and implementing how to keep us connected to our devices. It's easy to become addicted without realizing it because the software and hardware is designed to make it so. That's why I think it's very important that sailors are aware there is an alternative with significant benefits.

As for the 24/7 internet's adverse effect on the cruising community, sure, I would love to see more people cruise the old way where we used the VHF radio or dinghied or swam to a neighboring boat to say hi. That just doesn't happen as much anymore. When the focus is on what the internet has to offer, it detracts from what the world around us has to offer. (By the way, on the Baja Ha-Ha in the '90s when I called for fish-cleaning help on the VHF, the fleet was underway: rowing over to someone's boat would have been impractical. These days, so many boats don't even turn their VHF on because of texting, messaging, and VOIP. That's a sad and dangerous trend. You can no longer count on someone in the anchorage answering a VHF call in an emergency.)

You said, "Aren't the lines that separate 'correct' and 'excessive' use of technology arbitrary?"

I don't think so. How many studies do we need that tie social media and online bullying to depression and suicide

Bruce Balan and the Cross 46 trimaran 'Migration' feeling connected to the elements while being blessedly disconnected from the internet in the Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico.

• DEEP WATER BERTHS: BASIN AND CHANNEL DREDGED

• CARD KEY SECURITY SYSTEM

• DOCK CARTS

• PUMP OUT STATION

• AMPLE PARKING

• CLEAN SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES

• WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE: MARKET/DELI, LAUNDROMAT, RESTAURANT

• AT EACH BERTH: LARGE STORAGE BOX, METERED ELECTRICITY, PHONE HOOKUPS, WATER

LETTERS

in young people before we agree what excessive is? It is clear there is a detrimental effect, and I know very few parents of pre-teens and teenagers who don't struggle with finding some kind of balance. A teen spends an average of seven to eight hours of screen time a day. Would you argue with me if I said it's better to go outside and hike or swim or ride a bike instead of spending nearly all your time watching TV?

As for your question of whether there is a difference between a website and YouTubing: Absolutely. Our website started as simply a way to keep family and friends informed about our travels. Now we try to share stories and inspire people to take care of the world. A whole lot of YouTubers are trying to make a buck or be famous. There are, always, exceptions. But just look at how many ads, how much merch is pushed, how many products are slipped into their storyline. I am not alone in recognizing YouTube's detrimental effect on cruising; it's being talked about a lot in the cruising community as more sailors appear over the horizon with little experience, relying on technology to see them through. It's not very hard to sail a boat across the ocean. What's hard is dealing with problems, emergencies and unexpected weather.

At the end of the day, even though you seem to agree with me, it appears you are upset because you think I'm hung up on worrying about and commenting on other people's behavior. I suppose, in a way, you are right.

The cruising community is unique in that it exists separate from land-based society. That's one reason it has been so attractive to wanderers since Joshua Slocum wrote about it. Charles J. Doane eloquently writes of the bluewater community in the preface to his book The Boy Who Fell to Shore: "… Our paths crisscross in seemingly miraculous ways wherever there is water enough to float a boat, and in each crossed wake a unique bond is formed." It is a unique, small, yet broad community infused by the tradition that mariners always help other seafarers. Additionally, most cruisers try to be good world citizens; treading lightly on the planet and treating the people and lands they visit with respect. When I see this community that is so dear to me threatened, it would be irresponsible of me not to comment.

We've seen the inconsiderate behavior of a few cruisers adversely affect the entire cruising community in places like Moorea. I'd rather not see this fraying at the edges turn into a full-on unraveling.

I sincerely hope that when you do get out cruising, you'll sail into a moment without internet where the whole world crystalizes in an unexpected and soul-encompassing way that brings you great joy.

Bruce Balan s/v Migration Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

⇑⇓ WHY AREN'T THEY ASHAMED?

I have some journalistic questions regarding Raindancer, the Kelly Peterson 44 sailboat that collided with a whale in the Pacific Ocean.

Why didn't his crew sight the whale while on watch while he was cooking pizza? Were they on autopilot without a watchman? Were they bored and approached the whale? Something about his story and the hype about being saved by Starlink, and the skipper's quick appearance on the Today Show, smells fishy.

He did sink his sailboat, but he talks proudly of the accident instead of being embarrassed and ashamed. His selfies from his dinghy and life raft without anyone wearing

lifejackets, and his smiling group photo with sushi platters, appear bizarre for a captain who just injured a whale and sank his sailboat.

Captain Curt Taras, USAF Veteran Into the Wild, 1986 Beneteau 43 Folsom, California

Curt — It's fair to wonder why the crew of didn't see the whale. Perhaps there are some valuable lessons all sailors can learn from.

Beyond that, you're speculating about the crew's mood and motives. (We're not sure what you're insinuating, or what's fishy about skipper Rick Rodriguez appearing on the Today Show. Was sinking his boat some kind of elaborate plot to get paid to appear on TV?)

We're not trying to promote poor watchkeeping habits, but over the course of a passage, most sailors probably don't have their eyes peeled on the boat's immediate path for the entirety of the voyage. We've all gone below to grab a snack or a jacket. Singlehanders go below to do projects, cook, or to sleep for whatever length of time.

This is speculation on our part, but we're pretty sure that every person on board Raindancer wished they had seen the whale and avoided it — for the whale's sake, for their personal safety, and to have prevented Raindancer from sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

Rick Rodriguez lost his boat, which he'd just bought in 2021, in just 15 minutes. He's probably still coming to terms with the loss. Maybe it's not the kind of penitence you'd like to see, but it was his boat, his money, his life, and the life of his crew at stake.

We think he gets to look however he wants.

Your best source of insurance, tailored to your needs and competitively priced, for your boat or yacht, marine contractor liability, yacht club, boat yards, and boat builders/restorers

Have a comment? Email us at editorial@latitude38.com

The crew of 'Raindancer' in the foreground (Rick Rodriguez is second from the right), prepares to feast with the crew of 'Rolling Stones', in the background. The sailors from 'Raindancer' were in the water less than 10 hours before being rescued by 'Rolling Stones'.

Evergreen-studded islands, abundant wildlife and peaceful anchorages. Experienced or new to sailing, we can help you discover the joys of cruising the beautiful San Juan Islands! Beginner to advanced liveaboard courses. Monohull and catamaran bareboat charters. Guided fotillas too!

LOOSE LIPS

To us, it looks as if these kids were having the best day. They were the commanders of their own ship and were tackling the bay and its quirks head on. Of course, we weren't in the Duffy, wondering how it was all going to turn out. We imagine there were no casualties — presumably we would have heard about that. Still, there were a few comments that had us wondering. "Uh, do we shout 'Port!' or 'Sailboat!' at this point???" — Scott Henry. "Dinghy vs. Duffy — who's gonna prevail…?" — @tim.dick. "What, me worry?" — Taylor Miller.

Winner and top 10 comments below.

"What's the max closing speed for us to jump off and the relief crew to jump on?" — David N Henry.

"In a showdown of eco-friendly modes of transportation, young sailors head back upwind as first to round the final mark." — Rob Sesar.

"Wait for the ship o'the line to come abeam, then give 'em a broadside of cannon shot! Steady! Steady as she goes … FIRE!!!" — Eben Kermit.

"Ahhh … guys. Like, maybe join us on the windward side?!" — @davidsails65.

"Wait, what does tack mean?" — @russellawink.

"Helm to crew: Prepare to scare the parents! Ready about." — Christopher Mendonca.

"David Mamet's adage: 'Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance' [is] about to be tested." — Pat Broderick.

"The helmsperson wanted to give her parents a close-up demonstration of how well she could maneuver the little sailboat in tight situations; unfortunately, it didn't turn out nearly as well as could have been hoped." — Lee Panza.

"Let's see if that motorboat has any soda to spare!" — Kent Carter.

As Peter Townsend wisely said, ‘The kids are all right.’ They know what they’re doing. They’ve got it under control. It’s all good.” — david_cohan_98.

"It's remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep away the maddening frustrations of shore living."

— Ernest K. Gann

The winner: "OK, students, let's review our boarding party etiquette." — Bill Willcox.

BERKELEY GREEN

Our location in Bellingham, WA is easy to reach from SFO/OAK and just a 1-hour bay sail from the San Juan Islands!

Spencer Tracy, playing the Old Man in the 1958 version of The Old Man and the Sea, has this to say about fresh-caught mahi-mahi (also known as dorado or dolphin-fsh): "What an excellent fsh dolphin is to eat cooked," he said. "And what a miserable fsh raw."

Hemingway knew his fsh. Many a Transpac race crew, excited by the prospect of right-out-of-the-ocean sashimi, discovers this for themselves. Mahi-mahi is a little too fbrous when raw; it has to be cooked to be appreciated. On the other hand there's ono, also known as wahoo. Ono means "delicious" in Hawaiian, and it makes superb sashimi.

Yellowfn tuna is a staple of the Baja Ha-Ha feet. Embarrassingly easy to catch once south of Mag Bay, it's the basis of a spectacular ceviche. When fresh it's fne without cooking, so the marinated fsh chunks can be large enough to retain a dark red underdone core and the more intense favor of raw tuna. Build the ceviche substrate to taste: Favor the vegetables that have a long on-board shelf life, e.g. celery, cucumber, cilantro and just a little onion, leaving out most of the tomato.

There are rules for when to fsh from a racing sailboat. Either "bottom half of the feet," or "way ahead" is the rule on

Green Buffalo. When the lines are in it's freeze-dried (minimum weight) or canned. Cans are heavy, but if there's no onboard watermaker you will have to carry the weight of the water to mix with freezedried anyway. The good news is, similar to wilderness camping, everything tastes good at sea. Especially a two-portion packet of Mountain House freeze-dried blueberry granola: Just add water and eat right out of the packet. A good midnight snack too.

Singlehanders have different priorities, and minimize time and logistics of dinner down to the bare minimum: Heat up a liter or two of sea water. Drop unopened can of ravioli into the pot. Let stand for 30 minutes. Pull out can with bacon tongs. Open can, eat dinner from can. Lick fork clean and put fork back in the utensil rack. Toss the can overboard? Check the Notice of Race …

Brand choices of canned staples are limited these days, with the legacy upscale producers like S.S. Pierce either off the market or very hard to fnd. The traditionalists choose Dinty Moore for beef stew, Hormel for chili ("no beans" preferred for authenticity, but there are "no meat" partisans too) and Chef Boyardee for ravioli and spaghetti. The sauce is way too thin, but fortunately there are pre-cooked rice packets that can go in the hot water alongside the can, and the rice thickens it up nicely just like microfbers in epoxy. Yes, even Chef Boyardee tastes great at sea.

It is said that olfactory perceptions go directly to the brain stem, bypassing logical processing. Fill the cabin with the smell of something baking in the galley

oven, and the crew will think you are a brilliant and dedicated seagoing chef. This involves almost no time or effort, with pre-mixed cookie or biscuit dough. Slice off the cookies and throw in the oven. You don't even have to get a knife dirty for the slicing: "Immaculate" brand organic cookie dough comes with postage-stamp perforations for tearing off the right measure.

Storm Warning: The smell of baking chocolate can take control, so use carefully. Many prefer the more subtle mood-enhancing aroma of biscuits. Ignore the directions that call for a fat cookie sheet — the muffn tin does a better job of holding things in place in a seaway, and the thermodynamic properties are about the same. Speaking of holding things in place, for more complicated cooking projects, you'll need a carpenter's apron for frequently-used utensils and seasonings.

Each watchstander will have their own drug of choice for the graveyard shift. Trader Joe's dark chocolate covered espresso beans are popular for non-coffee drinkers. Salmon jerky (preferred over beef) is also a good staple. But no salted nuts! And minimize other salty snacks like pretzels or potato chips if there's no onboard watermaker.

"C'est la soupe qui fait la soldat," according to either Napoleon Bonaparte or Frederick the Great, depending on your source. Usually cited as "An army marches on its stomach." A race crew sails on its taste buds. Go upmarket: The crew knows how much it costs to run the boat; they expect to be treated as the most valuable component of the project.

— max ebb and lee helm

Last year, I made an extremely difficult decision: I left a four-year relationship with a man and a seven-year relationship with a lifestyle.

Boat life had come to define me. I was introduced as "Emma, my friend (daughter, granddaughter, niece) who is sailing around the world." I was terrified to walk away from seven years of incomparable freedom; of living at the whim of the elements, and of a comfortable home with a new backyard each day. It is essentially all my adult self has known, the scaffolding of my existence. But I was clinging too tightly to that limiting identity of "boat Emma," and needed space to extricate my self-worth from those searoving years.

It was 2015. I was 21, fresh out of college, and in search of adventure. Thankfully, I was also naïve. And brave, but maybe the bravery fell beneath the umbrella of naïveté.

I hopped aboard a 35-ft cutter in Half Moon Bay and headed south, switching boats in San Diego, and continuing through Mexico. I carried on and made the crossing to the Marquesas aboard a 30-ft gaff-rigged steel ketch. It was slow (48 days), but I was hooked. I had entered the alternate reality of being a tiny speck in the middle of a vast ocean.

This venture began to feel less like a trip, and more like a lifestyle. I loved having only time and nowhere to go, nowhere to be, no one to be. Oh, how I wrote, read and drew.

After a few thousand more nautical miles, I arrived in New Zealand, where I met the man with whom I would sail for another four years aboard a 1980 Amel Sharki. We slowly worked our way north to the Philippines, and I slowly fell in love with Phil and his unparalleled zest for life. We traversed Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, landing in South Africa just in time for the pandemic. We crossed the Atlantic from Namibia to Suriname one year later. In Grenada, I decided it was time for me to make a change.

I spent this past year feeling quite unmoored. I struggled with adjusting back to life on land and constantly wondered if I had made a great mistake walking away from my little floating home and the thrilling variability of life aboard. Why would I give up spearfishing on uninhabited Micronesian atolls and summiting active Vanuatuan volcanoes to peer down at roiling lava a thousand feet below? Why would I trade traversing oceans for sitting in traffic?

Because something was missing.

I was unsettled, and often unhappy. A year of foundering and sitting with my thoughts, with myself, and I've arrived at some semblance of clarity. This winter, I started crafting distinctive, durable bags from upcycled sailcloth and leather under my brand name Landfall Leatherworks. This is my landfall: the tangible result of my desire to make sense of, and make something of, my years at sea. And what better place to start than right here in Sausalito's historic working waterfront?

I may no longer know what phase the moon is in or what the tides are doing, but I'm enjoying a newfound settledness. I recognize that my cruising life will always be a part of me, but that it does not define me. When I think back on those years, the sensation and mindset of longer ocean passages is the most striking, most foreign of all my experiences. It is the most distilled version of living I have known — where life becomes not about "doing" or "accomplishing" but about "being," in a grand space of sea and sky with a fluid sense of time. My journals bring it all flooding back:

"The sickle moon set early, allowing the starlight to go unchallenged. The brightest reflected, multiplied on the prismlike ripples covering the long-period ground swell. We've lost the wind. The squawks of red-footed boobies and white-tailed

happening on the bay

sailgp on the cityfront may 6-7

SailGP's Season 3 Grand Final hits San Francisco Bay in early May as the world's best sailors sailing the world's fastest 50-ft foiling cats battle for a million-dollar prize. The flying circus will take place off the San Francisco Cityfront, with the event site, grandstand seating, big screens and announcers set up between the St. Francis and Golden Gate Yacht Clubs.

The S.F. Bay stop, which will crown the Season 3 champion, marks the last of the 11-event globetrotting series, which started in May 2022 in Bermuda. Nine teams will compete on Saturday and Sunday, before the top three competitors

making sense of a life at sea

A few samplings from Emma Casey's journal during her early adult life at sea.

in may (and beyond)

qualify to compete for the $1 million grand prize. Australia Team, led by skipper Tom Slingsby, have won both SailGP seasons and have been leading in the standings all year. The Aussies have already clinched their berth in the final three; New Zealand and France are in second and third place respectively, with Great Britain just one point out of third.

Separately, the Impact League team trophy will be awarded to the team who has taken "positive actions … to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in sailing," according to SailGP.

Season 2 Impact League winner New

life at sea — continued

tropicbirds crack the silence. I glimpse their flapping shadowforms only occasionally against the inky murk. This is the hardest part, the stagnation and complete inability to change our circumstances. The feeling of human agency disappears when the wind does. And the hours of waiting begin while land sits there 800 miles away, not growing any closer.

"I forget to notice how beautiful this liquid desert is, how metamorphic. That no one has ever been here, right here. That right here never looks the same. That its mood will never again be what it is right now: cerulean sky, ourselves perched in an amphitheater of squalls, billowing white clouds with flat, grey bottoms leveled as far as the eye can see, some venting slanting rain showers like gauzy cement rhombuses." (Written on a 17-day passage from Addu, Maldives, to Victoria, Seychelles.)

I hope I can hang on to that slowness, that focused observation of the present moment, while I embark on this new voyage. I know it's in me. And I know I'll head back out there, someday.

why cruise the delta?

With Delta Doo Dah No. 15 now open for registration, we asked veteran Delta cruisers and Doo Dah boosters Ann and Craig Perez to give us some insights. The annual Doo Dah is inspired by the return of summer fog and chilly air on the Bay, reminding us of the warmth of Northern California's not-too-distant, vast, inland-freshwater cruising grounds.

We asked Ann and Craig — who have cruised the California Delta 21 times over the past 22 years aboard their Express 34 Marrakesh — why every Northern Californian (and Pac NW sailors passing through) should spend some of their summer cruising the Delta.

You've been dedicated enthusiasts for the Delta. Why? What's the Delta cruising community like in the summer?

The Delta is super-friendly! The pace is much slower and relaxed, as well as very sociable. However, if you want, you can find total seclusion in a small slough hanging off the hook and watching the wildlife in all directions. You can get lost in the beauty and quiet of it all. It's pretty, warm, and dry. It's like going back in time; think Tom Sawyer's island. Unlike the

continued on outside column of next sightings page

Ladies and gentlemen, we give you The Delta. It's California's version of European canal cruising through farmland with a little Southern Bayou boating thrown in, as well as warm, fresh water to jump in at all hours.

on the bay

Zealand remains in the lead for that trophy, with Denmark close behind.

The Inspire Racing trophy, a youth sailing accolade, will also be awarded to the winner in the foiling Waszp class. A final youth regatta will be sailed on the F50 race course during the San Francisco Grand Final event to determine the season winner. entries for the 29th baja ha-ha

TIM HENRY

SailGP, and Australia Team, frst hit S Ba in

— continued

open on may 9

It's never too soon to plan ahead.

We know many have been dreaming and scheming to do the Baja Ha-Ha — one of the largest cruising rallies in the world — for years. Could this be the year for you? Those who are ready to take the plunge can sign up now with the hopes of being one of the first on the list for a slip in Cabo San Lucas at the end of the 750-mile rally down the West Coast of Baja California.

The 29th annual Baja Ha-Ha will start on Monday, October 30, after the Last Cheeseburger in Paradise and Costume Kickoff Party at West Marine, and move from there to the fireboat-escorted parade

continued in middle column of next sightings page

cruise the delta — continued

Bay, you jump off the boat into the water for fun, and on purpose!

You've talked to lots of first-time Delta cruisers — what are the biggest misconceptions Bay Area sailors have about the Delta?

People think running aground is a very bad thing, but it's not! It is, at worst, inconvenient. If you transit the Delta on a rising tide, watch your charts, and you'll be fine. Yes, you will go aground eventually, but it won't be long, and you won't die there. Personally, we have a very nicely appointed boat with a refrigerator, a BBQ, an oven, music, color TV, head and toys. Not exactly a bad situation. Stuck in a rising tide, and you're off in an hour. Stuck in a lowering tide, off in 8-9 hours. Your choice.

What's a reasonable amount of time to cruise the Delta? Can you have a good cruise in just a week? What amount of time do you recommend?

While you can go to the Delta on a three-day weekend, two of those days will be a long passage (over 65 miles). So, we would recommend a minimum of one week. It's a good amount of time. However, two weeks is better. It gives you time for your passage, some exploring, some harbor hopping, and just hanging out on the hook swimming and playing in the water.

What are your favorite activities and/or places to go in the Delta? We presume you could go up the Delta and always be in a marina, or always on the hook. Is that true? Is it ever hard to find an anchorage or a slip?

Our favorite place to anchor is Potato Slough and our favorite marina is Koth's Pirates Lair. However, we also spend lots of time at the Stockton Sailing Club with visits to Windmill Cove, Garlic Brothers, and what used to be the River Boat. (It burned down this winter.) Our normal Delta experience is: Race the Delta Ditch in early June; stay at the Stockton Sailing Club until June 30; cruse to Potato Slough for the months of July and August; leave for Richmond YC in early September with stops at the Pittsburg Marina and the Benicia Yacht Club.

We've been to the Delta armed with bug screens and bug spray, but ended up having very few problem with bugs. Is that normal?

Light to moderate breezes help keep the flying bugs to a minimum. However, small spiders and wasps can "balloon in" and quickly establish residency in the nooks and crannies of your boat. If you can stand the smell, moth balls work well to fend this situation off. We have found that bug screens just trap the bugs inside with you. Keeping ports open and the breeze flowing throughout the boat helps.

Are you surprised that more people don't cruise the Delta, or surprised by how many who do?

Every year is dif ferent as the economy (fuel prices) and lake and reservoir levels in the mountains have a direct effect, as well as how hard the winter months were on the local marinas. This season, many marinas were damaged by the weather, so slip availability may be affected. Just call ahead. Most marinas will accommodate you, even with compromised facilities. These marinas are tough and have seen it all when it comes to weather. They are the best at rolling with the punches!

— latitude

sadness, rescues and drama on the pacific

In the past few weeks, two sailboats in the Pacific have suf fered debilitating damage, while another trio of sailors are still missing after last being seen in the Sea of Cortez. Remarkably, SV Beleza provided supplies for one of the stricken vessels, and rescued a couple from another hobbled boat.

lost in sea of cortez, search suspended for sv ocean bound

A sailboat with three souls aboard was reported missing in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, in early April, sparking a search operation by the US Coast Guard and Mexican navy. The search covered "approximately 200,057 square nautical miles, an area larger than the state of California, off Mexico's northern Pacific coast, with no sign of the missing sailing vessel nor its passengers," a Coast Guard press release said. The search was suspended in late April; the fate of Ocean Bound was still unknown as of press time. continued on outside column of next sightings page

The 44-ft Lafitte Ocean Bound was crewed by Kerry and Frank O'Brien and William Gross, and reportedly left Mazatlán on the morning of Tuesday, April 4, westbound across the Sea of Cortez en route to San Diego. The crew had planned to stop in Cabo San Lucas on April 6 to reprovision and check in, but they never did.

According to a Facebook post, there were reports of cellphone pings on April 4 from a position off the coast of Mazatlán, believed to be calls from Ocean Bound to marinas in Cabo San Lucas, presumably to make slip/ball reservations. The Facebook post said that Kerry and Frank, the owners of Ocean Bound, both hold US Coast Guard captain's licenses and have 20 years experience sailing together, and that Bill has more than 50 years of sailing experience and is a talented coastal cruiser. "The sailing community has hundreds of additional vessels looking for our family members. Sadly, they have not seen or made contact with them," the Facebook post said. "Ocean Bound is a sturdy, older vessel and by many accounts is one of the best sailboats ever constructed."

after sailboat loses mast, cruisers facilitate rescue and recovery

After departing Mexico on March 13, bound for Nuku Hiva in French Polynesia, the Westsail 43 Niniwahuni ran into a nasty storm about two weeks and 900 nautical miles into the passage. Caught in big seas and gusting winds, the Nicolet Family — Travis, Shawna, Bas, Kyuss, and Tiago — lost their mast. Niniwahuni's EPIRB was activated, and the Nicolets were prepared to abandon ship and kiss all their possessions goodbye, until it was suggested that Travis stay with the boat. Since a Mayday was never transmitted through an EPIRB, Travis had the choice to stay aboard.

Coordinating through their float plan, the Nicolets contacted Mike Danielson, the owner of PV Sailing in the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, north of Puerto Vallarta. PV Sailing helped facilitate not only the rescue of Shawna and the boys, but also made it possible for Travis to fix Niniwahuni's engine, fill it with diesel, and get him safely back to Mexico. Shawna and the boys were evacuated on March 24, bound for Hawaii on a freighter. Travis had to fix the diesel and motor back to the West Coast.

