Tuesday, January 01, 2008
MONDAY, 31 DEC. 07-- WONDERFUL SUNSET SAIL -- BEAUTIFUL SUNSET
The day was sunny and cool, with a northeasterly wind blowing in the morning, then dying out in the early afternoon and finally freshening up again mid-afternoon.
When we headed out about 3 pm, only a light northeasterly was blowing, but the forecast was for freshening winds. This was our 175th sailing outing of 2007.
We headed out into the central bay and watched this sailboat heading east toward the Bay Bridge.
We headed west on a broad reach starboard tack and watched as this Islander sailboat blasted northward on a close reach starboard tack.
Pier 39 flags were fluttering more strongly as we passed with the wind freshening.
As we continued westward toward the gate, we enjoyed watching the city enjoying the clear air and brilliant sunshine.
Behind us, a lovely Beneteau was sailing northward on the choppy sea surface due to the flood current and long fetch out of the north.
In front of us, RAZZBERRY was blasting across the bay on close reach starboard tack in a breeze that now was blowing about 15 knots.
A bit later, VALENTINE crossed in front of us, also heading north across the bay.
Just off the south shore of Alcatraz, another sailboat was headed west.
Between us and the gate, this small sailboat was in the process of trimming sail after tacking to the north.
Over by Angel Island, a number of sailboats were enjoying the good winds-- the charter sloop RUBY was among them.
The city's hills-- Russian, Nob, and Pacific Heights-- were enjoying the brilliant sunshine.
As we continued west toward the gate, I wondered if we would see any wind or kite surfers, and sure enough, a lone windsurfer was out there, enjoying the 15-20 knot winds.
The LAURIE-EM, a center cockpit cutter out of pier 39, was motoring toward the gate.
The Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands were vivid and beautiful in the clear air and brilliant late sunshine.
We sailed out the gate just north of the south tower, watching the surf hitting the shore near Fort Point. Didn't see any surfers there, but it's likely that there were some enjoying the surfing waves.
As we sailed out the gate, a large container ship was steaming out at the same time.
Outside the gate, this lovely cutter sailboat was heading back toward the gate.
We tacked and headed back toward the gate, sailing north, and then tacking before we hit the large wake of that freighter and sailing inside the gate to the southeast, then tacked to the north again and watched as this sailboat was crossing the bay in the opposite direction.
The sun was reflecting off the base of the north tower as we sailed north toward Richardson Bay.
That cutter had tacked to the southeast also, and then tacked inside the gate toward Horseshoe Cove.
As we continued northward, the sun was starting to drop down behind the cloud bank in the west.
The Golden Gate Bridge was standing proud near sundown.
Ahead of us, jet contrails made an X in the sky-- the sign of a kiss-- perhaps a good omen for the new year to come.
We continued northward in softening breeze, putting on foulie pants to keep warm as the temperature dropped nearing sundown, then we tacked and headed back toward the central bay, eventually being passed by that same cutter sailboat that was now heading toward Sausalito.
The city ahead of us was enjoying the last rays of the setting sun.
As we sailed toward home port on close reach port tack, we were watching as the sun began to set through the gate.
We tacked back to the west to enable us to continue to watch the sundown through the gate.
The last sun rays were filling the sky above with golden light.
We headed back toward home port to watch the sunset at it developed through and over the gate, the city and the headlands.
The brilliant sunset colors soon intensified-- the sky seemed to be on fire.
The sunset color on the underside of the clouds was like a deeply dyed carpet.
The sunset persisted for many minutes as he blasted toward home port in the good breeze.
Eventually, the sunset color began to fade toward the horizon, but retaining its vividness.
City lights began to brighten against the dusky sky.
As we approached home port, in darkening skies, the city lights were gleaming.
\\\\
The day was sunny and cool, with a northeasterly wind blowing in the morning, then dying out in the early afternoon and finally freshening up again mid-afternoon.
When we headed out about 3 pm, only a light northeasterly was blowing, but the forecast was for freshening winds. This was our 175th sailing outing of 2007.
We headed out into the central bay and watched this sailboat heading east toward the Bay Bridge.
We headed west on a broad reach starboard tack and watched as this Islander sailboat blasted northward on a close reach starboard tack.
Pier 39 flags were fluttering more strongly as we passed with the wind freshening.
As we continued westward toward the gate, we enjoyed watching the city enjoying the clear air and brilliant sunshine.
Behind us, a lovely Beneteau was sailing northward on the choppy sea surface due to the flood current and long fetch out of the north.
In front of us, RAZZBERRY was blasting across the bay on close reach starboard tack in a breeze that now was blowing about 15 knots.
