Sunday, July 29, 2007
FRIDAY 27 JULY 07-- SHORT OUTING WITH MY YOUNG PAL MADDIE
My cute 4 year old pal Maddie came to the city from Alameda to spend the late morning and afternoon with me and wanted to go out for a sail, so we headed out for a sail about 1 pm.
Winds were moderate as we headed out toward the central bay.
We were ghosting down the cityfront toward the Bay Bridge and passed this pelican pal resting on the bay waters off to port.
Well east of us, another sailboat was heading for the Bay Bridge also.
The financial district was enjoying brilliant sunshine as we continued down the cityfront.
The charter sloop RUBY passed to port, heading north.
A short time later, this lovely J105 passed us, looking great!
Maddie was enjoying the sailing and the sunshine.
We sailed to a point opposite the ferry building and then Maddie wanted to turn around and head back toward home port.
This catamaran passed us as we headed home.
Winds stayed moderate while we were out and enabled us to enjoy a quiet
little outing.
My cute 4 year old pal Maddie came to the city from Alameda to spend the late morning and afternoon with me and wanted to go out for a sail, so we headed out for a sail about 1 pm.
Winds were moderate as we headed out toward the central bay.
We were ghosting down the cityfront toward the Bay Bridge and passed this pelican pal resting on the bay waters off to port.
Well east of us, another sailboat was heading for the Bay Bridge also.
The financial district was enjoying brilliant sunshine as we continued down the cityfront.
The charter sloop RUBY passed to port, heading north.
A short time later, this lovely J105 passed us, looking great!
Maddie was enjoying the sailing and the sunshine.
We sailed to a point opposite the ferry building and then Maddie wanted to turn around and head back toward home port.
This catamaran passed us as we headed home.
Winds stayed moderate while we were out and enabled us to enjoy a quiet
little outing.
THURSDAY 26 JULY 07-- OVERCAST SAIL TO THE GATE AND BACK
Steve, the Aussie, joined us again for a late morning and early afternoon sail to the gate and back.
Winds were light as we headed for the gate on a southwest breeze, passing the end of pier 39 where the flags were fluttering lightly.
Alcatraz was grim looking under gray skies.
ADVENTURE CAT was headed for the gate, probably for an ash scattering event outside the gate, since the CAT doesn't start it's regular outings until the afternoon and then doesn't ususally head straight for the gate.
As we continued westward, a J World sailboat passed in front of us.
Later, as we approached Yellow Bluff, this lovely large sailboat with high tech sails crossed in front of us.
After sailing to near the shore of the headlands, we tacked and sailed across the gate which was partially fogged in with a somewhat freshening wind.
A J boat off starboard was also heading for the gate.
Nearing the SF shore, we watched this Ericson 34 heading for the gate and tacked to head out the gate ourselves.
We sailed out about midspan under overcast skies with the fog having lifted off the bridge and now obscuring only the tops of the towers.
We just ducked out and then came about and headed back inside the bay, eventually passing this Ericson 32 flying just a storm jib along with a full main.
The eastern part of the city was enjoying some hazy sunshine as we sailed between pier 45 and pier 39.
As we passed pier 39, we saw ADVENTURE CAT returning toward home port also.
We sailed into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and get ready to land after enjoying a couple of hours of moderate winds on the bay-- the strong winds not showing up for another hour or so, and then howling up to the 25-30 knot range as it almost always does these days.
Steve, the Aussie, joined us again for a late morning and early afternoon sail to the gate and back.
Winds were light as we headed for the gate on a southwest breeze, passing the end of pier 39 where the flags were fluttering lightly.
Alcatraz was grim looking under gray skies.
ADVENTURE CAT was headed for the gate, probably for an ash scattering event outside the gate, since the CAT doesn't start it's regular outings until the afternoon and then doesn't ususally head straight for the gate.
As we continued westward, a J World sailboat passed in front of us.
Later, as we approached Yellow Bluff, this lovely large sailboat with high tech sails crossed in front of us.
After sailing to near the shore of the headlands, we tacked and sailed across the gate which was partially fogged in with a somewhat freshening wind.
A J boat off starboard was also heading for the gate.
Nearing the SF shore, we watched this Ericson 34 heading for the gate and tacked to head out the gate ourselves.
