Thursday, June 21, 2007
TUESDAY 19 JUNE 07-- SURVIVAL IN ALMOST GALE FORCE BAY WINDS
Michael joined us for our afternoon outing and we headed out of port about 3 pm.
Wind velocity was already in the 15-20 knot range and, as usual, we expected velocity to increase, so we raised double-reefed main and put out small jib before heading out into the central bay.where a flood current resisted our progress as we began beating westward.
A J-boat was sailing downwind with full canvas.
Winds were gusty with major changes in velocity, and the flags on the end of pier 39 were already quite pegged out.
A sand dredge was steaming toward home after filling up the barge with sand from the sea bottom.
After a few tacks, we were heading west toward the weather side of Alcatraz,
the flood current keeping the seas relatively calm despite gusty winds, but we were still taking some spray into the cockpit. From the lee of pier 45, we were just barely able to sail past the buoy guarding the rocks on the weather side of Alcatraz. Then the winds began to increase drastically in velocity as we sailed between Alcatraz and Harding Rock, also shifting more into the west. Ahead of us, it was clear that there were no lee spots ahead.
With westerly winds, we thought we might be able to tack and head for the gate, but the winds were still increasing in velocity so we fell off the wind a bit and headed back toward home port. The winds had whipped up the sea, the bigger gusts pulled us to weather a bit as we sailed southeasterly toward the weather side of Alcatraz again. Winds now seemed to be 25-30 knots sustained with gusts to 35-40. It felt a bit like survival mode out there as we blasted along, falling off and easing out the sails after passing Alcatraz. A bit of surfing as we headed for the lee of pier 35 where there were few lee spots to douse the sails.
It was a bit of relief to motor around pier 35 after readying ANTICIPATION for landing and motor into port where the winds were also quite strong, but quieter as we neared our slip near the pier itself.
Michael joined us for our afternoon outing and we headed out of port about 3 pm.
Wind velocity was already in the 15-20 knot range and, as usual, we expected velocity to increase, so we raised double-reefed main and put out small jib before heading out into the central bay.where a flood current resisted our progress as we began beating westward.
A J-boat was sailing downwind with full canvas.
Winds were gusty with major changes in velocity, and the flags on the end of pier 39 were already quite pegged out.
A sand dredge was steaming toward home after filling up the barge with sand from the sea bottom.
After a few tacks, we were heading west toward the weather side of Alcatraz,
the flood current keeping the seas relatively calm despite gusty winds, but we were still taking some spray into the cockpit. From the lee of pier 45, we were just barely able to sail past the buoy guarding the rocks on the weather side of Alcatraz. Then the winds began to increase drastically in velocity as we sailed between Alcatraz and Harding Rock, also shifting more into the west. Ahead of us, it was clear that there were no lee spots ahead.
With westerly winds, we thought we might be able to tack and head for the gate, but the winds were still increasing in velocity so we fell off the wind a bit and headed back toward home port. The winds had whipped up the sea, the bigger gusts pulled us to weather a bit as we sailed southeasterly toward the weather side of Alcatraz again. Winds now seemed to be 25-30 knots sustained with gusts to 35-40. It felt a bit like survival mode out there as we blasted along, falling off and easing out the sails after passing Alcatraz. A bit of surfing as we headed for the lee of pier 35 where there were few lee spots to douse the sails.
It was a bit of relief to motor around pier 35 after readying ANTICIPATION for landing and motor into port where the winds were also quite strong, but quieter as we neared our slip near the pier itself.
Monday, June 18, 2007
SUNDAY 17 JUNE 07-- SOLO SAIL TO GATE AND BACK IN BEAUTIFUL EVE
Michael was going to come sailing with us at 3pm, but parking situation was too crazy, so he bailed and we delayed leaving port until almost 7 pm.
Winds were in the moderate range so we raised single-reefed main and hoped the winds wouldn't blow up more strongly. As we headed toward the central bay, we pulled out a small jib.
Winds were southerly initially, so we sailed directly toward the gate on close reach port tack, passing the end of pier 39 where the flags were fluttering in a breeze of 7-10 knots.
A large center cockpit ketch passed to starboard, flying jib only-- probably neighbor boat THAI SAPPHIRE, but i'm not sure.
We tacked into the lee of pier 45 and then tacked away to the west again with the city behind us enjoying clear air and brilliant envening sunshine.
A bit later, SUMMER WIND passed us, also sailing jib only.
A few more tacks along the cityfront took us past the Ft. Mason piers and we noticed a sailboat sailing into the entrance of Gas House Cove.
A bit later on, this sailboat passed to port, heading east.
She eventually gybed and continued eastward on port tack.
Another couple of tacks took us to a point in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club building.
As we tacked away to the west again, we passed Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts behind.
Way off to starboard, our old pal, ADVENTURE CAT, was returning from the gate toward home port.
Behind us, the city was in quite clear air and enjoying brilliant sunshine.
