Latitude 38 April 2025

VOLUME 574 April 2025

SailGP California Tour

A Soft Launch Into Cruising Nereus’s World Cruise

What a Boatyard Taught Me About Loneliness

Max Ebb — Nature vs. Nurture

Photo: Phil MacFarlane

RUBICON YACHTS

(3)

42'

AquaLodge Houseboats

64’ BRUCE ROBERTS kETCh, 2000

$180,000

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

46’ DUfOUR 460 GRAND LARGE, 2018

$339,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

2020 - $115,000 ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347

55’ TAYANA 55, 1983

$179,000

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

44’ DAVIDSON 44, 1980

$159,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

39’ SWAN 391, 1984

$99,000 San Rafael (415) 453-4770

39’ VALIANT, 1996

$185,000

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

41’ hUNTER 41, 2007

$129,500 San francisco (415) 867-8056

37’ TAYANA

$59,000 San Rafael (415) 453-4770

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.

34.5’ J BOATS J105, 1999

$69,500.

34’ PACIfIC SEACRAfT, 1998

$129,000

34’ BENETEAU 343, 2006

RUBICON YACHTS

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

$95,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

EMERY COVE • 3300 POWELL ST, #105 • EMERYVILLE, CA 94608 • (510) 601-5010 ALAMEDA • 1150 BALLENA BLVD., SUITE 121 • ALAMEDA, CA 94501 • (510) 838-1800

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

52’ SANTA CRUZ “LIGhTNING”, 1996

$399,000

Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

40’ 1996 BENETEAU OCEANIS 40 CC

$75,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

36’ SABRE SPIRIT, 36, 2007

$195,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

$285,000

40’ SALAR 40, 1975

$124,500

$84,900 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010 35’ hINTERhOLLER NIAGARA, 35 $49,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

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.

33’ J Boats J/100 “EIGhT BALL”, 2005

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.

$210,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

RUBICON YACHTS

$44,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010

yourdockmate ha roba ly

Come in and see for yourself how different the boatyard experience can be.

May 15-18, 2025

Westpoint Harbor • Redwood City- California - USA

CALENDAR

Non-Race

Apr. 1 — April Fool's Day.

Apr. 3 — Latitude 38 Spring Crew List Party, Bay View Boat Club, San Francisco, 6-9 p.m. Door prizes, guest experts, snacks. $10; tickets must be purchased in advance, but bring cash for food & drinks. Info, www.latitude38.com/crew-party.

Apr. 5 — Sail a Small Boat Day, Richmond YC, 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Try out a variety of small craft for free. Free hot dog lunch. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.

Apr. 5 — Boarded! Pirate Adventure, aboard San Salvador, Maritime Museum, San Diego, 10:30 or 12:45 p.m. $35-$85. Info, www.sdmaritime.org

Apr. 5-26 — Small Boat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, weather permitting. Free, but pre-register. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing

Apr. 6-27 — Keelboat Sailing, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco, noon-5 p.m. Sundays, weather permitting. Free, but sign up in advance. BAADS, www.baads.org/sailing

Apr. 9 — Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race seminar, OYC/Zoom, 7:30 p.m. Communications, weather. SSS, www. sfbaysss.org

Apr. 10 — Northern California Dockwalker Training, Virtual, 9-11:45 a.m. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https:// dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230

Apr. 10 — Speaker Series, Corinthian YC, Tiburon, 7 p.m. Amy Bridge on Racing Against Parkinson's: the Neptune Project. Free but RSVP to speakers@cyc.org.

Apr. 11-13 — San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival, Cowell Theater, Fort Mason. Info, www.intloceanfilmfest.org

Apr. 12 — Southern California Dockwalker Training, Silver Gate YC, San Diego, 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230.

Apr. 12 — Full Pink Moon on a Saturday.

Apr. 12-13 — Whale Fest, Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibits, symposium, live music, history walks, art demos, abalone races. Info, www.whalefest.org

Apr. 13, May 11 — Second Sunday Work Party, Sausalito Community Boating Center, 9 a.m.-noon. Info, secretary@ cassgidley.org

Apr. 16, 30 — StFYC Wednesday Yachting Luncheon, noon. Archived on YouTube at https://tinyurl.com/3kbp3vdh

Apr. 19 — Northern California Dockwalker Training, Oakland YC, Alameda, 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230

Apr. 22 — Spill Response Communication Workshop, Virtual, 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For marinas and clubs. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https://tinyurl.com/2anutdv3

Apr. 24 — Southern California Dockwalker Refresher Training, Virtual, 2-3:30 p.m. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230

Apr. 26 — Tall Ship Celebration, Bay Model Visitor Center, Sausalito, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ship tours, activities, live music, Sailing Science Center exhibits. Free admission; food & beverages for sale. Call of the Sea, www.callofthesea.org.

Apr. 26 — Open House/Free Sail, Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina, 1-3 p.m. CSC, www.cal-sailing.org.

Apr. 26 — Northern California Dockwalker Refresher Training, Virtual, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230.

Apr. 27 — Opening Day on the Bay. Theme: Generations on the Bay. Blessing of the Fleet, CYC, Tiburon, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Parade, Cityfront, noon. PICYA, www.picya.org. Apr. 27 — Grand Opening, Sausalito Community Boating Center, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, secretary@cassgidley.org. Apr. 27 — Haydn Voyages, aboard Berkeley, Maritime

Is Your Motor Choking To Death?

Is Your Motor Choking To Death?

CALENDAR

Museum, San Diego, 2:30 p.m. $35-$85. Obsession; the Hausmann Quartet plays Beethoven. Info, www.sdmaritime.org

May 1 — Speaker Series, Corinthian YC, Tiburon, 7 p.m. Ethan Estess on Tunas and Trash: Marine Debris Art and Tuna Research. Free but RSVP to speakers@cyc.org

May 2 — Spill Response Communication Workshop, Santa Monica Windjammers YC, Marina del Rey, 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Register with Vivian.Matuk@coastal.ca.gov

May 2 — Cal Golden Bears Sailing Team Gala at Richmond YC. Info, madsgordo6@berkeley.edu.

May 3 — Swap Meet, Point San Pablo YC, Point Richmond, 8 a.m.-noon. PSPYC, www.pspyc.org

May 3 — Island Wide Open House, Alameda, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. AYCC, https://tinyurl.com/368hmjat.

May 3 — Southern California Dockwalker Training, Del Rey YC, San Diego, 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Dept. of Boating & Waterways, https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29230.

May 4 — Three Bridge Tour aboard the Derek M. Baylis, Richmond Marina Bay, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Live music, food. Supports Adriatic Maritime Institute youth programs. Tickets, $81.88 -$161.90. Info, https://tinyurl.com/7f6t4hhs

Racing

Apr. 2 — J/22 Spring Series. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.

Apr. 5 — Doublehanded Farallones. BAMA, www.sfbama.org.

Apr. 5 — America's Schooner Cup Charity Race in San Diego. SGYC, www.americasschoonercup.org.

Apr. 5 — Spring Regatta. SeqYC, www.sequoiayc.org.

Apr. 5 — North Bay Series #1. VYC, www.vyc.org.

Apr. 5 — Doublehanded Buoy Fiasco. SCYC, www.scyc.org.

Apr. 5 — Andy Byrd Memorial Race. CPYC, www.cpyc.com.

Apr. 5 — Laser Midwinters. LWSC, www.lwsailing.org.

Apr. 5, 26 — Spring Series. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.

Apr. 5, May 3 — Mercury Series. EYC, www.encinal.org.

Apr. 5-6 — Spring Fest. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.

Apr. 5-6 — RS21 2v2 Team Race. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

Apr. 5-6 — California Dreamin' match-racing series ends in Long Beach. LBYC, www.lbyc.org.

Apr. 6 — Small Boat Midwinters. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.

Apr. 6 — Estuary Cup. EYC, www.encinal.org.

Apr. 6 — Lefler Race. MPYC, www.mpyc.org.

Apr. 12 — Don Wan Regatta. TYC, www.tyc.org.

Apr. 12 — South Bay Bridge #1. Info, www.jibeset.net.

Apr. 12 — Singlehand/Doublehand #1. BenYC, www. beniciayachtclub.org.

Apr. 12 — Lido 14 & Coronado 15 Midwinters. LWSC, www.lwsailing.org.

Apr. 12, May 3 — Single/Doublehanded Regatta. SeqYC, www.sequoiayc.org.

Apr. 12-13 — Wheeler Regatta. BYC, www.berkeleyyc.org.

Apr. 12-13 — Alerion 28 Regatta. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.

Apr. 12-13 — Camellia Cup. FLYC, www.flyc.org.

Apr. 12-13 — Moore 24 Spring Roadmasters in Santa Cruz. SCYC, www.scyc.org.

Apr. 13 — Doublehanded Sunday #1, the Bay Expedition. YRA, www.yra.org.

Apr. 13 — One Design Spring 3-4. MPYC, www.mpyc.org.

Apr. 19 — Anne McCormack Women's Invitational. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

Apr. 19 — Spring One Design #1. SCYC, www.scyc.org.

Apr. 19 — Thistle Midwinters. LWSC, www.lwsailing.org.

Apr. 19-20 — PCCSC Open Team Race Championship. Cal/RYC, https://sailing.studentorg.berkeley.edu.

Apr. 24, May 8 — New Wave Spring Series. SFYC, www. sfyc.org.

WHALE POINT

CALENDAR

Apr. 24-27 — Ficker Cup. LBYC, www.lbyc.org.

Apr. 26 — Bullship for El Toros, Sausalito to San Francisco. RYC, www.richmondyc.org.

Apr. 26 — Spring Series #2. CYC, www.cyc.org.

Apr. 26 — Otter Cup Invitational. MPYC, www.mpyc.org.

Apr. 26 — Leadership Cup. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

Apr. 26 — Sunfish, CFJ, El Toro & Hansa Midwinters. LWSC, www.lwsailing.org.

Apr. 26 — Intraclub race. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.

Part 2 brightens teak and neutralizes Part 1.

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GRILLS

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HD BILGE

CLEANER

by Seachoice

Quarts NOW $1199

Gallon NOW $1999

TRINIDAD HD BOTTOM PAINT

by Pettit

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Gallon: Now $22999 MOTOR FLUSHER by Moeller

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SEAT

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Apr. 26-27 — Spring 5O5s & Laser NorCals. SCYC, www. scyc.org.

Apr. 26-27 — Etchells Orca Bowl. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.

Apr. 27 — Jack & Jill Race. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.

Apr. 27 — Spring SCORE #1. SCYC, www.scyc.org.

Apr. 29-May 4 — Congressional Cup world championship match racing. LBYC, https://thecongressionalcup.com.

May 2 — Cal Sailing Alumni Regatta at RYC. Info, madsgordo6@berkeley.edu.

May 2 — Junior Congressional Cup. LBYC, www.lbyc.org.

May 2-4 — Yachting Cup. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.

May 3 — Commodore's Cup. BVBC, www.bvbc.org.

May 3 — Commodore's Regatta. SCYC, www.scyc.org.

May 3 — Frank Ballentine Race. CPYC, www.cpyc.com.

May 3 — Anniversary Cup. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.

May 3-4 — Great Vallejo Race. YRA/VYC, www.yra.org.

May 3-4 — Sailing League Regatta. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.

May 4 — PHRF Spring 3-4. MPYC, www.mpyc.org.

Beer Can Series

BAY VIEW BC — Spring Monday Night Madness: 4/146/16. Nick, (510) 459-1337 or www.bvbc.org

BENICIA YC — Thursday nights, 4/3-9/18. Steve, (415) 238-3977 or www.beniciayachtclub.org/racing

BERKELEY YC — Friday nights through 9/26. Info, beercan@berkeleyyc.org or www.berkeleyyc.org.

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

CORINTHIAN YC — Friday nights, 4/4-8/29. Marcus, (415) 606-4110 or www.cyc.org

COYOTE POINT YC — Sunset Sail: every Wednesday night through 10/29. John, (650) 703-5621 or www.cpyc.com

ENCINAL YC — Spring Twilight Series: Friday nights, 4/45/30. Mike, (925) 357-1461 or www.encinal.org.

ISLAND YC — Spring Island Nights: Fridays, 4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 6/6, 6/20. Info, www.iyc.org or www.jibeset.net

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

LAKE WASHINGTON SC — Thursday nights, 5/1-10/30. Mark, owing78@yahoo.com or www.lwsailing.org

LAKE YOSEMITE SA — Thursday nights, May-September. Dennis, (209) 722-1947 or www.lakeyosemitesailing.org.

MONTEREY PENINSULA YC — Sunset Series: Wednesday nights through 10/8; Fiasco Race, 5/14. Mark, race.mpyc@ gmail.com or www.mpyc.org.

OAKLAND YC — Sweet 16 Series: Wednesday nights, 4/30-6/18 & 7/9-8/27. Info, www.oaklandyachtclub.net. RICHMOND YC — Wednesday nights, 4/2-9/24. Info, www.richmondyc.org

ST. FRANCIS YC — Thursday Windward/Leeward Foil Racing, 4/17-8/20. Friday Foil Series, 4/25-8/15. Wednesday Evening Series, 4/30-8/27. Info, www.stfyc.com.

SANTA CRUZ YC — Tuesday & Wednesday nights through 10/29. Info, www.scyc.org

SAUSALITO YC — Spring Sunset Series: Tuesday nights, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29, 6/12, 6/26. Bob, (415) 828-4425 or

CALENDAR

www.sausalitoyachtclub.org.

SEQUOIA YC — Sunset Series: Wednesday nights through 10/1. Info, www.sequoiayc.org or www.jibeset.net

SOUTH BEACH YC — Spring Series: Friday nights, 4/256/13. Info, www.southbeachyachtclub.org

VALLEJO YC — Wednesday nights, 4/2-9/24. Info, www. vyc.org or www.jibeset.net.

In the Tropics

Apr. 25-27 — Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, to Ensenada or San Diego. NOSA, www.nosa.org

May 28-31 — Tahiti Pearl Regatta, French Polynesia. Info, www.tahitipearlregatta.com

June 21 — Start of the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race, San Francisco to Hanalei. SSS, www.sfbaysss.org.

July 1, 3, 5 — Start of the Transpac, San Pedro to Honolulu. TPYC, www.transpacyc.com.

July 4-7 — Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendez-vous. Latitude 38 is a sponsor. Info, www.tahiti-moorea-sailing-rdv.com

October 30-November 15 — Baja Ha-Ha XXXI, San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Info, www.baja-haha.com

April Weekend Tides

Predictions for Station 9414290, San Francisco (Golden Gate) date/day time/ht. time/ht. time/ht. time/ht.

Please send your calendar items by the 10th of the month to calendar@latitude38.com. Please, no phone-ins! Calendar listings are for marine-related events that are free or don't cost much to attend. The Calendar is not meant to support commercial enterprises. date/day

April Weekend Currents

NOAA Predictions for .88 NM NE of the Golden Gate Bridge

4/05Sat 0044 0402/1.8F 0627 0925/1.7E 1357 1721/2.6F 2122 2342/0.9E 4/06Sun 0232 0515/1.6F 0757 1116/1.3E 1514 1831/2.7F 2215 4/12Sat 0114 0425/2.2E 0823 1102/2.7F 1413 1641/1.2E 1917 2246/3.2F 4/13Sun 0140 0451/2.3E

Source: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov

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LETTERS

⇑⇓ Mooring balls at angel island and around the bay?