A bit later, VALENTINE crossed in front of us, also heading north across the bay.
Just off the south shore of Alcatraz, another sailboat was headed west.
Between us and the gate, this small sailboat was in the process of trimming sail after tacking to the north.
Over by Angel Island, a number of sailboats were enjoying the good winds-- the charter sloop RUBY was among them.
The city's hills-- Russian, Nob, and Pacific Heights-- were enjoying the brilliant sunshine.
As we continued west toward the gate, I wondered if we would see any wind or kite surfers, and sure enough, a lone windsurfer was out there, enjoying the 15-20 knot winds.
The LAURIE-EM, a center cockpit cutter out of pier 39, was motoring toward the gate.
The Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands were vivid and beautiful in the clear air and brilliant late sunshine.
We sailed out the gate just north of the south tower, watching the surf hitting the shore near Fort Point. Didn't see any surfers there, but it's likely that there were some enjoying the surfing waves.
As we sailed out the gate, a large container ship was steaming out at the same time.
Outside the gate, this lovely cutter sailboat was heading back toward the gate.
We tacked and headed back toward the gate, sailing north, and then tacking before we hit the large wake of that freighter and sailing inside the gate to the southeast, then tacked to the north again and watched as this sailboat was crossing the bay in the opposite direction.
The sun was reflecting off the base of the north tower as we sailed north toward Richardson Bay.
That cutter had tacked to the southeast also, and then tacked inside the gate toward Horseshoe Cove.
As we continued northward, the sun was starting to drop down behind the cloud bank in the west.
The Golden Gate Bridge was standing proud near sundown.
Ahead of us, jet contrails made an X in the sky-- the sign of a kiss-- perhaps a good omen for the new year to come.
We continued northward in softening breeze, putting on foulie pants to keep warm as the temperature dropped nearing sundown, then we tacked and headed back toward the central bay, eventually being passed by that same cutter sailboat that was now heading toward Sausalito.
The city ahead of us was enjoying the last rays of the setting sun.
As we sailed toward home port on close reach port tack, we were watching as the sun began to set through the gate.
We tacked back to the west to enable us to continue to watch the sundown through the gate.
The last sun rays were filling the sky above with golden light.
We headed back toward home port to watch the sunset at it developed through and over the gate, the city and the headlands.
The brilliant sunset colors soon intensified-- the sky seemed to be on fire.
The sunset color on the underside of the clouds was like a deeply dyed carpet.
The sunset persisted for many minutes as he blasted toward home port in the good breeze.
Eventually, the sunset color began to fade toward the horizon, but retaining its vividness.
City lights began to brighten against the dusky sky.
As we approached home port, in darkening skies, the city lights were gleaming.
\\\\
Sunday, December 30, 2007
SUNDAY, 30 DEC. 07-- AFTERNOON AND SUNSET SAIL IN LIGHT WINDS
Weather and winds have not been conducive for sailing for about a week now, but today turned out to be a nice sunny, though chilly, day with a northerly breeze that was blowing in the 5-10 knot range about mid-day.
However, when we left port about 3 pm, the breeze had softened to just a few knots out of the northeast.
A small sailboat was sailing westward on starboard tack as we headed out toward the central bay.
As we motored out past the marina seawall, this sailboat passed to starboard, just ghosting along, and we later saw that her name was WAYFARER.
Her 2 person crew was enjoying the sunny afternoon, though in my opinion, it was not warm enough for a short sleeve shirt.
As we headed west on starboard tack, this catamaran crossed in front of us, heading north.
This small sailboat was heading west as well.
A small Hunter sailboat, named DUVAL, was motorsailing eastward....
....as was this Catalina named IRISH AYES.
Unfortunately, the light breeze began to soften down to almost no breeze, so we came about and headed east, going with the declining flood current, so we could eventually ride the ebb back toward home port if necessary, and soon spotted WAYFARER motorsailing back to the west.
Way over in the east, the cranes of the Port of Oakland were all lined up like a group of ravenous dinosaurs.
The Ferry Building was in shadow at about a half hour to sundown.
This small sailboat was motorsailing westward.
As sundown neared, the sun was glinting off a window on one of the financial district buildings.
At sundown, a cloud pattern in the southwest looked like a space alien running through the sky.
The clouds in the north and west were now painted with sunset colors.
The sunset in the southwest gradually intensified in color.
The breeze freshened again to a few knots and this sailboat passed to port, heading west....
....into the sunset.
Sunset color persisted in the southwest....
.... as city lights on shore began to brighten.