"SV Midnight Breeze, SV Moin and SV Beleza were all rock stars during this rescue," Danielson said. "They rerouted their courses immediately to deliver fuel and assistance. Moin rendezvoused with Travis to give them their spare lift pump so he could repair his Perkins diesel. Even with a working engine, Travis still had a battle ahead of him: going upwind into the seas, which would take a lot of fuel."

T ravis managed to limp into Clarion Island in the Revillagigedo archipelago, about 420 miles west of mainland Mexico, with only a couple of gallons of fuel left. While Niniwahuni was anchored, the team back in La Cruz was hard at work organizing fuel donations. Over the span of a week, the following boats delivered over 170 gallons of diesel out to Clarion: SV Fundango, SV Thursday's Child, SV Rusulla, and even National Geographics SV Sea Legacy Niniwahuni returned to La Cruz on April 13.

Shawna and her boys were offloaded in Hawaii, then flown home to California thanks to donated flights from SV Eleven11. The family was reunited in Mexico after two weeks. "We are truly a collective society that covers more ground than anywhere else on the planet. All of the people realize they are interconnected," said Mike Danielson.

— marissa neely

on the bay

out of San Diego; the warmer-every-day sail toward sunny Cabo San Lucas; the world famous Baseball Game at Turtle Bay, where women and children are always safe; the Turtle Bay Beach Party; the children's Diving Olympics off the back of Profligate; the surreal live band rock 'n' roll party at Bahia Santa Maria; the popcorn throw and dance party at Squid Roe in Cabo; the Beach Party from a private terrace overlooking the fleet in Cabo; the Here to Eternity Kissing Contest in the surf at Medano Beach; and the Awards Party with free beer for all.

Go to www.baja-haha.com on May 9 to sign up!

pacific sail and power boat show opens may 4-7

It's about time! We haven't had a proper boat show in the Bay Area since the spring of 2019. The revitalized Pacific Sail and

lost rudder on lucky dog

This was the trip of a lifetime. Lucky Dog is our home on the water.

We have lived, vacationed, and cruised with our Catalina 470 from San Diego to Canada and back for over two decades now. In 2000, we met at her bow and married on her deck a year later.

The decision to leave our vessel was not taken lightly.

We had sailed from Canada to Mexico, and had been sailing for over two weeks toward our dream of French Polynesia when we experienced the loss continued on outside column of next sightings page

pacific dramas — continued

F ACEBOO K

— continued

Power Boat Show will open on May 4 in a new location at the stunning Westpoint Harbor marina in Redwood City.

There will be new boats on display from Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dufour 390, Excess 11, Catalina, the new Bavaria C42, and more. Land displays will include a long list of your favorite vendors, including Latitude 38. We'll be looking forward to seeing old friends from around the Bay Area, as well as making new friends in the South Bay.

Several exhibitors, including Latitude, Naos Yachts and many others, will be hosting Friday visitors with an after-show Cinco de Mayo Boat Show Block Party with free drinks at 6 p.m. at their displays. On Saturday afternoon, the Port of Redwood City will be hosting their Rock the Dock concert series from 3:30 to 6 p.m., with the band Momotombo playing at 475 Seaport Blvd.

pacific dramas — continued

of our rudder. Lucky Dog rounded up; there was no steerage. Inspection after the sun rose demonstrated that the rudder was fully gone. There had been no impact, no obvious noise, and yet, it was gone.

We attempted to improvise a strong enough response, but were unable to get sufficient steerage for potential storm conditions in the future. We evaluated our provisions of food, water and fuel, and looked at what it would take to continue drifting for possibly 30-40 days. We considered our mental and physical capabilities as a crew of two being able to manage manual steering 24/7 for an unknown period of time.

Meanwhile, we knew that there was another boat coming behind us on a very similar path.

We made the difficult, but necessary, decision that life must take priority over the hopes, dreams, and even our beloved Lucky Dog. Our new goal was to get to a safe harbor with more reliable communications so we could shift our focus to the recovery of our home on the water.

We feel very fortunate and grateful to SV Beleza and her crew, Chris and Michelle, for coming to our aid, amazingly after previously helping another sailor during this same crossing. Now that we've arrived safely in Hiva Oa, we are hoping that Lucky Dog is safe, and no harm comes to her while we make every effort to get back to her as soon as possible.

— jeanne leblanc

Clockwise from left inset rank and err 'Brien from ' cean Bound' are still missing as of this writing. Middle inset: Travis Nicolet stayed with 'Niniwahuni', motoring back to Mexico after making miles west toward rench Pol nesia Spread 'Bele a', in the distance, who had just given assistance to 'Niniwahuni', approaches 'Lucky Dog' for a reluctant rescue of Jeanne and Dan LeBlanc.

VIA STEVE NEAL / FACEBOOK

singlehanding the sparrow campaign on the bay

Although it feels like this campaign began just yesterday, more than half a year has now elapsed, and my singlehanded race around the world on Sparrow begins in just six months. Tick tock, tick tock, the pressure of a looming start date grows every day. From a campaign that originated — in many ways — from a Latitude 38 podcast last summer, I've now managed to take an older Open 50 and turn it into a legitimate contender to race solo and nonstop around the world in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge race out of Spain.

But a ton of work remains.

As of this writing, Sparrow is in Charleston, South Carolina, for a handful of days after a refit in North Carolina that lasted most of the winter. Now that the boat is back together and I'm sailing alone, I will soon head back up to Annapolis, Maryland, where we will be installing a new inventory of Elvstrøm Sails, including a new suite of furlers from Facnor and continued on outside column of next sightings page

Tickets are $15; kids under 12 are free.

summer sailstice coming your way

Are you sailing a Banshee or a Beneteau for the June 24 Summer Sailstice weekend? Or maybe a Dyer Dhow or Hobie Cat?

It doesn't matter what, where, or how. What does matter is shaking the sails out, hoisting them, and taking friends and family out to race, sail and cruise for the Summer Sailstice global celebration of sailing.

Most sailors feel misunderstood, right? You tell a stranger you're a sailor and they say, "Oh, pass the Grey Poupon." As a sailor you're suddenly an elitist, wealthy yachts-

Latitude contributor Ronnie Simpson (pictured across the top row) has een working furiousl to get the pen 'Sparrow' pictured across the middle and ottom row) ready for the Global Solo Challenge this fall.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY RONNIE SIMPSON / SPARROW

man. Yes, those exist, but we know the public perception of a sailor is horribly distorted. Most sailors feel incredibly lucky to have the gift of sailing in their lives and would love to help the world understand the simplicity and beauty of connecting with each other and nature through sailing.

What's the reward? Being part of something bigger than just another day of sailing and, as a bonus, there really are some rewards with prizes and gifts donated by marine companies, awarded by random drawing. If you're the rabble rouser at your club, in your one-design class, in your

sparrow — continued

ProFurl. Once the new sails and furlers are on and we finish some more projects, I will be embarking on my 2,000-mile solo qualifying run before ending in Portland, Maine, then a haulout at Maine Yacht Center, before heading over to Europe in July or August.

Getting the boat to the starting line in just 13 months is a tight and ambitious timeline, especially when I'm largely running the campaign and working on the boat by myself. It is a truly humbling project. The schedule and the plan have constantly evolved. The only thing that remains constant is my start date on (about) October 28. Acquiring an older Open 50 (then having no cash) and turning that into a viable round-the-world racing campaign is a struggle each and every day that comes with a neverending cycle of emotional ups and downs.

If it were easy, everyone would do it, right?

Just a couple of days before this writing, I made my first solo passage on Sparrow. It was also our first offshore passage in more than four months. After sailing into Beaufort, North Carolina, around December 1, the plan was to haul out in Florida in January and then train in the Caribbean over the winter. But the haulout was canceled by the yard, and everyone in Florida was too busy with work to even return my phone calls. My 12.5-foot draft also creates a logistical hurdle when mooring and working on Sparrow. As it turned out, there was no place better for me than quiet little Beaufort to knock out a much-needed winter refit.

There was no boatyard that I could access in the immediate area, so I got creative and managed to pull the massive carbon fiber stick at the commercial port of Morehead City, then installed new wiring and wind instruments. As soon as the rig went back in, the little three-cylinder diesel was pulled out and dock-carted to a rental car so that I could tear it down in a friend's garage. With a new engine requiring a lengthy time delay and more expense, tearing the thing down myself and then rebuilding was my least bad option.

There were some setbacks, but the engine is now rebuilt and back in the boat and purring along. Major props to Beta Marine USA for sponsoring pistons, rings and other parts for use during the rebuild. Project by project, from chainplates to carbon work to renewable energy sources, to satellite communications and navigation equipment and a lot more, I've managed to get a lot of work done in Beaufort, and fell in love with the town during the process.

Unlike the well-funded professional teams in France or your typical private individual who owns a racing yacht, this campaign is largely publicly funded, as many similar campaigns have been before mine. From day one, I knew the hardest part of the campaign would be raising the money to do this. While I've been pretty successful at finding funding and sponsored sails and equipment, we are still precariously short on cash and desperately hoping to find a title sponsor and/or more individuals to kick in to help me get to the starting and finish lines. While fundraising has been an uphill struggle and a lot of work remains, I am eternally grateful to the companies, organizations and individuals that have helped me get as far as I have. Everything from people giving words of support all the way up to the biggest checks and sponsorship secured is appreciated more than most people will ever know — especially on those really hard days. Every time that someone effectively says, "I believe in you," it serves to inspire me to keep pushing to accomplish each goal with the resources that are available to me.

So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

If you or your company would like to make a contribution or sponsor Sparrow and me in the Global Solo Challenge, please feel free to check out our campaign website at www.ronniesimpsonracing.com or to contact me at ronniesimpsonracing@gmail.com. Anything, whether it's $5 or five grand will help a combat-wounded US Marine with over 130,000 ocean miles represent America on the world stage. Campaign contributions can also be made tax-deductible through the 501(c)(3) veteran's sailing nonprofit U.S. Patriot Sailing.

— ronnie simpson

continued in middle column of next sightings page

why you should get a vessel safety check

The US Coast Guard has the right to pull you over at any time for a random safety inspection. Though boardings are done for your safety, they can distract from an afternoon sail with friends. To avoid lengthy inspections, consider a free US Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check (VSC). USCG Auxiliary volunteer Gerry Gragg gave us some insights.

Before we get into the specifics of the Coast Guard VSC program, we think our readers would like to have a better understanding of the role the Auxiliary plays in the scope of US Coast Guard operations.

The Auxiliary is a volunteer organization of 20,000 members strong that supports the Coast Guard in all areas of operations, except for military and law enforcement. Recreational boating safety and marine environmental activities are two missions of the Coast Guard that are directly supported by examiners performing VSCs for boats.

When examiners perform a VSC, what specifically are they looking for on board a vessel?

The Auxiliary has developed a for m that's divided into two sections: The first section consists of 15 line items that reflect mandatory compliance with state and federal regulations. If a vessel is found to be in fullcompliance, the owner will receive a current Vessel Safety Check decal. If the vessel is not in compliance with one or more regulations, the examiner will carefully and politely explain what corrective action must take place, and why this is important for either boating safety or for environmental reasons. While the Coast Guard might issue a citation for noncompliance, the Auxiliary examiner uses noncompliance as an educational opportunity to inform each owner about the line item in question.

The second section of the form details recommended equipment or procedures to improve safety, and provides the owner and examiner with an opportunity to have an informal conversation about items ranging from marine radio use to trip planning and chart use.

Can you give us some examples of requirements for which boat owners are most often found to be in noncompliance?

I think what's most often misunderstood for all boat types is the need to prevent accidental sewage discharge from waste holding tanks within inland waters, designated no-discharge zones, or within three miles of shore by locking out the handle of the thru-hull fitting that allows for waste to be directly discharged into the sea. This lock-out function can be handled in several ways ranging from education, to a wire tie around the handle to prevent accidental movement, or removal of the handle itself. For boats with a macerator between the tank and this thru-hull fitting, a power switch lock-out of the macerator control circuit will suffice.

For vessels that are documented by the Coast Guard, the documentation number must be "permanently affixed" in three-inch-high Arabic numerals preceded by the letters "NO." Numbers must be affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious. Numbers can be painted, carved, or welded. Many owners are not aware of this requirement, do not know where the numbers are on their boat, or have numbers that are just taped in place and not permanently affixed.

Other common items that are found to be in noncompliance are expired flares for boats doing coastal cruising, expired fire extinguishers, and burned-out bulbs in navigation light fixtures.

How does a boat owner arrange to have an examiner perform a VSC on his boat. Is there a cost?

Go online to www.cgaux.org/vsc/ to schedule an inspection. There is no cost for the VSC, which takes about 30-35 minutes, depending on how well-prepared the owner is for the examination. It's a good idea to have everything the examiner needs to see out of lockers and lazarettes ahead of time. We also perform scheduled VSCs at marinas, yacht clubs, and sailing schools to increase participation.

What has the demand for VSCs been so far this year?

Sailing schools are arguably among the most knowledgeable boat owners, and commit to having 100% of their respective fleets examined. If corrective action is required to earn a decal, they gladly take those steps

continued on outside column of next sightings page

on the bay

cruising association, Summer Sailstice is a great day to gather your tribe to recruit or reinvigorate your group.

It's called the Sailstice because it's held near the solstice — the official start of summer and the longest day of the year. Start your summer sailing by adding your June 24 Sailstice plans at www.summersailstice. com

oakland a's estuary stadium strikes out

The Oakland water front will remain open for waterfront uses rather than sports stadiums — for now. The Oakland A's have announced a commitment to building their new ballpark in Las Vegas, making clear that they've given up on their plans to build on Howard Terminal at the Port of Oakland. While this is a huge disappointment for local A's fans and the City of Oakland,

— continued

it keeps critical land adjacent to the deepwater working waterfront available for the maritime trades.

The entire Bay Area waterfront remains under pressure from real estate development. Many planning commissions consider public access to the Bay to be walking or bike paths or decks with views, instead of launch ramps, docks, boatyards and infrastructure that allows people to get into, out of or onto and off the water. We want to preserve the working waterfront, and would rather see ramps expanding access, rather than seawalls reducing access.

Unless there's an unforeseen change, the future of Howard St. Terminal now goes back to the drawing board, with the threat of development forever looming.

— latitude

vsc — continued

toward compliance, because they are sending paying customers out on their boats and want them to be safe.

We normally see 50-60% of yacht club members' boats sign up for and receive a decal, often at a yacht club-sponsored event for that purpose. However, we have not seen the general marina population participate at these levels for reasons that are not clear to us.

We've heard that having a decal on either mast or windshield will cause the USCG to waive boarding. Is that true?

Displaying the vessel safety check decal indicates that the vessel complied with the applicable safety regulations and equipment, and that the owner/operator exhibited an interest in recreational boating safety. However, a vessel that has a vessel safety check decal is not exempt from enforcement actions for obvious violations, the observance of unsafe practices, and boardings for random law enforcement purposes.

I hope that your readers view the Vessel Safety Check as a no-cost/norisk opportunity to learn how their boat complies with mandatory equipment requirements regarding safety and the marine environment, as well as an opportunity to have a conversation with a knowledgeable examiner about any aspect of their boat that might be of concern to them.

— gerry gragg

Getting your Vessel Safety Check by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Examiners is quick and easy. Go to www.cgaux.org/vsc to make an appointment.

MASTER MARINERS RACING —

People often ask, "When did sailboat racing start on San Francisco Bay?" The answer is, about the time the second sailboat arrived. With the annual Memorial Day weekend Master Mariners Race on the calendar for May 27, we thought it a good time to revisit the roots of San Francisco sailing, and the Master Mariners Benevolent Association (MMBA).

San Francisco has a long and deep sailing heritage rooted in the depths of the Bay and beyond. In March 1848, roughly 157,000 people lived in the California territory: 150,000 Indigenous Americans, 6,500 of Spanish or Mexican descent, and fewer than 800 non-Indigenous Americans. San Francisco itself was a small settlement of 1,000 people. Once residents learned about the discovery of gold in 1848, they rushed to the Sierra foothills. By 1850, the census had swelled to 25,000 from an influx of merchants and fortune seekers. Thousands came to strike it rich. The first to arrive via ship came from the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and Latin America. Of approximately 300,000 to migrate between 1848 and 1855, roughly half came by sea from points around America, Latin America, Europe, Australia and China.

A jour ney that started on the East Coast meant a 15,000-mile passage around Cape Horn. The alternate route passed along the Atlantic Coast south to Panama, across the 60-mile Panama Isthmus, and finally again by ship, north along the Pacific coast. Companies providing ocean transportation included the US Mail Steamship Company, which carried US mail from New York City to New Orleans and Havana, then on to the Isthmus of Panama. In

1850, the company extended its route to San Francisco by adding a Pacific line of steamers. The federally subsidized Pacific Mail Steamship Company and Accessory Transit Company also brought passengers to San Francisco. Still more were transported by steamship from New York City through overland portages in Nicaragua and Panama, then north. Supply ships arrived. Hundreds of private vessels arrived, many with a one-way destination, which were then hastily abandoned and left to rot as crews deserted and raced to the gold fields. One estimate states 500 to a thousand ships once moored in the San Francisco harbor.

sailor faced loneliness and uncertainty.

Sailing continued to grow and evolve within the region as sailors allegedly became more civilized. The region became a home for workboats such as scow schooners, lumber schooners, brigantines, barkentines, and oyster sloops. By 1867, a San Francisco club had been founded with the purpose of fostering participation in yachting and the preservation of the classic and traditional sailing craft.

The Master Mariners Benevolent Association's current commodore Hans List says that during the 1850s, San Francisco grew to become a significant seaport. It was also a rough and tumble town, unsafe for many, including sailors who were sometimes taken in by local saloon girls famed for putting drugs into drinks. By the 1860s in San Francisco, aka the Barbary Coast, locals had coined the verb "shanghai" — a commonplace practice in which many a sailor awoke the next morning to find himself aboard a vessel headed to a faraway port.

The maritime profession was dangerous, with onboard accidents common, ship conditions poor, and ambitious skippers pushing hardto-meet delivery dates. Time on land or back in port was minimal. The sweetheart who did marry and start a family with a

On the Fourth of July, 1867, the organization that called itself the Boatman's Protective Association staged a race on San Francisco Bay. The competition was established among the coastal sailing ships and San Francisco Bay and Delta workboats to help celebrate Independence Day. Records state that, "Thousands of spectators crowded Telegraph Hill to view the hotly contested battle of two bluewater sailing ships around a tight, 18-mile, inside the Bay course. More than 40 vessels raced for prizes that ranged from opera glasses to a cord of wood or a ton of potatoes — all donated by local merchants. But the most coveted prize of all was, and still is, a silken swallow-tailed banner emblazoned with a strutting gamecock and the word CHAMPION embroidered across it in large letters."

This contest marked a new tradition for the Bay. The host organization went on to rename itself the Master Mariners Benevolent Association (MMBA), and set an ongoing objective to raise funds from local maritime businesses for distribution to widows and orphans of seamen lost at sea. That mission is reflected in the MMBA burgee — a Herreshoff anchor with an "H" across its shank, which stands for hope.

Throughout the years, many have worked to keep traditional sailing trades and participation alive; for, in an ever-changing and fast-paced world, it is these traditions that ground and remind us of simpler times, Commodore List says. "MMBA members help preserve our rich maritime history, notably the men and women who helped make it what it is today. Every old wooden boat skipper has a story, every crew can share memorable tales, and every old boat, itself, comes with a story. We

Owner Allen Gross at the helm of the Edward Burgess-designed 'Folly', built in San Francisco in 1889 and still sailing the Bay.

"Every old wooden boat skipper has a story, every crew can share memorable tales, and every old boat, itself, comes with a story."

are charged with providing a window to that past. We keep alive and vital this history so that its vessels and stories do not become forgotten."

Neil Gibbs, owner of the Sparkman and Stephens yawl Kay of Göteborg, serves as the MMBA's membership chair. His role is to help further awareness and build the ranks. "The maritime heritage of San Francisco is extremely rich, yet we face a major challenge in that our community of wooden boats is shrinking. Some simply get moved out of the area, some fall into a state of neglect or are abandoned. It is sad to hear when a vessel has sunk or will be removed from the water for dismantling."

Gibbs and List both assert that wooden boat owners participate in a culture that practices craftsmanship. "We've all heard the comments about old boats being hard to maintain, costly to upkeep, or that every weekend is varnish weekend," List smiles, and adds that such things depend on the boat. He also asserts that boatwork time can be both therapeutic and rewarding. "During COVID, we learned about renewed interest in all things DIY and growth for hands-on hobbies amongst 30- to

AN AGELESS TRADITION

outs of marinas, and can offer suggestions for riggers and finding and replacing parts.

40-year-olds. There was also a significant increase in recent boat purchases. Our membership is optimistic, with some new owners who have recently invested, or will invest, in an older wooden boat. We want to welcome those folks to the MMBA, a community ready to share its deep regard for the importance of old vessels." Ask any MMBA member how many times a stranger has sailed just a bit closer to admire, then inquire about the age or make of an old boat at sail.

Members of the tribe are keen to share knowledge and resources. It's a tightly-knit set with a vast range of knowledge and skills, plus plenty of experience. Their expertise covers everything A to Z for old boats — from purchase and maintenance to racing and cruising. Members know the best mechanics, varnishers and sailmakers. They know the ins and

New old-boat owner Wesley Nunez, who purchased the Yankee One Design Flotsam, tapped the group. Nurtured by the owners of the 56-ft 1928 P-Class Lester Stone cutter Water Witch, Nunez says, "I started sailing four years ago. John and Gena Egelston got me into it, and I was hooked. First came the purchase of a Santana 22 in 2019, then a Ranger 33 in 2021, and now I own Yankee OD hull number 42, Flotsam." Smiling, he reveals that the Egelstons reminded him of the MMBA group while sailing the 2020 New Year's Day Race. "It was a lot of fun and I really dug the vibe. I'm into classic things, cars, and antiquities, so there was a natural draw. Joining MMBA was part of the reason we got Flotsam." Nunez will race his own boat in the Master Mariner events, and possibly interclub racing.

Andy and Melissa Flick eased their pathway to ownership with the help of Commodore List. "This friend of mine started joining us for sails on my boat Sequestor; he kept coming out to sail. Then, during the past year, he started looking around for his own boat. Found

Current MMBA Commodore Hans List at the helm of his classic schooner 'Seaquestor'.

LATITUDE / JOHN

LYON OMOHUNDRO

Terry Klaus and daughter Lindsey, along with their 1924 Herreshoff schooner 'Brigadoon', are part of the foundation of the MMBA.

MASTER MARINERS RACING —

one, had her hauled out, spiffed her up a bit, and I'm happy to say the family now owns and enjoys the 42-ft gaff schooner Aida." List feels that Andy's continuous exposure to sailing, invitation to Master Mariner social events, plus his own ability to offer personal assistance during selection and purchase yielded one more happy, old wooden boat owner on the Bay.

Coming this month is the MMBA's largest event — the traditional San Francisco Bay Master Mariners Regatta, held on Memorial Day weekend (this year May 27) and afterparty at Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda. Owners have been prepping for months.

Fleet starts happen in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club, with similarly rated vessels pitted alongside one another. The start is staged pursuit style (slowest boats start first). The vessels sail a wide course to several points on

the Bay, which yields ample vantage for spectators to watch from onshore along the S.F. Cityfront — notably to catch the downwind run in front of Alcatraz early in the day. It is a "gentleman's race" with wide and easy roundings, but when

blustery conditions occur, the action can get intense. Most boats have family and friends on board, some barefooted. The crews bring deep talent and knowledge to handle the heavy boats as they power through S.F.'s strong currents. The club's secondbiggest event and fundraiser is the annual Wooden Boat Show, to be held this year on June 18. In 1994, to not only further promote a mission of benevolence but also to share the pageantry of members' boats, the first annual MMBA Wooden Boat Show was staged at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. Master mariners see this as a time to gather and

Clockwise from top left: John and Gena Egelston's actively raced, Stone Boatyard built 56ft 1928 P-Class cutter 'Water Witch' inspires all wooden boat enthusiasts on the Bay and in the boat show; New MMBA wooden boat owner and MMBA member Wesley Nunez relaxes aboard his Yankee One Design 'Flotsam', built locally by John Linderman in 1963; If you want to step aboard to see the craftsmanship and feel the warmth of wood, there's nothing like the Master Mariner's Boat Show at the Corinthian Yacht Club in June; With the MMBA and Call of the Sea, sailors are still sailing tall ships on San Francisco Bay.