There are several other parts (other than just Hospital Cove) of Angel Island that have protected anchorages, but have the reputation as challenging with anchor-eating bottoms. Unfortunately, these are in desirable areas for a lunch stop or an overnight. It seems very doable to develop them for greater use by Californians.

I hope the Park Service would look into placing multiple, single-point mooring balls on the more easterly shores, such as from China Cove around to Quarry Point. Having anchored in those areas years ago, it seems numerous wellplaced single balls would be sufficient, and the boats could swing around them — especially near East Garrison.

I look forward to helping this happen.

Jeff Cook Latitude Nation

Jeff was commenting on the March 5 'Lectronic Latitude: Progress Coming and Patience Needed for Angel Island Docks. We couldn't agree more, Jeff. There are very few good (or legal) anchorages in the Bay and mooring balls would be a solution for many destinations. Southern California seems to do a better job managing anchorages, with mooring balls in Newport Beach, San Diego Bay, Catalina and other places. Mooring balls would be a great option in San Francisco Bay destinations such as Richardson Bay, the east side of Angel Island, the Estuary, Paradise Cove or China Camp.

you ready to have a ball in San Francisco Bay? When compared with the rest of the West Coast, mooring balls are few and far between in the Bay Area. Why does the boating infrastructure here always seem so inferior to

⇑⇓ a few readers did NOT liKe that suggestion Latitude: You seem to favor taking away one of life's true remaining joys — swinging on one's own hook for free in San Francisco Bay — by endorsing the idea of mooring balls where there is little need.

Yes, there are places that really need them, like Ayala. Having them off the immigration station would get rid of the problem of fouled/lost anchors there. But, sticking them in Paradise Cove? Richardson Bay? China Camp? These are wide-open anchorages, especially since Richardson has cleaned up a bunch. The thought of managed mooring balls in these places is really ugly. Next, we can put them in Clipper Cove, Drake's Bay, Pillar Point, maybe even up in the Delta, right?

Al Fricke Jubilee, Catalina 36 Brisbane

LETTERS

⇑⇓ stretching cause and effect

If mandatory moorings are placed in all the available anchorages in SFB (or even many of them), where are budding cruisers to learn how to anchor? It is a skill that takes considerable practice to perfect. The lack of such practice is painfully evident in many of the anchorages that newbies frequent as they spread their wings and set off cruising.

I thought that I knew all about anchoring when we sailed south in 1986. I was wrong. By now I feel competent, but there have been some embarrassments along the way.

Jim Cate

Readers — Please take a deep breath! We were merely suggesting an addition to anchoring, not a total replacement of it! We think that mooring balls are especially useful in environmentally sensitive areas such as Richardson Bay, where efforts are being made to regrow eelgrass, as well as the Oakland Estuary, where there is sensitive infrastructure, such as underwater tunnels. (We recognize that neither of these areas is ready for mooring balls as they would be an invitation for anchorouts.)

We'll point to the many areas of the world that utilize mooring balls to expand options for boaters while protecting reefs and sensitive habitats from environmental damage of repeated anchoring. We'll point to the numerous places we've already mentioned — namely SoCal — as examples of robust, well-maintained and well-managed boating infrastructure. All we're asking for are similar accommodations, or something close to whatever the norm is.

Jim — Are mooring balls responsible for poor anchoring skills? Sorry, but we can't get on board with that kind of cause and effect, nor do we think such a claim should in any way inform public policy. Sure, every new convenience might cause a skill to wither. There's no question that the invention of GPS has resulted in a decline in sailors' celestial navigation abilities. But no one out there is saying, "Get rid of GPS." The maxim should be, "Keep up with your fundamentals."

⇑⇓ grounding out and wondering what dePths are naVigable in ayala coVe

On March 7, I planned to go to the docks at Ayala Cove. Being a weekday, there were plenty of open spaces, but I got stuck in the mud instead. I had planned to go to one of the inside slips and was motoring straight toward the end of the dock and parallel to the mooring field, something I have done many times. It was at low tide (0.0 ft) and my boat draws just over 6 feet. Luckily, I had five people on board, so we could heel the boat enough to get out by turning toward the ferry dock. Without dredging in the future plans for Ayala Cove, does that mean we can't go to Angel on anything less than a mid-tide?

Brian Forster

Brian — We can't give you specifics about Ayala Cove simply because it's a bit of a crapshoot every time we go to the

The east shore of Angel Island is full of several heavenly anchorages, but beware of the "anchor-eating" bottom.

NatHaNIeL

BeILBY

LETTERS LETTERS

docks. Yes, the cove is silted and needs to be dredged, but it's not going to happen anytime soon.

⇑⇓ local cruising

Benicia is a favorite stop when we cruise for a few days. They have some dock space for guests and there are good restaurant options downtown, which is only a couple blocks from the marina. So is Schoonmaker Point Marina in Sausalito for the same reasons, though it is a longer walk downtown.

some

COVID cruising back in 2020.

'Zoe' in the foreground in Old Town, Sacramento.

During COVID, with other travel options unavailable, we explored the rivers that feed the Bay, going as far as Old Town Sacramento, Stockton, Napa and Petaluma. Of all those destinations, we liked Petaluma the best. Napa is nice, but every time we try to get all the way to downtown we have found the bottom of the river, and we only draw 3 1/2 feet! Sacramento has a guest dock, but only a short portion is on the south side of the Tower Bridge.

For a sailboat, the Tower Bridge has to be opened, and it's old and not always working. There are also a number of unhoused people using the dock as a residence. We didn't have any trouble when we left the boat to go and explore the Capitol but visitors may not always be so lucky.

Dave Kautz Zoe, Capri 26

⇑⇓ info, questions and critiques on the local cruising scene

Suisun City has a 300-foot guest dock in the downtown basin. There is also adequate space to anchor off the guest dock in the basin for more privacy.

Jim Cheyenne

Just an FYI — The restaurant dock in Richmond at Lara's Restaurant is closed. But if you're in one of the four Safe Harbor Marinas in the Bay, you have reciprocity at the other facilities if you arrange in advance. It's a very nice benefit.

Jan Passion

Adding to Jan's comment: Safe Harbor operates these four S.F. Bay marinas: Marina Bay, Richmond, Loch Lomond, San Rafael, Emeryville, Ballena Isle, Alameda. Also, the Pier 39 Marina administrator said they plan to reopen their guest docking program sometime in February.

Victor Bast

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RYAN HELLING, SWIFTSURE YACHTS

Can visitors dock in San Rafael?

Nancy Clift

Is there any way to tie up at the old Ford factory where the Richmond ferry lands? There's a long dock there that looks kind of like a town dock. It would be cool to go grab lunch at the restaurant there.

Jos

Dave and Francesca Kautz did

serious

That's

Dave Kautz

LETTERS

How about Treasure Island?

Thomas Burke

Is Wimpys in Tiburon still there? It's been a few decades since going there, but it was a fun destination from JL Square.

Kris Williams

Pier 1.5 seems to be open now. Signs are down and the water taxis are landing there again.

Allyn Schafer

We've spent several years cruising in the Bay Area and haven't found it a very welcoming place for visiting and anchoring.

Tiffany Taylor

OK — San Rafael? Call San Rafael Yacht Club. They have a dock at the end of the canal, which was recently dredged. (Does the dredged area include the basin, near the now-shuttered Terrapin Crossroads? We used to dock there and eat all the time.) Wimpys? No. Long gone. Richmond ferry dock? We're not sure. Don't forget Napa Valley Marina's new 200foot guest dock. Tiffany — Sadly, we kind of agree. Every time we go to SoCal or the East, we're blown away by the superior accommodations for cruisers.

⇑⇓ stolen boat

Very few things in life will cause a sailor anguish. Having thieves leave a hole in the water where your boat used to be is one of them! I had a Cal 25 Mk II that was my pride and joy, next to my family. One afternoon, I went down to the dock and it was gone. I went into shock. I kept going back to where it used to be, but it wasn't there.

I borrowed a friend's airplane and flew up and down the Columbia for two days looking for it. I actually went into a slight depression, and then like a miracle, it reappeared on the other side of the island, secured to the very end of the dock. A few things were missing, including a relatively new Honda 10-hp outboard, but all in all, not so bad.

The insurance company was very helpful, but I can sympathize with you very much, sir. I hope you find her in as good as shape as I did when I found my boat.

Ken Brinkley Latitude Nation

Ken was commenting on the February 25 'Lectronic Latitude: Stolen Boat Reported. The Cascade 34 Kinship was taken from South Beach Harbor.

Captain Barry Demak of Whale Tale Charters has the Lagoon 380 'Miss Diva' available for charter, and berthed above on the guest docks at Jack London Square.

BarrY DeMaK

⇑⇓ coMModore toMPKins on the MoVe again

I've told this story a few times, as told to me by my father, regarding Commodore Tompkins:

My dad did a lot of ocean racing out of St. Francis YC in the 1950s and '60s on a Farallon Clipper, Patita. In those days, the Buckner Race, famous then, was a triangle from Marina to the Farallones, north to Bodega Head and spinnaker run back to St. Francis, usually a two-to-three-day race. It started around 7 p.m. Friday night because everyone worked and didn't get off work till 5 p.m. It was supposed to finish before midnight Sunday so the guys could get home, sleep, and be back to work Monday morning. This race was in mid-summer and the weather off the StFYC was usual summer snot: wind 15-25 knots, occasional gusts to 30, chop all the way out the Gate and cold as hell. Commodore Tompkins was foredeck and spinnaker man. He showed up that night to work the foredeck in nothing but shorts and a T-shirt and worked barefoot the whole race while the rest of the guys were bundled in foul weather gear. To be expected, I guess, from a guy who was reputedly born while going around Cape Horn on his father's schooner, which was bringing freight and goods from the East Coast to S.F. I wish him well!

Bill O'Connor

Bill was commenting on the March 5 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter. Commodore Tompkins went to sea aboard his bright red, custom Wylie 39 Flashgirl with crew Eric Steinberg and Rachel Saudeck. They departed the Bay on February 8 and arrived in Honolulu on February 26 — the Commodore's 93rd birthday.

⇑⇓ go!

Commodore is an awesome example and inspiration for sailors everywhere who have second-guessed themselves about when to retire to a powerboat, or worse yet, to a landcruising RV. Go Commodore! You're the toughest person I know. Keep on sailing!

Linda Newland

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⇑⇓ to those who neVer stoP

I remember years ago reading an interview with Commodore Tompkins about the choices he made when designing and building this boat, Flashgirl. Fantastic he is still out cruising. I have had a few friends who did not consider age a barrier to bluewater cruising, including David Lewis of Ice Bird and Antarctica fame. His son, Barry, now 75, has just completed a solo trans-Tasman voyage from Auckland to Sydney, and Webb Chiles is at it again in the diminutive

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Commodore Tompkins sailed out the Golden Gate aboard 'Flashgirl' on February 8.

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LETTERS

Gannet, his Moore 24, which he considers the best voyaging boat he has ever owned. I'm 72 and preparing my new yacht, 28-ft Arion II, for further adventures. These sailors inspire me to keep going.

Graham Cox Author of Last Days of the Slocum Era

⇑⇓ that eXtra attention

I was fortunate to meet Commodore Tompkins in Mexico after a Cabo race in the early 2000s. I was crewing for Sterling Dusty Way on the delivery home and an informal race to Bahia Tortugas ensued after some conversation between the two legends.

Dusty had many great stories about the Commodore's deliveries and his reputation for fixing/repairing everything on the boat he was delivering. That included some varnishing/waxing/splicing/whipping every line aboard, and many other aesthetic maintenances, not to mention the normal fixes common to deliveries.

Jeffry Matzdorff

Between the Sheets, Jeanneau 52.2

Commodore has been my idol since I was in high school. I am now 72 and disabled. I wish I had the ability to be as healthy and go as far and as long as Commodore has!

Peter Hine

Great guy! I was helping him on Ted's One Tonner Pied Piper, when it was being prepared in Sydney for the '75 Hobart. Did some work with him in San Francisco a few years later.

Geoff Moxham

When my son was 16, we sent him (by invitation) to sea with Commodore. They delivered the Latitude 38 boat Profligate from Mexico to the Bay in 2002. The rest of the crew were seasick, so it was a doublehanded affair.

My son is now a successful professional sailor.

Kit Stycket

Hi Commodore! You were an inspiration to my husband Nick Nicolle from the time he was 5 years old and saw the movie of you aboard Wander Bird. It was wonderful getting to know you and Nancy in Tonga and Fiji. Fair winds to you and happy birthday. You are a great inspiration!

Bonnie Pepper Nicolle

⇑⇓ this bay area sailor did the sydney hobart as well

Please, let's not forget Peggy Slater, who, in the 1966-1967 Sydney Hobart, skippered the 66-ft ketch Nam Sang out of Los Angeles. In doing so, Peggy became "the first woman sailing master to compete in what has been called the

Southern California sailor Peggy Slater was working on her autobiography "An Affair with the Sea" when she passed away suddenly in 1991. The book was completed by author Shelly Usen with a foreword by actor-sailor Hal Holbrook.

LETTERS

'roughest ocean race in the world.'"

David and Connie Wheeler SV Que Sera, Kettenburg 43 Port Townsend, Washington

David was commenting on the December 2024 'Lectronic: Bay Area Sailor Starts Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day.

⇑⇓ arc rally

It was great to see Scott Shaffer recounting his experience of ARC 2024 and the rescue of the catamaran Karolina Viking in the February edition of Latitude 38

I just wanted to make one small clarification to his statement regarding Starlink: "The ARC committee is likely to require it in the future."

Our requirements for safety and communications equipment specify a function, not a brand. For communications, we require boats to be able to send and receive email at sea, either by satellite communications or via SSB and a Pactor modem. The boat owner can choose the system that suits their budget and cruising style.

These days, the Starlink flat dish is ubiquitous on longdistance cruising yachts, but it is only one way of communicating at sea. Starlink gives us the ability to make WhatsApp and video calls, to surf the internet, or use cloud systems with as much ease as at home. But should the need arise, you can't take Starlink into a liferaft.

Rachel Hibberd World Cruising Club communications manager

⇑⇓ tales of canceling a tiP south of the border

After almost 29 years of ownership, my wife and I are closing escrow today on our ketch-rigged Contest 48, Rutea One of the tasks we needed to deal with prior to closing was canceling our Temporary Import Permit that we got the last time we were in Mexico. We reviewed about a half-dozen posts from respected sources and deduced that we could cancel the TIP at any Banjercito (the military bank in Mexico that issues permits for vehicles, vessels, etc.).

polite bureaucratic runaround. But their patience was rewarded: Their TIP was canceled and the couple enjoyed comfortable public transit and delicious food. The Schneiders also ensured that the next owner of their boat will be able to get their own TIP and enjoy their own cruising — maybe even the Baja Ha-Ha, as seen above.

Our experience proved this to be incorrect. We found that we could only cancel our TIP at a Banjercito that is located at a Port of Entry.