Lights on the Ferry Building came on.
The sunset began to fade toward the horizon.
City lights continued to brighten in the dusk sky....
...and brightened more at twilight.
It was dark on Telegraph HIll as we motored into port.
+++
Weather and winds have not been conducive for sailing for about a week now, but today turned out to be a nice sunny, though chilly, day with a northerly breeze that was blowing in the 5-10 knot range about mid-day.
However, when we left port about 3 pm, the breeze had softened to just a few knots out of the northeast.
A small sailboat was sailing westward on starboard tack as we headed out toward the central bay.
As we motored out past the marina seawall, this sailboat passed to starboard, just ghosting along, and we later saw that her name was WAYFARER.
Her 2 person crew was enjoying the sunny afternoon, though in my opinion, it was not warm enough for a short sleeve shirt.
As we headed west on starboard tack, this catamaran crossed in front of us, heading north.
This small sailboat was heading west as well.
A small Hunter sailboat, named DUVAL, was motorsailing eastward....
....as was this Catalina named IRISH AYES.
Unfortunately, the light breeze began to soften down to almost no breeze, so we came about and headed east, going with the declining flood current, so we could eventually ride the ebb back toward home port if necessary, and soon spotted WAYFARER motorsailing back to the west.
Way over in the east, the cranes of the Port of Oakland were all lined up like a group of ravenous dinosaurs.
The Ferry Building was in shadow at about a half hour to sundown.
This small sailboat was motorsailing westward.
As sundown neared, the sun was glinting off a window on one of the financial district buildings.
At sundown, a cloud pattern in the southwest looked like a space alien running through the sky.
The clouds in the north and west were now painted with sunset colors.
The sunset in the southwest gradually intensified in color.
The breeze freshened again to a few knots and this sailboat passed to port, heading west....
....into the sunset.
Sunset color persisted in the southwest....
.... as city lights on shore began to brighten.
Lights on the Ferry Building came on.
The sunset began to fade toward the horizon.
City lights continued to brighten in the dusk sky....
...and brightened more at twilight.
It was dark on Telegraph HIll as we motored into port.
+++
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
TUE., 18 DEC. 07-- SHORT SUNSET SAIL IN CHILLY HAZY AIR
A nice westerly wind was blowing in the late afternoon yesterday as we left port, but the air after the overnight and morning rain was heavy and hazy.
As we headed out into the central bay, we spotted this sailboat heading downwind to the east.
In the northwest, an inbound container ship was heading for the port of Oakland, but was using the normal outbound shipping lane for some unknown reason.
As we headed west against the waxing flood current, we noticed that the flags on teh end of pier 39 were fluttering lightly in the declining breeze.
The Alcatraz ferry was heading back to port with far fewer passengers than one would see in the warmer weather, and with puffy low clouds overhead.
A Red and White ferry passed with few passengers aboard.
A short time later, the sun went down behind the Presidio hills.
In the northwest, an inbound tanker's starboard hull was illuminated by the setting sun.
A bit of sunset color was showing up on the underside of the low clouds in the northwest, as a Blue and Gold ferry rounded Alcatraz.
The breeze was declining to just a couple of knots, so we tacked and headed back toward home port as the half moon brightened in the sky.
The Blue and Gold ferry passed to port, also carrying few passengers.
A heavily loaded container ship was steaming westward in the outbound sea lane.
As the sky darkened, the half moon brightened.
As we approached home port, the city lights began to shine in the dusky sky.
We doused sail as we approached the marina, and city lights were brightening as we steamed into port.
Later in the evening, the half moon was shining brightly in the night sky.
\\
A nice westerly wind was blowing in the late afternoon yesterday as we left port, but the air after the overnight and morning rain was heavy and hazy.
As we headed out into the central bay, we spotted this sailboat heading downwind to the east.
In the northwest, an inbound container ship was heading for the port of Oakland, but was using the normal outbound shipping lane for some unknown reason.
As we headed west against the waxing flood current, we noticed that the flags on teh end of pier 39 were fluttering lightly in the declining breeze.
The Alcatraz ferry was heading back to port with far fewer passengers than one would see in the warmer weather, and with puffy low clouds overhead.
A Red and White ferry passed with few passengers aboard.
A short time later, the sun went down behind the Presidio hills.
In the northwest, an inbound tanker's starboard hull was illuminated by the setting sun.
A bit of sunset color was showing up on the underside of the low clouds in the northwest, as a Blue and Gold ferry rounded Alcatraz.
The breeze was declining to just a couple of knots, so we tacked and headed back toward home port as the half moon brightened in the sky.