We sailed out about midspan under overcast skies with the fog having lifted off the bridge and now obscuring only the tops of the towers.
We just ducked out and then came about and headed back inside the bay, eventually passing this Ericson 32 flying just a storm jib along with a full main.
The eastern part of the city was enjoying some hazy sunshine as we sailed between pier 45 and pier 39.
As we passed pier 39, we saw ADVENTURE CAT returning toward home port also.
We sailed into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and get ready to land after enjoying a couple of hours of moderate winds on the bay-- the strong winds not showing up for another hour or so, and then howling up to the 25-30 knot range as it almost always does these days.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
TUESDAY 24 JULY 07-- SAILING IN FOG AND SUN AND STRONG WINDS
Greg from Placerville came down again and brought his daughter, Kelly, for the second time and his wife, Chris, for the first time. It was cool, breeze and foggy when we left port about 11:45 am and headed out into the central bay, sailing west on a southwest breeze.
Winds were already in the 10-15 knot range as we sailed past the end of pier 39 where flags were well-pegged and ADVENTURE CAT was headed out of port. A heavy fog was still hanging over the city and the bay-- the coolness felt good to Greg and his family that suffer through the temperatures in the 90s for most of the summer.
Overhead a small flock of pelicans was riding the strong winds.
After sailing past the weather side of Alcatraz and continuing westward, we had to fall off to pass to the north of this barge that was anchored our right in the middle of the bay for some unknown reason.
We sailed to near the shore at Yellow Bluff, shortened sail as the winds had intensified more, and then tacked toward the gate. This lovely dark hulled sailboat passed, returning from the gate.
We sailed out into the central bay in strong gusty winds with the fogged in GGB as our intended destination.
We tacked toward Horseshoe Cove, but the wind was so strong that we decided to fall off and head back up the shore of the headlands toward Sausalito, with Greg taking the helm after a bit.
The fog bank monster was pouring over the hills of the headlands and winds were strong and gusty all the way to the mouth of Richardson Bay.
A couple of sailboats were exiting that bay as we approached, on sailing close hauled and the other well off the wind.
That small red-hulled sailboat passed to starboard, looking good.
Sausalito was partially in sun and fog as we approached Richardson Bay.
A fleet of Lasers and other small dingys were awaiting the start of a regatta or practice session.
We ran out of breeze, so gybed and headed across the mouth of Richardson Bay toward Raccoon Straits with Greg and his family now enjoying the bright sunshine, but still cool temperatures.
Behind us, Sausalito hills were still heavily frosted with fog.
Off to port, Mt. Tam was partially obscured by the mist.
As we approached Raccoon Straits, this Bear boat, a small wooden boat, was headed for the straits and sailing down the weather side of Angel Island.
Portions of the hills on Angel Island were also frosted with fog.
As we sailed into the straits, this small Ericson sailboat was exiting the straits.
Mt. Tam, now in sunshine, was towering over Tiburon and the Corinthian Yacht Club.
A couple of Lasers were racing east to west up the straits.
Only two boats were tied up at the Ayala Cove buoy field.
The small marina was almost deserted as well.
After passing Ayala Cove, we came about and headed back up the straits.
The fog had now partially lifted and more of the gate was visible in the distance.
Several J-24s out of Tiburon passed us with children aboard like this one.
That Bear sailboat was also heading back up the straits and eventually was headed out into the cental bay with her rail in the water.
As we exited the straits, the lovely, large dark-hulled sailboat passed us, looking great!
Angel Island was enjoying brilliant sunshine as we sailed up her weather shore toward the central bay.
We soon arrived in blasting winds that caused us to be blasting across the bay toward home port, well heeled over, taking spray over the boat, and having an exciting ride. Winds were strongest approaching Alcatraz and then tapered off a bit as we approached home port. We sailed into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and get ready for landing, then motored around the pier into our marina. Skipper and crew all enjoyed those several hours of sailing through a good variety of SF Bay microclimes.
Greg from Placerville came down again and brought his daughter, Kelly, for the second time and his wife, Chris, for the first time. It was cool, breeze and foggy when we left port about 11:45 am and headed out into the central bay, sailing west on a southwest breeze.