On a quest to cancel their Temporary Import Permit (TIP), Neal and Ruthie Schneider ventured south of the border, where they were given a

LETTERS

Ruthie and I drove from our house to San Ysidro, the city that borders Mexico and Tijuana, and parked ($10). Walking into Mexico with our passports, we were issued a tourist visa even though we told the immigration officer that we were only going to be in Tijuana for maybe an hour (no charge) but we did get a stamp in our passports. We gave the first taxi driver we found the address of a Banjercito and he quoted us $13 for the trip. The Banjercito was heavily guarded with armed military but a concierge inside, who spoke excellent English, said that we had come to the wrong Banjercito and gave us the address to the Banjercito in Otay Mesa.

Fortunately, our taxi driver had waited for us and drove us to where we were told to go. However, upon arrival, the clerk at the Banjercito said she couldn't help us — she consulted with her colleagues and they told us that we'd have to take our boat to Ensenada. I struggled to control my temper as I knew this was wrong, but it was obvious that this office wasn't going to help us.

Our taxi driver stepped up as an interpreter but the outcome didn't change. On our way back to the border at Tijuana, I called the Hotel Coral in Ensenada where we had last stayed — they had helped us clear out of Mexico and I thought they might be able to shed some light on the subject. The woman I spoke with was very knowledgeable, had my documents at hand, and offered to cancel the TIP on my behalf for $200. This didn't seem unreasonable, but I knew that my wife and I could get round-trip bus tickets from Tijuana to Ensenada for $52 for both of us.

Not only would I save $148, but I would know that the TIP was canceled.

I asked about the hours of the Banjercito in Ensenada and was told it closed at 4 p.m., giving us plenty of time. The hotel staffer also emailed me a list of Banjercito offices in the US where a TIP could be canceled, but the closest one to us was Los Angeles, more than 120 miles from our home. (I have not verified if that information is accurate.)

The buses in Mexico are usually luxurious, and the one we rode was very comfortable (the myth that livestock and chickens are also on the bus is insulting), but we hit very heavy traffic and it appeared that it was going to take a lot longer to get to Ensenada.

The port captain's office in Ensenada is one of the most efficient points to check into or out of a country — when we circumnavigated the world, no where else did we find as easy a place to complete the process. The bad news was that they didn't close at 4 p.m., they close at 2:30 p.m. and it looked like we weren't going to make it. Once the bus dropped us off in Ensenada, Ruthie and I ran the 0.6 miles to the Port Captain's office and made it while they were still open. I told the clerk at the Banjercito in the port captain's office what I wanted to do and she requested the original check-out document — she wouldn't accept a photocopy — but I had the original with me. Within a couple of minutes, the process was complete and at no charge. I asked the clerk if this could have been done at a Banjercito in Tijuana and she said no, it had to be done at a Port of Entry.

Ruthie and I enjoyed fish tacos in Ensenada (four fish tacos, a lemonade and a beer — $12) before boarding the bus back to Tijuana. Rutea is gone now and I feel like my identity and my sanctuary have sailed away without me.

Fair winds and calm seas, Rutea. May a steady hand always be at your helm.

Neal Schneider San Diego

⇑⇓ a correction = MeMories

I'm probably not among the first several dozen to write to point out that the picture on page 45 of your January issue labeled "Cook's Bay" on Mo'orea is actually Opunohu Bay — in our opinion, and that of many others, the more beautiful and, to date, less developed, of the two deep bays on Mo'orea. This picture attached shows our favorite anchorage in our Pacific circumnavigation, just behind the reef near the entrance to Opunohu Bay.

The reef provided good protection, the trade winds kept away the bugs, and the snorkeling was great, as long as you didn't mind a few sharks. The beauty of Opunohu Bay in one direction, the open Pacific in the other — and a spot from which we saw the Green Flash at least twice.

In the same issue, Reid Glacier, in Reid Inlet within Glacier Bay, is shown in the spread on pages 70-71. We have no quibble with the facts here, just a bit wistfully note that in 1989, when we were there on Synergy, it definitely still was a tidewater glacier. There were a smattering of bergy bits and a few larger chunks both floating around and marooned on shore at low tide. Reid Inlet was also among our favorite anchorages, although a bit harder to see the Green Flash.

I could say this is another sign of global warming, but that wouldn't be entirely correct. Not that I don't believe warming is happening — I absolutely do — but the glaciers in Glacier Bay have been retreating for well over 100 years. When John Muir visited and wrote about Glacier Bay a bit over a century ago, both of the current arms of the bay were still filled with glacial ice.

We're not sure which one of these boats is David Cohan's 'Tahu Le'a' (we think the foreground vessel), but we are now sure that this is Opunohu Bay on the island of Mo'orea, next to Tahiti.

David Cohan in Glacier Bay, Alaska, in 1989 aboard 'Synergy'.

FEEL THE FREEDOM

LETTERS

Thanks again for the reminders of some very special places, both still well worth visiting any way you can.

Dave Cohan Tahu Le'a Redwood City

⇑⇓ yes. it was aMaZing

I could not resist responding to Lat38's question concerning whether the photo of Opunohu Bay was labeled correctly. I am including the following photograph of my wife, Kristi Hanelt, and our yacht Skylark moored at Robinson's Cove at Opunohu Bay, Mo'orea in July 1972 (before GPS) as proof.

Yes. My friend David Cohan is correct. The photo in question is of Opunohu Bay. Yes, it was amazing.

There was a yacht race in those days, put on by the guys from Newport Beach who owned the Bali Hai hotel chain. The rules were simple. The yachts were anchored off of the Bali Hai hotel in Mo'orea while the crews were assembled on shore. At the starting gun, the crew members each had to drink a full glass of mai tais, swim out to their yachts and get them underway. The first yacht to finish at the Bali Hai hotel in Raiatea (about 100 miles), and to put a crew member ashore to drink another full mai tai, was declared the winner.

BTW, Skylark (a 1937-built, S&S design), is now owned by a very wealthy English industrialist and lives in the lap of luxury in Monaco.

Bob Hanelt

Bob was commenting on the February 7 'LL: Did We Label That Photo "Cook's Bay" Incorrectly?

⇑⇓ Pudding and Proof

Ha! Field excursion is definitely required so one can accurately describe the photo. We were there in December 2014. Our memories are often recalled and compared to our home of Hawaii.

I can't verify [the photo in the article] as our favorite was off the side of Motu Tautau off Taha'a. It provided superb sunsets and our own "guard shark."

Ken and Cathy Mumford

SV Manu Kai Kailua, Hawaii

Opunohu Bay redux, this time featuring 'Skylark' in 1972 with Bob and Kristi Hanelt.

BoB HaNLet

LETTERS

⇑⇓ free sailboats are the secret to growing sailing

I totally agree! It needs to be small and cheap. But I also think it is more about access and storage costs than the type of vessel. Small car-top boats make more sense, but storing them is still a hurdle. Seems like the kind of folks who would have gone for a Laser or Hobie Cat back in the 1970s are now getting into wing foiling (which fits in the back of a Mini Cooper) or going out on a paddleboard. And those who want a slightly drier and safer experience are put off by the cost and hassle of getting on the water in a real boat.

Thomas Gandesbery

Thomas was commenting on the January 29 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter.

⇑⇓ the golden era is gone

Not sure we will ever see reenergized boating as it was in the '60s, '70s and '80s. When we bought our first boat as teenagers, Dad said, "Pay cash, and if you need to ask how much, do not buy it." That was in the late '60s. Among the changes we have seen in boating over the years are when people started buying boats with monthly payments.

Smaller boats are the way to start — if you can pay cash and have a vehicle to move them. No, there is no such thing as a free boat. Costs include insurance, repairs, storage costs and transportation, just to name a few. My suggestion is to find boating clubs that cater to those who want to go boating but do not have the disposable income to own their own boat.

We give you one of the greatest free boats in Latitude 38 history: the Columbia Challenger 'Esprit', on which the editor of these Letters had three glorious years cruising S.F. Bay. This particular "free" boat cost $7,560 in slip fees, plus a few hundred dollars in insurance, registration and taxes, and a tiny bit of maintenance. (Clearly he never spent any money on a new headsail.) It was worth every penny.

If you walk around the Bay Area marinas, it is sad to see the percentage of boats that leave the docks rarely, if at all. They may all look nice, but many get little or no use. As we see the changes in "middle class," so will we see more changes in boating.

H Arthur

⇑⇓ eliMinate, or at least worK around, sliP fees

I have a theory that mooring fields would make boating more affordable for a greater number of people. Slip fees are quite expensive. There are many 1980s 25- to 40-ft boats that would make big boating affordable for more people for a relatively low up-front investment.

We've had several 20-something couples approach us

LETTERS

LETTERS

when we're in port on our 1982 Islander P40 and say it is their dream to learn sailing and cruise. That generation's concern for the environment and focus on experiences makes sailing attractive to them. Comparing sailing to power boating to one couple, I said that "with sailing, it's more about the journey and not just getting there," and the woman lit up and replied, "That's exactly how we want to live our lives." There's good potential with that generation. We just need to find ways to minimize recurring costs.

Bryan McCranner

⇑⇓ coMMunity sailing

I think both the type of boat and accessibility are crucial to growing the sport. The answer for our Pittsburgh [Pennsylvania] Sailing program was to secure grant funds that permitted us to purchase RS Quests. We then have a noturn-away policy based on ability to pay. Having a more recent model boat with both safety and performance features helps us to maintain the interest of sailors as they build sailing skills. We also have a city-based location with transit service.

Joe Kirk

Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League

⇑⇓ the case for sMall boats

The first step to spark interest is inviting a non-boater to go boating. Ask them to bring their kids along.

Roger Nunez

When buying your first small boat, buying two promotes competition. A friend with a Sabot is the best first option — it's the most competitive and largest class racing.

Dan E Hoover

I bought my Snark for $10 seven years ago. I wrapped it in fresh epoxy fiberglass and bought a new sail. I just got it sail ready for the season l hope to use it again this summer. It's a great little boat that I can take anywhere in the back of my truck. Here in Texas, it costs me $0 to keep it, besides occasional repairs.

Paul Elgersma

Snarks are great! I stored mine in the apartment master bedroom, hanging from the ceiling! (Cannot do that with the present boat.) The Snark could be carried to car, rooftopped, then driven to a lake upon a late summer afternoon whim.

A

Alex

Small boats offer the easiest access to sailing, and the easiest means of storage — though a garage, or affordable dry storage, is helpful.

LETTERS

When my husband and I started dating, we compared our sailing histories. We had two things in common from our early sailing days: Our dads had flown us to Bermuda in 1980 to do the deliveries home with them, and they'd bought us Snarks to knock about in. At that point, these were almost opposite ends of the sailing spectrum. Which hooked us? The Snark or the big-boat delivery? Probably neither. Or maybe both.

More likely, it was someone introducing us to the awesomeness of sailing! Take a friend or family member sailing on whatever you can. Make sailing accessible any way we can. That's how we make sailors.

Mary

⇑⇓ not all sMall boats are affordable

The famous E Scow, a four-person, one-design monohull popular on US lakes, now costs over $100,000 under the monopoly of Melges Boatworks. The sailing industry in the USA is uncreative and is cannibalizing itself.

Joe Scow

⇑⇓ you can lead a horse to water …

Sailing is my life's passion. Spanning from 4 years old (in 1957) in a homemade wood-planked sinker to today in a 40-ft salvaged Bounty II. Many children become mesmerized and involved when out for a sail or a longer-distance, overnight jaunt. However, there are those who just can't put down their phone (just like their parents) and never got involved or gained interest.

to laugh in your face. We take comfort in the fact that sailing is both a sport (and potentially expensive) and a lifestyle (and potentially affordable).

Now that I'm reaching the physical age where annual maintenance and sailing endeavors are becoming daunting, I hope there will be a young adult stricken with sailing fever who will take over.

Roger Shields Long Island Sound, Connecticut

⇑⇓ one dead after sailboat runs aground near san juan islands

I cannot give the US Coast Guard enough praise. They risk their lives every day to save the rest of us. This was a highly difficult rescue environment that demanded skill and courage. It is tragic the woman lost her life and we all feel for her family and other loved ones. Thank you Coast Guard. Semper Paratus.

Steven Bustin

Steven was commenting on the February 5 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter. A 56-year-old man was rescued and an unconscious woman was recovered after a 31-ft sailboat was disabled and grounded near the San Juan Islands. The woman was later pronounced dead.

An MC Scow in the thick of some serious racing. Ask competitive dinghy sailors how "affordable" sailing is and they're likely

LETTERS

⇑⇓ just the reassurance that they are there

The CG is not called usually on a calm, sunny day. It's when it's dark, it's blowing like snot from the NW, the seas are confused … I've never had to call them, but I am so glad they monitor the radio 24/7 and are teed up to deploy marine and aviation resources. They are courageous.

Bill Chase

⇑⇓ what are the lessons learned?

I'm always interested in a debrief. What caused her death? How could this situation have been avoided or improved upon? I've sailed the Salish Sea for a few decades. So I'm not looking for generalizations like hypothermia, lee shore etc. I'm curious if anyone has detailed information that could be helpful to prevent a future catastrophe.

Stefan

⇑⇓ cold is cold

We often read in 'Lectronic about tragic circumstances in California. This one is closer to home. The water here is very cold.

Joshua Wheeler, The Resourceful Sailor Sampaguita, 1985 Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 Pacific Ocean

Josh — Not to nitpick, but the water is very cold here in California, too, but often deceives people, especially in the summer. You can easily be somewhere inland in 100-degree heat, then find yourself in a frigid Bay an hour later. Be wary and prepared, Nation.

⇑⇓ notice: Public hearing on ProPosed treasure island Marina rePlaceMent

Thank you for posting this notice! A couple of notable points in the application, which has a stated primary goal of "improving public access …"

Dredging necessary for future navigation safety and ongoing marina operations would be reviewed under a permit amendment application when needed, and not part of the construction process as described in the proposed project. [Quoting the BCDC:] "The marina project authorized under this permit is located entirely within the Bay, with no shoreline protection component."

Clipper Cove used to be a great anchorage but is largely inaccessible now due to silting. The shoreline is inaccessible to kayakers and small-boat sailors due to construction as noted by Latitude, but this project does nothing to improve shoreline access and parking.

If you truly want to improve public access, dredge the cove, build appropriate parking and beach access with public restrooms, and provide secure dinghy docking for transient anchored boats. You don't need a bigger marina.

Neal Holmlund

Grainy night footage taken by the Coast Guard shows a 31-ft sailboat bashing on the rocks near the San Juan Islands on February 3.

⇑⇓ so Many questions

What markers will there be for the channel? Is the proposed channel even currently navigable? Is there any work showing that the silting was caused by bridge construction or do we know if it's actually caused by the hydrology of the Bay in that spot? And how radioactive is that mud, anyway? Lee

⇑⇓ iMPede anchoring?

If they build this big of a marina they need to dredge the south half of Clipper Cove. The planned marina footprint will displace much of the current area where you can anchor.

Steve Haas

Plans for the new Treasure Island Marina, where construction is set to begin sometime in summer 2026. The project applicants contend, "The proposed project would provide improved public access through providing a publicly accessible transient boat dock providing moorage at a nominal fee, which will allow for up to 10 boats to be moored at a time along the eastern, external, side of Dock A, providing greater access to Clipper Cove to the general public boating community."

⇑⇓ what about tisc?

In this new plan, where will the Treasure Island Sailing Center go, and what facilities are they likely to have?

