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eye on the bay

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harbormasters

harbormasters

Hook 'em when they're young — sailing is a great family activity.

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LATITUDE / ROB

LATITUDE / ROB

'Manu Kai's crew relaxes while the cruising chute flies.

"Hope is a thing with feathers," wrote Emily Dickinson. And as America welcomed its new leader last month, many Americans also dared to welcome "the little bird that kept so many warm."

Instead of allowing their boats to molder away in a marina while they worried about things beyond their control, dozens upon dozens of Bay Area sailors wisely exploited their maritme investments to their fullest potential, shaking out their sails in an unprecedented display of hope . . . mostly for wind.

After a chilly start, January turned surprisingly warm, with the sun shining brightly throughout most of the month. For about a week in the middle, some sailors were wishing summers would be so delightful. But lovely winter weather usually means light winds across the Bay, and last month was no exception. Racers may have been cursing their fates but cruisers seemed to enjoy the mellow atmosphere, as evidenced by the sheer numbersof boats plying the waters every weekend.

If you have loved ones who flatly refuse to sail "tipped over," then winter

Spread, sailing the Bay is a dream come true for 'La Soñadora'.

Here's hoping for more sunny weather.

LATITUDE / LADONNA

LATITUDE / JR

All sorts of hopin' goin' on — Bay Area sailors thumbed their noses at the grim economy and took to the water in droves last month. As they can tell you, nothing raises your spirits better than a great sail on a warm day. Clockwise from below: The Bob Perry custom-designed schooner 'Jakatan' doing what she was built for — sailing the Bay in style and comfort; 'Wanderin' Bear' gets ready to watch the sun set over the Golden Gate; the folks aboard 'Fort Knots' find fun on a fabulous day; the first mate on 'Chris Anne' stands watch; "What, me worry?"; if you don't own a sailboat, just turn your kayak into an outrigger.

provides a perfect oppor- If you don't feel like tunity to get them aboard taking the boat out at all, for some mild and lazy sail- coordinate an impromptu ing. potluck on your dock. Few Pack a picnic lunch, things cap off a busy workgrab your best gal, and day better than sharing set off on a circumnavigation of Angel Island. As you pass Ayala Cove, pull into the guest docks and take a walk around the island. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly LATITUDE / JOHN A. a drink and a bite with friends aboard your boat on an unusually warm winter evening. In these tough financial it's recovering from the times, it just doesn't make devastating wildfire that tore across its economic sense to let your boat sit idly southern half last October. in her slip. If you've got a boat, use it. If you're in the mood for a little high it all, though. The next time you're in If you don't have a boat, find someone life, scoot on over to the City and tie up a minimalist mood, spend the night on who does — post your name on a marina for free at Pier 1½, next door to the Ferry the hook. Richardson Bay, Clipper Cove, bulletin board, walk the docks on a busy Building, while you do a little shopping Redwood Creek — the exact location Saturday and, most importantly, add and grab some lunch. Or arrange for a doesn't matter as much as the state of your name to Latitude's free online Crew night's moorage at a Cityfront marina relaxation you'll find yourself in when List (see Sightings for details). and hit a comedy club. The total cost for you kick back with your favorite beverage Even if you have to force yourself the evening will be cheaper than a single and a good book. And don't worry if your to get out there, remember that, while night in a hotel and you won't have to boat isn't equipped with a heater — cool Dickinson's little bird "never asked a worry about when the bedspread was evenings are a great excuse to cuddle. crumb," just a little extra effort to feed last washed. it helps keep hope alive. Sometimes it's nice to get away from — latitude 38/ladonna

"Emily who?" We doubt Dickinson was a sailor, but we bet she would have loved it.

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■ VALUE - It's never been more important. Try us and see. ■ 30 Years in Business - Thank you to our many long-term customers. ■ Specialists - Rigging isn't part of our business, it's our only business, so it will be the best. ■ Hard Work - Nobody works harder to provide great quality at always reasonable prices.

We are truly grateful to be busy now and invite anyone to experience why!

Give a call today. Easom Racing and Rigging

1150 Brickyard Cove Rd. Suite B1 Point Richmond, CA 94801 (510) 232-SAIL (7245)

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