In contrast, Sausalito and Mt. Tam were locked in heavy haze.
A few more tacks took us into much stronger winds approaching the gate we sailed out the gate between midspan and the north tower, and the north tower was gleaming in the late sunshine-- the sun angle making for the deepest and strongest hues of the paint on our magnificent bridge.
We just ducked out a short ways, sailing through some substantial ocean swells, and then came about, pulled out the jib to full and began blasting downwind on broad reach starboard tack, enjoying some surfing on the waves and swells, as the sun started to set behind the Marin Headlands.
Some of the financial district buildings were glowing with reflected sunlight as we blasted toward home.
As we sailed past Aquatic Park in softening winds, city lights began to come on-- magic time on the bay!
As we sailed past pier 45, the tops of the financial district buildings were still illuminated by some hazy sunlight and the air had become more hazy than earlier.
A large cutter named TILLIGO motored out of the fisherman's wharf area, and pulled out the jib, but continued to motorsail past us to starboard.
A lovely flock of pelicans was flying eastward through the dusky sky about sundown time.
We doused the jib by falling off and backwinding it to pull it in before we approached pier 35, and then we doused the main in the lee of pier 35, and readied ANTICIPATION for landing before motoring around the pier, enjoying the sunset color in the north as we did.
Outside pier 35, we spotted one flock of pelicans skimming over the surface of the sea.
Overhead, another flock was heading eastward with the dwindling sunset color as a backdrop-- I so love to have the pelicans adding to the beauty of the bay and environs!
It was twilight as we motored into the marina and landed, feeling great after enjoying a wonderful outing to the gate and back.
Michael was going to come sailing with us at 3pm, but parking situation was too crazy, so he bailed and we delayed leaving port until almost 7 pm.
Winds were in the moderate range so we raised single-reefed main and hoped the winds wouldn't blow up more strongly. As we headed toward the central bay, we pulled out a small jib.
Winds were southerly initially, so we sailed directly toward the gate on close reach port tack, passing the end of pier 39 where the flags were fluttering in a breeze of 7-10 knots.
A large center cockpit ketch passed to starboard, flying jib only-- probably neighbor boat THAI SAPPHIRE, but i'm not sure.
We tacked into the lee of pier 45 and then tacked away to the west again with the city behind us enjoying clear air and brilliant envening sunshine.
A bit later, SUMMER WIND passed us, also sailing jib only.
A few more tacks along the cityfront took us past the Ft. Mason piers and we noticed a sailboat sailing into the entrance of Gas House Cove.
A bit later on, this sailboat passed to port, heading east.
She eventually gybed and continued eastward on port tack.
Another couple of tacks took us to a point in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club building.
As we tacked away to the west again, we passed Crissy Field and the Palace of Fine Arts behind.
Way off to starboard, our old pal, ADVENTURE CAT, was returning from the gate toward home port.
Behind us, the city was in quite clear air and enjoying brilliant sunshine.
In contrast, Sausalito and Mt. Tam were locked in heavy haze.
A few more tacks took us into much stronger winds approaching the gate we sailed out the gate between midspan and the north tower, and the north tower was gleaming in the late sunshine-- the sun angle making for the deepest and strongest hues of the paint on our magnificent bridge.
We just ducked out a short ways, sailing through some substantial ocean swells, and then came about, pulled out the jib to full and began blasting downwind on broad reach starboard tack, enjoying some surfing on the waves and swells, as the sun started to set behind the Marin Headlands.
Some of the financial district buildings were glowing with reflected sunlight as we blasted toward home.
As we sailed past Aquatic Park in softening winds, city lights began to come on-- magic time on the bay!
As we sailed past pier 45, the tops of the financial district buildings were still illuminated by some hazy sunlight and the air had become more hazy than earlier.
A large cutter named TILLIGO motored out of the fisherman's wharf area, and pulled out the jib, but continued to motorsail past us to starboard.
A lovely flock of pelicans was flying eastward through the dusky sky about sundown time.
We doused the jib by falling off and backwinding it to pull it in before we approached pier 35, and then we doused the main in the lee of pier 35, and readied ANTICIPATION for landing before motoring around the pier, enjoying the sunset color in the north as we did.
Outside pier 35, we spotted one flock of pelicans skimming over the surface of the sea.
Overhead, another flock was heading eastward with the dwindling sunset color as a backdrop-- I so love to have the pelicans adding to the beauty of the bay and environs!
It was twilight as we motored into the marina and landed, feeling great after enjoying a wonderful outing to the gate and back.
SATURDAY 16 JUNE 07-- COLD FOG CHANGING TO SUNSHINE-- GGB AND BACK
Michael joined us for a midafternoon sail to the gate and back. We left port about 3:15 and raised double-reefed main and put out small jib before heading out into the central bay.
Winds were quite moderate, but we expected them to freshen as the afternoon waxed on, and it was quite chilly, so I had my foulie gear on already.