The Blue and Gold ferry passed to port, also carrying few passengers.
A heavily loaded container ship was steaming westward in the outbound sea lane.
As the sky darkened, the half moon brightened.
As we approached home port, the city lights began to shine in the dusky sky.
We doused sail as we approached the marina, and city lights were brightening as we steamed into port.
Later in the evening, the half moon was shining brightly in the night sky.
\\
Friday, December 14, 2007
THURSDAY, 13 DEC. O7-- NICE AFTERNOON AND SUNSET SAIL!
In the early afternoon, a light westerly wind was blowing and the sun was shining brightly through a thin layer of cloud covering part of the sky.
We headed out of port about 2:30 pm, hoping to have enough wind to sail out to a position for watching the sundown through the gate and to then sail back to port, though at that time, the breeze was only a few knots in strength.
Out on the central bay, this sailboat was headed west, sailing with the waxing ebb current.
We headed northeast on a broad reach with the moderate ebb current dragging us northward as we sailed along, with the city receding behind us.
The air was a bit hazy, and out in the west, a sailboat was enjoying some time at the gate.
In the north, by the shore of Richmond, a couple of sailing yachts were visible, one headed west, after leaving port, and the other headed east, going back into port.
Over by Angel Island, a sailboat was sailing southward, heading toward us.
Way in the west, in the hazy air, we spotted a couple of other sailboats, one headed toward Sausalito and the other heading east across the bay.
Angel Island was enjoying the hazy mid-afternoon sunshine.
As we ghosted toward the northeast, this catamaran ferry, named MENDOCINO, blasted past, heading toward Vallejo probably.
A bit later, that sailboat over by Angel Island was passing the lee shore of Alcatraz....
....while that ketch out of Richmond was heading west toward Raccoon Straits....
...and that golden-hulled other sailboat was continuing toward the Richmond marina.
The city was almost hidden in haze as a sailboat passed, heading east.
We eventually headed up to the north as the breeze freshened out of the southwest and sailed almost all the way to the stationary navigation platform on Southhampton Shoal where a flock of birds was holding a convention.
Behind us, the far away city was still enjoying some hazy sunshine.
We came about and headed southeast on close reach starboard tack with a now-almost-southerly breeze, and then tacked over toward Angel Island, passing the buoy just east of the island.
The sun dropped behind the hill on Angel Island as we sailed westward toward it.
We then tacked to head southeast again out into the central bay, where the sun was beginning to set over the gate, but still had 10 or 15 minutes until sundown.
Wanting to catch the sundown through the gate, and zipping along on a good breeze, we decided to tack back to the northwest to kill some time while awaiting the sundown, and soon caught the sun dropping behind Angel Island again.
We then tacked back to the southeast and headed out into the central bay again, as the sun was dropping further toward the surface of the sea, outlining this outbound freighter.
The atmosphere over the southwestern horizon enlarged the setting sun to a size almost the height of the Golden Gate Bridge off the surface of the sea.
The setting sun stayed a hazy round ball as it began to drop into the ocean.....
....... but soon was distorted in shape by the atmospheric lens .....
...and again outlined that outbound freighter as it started to disappear in a blaze of sunset glory! [You can see the entire progress of the sundown and sunset in the photos on my photo album for this outing at this url:
http://cbergstedt.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album28
After sundown, a colorful sunset sky lingered above the horizon and over the Presidio Hills.
A sliver of moon was shining ever more brightly in the sky at dusk.
The sunset began to combine brilliant oranges with pale pinks....
...and the sun was brilliantly illuminating a jet contrail above the Presidio Hills.
City lights began to brighten at dusk-- magic time on the bay!!!!
The sunset color eventually receded toward the horizon as we sailed past Alcatraz.
The lights of the financial district buildings were bright and beautiful as we approached the shore of the city.
In the dark sky of the southwest, the sliver of the moon glowed like a silver bowl.
We motorsailed the last eighth of a mile or so to the cityfront, dousing sail as we went, then prepared for landing just west of pier 35 and motored into the marina filled with the pleasure of over 3 spectacular hours out on the bay and nature's grandeur!
In the early afternoon, a light westerly wind was blowing and the sun was shining brightly through a thin layer of cloud covering part of the sky.
We headed out of port about 2:30 pm, hoping to have enough wind to sail out to a position for watching the sundown through the gate and to then sail back to port, though at that time, the breeze was only a few knots in strength.
Out on the central bay, this sailboat was headed west, sailing with the waxing ebb current.
We headed northeast on a broad reach with the moderate ebb current dragging us northward as we sailed along, with the city receding behind us.