Ross Stein

Ross — Our understanding is TISC will be approximately in the same location, in the southeast corner of Treasure Island, which is currently under construction. They can't move back in until construction in that area is complete, which should take about two years.

⇑⇓ a Plea to My fellow sailors

The potential closing of the Estuary & Ocean Science Center, or the Romberg Tiburon Center (RTC), has significant implications to all those who use and enjoy the Bay.

For almost 50 years, the center faculty and students have conducted research on the Bay that has guided state policies in regard to freshwater inflows to protect fisheries, improving water quality through better wastewater treatment, employing natural systems to protect shorelines from sea level rise, controlling toxic algal blooms and invasive species, and restoring intertidal and submerged habitats.

As a faculty member at RTC for 20 years and former director, I find it hard to understand the fiscal sense of closing the facility. It brings in millions of dollars each year to support its research program and improve the infrastructure — including over $10 million last year for community-related programs to develop innovative approaches to sea level rise adaptation and to fund a new Bayside research facility to

LETTERS

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LETTERS

been asked to support itself amid a budget crisis in the California State University system. Facing a "demographic cliff" where the number of college-aged students has fallen to historic lows — a result of the Great Recession 17 years ago — higher education is grappling with a severe loss of its revenue base.

grow and study marine seagrasses. It has trained hundreds of students, many of whom go on to marine-science careers in both government and private industry. The Center holds annual open houses that bring in the public to learn more about the organisms that inhabit the Bay and to inspire children to explore the ocean.

It is true that the CSU system as a whole is under severe fiscal stress, but closing this center to save about $600,000 will mean returning grants and contracts, losing extraordinary scientific talent, and eliminating hands-on training of a new generation of students dedicated to making the Bay better for all of us. I urge my fellow sailors, fishermen, and kayakers to look around you at the beautiful place we call San Francisco Bay and email the chancellor of CSU and the president of SFSU to reconsider this action and keep EOS operating for all our benefit.

Michael Josselyn Uhoo!, Ultimate 20 Richmond Yacht Club

Michael was commenting on the February 14 'Lectronic Latitude: Tiburon-Based Marine Science Lab Falls Victim to SFSU Budget Cuts.

⇑⇓ a little loVe to close us out

I have enjoyed reading your magazine for close to 40 years, and I will keep on enjoying it for years to come. I do have some California cred, since I was born, and have lived my entire 69 years, in the East Bay.

Thanks for the space to vent!

Patrick Brown

Thanks, Pat! It's always nice to hear. Please forgive us for shilling here, but we'll take this opportunity to remind readers to pick up a Latitude 38 each and every month, hand it to your friends, support our advertisers, and take new sailors sailing whenever you have the chance.

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

The Romberg Tiburon Campus, which houses the Estuary & Ocean Science Center — the only marine science lab on San Francisco Bay — has

LOOSE LIPS

Readers, nice work on the March Caption Contest(!). You all jumped right into the wash and passed with “flying” colors. Some of us, as Gregor M. Caillietas wrote, were “Born to fly!” Winner and top 10 below.

“‘Try windsurfing in a hurricane,’ they said. ‘It’ll be fun,’ they said.” — Kelvin Meeks.

“Zeke was a very religious man, but had always expected the Rapture to come when he was at his computer desk.” — Michael Simon.

“Hmm. In training class, the ‘chute was supposed to have opened by now!” — Richard vonEhrenkrook.

“Dismounted … now, stick the landing!” — Steve Rienhart.

“I identify as a kite.” — Steve Hodges.

“Houston, we have separation!” — Ian Clements.

“Missed it by THAT much!” — David Henry.

“It was at this point that Egbert regretted skipping the physics basics course when he was at college.” — Adrian.

“I’m not sure the ejection seat worked correctly!” — David Cohan.

“Windsurfing rodeo," a new viral sport, suddenly takes off!!!” — Tom Corcoran.

" We clear the harbor and the wind catches her sails and my beautiful ship leans over ever so gracefully, and her elegant bow cuts cleanly into the increasing chop of the waves. I take a deep breath and my chest expands and my heart starts thumping so strongly I fear the others might see it beat through the cloth of my jacket. I face the wind and my lips peel back from my teeth in a grin of pure joy.” — L.A. Meyer, Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber

Winner: “NOW, SCOTTY!” — Steve Browne.

josh kali's mini globe challenge generations on the

A couple of months ago, Latitude spoke with Pacific Northwest sailor Josh Kali on our Good Jibes podcast about his planned 400-day circumnavigation with the Mini Globe Challenge aboard his homebuilt, 19-ft plywood sloop. Since then, Josh has sailed more than 1,600 miles from North Carolina to the start of the Mini Globe Race in Antigua, as well as raced the 1,200-mile first leg from Antigua to Colón, Panama. This is a dramatic change of scenery for this former extreme mountain climber.

We caught up with Kali in Panama. The first leg was the culmination of almost three years of planning and boatbuilding before he trailered his boat behind his van over 3,000 miles from Seattle to North Carolina to sail for Antigua. After he heard about the Mini Globe Race, the idea — where competitors raced around the world in 19-ft plywood, one-design sloops — was attractive to Josh. You could buy a finished boat or build your own from a kit provided by the race. Kali opted to build the kit boat. In early January, he was ready to depart the PNW to drive to North Carolina for the sail to Antigua to make the February 23 start.

The trouble was, Josh had never sailed. Undaunted, he found a cheap but working San Juan 24 for $2,500. After reading a few books, he started sailing in light air with just the mainsail before hoisting the jib and steadily sailing in stronger breezes. He eventually started knocking off the miles cruising the Pacific Northwest. He also started a career as a marine electronics technician.

After rigging his 19-footer on the Neuse River in North Carolina and a couple of light-wind test sails, he found a weather window in late January for the sail to Antigua. It turned into a long, upwind leg all the way. He arrived for his first visit to the tropics ever after 20 days of sailing, just six days before the start of the 'round-the-world race. It's also where he first met the other 14 adventurers. While most of the world thinks the participants must be certifiably crazy, Josh's enthusiastic embrace of the group and the circumnavigation makes you think people not racing are the crazy ones. Leaving a frozen mountainside tent for a 19-ft yacht in the islands is a very comfortable upgrade.

The fleet left Antigua with idyllic 15-knot tradewind conditions. At start time, 14 of the 15-boat fleet departed Antigua on February 23 for the leg to Panama, with an amazing average of over 100 miles per day. The winner, Renaud Stitelmann, finished in eight days and 18 hours. All boats finished in under 12 days, with the top day's run 160 miles! The leg was mostly drama-free without any major gear failures, though some rough weather shook them up. Skipper Jasmine Harrison (the youngest competitor) on Nombatou reported the common challenge of clearing sargasso weed off her rudder. Dan Turk on Little Bea had a close encounter with what could have been a small whale, bringing his boat to a sudden halt from 6 knots and sending him flying into the galley bulkhead.

Josh, the only American in the race, was resting in Panama when — in his typical upbeat manner — he reported a great first leg. Asked how his boat, Skookum, performed, he said, "The boat's in great shape, I just washed the salt off; it's me that needs the rest." Since his leg from North Carolina to Antigua was all upwind, the race from Antigua to Panama was the first time he sailed with a spinnaker. It turned out to be a perfect shakedown sail.

Josh reports that while they're all gathered in Colón, the fleet is working continued on outside column of next sightings page

It never hurts to receive a blessing. The Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon and the Pacific Interclub Yachting Association (PICYA) invite all Bay Area boats to get out on the Bay to receive a blessing on Opening Day, Sunday, April 27. The "God Squad," a rabbi, minister and priest, will be aboard Aurora V, a 1969 John Trumpy & Sons coastal cruiser, anchored near the Corinthian's clubhouse in Tiburon. When you cruise by from east to west from 10:30 to 12:30 between the boat and the shoreline, you'll receive a blessing from the members of the God Squad. Bring your family, hoist your flags, and start your summer of sailing on the Bay.

Across the Bay on the Cityfront, the

Josh Kali got his first downwind-sailing experience from Antigua to Panama.

bay for opening day

PICYA organizes a parade of boats running just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio and heading east along the shoreline to the first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green.

Their blessing tradition was added to the festivities in 1963 and was modeled on the age-old traditional blessings of vessels for working fishermen. Any vessels can take part (one does not have to be a yacht club member), as long they register beforehand and have a marine radio. Register at PICYA. org. Decorate your boat with the "Generations on the Bay" theme for a chance to win one of the numerous prize categories listed on the site.

— latitude / john

josh's mini globe — continued

together on whatever issues arose on leg one. Most of the competitors had met before the start in a qualifying race from the Cape Verde Islands to Antigua. Josh caught up with them in Antigua and is now reconnecting in Panama. The skippers shared information online while building and outfitting their boats, and the brief shore time together has demonstrated the kindred spirit among the 15 sailors racing around the world on small boats for 400 days.

The next challenge in the event is crossing Panama. The small vessels are not using the Panama Canal, but are crossing overland on trailers instead. This requires dropping the spars and rerigging on the other side. The goal is to hit the starting line for leg two to Fiji (with required stops in the Marquesas and Tonga) on March 23, though some trailering issues might delay the departure. The 50 miles across Panama on land may be more worrisome than crossing the open ocean. Josh now has the rhythm of sailing his boat downwind and is looking forward to the next approximately 40- to 50-day leg across the Pacific to the Marquesas.

— latitude / john

Josh kali

Clockwise from top right: Josh Kali on his way to Panama; Josh and his trusty steed; test sailing on the Neuse River; the comfy interior of 'Skookum', is luxurious compared to a tent. To listen to Good Jibes episode 175 featuring Josh, just scan the QR code above.

commodore on the move again

Commodore Tompkins has gone to sea again. He left the Bay on February 8 aboard his bright red, custom Wylie 39 Flashgirl, and arrived in Honolulu on February 26 — his 93rd birthday. Aboard as crew were Rachel Saudek, an experienced sailor currently sailing with Call of the Sea's 82-ft schooner Seaward, and Eric Steinberg, an experienced sailor, ocean racer and founder of the Sausalito-based Farallon Electronics.

For anyone who might not know, Warwick 'Commodore' Tompkins Jr. has spent the majority of his life sailing. Born in Boston in 1932, his home from the age of two weeks was the 85-ft schooner Wander Bird, a former German pilot boat owned by his father. Aboard her, he rounded Cape Horn at age 4. In later years, he went on to race at the highest levels of the sport, on some of the most famous boats of the day, in Admiral's Cups, America's Cups, Bermuda races, Sydney Hobarts, and countless Mexico races and Transpacs. He turned his attention to cruising in the 1990s, building

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beer can racing

Open the 2025 Latitude 38 YRA Racing Calendar and you'll find numerous yacht clubs kicking off their evening Beer Can Racing series with weeknight racing Mondays through Fridays. The series are held at clubs from Stockton to Redwood City and everywhere in between. And don't forget that there are also series on Lake Tahoe and Monterey Bay.

Berkeley Yacht Club and Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club got a jump on everyone by starting their series in March. Both those series run until late September/early October. So there's lots of sailing to be had.

The beauty of beer can racing is a

Clockwise from top left: Warwick 'Commodore' Tompkins sailed out the Gate aboard his Tom Wylie-designed 'Flashgirl' in early February; the Commodore up the mast; Rachel Saudek helms 'Flashgirl' across the Pacific.

heats up in april

midweek break for evening sails when you might not otherwise get your boat on the Bay. You do not have to be a yacht club member to join the series — just go to the various clubs and sign up (for a small fee). Then rally at the club after the races. And if you're just looking for a ride, all you have to do is show up and ask around.

To find a beer can series near you, pick up a calendar at your favorite Latitude 38 magazine distributor, or go to the calendar page of www.latitude38.com and go to page 22 of the online calendar. It's a fun way to spend summer evenings sailing.

— latitude

commodore — continued

Flashgirl from a bare hull and deck over a nine-year period, incorporating such innovations as water ballasting and a lifting keel. His last long cruise aboard the boat was a 12-year (2004-2016) sojourn through the South Seas with his late wife, Nancy.

With high-pressure ridges marching regularly across the Pacific in winter, sailors need to pay particular attention to forecasts. The Flashgirl crew were no exception. When a northerly forecast to last for a few days appeared in early February, it was go time.

Flashgirl sailed out the Gate, turned left and headed south under full (and later reefed) main and #3. Running fast and deep with a consistent 20-30 knots of breeze behind them, the crew shed more layers of coldweather clothing about every other day as the temps turned warmer. At about the latitude of Cabo, they hung a right and headed west, encountering lighter, more variable winds the rest of the way.

It was good sailing — Flashgirl is a fast passagemaker — but not exactly smooth sailing. A series of incidents kept it a bit more real than the crew would have preferred, especially Commodore.

The first one happened only a couple of days out when Eric came up for watch and Commodore informed him, "I have some bad news." (It's never good to hear that from anyone offshore, but especially Commodore.) "We lost the tiller extension." While Eric breathed a sigh of relief that the news wasn't that bad, it still made for some awkward "hands on" steering that first week or more, when conditions were too boisterous for the autopilot. The next thing was more serious. On the third day, the boat lurched and Commodore, who was below at the time, got thrown into a bulkhead, injuring his ribs. (He wouldn't know until he got to Hawaii that he had cracked three of them.) He says the injury made sleeping difficult. But it didn't bother him much when he went up the mast to address failed halyard fittings — twice.

On day 10, a swivel on the main halyard failed and the main fell on deck. Both Eric and Rachel offered, and then insisted, on going aloft for the fix, but the skipper won the debate. "There are certain tricks about going aloft at sea, and I know those tricks," says Commodore. So he got hoisted up on the spinnaker halyard, took care of the issue, and came back down. A few hours later, another fitting failure dumped the main a second time. Commodore went up again, and this time the fixes stayed fixed for the rest of the trip.

Then there was the short, sweet life of the spinnaker, a beautiful, almost-new sail (built for a Farr 40, but which fits Flashgirl perfectly). "As soon as we got it up, the boatspeed went from 7.5 knots to 10+," says Eric. "It was fabulous sailing." Two hours later, the boat rounded up and the spinny blew to shreds. From then on, it was white sails the rest of the way to Hawaii. (Well, OK, the blast reacher is red.)

The final adrenaline rush happened just a few hundred miles from Honolulu when Rachel noticed "something flopping around on the foredeck." It turned out to be the headstay! The pin holding it to the stem fitting had somehow come adrift and the stay was just flopping around. The only thing holding the mast up forward was the jib halyard.

Again ignoring his aching ribs, Commodore sprang into action. In just minutes, he rigged up a quick system of blocks and lines to pull and pin the headstay back in place. "It was a real demonstration of seamanship," says Eric. "Very impressive."

When it was all said and done, Flashgirl had sailed a few extra miles — about 2,800 compared to a typical summer crossing of 2,200 — but it was good sailing for the most part. (And at this point in life, Commodore is not in a big hurry anymore.) At this writing, Eric and Rachel had flown back home and Commodore was on "Rest and Recuperation" in Honolulu, which in Commodore-speak means he rests when he sleeps at night but is otherwise working on the boat most of the day — including going back up the rig two more times. Once he's good to go, Flashgirl will head south and west with a yet-to-be-determined crew. Per request, the final destination is, for the moment, off the record.

john riise / latitude

coolers can save the officer of the day club

I knew my turn as officer of the day (OD) at Sequoia Yacht Club was coming up. Every sailor knows it's part of the sacred duty of club membership, like varnishing teak or pretending to enjoy light-wind races. But nothing prepares you for the existential drudgery of a full Sunday spent enforcing rules no one follows, watching people tie dock lines incorrectly, and babysitting a bar so well-stocked it could sink a Catalina 27.