This well-reefed center cockpit sloop was heading for the cityfront as we headed out to the west.
Pier 39 flags were fluttering in a breeze of 10-15 knots and a moderate ebb was flowing.
A small Catalina named SPARKY passed to port.
Way off to starboard, a large cutter-rigged sailboat was heading eastward.
The city was enjoying some partial sunshine as we continued westward.
Another small Catalina passed to port as we were sailing past Aquatic Park.
A well-reefed small boat passed in front of us, heading for the cityfront.
This beautiful large schooner passed to port, heading east and looking good.
She seemed to be a traditional wooden vessel-- one of the Master Mariner type.
As we continued on toward the gate, this nice Beneteau passed astern, looking good!
This sailboat was returning from the ocean and heading north toward Tiburon.
As we approached the gate, the wind picked up dramatically and we were soon blasting toward the gate, and enjoying some kitesurfers blasting along, like this one.
We sailed into Horseshoe Cove and then tacked to sail across the gate, and finally tacked out between midspan and the north tower under overcast skies-- windy and cold conditions.
We just ducked out and and then came about and headed back inside, watching this windsurfer heading our way from the north tower....
...and passing astern.
A Catalina with double reefed main but full jib was headed for the gate and so heeled over that the port rail was probably submerged.
This windsurfer headed our way from Horseshoe Cove and waved as he approached.
A couple of kite surfers blasted past, like this one....
... and this one.
A while later, this windsurfer that we have seen out on the bay a number of times, approached with his usual smiling face and said he'd like to see our photos of him sometime.
Surprisingly, the skies cleared as we continued on toward home port and the city was now enjoying brilliant sunshine as 5 pm approached. We had sailed to the gate and back in about 2 hours, so made good time.
It's great to see the pelicans back on the bay, like this one flying off to starboard.
A lovely J120 was sailing ahead of us as we passed pier 39.
The pier 39 flags were now fluttering in a breeze of 7-10 knots.
We sailed into the lee of pier 35, as usual, to douse sails and ready ANTICIPATION for landing. As we motored around pier 35, the former FDR yacht POTOMAC steamed past, going quite fast.
Later in the evening, Olivier and Brooke stopped by and we had some wine and cheese and crackers in the salon of ANTICIPATION before heading over to North Beach for dinner.
Michael joined us for a midafternoon sail to the gate and back. We left port about 3:15 and raised double-reefed main and put out small jib before heading out into the central bay.
Winds were quite moderate, but we expected them to freshen as the afternoon waxed on, and it was quite chilly, so I had my foulie gear on already.
This well-reefed center cockpit sloop was heading for the cityfront as we headed out to the west.
Pier 39 flags were fluttering in a breeze of 10-15 knots and a moderate ebb was flowing.
A small Catalina named SPARKY passed to port.
Way off to starboard, a large cutter-rigged sailboat was heading eastward.
The city was enjoying some partial sunshine as we continued westward.
Another small Catalina passed to port as we were sailing past Aquatic Park.
A well-reefed small boat passed in front of us, heading for the cityfront.
This beautiful large schooner passed to port, heading east and looking good.
She seemed to be a traditional wooden vessel-- one of the Master Mariner type.
As we continued on toward the gate, this nice Beneteau passed astern, looking good!
This sailboat was returning from the ocean and heading north toward Tiburon.
As we approached the gate, the wind picked up dramatically and we were soon blasting toward the gate, and enjoying some kitesurfers blasting along, like this one.
We sailed into Horseshoe Cove and then tacked to sail across the gate, and finally tacked out between midspan and the north tower under overcast skies-- windy and cold conditions.
We just ducked out and and then came about and headed back inside, watching this windsurfer heading our way from the north tower....
...and passing astern.
A Catalina with double reefed main but full jib was headed for the gate and so heeled over that the port rail was probably submerged.
This windsurfer headed our way from Horseshoe Cove and waved as he approached.
A couple of kite surfers blasted past, like this one....
... and this one.
A while later, this windsurfer that we have seen out on the bay a number of times, approached with his usual smiling face and said he'd like to see our photos of him sometime.
Surprisingly, the skies cleared as we continued on toward home port and the city was now enjoying brilliant sunshine as 5 pm approached. We had sailed to the gate and back in about 2 hours, so made good time.
It's great to see the pelicans back on the bay, like this one flying off to starboard.
A lovely J120 was sailing ahead of us as we passed pier 39.
The pier 39 flags were now fluttering in a breeze of 7-10 knots.
We sailed into the lee of pier 35, as usual, to douse sails and ready ANTICIPATION for landing. As we motored around pier 35, the former FDR yacht POTOMAC steamed past, going quite fast.
Later in the evening, Olivier and Brooke stopped by and we had some wine and cheese and crackers in the salon of ANTICIPATION before heading over to North Beach for dinner.