The air was a bit hazy, and out in the west, a sailboat was enjoying some time at the gate.
In the north, by the shore of Richmond, a couple of sailing yachts were visible, one headed west, after leaving port, and the other headed east, going back into port.
Over by Angel Island, a sailboat was sailing southward, heading toward us.
Way in the west, in the hazy air, we spotted a couple of other sailboats, one headed toward Sausalito and the other heading east across the bay.
Angel Island was enjoying the hazy mid-afternoon sunshine.
As we ghosted toward the northeast, this catamaran ferry, named MENDOCINO, blasted past, heading toward Vallejo probably.
A bit later, that sailboat over by Angel Island was passing the lee shore of Alcatraz....
....while that ketch out of Richmond was heading west toward Raccoon Straits....
...and that golden-hulled other sailboat was continuing toward the Richmond marina.
The city was almost hidden in haze as a sailboat passed, heading east.
We eventually headed up to the north as the breeze freshened out of the southwest and sailed almost all the way to the stationary navigation platform on Southhampton Shoal where a flock of birds was holding a convention.
Behind us, the far away city was still enjoying some hazy sunshine.
We came about and headed southeast on close reach starboard tack with a now-almost-southerly breeze, and then tacked over toward Angel Island, passing the buoy just east of the island.
The sun dropped behind the hill on Angel Island as we sailed westward toward it.
We then tacked to head southeast again out into the central bay, where the sun was beginning to set over the gate, but still had 10 or 15 minutes until sundown.
Wanting to catch the sundown through the gate, and zipping along on a good breeze, we decided to tack back to the northwest to kill some time while awaiting the sundown, and soon caught the sun dropping behind Angel Island again.
We then tacked back to the southeast and headed out into the central bay again, as the sun was dropping further toward the surface of the sea, outlining this outbound freighter.
The atmosphere over the southwestern horizon enlarged the setting sun to a size almost the height of the Golden Gate Bridge off the surface of the sea.
The setting sun stayed a hazy round ball as it began to drop into the ocean.....
....... but soon was distorted in shape by the atmospheric lens .....
...and again outlined that outbound freighter as it started to disappear in a blaze of sunset glory! [You can see the entire progress of the sundown and sunset in the photos on my photo album for this outing at this url:
http://cbergstedt.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album28
After sundown, a colorful sunset sky lingered above the horizon and over the Presidio Hills.
A sliver of moon was shining ever more brightly in the sky at dusk.
The sunset began to combine brilliant oranges with pale pinks....
...and the sun was brilliantly illuminating a jet contrail above the Presidio Hills.
City lights began to brighten at dusk-- magic time on the bay!!!!
The sunset color eventually receded toward the horizon as we sailed past Alcatraz.
The lights of the financial district buildings were bright and beautiful as we approached the shore of the city.
In the dark sky of the southwest, the sliver of the moon glowed like a silver bowl.
We motorsailed the last eighth of a mile or so to the cityfront, dousing sail as we went, then prepared for landing just west of pier 35 and motored into the marina filled with the pleasure of over 3 spectacular hours out on the bay and nature's grandeur!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
TUESDAY, 11 NOV. 07-- SHORT SAIL TOWARD THE BAY BRIDGE
A very strong northerly wind overnight had us rocking in the marina, but with morning light the wind started moderating. Michael joined us and we headed out for a few hours of sailing about 12:30 pm.
As we left port, the northeasterly breeze was blowing at about 5 knots or so.
Once out on the central bay, we headed east toward the D-E span of the Bay Bridge and watched as FULL TILT was sailing westward on a broad reach starboard tack, while we were on a close reach port tack. The fall and winter winds give us a nice variety of wind directions and sailing conditions.
As we continued on toward the east in a breeze that had freshened up to about 10 knots, we spotted this islander 36 blasting westward past the shore of Yerba Buena Island, sailing with the waxing ebb current, and looking good!
Later, we spotted this blue-hulled sailboat headed west with the current and also looking good.
With the sun in the southwest, the financial district buildings were mostly in shadow at this time of day, and some thn clouds covered portions of the city and the bay.
As we approached the D-E span of the Bay Bridge, we could see a barge positioned next to the Delta tower base in the shadow of the bridge-- apparently repairing the damage to the wooden fendering that the Cosco Busan had shattered during its sideswiping of the tower. Incidentally, the SF bar pilot in charge of the ship has had his license yanked finally after this last, and most serious, of several piloting blunders.