"We keep alive and vital this history so that its vessels and stories do not become forgotten."

socialize, plus compare restoration stories. For the public, it is an opportunity for non-yacht-club members to visit one of California's oldest and grandest maritime clubs (founded in 1886) and step aboard historical wooden sailboats at an in-water display.

Over the years the show has included vessels such as Freda, which was built in Belvedere in 1885. Listed as one of the West Coast's oldest sailboats, Freda was restored by the Arques School of Traditional Boatbuilding in Sausalito in the mid-2010s. Other native designs

vessels of various pedigrees also participate, creating a showcase to mark a varied San Francisco maritime heritage.

Among the larger boats to tie up at the annual Wooden Boat Show is the Alma, an 1891 scow schooner crafted by Fred Siemer at his boatyard near Shipwright's Cottage, at Hunters Point, San Francisco. Her 80foot flat-bottomed hull was designed to navigate the shallow creeks and sloughs of the Sacramento/ San Joaquin Delta. That attribute enabled her to rest on a river bottom at low tide, thereby easing cargo load and offload.

A newer MMBA member vessel is Call of the Sea's Matthew Turner; named to honor the can shipbuilder and structed a total of 228 vessels during

Master Mariners Wooden Boat Show

SUNDAY, JUNE 18 10 A. M . – 4 P. M . CORINTHIAN YA C HT CLU B

View classic sailing vessels, meet their skippers and learn the yachts' unique history. Show proceeds to go to Master Mariners Benevolent 501(c)3 Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships for youth sailing, wooden boat building and maritime education. Also provides for the preservation of SF Bay Classic yachts. MMBF is dedicated to preserving the continuity of traditional yachting on San Francisco Bay.

Our Annual Regatta Saturday, May 27

The Master Mariners Benevolent Association is dedicated to fostering participation in yachting and the preservation of classic and traditional sailing craft. During the Boat Show, the Corinthian Yacht Club outdoor bar and grill is open for lunch and there is model boat building for kids. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.

Master Mariners Benevolent Association www.sfmastermariners.org

LYON OMOHUNDRO

his lifetime, 154 of which were built in his Benicia shipyard. The former sea captain is regarded as the granddaddy of big wooden shipbuilding on the Pacific Coast. Built in Sausalito, and launched in April 2017, the 132-footlong Matthew Turner was designed upon the historical shipbuilder's 1891 brigantine Galilee and is the San Francisco Bay Area's largest working brigantine.

This year's Wooden Boat Show is on Sunday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A gate fee of $20 is requested from adult visitors; children under 12 are free. Guests will meet skippers and learn more about the region's history as captured in their stories. An outdoor bar and grill will be open, live music

featured, and boatbuilding activities for kids are promised.

Proceeds from both the annual May regatta and the June boat show are directed to the Master Mariners Benevolent Foundation — a 501(c)(3) entity —

for distribution as scholarships to support youth sail training, maritimerelated vocational training, and events that raise appreciation for nautical heritage and preservation of classic sailboats.

The association offers three membership levels: two for boat owners and one for classic-boat enthusiasts. Membership chair Gibbs has initiated a hightouch campaign to personally reach wooden boat owners, asking that they consider membership. All MMBA members are encouraging non-boat-owning enthusiasts to consider supporting at the Friends level, which is only $35/ year. Holders of a Friends membership may attend social events, benefit from MMBA members' expertise,

Introducing

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TRIM IN HIGH DEFINITION

Velocity. Trimmers feel an increase first…before the numbers confirm. Using sheet as speed barometer, they’re also the first to know when pressure softens. And they respond. The 7 ceramic ball bearings in a new Zircon block overcome inertia from friction so easily, information flows acutely through the sheet. Simply put, trimmers feel and better match sail shape to the new condition–often the diference between winning and not. At top wind ranges, you need more purchase to trim harder. Go for it. When the breeze backs of, Zircon blocks let you ease… even through all those sheaves.

St. Francis YC commodore Beau Vrolyk is the current steward of David Crosby's former schooner 'Mayan'.

and gain a leg up for possible invitations to sail a lovely wooden boat. More importantly, the money goes to support the continuance of an essential organization with a mission to preserve and promote a rich legacy.

Over the decades, MMBA's prominence and member ranks have wavered, coming close to extinction in the mid-'60s. But they were revived, thanks to a dedicated few. In 1978, the MMBA Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California, re-establishing the MMBA as a notfor-profit social organization (California 501(c)(7)). In 1988, the Board of Directors established the MMBA Historical Small-Craft Preservation Foundation, a tax-deductible California public benefit corporation, which helped fund restoration of the 1929 Bird Boat Polly, hull #19, and one of four Bird Boats built by W.F. Stone & Son Boat Yard in Oakland. Today, the MMBA is one of the area's oldest and largest associations of traditional wooden sailboats.

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— martha blanchfield

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Neil Gibbs, MMBA membership chair, is the proud restorer and owner of the Sparkman and Stephens yawl 'Kay of Göteborg'.

BENSON LEE

PODIUM FINISHES FOR WEST COAST BOATS

Seventy

boats celebrated 50 years of fabulous sailing and island fun over five days of outstanding racing in perfect conditions at the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, held March 27 to April 2. The BVI Spring Regatta is undoubtedly one of the most beloved regattas on the Caribbean racing circuit, and this year, the competition could not have been better — nor the conditions: warm turquoise water, temperatures in the mid-80s, and a consistent breeze in the high teens every day. Oh, and super-fun parties every night in the regatta village as well as the Nanny Cay Resort and Marina (the host sponsor) beach bar.

This year was notable, not only because it was the 50th edition of the regatta, but because there were more than just the usual handful of West Coast competitors. Ten groups of sailors from the Western United States made it to the BVI for

the regatta's 50th anniversary celebration, including a group of women from the West Vancouver Yacht Club calling themselves the Salish Sisters: Kelly Wharton, Kerry Phillips, Kathy Parslow, Kelly Brix, Lisa Andersen, and Melanie Brisbois, who raced on Spirit of Juno, a Farr 65, in the CSA 1 division.

"The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival delivered a sailing experience beyond expectations," Kelly Wharton said with a big smile. "On the first practice day, the Salish Sisters stepped on our Farr 65 ride and felt like characters out of Gulliver's Travels. The bow was a football field away, barrel-size winches loomed in the pit, and the Sequoia-wide boom floated overhead. We soon learned that the principles of sailing, whether you have an Opti or a Farr 65, are universal. The skills we had acquired from years of cruising and racing directly transferred to

larger boats, albeit with some important caveats. We felt confident in our positions, nailed the starts, and ended every race with smiles and laughs."

She added, "The BVI weather was beyond perfect: 20-25 knots, sunny skies, and aqua waters. Between tacks, jibes, and sail changes, we soaked in the spectacular and dramatic BVI seascapes, especially the wild windward sides of Ginger, Cooper, Peter, and Norman islands."

Jonathan Cruse and his friends from Seattle chartered a Sunsail 46 and raced in the Bareboat 1 division, and Peter Nelson, also from the Seattle area, raced with friends in the Bareboat 2 division on a chartered Sunsail 41.

In the Cruising Multihull division, Ron Boehm, an I-14 sailor from Santa Barbara, California, raced his boat Little Wing, a Perry Antrim 52 that he keeps in St. Croix. Boehm took second in the division.

he om ard 'Pata egra', skippered aura Schlessinger aka r aura, the famed talk radio host who li es in Santa Bar ara took frst o erall in CSA Division 1 at the 50th Anniversary BVI Spring Regatta. (Dr. Laura is on the port wheel in the orange pants.)

ALL PHOTOS INRID ABERY / BVI SPRING REGATTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Levon

It Just Doesn't Matter on Mango Tango, a Moorings 4500.

"Spring Regatta is always great; I love the variety of the racing on different courses, the distance racing like the Round Tortola race, and the Scrub Island Invitational is a great addition," Boehm commented.

"We sailed up to Bitter End Yacht Club for the lay day, then did the 29-mile downwinder the next morning for the start of the first race of the regatta. It's a lot of fun!"

In Performance Multihull, Nemo, the HH66, owned and skippered by Todd

AT 50TH BVI SPRING REGATTA

Slyngstad from Los Gatos, California, took third in class. Nemo took third in division, and has competed at Spring Regatta for the past several years and is always a highlight on the racecourse, along with the Gunboat fleet and other impressive racing multihulls.

Competing in her first destination racing event, Dr. Laura Schlessinger — the internationally renowned psychotherapist, author, and radio talk show host from Santa Barbara — skippered Pata Negra, a Lombard 46, taking first overall in CSA 1 division. The Swan 58 Wavewalker, owned and skippered by Woody Cullen from Sun Valley, Idaho, also competed in CSA 1, taking third overall.

One of the hot new sport boats on the

racing scene around the world is undoubtedly the Cape 31. Three of these fast, fun boats competed including M2 , owned by Steve Rowland of San Rafael, California, and skippered by Hartwell Jordan from Orinda, California. M2 placed third overall in CSA 3, a highly skilled division.

"We mostly enjoyed the camaraderie of our own group together with the great sailing conditions," Jordan smiled. "It was nice to be able to come to the dock and then go into a bar and reminisce about the day. It was a great experience and hopefully, we will be back."

Bow gal on M2 , Christine Bletzer from Point Richmond, California, concurred: "It was an unforgettable experience with an extremely talented group of sailors

Left: 'M2' crew at the Nanny Cay beach bar. Above: Dr. Laura Schlessinger and the 'Pata Negra' crew. Bottom left: The San Rafael-based Cape 31 'M2' took third in class. Bottom right: Keeping it cheeky in the BVI.

Kokonian from Malibu sailed on the Swiss Cat 45 Tali, while Tim O'Connor and friends, also from Santa Barbara, had a blast sailing as Team

COURTESY

M2

M I C HELLE SLADE

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY BVI SPRING REGATTA

and friends. We all worked really hard as a team, and the mood of the boat was almost always somewhere in between calm and focused to totally stoked! Our competition was tough, but it was invaluable to our growth as a team to be able to finally compete against some other Capes!

"Definitely worth all the bruises I came home with."

Dr. Laura learned to sail when she

moved to Santa Barbara some 15-20 years ago. She bought her first boat as a form of relaxation, and when someone asked what her PHRF rating was, she replied that she had no clue.

"I was only interested in tooling around, yet here I am!" she said after her BVI win.

There were 10 in Schlessinger's team: her regular crew from Santa Barbara who

have been together eight years, which is rare, she acknowledges.

"I am proud to say that wherever we are, we pull together as a team and make it happen, I am very impressed with my guys; they are amazing. We arrived early to Spring Regatta, practiced one day, and it was like we had sailed the boat forever."

— michelle slade www.bvispringregatta.org

Above: The "Salish Sisters", six friends from the West Vancouver Yacht Club, took on the monumental task of chartering the Farr 65 'Spirit of Juno' at this year's BVI Spring Regatta. "The principles of sailing, whether you have an Opti or a Farr 65, are universal," said one of the Sisters. Bottom left: The HH66, 'Nemo', owned and skippered by Todd Slyngstad of Los Gatos, took third in class. Bottom right: There's alwayz room 4 fun at the Spring Regatta.

AMERICA'S SCHOONER CUP —

Wind prediction was 6-9 knots on San Diego Bay for the 35th Annual America's Schooner Cup Charity Regatta, held on April 1. With this forecast, the ASC race committee announced at the skippers' meeting that the 12.9-mile

race would be shortened to 10.9 miles. They also reported that the race mark at Buoy 17 off Shelter Island had disappeared; the buoy was presumed hit and sunk in recent days. So the usual upwind slog to this mark was eliminated from the course. With prevailing west to northwest wind, this generates a long broad reach

from the race start to the outer marks outside the bay, favoring the gaffers.

Gloomy conditions loomed again this year for the race, with a 1- to 1.5-knot ebb and potentially no wind for the early starters. Luckily, a steady wind freshened from the northwest just as the first start for Class C boats sounded at 11:30.

The 30-ft LOD Atkin Marconi schooner Maid of Kent hit the start line with speed and seconds to spare. With a steady aft breeze, Maid of Kent immediately raised a golly and took off heading south.

The stately 94-ft Californian, from the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and 94ft Bill of Rights, with Don Johnson from South Bayfront Sailing Association, set up their approaches to the line farther back to avoid crossing over early, but once safely across the start line and underway in a perfect schooner breeze, they charged for the outer marks too.

Not far behind were the 42-ft Luders schooner Age of Grace with skipper Eric Gonnason and the 30-ft LOD Hale Field/ Lyle Hess-designed schooner Lively with skipper Andrew Mayhugh from Newport Beach, both getting whatever distance possible between them and the B Class racers in the second start at 11:45.

The 2023 America's Schooner Cup Charity Regatta was notable for the return of the 74-ft 'Astor', celebrating her centennial.

— Photo by Janie Noon

'Shine On', 'Legacy' and 'Maid of Kent'.

JIM WARD

With a deck full of charter passengers and crew, Californian caught Maid of Kent near the end of Point Loma and passed her like a freight train heading to the first mark at Buoy 4.

Everyone racing schooners this year was loving the starts and this first leg in the 2023 ASC race. Among the B fleet racers was Pegasus, a Downeast 45 Morschaldt singlehanded by John Fay. Also in the pack was 41-ft LOD Legacy, an Alden Malabar II with skipper Scott Mahoney from Marina del Rey, plus Shine On, a 44-ft custom schooner designed by Bud Taplin — who also served as helmsman this day for owner Walt Pitt — and Brian Eichenlaub's Witchcraft, a 36-ft LOD William Roue-designed schooner custom built by Carl and Brian Eichenlaub and skippered by C.F. Koehler.

First to Buoy 4, Californian hardened up to round the mark but eventually had

PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW

to tack away and begin the upwind climb to Buoy 3. Maid of Kent rounded Buoy 4 a few minutes after Californian, doused her golly, and tacked away with a gaff foresail and fisherman as she continued upwind and up-swell to Buoy 3, while all other Class C and Class B schooners closed in on Buoy 4.

By this time the third start was well underway for Class A racers, including the 2022 America's Schooner Cup Defender, the 46-ft LOD Angelman La Volpe, skippered by Tim O'Brien with

his crew from the Maritime Preservation Trust in San Pedro, and first to cross the line after the 12 noon starting horn. Her Class A challengers were the 105-ft LOD America, a Scarano-designed replica of the famous 1851 racer, skippered by Troy Sears of Next Level Sailing with a deck also filled with charter passengers, and the 74-ft LOD Fife-designed

No longer a bridesmaid, 'Maid of Kent' won Class C and the America's Schooner Cup overall on April 1. Here she's hot on the heels of the tall ship 'Californian'. — Photo by Janie Noon

JIM WARD

Launched in 1923, 'Astor' celebrated her 100th year of sailing with a fine gathering of schooners.

'Bill of Rights', one of the vessels that took out charter guests.

AMERICA'S SCHOONER CUP —

schooner Astor from Newport Beach, fivetime winner of the America's Schooner Cup from 1990 to 1994.

Astor's long-awaited return to this

San Diego event followed her 90,000 miles of cruising in the South Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia, plus the Caribbean, Mediterranean and most

importantly, an arrival in Fairlie, Scotland, for a Fife Reunion Regatta in 2013. Launched in 1923, Astor celebrated her 100th year of sailing with a fine gathering of West Coast schooners at the 2023 America's Schooner Cup Regatta. She has been meticulously maintained, raced hard, and cruised extensively by Richard and Lani Straman since 1987.

Among the four Class A challengers this year, one was sadly missing at the line. The 61ft Alden staysail schooner Dauntless was unable to finish her repairs in time to compete in San Diego; she was notably absent and missed in a race against her old rival Astor this year

Despite such great disappointment, Dauntless's new owner and skipper Jim

CYNTHIA SINCLAIR

Below: The long and the short of it. The Intergalactic Schooners are just 10 feet long and sailed by two people. They had a separate course from the big guys. This one is the division winner, 'Lime an de Coconut', with Matt Megla and Pete Stanton. Compare that to the state tall ship, 'Californian'.

MARK ALBERTAZZI

'America' and 'La Volpe'. The latter was defending their 2022 Cup win.

JIM WARD

PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW

Mason, from Berkeley, entered the ASC Regatta in full support of this charity event to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. He also participated as charter crew aboard America.

After the freshening winds at the start and an ebb current, this schooner race of such diverse vessel attributes and diverse sailing conditions came down — as usual — to the wind conditions and luck of position at different points in the race course.

The ebb favor ed the racers in the earlier start classes. While initially faster than most in broad reach winds, Cali-

fornian was overtaken while tacking to windward. Maid of Kent has raced for the Schooner Cup for 32 years and has only once finished anywhere above mid-pack of her competition (placing second overall to Lively in 2016 by 59 seconds).

Maid of Kent is almost always out ahead for the first hour of this race, only to be passed repeatedly by all the other schooners on the long reach to the finish line, and she rarely corrects over the bigger, faster ones. But this year was different! Somehow Maid of Kent stayed ahead long enough to finish first on corrected time by 2 minutes. The mysterious loss of Buoy 17 certainly did not hurt the little gaffer.

The annual ASC Charity Regatta and festivities are hosted by Silver Gate Yacht Club and are sponsored by many generous donors. Racing honors were

The eponymous yacht 'America' took charter passengers aboard for the race.

MARK ALBERTAZZI

AMERICA'S SCHOONER CUP

again awarded at the SGYC post-race party. In addition to her racing prowess in 2023, Astor won the prestigious Bristol Boat Award from Downwind Marine for Best Maintained Yacht.

— marcia hilmen

SGYC AMERICA'S SCHOONER CUP, 4/1

CLASS A — 1) America, 139-ft LOA 1995 J. Scarano, Troy Sears;

2) La Volpe, 53-ft LOA

1926 H. Angelman, Tim O'Brien; 3) Astor, 86-ft LOA 1923 Fife & Sons, Richard Straman. (3 boats)

CLASS B — 1) Pegasus, 52-ft LOA 1978 H. Morschtaldt, John Fay; 2) Legacy, 46-ft LOA

2000 J.G. Alden, Scott Mahoney; 3) Witchcraft, 42-ft LOA 1994 W. Roue, C.F. Koehler. (4 boats)

CLASS C — 1) Maid of Kent, 36-ft LOA 1962 W. Atkin, Jerry Newton; 2) Lively, 36-ft LOA 1976 H. Field, Andrew Mayhugh; 3) Age of Grace, 1971 48-ft LOA Luders Cheoy Lee staysail schooner, Eric Gonnason. (5 boats)

OVERALL — 1) Maid of Kent; 2) America; 3) Pegasus. (12 boats)

INTERGALACTIC 10 — 1) Lime an de Coconut, Matt Megla/Pete Stanton; 2) Poco Loco, Alex & Nathan Packard; 3) Pacifer, Stu & Kevin Seymour. (3 boats) See full results at www.americasschoonercup.com

Wayne Ettel of the Maritime Preservation Trust posted a great video of the America's Schooner Cup in a recent MPT Newsletter. You can watch it at https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=506392c9f58fe88541dbc038e&id=3a75d6f60f.

7

TWO DAYS OF RACING DIVISIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RACER FOR LATEST INFO VISIT VYC .ORG/RACE NOT TO BE MISSED

The 2023 winners of the America's Schooner Cup, from 'Maid of Kent'. Left to right: Marcia Hilmen, Eric Newton, Harper Jakubs, Crescent Jakubs, SGYC commodore Rich Chambers, skipper Jerry Newton and Paul Mitchell. — Photo by Cynthia Sinclair

Art by Carol Alban Graphics by Pirates Lair

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35’ SCHOCK 35 ’88 $29,000 Minx. 1988 Modified Schock 35. The boat is Class legal. Join a competitive fleet, or cruise to the Islands on a performance boat

20’ SCHOCK HARBOR 20 ’16 $35,000 Selkie. Absolutely mint condition! Two sets of sails. She is ready to go day sailing with the family or enter in your local regattas.

53’ J BOATS J160 ’97 $379,000 Hana Hou. Fast and sleek cruiser with new electronics, new main and jib, new sail covers, dodger and bimini as well as many upgrades.

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41’ C&C 41 ’88 $49,500 Shamrock. High-performance sailing and spacious accommodations. Triple-spreader rig. Ready to win regattas or take the family to Catalina.

39’ FREEDOM ’85 $45,000 Entrophy. Free-standing cat ketch rig and carbon fiber spars work well for minimal crew. Sturdy lightweight hull for great performance.

31’ HUNTER 31 ’87 $29,900 Joli Bateau. A very versatile boat in a small affordable package. A great day sailer and can even take the family for an overnight cruise.

THE PITFALLS AND PLEASURES

Itis a sailor's dream to sail the South Pacific, and more specifically, French Polynesia. Referred to in general as Tahiti by those who are not familiar with the French territory, Tahiti is one of the more than 120 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia. Sure, you have heard of Bora Bora, but what about Maupiti or Tubuai?

Many sailors know of these islands, but for the general public, these are new words. Tahiti is merely the doorstep to endless tropical destinations. The more remote you go, however, the more removed from supplies. Access becomes limited to items like spare boat parts, hardware stores and even large grocery stores.

The best way to be able to spend months at a time away from "civilization" or the big city (Papeete is a notable example of a big little city) is to thoroughly prepare in the off-season. Cyclone season in the Southern Hemisphere is November through April; the average rainfall in Tahiti in November and December is 10 to 12 inches.

Hauling out during cyclone season allows the mariner to take advantage of the low season, when storage and yard prices might be slightly lower and the island is not as busy. We hauled out for the month

When boats sit out of the water for an extended period of time in the tropics, the humidity takes a toll and mold starts to grow. Note the brown water. After a hard rain, there's lots of runoff from the hills and land, causing dirt and mud to stream into the water.

of November in Taravao, located on the isthmus between Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti. Geographically, the island of Tahiti consists of two volcanoes — Tahiti Nui, the larger lying to the northwest, and Tahiti Iti, the smaller, to the southeast. In a very protected bay lies the town of Taravao with its calm, sheltered lagoon. In the distance, waves can be seen breaking outside the barrier reef. The town lies roughly 20 minutes from the worldfamous Teahupo'o surf break.

The yard, Tahiti Nautic, is run by a helpful and friendly Frenchman, Yvan. When we first met Yvan, he was wearing a neoprene shorty wetsuit and booties. At first I wondered if he was about to go diving, as there is a dive shop located in the marina. I quickly realized this was Yvan's preferred attire for the weather. It made perfect sense; why get your clothes wet day in and day out? A wetsuit was the perfect solution and a precursor to what we were about to experience.

The jobs we needed to accomplish during this haulout were not extensive; it was more finding the right weather window to complete the tasks. We needed to sand and paint the hull with a new coat of anti-fouling, change out zincs, inspect the rudder, and polish and grease up the max prop. There were also some leaks in cockpit drains, and a galley portlight and a chainplate that needed replacement. Since being hauled out costs money, we

eft Blue sk on the mountain means it's time to get to work Right ith the work fnished, the aliant ' alc on' heads back to the water on a hydraulic trailer. (There aren't many travel lifts in French Polynesia.)

wanted to concentrate on jobs that could only be done below the waterline.

Across the street from the haulout yard was a very conveniently located hardware-type store called Socimat. It had a mishmash of items from marine paint to welding hoods. The store seemed to cater to the needs of the community, which makes sense in these far-off locations — with the time and effort it takes for supply ships to cross oceans, they'd better come with the equipment and tools people are going to use. There was a shelf dedicated to bottom paint, but the size of paint cans and colors were not optimal. For a 40-ft monohull, we were only after a gallon and a half of bottom paint. The options for can sizes were five or 20 liters; we opted for two cans of the 5L. We wanted to go with black, but unfortunately, there was only one 5L can. With the other choices being red, blue or brown, we went with brown, as it was also half the price of the other colors. With a deal like that, who cares what color the hull is once she is back in the water?