For those unfamiliar, being OD is the yachting equivalent of weekend detention. A full-day commitment, trapped within the hallowed halls of the club, watching time crawl like a becalmed race. If the '80s movie The Breakfast Club had been about yacht clubs, it wouldn't have been nearly as funny, and my fellow cast members would only include occasional appearances from: The Crusty Old Sea Dog, an actual retired skipper's Labrador who stops by to critique my lack of OD and bartending skills; the Club Cheerleader, a perpetually smiling sailor who flutters in, thanks me for my commitment, and dashes off to go sailing, reminding me what I'm missing; the Bartender in Disguise, a longtime member who casually takes over the bar, side-eyeing my mixology experiments with visible concern; and, of course, my own Richard Vernon, our very own vice commodore Hans, a man whose Dutch efficiency, attention to detail, and complete lack of humor make him the perfect stand-in for The Breakfast Club's vice principal. ("Your Ass is Mine.")

My OD shift actually started the night before when I texted vice commodore Hans to ask if I could come in an hour late since I was flying in from out of town. His response was immediate: "Dis is not acceptable. De duty of de OD is important, ja? We haf rules! Dis is not some gezellig time in a café with a biertje!"

I knew better than to push my luck. But I also knew better than to show up on time. So, I arrived promptly at 10 a.m. And by promptly, I mean I was there at 10:30 a.m. I raised the colors and donned the OD badge like a sheriff walking into a town where nothing ever happens. Hans had told me where to find the OD guidebook, a detailed tome of responsibilities, but I could sum it up in one sentence: Be here. Try not to burn the place down.

Time Stands Still

The morning shift was uneventful, but productive. I watched every TikTok my daughter had sent me in the last two years, cleared all my work and personal emails, and even read the day's news, only to look up at the clock and realize two hours had passed.

At 10:30 a.m., my despair was briefly lifted when the Club Cheerleader floated in, beaming with enthusiasm. She thanked me for my service, raved about how great it was to see members stepping up, and then disappeared out the door to go sailing, leaving me behind like a forgotten crew member who missed the start sequence.

The Doldrums and Boat Chores

Feeling fully zombified and in need of sun, I wandered the grounds, picking up trash and watching club members do their standard weekend boat chores, which mostly involved standing on the dock with hands on their hips, nodding occasionally and accomplishing absolutely nothing.

Let's be honest about "boat chores": Most of us really mean to say, "I am going down to the marina to sit on the boat for a few hours and drink beer." By noon, I had memorized every commodore's portrait on the wall, dating back to 1939, and determined that at least three of them were the same person with different mustaches.

The Bar Calls

Some say power corrupts, but true power is having unfettered access to the yacht club's liquor supply. With no official bartender present — and being ABC [Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control] licensed myself — I decided this was the perfect opportunity to introduce Sequoia Yacht Club to my brand of mixology. Experimental cocktails included, "The OD's Revenge": a nautical twist on a margarita, featuring an alarming amount of tequila, a splash of coconut rum, and just enough lime to pretend it was drinkable; "The Lost Fender": gin and regret; "The Capsize": equal parts bourbon and bad decisions. "The Race Protest": a drink no one would

There have been a rash of boat sinkings and rescues where a non-purpose-built piece of equipment has played a key role in people's survival: coolers.

A search found numerous cases of boaters being rescued by the only floating object available: their styrofoam-insulated cooler.

Last October, a captain survived a night in a hurricane west of Longboat Key in Florida. The US Coast Guard announced, "He survived because of a life jacket, his emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and a cooler." Another story described how eight people were rescued after their 28-ft boat sank 40 miles west of

boaters' lives

Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. They managed a mayday call before the boat went down and the USCG found them all alive clinging to a cooler. Four people were rescued by clinging to two coolers after the boat sank. (They posted their goodbye message to family on TikTok.) Another Florida rescue involved four fishermen who clung to a cooler for 3-4 hours after their 16-ft fishing boat capsized. Two men were rescued while clinging to a cooler in Boston Harbor after their boat sank.

This has spawned a rush of product development from engineers, including continued on inside column of next sightings page

officer of the day — continued

enjoy but would argue about.

At this point, Dan's trusty old black Labrador wandered in, sniffed the air, and gave me a long, knowing look. I offered him a drink. He snorted in that way only Labs do, turned, and walked out in silent judgment. I'm pretty sure he left a fart behind.

The End of the Voyage

By 4:30 p.m., salvation had arrived in Marty, a longtime member who took pity on me. He helped clean up the bar, take down the colors, and offered to stick around since he was meeting someone soon and could close up. I wasn't going to argue.

I stepped outside, the late afternoon sun glinting off the masts in the harbor, and took a deep breath of fresh air. The day had been long, tedious and filled with questionable decisions. But it hadn't been all bad. Sure, I didn't get to sail. Sure, I may have ruined multiple liquor

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David Chamberlain, the author of this Sightings, as seen in some non-officer-of-the-day activities.

officer of the day

— continued

combinations beyond recognition. But I had put in my time, served my club, and, in a weird way, I had enjoyed the absurdity of it all.

As I walked to my car, I turned introspective and came to a realization: Officer of the day is like a long-haul voyage — you start with optimism, suffer through the doldrums, and by the end, you're just trying not to crash on the rocks. But sometimes, if you're lucky, you find someone willing to take the last watch so you can go home early.

— david chamberlain

ron rosenberg gives back to sailing

Whether competing in championships or the Olympic trials, coaching teams, or simply sailing with family and friends, Ron Rosenberg's lifelong commitment to sailing has been characterized by his generosity. These days, Ron is actively promoting sailing through the Orcas Island-based group J/Pod. When the pandemic hit, Ron and a bunch of sailing friends

continued on outside column of next sightings page

coolers — continued

wearable and throwable lifesaving coolers. The smaller versions are just large enough to hold a six-pack and ice, while larger versions will hold up to a case plus, a couple of good-sized cod. Both "life coolers" have side pockets for snacks.

While many products are still being field tested, it's a reminder you should never leave the dock without a cooler. If someone shouts, "Throw me the whole cooler," it might be an indication someone may need rescue.

Or perhaps they just need another drink while in the drink.

— April Fool's from latitude 38 / Bruce Brown / Chuck Haw-Haw-Hawley

Scenes from Ron Rosenberg's sailing life. To listen to Good Jibes episode 180 featuring Ron, just scan the QR code below.

cost

of luxury yachting

Sailors and sailing are rightfully proud of the participants attracted to sailing. Sailors are adventurous, educated, smart, creative, and sometimes wealthy. The upscale segment of the yachting market is one that sailing has exploited to attract sponsors and sell large, luxurious and profitable sailboats.

This has been beneficial for revenue, but not necessarily for participation.

With the promotion of the "luxury lifestyle," the sailing industry has shot itself in the foot. The not-so-hidden cost of luxury sailing has been part of the reason for the drop in participation. Highlighting luxury sailing in advertising and marketing has

ron rosenberg — continued

spent a year and a half on the island with plenty of time on their hands. "We wanted to go sailing, so we put out a call and said, 'Hey, who wants to go sailing?'" Ron said. The group had access to a J/70, and with COVID safety protocols in place, they'd take turns doublehanding the boat. It was a hit; the J/70 provided just the right amount of performance combined with ease of handling to ensure everyone had a great time. It wasn't long before one boat became several and people were signing up to improve their skills or learn to sail in what Ron describes as an inclusive environment. "We try really hard to make it a good experience. There's no reason anybody should have a bad experience sailing. No one should ever be yelled at — yelling doesn't make the boat go any faster."

One of the J/Pod's unique features is its group coaching program. When Ron is hired for private coaching, others in the fleet are invited to bring their boats out at no cost. His feedback is shared with the entire fleet via radio and later through videos of the session, complete with coaching comments and tips. The J/Pod is an informal fleet that currently has 55 J/70s throughout the Pacific Northwest. "We're not done growing," Ron said.

Ron started sailing at age 7, when his father decided to buy a Coronado 15 for family daysails. Rosenberg senior had taken a few lessons, but was by no means a full-on sailor. One day, the five-strong Rosenberg family took to the water. "It took us probably a couple hours to put the thing together and get launched," Ron recalls. "Downwind was a breeze." Getting back was a different story. The boat capsized as they turned around, and no one knew how to right a sailboat. Despite the family swim, it was a great adventure demonstrating a theme Ron considers important: "Doing something together with your family."

Stepping up from the Coronado 15, the family sailed aboard a borrowed Sabot, then enrolled in a sailing clinic. Ron quickly realized he was not going back to other sports. Chasing his older brother and his friends aboard their Lasers and Snipes developed Ron's own sailing skills. He also credits his father, who would quiz the brothers on what they had learned from their sailing classes. Ultimately, Ron went on to win five world sailing titles, two 5.5 Meter Class Gold Cups, one European championship and more than 50 national titles. He was also a US Olympic sailing team captain, coached Olympic sailors from 1984 to 2016, and was a founding member of the Young America's Cup team. How did he manage all that, and to still be accessible to the everyday sailor?

"I learned early that you'd better contribute," Ron said.

Ron sailed Dragons in Europe with East Coast Olympic sailor Glenn Foster. "He had already sort of lived the life that I wanted to live." Foster showed that open-mindedness and respect can lead to strong bonds and endless opportunities, a credo Ron continues to sail by. Ron would often find himself rubbing shoulders with successful sailors who would invite him to train with them. "When asked and invited, the answer is always, 'Yes,'" he says, adding, "If you want to be asked back again, you better find a way to contribute."

This same theory is a driving force behind the J/Pod group. Ron contributes his time and expertise, and in return, he participates in a growing, energized sailing fleet that is not all about winning.

"Egos get checked at the dock," he says. "It is perfectly fine to come in last place in our group. You are expected to improve, and if you're a good sailor, you're expected to help others."

Ron is confident the J/Pod model can work for other classes across the country. "I really do think that given the right opportunity and minimizing the barriers to entry, people will come to sailing, give it a try, and as long as they're not going to have a really bad experience, they're probably going to come back. And who knows? They might discover their passion, and we might be able to add to the growth of our sport."

racing with andy newell, ahi, and the yra

Andy Newell's Santana 35 Ahi has been a ubiquitous presence on San Francisco Bay and offshore race courses for 15 years. The vintage 1981 Ahi is hull #99 of 115 Santana 35s built in Southern California. "We have been racing Ahi since 2010," says Andy, "but several of my crew go back to a Farr 36 named Petard that my uncle, Keith Buck, owned since the mid1980s.

"I had two uncles who raced their boats: Keith Buck with his Santana 22 and then Farr 36, both named Petard, and Gene Buck, who had the Farallone Clipper Ouessant, which is still on the Bay." (Jennifer Hinkel has owned and raced Ouessant out of Sausalito for several years.) "I started sailing with them when I was in junior high school in the mid-'70s."

Prior to that, Andy was a Sea Scout, sailing on one of that organization's whaleboats out of the San Francisco Sea Scout base in Aquatic Park. "My first solo was on an El Toro on Lake Merced in San Francisco, and I had a Laser I raced for a couple of seasons in the early '80s. Most of my racing before 2010 was on Petard, including four Pacific Cup races."

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Andy Newell.

This year, Ahi's schedule is "remarkably like what we have done for ages: all the full-crew series (Bay and offshore) and destination races that YRA offers, Richmond YC's Big Daddy and Great Pumpkin regattas, Berkeley YC's Wheeler Regatta [coming up this April 12-13], the Jazz Cup to Benicia, two or three midwinter series, and anything else we can fit on the calendar. With a few non-race return days it ends up being 35-40 weekend days per year. The extra cost of extra races is minimal, so we do all we can!" Andy thinks that some other programs get in more race days per year thanks to beer can racing. "I live in San Jose, and my crew is too spread out to try to do any weeknight races."

On weekends, Andy and his crew rendezvous at Ahi's slip on RYC's A dock; previous to that, Ahi called the Berkeley Marina home.

"I like the intensity of short-course buoy races, such as the YRA In-theBay series and the RYC races. I like the destination races where we end up somewhere, and I enjoy the offshore races, especially Half Moon Bay and Drake's Bay. These are all very different experiences."

Andy gives back to the sport by volunteering to serve on the board of the Yacht Racing Association. He's a director at large and the offshore racing coordinator. So we asked him what the YRA would like our readers to know about the association's slate of events for this year. "The YRA has a full menu of races planned for 2025, with something for everyone," he says. "The Offshore Series starts with the Lightship Race on April 19 and is a nine-race series that runs through September. The In-the-Bay series will start on May 10. It's an eight-race series on four days ending in September. The Destination races will start with the Great Vallejo Race on the first weekend in May and include races to Half Moon Bay, Westpoint Harbor in Redwood City, and Encinal YC in Alameda. Each one ends at a party, so you can meet other racers. For the shorthanded folks, we have the fiverace YRA Shorthanded Sunday series that runs from April 13 through September. Last but not least, we are working on a women skipper series, with details to come.

"If you have a boat, find a crew and come join us. If you don't have a

reinforced the image of sailing as a pastime only affordable by the wealthy. The vast majority of sailors know this is simply not true. The vast majority of sailors sail for free as crew.

We like to talk about sailing as a great family sport, but how often do you see an ad for a sailboat with a family on board? Most often, one sees promotions for elegant yachts with clean, sweeping decks and one or two very chic, very attractive people on deck without foul weather gear, harnesses or PFDs — and certainly without friends or family.

—

continued

Most lifelong sailors remember some of their best days ever as those spent on their Hobies, Lasers or Sunfish. There are thousands of inexpensive used boats available for a fraction of the cost of new boats. And there are still good, affordable new, small sailboats on the market. The majority of sailboat owners own boats under 20 feet in length. For sailing to grow, the small-boat foundation must expand.

It is incredibly hard to run a profitable business selling small boats, and there is nothing wrong with selling and promoting continued on inside column of next sightings page

andy newell —

continued

boat, find one looking for crew (we all are at one time or another) and join the fun that way." This would be a good opportunity for us to remind readers of Latitude 38's Spring Crew List Party, coming up on Thursday, April 3, at a new venue, Bay View Boat Club in the heart of San Francisco's happenin' Mission Bay neighborhood. The spring party welcomes racers, cruisers and daysailors. See www.latitude38.com/crew-party.

For all the details on YRA racing, see www.yra.org and sign up for races on www.jibeset.net. Also see the annual Northern California Sailing Calendar and YRA Master Schedule, which Latitude publishes around each New Year's.

We're looking forward to quizzing Andy for his tips on getting started in racing for a future issue of the magazine and/or a 'Lectronic Latitude post, so stay tuned.

— chris

Clockwise from left: The Santana 35 'Ahi' in the 2019 YRA Encinal Regatta; 'Ahi's crew for RYC's Big Daddy Regatta on March 8, left to right: Vijay Kesavan, Joe Dick, Valerie Suzawa, Andy Newell, Mark Schieble and Jeff Raby, post-race in their slip at RYC; 'Ahi' lookin' good on the Bay.

how a pirate looks at 80 cost

"Honey, I'm sailing to the Channel Islands again at the end of this summer," Mack proclaimed. Closing her Kindle and clicking the remote to turn on the gas fireplace, Sandy squinted at her husband of 58 years.