The breeze declined in the lee of Yerba Buena island and, after several attempts of gybing back and forth, and getting a few puffs that would give us some headway against the current, we gave up on sailing through the D-E span and around Treasure island, and headed back toward the cityfront on broad reach starboard tack, eventually watching as the little blue hulled sailboat was retreating eastward.
She also got stalled out in the stronger current along the shore of Yerba Buena and probably had to begin motoring to make headway against the current.
We headed up, hardened in the sail and headed for home port with the ebb current assisting our progress, so that on that one tack and quite soon we were in the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and prepare for landing. It was an enjoyable few hours on the bay, even though we didn't manage to sail as far as we would have liked.
A very strong northerly wind overnight had us rocking in the marina, but with morning light the wind started moderating. Michael joined us and we headed out for a few hours of sailing about 12:30 pm.
As we left port, the northeasterly breeze was blowing at about 5 knots or so.
Once out on the central bay, we headed east toward the D-E span of the Bay Bridge and watched as FULL TILT was sailing westward on a broad reach starboard tack, while we were on a close reach port tack. The fall and winter winds give us a nice variety of wind directions and sailing conditions.
As we continued on toward the east in a breeze that had freshened up to about 10 knots, we spotted this islander 36 blasting westward past the shore of Yerba Buena Island, sailing with the waxing ebb current, and looking good!
Later, we spotted this blue-hulled sailboat headed west with the current and also looking good.
With the sun in the southwest, the financial district buildings were mostly in shadow at this time of day, and some thn clouds covered portions of the city and the bay.
As we approached the D-E span of the Bay Bridge, we could see a barge positioned next to the Delta tower base in the shadow of the bridge-- apparently repairing the damage to the wooden fendering that the Cosco Busan had shattered during its sideswiping of the tower. Incidentally, the SF bar pilot in charge of the ship has had his license yanked finally after this last, and most serious, of several piloting blunders.
The breeze declined in the lee of Yerba Buena island and, after several attempts of gybing back and forth, and getting a few puffs that would give us some headway against the current, we gave up on sailing through the D-E span and around Treasure island, and headed back toward the cityfront on broad reach starboard tack, eventually watching as the little blue hulled sailboat was retreating eastward.
She also got stalled out in the stronger current along the shore of Yerba Buena and probably had to begin motoring to make headway against the current.
We headed up, hardened in the sail and headed for home port with the ebb current assisting our progress, so that on that one tack and quite soon we were in the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and prepare for landing. It was an enjoyable few hours on the bay, even though we didn't manage to sail as far as we would have liked.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
SUNDAY, 9 DEC. 07-- SAILING TOWARD THE BAY BRIDGE IN LIGHT WINDS
Sunday morning started with a light northeasterly breeze that eventually died out, but fortunately, around noontime, a light westerly started to blow. Michael joined us and we headed out for a few hours of sailing.
Only a few knots of breeze were ruffling the flags on shore as we left the marina, hoping that we would eventually see some freshening of the wind.
We headed out into the central bay and began sailing to the east, direct downwind on the light westerly, enjoying the beautiful cloud patterns radiating over the city and Telegraph Hill.
Way over by Yerba Buena Island, a nice looking sailboat was heading north, sailing with the waxing ebb current and making good headway despite light winds.
Near the Bay Bridge, this Hunter sailboat, named PERSEVERANCE, was also headed north, sailing with the current while we were ghosting along, sailing against the current.
A short time later, that sailboat that we saw heading north was retreating back to the south along the shore of Yerba Buena.
Behind us, this large C&C sailboat, named SHENANIGANS, was motorsailing along the cityfront.
A small sailboat was sailing down the cityfront, having just passed the pier 39 marina.
SHENANIGANS was continuing to motorsail along the cityfront ....
....with its crew enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
This catboat that earlier was sailing against the current was now heading back west, sailing with the current....
...followed a short time later by SHENANIGANS.
The breeze freshened up to 7 or 8 knots and we began to make some good headway toward the Bay Bridge, gybing back and forth between an east heading and and south heading, while in the meanwhile this sailboat over by Yerba Buena was struggling against the strong ebb and making very little headway.
Along the cityfront, this small sailboat was now motorsailing against the current.
Another small sailboat was motorsailing toward the Bay Bridge against the current.
The breeze started to decline and we gave up on reaching the Bay Bridge, and began ghosting toward the cityfront with the ebb current dragging us northward, and then we tacked to the north, passing this large sailboat motorsailing down the cityfront.
We sailed out into the central bay, with the current, making good headway and then tacking into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and then motor into port, happy to have spent a few hours on our beautiful bay.