The town of Taravao was a short, 15-minute walk away and had many conveniences, including a Carrefour shopping center, Nautisport for marine supplies, and a little farther into town, Sin Tung Hing Marine Supplies and Ace Hardware. It is best practice to use as much French as you can. This goes a long way. Even if you butcher the language, it gets

OF HAULING OUT IN TAHITI

a smile, and most of the time, a helpful reply. Hitchhiking is also common, and can help when carrying fresh baguettes or cans of paint in the rain.

Our haulout time was roughly three weeks. To give you an idea of the weather windows, I would say maybe four days had no rain, and five days had rain in the afternoon with a sunny morning. Luckily, there was a mountain in the background of the yard that could be used as a gauge for how long you had before the rain came. If you woke up and saw the mountain with blue sky around, this meant get to work! When the mountain started to disappear into the clouds, then it was time to start wrapping up your projects. It's a tried and tested method. The key was to plan work wisely, and capitalize when the sun was out.

The yard allows you to stay on your boat during the haul-out, which is great for the cost-conscious cruiser. There are two shore heads with showers available, though

the water was solar heated, so a hot shower was once or twice a week at best. (Be sure to have bug screens to fend off the local mosquito population.)

The days are cool, which allows for sleeping with hatches shut and a fan, which was quite comfortable. The electricity is 220V European plugs, therefore, depending on the region of your boat and power tools, a step-down converter or generator will come in handy. There is also an onsite sailmaker/repair and a machine shop. We didn't use these services, but we were glad to know they were not far away. The yard also has a large production operation for local boats.

o e iring out ' alc on's co ers and sails in etween showers op right Justin Summers, the author's boyfriend, climbs aboard while on the hard.

Justin suits up to sand ' alc on's ottom in etween the rains.

ALL PHOTOS HALCYON

One of the perks of all the rainfall is that you don't have to worry about hauling up water for your freshwater tanks. For three weeks, we developed a catchment system with lines on top of the bimini running into the portable water jugs. The water was so fresh and clean it could have been bottled and sold.

Once we were ready to get the boat back in the water, the weather could not

have been nicer (just our luck). The sun was out and we had to swap bug spray for sunscreen. I noticed that Yvan had returned again in his wetsuit even though it was not raining. Shortly after, as the boat was being put back into the water, I realized he also went into the water to remove the barrier pads from the hydraulic chocks that hold the boat in the cradle.

This made me laugh as I had wrongly

assumed he wore the wetsuit for the rain. However, I do think it is worth wearing for the amount of rain we encountered.

If your plans are to stay in French Polynesia for a year or more (which we highly recommend), an economical way to get your yard period done is in Taravao. Just be sure to time the weather and bring a wetsuit!

— karson winslow

rom left Roaming roosters super ised the ard fresh fsh on sale at the local gas station fresh fruit and egeta le stands lined the streets in town

HAULOUT

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STEERING THE DREAM

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“I made it from San Diego to Hawaii and loved using the Hydrovane (her name is Ruby!)”

- OLIVIA, SINGLEHANDED SAILOR SV JUNIPER, PANDA 34 @wildernessofwaves

THE RACING

This month we visit SBYC's Island Fever, StFYC's Bunny Bash, EYC's J/105 & Express 37 Invitational, the SSS Round the Rocks, the South Bay Bridge Series, the Bullship for El Toros, SCYC's Champion of Champions and Doublehanded Buoy Fiasco, the Carmiggelt Trophy for Mercurys, the Laser Masters Worlds, and the Ultimate 20 PCCs. It's been a busy spring! Box Scores, Race Notes and photos fill in the gaps.

South Beach YC Island Fever

South Beach Yacht Club has a quirky set of sailors. If there were a yacht club competition based on humor, spirit of camaraderie, inventiveness and whimsy, this club, which sits beside the ballpark on the Bay, would likely earn top honors. After all, anyone can host monthly races held on the third Saturday during winter months; few host a competition where racers compete for mini lawn flamingos.

On the final day of the SBYC Island Fever Series on March 18, a whisper of breeze fluttered flags. From the docks pre-race, series chair Bill Tennyson

Jubilant, enthuses, "The SBYC Island Fever midwinter series is fun, relaxed competition. It's a great way to keep the racing skills and crew from getting rusty over the winter. This series has been interesting because nearly every race had a strong ebb to deal with."

Looking back on big-tide Saturdays, he references an afternoon of paying the piper: "We ran aground just north of the Bay Bridge while leading — got a little too aggressive looking for relief from a ripping ebb and had to retire from that race."

Jubilant is new to San Francisco Bay. Boat partner Kevin Wilkinson shares

Stratocaster winged-guitar kite in the last race."

Also combining starts on March 18 were Spinnaker >150 boats Avalon, Huge, Sparky, Tilly Whim and Zeehond, and the Non-Spinnaker lone competitor Bravo Zulu. You will deduce that Walt Raineri on the Sonar 23 Bravo Zulu claimed a first. The day's race helped him clinch a division overall flamingo. Meanwhile, kite competitor Donn Guay pushed his Newport 30 MkII Zeehond, with the happy yellow spinnaker, over the finish line to a first for both the day and the series.

It was cake, Crown Royal and flamingos back at the clubhouse. Tennyson sums things up: "It's the midwinter experience: folks who want to race so badly they'll believe anything, like, 'If we wait a little longer there will be wind.' Saturday had just enough to overcome the tide. Hurrah!" He's found a way for the race committee to still look good on days when the ventus no blow: "If the tide defeats the wind, the first boat to retire (from a race where no one finishes) gets the Reality Check award non satis venti, stulti. That's Latin for 'not enough wind, fools.'"

— martha blanchfield

SBYC ISLAND FEVER (7r, 1t)

SPINNAKER <100 — 1) Jubilant, J/112e, Ross Werner, 11 points; 2) Air Jaldi, J/105, Larry Lang, 27; 3) Pelagia, J/88, Christos Karamanolis, 30. (6 boats)

sniffed the wind. "If it smells like garlic fries, it's blowing from the ballpark. If it smells like pizza, it's coming from North Beach. If it smells like jet exhaust, it's east to west over the Bay from San Lorenzo."

On the course, Spinnaker Under 100 combined with the PHRF 100-150 division. Following a stress-free start, racers sailed on fairly smooth waters in a building breeze, shooting over to the East Bay on the first run. The Melges 32 Nuckelavee, toting Mark Kennedy and crew, put ample distance ahead of peers Jubilant and Inconceivable . Early in Race 1, these two offered a side-by-side display of hot pink and marine blue spinnakers; in a rare outcome, some crews carried a spinnaker over the finish line. Ross Werner, co-owner of the J/112e

that it took ample research to locate a best pick. "A new J is a big investment. In Europe there is more selection, and with the current strong dollar, the net cost was quite reasonable even after factoring in shipping and so forth."

Jubilant was delivered last October; her California debut was in Richmond YC's Great Pumpkin Regatta. Their former ride was Reality Cheque, a 1990 Beneteau First 35s5.

In Echo Division (Spinnaker 100-150), Lewis Lanier, helming J/32 Stratocaster, won multiple trophies. He notes, "Two races were indeed 'Island Fever' races around Alcatraz — in monster ebbs. Fortunately, we had good wind to complete six of the seven starts this season. Thanks to a great crew, we finished in first place, and got to launch our new

SPINNAKER 100-150 — 1) Stratocaster, J/32, Lewis Lanier, 7 points; 2) Sirocco, Soverel 30 MkIV, Bill Davidson, 17; 3) Crew's Nest, Catalina 34, Ray Irvine, 21. (3 boats)

SPINNAKER >150 — 1) Zeehond, Newport 30 MkII, Donn Guay, 9 points; 2) Avalon, Catalina 30, John Ford, 17; 3) Huge, Catalina 30, Jay Moore, 21. (5 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Bravo Zulu, Sonar 23, Walt Raineri, 10 points; 2) Unamimous, CS30, Steve Eittreim, 17. (3 boats)

Full results at www.southbeachyachtclub.org

StFYC Bunny Bash in the Books

Wait long enough and good things are bound to happen! That was the case on Saturday, April 8, at St. Francis YC for the Bunny Bash Match Race, sailed in the club's J/22s. Gray skies and chilly but calm air meant the forecast westerly would be slow to reach our racecourse. The sailors, eager to put their matchracing knowledge to the test, patiently

SBYC Island Fever Echo Div. winners, left to right: Max Butin, Lewis Lanier, Erica Ackerman, Geoff Evans and Dan Byrne (missing: Vlad Kovalevsky). They sailed the J/32 'Stratocaster'.

waited ashore. Then, like magic, the sun came out and stunning conditions appeared by 2 p.m. PRO Don Wieneke and his race committee moved quickly to set up the course, and the teams and umpires hopped into action. We managed six round-robin flights before concluding an afternoon chock-full of match-racing gamesmanship.

Matt Krogstad and crew Justin Oberbauer, Matthew Sessions and Harry O'Reilly emerged victorious on a tiebreaker over runners-up Nick Dorn and team. Third place went to Michael Rivlin.

"I'm so proud of how all the teams sailed today. Lots of tight races and real match-racing moves!" remarked regatta

Francisco YC.

Now in its second year, the one-day Grade 5 Bunny Bash serves as a kind of graduation gift for sailors to try their hand in real (but fun) competition.

On winning the golden chocolate bunnies, Krogstad said, "The Bunny Bash was such a fun event and perfect for my first match race as a helm. The result wildly exceeded my expectations going in, but my team was phenomenal and taught me a lot. Huge thanks to the St. Francis and everyone involved, but especially to Nicole Breault for her enthusiastic and patient coaching."

See www.stfyc.com for full results.

—

nicole

breault

about 3 knots. The nine — yes count 'em — nine Express 37s soon found that there wasn't enough wind to stave off the current. The red-and-white Cat in the Hat postponement flag was hoisted, as the beleaguered RC contemplated the best strategy to combat the milky brown latte-colored river. They moved the course closer to the beach, the wind strengthened, and soon the gentleman who had done the lion's share of putting the regatta on the schedule, Jens Jensen of Snowy Owl, led the fleet of Express 37s home. In the J/105 fleet, Ian Charles acted free from restraint or organizational guidelines and let Maverick take the first bullet.

In the third race on the first day, the finish line was the end of the EYC club dock on the Estuary in Alameda. The large crowd — as is typical for yacht racing — was treated to vessels finishing overlapped, in many cases along with plenty of verbal repartee, as both fleets finished under bright spinnakers and a building breeze.

Free moorage, beer and wine on the dock, a Mexican fiesta platter and a swimming pool made for après-sailing high jinks not to be missed.

chair Nicole Breault. With the support of StFYC, she conceived of the Bunny Bash as a developmental opportunity for sailors relatively new to match racing, many of whom she had recently coached in a three-week Match Race Clinic Series at StFYC. There was also a strong contingent of youth sailors who had taken part in the recent BAYS Dave Perry Youth Match Racing Clinic at San

J/105 & Express 37 Invitational

Apparently there were at least two days in March when it failed to rain. Fortunately these two days, March 2526, were when Encinal YC hosted their first Express 37 and J/105 Invitational Regatta. Twenty-six vessels plowed down the Estuary on Saturday morning and met the ebb and flow from the river sweeping across the Olympic Circle at

Sunday morning featured another parade to the start line — also a chance to catch a quick peek of the troll under the Bay Bridge. Yes, seriously, he is there; that's where he lives.

Upon arrival in the starting area just next to the Berkeley Pier, the racers were more adept at dealing with the sliding chessboard that made up the race course. Larry Baskin skippered Bullet to a bullet for the 37s. Bruce Stone was able to take advantage of the difference between the tidal current and the river flow in Arbitrage to post his second

The J/112e 'Jubilant' and the J/88 'Inconceivable' race in SBYC's Island e er fnale on arch

MARTHA BLANCHFIELD

StFYC Bunny Bash winners with coach Nicole Breault and Commodore Beau Vrolyk: Harry O'Reilly, Justin Oberbauer, Matthew Sessions and Matt Krogstad.

STFYC

THE RACING

J/105 victory of the regatta.

The J/105 and the Express 37 rate similarly under PHRF but are very different on the race course. E37s don't use their roller furlers while racing and feature old-school symmetric spinnakers. J/105s have non-overlapping headsails and sprit poles poking off their bow. The RC did a masterful job of keeping the fleets in their own bath water, but the speedier 105s would occasionally pick off an Express or two.

At the end, the trophies were cool and each race winner got a glass. Jack Peurach and his crew aboard Elan certainly performed with vigorous spirit and enthusiasm to earn victory in the Express 37 fleet. Bruce Stone's 6-point margin of victory in the uber-competitive J/105 fleet was equally impressive.

As any sailor knows, it isn't about the pickle dishes all the time. A well-executed jibe, a slick move at a mark, or a team best finish can make a weekend. Rumor has it there are a few 105s and E37s for sale. Take the helm and enjoy the ride!

Special thanks to the entire EYC staff and volunteers for a terrific weekend.

— andy

schwenk

EYC ONE DESIGN INVITATIONAL, 3/25-26 (6r, 0t)

EXPRESS 37 — 1) Elan

15

points;

on this day the game board was a mixedup mess of wind holes, with a predicted morning flood current overwhelmed by the fast runoff of fresh water.

Full results at

Gaming the SSS Round the Rocks Games are good for the brain. Games keep us young. Challenging games can be fun. One of the hardest games is sailboat racing. It's like a physical board game with ever-changing conditions of chutes and ladders on an uneven surface.

The board was set for 93 boats in the Singlehanded Sailing Society's Round the Rocks Race, with an unusual array of conditions that made playing the game to the finish a mental and logistical challenge.

On March 18, the singlehanded and doublehanded divisions set off from the start at the Olympic Circle G buoy in a nice 10-knot northerly. The boats were sent to Blossom Rock or Alcatraz, then the new Hank Easom buoy at Yellow Bluff or Little Harding, then the Brother Islands. After rounding the Brothers to starboard and keeping Red Rock to port, the race finished off the Richmond YC platform. That sounds easy enough, but

T om Patterson on the Wyliecat 30 Dazzler won the singlehanded monohull division overall. "Having the wind go soft on the way toward Alcatraz was a surprise. Most all of the singlehanders found themselves being swept west by the ebb that was trying to take them north of Alcatraz. I was in that group and only found my way around by sailing close to the Alcatraz wharf area. Bren Meyer on his Wyliecat 30 Uno is to be commended on a masterful job of using ebb from the South Bay to be first around. I'm pretty sure I was second around and didn't see anyone behind me until I was past Little Harding."

The biggest challenge was coming up. How do you fight the ebb on the way to the Brothers? "I almost bailed out three times, but each time a new opportunity unfolded and I continued on," said Tom. "By 4:50 p.m. I had done 14 tacks in company with a group of about 16 diehards near Red Rock with very little gained. I decided to wait until 5 p.m. before calling it quits. And that's when I saw a wind line, as a light westerly filled in. It was off to the races with two hours to go before the 7 p.m. finish cutoff."

T om made it with 13 minutes to spare. "For what was billed as an 18-mile

2) Spindrift V, Andy Schwenk, 19; 3) Snowy Owl, Jens Jensen, 20. (9 boats)

J/105 — 1) Arbitrage, Bruce Stone, 12 points; 2) Akula, Doug Bailey, 18; 3) Maverick, Ian Charles, 25; 4) Blackhawk, Ryan Simmons, 28. (17 boats)

www.jibeset.net

, Jack Peurach,

The Encinal One Design Invitational on March 25-26, clockwise from top left: An Express 37 start; and finish; The crew of Bruce Stone's J/105 'Arbitrage', and Gavin Corn's Express 37 'Pazzo Express'.

AZZO EXPRESS ARBITRAGE

course, I sailed 26.5 miles at an average speed of 3.9 knots. It made for a long day."

In the doublehanded division, Peter Schoen and John Ker not on the Moore 24 Mooretician finished with just 19 minutes to spare to take the overall doublehanded award.

The race committee stayed past the cutoff time to record finish times for three additional boats that didn't make it but were so close it hurt. Those boats were not scored, but the RC privately emailed them their "finish" times, elapsed times and corrected times.

And now the game board gets reset for next time.

— ncs

South Bay Bridge (InterClub) Series

The first race of the South Bay Bridge Series (formerly known as the InterClub Series) happened on April 8. What an interesting day!

The winds were forecast at 2-3 knots, and that was spot-on. However, the first postponement was not due to wind. A fueling barge anchored directly in the start area and was not planning to depart until an hour after the first start. The Treasure Island YC race committee got to work negotiating to see if the barge could leave earlier than scheduled. The RC went into postponement while the barge departed, and the committee boat took up position on the start line.

raced a relatively short twice-around course.

SSS ROUND THE ROCKS

SINGLEHANDED MONOHULL — 1) Dazzler, Wyliecat 30, Tom Patterson; 2) The Pork Chop Express, Express 27, Chris Jordan; 3) Kincsem, J/105, Joerg Esdorn. (25 boats)

DOUBLEHANDED MONOHULL — 1) Mooretician, Moore 24, Peter Schoen/John Kernot; 2) Suerte, Moore 24, Nick Dugdale/Nico Colomb; 3) Zaff, J/92, Tim Roche/Sergi Molins. (63 boats)

DOUBLEHANDED MULTIHULL — 1) Greyhound, F-22, Evan McDonald/Ross Stein. (5 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

Next, the wind died. With more current than wind, the race was back in postponement while we watched and waited for the wind. First gun was to be at 12:25, and after two postponements the last fleet was off and racing by 2 p.m. It was a strategic start, against a flood still working with light but building wind and some racers new to rolling starts, but the RC worked them through it. Throughout the race the wind ranged from 4 to 7 knots, to 15 knots at one point, with a 2.5-knot flood. All fleets

However, we were not done with ships. An incoming ship passed right through the racecourse, and mid-race the Texas Voyager, a ship scheduled to depart Anchorage 9, also needed to move straight across the racecourse and actively racing boats. With ongoing communications on VHF channel 68, all competitors were advised multiple times that he was pulling up anchor and to keep clear. The ship was advised to sound a long blast to alert the racers that he was leaving. Commercial ships with restricted ability to maneuver have the right of way. After numerous requests by the ship's pilot to the RC, which were relayed to the racers, the ship sounded five emergency blasts and slowed to "dead slow ahead." The very upset pilot identified an offending racer by describing the spinnaker and sail number. Fortunately, there was no collision. Racers, it's safety first, always!

Of the 32 registered boats, 21 raced. It was a good day of racing and learning and just plain fun. See www.jibeset.net. — debby ratto & russell breed

Quick Crossing for 67th Bullship

The wind filled in early for the 67th Bullship Race on April 15, resulting in a fast 53-minute voyage from Sausalito to San Francisco for the 18 adult El Toro sailors. It's a good thing the breeze

Top row: Weird waters in the SSS Round the Rocks Race on March 18. Left: the washing machine south of Alcatraz; right: eventual winners Peter Schoen and John Kernot on 'Mooretician'. Bottom row, left: interclub racing south of the Bay Bridge on April 8. Right: an unusually windy day on the Estuary for the finale of OYC's Sunday Brunch Series on April 2 (turn the page for Box Scores).

MORRIS LUM

THE RACING

held — a big 4-knot ebb was building, so the stakes were high. With SailFlow forecasting light winds, it looked as if we might all be sucked under the Golden Gate Bridge. South Farallon Island to port perhaps?

Richmond YC organized the event, which started just after 9 a.m. in front of the Trident Restaurant in Sausalito and finished at the east end of the St. Francis YC breakwater. Before the start the breeze hit every point of the compass, but it settled down to a 4- to 12-knot northwesterly dropping down the Sausalito ridge, fanning out and decreasing, which favored the boats near shore. Sam Normington soaked down boldly for Alcatraz, and Jim Bilafer climbed the high road on a hot angle closest to the bridge. Both strategies were doomed to failure.

A gr oup of four rhumbline Toros led by Gordie Nash and Tom Tillotson reached into the lead. Defending champ Art Lange (who has won the past two Bullships) sailed the low road with Jim Savattone (in a furniture-grade wood Toro he built himself), but their group missed too many gusts and couldn't keep pace. The leaders encountered the 15knot wind from under the International Orange bridge, plus enough current to pile up some lumpy waves. Buzz Blackett and Tom Burden sailed mile after mile overlapped, catching waves for some exciting surfing.

OYC SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES (7r, 1t)

PHRF <121 — 1) Good and Plenty, Soverel 33, Justis Fennell, 6 points; 2) Flying Fish, Olson 30, Michael Berndt, 13; 3) Swell Patrol, Soverel 33, Zachary Maricondia, 19. (5 boats)

PHRF 168 — 1) Dream Catcher, J/24, George Lythcott, 10 points; 2) Faster Faster!, Merit 25, David Ross, 15; 3) Double Agent, Merit 25, Scott Ollivier, 16. (4 boats)

PHRF 121-180 — 1) Lelo Too, Tartan 30, Emily Zugnoni, 6 points; 2) Zeehond, Newport 30 MkII, Donn Guay, 14; 3) Boogie Woogie, Ranger 33, John Ratto, 18. (4 boats)

PHRF ≥ 181 1) Loose Cannon, J/22, Jens Jensen, 6 points; 2) Puff Mommy, Harbor 20, Theo Rohr, 12; 3) Three Fisted Rat Boy, Santana 22, Giuseppe Lavelle, 20. (5 boats)

PHRF 189 — 1) Ursa Minor, Santana 525, Ted Keech, 7 points; 2) Loki, Santana 525, W. Shih/J. Cross/S. Molins 11; 3) Gonzo, Santana 525, Madeleine Loh, 19. (5 boats)

COLUMBIA 5.5 — 1) Carina, Scott McCoy, 8 points; 2) Maverick, Ken Bodiley, 9; 3) Roja, John Davis, 20. (5 boats)

MULTIHULL — 1) Magic Happens, Corsair 750 MkI, Gary Helms, 10. (1 boat)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

SEQYC WINTER SERIES (4r, 1t)

PHRF 1-120 — 1) Allons-Y, J/70, Davis King, 3 points; 2) Frequent Flyer, Farr 30, Stan Phillips, 5; 3) Sweet Jane, J/90, Friedrich Finckenstein, 10. (6 boats)

Tom Tillotson looked like a winner as he approached the finish, but Gordie Nash employed some excellent boat-onboat tactics, and his yellow boat nosed over the finish line ahead. Buzz Blackett was third, with Tom Burden in fourth place. Amy Choi capsized at the finish to earn herself the Tail End Award. Matt Richter won the Clydesdale Award, aka the Heavyweight Championship, and was also the top gun in the new Classic El Toro division, in a Sailnetics with an aluminum mast. Vickie Gilmour was top female sailor in fifth place with Pam DeWitt, the top maiden voyager (and first-time Bullship sailor), in seventh. Sam Normington was youngest at age 28, with hard-luck defending champ Art Lange, who ran aground just short of the finish line, the eldest racer at age 81.