"It's February; you're just bored. You'll be 80 years old for God's sake!" Mack had his response ready. "We all have to die sometime … better to die with boots on, right?"

"Mack, you're having trouble getting socks on, much less your boots. Besides, who would crew for you? All your sailing friends are either dead or can't handle demanding trips anymore." Mack went silent. She was right on all counts, as usual. "Would it bother you if I watched some golf while you read?" he muttered. Mack had to admit that he was bored and feeling cooped up on a gray day with little on the calendar that excited him. But there was more to it than that: He was having difficulty getting enthused about much of anything these days. Maybe the cumulative losses over the years of parents, many great friends, and his cat — along with his ability to play sports or even run/hike for that matter — was dragging him down. (He

continued on outside column of next sightings page

of yachting

luxury boats — they're imperative for the industry to stay in business. (Interestingly, Porsche figured out that they needed to sell all-purpose, four-door SUVs to remain a viable business because the market for zoomy sports cars is relatively small. Will the sailboat industry have a similar epiphany about family-oriented boats?)

Despite the challenges and our excellent demographics, sailing has to find a way to promote affordable, accessible, adventurous sailing. Inexpensive boats exist, but they are somehow invisible to the world. And a small percentage of those small-boat sailors will become wealthy yachtsmen someday.

—

latitude / john

"Three granddaughters, a fiancé, and a friend signed on for various legs of what would be a 33-day round-trip voyage from San Francisco Bay to Catalina Island," wrote Al Fricke (top row center, left), the author of this Sightings.

continued

couldn't even skip anymore.) And there was the loss of Sandy's ability to be first mate sailing and on other adventures. Damn that hip of hers. "I think I've got Geriatric Subsyndromal Depression."

"So what's your plan?" Sandy murmured. Mack held back his smile.

"Our second granddaughter has crewed for me twice in the Sea of Cortez, and she's such a great cook."

"Rebecca will probably be off on one of her solo backpacking trips in Asia or Central America." Mack asked about his third grandaughter, Olivia, but Sandy countered, "I thought she was scheduled to be a naturalist with the Whale Watch program in Puget Sound." Mack was silent for a bit, wondering if their oldest granddaughter, Lindsey, might make the trip out from the East Coast with her fiancé, Pat. He knew Sandy would tell him that they had jobs, were buying a house and were getting married in the summer.

"My friend Ron is interested, and he's younger."

"He's a great guy, but he doesn't know a thing about sailing …"

That's how the adventure came to be. Despite Sandy's objections, and despite all the obstacles, three granddaughters, a fiancé, and a friend signed on for various legs of what would be a 33-day round trip voyage from San Francisco Bay to Catalina Island. With the voyage completed in late September 2024, all crew returned to their homes and jobs, and the boat put away, Mack and Sandy finally made a full evening to debrief, back on the couch where it all started.

"OK, Mack. Was your adventure the tonic you had hoped for?" Mack didn't know where to start.

"The weather could have been better, we froze in the fog on the way down and back, and we had a bunch of 10-hour days starting before the sun came up, but no one ever complained. You would have loved it, Sandy. Lots of wildlife. We saw two sharks on the surface and mola molas several times. We could hear the whales in the fog when we crossed Monterey Bay on the way down, and Olivia counted over 40 humpbacks on the way back. We had one way-too-close encounter; I thought the whale was going to take out our rudder. I'll show you videos of the kids on the bow laughing and whooping and taking pictures of all the dolphins riding our bow waves. We saw lots of sea otters — I think the kelp is making a recovery, and believe it or not, we watched a SpaceX rocket launch. The bright-orange first stage shut down, then there was the blue secondstage ignition. The sonic boom scared the bejesus out of us. And the sea bird life! It was all the usual suspects.

"We crossed the Santa Barbara Channel five times, under full sail — sometimes there was so much wind we had to reef. I've got to say, with all that, and the freshness of granddaughters aboard, it was impossible to feel dead. Rebecca and Lindsey chattered nonstop as they made 106 Taylor Swift friendship bracelets. They even made one for me with Jubilee on it. And, get this, one warm moonlit night anchored in Smugglers Cove with all of us in the cockpit under the stars, Pat and Lindsey asked me to be the one who marries them this summer. Me an officiant? Of all people, can you believe it? That's definitely something to look forward to." Putting her arms around Mack, Sandy whispered in his ear: "It looks like your Geriatric Subsyndromal Depression might be cured."

"Ummm, I think it might be in remission … did I tell you there's a chance I might crew on Jim and Pam's boat in French Polynesia in January or April?"

— al fricke

Is a picture worth a few thousand dollars? Moments like these, such as a whale breaching in Banderas Bay in February, are priceless memories. Your boat, slip fees and insurance might be a small price to pay for experiences like these.

Twosunny California weekends were served up for SailGP's first back-to-back race weekends with the Rolex Los Angeles and then the Oracle San Francisco Grand Prix delivering the thrills, spills and excitement the League was hoping for. Both events filled the grandstands, exceeding expectations on all counts.

Thank goodness, given the damage to the Aussies and the Danes, that there are now six weeks between events, which will allow the SailGP tech team to build a new foil case for Denmark (maybe now is a good time to raise some cash by selling Greenland …) and Australia to get a new wing before the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix in May.

The lack of spare parts and replacement boats has always been a source of frustration for the teams as, unlike Formula One in which the competitors have the components to repair damaged race cars overnight, that is not yet the case in SailGP.

Long before Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison reinvented the America's Cup and now SailGP, there were the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Baileys circuses traveling from town to town setting up and breaking down their tents and moving trailers, elephants and clowns weekend after weekend as they barnstormed their brand to as many people as possible, which is where SailGP is now, with 14 events and counting before the novelty of flying sailboats wears off.

In L.A. it was kelp that made an unexpected appearance; we thought it was just off Point Loma in San Diego! In many cases, it was worse than dragging an

The Australians suffered a catastrophic wing failure that ended their podium hopes in San Francisco and possibly the Season 5 Championship as well.

anchor as the teams deployed a variety of unique approaches to shedding the dreaded weed.

In S.F., it was the notorious shifty winds, but more importantly, playing the different currents, and the Spanish seemed to play that game the best. Canadian driver Giles Scott also saw the effect as he made several bold moves, splitting from the fleet to make huge gains by mastering the wind and flying across the incoming currents flooding the Bay.

"There was plenty going on as close calls and near misses plagued the course, but we kept our noses clean, and sailed well."

Spain has triumphed once again in San Francisco, defeating NorthStar Canada (second) and France (third) to become the fifth winner in five events this season. Despite a catastrophic wing collapse at the start of race seven, Australia moves into first overall. All athletes are accounted for with no injuries on board. The cause of the incident is not yet known.

In a nail-biting winner-takes-all final race, France hit the line flying, surging ahead to win the sprint to mark one. But after splitting the course at the second gate, Spain raced away with the lead, sweeping the line in first ahead of Canada in second and Les Bleus in third.

"It feels amazing to win. It was super-tight racing and we were really happy with our weekend, to come out on top and get into the final," said Spanish Team strategist Nicole van der Velden. "We were feeling quite confident with how we were sailing and how we were starting, so superhappy to finish well in the final. It's great to get two-for-two in San Francisco. Now, a little bit of celebration and back to focus for the next event."

Tom Slingsby's Australia Team's hopes of making the podium final came crashing down on the last race before the Grand Final, which they had qualified for until a catastrophic wing failure in the start box forced them out of contention.

"Fortunately, we're all safe, and that's the first priority," said Slingsby. "It's heartbreaking. Obviously, the results and the points are what they are, but we're not even concerned about that. Just save the boat the best we can, everyone is safe, and we've got a lot of work to do here.

"We've got to go look at the camera angles," said Slingsby. "It was obviously close to the other boats; we need to determine if it was a wing failure, or was there something else at play? Did we make an error, or did the boat fail?

"Coming into the start, we were looking for a gap and then we realized that there wasn't any, and then we conceded and turned up, I thought we were clear behind Italy and above the USA and I don't know what happened, but my guess is that the wing failed right at that moment when we turned up sharply," recounted Slingsby.

"In the moment it happened I was a little bit in shock. It felt like we kind of hit the USA boat that was below us. I felt like we turned up with plenty of room — there was like five meters between us," said Slingsby. "I was just asking my team, 'Hey did we hit anyone? Did we hit the USA boat to leeward? Did we hit the Italians?

BACK-TO-BACK CRASH COURSE

Does anyone know what happened?'

"The hull received quite a bit of damage. We really have to check the back beam. That is a really important part of the boat. If that is cracked, that is a major failure and it will take a long time to fix."

With salvage underway, the SailGP Technical Team will now begin an indepth analysis to determine what caused the incident.

Team USA was hoping to use the home events to capture momentum going forward, but it just isn't happening for the Americans right now. They had their moments on the racecourse, but after they'd gotten off the start line in good shape, challenges and mistakes beset the team, costing not just valuable points, but really any points at all. The parts are in place, but the results aren't.

"We didn't get the result we wanted

here. We put in a lot of work leading into San Francisco. A lot of those things are going on behind the scenes but the results don't show it," said USA Team flight controller Hans Henken. "Obviously, we need to go back and put more work into it. The story is not over; we're continuing to push really hard."

"We felt that we were sailing the boat quite well and we were confident in our racing," remarked grinder Anna Weiss, with an infectious smile. Taylor Canfield (driver) got off the line quite well a couple of times, but we just came off the foils in a couple of maneuvers, and if you make a mistake like that it costs you a lot of boat speed.

"I think in a couple of those we just flew a little bit too high and we lost the rudder, which led to a big crash down. I think we just need to clean up those

areas, especially with 12 boats, you can't make mistakes like that because they will pass you," said Weiss.

In L.A., a victory by Grael, who has won two Olympic gold medals in the 49erFX Class and is the only woman driver in SailGP, would have been a game changer for not only the series, but for all the female athletes in sailing who only ask for an opportunity and an equal platform. The inclusion of women on the team is bringing some welcome diversity to the SailGP race circuit.

Grael is a tenacious, calculated and opportunistic driver, and it doesn't take a mistake by the other teams for her to fly by and leave them in her wake like "devils" in the dust. Not only have her competitors felt her fury, but she has also earned their respect in just a short time and on the first day in the third race it looked

And they're off, as the Aussies lead Canada at the start. The Canadians finished on top of the leaderboard after Day 1.

as if it might be an inaugural victory for Mubadala Brazil and driver Grael, but it wasn't to be, as three-time SailGP champions Slingsby and Australia overtook her on the final race mark to steal the win on the exceptionally tight L.A. racetrack just meters from the finish line.

"That finish with Brazil — and we only had half a meter on each side. It was exciting for the fans, I'm sure, but scary for us!" said Slingsby.

"We were clear ahead at the top mark and it is always better to be able to race from the front, but I think we lost a little bit of speed around the last mark and I was not pleased to have only one good race for the day. The goal is always to move forward and to win," said Grael.

I was sitting in the grandstands for that one with my son and his girlfriend as the crowd was going nuts until Slingsby hunted them down and broke the hearts of every woman and little girl in attendance. Martine said with a huge smile, hiding the disappointment, "We could hear you!"

The practice day in L.A. was one of the coldest days in recent memory as the rain felt like snow and frostbite was more likely than a sunburn as hand warmers replaced sunscreen! The weather made

the Canadians feel more than at home as they went on to not only win the weekend in L.A., but a well-deserved second place in S.F. as the NorthStar SailGP Team delivered a commanding performance.

"I think we sailed really well all weekend. We got off the water yesterday second overall, and we still felt really frustrated. We put it together today," recounted Scott as he described the team's triumphant victory in Los Angeles.

"Fortunately, we're all safe, and that's the first priority."

"The win was massive and a perfect showcase for the team in front of our new sponsors and owner Greg Bailey, who was watching from the sidelines. It's really quite special to be able to put on a show for them!"

On championship Sunday with the lighter winds, "It felt so frantic on board as I don't really feel like four-person crew racing is my forte, but we got through it and got some nice splits in that final," said Scott. "Amazing to come away with

a victory! We had a challenging first few events, but things have been on the up in the last two. Kudos to the team, who have been working away quietly and for not letting adversity get the better of us. Great to put a win on the board. Elbows up!"

Canadian strategist Annie Haeger agreed, saying, "We were out in a five-person configuration, then we heard six up, and then it was four up, so there was a lot of changing and shifting gears."

It was a different story in Los Angeles for Rockwool Denmark as the team was forced to retire in the opening race due to a collision with the mark, which caused significant damage to the team's foil and casing, which was too extensive to repair without spares in the SailGP "shop".

"We're obviously really disappointed as the next steps for us are to fully assess the extent of the damage, weigh up the possibility of repairing it, and if that's not possible, whether there are fleet spares available," said driver Nicolai Sehested. "Straight after the collision, we weren't quite sure what happened as we felt we were quite far away from the mark and the software showed us with clearance."

Mere millimeters, barely the width of a few sheets of paper.

Clockwise from top left: Martine Grael making way in a hurry as the Brazilians have been impressive at times in their first season in the league; The frenetic start off San Pedro with better-than-expected conditions; For Team USA, it has been a challenging year. They got off to a good start in Dubai, but they haven't been at their best since; Sold-out grandstands in both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

BACK-TO-BACK CRASH COURSE

In San Francisco the Canadian fans were out in force in the sold-out grandstands and lining the shores of the San Francisco Bay, including fans from Denmark who cheered on "Denada" for the weekend as the Canadian F50 was sporting the Rockwool logo as a goodwill gesture from our dear friends to the north. If only there were enough time to paint an image of Greenland on the wingsail…

"There was plenty going on as close calls and near misses plagued the course, but we kept our noses clean, and sailed well," said Scott. "With steady wind conditions and nice, flat water, it was a day to push, as I think almost all teams were pushing about as hard as they possibly could. There's plenty going on with the racecourse. Plenty of calls to make and it's really nice to be on a bigger course for the first time in

a while, stretch our legs, and pick a few shifts."

The next event will be the hotly anticipated Brazilian debut in Rio de Janeiro the first weekend in May. The Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix will take place on Guanabara Bay, in front of the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, the iconic Rio skyline and, of course, the massive figure of Christ the Redeemer. — mark reid

Above, left: The Spanish seem to own San Francisco as strategist Nicole van der Velden holds the victory trophy in celebration. Right: Oh Canada! Giles Scott has put the "American" team (ha ha) out front more often than not. First in L.A.!

A SOFT LAUNCH INTO CRUISING —

Three of my college friends and I quit our jobs to sail across the Pacific on our 1989 Beneteau 50, which, at 36 years old, is the oldest member of the crew by a decade.

Jack, Lauren, Teddy, and I purchased Open Range in Emeryville last October after nearly a year of searching for the ideal offshore cruiser to accommodate our crew. She soared through a sea trial and passed a rigging, engine, and general survey. We fell in love with Open Range's beautiful teak trim and spacious cabin, but it was clear she needed some work before crossing an ocean. Miraculously, the boat fell within our price range and it was a done deal.