After having a snack, I headed out for a walk along the waterfront to catch the sunset. While passing Aquatic Park, I spotted SIERRA II sailing down the cityfront, the homes of Tiburon wearing sunset color in the background.
Two other sailboats were headed west across the bay.
The buildings on Alcatraz were wearing sunset color also.
From the top of the hill at Fort Mason, the sun setting into the clouds over Presidio Heights was beautiful....
....and spread color over the southwestern sky.
Eventually, the ribbon of clouds in the west took on some brilliant sunset colors.
Brilliant golden sunset color near the horizon combined with grayish purples in the clouds above after sundown, as viewed through the trees near the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Sunset color near the horizon and twilight sky above greeted our eyes as we looked over the boats in the San Francisco Marina. It's more fun to watch all of this while out on the sea, but seeing it from the shore is nice also.
\\\
Sunday morning started with a light northeasterly breeze that eventually died out, but fortunately, around noontime, a light westerly started to blow. Michael joined us and we headed out for a few hours of sailing.
Only a few knots of breeze were ruffling the flags on shore as we left the marina, hoping that we would eventually see some freshening of the wind.
We headed out into the central bay and began sailing to the east, direct downwind on the light westerly, enjoying the beautiful cloud patterns radiating over the city and Telegraph Hill.
Way over by Yerba Buena Island, a nice looking sailboat was heading north, sailing with the waxing ebb current and making good headway despite light winds.
Near the Bay Bridge, this Hunter sailboat, named PERSEVERANCE, was also headed north, sailing with the current while we were ghosting along, sailing against the current.
A short time later, that sailboat that we saw heading north was retreating back to the south along the shore of Yerba Buena.
Behind us, this large C&C sailboat, named SHENANIGANS, was motorsailing along the cityfront.
A small sailboat was sailing down the cityfront, having just passed the pier 39 marina.
SHENANIGANS was continuing to motorsail along the cityfront ....
....with its crew enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
This catboat that earlier was sailing against the current was now heading back west, sailing with the current....
...followed a short time later by SHENANIGANS.
The breeze freshened up to 7 or 8 knots and we began to make some good headway toward the Bay Bridge, gybing back and forth between an east heading and and south heading, while in the meanwhile this sailboat over by Yerba Buena was struggling against the strong ebb and making very little headway.
Along the cityfront, this small sailboat was now motorsailing against the current.
Another small sailboat was motorsailing toward the Bay Bridge against the current.
The breeze started to decline and we gave up on reaching the Bay Bridge, and began ghosting toward the cityfront with the ebb current dragging us northward, and then we tacked to the north, passing this large sailboat motorsailing down the cityfront.
We sailed out into the central bay, with the current, making good headway and then tacking into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and then motor into port, happy to have spent a few hours on our beautiful bay.
After having a snack, I headed out for a walk along the waterfront to catch the sunset. While passing Aquatic Park, I spotted SIERRA II sailing down the cityfront, the homes of Tiburon wearing sunset color in the background.
Two other sailboats were headed west across the bay.
The buildings on Alcatraz were wearing sunset color also.
From the top of the hill at Fort Mason, the sun setting into the clouds over Presidio Heights was beautiful....
....and spread color over the southwestern sky.
Eventually, the ribbon of clouds in the west took on some brilliant sunset colors.
Brilliant golden sunset color near the horizon combined with grayish purples in the clouds above after sundown, as viewed through the trees near the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Sunset color near the horizon and twilight sky above greeted our eyes as we looked over the boats in the San Francisco Marina. It's more fun to watch all of this while out on the sea, but seeing it from the shore is nice also.
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Saturday, December 08, 2007
SATURDAY, 8 DEC. 07-- SHORT SAIL IN LIGHT WINDS
All morning, it seemed as if there would be no breeze at all for sailing all day, but in the early afternoon a light westerly came up and we hurried to get out there and take advantage of it.
When we left port, the westerly had virtually died out again, but we hoped for some wind on the bay.
We headed out into the central bay and sailed to the northeast with the city receding behind, but the waxing ebb current dragging us northward.
Out in the west, a number of sailboats were probaby struggling with the ebb current.
A couple of sailboas were over by the shore fo Alcatraz, one sailing with the current and the other motorsailing against it.
This nice Catalina was motorsailing eastward against the current.
Off in the northeast, a couple of sailboats were sailing against the current under spinnaker.
Along the shore of Treasure Island, a cutter-rigged sailboat, flying full canvas, was heading southeast, taking advantage of the lighter current near shore.
A nice sailboat with a large crew and flying a large genoa passed astern, heading south and looking good out there.