BOX SCORES

PHRF 120-300 — 1) Pelagic, Beneteau 310, Musto Gunan, 3 points. (3 boats)

OPEN 5.70 — 1) Spirit, Marton Neher, 4 points; 2) 570, JF Hervey/Maggie, 8; 3) Kraken, Sergey Morozov, 8. (4 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

SEQYC REDWOOD CUP SERIES (4r, 1t)

PHRF <118 — 1) Sweet Jane, J/90, Friedrich Finckenstein, 11 points; 2) Ferox, Pogo 36, Anja Bog, 12; 3) Allons-Y, J/70, Davis King, 14. (9 boats)

PHRF ≥ 118 1) Osprey, Sabre 36, Jeff Stine, 4 points; 2) Rhapsody, Santana 22, David Goeke, 13; 3) Encore, Alerion 28, Patti Walters, 22. (5 boats)

MERIT 25 — 1) Brett, Brett Herr, 6 points; 2) Spinnaker Alpha, Richard Ferrari, 8; 3) Offsite Meeting, Arjun Verma, 15. (7 boats)

OPEN 5.70 — 1) Hummingbird, Andrew Lesslie, 3 points; 2) Kraken, Sergey Morozov, 8; 3) Spirit, Marton Neher, 8. (4 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

SEQYC SPRING REGATTA, 4/1 (3r, 1t)

PHRF — 1) Daredevil, Melges 24, Tim Anto, 2 points; 2) Osprey, Sabre 36, Jeff Stine, 3; 3) Hijinks, J/92, Neal Ostrem, 5. (10 boats)

The Bullship is a classic San Francisco Bay event, with its first running in 1954. This year's race was just off the record pace — a crisp and exciting adventure. See www.eltoroyra.org. — tom burden

SCYC Champion of Champions

The Santa Cruz YC Champ of Champs was held on March 25. Five Moore 24s and a spattering of other boats competed in this PHRF pursuit race. After all the winter storms, this was the first regatta of the year that wasn't canceled due to weather or harbor shoaling. The weather was fantastic — sunny and breezy. The forecast had called for gale warnings,

OPEN 5.70 — 1) Kraken, Sergey Morozov/ Andrea Ciccardi, 2 points; 2) Hummingbird, Anja Bog, 3; 3) Spirit, Marton Neher, 5. (6 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

RYC BIG DINGHY REGATTA, 4/1-2

THISTLE — 1) Steven Hale, 9 points; 2) Dan Clark, 11; 3) Mike Gillum 12. (4 boats)

I-14 — 1) Cameron Puckey, 14 points; 2) John Clark, 15; 3) Kirk Twardowski, 16. (3 boats)

ILCA 7 — 1) Lance Kim, 7 points; 2) Nick Roosevelt, 13; 3) Alberto Rivera, 21. (4 boats)

ILCA 6 — 1) Toshinari Takayanagi, 6 points; 2) Laird Henkel, 13; 3) Ernie Galvan, 19. (5 boats)

EL TORO — 1) Gordie Nash, 6 points; 2) Joseph Marlett, 14; 3) Tom Tillotson, 15. (10 boats)

OPEN CLASS SATURDAY (SUNFISH) — 1) Russell Klein, 4 points; 2) Roy Jordan, 8; 3) Robert Cronin, 13. (4 boats)

OPEN CLASS 2 DAYS (WYLIE WABBIT) — 1) Colin Moore, 6 points; 2) Kim Desenberg, 8; 3) Greg Byrne, 10. (4 boats)

Full results at www.richmondyc.org

EYC RON BYRNE MEMORIAL ESTUARY CUP, 4/2

1) Smokin', Melges 24, Kevin Clark; 2) Wile E Coyote, Express 27, Dan Pruzan; 3) Duende, Cal 40, Philip Lavelle. (8 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

IYC LINDA NEWLAND REGATTA, 4/8 (2r, 0t) SPINNAKER — 1) Loose Cannon, J/22,

Tom Tillotson and Gordie Nash (in yellow as usual) approach the Bullship finish line.

SUSAN BURDEN

but, fortunately, this didn't materialize, and we raced in 12-20 knots most of the day. While the breeze was from the typical westerly direction, it was not our typical Santa Cruz sea breeze, and rather a gradient-driven breeze. This meant that typical tactics for Santa Cruz could only be used with caution.

The Moore 24s spread out on the first beat with three heading upwind generally inshore and two of us playing the middle farther offshore. It was clear that the breeze was unsettled, with occasional 90° swings to the north near the start line, but these right shifts were shortlived and accompanied by light spots. On Mooregasm, we played the middle left, electing to avoid the lighter shifty breeze on the right. This proved to be a sound strategy, and we led Pegasus by four to five boatlengths at the windward mark.

Our next mark was Mile Buoy, and we elected to set the kite immediately despite its being a fairly tight angle. The breeze strengthened the farther offshore we went, but we just made Mile Buoy after three to four spin-outs. We'd left the #3 jib up, which taught us that the spin-outs were much easier to handle with a headsail helping to pull the bow down.

Liv Jensen, 3 points; 2) Lelo Too, Tartan 30, Emily Zugnoni, 5; 3) Dream Catcher, J/24, DC Chesney, 6. (7 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Blue Pearl, Newport 20, Beccie Mendenhall, 2 points; 2) Island Girl, Santana 22, Shelli Bohrer, 4; 3) Catch the Wind, Santana 22, Visalia Nartha, 6. (4 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

IYC DOUBLEHANDED LIGHTSHIP, 4/15

MONOHULL <102 — 1) Outsider, Azzura 310, Greg Nelsen/Tom Warren; 2) Vitesse Too, Hobie 33, Grant Hayes/Brian Cogley; 3) Willow, Wauquiez Centurion 40s, Bob Braid/Brian Richards. (7 boats)

MONOHULL >102 — 1) Siren, SC33, Brendan Huffman/David Monk; 2) Shaman, Cal 40, Bart Hackworth/Ron Tostenson; 3) Crinan II, Wyliecat 30, Don Martin/Andrew Pitcairn. (5 boats)

MOORE 24 — 1) Snafu, Karl Robrock/Steve Bourdow; 2) Safety Third, Kurt Lahr/Alex Simanis; 3) Mooretecian, Peter Schoen/Roe Patterson. (9 boats)

MULTIHULL — 1) Round Midnight, Explorer 44, Rick Waltonsmith/Dave Olson; 2) Lookin' Good 3, F-28R, Raf Yahalom/Kartheek Manne. (2 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

BYC/YRA WHEELER REGATTA, 4/15 (2r, 0t)

PHRF 1 — 1) Zamazaan, Farr 52, Greg

Passing Mile Buoy, the breeze was fresh, so a high angle kept the boat planing. Other Moore 24s delayed their spinaker sets and elected to take a deeper angle after Mile Buoy. This enabled us to extend our lead significantly. We were a bit lucky in selecting a jibe angle that put us right on the layline for the leeward mark, SC3, which was tough to locate.

The next leg was three miles upwind back to the weather mark, followed by a run to the finish. The upwind leg was uneventful, as most of the fleet elected to sail up the middle, staying in the stronger breeze and avoiding the unstable breeze on the right side of the course. We maintained our lead, despite the Sydney

BOX SCORES

Mullins, 2 points; 2) Bodacious+, 1D48, John Clauser,4; 3) Swift Ness, J/111, Reuben Rocci, 7. (5 boats)

PHRF 2 — 1) Committed, Melges 24, Donald McIlraith, 2.5 points; 2) Reverie, J/109, John Arens, 3.5; 3) Sandpiper, J/70, Courtney Clamp. 7. (5 boats)

PHRF 3 — 1) Chomp!, Etchells, David Janinis, 2 points; 2) Ahi, Santana 35, Andy Newell, 5; 3) Bullet, Express 37, Larry Baskin, 5. (6 boats)

PHRF 4 — 1) Resilience, Alerion 28, Michael Quinn/Kersey Clausen, 2 points; 2) Zenaida, Alerion 28, Fred Paxton/Arnie Quan, 4; 3) Gypsy Lady, Cal 34 MkI, Val Clayton, 6. (5 boats)

PHRF 5 — 1) Albacore, Santana 22, Jan Grygier, 3 points; 2) Zena, Northstar 727, David Russell, 5; 3) Zingaro, Santana 22, Jennifer McKenna, 6. (4 boats)

OLSON 25 — 1) O'Mar, David Scott, 2 points; 2) Synchronicity, Steve Smith, 4; 2) Alchemy, Nicholas Ancel, 6. (4 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Bella, Alerion 33, Aidan & Kieran Collins, 2 points. (1 boat)

BYC WHEELER PURSUIT RACE, 4/16

1) Reverie; 2) Chomp!; 3) Swift Ness. (12 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

38 Animal charging up the beat as the lowest-rated boat in the fleet. Pegasus maintained a solid second as well.

The run to the finish was also uneventful until the final 100 meters, when something very typical in Santa Cruz occurred — the westerly shut down just before the finish as an easterly struggled to fill in. After a quick kite take-down, we crossed first and watched the drama as Pegasus fought to stay in front of Animal charging downwind. Both hit the transition zone, and Pegasus managed to edge Animal by a few boatlengths to hang onto second.

It was a gr eat day to be racing in Santa Cruz. After all the rain and winter storms, we were treated to a memorably beautiful day on the water. Thanks to my crew, Ali Fuwat-Yuvali, Dave Josselyn and Jack Kisling, who did a fantastic job — especially Dave, who came out of retirement for the first time in several years. We hope it won't be his last time un-retiring.

— stephen bourdow

SCYC Doublehanded Buoy Fiasco

Started in 2021, when shorthanded racing became a COVID-times thing, this Santa Cruz event is now in its third year and already a classic. This year, we

StFYC SPRING WINGDING, 4/14-16

WINGFOIL OVERALL — 1) Johnny Heineken; 2) Joey Pasquali; 3) John Subranni; 4) Kenneth Adgate; 5) Makani Andrews. (57 boards)

UNDER 19 — 1) Makani Andrews; 2) Henry Vare; 3) Liam Coralle. (11 boards)

MASTERS 35+ — 1) Joey Pasquali; 2) Kenneth Adgate; 3) Joshua Waldman. (13 boards)

GRAND MASTERS 45+ — 1) Steve Bodner; 2) Geoff Headington; 3) Nils Stolzlechner; 4) David Dupont; 5) Amil Kabil. (23 boards)

WOMEN — 1) Erika Heineken; 2) Lily Buden; 3) Michelle Gabriel. (6 boards)

StFYC SF BAY CHALLENGE, 4/15

FORMULA WINDSURF — 1) Xavier Ferlet; 2) Max Rosenblad; 3) Al Mirel. (6 boards)

HYDROFOIL KITE — 1) Neil Marcellini; 2) Mike Martin; 3) Vladimir Mezhibovsky. (10 boards)

WINGFOIL — 1) Johnny Heineken; 2) Joey Pasquali; 3) John Subranni; 4) Kenneth Adgate; 5) Geoff Headington. (40 boards)

Full results at www.stfyc.com

SFYC ANNE McCORMACK CUP, 4/15 (2r, 0t)

SPINNAKER — 1) Kuai, Melges 32, Jennifer Canestra, 2 points; 2) Strangelove, J/105, Kim Krogstad, 5; 3) SFYC 6, RS21, Heather Ivey, 7. (5 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Sonata, Laser 28, Alice Shinn, 3 points; 2) Abba-Zabba, Tartan Ten, Michelle Farabaugh, 3. (2 boats)

Full results at www.sfyc.org

Santa Cruz Doublehanded Buoy Fiasco SC27 winners Frank Van Diggelen and Ryan Schuyler of 'Hanalei' (with Sydnie Moore).

THE RACING

had 12 Moores and 5 Santa Cruz 27s on March 26. We also had two different winds fighting for dominance. The north wind came over Hwy. 17 and established itself early, while the west wind was gradually working around Año Nuevo and Davenport. For a while the forecasts favored the northerly, and it looked like an eastward course might work. Luckily, no one was foolish enough to believe the forecasts, and all the SC27s headed west, taking Government Buoy to port en route to Natural Bridges. The Moores had some variety; four boats headed straight to Natural B, with one of them, Pegasus, picking up Gov on the run back — this turned out to be the best strategy for the opening half of the race.

In the second half, Cement Ship followed by Capitola was the way to go. For those following this route, the spinnaker douse at the Cement Ship buoy

It was a fabulous day of racing acr oss a challenging course that remains an intriguing puzzle. Sydnie Moore has picked a perfect time of year for this event, and it delivers interesting and speedy racing every time. See www.scyc.org

— frank van diggelen

Carmiggelt Trophy for Mercurys

The second installment of the Mercury Norcal Series on April 1 saw 11 boats racing out of Encinal YC. The weather was perfect, with the breeze a solid 7-10 knots on a building ebb. Race committee volunteer Aaron Lee set a windward/leeward course calling for twice around and used that course for all five races. The wind shifts, normal when racing on the Estuary this time of year, made for a lot of position changing

not to let the trophy get away by having one or more bad finishes. That can be very difficult when racing on the Estuary. Jim and Kathy Bradley and John Hansen with Tony Basso were tied going into the last race. Hansen led the Bradleys by a boatlength all the way around the course until the final beat to the finish. The Bradleys slipped by to take a fourth, winning the Carmiggelt Trophy by one point over Hansen and two points over Chris Davis.

NorCal #3 is scheduled for May 6. See www.mercury-sail.com

— jim bradley

California Laser Sailors in Thailand

District 24 was well represented at the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 Masters World Championships at Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, on February 8-26, with six sailors competing. Participating in the ILCA 6 were Jon Andron, Walt Spevak, Andrew Holdsworth, Toshi Takayanagi, and Al Sargent. In the ILCA 7, we had Mike Bishop and Andrew Holdsworth.

was particularly exciting, with the lee shore lurking very close. Spurred by this incentive, all made it around undamaged and headed west again into the building wind. As in the previous years, the westerly now established itself with authority, and both fleets romped home in the strengthening breeze, white horses and steepening waves.

Hanalei took line honors and first in the SC27s, followed by Yellow Belly and Good Timin'. Alex Mirfield, age 12, has helmed Good Timin' in each of these events, and is showing his skills, finishing ahead of Jersey Girl and Summer Breeze. Pegasus, Mooregasm and Lowly Worm 2.0 took the top three spots for the Moore 24s.

both upwind and down. The fleet saw four separate race winners, with only Dave West and Chris Krueger winning two races.

The April installment has the fleet at the halfway point in the series. Randy Smith, sailing with Junette Kushner, continues to hold the lead in the series, with John Hansen and Tony Basso just 4 points back. Chris Davis and crew Steve Andres got a big win in the last race, leaving them just two points back from winning the day. Sailing boat #431 in their first race together, Katie Worden with husband Cody Kim crewing had solid finishes. Welcome to new Mercury sailors Greg and Stacee Morrill in their new boat, #430, Felicity.

Superimposed on the April NorCal races is the annual Carmiggelt Regatta. All five races count, so it's very important

In the ILCA 6s, Toshi got off to a great start, earning a 1-7 to take the lead in the 42-boat Grand Masters after Day 1. Also in the GMs, Andrew pulled out three bullets, missing the podium by just one point at the end of the 10-race series. In the Legends fleet, Jon pulled out a third in the shifty last race, taking second by just one point. The following week, the ILCA 7s lined up. Andrew sailed a consistent regatta to take third in the 38-boat GM fleet.

Some tips on what I learned at Worlds:

Know your tactical modes. When the wind is from the south, it's all about diligently tracking your headings during the pre-start so you can pick up on subtle shifts. As Bill Symes put it, just find the lifted tack and stay on it. When the breeze is from the north, it's more like lake sailing; you'll know if you're headed or lifted, so keep your head out of the boat to find the next wind line.

Kevin Clark's Melges 24 'Smokin' smoked the Estuary Cup fleet on April 2. See Box Scores.

Wheeler Regatta action on April 15, with the Olson 911S 'Heart of Gold', Etchells 'Chomp!' and Santana 35 'Ahi'. See Box Scores for results.

GLEN GARFEIN

Look out for big shifts. Four times in the pre-start, we went from a rightfavored start line to left-favored with a minute to go; keep an eye out for these shifts and be ready to quickly slide down the line toward the newly favored pin. On a downwind leg in the shifty northerly, I went from first to almost last by picking what would have been the correct gate in our original breeze, but what was 20 degrees unfavored when the wind shifted

tive to him every 15 seconds, I quickly went from a boatlength ahead to five boatlengths back. Having a mark on my daggerboard for "flush up" (when the board is flush with the hull) let me quickly flick the board up and down to clear the trash.

Own the high lane on the first reach. The first reaches were always very

and Fresno YCs. Devoted participants traveled from as far away as Salt Lake and Park City, Utah.

Beautiful Monterey Bay provided a good mix of wind and water conditions for the racers, with a bonus of three full days of sunshine. Each morning, race crews set out after discussing the day's conditions over pastries and freshly brewed coffee served on Monterey Peninsula YC's clubside dock.

After two days of close racing, MPYC member and local favorite Donna Womble on Peabody held the lead with only a few points separating her from second-place Mark Allen on Junta and third-place Travis Gregory on 222. But after some very competitive and exciting sailing on Sunday, Richmond sailor Allen emerged to take the podium, with Womble second and Gregory third. There were plenty of side-by-side finishes on Sunday, and the last race winner was up-and-coming Fresno YC sailor Ken Nelson on Twenty20.

MPYC hosted a delicious buffet dinner Saturday evening, and a combination of racers and MPYC members celebrated the successful event. MPYC's generous hospitality and professional race management was recognized by all.

"It was a really fun regatta with super-tight racing and excellent off-thewater camaraderie," said MPYC member Donna Womble.

30 degrees.

Hang it out. In one of the southerlies, Jon Emmett was winning the boat (right side) when a big leftie came in. He tacked immediately, waited for a rightie to eventually come in, and crossed nearly the entire fleet. In the above race where I picked the wrong gate, I stayed on the leftie a bit past layline since I saw a massive rightie. When the rightie hit, I reached into the weather mark and was back in fourth.

Respond fast to trash. Sadly, Pattaya had lots of trash in the water. One race, I was battling with another boat. Even though I checked my position rela-

tight, so there was no passing lane to leeward. You had to ensure you were a boatlength above any boats rounding behind you at the weather mark. Being a few boatlengths over rhumbline in the last quarter of the leg wasn't an issue, since it meant you could easily catch waves into the reach mark.

F ind results from the regatta at https://2023ilca6masters.ilca-worlds.org and https://2023ilca7masters.ilca-worlds.org — al sargent

Ultimate 20 PCCs on Monterey Bay Ul timate 20 sailors converged in Monterey on April 14-16 for the Pacific Coast Championships. Californians represented Richmond, Monterey Peninsula

"Our club PRO Jerry Stratton and his team ran an excellent event. The overall winner was not decided until the final, eighth race of the series. Our Sunday races were so very close. Pea-

For more racing news, subscribe to 'Lectronic Latitude online at www.latitude38.com

April's racing stories included:

• Spring Return of Beer Can Racing

• Safety at Sea Seminar at Cal Maritime

• WesMex Small Boat Regatta

• Australia's Brisbane to Gladstone Race

• The Ocean Race • SF Cup

• StFYC Spring Wingding

• America's Schooner Cup

• Previews of May Races, SailGP Grand Final, Offshore Mixed Doubles Race, Camellia Cup, 5O5 Worlds, and more.

KRISTEN

Beachy keen competitive (and colorful) racing at the U20 PCCs in Monterey.

MICHAEL FIALA

THE RACING SHEET

body rounded every mark adjacent to or overlapped with one or more boats. We crossed the finish line (in both Sunday races) overlapped at less than half a boatlength with either Junta or 222."

— jeff canepa

Race Notes

The prizegiving ceremony of the sixth edition of the Foiling Awards took place at the Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan. The 2022 Moth World Champion, Helena Scutt, of Kirkland, WA, won the Female Sailor Award. Scutt, 30, is a Stanford alumna and sails for StFYC and Seattle YC. The Team USA member is an Olympic hopeful in the 49erFX.

Nicole Breault and her Vela Racing team swept all three California Dreamin' match-racing stops (San Diego, San Francisco and Long Beach) to take first place in the series. See www.lbyc.org

San Diego YC topped the Baldwin Cup Team Race, hosted by Newport Harbor YC in Harbor 20s on March 30-April 1. The winning sailors were Jake and Matt Reynolds, Scott and Tyler Sinks,

Nick Kashak, Will Ladow, Marley Isler and Lucy Wallace. Learn more at www. baldwincup.com.

Bruce Stone of St. Francis YC and the San Francisco Marina Harbor Association sent us this advice about coming and going from the Marina: "After the harbor was 'dredged', three J/105s ran aground. These boats draw just 6.5 feet." One hit bottom in the dredged area just outside the sheet pile breakwater, and two hit bottom in the channel west of the sheet pile breakwater. Other boats — larger and smaller — have also run aground entering the Marina.

"Apparently, the 'dredging' activity did not touch this part of the channel, and it will only get worse. Be careful about passage during low tide and go slowly with crew sitting down. Do not tail another boat too closely, as it may

stop suddenly," cautioned Stone.

"This is a dynamic situation, and there are no guarantees that any route is safe. The northern route is prone to filling in from sloughing of the sand bar into the channel."

— latitude / chris

WHATEVER IT TAKES.

As part of their Roadmaster Series, Moore 24s took the top seven overall positions in Island YC's Doublehanded Lightship on April 15, with plenty of (cold) sun and (cold) wind.

CHANGES

With reports this month on Azimuth's ongoing cruise to a new homeport in Chesapeake Bay; a couple of Pacific Puddle Jump reports from a couple of the first arriving boats, Harmattana and Ana Maria; Swan Fun's no-racing-plansrace at Banderas Bay; and some fun Cruise Notes

Azimuth — Pearson 365 Ashley Gremel and Scott Racette Going With the Flow Oakland/Richmond (VA)

Ever since we chose our route from San Francisco to the Chesapeake Bay, the Caribbean crossing contained uncer -

Yucatan, and the months delayed meant we wouldn't be sailing against cold northerly winds in Florida and beyond. Plus, we could spend our time in a relatively more affordable place, practice Spanish, and attain new levels of ship-shapedness.

We have done almost all of the maintenance and upgrades on Azimuth ourselves over the years, but in Cartagena, we had some help. A local machine shop rebuilt our V-drive and transmission. Our mechanic, Elvis, had worked on a Perkins 4-107 like ours on his first job 38 years ago. After replacing a few more seals and two injectors, he declared us good as new. Diesel mechanics being a weaker skill set for me, I was delighted to note an audible difference before and after all this work. We also sprang for deck paint and brightwork. By participating in this economy, we got to know locals and build friendships over meals out and futbol matches. Also at this stop, we could really feel our expanding Spanish skills unlocking new capabilities and connections.

tainty. We could go for the famed "Windward Passage" between Cuba and Hispaniola (the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic), island-hop the Eastern Caribbean, or complete one long sail from Panama to the Yucatan.

As we lear ned more about seasonal wind directions and currents from guidebooks, forecasts, and old salts, the long sail on the western route held the most appeal. This way, we could go with the prevailing winds and currents, rather than against them. If we've learned anything from this experience, it may just be to go with the flow if it gets us where we want to go.

We considered making the jump in December as fall blended into winter, but decided to wait out the season in Cartagena instead. Making this eastward progress from Panama improved our wind angle on the passage to the Latitude

For the weeks and months before departure, the trade winds blew continuous reminders of the task ahead: 1,000 miles of open water. We knew the wind should shift with the changing seasons, but there wasn't much indication until mid-March. Suddenly, boats began departing and arriving after months of stagnation that felt a bit like being snowed in. We spotted our weather window, got friend John Taylor on board, and went for it. A mixture of sailors and local friends saw us off the dock on March 15.

We settled into our watch schedule after enjoying omelets and the shrinking city skyline on the horizon. With three on board, we continued our usual four-hour watches and were rewarded with a comfortable eight hours off.

The wind filled in from the north on the first afternoon and we enjoyed a 10to 15-knot breeze for the first three days. The sea state was choppy, with frequent 2- to 5-foot waves. The sky was a mixture of clouds and sun.

Around sunset on the third day, we were joined by a pod of pilot whales. We saw their dolphin-like fins first, and their size indicated something larger. Soon they began singing, which was quite loud and delightful through the hull. We messaged family on our sat phone to help ID what we were experiencing.

The next day, we requested an updated forecast from weather router Chris Parker and the Marine Weather Center. Prior to casting off, they had advised that we might

AZIMUTH

Ashley, Scott and crewman John at Isla Mujeres after their passage from Colombia.

AZUMUTH

The going-away party at Bocas del Toro before the jump to Cartagena.

need to make a detour to the Cayman Islands due to a cold front moving south near the Yucatan Peninsula. We left with this uncertainty in mind. The March 18 update had the front in the forecast, and Chris's team suggested a more northerly course to allow the front to dissipate. The forecast included uncomfortable but doable conditions and we decided to press on to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

This decision-making took place over 18 hours or so and included some second opinions from other sailing friends via sat phone, and much discussion amongt the three of us.

While the front was the "con," there were many "pros." We had a new moon, and the vernal equinox as the latitude

IN LATITUDES

of the 21st to the morning of the 22nd. We were rewarded with the best sunset of the journey and the ease of our final night watches after a week of on-and-off shifts.

I had the final watch of the passage from 3 to 7 a.m. We didn't want to enter the harbor before daybreak, so my aim was to sail as slowly as possible to let the light catch up with us.

The resorts on the shoreline of Cancún were the first signs of humanity, followed by a lighthouse and channel markers on nearby Isla Mujeres. As the sky brightened and Scott came on shift, we could see the bottom in 30 feet of crystal-blue water.

Our entrance wasn't as smooth as those last hours. Water had gotten through the deck fill for the diesel and our engine died in the anchorage. We unfurled the jib with speed — learned racing on San Francisco Bay — and got the hook down without incident.