We sailed Open Range out of San Francisco Bay and down to Santa Cruz, where everyone but I lived at the time. Naïve as we were with our timeline to outfit the boat, our determination prevailed. Each of us brought unique skills to the table to tackle the ever-growing list of projects. Teddy, the electro-wizard, overhauled nearly all the boat's electrical systems: wiring in new solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and a new alternator, to name just a few. Lauren secured the plumbing by resealing and flushing out decrepit water tanks, hooking up the holding tank, and installing a new macerator and bilge pump. Jack, the mechanic, rebuilt and fine-tuned parts of our Perkins diesel engine. I became the rigging guy, replacing the old running rigging, splicing halyards, reducing chafe, and the like. With a bit of internet research, some grit, and lots of guidance from friends and other fine folks at the Santa Cruz boatyard, we got Open Range in fantastic shape for offshore cruising in just a few months.

Back when we all lived in Los Angeles, Jack and Lauren owned a J/29, Free Range, the first craft we all sailed together. Free Range made regular trips to Catalina and the other Channel

Islands for overnight expeditions. Cramming into the snug berths, sometimes with five people on board, strengthened our teamwork and sparked dreams of a longer passage.

Avid adventurers by nature, our crew met through the surf club at USC during my first semester of college, and, coincidentally, the final semester for Jack, Lauren, and Teddy. Within weeks of meeting, Jack, Teddy, and I drove south of the border to Baja California, Mexico, to score empty surf breaks off washed-out dirt roads. Lauren joined in for the next surf safari to the north shore of Oahu, where we shared a rented Dodge Grand Caravan as our luxury hotel for a long weekend.

Before sailing together on Free Range, we'd all come from varying nautical backgrounds. I spent a few breezy summer days sailing on Chesapeake Bay with my grandfather growing up, but prior to college, I couldn't tell a jib sheet from a cotter pin. Teddy shared my lack of experience. Jack and Lauren, who held greater knowledge from owning Free Range, crewing aboard race boats, and chartering, were the more experienced sailors and boat owners who drove the planning of this trip. Drawing from their tech startup experience, they integrated Linear, a digital task system that kept repairs organized and assigned to specific crew members. Sailboat maintenance, as many can attest, can get quite overwhelming, and we have found it immensely helpful to have a system like this to remember the small things and assign ownership over projects.

For a few months, Jack, Lauren, and Teddy balanced full-time jobs in Santa Cruz while working on the boat part time, and I made trips up from L.A. to help when I could. We hauled Open

Range out of the Santa Cruz Harbor just in time to be on the hard for the massive swell that hit around Christmas — our first stroke of luck. Then, on February 1, we pushed off from Santa Cruz, feeling slightly overwhelmed and underprepared. Even after untying the lines, it didn't feel as if we had truly left. It was more like a soft launch. The critical systems were solid: There were no serious issues with the engine, electrical systems or rigging, freshwater was running as expected, and all our safety gear (EPIRB, liferaft, VHF, ditch bag, etc.) was up to date and properly configured. Sure, we had a few light bulbs to replace, and some door latches to repair, but that wasn't enough to keep us tied to the dock.

Santa Cruz had made boat work easy — an apartment, a car, and nearby friends meant parts and tools were always within reach. Leaving our home port forced us to trade convenience for self-reliance, a necessary step toward becoming true cruisers. The soft launch meant becoming full-time liveaboards and preparing the boat for serious sailing. While it pained us to properly stow all our power tools and convert our de facto workshop back into a proper cabin, it was about time for us to take control of the boat and get things organized. Monterey was our first stop after leaving Santa Cruz. We continued working on boat projects, keeping our trusty folding bike handy for picking up spare parts locally. We spent some quality time up the mast and down in the bilge, making sure everything was ready to go before setting off farther down the coast, feeling much more prepared than when we'd left Santa Cruz.

It was a bumpy ride through the scenic expanse of Big Sur. Coming around Point Conception, gusts in the upper

Below, left: Ted enjoys the twin helms while Patrick steers downwind past Big Sur. Right: Patrick works on the mast in Santa Cruz Harbor.

JACK ELLIOTT

CALIFORNIA COAST TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC

30s helped us give the boat a proper shakedown. After we dropped the hook in San Simeon and Port San Luis, it took a fine three days to reach Santa Barbara Harbor. It did not, however, take long to figure out how the "Fools Anchorage" outside the harbor earned its name. One rolling night sent us into a slip the next day to assemble provisions for a pit stop in the Channel Islands.

Well-protected anchorages gave us solid refuge from winter swell and fierce winds throughout the week. It is amazing how remote the Channel Islands feel at this time of year. We did not see a single other vessel at any of our anchorages the entire week. Our solitude, perhaps, was due to the ever-changing weather conditions that tested our crew dynamic and gave us plenty of chances to get comfortable with our reefs. At the end of each day, without fail, we gathered in the cockpit to watch streaking orange sunsets paint the cliffs of the island ridges. Over the course of a week, we spent the night at Smugglers Bay at Santa Cruz Island, Becher's Bay and Johnson's Lee on Santa Rosa Island, Cuyler Harbor at San Miguel, and Fish Camp at Anacapa.

Cuyler was perhaps the wildest of

the anchorages. The rocky entrance gave way to an almost tropical-feeling cove amid the whitewater of Harris Point and Prince Island. Around 2300, just as we'd settled into the sandbar, we felt several shocking blows to the hull.

Scrambling on deck, we found nothing but an ornery seal off the starboard rail, ready for a wrestling match.

Our constant location shifts provided excellent training in anchoring

protocols, and I can proudly say we had no issues anchoring, even during a howling night of 30-knot sustained winds gusting up to 40 over the mountains guarding Johnson's Lee. We look forward to more coastal cruising as we finish off the California coast and take on the Baja peninsula, where we will spend the next few weeks shaking out, chasing surf, and preparing for the Pacific Puddle Jump.

Below, left: Lauren positions 'Open Range' to drop the hook. Right: Jack and Lauren celebrate another successful anchoring.

Lauren, Ted, and Jack take a photo break at Santa Rosa Island.

PATRICK RABIN

PATRICK RABIN

A SOFT LAUNCH INTO CRUISING

While crossing the Pacific from Mexico to the Marquesas is without a doubt the crux of our sailing journey, it is only the beginning of the adventure we're searching for. Each of us aspires to explore the remote atolls of the South Pacific and create fresh footprints in the sand of distant beaches. After the Marquesas, our crew plans to stick together as we navigate other areas of French Polynesia, namely the Society Islands and Tuamotus. I have a strict end date

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for the trip in September when I fly back to California to start a full-time cybersecurity job. Teddy will likely be following me home to return to work shortly thereafter. The two of us hope to make it to Fiji before our travels conclude. Jack and Lauren wish to continue cruising with Open Range until we find a proper buyer and begrudgingly turn over the reins.

Our dedication to bringing our shared dream of crossing the Pacific to fruition, on a relatively fast-tracked timeline, called for a full commitment from each of us to do our part to learn the ins and outs of Open Range's systems. Like many cruisers, we set our sights on the Pacific crossing not just for the love of sailing and adventure, but for the challenge — to push our

limits, accomplish something big, and experience the vast open ocean. Plus, after the crossing, exploring the South Pacific to find surf spots and crystalclear reefs sounds like a wonderful way to spend a portion of our 20s. We are beyond grateful that it is within our means to bring this trip to life, and we cannot wait to get out there.

— patrick rabin

FRIENDLY STAFF & LOCATION

When you arrive, you'll know it's right GENEROUS ROOM TO NAVIGATE

75 foot wide fairways and channel access

SPECTACULAR ACCOMMODATIONS

Convenient parking, Bay Trail access, picnic areas, private showers & laundry, Wi-Fi, and Sierra Pt. Y.C.

COMPETITIVE rateS starting at $8.67/foot

Stop by to see what we can do for you & your boat

take the Sierra Point Pkwy exit and follow the signs to the marina.

Author and photographer Patrick Rabin penned this story during their exploration of the Channel Islands.

One of the many famous Channel Island sunsets.

PATRICK RABIN

BORN TO DREDGE

Lind Marine Added Capabilities

 Fleet of 4 new dump scows designed to fit in all marinas and homeowner docks

 New electric clam shell dredge, ABS loadline, designed to dig out slips up to 90’ long  Pile driving, dock repair, seawall repair and installation

 In house permitting department  Survey boat with brand new state of the art single beam system  Small and large vessel salvage

Full service shipyard

Every so often, a story will bring together sailors who crossed tacks many years earlier. Such was the case when Sausalito's Margaret "Pinkie" Pomeroy shared a story of voyaging with her family. When Bill Barker read about Pinkie's talk at the yacht club, he realized his father had sailed with the Pomeroy family when Bill was just a boy. Bringing together sailors from across the latitudes and through the years is one of the reasons we share these stories. And the story that follows hopes to reunite Pinkie with her family's beloved Nereus, or at the very least give her closure as to the ship's eventual resting place.

A longtime member of the Sausalito Yacht Club, in 1963, at age 20, she set sail with her parents William and Peggy Pomeroy, and her brothers John and Bill, on a six-month, 13,490-mile voyage aboard the 85-ft ketch Nereus. It all began when Pinkie's father told his family he wanted to sail the world together.

"Nothing is original." That's what Dad told the family when he shared his dream to sail around the world. Dad reminded us that Magellan was the first European to dream of a circumnavigation in the early 16th century, and even though Magellan died en route, one of his five ships completed the trip. So the circumnavigation idea wasn't original. What was original was Dad's plan for the route — San Francisco to Singapore via the Pribilof Islands off the coast of Alaska, in the Bering Sea.

As I sorted through boxes of Nereus's files stored in my garage, the family's 1963-64 world cruise came back to life. I found four logbooks, two diaries (my own and my mother's), several paper charts, old newspapers and photographs. There was even a letter from Commodore Bob Van Blaricom dated April 10, 1965, inviting Dad to speak about the Nereus circumnavigation at the Sausalito Yacht Club.

My mother Peggy was a 44-year-old Southern belle whose family roots can be traced back to the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780 during the Revolutionary War. She had a wide streak of curiosity and a spirit of adventure. As a matter of fact, she signed up as a NASA volunteer to go on a future trip to the moon.

Dad was 46 years old. He was the executive vice president of J. H. Pomeroy & Co., an engineering and construction firm started by his father. As a teenager he worked for his dad's company, which had a joint contract with Raymond Concrete to build the approaches to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Dad purchased Nereus in December 1962. Designed by William Garden, Nereus was an 85-ft steel-hulled ketchrigged yacht. She was built by Western Boat Building Company, Tacoma, WA, and launched in September 1962. Her first owner, Clarence Postley, had named her, but shortly thereafter changed his plans and put her on the market. The original design for the sails included a foreand-aft mizzen, main and jib, as well as a course of about 1,000 square feet and a raffee of approximately 600 square feet. When Dad bought

Nereus, the raffee was not there — only the course.

In May 1963, Nereus departed San Francisco in rough weather headed toward Alaska. Six days later she pulled into her home yard, Western Boat Building, for some finetuning, including the removal of the yardarm, changing oil, checking the autopilot, and topping off the diesel fuel tanks.

My two brothers, John and Bill, and I finished our semesters at school and met Nereus in Vancouver for the trip up the Inside Passage. Dad had asked each of us to invite a friend along on that part of the trip, so besides our family of five, there were three guests and two crew.

Fred Woodhull was our engineer watching over the supercharged Caterpillar diesel engine (7,000-gallon capacity), two generators, 3,000 gallons of water and the Onan water purifier. Gary Cinti, a young man from the Peninsula, was the "chef" and bottle washer. The many square feet of canvas were looked after by all of us, and brother Bill looked after the electronics, ADF, the Triton Loran, and radio. Call number WT-8035. (Remember, this was 60 years ago, and navigation was by nautical maps, sextants, compass, and dead reckoning, not by computers.) There were also no roller-furling systems or side thrusters.

Accommodations included the owner's quarters (with double-size berths), three double staterooms and one single. Crew quarters were forward of the large storage area (rumored to have been designed to accommodate a small car), which was forward of both the galley and the salon. Extra dividends for all of us were the Westinghouse washer and dryer in the forward hold with the large fridge and freezer (instead of the small car). For going ashore, Nereus carried a 16-ft launch and a dinghy with an outboard motor.

After a patient trip through the Inside Passage looking for bears, staring at

Pictured, left to right, on the flybridge: Engineer Fred, Cook Gary, brother Bill, Pinkie, Captain Bill, and Peggy.

ALL PHOTOS SV NEREUS

Peggy and Bill Pomeroy were no strangers to seafaring.

waterfalls, approaching glaciers or visiting the Tlingit and Haida Indian tribes, our friends disembarked to return to the Bay Area. We celebrated the Fourth of July in Juneau with restocking and refueling, before heading west to Kodiak. Then we passed through the Unimak Pass into the Bering Sea — and our summer destination, the Pribilofs.

Dad encouraged us to throw a message in a bottle overboard on many days. Inside the bottle was a form showing the date and our latitude and longitude, and asking in English and Spanish whoever found the bottle to please send the form back to his San Francisco address with info about where it had been found. We dropped at least 150 bottles overboard during the 21-month trip, and we dropped one off Kodiak.

The Pribilofs are volcanic islands that seem to hang continually under a gray sky. Weather was gruesome, seas huge, so much so that only my mother and I were able to be ferried to shore upon our arrival at the largest of the islands, St. Paul. The sea calmed enough the following day for the guys to join us. Here we watched Aleuts rounding up fur seals, driving them up the beach from the water's edge until, exhausted, they were clubbed on the head then stabbed in the heart (they

didn't want to damage the pelts in any way). It's supposedly humane, but it's not something I ever want to see again.

With our summer destination accomplished, Singapore became our Christmas destination. We returned to the Aleutians at Adak, the westernmost operating Navy base in the United States, which had an excellent harbor. A surprise and a half, I learned that Nereus's designer, William Garden, had been posted at the Adak ship repair base during World War II.

Commanding Officer Captain John W. Roberts watched over us each of the three times we came through the port during

WORLD CRUISE

August, as we made every effort to cross to Hokkaido, Japan. On our first attempt, we ran into winds up to 50 knots. Mountainous seas broke over the flying bridge and finally crushed the forward starboard pilot house window, drenching Dad, who was at the wheel, as well as much of our electronic equipment. The seawater continued down the companionway through the galley, salon and into cabins below. Thank goodness Dad was at the wheel and was able to bring Nereus about through these huge seas.

Captain Roberts had been keeping track of us and sent the Navy search plane to find us and see if we were all right, as well as the 105-ft Navy tug Moctobi to escort us back to Adak.

My brother John and Fred the engineer patched up the window the best they could. Upon our return to Adak, the automatic pilot and radar were repaired, as was the port porthole in the guest cabin. New safety glass window was installed with a plexiglass shield. Changed oil. Radio taken on shore to have the receiver aligned and two channels changed. But, "The fathometer and ADF were still kaput," I wrote in my diary.

Waiting for better weather, the consensus was to head to Attu, contemplating a possible departure to either Kamchatka, Russia, or Hokkaido. Meanwhile, Capt. Roberts advised us that Typhoon Elaine was moving north. (It turned out 1963 was one of the longest-lived Western Pacific cyclone seasons on record.) Back to Adak.