Winds were already in the 10-15 knot range as we sailed past the end of pier 39 where flags were well-pegged and ADVENTURE CAT was headed out of port. A heavy fog was still hanging over the city and the bay-- the coolness felt good to Greg and his family that suffer through the temperatures in the 90s for most of the summer.
Overhead a small flock of pelicans was riding the strong winds.
After sailing past the weather side of Alcatraz and continuing westward, we had to fall off to pass to the north of this barge that was anchored our right in the middle of the bay for some unknown reason.
We sailed to near the shore at Yellow Bluff, shortened sail as the winds had intensified more, and then tacked toward the gate. This lovely dark hulled sailboat passed, returning from the gate.
We sailed out into the central bay in strong gusty winds with the fogged in GGB as our intended destination.
We tacked toward Horseshoe Cove, but the wind was so strong that we decided to fall off and head back up the shore of the headlands toward Sausalito, with Greg taking the helm after a bit.
The fog bank monster was pouring over the hills of the headlands and winds were strong and gusty all the way to the mouth of Richardson Bay.
A couple of sailboats were exiting that bay as we approached, on sailing close hauled and the other well off the wind.
That small red-hulled sailboat passed to starboard, looking good.
Sausalito was partially in sun and fog as we approached Richardson Bay.
A fleet of Lasers and other small dingys were awaiting the start of a regatta or practice session.
We ran out of breeze, so gybed and headed across the mouth of Richardson Bay toward Raccoon Straits with Greg and his family now enjoying the bright sunshine, but still cool temperatures.
Behind us, Sausalito hills were still heavily frosted with fog.
Off to port, Mt. Tam was partially obscured by the mist.
As we approached Raccoon Straits, this Bear boat, a small wooden boat, was headed for the straits and sailing down the weather side of Angel Island.
Portions of the hills on Angel Island were also frosted with fog.
As we sailed into the straits, this small Ericson sailboat was exiting the straits.
Mt. Tam, now in sunshine, was towering over Tiburon and the Corinthian Yacht Club.
A couple of Lasers were racing east to west up the straits.
Only two boats were tied up at the Ayala Cove buoy field.
The small marina was almost deserted as well.
After passing Ayala Cove, we came about and headed back up the straits.
The fog had now partially lifted and more of the gate was visible in the distance.
Several J-24s out of Tiburon passed us with children aboard like this one.
That Bear sailboat was also heading back up the straits and eventually was headed out into the cental bay with her rail in the water.
As we exited the straits, the lovely, large dark-hulled sailboat passed us, looking great!
Angel Island was enjoying brilliant sunshine as we sailed up her weather shore toward the central bay.
We soon arrived in blasting winds that caused us to be blasting across the bay toward home port, well heeled over, taking spray over the boat, and having an exciting ride. Winds were strongest approaching Alcatraz and then tapered off a bit as we approached home port. We sailed into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and get ready for landing, then motored around the pier into our marina. Skipper and crew all enjoyed those several hours of sailing through a good variety of SF Bay microclimes.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
SUNDAY 22 APRIL 07-- NICE SAIL TO GATE AND BACK IN MODERATE WINDS AND SOME SAILBOAT RACE ACTION AS WELL
Sunday morning started with some strong winds blowing at 8 am, which suggested that the winds would continue to build as the day wore on, but by late morning, the breeze had softened, so we headed out for a sail to the gate and back around noon.
Winds were only around 5 knots when we left port.
As we headed out toward the central bay, this race boat passed, apparently practicing since it was not part of any regatta.
As we headed west on the southwest breeze, ADVENTURE CAT was heading back to home port.
Off in the west, a heavy fog was hanging over the gate and between us and the gate a fleet of race boats covered the bay.
We soon passed this large ketch that was headed west with extremely poor sail trim and sails that were flogging drastically.
Here is the url of a short video showing the poor seamanship of the skipper of this vessel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex0qRZXvWaI
A bit later this small sailboat blasted past, looking good with excellent sail trim.
Way off in the west, the charter schooner BAY LADY was heading toward Raccoon Straits with Sausalito and Mt. Tam behind.
Another small sailboat crossed in front of us, also looking good!
A single tack took us past Horseshoe Cove, where we tacked to sail halfway across the gate and then tacked to head out the gate where the north tower was in clear air.
The south tower of the bridge was partly obscurred by some fog remnants.