The Mexican navy brought their German shepherd aboard for inspection, then Scott got the fuel issue sorted and we docked at the Club de Yates. After the paperwork shuffle of check-in, we toured the island by golf cart and rested up after another successful passage. In April, we press on to Florida.

— Ashley 4/2/23 (cloudsformoverland.substack.com)

increased. Sunset shifted later in the day and the watch schedule as we made westward progress. This passage stood out on our overall track after thousands of miles heading southeast. We had a steak dinner and felt as if we were sailing out of a brochure advertisement. Days like these make any difficulty worth it.

The front arrived on my sunrise shift after a two-hour period of motoring through no wind. A heron-like white bird joined us, possibly blown in by the approaching wind. The sky turned gray and the wind increased from 5-10 to 15-20 knots. The sea state jumped up as well, with waves splashing into the cockpit.

We bashed upwind for 24 hours and then the wind lay back down to 10 knots. The sea state remained unpleasant, but we were at least a bit drier after turning down and pointing the boat directly at Isla Mujeres. Our ETA swung from the night

Readers — Ashley and Scott have been regulars in Latitude 38 for years. (Before they got Azimuth, Scott raced regularly on his Moore 24 Incognito.) As contributors to 'Changes In Latitudes,' we've been following them from the time they sailed out the Bay back in 2021. Unlike most cruisers, they're on a one-way trip to their new homeport in Chesapeake Bay. In the next few issues, we'll be following along as they close in on that goal.

Harmattana — Westerly Conway 36 Osieck Family

Pacific Passage

Salt Spring Island (Canada)

We released the docklines on March 1, 2023, manuevered out of the marina at Barra de Navidad, and exited into the bay. We raised the sails and cut the engine. With nervous smiles, Rowan, Etienne and I glanced at each other, "Ready?" Off we set into the great wide open. Next stop, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, some 3,000nm away across the vast Pacific Ocean.

I wasn't entirely sure we weren't making a huge mistake.

At this point I would like to make it clear: I'm not much of a sailor. I was even

Above: 'Azimuth' underway. Left: Cypress the cat and Scott in their favorite foredeck positions. Above left: The hitchhiking bird. Inset above: shle on watch as the front flled in

ALL PHOTOS AZIMUTH

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less so three years ago when my husband pitched the idea of buying a bluewater cruising boat to make the journey down to Mexico. Sailing was Rohan's "thing," and although we had enjoyed many years of fair-weather weekend sailing in the protected waters of the Gulf Islands in BC, Canada, we didn't have any offshore or even overnight experience.

Where sailing is Rohan's passion, I was more of a land girl, running a homestead, growing our food and largely oblivious to the technical side of sailing. But I'm always up for an adventure. We were initially inspired by our friends and neighbors who had been planning to sail from Canada to Mexico with their kids. We intended to follow in their footsteps a couple of years later, once we were prepared.

Fast forward to summer 2022. We packed up the farm and the three of us, Rohan, myself and our 12-year-old son Etienne, moved onto Harmattana. As it turns out, COVID delayed our neighbors by two years, so suddenly we had a buddy boat with twins the same age as Etienne. We couldn't have planned it better!

But since we were uprooting everything for this adventure, why stop at Mexico? Why not go bigger, farther and somewhere even more interesting and exotic? Despite my lack of passion for sailing, I wanted to cross the Pacific Ocean. It was a huge challenge but I just knew I wanted to give it a go, and surely a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island and a nearly 3,000nm journey down the coast to Mexico would help prepare us for the jump to French Polynesia…right?

Well, yes and no. We had learned to live together in this tiny boat home for eight months: how to give space when there is no space and how to bolster each other

when morale was low. We had had our fair share of hectic and hairy moments along the way, and we learned to work together to get through the challenges. Our son came into his own, helping out as a member of the crew in ways we never expected — especially remaining calm and helpful in stressful situations. We knew it would be even more mentally challenging and taxing on our relationships to try a month at sea, and to be honest, it was!

Even after reaching mainland Mexico, we had not had more than three overnight passages. We worried about seasickness, and I wondered how I would cook meals and survive on rolling seas for so long.

It transpired to be, for all intents and purposes, an easy milk

run, maybe even a golden milk run. Conditions during the passage were largely benign and thankfully really quite uneventful. However, while en route we learned of some other boats that had had far more challenging circumstances. One young family had been dismasted in rough weather and rescued by a tanker, while another boat had had an encounter with a whale and sank. We were shaken by the news that reached us over our satellite communications, but also so impressed with the sailing community that rallied to their aid. No one was hurt and nearby boats diverted course to join the rescue mission. We were grateful for our dull and boring experience!

Our simple, straightforward run lasted 26 days. I'm not sure if it was luck, good timing, Rohan's sailing skills, or the skill of our weather router, Bob McDavit (aka

Above: 'Harmattana' at anchor in Tahuaka Bay, Hiva Oa. Above left: Danielle, Etienne and Rohan. Center: Etienne reports he could get about a teaspoonful of ink from each squid found on deck in the morning Right Purple sunset ma esties in the mid Pacifc

HARMATTANA

"Every tack you take; Every jibe you make; Every reef you shake; We'll be watching you." The family are all learning instruments to play and sing songs like this Police-inspired tune.

MetBob). Probably a combination!

We kept north for the majority of the crossing and went farther west than a lot of other boats who took the rhumbline. We crossed the equator at 135°W and had nearly a straight shot south to Hiva Oa on a beam reach. We experienced minimal doldrums and some minor squall activity. We only had a narrow width of ITCZ to cross; our highest recorded wind gust was only 25 knots and we used a total of 35 liters (just over nine gallons) of diesel to get us across the quiet parts and into our anchorage.

Worst Moments

When I asked the family about the hardest part, Rohan replied that the doldrums and lulls made him more frustrated than he'd expected. Even though they were minimal, there was still this barrier between us and our destination and it was hard to truly let go and relax through them.

Etienne reported that the first week was hellish. He felt terribly seasick and was really concerned he was going to be ill for the entire journey, or that we would have to turn around because of him. (Actually the entire family was a bit seasick for that first few days, in part because we'd gotten a nice comfortable dock space while provisioning, during which time we'd lost our sea legs.)

My toughest challenge was facing my fears of squalls at night on my own. I admittedly worked myself into a panic a few times. I did my best to depower the boat quickly, but often called for assistance with a few tears in my eyes and a whimper in my voice.

Best Moments

Etienne's favorite part was when he started taking watch duties during the evenings. He loved being alone and feeling both responsible and helpful. He also enjoyed dissecting flying fish and the many squids that littered our decks most nights — using the latter to make squid ink drawings as a homechool science and art adventure. He also loved our celebrations, like Pi Day (March 14, or 3/14), St. Patrick's Day, Halfway Day, Equator Day, etc. We would blast music and dance and make special food creations to keep morale up.

Rohan's favorite part was definitely those trade winds. For what seemed like weeks, we had 15- to 20-knot winds that were so consistent it was a pleasure to set the sails and relax. But he also had a wicked grin on his face when we got caught with the assymetrical up in a squall. It was our first one, and it came on quickly before we had a chance to douse the large asymmetrical spinnaker. From 8 to 25 knots in a matter of minutes, and suddenly we were riding a bucking bronco. I was white-knuckled and wideeyed, holding my breath waiting for the sail to rip in half, but Rohan calmly took the helm and we rode it out. We did learn better techniques after that for both spotting squalls and changing sails quickly.

My favorite part was the wildlife. I was surprised and thrilled by all the birds we saw along the way. I was grateful for my bird identification book to keep me occupied. I also adored the visits from dolphins, especially the super-mega pods that we spotted in the distance jumping in unison and making me wonder if I was seeing a rogue wave or tsunami coming for us. Instead it was hundreds of dolphins making such a spectacle! We also had a pod of amazing pilot whales come

visit us and it was magic. We watched, heads leaning over the lifelines, as one particularly curious animal came alongside, keeping pace with our 6 knots, then as we peered even farther, rotated on its side and looked us over. To lock eyes with such an intelligent and beautiful creature was truly awe-inspiring.

As the last week approached, the whole family struggled to keep positive. The tedium of the journey was wearing us down, and the heat and humidity made it even more uncomfortable. We were grumpier and more emotional. Would this ever end? We tried to reflect on our knowledge of past nautical adventurers like Richard Henry Dana in Two Years Before the Mast, where voyagers would have months upon months without land in much harsher conditions. We were moderately ashamed of our lack of resiliency in this modern world of comfort.

And then we saw land.

I think Etienne screamed the loudest. We pulled into a bay at night, smelling the intoxicating aroma of citrus, flowers and wet earth. We could make out the towering peaks in the moonlight, but it was in the morning — after crashing and sleeping a solid 10 hours — that we awoke to the breathtaking beauty of the Marquesas. I might have just cried.

We did it! Words cannot describe the amazing sense of accomplishment we felt, and the relief to have crossed the 3,000nm safely, with our sanity more or less intact. The paradise that now awaits our exploration is the ultimate reward.

— Danielle 3/30/23

Ana Maria — Pacific Seacraft 34 Katherine and Andrés Gonzalez

From the PPJ Logbook

Seattle

Day 0 (2/19, Los Frailes) — I'm on the excruciatingly slow climb of the beginning of a roller coaster. You can hear the gears and pulleys ratcheting, yanking you up higher and higher. Don't look down. Don't look down! Whatever you do, don't look at the 2,700 nautical miles to go until Hiva Oa!

And finally you reach the top. Your stomach begins to drop as the coaster barrels down the rails. The only thing you can do now is hold on tight and enjoy the ride. . .

Day 5 (2/24) — My confidence took a hit today. We jibed the boat, which is a complicated ordeal in 20- to 30-knot winds and a big swell. I know how to jibe, but recently, mid-maneuver panic has mutinied against logic.

This time I choked and messed up the most basic step of the maneuver: I

ALL PHOTOS HARMATTANA

CHANGES

pushed the tiller the wrong way! Andrés realized it and quickly pushed the tiller the right way.

I felt ashamed for making such a simple mistake, and that I can't seem to control my panic sometimes. Am I more of a liability to Andrés than an asset on this passage?

My shame lingers through to my first rough night watch. The winds are fluky, seas are rough, and our current course would take us to Peru.

"Cast not away thy confidence," my dad would tell me if he were here. So I start listening to John Maxwell's podcast, Winning is an Inside Job. Only a few minutes in and my morale starts to lift. I can apply some of these lessons right now.

1. Take responsibility — I am not just a warm body out here in the cockpit. I need to take the helmsman responsibility seriously and figure out a way to get us headed back to Hiva Oa on a course of 190-200°.

2. Listen and lear n from other successful people — What did I observe Andrés do this afternoon to adjust course and tune the Monitor windvane? He adjusted the Windvane control line up and down. I can do that. He tightened and loosened the tiller lines. I can do that. He studied the impact of each adjustment. I adjust and watch and adjust. It takes 30 minutes, but I finally get us on a course of

195° with the Monitor windvane behaving reliably.

3. Lear n from your mistakes — "Don't try, try, try again. Try, then stop and think. Then try again." Instead of hoping I don't panic, before we jibe again, I'll concentrate on ways to get any potential panic under control.

When Andrés comes on watch, I give him a status report and a summary of my work with the windvane and am thrilled to hear "Great job!"

I am not a great sailor yet … but I am committed to becoming a better one.

Day 7 (2/26) — Andrés is napping when I notice something's wrong with the Monitor windvane. It keeps rounding up and I must scramble to bring the boat back down to avoid getting these 10-ft swells on our beam. I adjust all the lines. Still rounding up. I glance back at the windvane itself and — oh my gosh! — the paddle has come off the vane and it's trailing behind us.

"Help!" I call to Andrés. "The paddle's come of f! Hurry!"

If we lose that paddle, we don't have a spare and it will be four days of hell, hand-steering in two-hour shifts.

Andrés climbs to the ster n, "Oh shoot, that guy was right!!"

"That guy" is our friend Bruce, who upon seeing our Monitor windvane wisely advised, "You need a spare sacrificial tube. Mine broke on passage and it took me a couple rough days to fix it. Put some penetrating oil on there in case you need to take the broken one off."

Sure enough, that's what's wrong: The sacrificial tube broke.

I'm thankful we have a spare, but it looks like I'll be hand-steering for a while. With one hand firmly gripping the tiller, I'm transported back to our Bareboat Cruising course with Capt. Phyllis Woolwine when we crossed the Strait of Juan de Fuca in 35-kt winds and 7-ft quartering seas.

All day as we hand-steered, Phyllis coached, "Pull the tiller, pull, pull so you don't broach. OK now push push push the tiller so you don't jibe." When we

In two years of cruising, Katherine and Andrés have 7,000 miles under their keel.

ANNA MARIA

Upon crossing the equator, Katherine and Andrés shared celebratory champagne, with each other and King Neptune.

arrived in the anchorage that night, I felt like I had ridden a mechanical bull across the Strait.

It's Phyllis's voice in my head now telling me to push and pull, pull and push. Today we "only" have winds to 32 knots, but we also have a 10-ft swell topped with crashing wind waves. Surprisingly, I have no sense of panic.

Andrés makes fast progress. Just over an hour later, he drops the paddle with a new sacrificial tube down into the water and sets the windvane to steer.

"Wow! You're finished already?"

"Yep. But there's too much weather helm. Let's take down the main so the windvane doesn't break again."

As we're tethering in to take down the main he turns to me, "Can I tell you a secret?" And with a twinkle in his eye, he admits, "Back when Bruce told us his story, I put penetrating oil on the sacrificial tube on the paddle of the windvane."

IN LATITUDES

champagne cork, pours us each a glass, and sprinkles the rest in the sea as the traditional gift to Neptune.

As the three sails pull us at a gentle 5 knots into the Southern Hemisphere, we sit side by side savoring the sensation of the cold champagne tingling in our mouths, nibbling on dark chocolate açaí bites, giddy with excitement. Crossing the equator on a sailboat is a big deal. Crossing the equator after 1,800 hard-fought nautical miles feels like a victory.

Day 23 (3/14) — For the past two days, my mind has been anxiously flipping through what-ifs. What if our GPS is wrong and we're not actually close to land? What if our engine gets flooded with salt water?? What if our sails rip to shreds? We're so close yet it feels like we're never gonna get there.

But now I have come into the cockpit for the last night watch and see we're only 17nm away from land. The anxiety melts into excitement as we sail the final miles toward Hiva Oa.

Before dawn, I get my first whiff: Dirt. Earth. It's true what they say, you really can smell land. It's a smell you don't even realize you've missed, a smell you don't realize you can identify until it fills your senses once again after a long absence.

Finally at 0457 local time, I wake up Andrés. He climbs out into the cockpit and we tur n to look to starboard. The steep cliffs of the eastern point of Hiva Oa stare back at us.

Land ho!

A squeal of excitement bubbles up within me as my arms instinctively shoot up in the universal sign of victory. We made it!!!

— Katherine 3/30/23

Wise Captain!

Day 9 (2/28) — Just when I thought living on a boat couldn't lower my standards any more than it already has… our foul weather gear eventually got so drenched by the squalls that it stopped keeping water out and began keeping water in. We spent a miserable night sitting in the pools of water created by our accidental rain catchment devices.

Why are we getting soaked, staying soaked, going inside with soaked clothes, and putting on soaked clothes to come back out to get soaked again?

Then an epiphany: We're a married, two-person crew without a YouTube channel. Why are we messing with clothes?? So in this squally weather, we've exchanged our foul weather suits for our birthday suits.

Day 15 (3/6) — "Look!!! 0°0'0"! We're here! We're at the equator!"

"Woohoo!" I shout as Andrés pops the

Swan Fun — Swan 55

Joe Heinzmann

No Racing Plans

Oakland

There was no plan to be part of the BBR. With eight friends aboard, I brought Swan Fun into Banderas Bay strictly on a cruiser schedule, leaving Marina Mazatlán after a 31-day stay making friends, enjoying Carnaval, repairing a leaky Yanmar heat exchanger, and listening to some great live music.

We arrived late afternoon into Banderas Bay, anchored in La Cruz, and immediately launched the dinghy to bring our crewmember Deb to shore to stay with friends. The rest of the crew, except Audrey, left for their next adventure over the next few days.

As in every other port, the invaluable cruiser net was active, and I picked up some noise on a beer can race coming up,

Above: 'Ana Maria' underway. Left: "Land ho!" — Katherine celebrates arrival at Hiva Oa. Left center: awn in the mid Pacifc ar left Ropa vieja is a favorite meal aboard 'Ana Maria' as the Cuban dish reminds Andrés of his teenage years in Miami. Top: Squall on the horizon.

CHANGES

by Wendy with help from Bill; jib sheet winches by Ernesto and Chris; and the tactician and driver taking up space in the back. Not to forget Audrey, who would be resetting the winch breakers every time we pushed the button a little too long. ("Breaker!!!!" We would yell.) Kevin and Pierre helped Stephanie on the foredeck and Marie helped tail the mainsheet from Wendy and took some great pictures.

the end of every day was that there were no injuries, we all learned something, and that we had fun. No crew injuries reported, and the pictures speak for themselves on the enjoyment level across the boat. Equipment damage was limited to some Dyneema lines losing their cover and a way-too-large radar reflector and steaming light on the mast being dislodged. Nothing a couple of trips up the mast with some silicone, duct tape, and stainless baling wire couldn't fix.

All in all, a remarkable time with remarkable people and remarkable results. Memories made.

— Joe 4/3/23

and it being a practice run for the upcoming Banderas Bay Regatta. With no crew, racing Swan Fun was not part of my reality, but going ashore I rejoined with another friend I'd met in Maz, the globe-trotting roadie, big-boat racer, and all-around raconteur, Mark Coleman. Catching up over a beer on his travels with his Cal 48 Wainui to Tenacatita and Barra de Navidad, we discussed the upcoming La Cruz Beer Can and BBR. Mark said he was in, would take on the foredeck work with his wife, Stephanie York, ace foredeck and 2017 R2AK sailor. Mark would also recruit other crew, adding Ernesto and Chris, who have sailed with Mark and Stephanie on their boat in past BBRs.

Mike from PV Sailing, who along with his wife Kat are a cornerstone of the La Cruz cruising scene, suggested using the crew list for the BBR and requesting crew from the fleet on the cruiser net. That got us Craig on Russula, who is about to set off for French Polynesia; local hiking guide and aspiring mainsheet trimmer Wendy, who miraculously was able to design, order and pick up 10 crew shirts in three days; and Bill Peterson, who turned out to be a secret weapon from Wisconsin. He owns the 50-ft IOR boat Abracadabra, and filled a critical hole on the team as tactician for the regatta. We also brought on some new-to-racing friends from the '22 Baja Ha-Ha, Kevin on Andante and Pierre and Marie from Viva. It was a big crew, mostly new to one another, and certainly new to a big boat like Swan Fun. Not typically how you enter a world-renowned regatta.

Fortunately, Swan Fun is made for big crews, with four distinct stations, The foredeck, run by Stephanie; mast winch pod by Mark; mainsheet/traveler

Latitude 38

Now, this regatta is billed as racing your couch, although nowadays it should be called racing your Starlink. But when I saw these "cruiser boats" removing their anchors and chains (for timely inspection purposes, I suppose), SUPs, dinghies, and even dodgers, I realized we needed to up our game — so of course we copied everyone else. We did have a practice day called "Start Your Heart Out" — where there is a start line and boats can use it to time their approaches. We also used it so the crew could gain some experience tacking with those big winches, setting the traveler, handling the mainsheet, and raising, jibing, and dousing the spinnaker. Valuable and worthwhile! It was the first time the spinnaker has flown since it was destroyed on the last night of the '22 Ha-Ha before arriving in Cabo, and miraculously brought back to life by Steve of Sails and Shades in La Paz.

The crew quickly gelled as we participated in the races, executing a bit better and a bit faster every day. The tacks moved quickly through pre-setting the traveler to bringing the boat across. The spinnaker was launched, jibed, and retrieved with greater precision each day. The starts were well timed by Bill, and the beautifully consistent 15- to 20-knots of warm Banderas Bay air made for some terrific racing and sailing. Both on the way to the course and back we were entertained by whales and turtles.

I set a tone on the boat that the expectations were for mutual respect and a sense of humor, but also with the understanding that though we are controlling a 43,000-pound machine with extreme loads, everyone has a critical role to play, and that there is a necessary level of mindfulness in every action. The intent at

Cruise Noteseven (aka La Reina del Mar, assistant Poobah of the Baja Ha-Ha) was also there with her Portland-based Gulfstar 50 Talion. "There's nothing like the consistent winds, perfect weather, and sailing with the whales of Banderas Bay," she says. "To make it more fun, friends from Portland, Aspen, Phoenix, Alberta, and Seattle all came down to sail on Talion."

Patsy says there are so few slips in Mexico right now that she's been concentrating on comfortably living on the hook. "With lithium batteries, a generator, a watermaker, and Starlink, I'm able to work, do laundry, shower, and even wash the deck just as if I were in a slip.

"I'll spend the month of April up in the Sea connecting with past Ha-Ha'ers and friends from La Paz. From there, the plan is to bash north in June and spend the summer sailing California while getting everything ready for what looks to be a great group on the 29th Baja Ha-Ha."

In addition to her second place in Division 5, Patsy was gi en the frst e er Terry O'Rourke Award for her steadfast and unwavering support of the event and cruisers in Mexico.

ard and 13-year-old Piper — departed Port Angeles last August aboard their Oregon-based Super Maramu 53 Avogato, the plan was to cruise Pacific Mexico and Central America, go through the Panama Canal, stop in the Caribbean, and get to Chesapeake Bay by August 2023.

They got as far as La Paz before that plan started to fall apart.

'Swan un' fnished third in the Cruiser i ision of the BBR — not bad for a quickie pick-up crew on a boat whose owner didn't intend to race.

CHARITY PALMATIER

LATITUDE / CHRIS

SWAN FUN

After doing last year's Baja Ha-Ha, the Mays headed up to La Paz for a few days before pushing on. Three weeks later, they were still there. "We were enjoying snorkeling with baby seals and whale sharks; live music and cocktails with fellow Ha-Ha'ers; and meeting up with other kid boats to make Piper's life better," says Kathy.

Next was Banderas Bay. "There's a kids' club in La Cruz that hosts art and language events plus movie nights," she continues. "We made many more friends with cruising families as we headed to the magical Bahia Tenacatita. Our daughter learned to surf on the baby waves there. Christmas caroling boat-to-boat had us laughing so hard we could hardly sing. We were soon locked into the beach bonfire potlucks and ultimate Frisbee games."

The reckoning came in January as the South Pacific season drew near. "All the friends we made were heading back

to Banderas Bay to prepare for the jump to the Marquesas. Even the one family who we thought was going through the Panama Canal decided to go to the South Pacific instead."

With the rushed original schedule out the window, Avogato continued slowly south in January and February. "We threw ourselves into seeing historical and cultural sites: Mayan ruins, chocolate production and a side trip to Mexico City," says Kathy.

As of this writing (late March), Avogato is at Bahia del Sol in El Salvador, where, among other things, "We plan to work on our surfing at El Tunco," says Kathy. "Our only goal now is to secure the boat in Panama by August."

ers of boats to keep in contact with new owners, sometimes many years after their original ownership. But it's hard to imagine Dave and Vickie Case not doing that with Quark, considering they built the

Farallon 29 themselves from a bare hull and deck back in the '70s in Oakland — then sailed the boat 14,000 miles around the Pacific. Dave even wrote a book about it called Sailin' South.

"I sold her to Dave Symonds and we became great friends," remembers Dave. Symonds sailed the boat to New Zealand and back. Years later, "Justin Neale called me from Astoria to say he bought Quark for overdue berthage. He had no idea what he bought until a person at the boatyard told him about the book and Quark's history. Justin did a superb job of overhauling the boat and bringing her back."

Doug Saxe, Quark's present owner, is

Freedom to Explore Freedom to Explore

Richard, Kathy and Piper had so much fun they had to extend their cruising plans.

Westbound and down — 'Quark' headed for the South Pacifc

CHANGES IN LATITUDES

once again on the move with the boat. As this was written, he was approaching the midpoint of a Pacific Puddle Jump from Puerto Vallarta to the Marquesas.