Most of the crew was in the cockpit, but one was amidship for some reason that was unclear at this point, but the lines dragging in the water should have been a clue.
In the eastern sky, the MetLife blimp was poking around.
Looking back, we now saw that that sailboat with large crew had raised her spinnaker, but had not yet dropped her genoa.
She was soon sailing nicely along the cityfront under main and spinnaker.
Over in the northeast, we saw a group of sailboats racing in the Berkeley Y.C.'s midwinter series, and wished we had strong enough winds to get over there to watch and photograph the race boats, but alas, the freshening breeze was not materializing. As I'm writing this, a strong northly wind has blown up in the evening... drat... wish it had arrived in the early afternoon!
A large sailboat with just a couple of crewmembers, passed astern, making some headway against the current.
A short time later, another very large and beautiful sailboat, perhaps a Swan, passed astern, looking great and making fast headway, sailing with the current.....
....with a sizeable crew in the cockpit.
A nice looking Catalina passed a bit later, also looking good and making good headway, sailing with the current.
Only the skipper at the helm was visible on CAMILLE as she passed.
It became clear that the wind was not going to freshen, so we headed toward home port, and watched as this sailboat way over in the southwest was sailing against the current.
This cute Cal 22 passed to starboard, sailing northeast with poled out jib, but being dragged north by the current.
Her crew was clearly engrossed in a conversation on some topic.
Over in the east, a small sailboat that looked like a Hunter was sailing north with the current.
The breeze started to die out, so we had no choice but to start motorsailing toward home, and as we neared the cityfront, we saw the charter ketch PRIVATEER heading out....
....with a sizeable group of passengers.
As we motored into the fairway between the east marina seawall and pier 35, these two sailboats were motorsailing to the east behind us.....
... as were some other sailboats further east.
It was nice to be out on the water for a while, but sure hope we get some good sailing winds on sunday.
All morning, it seemed as if there would be no breeze at all for sailing all day, but in the early afternoon a light westerly came up and we hurried to get out there and take advantage of it.
When we left port, the westerly had virtually died out again, but we hoped for some wind on the bay.
We headed out into the central bay and sailed to the northeast with the city receding behind, but the waxing ebb current dragging us northward.
Out in the west, a number of sailboats were probaby struggling with the ebb current.
A couple of sailboas were over by the shore fo Alcatraz, one sailing with the current and the other motorsailing against it.
This nice Catalina was motorsailing eastward against the current.
Off in the northeast, a couple of sailboats were sailing against the current under spinnaker.
Along the shore of Treasure Island, a cutter-rigged sailboat, flying full canvas, was heading southeast, taking advantage of the lighter current near shore.
A nice sailboat with a large crew and flying a large genoa passed astern, heading south and looking good out there.
Most of the crew was in the cockpit, but one was amidship for some reason that was unclear at this point, but the lines dragging in the water should have been a clue.
In the eastern sky, the MetLife blimp was poking around.
Looking back, we now saw that that sailboat with large crew had raised her spinnaker, but had not yet dropped her genoa.
She was soon sailing nicely along the cityfront under main and spinnaker.
Over in the northeast, we saw a group of sailboats racing in the Berkeley Y.C.'s midwinter series, and wished we had strong enough winds to get over there to watch and photograph the race boats, but alas, the freshening breeze was not materializing. As I'm writing this, a strong northly wind has blown up in the evening... drat... wish it had arrived in the early afternoon!
A large sailboat with just a couple of crewmembers, passed astern, making some headway against the current.
A short time later, another very large and beautiful sailboat, perhaps a Swan, passed astern, looking great and making fast headway, sailing with the current.....
....with a sizeable crew in the cockpit.
A nice looking Catalina passed a bit later, also looking good and making good headway, sailing with the current.
Only the skipper at the helm was visible on CAMILLE as she passed.
It became clear that the wind was not going to freshen, so we headed toward home port, and watched as this sailboat way over in the southwest was sailing against the current.
This cute Cal 22 passed to starboard, sailing northeast with poled out jib, but being dragged north by the current.
Her crew was clearly engrossed in a conversation on some topic.
Over in the east, a small sailboat that looked like a Hunter was sailing north with the current.
The breeze started to die out, so we had no choice but to start motorsailing toward home, and as we neared the cityfront, we saw the charter ketch PRIVATEER heading out....
....with a sizeable group of passengers.
As we motored into the fairway between the east marina seawall and pier 35, these two sailboats were motorsailing to the east behind us.....
... as were some other sailboats further east.
It was nice to be out on the water for a while, but sure hope we get some good sailing winds on sunday.