We just ducked out the gate and then came about and headed back inside, and once inside, we watched this sailboat headed our way and well heeled-over in the winds that were now in the 10-15 knot range.
This sailboat flashed past our stern, looking good!
A very large center cockpit sloop was returning to the bay as we headed downwind toward home port.
Here is a video of a sailboat passing and heading for the gate.
Here is the url of another video clip of a second sailboat passing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbSLu1ezrD8
After passing the St. Francis Yacht Club, we began to see some race boats, like this Melges heading upwind.
This J105 was heading upwind also and passed to starboard, looking good.
A bit later, this Etchell race boat passed to starboard.
A bit later a group of Etchell race boats passed, all on port tack and sailing nicely!
Later this J24 passed to port-- a boat named SMALL FLYING PATIO FURNITURE-- a rather crazy name, eh?
This J24 passed to starboard....
....followed by a Melges and another J24.
Later, we saw the J105 fleet heading for the leeward mark under spinnaker, so we tacked out to the west again to watch some of the mark roundings like this.
After all the J105s had rounded the mark and headed upwind again, we came about again and headed for home port, soon encountering this lovely large race boat, perhaps a Farr 40, practicing, and took this nice video clip of her.
The city was enjoying brilliant sunshine as we approached home port.
This sailboat was also heading downwind on a parallel course as we passed the marina and we eventually had to fall off to slow down and then head up into the wind to pass behind them and sail into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and prepare ANTICIPATION for landing.
Another lovely few hours under ideal conditions on our beautiful bay.
Sunday morning started with some strong winds blowing at 8 am, which suggested that the winds would continue to build as the day wore on, but by late morning, the breeze had softened, so we headed out for a sail to the gate and back around noon.
Winds were only around 5 knots when we left port.
As we headed out toward the central bay, this race boat passed, apparently practicing since it was not part of any regatta.
As we headed west on the southwest breeze, ADVENTURE CAT was heading back to home port.
Off in the west, a heavy fog was hanging over the gate and between us and the gate a fleet of race boats covered the bay.
We soon passed this large ketch that was headed west with extremely poor sail trim and sails that were flogging drastically.
Here is the url of a short video showing the poor seamanship of the skipper of this vessel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex0qRZXvWaI
A bit later this small sailboat blasted past, looking good with excellent sail trim.
Way off in the west, the charter schooner BAY LADY was heading toward Raccoon Straits with Sausalito and Mt. Tam behind.
Another small sailboat crossed in front of us, also looking good!
A single tack took us past Horseshoe Cove, where we tacked to sail halfway across the gate and then tacked to head out the gate where the north tower was in clear air.
The south tower of the bridge was partly obscurred by some fog remnants.
We just ducked out the gate and then came about and headed back inside, and once inside, we watched this sailboat headed our way and well heeled-over in the winds that were now in the 10-15 knot range.
This sailboat flashed past our stern, looking good!
A very large center cockpit sloop was returning to the bay as we headed downwind toward home port.
Here is a video of a sailboat passing and heading for the gate.
Here is the url of another video clip of a second sailboat passing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbSLu1ezrD8
After passing the St. Francis Yacht Club, we began to see some race boats, like this Melges heading upwind.
This J105 was heading upwind also and passed to starboard, looking good.
A bit later, this Etchell race boat passed to starboard.
A bit later a group of Etchell race boats passed, all on port tack and sailing nicely!
Later this J24 passed to port-- a boat named SMALL FLYING PATIO FURNITURE-- a rather crazy name, eh?
This J24 passed to starboard....
....followed by a Melges and another J24.
Later, we saw the J105 fleet heading for the leeward mark under spinnaker, so we tacked out to the west again to watch some of the mark roundings like this.
After all the J105s had rounded the mark and headed upwind again, we came about again and headed for home port, soon encountering this lovely large race boat, perhaps a Farr 40, practicing, and took this nice video clip of her.
The city was enjoying brilliant sunshine as we approached home port.
This sailboat was also heading downwind on a parallel course as we passed the marina and we eventually had to fall off to slow down and then head up into the wind to pass behind them and sail into the lee of pier 35 to douse sail and prepare ANTICIPATION for landing.
Another lovely few hours under ideal conditions on our beautiful bay.