Resolute had one of the more interesting bashes home after last year's Ha-Ha. After a few short weeks exploring the Sea, Nancy flew home to San Pedro, while Scott and friend Gary Clark headed the boat north. As they approached the south end of Cedros Island in light winds, they noticed a sailboat close to the island not making headway.

"Just then we heard a distress call requesting help from a frantic young woman," says Scott. "We responded and were informed that they had picked up a fish trap line in the prop and were dead in the water. We approached Motion, a 36-ft sailboat with Derick and Nicky on board, and advised them to douse the sails. With Gary at the helm and Resolute circling Motion, I donned mask and fins and dove under the disabled boat to free up the entanglement. While still in the water, we confirmed the prop was free and working,

and they expressed their gratitude as I swam over to their stern."

After bashing through forecast 20+ knot headwinds for much of the remainder of the trip, "We concluded Gary's part of the trip in Ensenada, arriving at night, going through a Christmas boat parade, and running aground in the mud," recalls Scott. By the time they sidetied at Baja Naval, the radio traffic was so busy that they turned down the VHF. ("This would later prove to be a mistake," notes Scott.) Gary took a bus back to San Diego, while Nancy returned for the final leg of the trip. "We had an uneventful ride up the coast — until we crossed the border," says Scott. "We used the CBP ROAM™ app to report our entry to the USA, which was acknowledged with a 'pending.'"

"Our boat does have AIS, but as an offshore racer, there is an unidentified switch at the nav station to disable this feature and, unbeknownst to us, it was

turned off." (It's worth mentioning here that they had closed the deal on the boat only a week before the HaHa started.)

"So with no AIS and the VHF volume down to nothing, we proceeded past Point Loma where I noticed on my radar an 85-ft USCG cutter sitting 15 miles offshore at 1 a.m. The cutter followed us for about five miles, then stopped and launched a tender, which came up and requested us to come to a stop and prepare to be boarded. Four fully-armed USCG personnel came aboard and proceeded to check the bilge and engine. We were informed that we were under suspicion as our AIS was not activated and there was no reply when we were hailed on the VHF.

"The boarding resulted in a safety inspection that was successfully passed. We continued on our way and made it back to our homeport in San Pedro, having learned many lessons."

It may have been a crazy bash for 'Resolute', but at least the fsh were iting

The Top TEN Reasons For Doing The

More than 3,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have done the 750-mile cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Here are some of the main reasons. 1) It’s really, really fun. 2) Superb safety record. 3) You get a Ha-Ha backpack filled with swag at the Halloween costume kick-off party. 4) To a great extent there is safety and shared knowledge in numbers. 5) Daily roll call, professional weather forecast, and net.

6) Six social events in which to make lifelong cruising friends. 7) You’ll be featured in the Ha-Ha bio book. 8) Experienced leadership. Collectively, the three event leaders have transited the Baja coast more than 80 times. 9) Ha-Ha discounts can easily exceed the entry fee. 10) It gives you compelling deadline to leave the dock. And Bonus Reason #11, most cited by past participants, all the new cruising friends you’ll make.

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DINGHIES, LIFERAFTS & ROWBOATS

The 18-ft 10-in ‘Helen Mae’ is handmade with eight kinds of wood, fiberglass, epoxy, lots of varnish. Four-oz. tanbark sails, oars, outboard motor mount (motor not included) and custom trailer. $10,000 Sebastopol, CA jerrykermode@gmail.com (707) 824-9893 http://www.tinyurl.com/3vkdcfh2

Fiberglass build, great boat! Trailer, sail and row kit included. $15,000 value new. $6,000 Antioch peterdragula66@gmail.com (925) 683-8529

O’Day Day

Sailer. Multiple sets of sails. All the racing upgrades. Water Rat rudder. Dry-sailed in freshwater mostly at Huntington Lake, CA. $3,500 OBO Fresno, CA ken@tkcencal.com (559) 647-4451

24 FEET & UNDER SAILBOATS

Gaff-rigged sloop, strip plank Atlantic white cedar and steam bent oak frames. Bronze fastened. Built by internationally recognized violin builder, Scott Hershey. $15,000 San Diego scarpy47@gmail.com (619) 694-7696

C O

M

25 – 28 FEET SAILBOATS

Excellent for the Bay, and a great first boat. Spacious below, lots of light, U-shaped settee, enclosed head, sink, cooler, two-burner alcohol stove. Solid Yanmar with 1800 hrs. Roller furling, VHF, stereo, plotter. Documented. $19,500 Alameda tom@porcella.cc (510) 410-7221

Brandn ew. Epoxy/wood construction. Arch Davis design. Includes trailer, sail, cover & oars. $10,000 OBO Carpinteria carpdory@gmail.com (720) 250-8060

Rare West Coast Typhoon Weekender. Classic lines, great singlehander, ready to sail. Structurally solid, intact trim. New main, good jib-genoa, anchors, 250 ft chain/rode, low hrs Lehr 2.5hp short shaft, working trailer, plus gear. $6,900 OBO Bodega Bay, CA johnjmack1@gmail.com (216) 501-352922 FT Santana 22 1975. #619. Freshwater boat and tandem-axle shock trailer, two-speed winches, Honda fourstroke outboard, on trailer in Merced, CA. Call Dan for details. $3,400 daniel.scarbery@gmail.com (559) 269-4015

EXPERT MARINE SURVEYOR Capt. ALAN HUGENOT

NAVAL ARCHITECT & MARINE ENGINEER - MASTER IN SAIL ACCREDITED MARINE SURVEYOR (SAMS accredited Oct. 2004)

Need Crew? A Boat to Crew on? Crew List Latitude 38

✩ Visit our website and sign up as Skipper or Crew ✩ It’s Free ✩

Perfect sailboat for the strong winds in S.F. Bay. Very solid fiberglass hull with full keel. 1200 lbs lead in keel. Boat will not flip under strong winds. Can tack upwind in 40 knots. Working jib, genoa, radial spinnaker (full gear), newer main. Reef points in main and jib. Newer (15 hrs) Tohatsu 6 hp Sailmaster extra long shaft, will not lift out of water during heavy seas. Large cockpit solid mahogany and teak. Rigged for singlehanded sailing. Very comfortable daysailer. Very well maintained, beautiful boat in excellent condition. Berthed in South Beach Harbor. Free sailing lessons for beginners. $4,900 OBO South Beach Harbor, San Francisco larrrywarshaw@gmail.com (415) 7154666

This boat is in dry dock in San Carlos, Sonora. It will be in the work yard the month of May 2023. The Yanmar needs some work. The rigging should be replaced. Last sailed winter 2020. Includes triple-axle trailer $10,000 OBO San Carlos, Sonora, MX johannamcfadden953@gmail.com (435) 899-0545

DAVE’S DIVING SERVICE

Serving Southern Marin Since 1984

RIGGING ONLY ✪ SMALL AD, SMALL PRICES

Standing and running rigging, life lines, furling gear, winches, line, windlasses, travelers, wire and terminals, blocks, vangs, and much more. ~ Problem solving and discount mail order since 1984 ~ www.riggingonly.com

Very nice condition with newer electronics. Garmin wind, speed, depth, and GPS with sonar. Three sets sails. Contact Paul. $88,000 San Rafael, CA pdescalso@gmail.com (415) 699-4290

This is an iconic one-design racing sailboat with active fleets in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. It comes with $15,000 worth of brand-new, never-used racing sails It is located, ready to launch, in Santa Cruz Yacht Club dry storage, Trailer included. I can help out with dry slip transfer. Outboard included. $13,000 Santa Cruz pweaver@csumb.edu (831) 359=9073 https://tinyurl.com/3j7zxz7v

‘Fastlane’ sailed mostly at Huntington Lake, CA. Multiple High Sierra regatta champion. New Ullman Dacron main, used twice. Doyle spinnaker and genoa. Multiple other sails. Boat in good condition with trailer. $12,000 Fresno, CA ken@tkcencal.com

‘Hot Betty’, Bay Area beauty. Hot race sails, practice sails, original gel bottom. Clean inside and out. Trailer with electric brakes, new tires. Excellent race history, 3 Nationals, 3 trophies! Six-time Vallejo 1st, etc. $16,000 Pt. Richmond bluecanyondave@gmail.com

After years of wooden boat caretaking, it’s been a great freedom to own such a low-maintenance sailboat since 2013. I’m moving out of the area now and it’s time for a new owner. Fresh brightwork. Fiberglass hull, freshly painted 2/23. Brand-new batteries, charger, prop seal. Yamaha 9.9hp outboard (new in 2018) – electric start – 50 hrs. Inboard engine non-functioning. Mainsail and 3 foresails (80/100/120) good condition. V-berth/2 settee berths/quarter berth. All cushions recovered 2013, still great condition. Two full-length cockpit cushions. Electrical rewired 2013. New wind/depth/speed instrument installed 2020. New head 2013. All portholes reseated 2017. New tiller 2022. New sail covers 2021. $12,000 OBO Sausalito, CA jfa@skyseastone.com (970) 261-1611

Standard rig with wing keel, pop top and dodger. Has double lifelines, 4 Lewmar winches, with 2 that are self-tailing, and lazy jacks. 2013 Tohatsu 9.9 outboard with power start. Deck pumpout for permanently installed Thetford Porta-Potti. Interior has 2 new batteries, VHF radio, alcohol stove, Ritchie compass. and depth gauge. Hull has no blisters and is kept in fresh water. Price includes EZ Loader tandem-axle trailer. $13,000 Rio Vista, CA royarnoldcameron@yahoo.com (209) 988-0148

Two mains —

Doyle Dacron, one never used. Foil track headstay. #1 Pineapple carbon, #3 Pineapple carbon. Symmetrical spinnaker in great condition, and other sails. Six-hp Tohatsu recently serviced. Bottom job Micron 2019. New sail cover. Clean interior. Recently varnished deck teak and tiller. Garmin GPS, VHF/ stereo. CA registration up to date. Must sell. $10,000 OBO San Francisco, CA tlarocca@gmail.com (347) 406-4238

Classic plastic. Boat needs pressure wash and interior cleaning, has Atomic 4 interior engine, great beginner boat to hone your sailing skills before buying your dream boat! $2,900 Treasure Island Marina, S.F. amypan@pacbell.net (415) 420-1989

Built in

Denmark, imported 2007. Turnkey, ready to race or cruise. The perfect familyfriendly S.F. Bay boat. $24,000 SF Marina ericjkaiser@yahoo.com (415) 290-5870

#120, built locally from fiberglass at Svendsen’s in 2004. It’s race-ready with two sets of sails, dated 2018 and 2022. See more at website and join the best fleet on the Bay! $24,500 OBO San Francisco Marina cjlars@gmail.com (207) 317-0252 https:// tinyurl.com/3ujv5dx9

VESSEL MOVING

No ocean too big, no trip too small, no ship too large, no mast too tall. Sail or power, we move them all! When you are ready give us a call.

Professional Service • cappytom@aol.com • (206) 390-1596

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

29 – 31 FEET SAILBOATS

A unique shoal draft cruiser popular in Florida but fits right in with our shoaling Delta and rivers. A big boat for its length, very comfortable and well-equipped for its size. Well-built and seaworthy, dry, and well maintained . Located at charming Owl Harbor right now. Pls google to familarize with specs. $15,000 Delta pshrive@yahoo.com (707) 994-6647

See the link to get info and pics. $35,000 San Rafael nomanski@gmail.com (360) 395-5120 https://tinyurl.com/mrx8whzw

Well maintained, sturdy cruiser that races well to its PHRF rating. Perfect for the upcoming sailing season. Very easy to singlehand: all lines led to the cockpit, genoa on a roller furler, and lazy jacks for the main. Repowered in 2005 with sail, winch, and vang upgrades in 2015. Bottom job completed Sept ’22 with new dripless shaft seal. Ready to sail! Text for more info. $17,500 OBO South Beach Marina, San Francisco ericeli57@gmail.com (813) 451-9058

Yanmar

15hp inboard (repowered), two mainsails, two jibs, roller furling, two spinnakers, two anchors, anchor locker, dinghy, swim ladder, VHF, EPIRB, depth/speed gauge, battery charger, solar panel, separate starter/house batteries, AC outlets, head, holding tank. Mexico veteran, ready to sail! $14,000 San Francisco gallagher415@gmail.com

USA #1091

‘Dinner Roll’. Speed shopped hull, spare spinnaker pole, tiller and rudder. Factory recessed traveler, spinnaker and deck hardware. Four Brolga turmbuckles, Proctor mast, Burtek single-axle trailer, new bearings, tires and spare. Three mains, five jibs, 10 spinnakers. Many more extras. Call Bill. $16,900 OBO Stockton, CA wccanepa@comcast.net (209) 570-0501

http://wccanepa@comcast.net

One owner. Furling jib, StackPack main, self-tailing winches, wheel steering, Yanmar diesel. Sleeps five. Head w/shower, galley sink, gas stove. Solar panel, autopilot, GPS, VHF. Six opening ports. Dinghy davits, inflatable dinghy, Honda outboard. Danforth anchor 200 ft rode, mooring line, docking lines, fenders, life jackets, full winter cover. Dishes, flatware, sheets, towels, tools, spares. Right price for someone who would love her. Email for details. $19,000 Lake Tahoe bksalesrep@gmail.com (443) 838-5370

‘Legacy’ is a beauiful racing boat, and so is ‘Encore’. Want to own a pair of dueling pistols? Check out Wooden Boat issue 12 for all the details. Recent survey out of water. Send an email and I will forward it to you. $20,000 Treasure Island, CA sha32015@outlook.com (925) 219-2279

32 – 35 FEET SAILBOATS

Nice one head, two cabin layout, good sails, well maintained. Three cyl diesel runs great. With slip Pier 39 D4. Best buy on the Bay. Very close in. Go look, then call Ray. $16,500 San Francisco Pier 39 rayweathers43@yahoo.com (209) 6704920

Excellent racer/ cruiser that has been well maintained. Many upgrades including rebuilt standing rigging by Easom Racing, Quantum main w/Strong Track and battens, Santa Cruz jib and a North Sails asymmetrical spinnaker. NX2 instruments, Harken roller furler, Easom running rigging, updated electric panel, cabin and sail covers. Equipped with an 18hp Yanmar diesel engine with new impeller, exhaust elbow and dripless packing. Dual Plastimo compasses, Autohelm, stereo, GPS, lazy jacks, two VHF radios. $15,500 OBO South Beach Harbor, San Francisco rwcmccarthy@gmail.com

Too much to list. Vessel’s in excellent condition. Must see. $75,000 Sequim, WA c.hawkdiesel@gmail.com (360) 809-9104

This is a

turnkey Flying Tiger 10 with a favorable PHRF rating, fully optimized for racing and ready to win — just won the 2022-2023 Golden Gate YC winter series (3/4/23). Hull #15 is a very well maintained boat. ‘Cento Miglia’ has been sailing at the top of the local PHRF sport boat fleet for the past years. Well-optimized sail inventory including new jib, new masthead kite and fresh fractional spinnakers. All of the factory upgrades are included, and she has a three-year-old recently serviced 9.8 hp Tohatsu engine (4 stroke). Engine compartment has sound deadener. Trailer and new rigging, excellent condition. $31,995 OBO Alameda, CA zks@mthamilton.us (408) 316-1091

November

2020 bottom and survey. 2013 new electrical system/control panel. 2000 installed Yanmar 2GM20F diesel motor. Two self-tailing winches. Was in Pittsburg till this past spring. Needs haulout again in November 2023. $12,500 OBO Marina Village, Alameda f.j.marshall@sbcglobal.net (925) 2606429

In great condition with extras. Good sails, new canvas and dodger, new exterior cushions, ready for your enjoyment. First $32,000 gets this boat. Email or call to make offer. $32,000 South Beach Harbor, S.F. naylorken@comcast.net (408) 446-1160

‘Encore’ is a beauty. Recent out-of-water survey. Check out Wooden Boat issue 12 for more build info. I would prefer that both boats go to the same buyer, but they have been apart before. By far the fastest boat I have ever sailed. Mylar main and jib, spare Mylar jib and a #3 Dacron jib. 2 spinnakers. $20,000 Treasure Island, CA sawinery2004@yahoo.com (925) 2192279

‘Full

Tilt’ — fast and versatile sloop-rigged racer/cruiser. 33-ft 10-in LOA, 11-ft 2-in beam. Well maintained, new diesel tank, stern tube, shaft seal, steering system, rudder, recent bottom paint, raw water manifold. Fully equipped for cruising with Yanmar 3 GMD 20 hp diesel, dinghy, tools, spare parts, PFDs, safety equipment, Autohelm, new handheld VHF, basic instruments, stereo, galley, bronze BBQ, new cabin heater, jib furler, extra sails, EZ Jacks, boom kicker, spinnaker pole, ground tackle, folding Max-Prop, sleeps 6. Set up for singlehandling. Excellent S.F. Bay and offshore boat. Contact Bill. $18,000 Point Richmond, CA randall2u@astound.net (925) 519-0471

‘Bazinga’ — Hull #118 fixed keel. Tandem axle trailer designed for hoist or ramp launching. Boat is located in dry storage at SDYC. This is a turnkey Hobie rigged for Transpac. All upgrades were completed not to affect her favorable PHRF Rating 96/81/81. Well optimized sail inventory. Includes all necessary gear for ORC Cat 1 offshore. A complete listing of equipment, upgrades as well as additional pictures are available. $49,999 OBO San Diego, CA steve@sartopools.com (480) 201-7178

Racing or cruising, the Beneteau First Class 10 has outstanding performance. Designed by Jean-Marie Finot and Jacques Fauroux. Full complement of recent racing sails and upgraded electronics. A quick, affordable sailboat. $27,000 Redwood City dropbeer14@gmail.com https://tinyurl. com/5ykvscns

Great coastal cruiser. New gelcoat – decks & inside. Yanmar diesel. Danforth anchor. Roller furling. VHF, AM/FM/CD stereo with Bose speakers. EZ Jacks. Onboard head. Adjustable backstay. $25,600 San Francisco South Beach Harbor cameronkane@gmail.com (415) 307-5805

‘Querida’ is a unique A35. She is an oldschool cruiser with some professional and tasteful improvements. Included are: a custom light dinghy/dodger, New Found Metals opening stainless portlights, Monitor windvane, narrowboat heater, composting head, sitz tub-style shower, stainless bowsprit/anchor roller, propane stovetop, and more. Sails include a fullbatten main, 120 genoa, asymmetrical with sock, spinnaker, drifter, storm tri and storm jib. Westerbeke diesel with low hrs and more. $33,000 L.A. Harbor bvbolton@gmail.com (541) 912-0211

A Westsail-like boat, 11-ft beam, 5.3-ft draft, 41.3-ft LOA, 20,000+lb dis, Volvo MD3B frozen — needs replacing, sails old, dodger newer, very stout boat, polyester resin/fiberglass hull, wood deck 1.5-in thick. $7,000 OBO ghenry1102@yahoo.com (510) 501-4927

Not your average J/100. Highly optimized for both crewed and shorthanded racing, ‘8-Ball’ can win and has won it all. No other boat has two distinct configurations depending on what type of racing you want to do. This boat has all the right stuff: B&G H-5000, all-new North 3DI sails, electric winches, electric hydraulics, and carbon accessories. The mainsheet, jib sheet, and spinnaker sheets are all controlled by electric winching systems. These are all operated by remote controls worn by the helmsman or a second remote worn by a crew member. The Easom Rigging Company has handled all optimizations of this boat. Call to get a full brochure. $220,000 Pt Richmond seasom@sbcglobal.net (415) 686-9330

‘Tooloco’ previously ‘Ripple’ sistership to ‘Terramoto’ is available. ‘Tooloco’ is a 35-ft ultralight water- ballasted planing machine designed by Paul Bieker, with a 40:1 sail area to displacement ratio. In the last 24 months she has been completely refit to include new: running and standing rigging, complete rewire with B&G 5000, new Quantum wardrobe, main, genoa, code 0 w/furler, J3, A1.5, A2, North main, A1,.J1, A2. New keel with cutter, rudder bearings, Awlgrip in/out+ nonskid, all deck hardware, clutches, turning blocks, lifelines, Yanmar 20GM rebuilt. Complete list available.. Turnkey program. I have purchased interest in a RP 51 to campaign this year, so selling the 35. $150,000 San Diego, CA larry.andrews@unitvestinc.com (760) 805-2883

Sun Odyssey. This is the perfect S.F. Bay boat or coastal cruiser. Easy to singlehand with plenty of headroom down below. Well maintained with low hrs on engine. Recent haulout, oil change and brightwork. Autopilot, furling jib, depth, wind speed, gennaker, microwave with lots of extra hardware, tools, etc. $68,000 Sausalito Dwvarni1@gmail.com (707) 835-6526

‘Osprey’ was built in Santa Cruz for cruising south; SS water tanks amidships, 55hp Westerbeke diesel (186hrs) w/below cockpit 25gal steel tanks, new batteries and SS standing rigging 5 yrs ago, 6-ft 6-in headroom in main salon, 2 working mains, 2 headsails, ample ground tackle fore and aft, minimal older electronics, Aries standard wind vane, 2 tiller autohelms, aluminum spars, 12 & 110V house wiring, water closet w/ manual head, maintenance materials and tools including bosun’s chair, electrical and paint tool boxes, spare parts, and a case of Racor filters. She’s a little rough in places but tuff and yearning for lower latitudes. Hull is solid w/no leaks. $15,500 OBO Noyo Harbor, Ft. Bragg, CA cliffw@att.net (907) 602-3523

Great condition with recent upgrades. More photos in the online Latitude 38 classifieds https://tinyurl.com/2p8suuza

Call for details. $30,000 Delta paulasunn@gmail.com (530) 514-1584

Beautiful, strong cruising cutter Herreshoff designed, bowsprit and boomkin, cedar cold-molded hull, full lead keel, spruce spars, sails in great condition (mainsail with 3 reefs; stays’l, jib; 120% Dacron; 120% 1.5 oz. nylon; storm sail; trys’l); Aries wind vane self-steering; 10-ft fiberglass dinghy; sails beautifully; no engine; sail into and out of upwind Berkeley berth or use 16 ft oar; 4 anchors (45# 35# 25# CQR, fisherman); windlass. $39,500 Berkeley kennoble40@gmail.com (925) 786-7878

36 – 39 FEET SAILBOATS

Dick

Carter-designed Olympic sloop. Westerbeke 50hp diesel, dual steering, 12.75-ft beam. Lines run below deck. Full standing headroom. Lewmar winches. Fast cruiser. $12,000 Oakland cattail1956@yahoo.com (510) 537-9689

DIY Friendly Bottom Paint Packages Insured Boat Work Professionals Welcome! VallejoMarineCraft@gmail.com • 707-554-2813 • www.vallejomarinecraft.com

QUALITY MARINE SERVICES ~ ABYC accredited electrician Installations/Upgrades - Maintenance /Repairs, Selfsteering, Solar, Watermakers, aloft rigging, Vessel Management - Offshore Prep & consultation qmsboat@gmail.com • (858) 218-4718

ALAMEDA

With hardtop dodger, new canvas 2016. North main and 110%, Ullman 135% furling. Wheel steering with autopilot, Bruce 15 kg anchor on windlass. Force 10 stove and oven, propane, BBQ. Martec folding prop, Pathfinder diesel new in 2008, approx. 430 hrs. Contact Gene. $35,000 Sacramento genenovak49@gmail.com (916) 705-2218

A

turnkey boat… hull an ’88 but everything else upgraded in 2016. This is NOT a standard Hunter Legend 37.5. Includes Porta-Bote folding dinghy with electric motor. Note: Slip is paid through Sept. 2023. $62,000 OBO Ensenada, Baja, MX petdr90@yahoo.com (360) 789-2716

Owner of 12+

years offering excellent example of this somewhat rare on the West Coast vessel. Well maintained, much newer equipment, Raymarine, Spectra, Victron, Pineapple, Lewmar, Cruisair. Everything works! Ready to cruise or PHRF with turbo’ed sail. $86,000 San Diego mlarchplastics@yahoo.com https://tinyurl.com/2829b4tc

With Walker Bay 10 Dinghy and 5hp motor. Boat can go, and has been, to Hawaii and Mexico. As is. $15,000 Marina Bay, Richmond wiresolu@aol.com

Solid cruising boat with lots of great features. Photos show her in good condition, but she is a project boat to some degree. Needs work on motor and some electrical as she is an older vessel. Batteries in good shape, all new thru hull fittings. She is a proven cruising boat with a full keel, plenty of head room and storage. New standing rigging of this past year and new electrical wiring and LED lights, VHF antenna, new hot water tank. Brought overland from the East Coast so life lines, stations and bow sprit were removed and will need to be reinstalled (all are included). Stainless frames for both dodger and Bimini but no canvas. Sails and covers are in fair condition. Interior cushions are in good condition. Nice interior layout. Well suited for someone with time and a little experience to complete the projects mentioned. Priced to reflect engine and other work to be completed. $25,000 neg. Sausalito jaygrant11383@gmail.com (415) 4136707

‘Nimbus’ is an excellent racing and cruising family sailboat for San Francisco Bay. Fiberglass hull and deck, varnished mahogany interior with teak and holly sole. Accommodations: Large “V” berth forward with head to port. Hanging lockers to starboard. Main salon: two settee berths, center table stows out of the way. Double quarter berth to port aft of the navigation station. Galley: Stainless steel sink, icebox, stove/oven. Mast and boom aluminum with stainless steel rigging. Manual jib furling system. Mainsail with two reefs. Jib and spinnaker. Engine: Westerbeke 38. Nimbus sits in a 40-ft slip in the West Basin of the San Francisco Marina. Slip rights available, additional cost. $20,000 West Basin, San Francisco Marina daphnej@pacbell.net (415) 385-4157

The Blackwatch 37 is a predecessor of the Tartan 37 and is ready to be out on the water. She used to be a racing boat and was recently outfitted to go cruising. New in last 2 years: Autopilot, watermaker, electric toilet, windlass, anchor & rode, solar. $25,000 Tiburon ilchianti@gmail.com (916) 995-7853

40 – 50 FEET SAILBOATS

Great family and Bay boat. Replaced main and roller jib eight yrs ago. The stainless standing rigging was inspected five yrs ago. Fitted with autopilot and radar. Great start boat to get out on the Bay and sail. $15,000 OBO Berkeley Marina kh.weisenberger@gmail.com

Great cruiser. Outfitted for offshore. Totally self-sufficient with solar-operated watermaker and Frigoboat. Custom interior. Too much to list — get in touch for details. See YouTube at link below. $44,900 OBO San Carlos, Sonora, MX ALINDYROSEN@CYBERMESA. COM (360) 758-7452 https://tinyurl. com/56t6webp

Beautiful sailboat for sale that sleeps six. This boat is perfect for a family or group of friends who want to enjoy the open water. It has a spacious interior with plenty of room to relax and sleep. The boat is in excellent condition and has been well maintained. It comes with all the necessary equipment and is ready to sail. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a beautiful sailboat that will provide you with years of enjoyment! Mainsail inmast furling. Genoa and jib sails included. Stern gangplank, 53hp Yanmar diesel, two heads, and much more. See URL for additional photos. $135,000 All offers entertained Marina Bay, Richmond, CA efhale@msn.com (831) 818-0199 https:// photos.app.goo.gl/JUhgy2n8L8wZNHfV8

Cen-

ter cockpit, ketch, 80hp Ford Lehman diesel 3800hrs. Aft queen w/windows, sails good Spruce main, aluminum mizzen, lower deck teak removed, bath tub, PEX plumbing, no rot. $78,000 Berkeley tcparfitt@yahoo.com (707) 861-2954

‘Pura Vida’ is an extremely well maintained and equipped Sun Odyssey 440 with all the electronics, comfort, and performance features that Jeanneau offers. Exhilarating to sail with a crew and easy solo. I’m offering 1/2 ownership for someone that will enjoy and care for the boat as I have. $225,000 Alameda, CA scmiller711@gmail.com (408) 219-9041

Frersdesigned ketch owned by the same family since 2000. Kids are grown and grandkids are busy so time for us to move to the dark side. Nearly everything above deck and down below has been replaced or upgraded. Great boat, easy to sail with in-boom furling on the main, all lines led aft to electric winches, nice cruising interior, at a great price. ‘Daring’ will take you anywhere in comfort and safety. Details of upgrades and photos at website. Serious inquiries only, please.

$129,000 OBO, Broker Inquiries OK, Possible Trade, Transferable San Pedro Slip in front of CBYC San Pedro, CA craig@novamar.net (714) 356-9816 http:// www.dawn48.com

‘Iantha’ is a Block Island cowhorn ketch that was built in Costa Mesa in 1945 by actor Charles Hancock (GB). The hull was originally designed by Trustrum Dodge in 1661 and is the first American- designed boat. The boats were known as excellent sea boats, with only one recorded as lost at sea. The boat was designed to be worked by a two-person crew in open water and all weather conditions. The original Block Islands were opendeck boats. The hull shape is good for ice, because it lifts from the compression and won’t be crushed. The curves are easy, and the keel and stem are straight lines. $120,000 OBO San Diego jdarrochdesign@yahoo.com (619) 2436269

DUCED price, Opportunity Boat, 41 Gulfstar, CC Ketch, SOMEDAY. Is between a ready 2 go & project boat. Full operating systems. Engine purrs, excellent sails, rigging inspected & upgraded, fresh Pettit 5 yr bottom paint, Avon inflatable w 5 hp Merc, AiS receiver, 550 watts solar. Garmin depth/fish finder, VHF, radio, excellent windless, multiple anchors.. Ready to go! Needs TLC, interior aged. bilge dirty, water hose leaks, other small stuff. Boat maintained. Am 83. Take advantage, buy excellent boat. Fix, sail, cruise, liveaboard. I owned 41 yrs. Now $35,000 reduced from $39,000. If looking for project , most need upgrades. SOMEDAY is fully functional, maintenance current. Can expect yrs of use without high cost expendatures. $35,000 Puerto Vallarta, MX boatstuffster@gmail.com (541) 361-0239

Worldcapable cruiser. Beautiful yacht in great condition. Ready to take you cruising. Cutter-rigged with oversized rigging and extra cockpit winches. Lots of newer equipment such as: large sail inventory, radios, GPS, windvane, heater, autopilot, radar, 40 hp Yanmar engine, stove/oven, fridge/freezer, watermaker. 2018 engine/ power train refurbished at $20K cost. Call or email Tom. $115,000 Orcas, WA svlandsend@yahoo.com (360) 632-8896

Custom racer built in Long Beach. Hull: Dencho Marine, Inc., built by Robert Vaughn. Best offer or will trade for classic vehicle of equal value. $79,000 OBO or Trade Sausalito, CA libertyshipmarina@comcast.net (415) 613-3665

‘Endeavor’ is a strong, sea-kindly vessel, designed by Henk Tingen and built in Holland in 1958. Purchased 1987 and brought back from near-extinction. We had 13 years cruising about the world; maybe now it’s your turn. Fall in love with your dream boat. Lots of good kit included, can be ready to sail to Norway in 2023! Contact C. Masters for complete list. $100,000 Ipswich, Suffolk, UK svendeavor1958@gmail.com (206) 9603793

10k PRICE

DROP! PPJ veteran, ‘Mandolin’, our seaworthy home 14+ yrs. Cruising equipped, stable at sea, custom Hasse sails, meticulously maintained. Galley renovated, rebuilt shower, refinished floors, many upgrades. See boattrader link for specs & photos. $117,900 San Diego, CA loriserocki@yahoo.com https://tinyurl. com/2p8pu38k

Cutter rig, New Zealand Yachts, center cockpit, aft cabin, cold molded kauri pine, Dynel cloth, Epiglass design: Jim Young N.A. Re-rigged 2018, New standing and running rigging, North main and jib, lazy jacks, Harken mechanical backstay tensioner, B&G wind and depth instrumentation, Simrad radar, Yanmar 4HJ, 50hp, ZF Trans, Fireboy auto fire extinguisher system, slipstream Aust. Feathering prop, toerails, handrails, caprail, companionway hatches, forward cabin top hatch varnished. Steering: mechanical, hydraulic. Natural gas stove/oven. New 300-ft 5/16 high-test chain, stainless plow anchor, Engel refrigeration, Lavac manual heads. $ 100,000 Reduced Long Beach, CA jimwaide@gmail.com (949) 838-5880

CLASSIC BOATS

‘Briar Rose’. 30-ft LOD. Master Mariners winner and still racing! Looking for next caretaker. Military move forces sale. New North sails. Hauled/painted 2022. Reliable 3cyl inboard diesel. Modern electrical system. GPS. VHF. Depthsounder. Wheel steering. Yellow cedar on white oak frames. Sleeps 4-5. Ready to cruise far-off destinations or continue racing/cruising in the Bay. All reasonable offers considered. Info/photos/videos at URL. $10,000 Richmond, CA resqian@icloud.com (305) 766-6129 https://tinyurl.com/2p8f6fnp

Low hrs

Yanmar diesel. NEW: worm drive steering, SS fuel tanks, solar panels, air head, Simrad plotter and more. Completed extensive boatyard overhaul. Master Mariner race winner, Transpac vet. $11,000 Owl Harbor sagieber@gmail.com (206) 384-1175

MULTIHULLS

Lovely ocean-sailing vessel. Needs TLC. Excellent deal as a fixer project. Now in Emeryville, CA. Three cabins, two baths. Complete details and photos on website. All serious offers considered. $49,000 OBO make offer Emeryville, CA gmeader@gmail.com (415) 987-3948 http://maxfx.biz

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

Moored in San Rafael under roof. Beautiful classic boat. All new Renogy electric system, three lithium batteries. The whole boat is rewired. Cushions and curtains made by Marcia. $50,000 San Rafael melco@mcn.org (707) 884-4836

A dry sailed, US fabricated and assembled racing/cruising, folding trimaran, (and trailer), designed by Ian Farrier and customized by Mike Leneman of Multimarine. This is one of the lightest, and fastest boats on the west coast. $82,500 Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA uncllou@gmail.com 310.770.1103

Extensive

refit in 2000 — Lefiell mast, standing rigging, Yanmar 50hp, custom hard dodger, new fuel tanks, LP water heater, BBQ, windlass, roller furling main and jib, MPS, etc. Winner best maintained at SGYC 4 years. New house and start batteries, dinghy. See pictures info at website. Strong cruising boat and great liveaboard. Call Ron. $119,000 San Diego ron@griffinformation.com (619) 226-6071

51 & OVER SAILBOATS

New engine, less than 10 hrs. Ready to sell now! As is, where is! Located in the North Bay. To View images of the boat, please visit this URL. thanks. https:// sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/boa/d/san-rafaelmotor-sail-steel-hull-new/7591698771.

html $60,000 OBO S.F. North Bay steven@bayareapopupevents.com (415) 269-5288

Escape winter! Taiwan trawler. Fiberglass hull, teak interior. Large fwd cabin. Fullsize pull-out in saloon, large galley. 125hp Ford Lehman. Autopilot, 400W solar. Well maintained by Navy veteran, USCG 500 Ton Master. Located in tax-free US Virgin Islands! $79,000 St Thomas, USVI kirktek@gmail.com (540) 353-6245

Highly sought-after 55 Light. Ideal for passagemaking and enjoying remote anchorages. Well maintained by the original owner. Never chartered or raced. Four-cabin arrangement. Continuously upgraded and maintained. Contact for details $385,000 Newport Beach, CA midocean.cb@gmail.com

Extensive refurbishing of beautiful, classic, carbon-fiber, Farrier design has just been completed by Spectrum Marine. This rare gem is now offered for $32,000. Call for an appointment to view. $32,000 OBO Los Angeles, CA (310) 310-4914

POWER & HOUSEBOATS

PRICE REDUCED:

‘HIgh Five’: Cookson-built Farr 40 / Kevlar hull. Volvo Penta 40 hp; 250 hrs on engine and saildrive. Includes multiple sails. Extremely well maintained. Call to get more details. $38,000 Morro Bay, CA goldconcept@sbcglobal.net (805) 5501118

Fully loaded in mint condition — This boat was truly loved on! She is ready to take you anywhere in the world with safety, class and style. Please call for extensive inventory list. Must see her! $425,000 Alameda, CA lrtravioli@hotmail.com (559) 269-7669

Bird Boat 1932. Aldendesigned #22. Many recent updates, including major restoration 2001 and 2022. Call for recent survey, details and pics. $12,500 OBO Sausalito pjpillsbury@icloud.com (415) 444-6180

Beautiful floating Westates office houseboat! This unique vessel has been retrofitted to be the ideal in-law quarters, office, guest quarters, weekend getaway, etc. Renovations include air conditioning/ heating, dual-pane windows, electrical, insulation, wallboard and flooring. Bottom cleaned and surveyed 2023. More photos and information at website. $9,900 OBO Delta Loop, Isleton, CA catherine@rubiconyachts.com (415) 2440293 https://tinyurl.com/mpxtmaxr

Modern mini-houseboat. Includes transport to your slip in the Bay Area. See Airbnb review — link below. $1,500,000 Steinberger Marina e.stancil53@gmail.com https://tinyurl. com/d7dzbbvm

PARTNERSHIPS

I am looking to join, or form, a partnership to co-own a small powerboat, preferably docked in a San Francisco marina. I am in a terrific sailboat partnership but am interested in also having access to a powerboat. I am looking for something relatively easy to maintain, in the 22-30-ft range, with single or twin outboards. San Francisco josh652@gmail.com

Dehler 34, 1986, tiller, Yanmar. An established non-equity sailing partnership: $275/ month includes fuel, insurance, two pre-assigned weekend days, four weekdays per month. No charge for vacant days. Maintenance fee $1000/year. For details call/text. South Beach Harbor valtaft@gmail.com (650) 670-5300

Looking for partnership on 30-50-ft sailboat, preferably East Bay. Equity and non-equity considered. Have 20+ years of experience sailing on the Bay and chartering internationally. I have partnered successfully on a 31-ft Beneteau for five years. Now I have a small sailing dog that I want to sail with me and the others are allergic. Looking for a clean boat in good condition that is sailed regularly, and responsible, nice sail partners. Berkeley ddodgesf@gmail.com

BERTHS & SLIPS

I no longer need my 36-ft slip (#B28) at Pier 39. The slip has about 10 years left. Pay XFER fee ($1,200) and it’s yours. No text, just call or email. $1,200 Pier 39 S.F., CA rwnicho@hotmail.com (415) 648-7960

Slips 30 -75 at great rates! Amenities: parking, bathrooms, laundry, pumpout, free wi-fi, keyless entry. Guest berths also available. Call for availability. 451 Seaport Court, Redwood City, CA 94063 crevay@redwoodcityport.com (650) 306-4150 http://www.redwoodcityport. com/marina

PROPERTY FOR SALE OR RENT

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from this lovely 3BR, 1BA home perched above the gentle shore of Beal’s Cove, perfect for kayaking adventures, watching wildlife, and relaxing by the sea as the afternoon light floods the windows. You’ll love exploring all the islands have to offer during the day and retreating to the cottage in the evenings to catch the gorgeous pink, purple and orange hues of a Harpswell sunset. marcia@homesandharbors.com 866-8350500 https://tinyurl.com/43475rkj

Love to sail? Make a great living in the Pacific Northwest running a fantastic charter business! After 34 years it is time to sell our dream job. We have already done the hard work for you. Dedicated client base, beautiful website, five-star reviews. Outstanding modern 55-ft sloop with moorage. USCG Coastwise trade endorsement. Great income if you are ready to take the helm of the best job in the world! San Juan Islands, WA islandsailor600@gmail.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Club Nautique is hiring a Sausalito Club/Base Manager and an Alameda Membership Sales Representative. Come join the fun and share your love of boating with others. We offer competitive compensation ($70,000–$90,000+) and full benefits. Apply today! stephanie@clubnautique.net http://clubnautique.net

Golden Gate Yacht Club is seeking a motivated, energetic and dedicated head coach to lead our high school sailing programs. The Head Coach is responsible for scheduling, designing, organizing and executing activities, practices and regattas, and is expected to be active on and off the water. This is a part-time position. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please email the GGYC Waterfront Director. Golden Gate Yacht Club, San Francisco waterfront@ggyc.com

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Due to a family move out of the area we are reluctantly selling our well-established industrial sewing business. Bullseye Canvas has been operating out of the Santa Cruz harbor since 2006. Our market is mostly in the custom manufacturing of marine covers, dodgers, biminis, enclosures and upholstery. In addition to the marine market, we also manufacture architectural covers and shade structures. 420sq.ft. harborside shop. Loyal customer base. The market demand is high and this business could easily grow by 4X to support that demand. Enjoy growing this thriving business in Santa Cruz while having the flexibility to make your own schedule. Training or apprenticeship available. $50,000 Santa Cruz paul@bullseyecanvas.com (831) 2953330 http://www.bullseyecanvas.com

Sailing instructors and captains, Spinnaker Sailing SF is hiring F/T or P/T aboard our best- maintained fleet of 21- to 53-ft yachts. $20-25/hr DOE. Midweek/weekend work available, flexible schedule. Email or call. San Francisco staff@spinnaker-sailing.com (415) 5437333 https://tinyurl.com/mvbvddte

ATE. Club Nautique is hiring a seasonal, full-time (40 hrs/week) fleet service associate in Sausalito for up to a sixmonth contract. Responsibilities include cleaning interior and exterior of sail and powerboats, fueling and pumping out boats, working with standing and running rigging, inspecting boats to ensure everything is in good working order before charters. Come join the team and work on the best- maintained fleet in the Bay! $17-$20/hr DOE. Sausalito stephanie@clubnautique.net http://www. clubnautique.net

To operate 28-ft passenger vessel ‘Bay Voyager’ at Pier 39. Four hr minimum. Second language, former USCG, a plus but not required. Paid training. Six pack, 50-/100-ton lic. OK. Full-/parttime available. Pier 39, San Francisco charles@bayvoyager.com (510) 612-1251 https://bayvoyager.com/

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

The City of Berkeley is accepting applications to test and get on the eligibility list for the full time permanent Marina Assistant role at the Berkeley Marina! This position is responsible for patrolling the Berkeley Marina and adjacent dock and ground areas for the prevention of theft, vandalism, and hazardous conditions and performs boat towing and rescue operations as well as office clerical and custodial duties. Salary: $70,595.20 – $74,859.20. Follow the attached link for more information including benefits, and instructions on how to apply. Berkeley Marina scrothers@cityofberkeley.info https:// tinyurl.com/2caw3x5h

NANCE We are looking for a motivated individual who can join our team and assist on maintaining our beautiful marina and buildings. Hours are flexible and it can be full- or permanent part-time work. This could be ideal for a retired military person. We prefer that the individual has skills/ experience with construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, mechanical equipment and machinery, welding, diving, etc. These are not requirements, but a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic are essential. We offer training with most of these skills. Liveaboard moorage is available in our marina at a discounted rate. If you have interest please email your résumé. Sausalito, CA mikerainey331@gmail.com

Custom canvas business ISO sewers! More sewing/making experience the better and willing to train for the right can-do attitude! Quickly growing company looking for another great fit in our team. Great benefits and culture. PT/FT Point Richmond david@compass-canvas.com (415) 2993415 http://compass-canvas.com

Volunteer docents wanted to staff educational science exhibitions. Volunteer or contract graphic designer wanted. Photographers and photography wanted. Ask about other volunteer positions. info@sailingscience.org (510) 390-5727 https://www.sailingscience.org/

Rubicon

Yachts is seeking a professional yacht broker/salesperson for its new Alameda, CA office. Yacht sales experience required, must be a self-starter, membership in CYBA is a plus. Contact owner/broker Mark Miner. Alameda, CA mark@rubiconyachts.com http://rubiconyachts.com

At the gorgeous Cielo Y Mar condos. Located in Punta Mita, 35 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, available to rent from private owner. On the beach, 10 feet from the water, they offer spectacular views of ocean and mountains, the biggest infinity pool in the area, an endless beach, great surf breaks, great fishing, tremendous views of whales, bird life and the islands. While uncrowded and tranquil, just a fiveminute walk to several waterfront restaurants. Choose from a spacious, beautifully furnished one- or three-bedroom unit, or an amazing two-story penthouse with lovely shade trellis on the top floor. To reserve, call or email Dona de Mallorca. puntamitabeachfrontcondos@gmail.com

SLO Sail and Canvas is hiring for multiple positions in our busy sail loft in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California. We specialize in building boat covers, trampolines, and sails for sailing dinghies, one-designs, and beach catamarans. The following job opportunities are open for immediate fulfillment: Sailmaking Department Manager, Manufacturing Assistant — Industrial Department, Production Sewing & Prep — Trampoline or Boat Cover Department, and Office Assistant. To learn more about each job opening, visit website. erik@slosailandcanvas.com (805) 4796122 ext.9 https://tinyurl.com/fpdkrmt

Inspire Sailing Berkeley is looking for sailing instructors to join our growing team! USCG OUPV License is required, though if you are interested in getting your captain’s license we can help out there too. We have opportunities to teach aboard both tiller- and wheel-steered sportboats as well as larger cruising boats. We focus on the education of adults in a fun, welcoming and safety-oriented environment. Located in the heart of SF Bay, we are just minutes from the best sailing grounds, not miles! Do you enjoy racing? Our performance program is going strong and we need racing- and spinnakerexperienced captains as well. US Sailing and ASA Instructors welcome! Competitive pay! Free boat use! Fun! Berkeley, CA careers@inspiresailing.com (510) 8311800 https://tinyurl.com/bdhdzn6c

Spinnaker Sailing in Redwood City is looking for someone to assist in the maintenance and repair of our fleet of 30 sailboats. Should be familiar with sailboat rigging, ship’s systems, outboard motors, light electrical, plumbing and diesel engine service. Consider either part time or full time. Pay rate commensurate to experience. Call or email Rich. Redwood City, CA rich@spinnakersailing.com (650) 3631390 http://Spinnakersailing.com

Join the captains at Club Nautique and start teaching US Sailing’s most comprehensive curriculum of sail and power courses, both offshore and inshore, in the nation. We have openings now for USCG-licensed captains who exhibit exceptional communication and boating skills, and the willingness to train and work in a professional environment. All instructors are classified as employees, not independent contractors. Fulltime and part-time positions available. $28-$35 depending on experience. schooldirector@clubnautique.net (510) 865-4700 x313 http://www.clubnautique.net

Spinnaker Sailing in Redwood City is looking for ASA-certified sailing instructors to teach out of our Redwood City Marina location. Part-time, flexible schedules, midweek and/or weekends. Please contact Rich or Bob by phone or email. Redwood City Marina office@spinnakersailing.com (650) 3631390 http://www.spinnakersailing.com

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

CREW

He, extensive Southern California and Mexican racing experience ranging from Cal 20s to Maxis and a few Pacific crossings. She, lives on a boat and has four years of local and coastal sailing. We’re fit, hard-working and have the “game on, let’s be safe but have fun” personalities. Contact Wally by email or phone. Baja Ha-Ha go2wallyworld@hotmail.com (805) 896-8926

I have some ocean experience, some racing experience and some Spanish. I can help with expenses, sail changes, driving, and cooking. Thanks, Michael. S.F. Bay michael.s.121@att.net (707) 354-4326

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Mexican stone “casita” & 3 out buildings on close to 4 acres with 300 beachfront in Rincon. New certified survey available, 24/7 Guard. Corporation owned and approved for marine businesses, etc. See video, Fiesta del Mar: https://tinyurl.com/yc7eks5c.

$300,000 Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja MX capnernie1@aol.com

(415) 269-5165 http://

NON PROFIT

The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors strives to make sailing accessible to people with disabilities. BAADS is always on the lookout for donated boats to support its mission. Help an all-volunteer organization while receiving a charitable tax deduction. boatdonations@baads.org

(415) 5329831

GEAR

Ten sets Musto Gore-Tex foul weather gear — like new. Gray jackets and black bibs. Used no more than six regattas and washed after each regatta. Two small, five large, three XL. $4,000 for the set of 10 or $500 each. This gear retails for well over $1,000 per set. $4,000 Alamo tonypohl5656@gmail.com (510) 435-3304

TRYING TO LOCATE

ISO owner of a Lake Union Dreamboat bought at auction from Oyster Point Marina after she sank. I have fittings that I want to return. Peninsula Sheilaholmes@mac.com

Who Are These Guys?

Meico S pring Sav ings

www.elcidmarinas.com

011-52 (669) 916-3468

marinaelcidmazatlan.@elcid.com.mx

Family

INDEX – cont'd