John left Nereus to return to college. With the help of good friends in Tokyo, Dad was able to secure three new crew members and paid for them to fly to Anchorage and then join us in Adak. Mr. Shimizu, Mr. Takahashi (a sailor, whom we called Rocksan), and Osamu Yamashita (whom we called Sam). After reprovisioning and further consultation with Capt. Roberts, we headed west to the island of Kiska for our third attempt to cross to Japan. As we left Adak, Capt. Roberts presented us a wood wall chevron with a brass plaque attached. The plaque read "The William S. Pomeroy family — on occasion of Nereus World Cruise 1963-1964 — Honorary Citizen, Naval Station, Adak, Alaska, 'Birthplace of the Winds' ". We all smiled and laughed, but not for long; Typhoon Elaine found us off Kiska and Nereus hove to for 36 hours, during which time the starboard auxiliary was carried away, and our electric panel and engine room bilge were swamped, "… extent of damage unknown," reads the Nereus log. Crossing to Hokkaido took 10 days. As we crossed the International Date Line we

The 85-ft steel-hulled ketch-rigged yacht 'Nereus'.

Bill in 'Nereus's wheelhouse.

threw a bottle overboard, all while Martin Luther King Jr. was making his historic speech, "I have a dream," in Washington.

The winds in the North Pacific continued strong. At one point we had both the main and jib up and our speed was recorded at 11 knots. Everyone on board had a watch, and brother Bill and I shared mid-watch. Besides minding our responsibilities, we listened to some of the chatter between fishing boats and we tried to learn a few words in Japanese. When we finally reached the natural port of Hakodate, the sun was out, solid land was at our feet, and children were chasing butterflies with nets.

We waited for more than a month in Japan, anticipating parts from the States to repair or replace damaged equipment. This gave us plenty of time to get to know some of the history, culture, and beauty of Japan.

Crossing the Inland Sea, we stopped briefly at both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Continuing south, we spent two days at Okinawa and Ishigaki; the weather became more tropical. The coral reefs provided a rich field for Bill and me to dive for old Chinese pottery shards that had been uncovered during a recent cyclone. Along with the many tropical fish, the reef is also the home of the poisonous black-banded sea snake. Several days earlier, in deeper water, I had been sitting on the port side of Nereus, soaking up the sun, dangling my feet over the gunwale. I looked down to see Nereus sailing right through a massive group of snakes sunning themselves on the surface of the water, floating as if they had been woven together, like the homemade potholders we used to make as girl scouts.

We sailed under heavy weather through the Strait of Taiwan (where we

met the Taiwan patrol) to the South China Sea and on to Hong Kong. Anchorage was Hong Kong Bay, surrounded by many small sampans. These days these boats might be called "anchor-outs" or "liveaboards."

We were there for more than a month. Nereus went to drydock. Her hull was painted white, anticipating warmer weather on the next leg of the trip. And the starboard generator was finally repaired. When I returned to anchorage in Hong Kong Bay, we re-settled on board. We all got cholera shots. Tang Tong was hired as cook as Gary returned to the States. Tang had a great time taking over the galley, including replacing a family painting with a photo of a pretty Chinese lady.

Most of the information we received came from people we met, local newspapers, or cables. Radio transmissions managed by brother Bill could be spotty or break up if available at all. Remember: no internet, no carrier pigeons. I remember going topside late November and noticed flags at half-staff. President Kennedy had been shot.

On December 4, we received a cable from agents in Saigon suggesting we delay our departure from Hong Kong because of problems in Saigon. Dad changed our destination from Saigon to Nha Trang, 100 miles north of the Vietnamese capital. We would wait for further news.

"There are many places that may not be open in

the future, and we are seeing them now when we can," he said. Traveling forward, brother Bill and I made more baggywrinkles (we'd learned that talent on our trip to Tahiti 10 years earlier). The weather brightened up. We were making about 11 ¼ knots, jib up, following seas, the beautiful sound of rushing water under the hull. Three days after leaving Hong Kong, Nereus came alongside the Cau Da wharf in Nha Trang. Another long cable warned us not to go upriver before stopping at Cap Saint Jacques, where customs officials came on board for formalities. The assistant naval attaché also came and told Dad the US Navy could not ensure our safe passage. But he did offer to bring a machine gun for us.

There are many small neighboring islands with nice beaches near Nha Trang. We were told the Viet Cong had taken over most of them. We continued to Saigon two days later. Moving 40 miles up the Saigon River, we passed through swamps and mangroves, with little sight of human activity. When we pulled alongside the dock, we saw rolls of barbed wire lying there for future use to deter the Viet Cong from some of their activities.

We stayed under the wing of a PFE (Pacific Far East Line) agent, Silvio Pelasse, whom we had originally met in Okinawa. In hindsight, he might have been an undercover agent or connected in some way to the military. Silvio told us the Cong was very well organized in small units and they terrorized the locals. There was no way of knowing who Nam was, and who was Cong. Several clean-cut young men, I presume military advisers, were also making the rounds. As we were getting ready to depart, one of those cleancut young men came up to Dad and told him, "Captain Pomeroy, you've been

'Nereus' was clearly a luxury yacht in her time.

John Pomeroy and Tom Riley at work.

protected by the navy during your stay here." We departed Vietnam on our way to Bangkok at 1730.

For me, one of the highlights of the trip was the city of Bangkok. The capital of Thailand (formerly Siam), it is also the main port located about 25 miles up the Chao Phraya River. It had taken us three sea-days to get there. We anchored midriver in front of the Oriental Hotel.

When we once again set sail, we were met with a confused South China Sea. Typhoon Rita was moving north from the South Pacific, keeping company with the unrest growing in Southeast Asia. As the US Navy fleet that had previously cruised the area were deployed elsewhere, pirate activity was increasing, some operating from old boats discarded after World War II.

Dad had several guns on board under lock and key in his cabin, including a Weatherby Magnum V with scope. If pirates approached Nereus, Dad told us to shoot at the waterlines. If the pirates ever got close enough to board, we were to throw the guns overboard.

After rolling in heavy seas for two days, and not being accosted by pirates, we

anchored safely off Pulau Tioman late on December 22. It's the largest island off the east coast of Malaya (now Malaysia), located just two degrees north of the equator.

We officially reached Singapore, our winter destination, on Christmas Eve after traveling another two days through rough (as usual) seas. We had time to set up a Christmas tree with decorations and Christmas stockings, and all of us on board shared gifts.

Nereus had covered 13,490 miles, consuming 16,801 gallons of diesel. There was another year to go. But that's a story for another time.

Were our messages in bottles ever found? On February 1, 1965, Dad received one of the questionnaires that had been rolled up inside a bottle, signed by Adam Woolsey from Ocean Park, Washington. That was 16 months after it had been dropped.

— margaret "pinkie" pomeroy

Editor's Note: Pinkie is actively searching for her family's beloved ship, Nereus. In late 1965, after completing the Pomeroy family's dream of a 40,550-mile circumnavigation, Nereus was sold to David T. Holmes (of Harry & David). Holmes sold her in 1971 to John P. Lewis. In December 1977, the US Coast Guard Abstract of Title listed Nereus as a "vessel out of documentation." Pinkie recently found a photo of blue-hulled Nereus listed with Florida-based broker Pop Yachts; "For Sale in Panama @ $833,000," dated May 2012.

If you have any knowledge of the whereabouts of Nereus, please email us at: editorial@latitude38.com.

Pinkie, center, and her brothers Bill, left, and John during their first voyage aboard 'Ramona' in the '50s.

WHAT A BOATYARD TAUGHT ME

One of the places I felt the most alone was while housesitting in a mansion in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood. This 6,000-square-foot, historical building had three floors of living space and a penthouse office overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the shimmering Bay. I could choose between three different bathrooms, took a nightly hot bath, enjoyed a private infrared sauna, worked out in my personal gym, and cooked in a huge and luxurious kitchen.

I was sitting on the couch in front of huge bay windows when I realized how lonely I was. I was trapped in this huge mansion in a city made of concrete and glass, and when I walked down the street, nobody smiled or said hello. Across the way from those bay windows, I could see white light glistening from apartments, and sometimes, the vague sense of movement as people lived out their lives behind these insulated walls. The disconnect from other people and from nature hit me hard, and I couldn't wait to escape.

No matter how luxurious a house is, it isn't a cure for what we all crave: connection and community.

One of my biggest fears in life is being alone. Not alone in a temporary way, where I enjoy time by myself to read, journal, exercise, or reflect. I mean perpetual loneliness, with no visitors, no phone calls, no emails, and no social interaction for days on end. This is an epidemic that is going strong in the United States and one that is heartbreaking, as it can so easily be solved. In fact, this loneliness epidemic is so bad that the US Office of the Surgeon General issued an advisory saying humans are wired for social connection, but we've become isolated over time. That loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues, and is a major public health concern.

Community is key to our survival, but in modern American life, it's become increasingly difficult to find. This is why one of my top goals in life is to maintain my interpersonal connections with friends and family, and I work hard to nourish those relationships. They are as vital to me as the air that moves through my lungs.

Think about the suburbs full of huge homes. How often do people actually see and interact with their neighbors? How much community is there? Or do we often hunker down inside our walls, entertaining ourselves with our phones and televisions? What about the people who LIVE alone and have no family and no outside interaction? There has to be a change to solve this loneliness epidemic. But how?

At Cabrales Boatyard in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, there are constant assaults to my senses. Sandblasting throws dust and rocks into the air, pelting our sailboat and camper van. The yard machinery roars throughout the day, lifting boats out of the water and putting boats in. Saws cut pieces of metal with a bone-grinding whine. Party boats blare loud music, and the snap-snap of snare drums ricochets off cement walls. The sickly scent of boat bottom paint permeates the air. The sounds and smells are so intense that I have to leave and walk the beach on a daily basis just to get away from it all. And I'm not going to talk about the smell of sewer leaching from a harbor filled with the hulking shapes of rusting shrimp boats.

What this boatyard does have is community. Sailors from all over the world gather here to get their vessels ready for ocean crossings or cruising in the Sea of Cortez. It's easy to make friends with this ragtag bunch who value self-reliance, nature, off-grid living, and adventurousness. When you share the same values with a group of people, there is an instant feeling of connectedness and community. Of course, as in any group of people, it's impossible to get a good "vibe" from everyone. But we've met some really awesome people here that we've been in touch with now for years.

We gather for evening fire pits and pizza. We walk to nearby taco shops. We do yoga and run on the beach together. We share stories of sailing into the eyes of hurricanes and outrunning storms, equipment failures and how boat people are so different from land people.

You would not think of a boatyard as an example of community. People don't intentionally come to boatyards to find friends and connections. Boatyards are places where you want to finish work as quickly as possible, as boatyards aren't nice places to live.

And when we're done hanging out, we wander back to our sailboats, little, tiny homes perched on stands throughout the boatyard, which sailors call "on the hard." Living so close to so many friends gives me a giddy feeling. I see the same people and their smiling faces every day. The feeling of connectedness is a balm to my soul. I wonder how this feeling of connectedness can be translated to other living situations to help erase the epidemic of loneliness.

But with this intense feeling of community in the boatyard, eventually comes loss.

If I look across the way from our sailboat, I see another row of sailboats packed together. They remind me of a row of teeth; when one boat is removed, there's a gaping hole. I once knew the

Sailors gathering for Christmas Day tamales at Cabrales Boatyard.

ALL PHOTOS THE WAYWARD HOME UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

RACHEL ERINN BELLE

'John Muir' is just one of the homes Kristin and Tom have shared throughout their journey, chronicled in 'The Wayward Home'.

people who lived in that empty space. I'd wave to them, smile at them, chat with them multiple times per week. Now all that's left is a reminder of where their boat used to be. This is the nature of boatyards, though. Everyone is trying

While the feeling of community is fleeting in a boatyard, it still serves as a reminder of what is possible. I imagine tiny-home communities sprinkled

to leave, and the community I have come to love becomes scattered across the globe, as distant and as interconnected as constellations. With sailors, goodbye is often temporary, as many of us run into each other years down the road, in some remote and beautiful part of the world.

Below, left: Cooking class aboard 'Scraatch'. Right: Hanging out with sailboat buddies at Cabrales.

In February 2020, Kristin Hanes and her partner Tom Polling traded San Francisco for Mexico aboard their 1972 CT-41 ketch 'John Muir'.

WHAT A BOATYARD TAUGHT ME

throughout the United States, where people have regular access to activities and each other. Where community is more important than status symbols and mansions. Where people can see the same smiling faces every single day, without the perpetual goodbyes that come with boatyard life.

I know there is a renaissance happening within the US. RV and tiny-home resorts offer snowbirds places to hunker down for winter, offering activities

and social connection. A new development in the Phoenix metro area called Culdesac Tempe eschews cars in favor of shared courtyards, bottom-floor retail, bike paths, gyms and lounges. Is change afoot in how we deal with community and loneliness? I sure hope so. Here at the boatyard, goodbyes between sailors are bittersweet. We are happy our friends are leaving this dusty, dirty place and heading toward waters thriving with sea life. We know we'll probably see them again someday. And we're thankful for the friendship we forged, even though we'll miss each other as oceans grow the distance between us.

Although boatyards aren't ideal places to live, this one in particular has given me reason to hope. I know it sounds weird to say, but I would take boatyard life over suburban life any day. Rather than walking past people

in San Francisco with faces

I am part of a thriving community. I'd rather say, "Goodbye, fair winds and following seas" over and over again, than have nobody to say goodbye to at all.

— kristin

Time to make a change to a new place Time to make a change to a new place

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set in stone,

hanes

Tacos with our friends from 'Flying Free'.

Boatyard neighbors quickly become family.

Neverquote a racing rule without first taking a look to see what the rule actually says. They change the wording from time to time, and sometimes a subtle word substitution can alter the meaning. Also, your memory of the sacred text may not be entirely accurate, especially if you first studied the racing rules several versions ago. It's best not to be surprised. I usually carry the US Sailing version of the Racing Rules of Sailing in the hard-copy booklet version, to help clue in my competitors during the usual post-race thrash, and to make sure I have it right. But this was easier to do some years ago, when US Sailing sent every member a new rulebook with each four-year revision. No more. Now you have to order the little book for $34.95.

and the leeward boat came from astern. But all I had was the old rulebook. The new one had been ordered weeks ago, but not yet arrived. This was particularly unfortunate because the US Sailing website appeared to be down, so we could not check the rules online.

"Can I see the bar copy of the rulebook?" I asked Lee Helm, a graduate student who was moonlighting as the yacht club bartender that evening in return for tips and a free BBQ ticket.

are some subtle modifications that affect competitive drive in the individual. Like, there's DNA that produces racing sailors, and a slightly different DNA code that turns on more interest in cruising but avoids racing."

"Do you believe that some people are born racers and some are born cruisers?" I asked.

"The old 'nature versus nurture' debate," Lee shrugged. "The DNA research says it's nature more than nurture."

"That's like, 10-to-the-nth power, where n is the LOA of your boat in feet divided by 10. The value of the coin will always scale in proportion to your BoatBux base value."

Just last week I needed to resolve a common newbie misconception: It's about the proper course of the leeward boat versus the windward boat, when two boats are overlapped, same tack,

The 2025-2028 Racing Rules of Sailing, in hard copy. Formerly available from US Sailing for $34.95, but DOGE has mistakenly terminated the entire USS staff and shut down the website. Hopefully the error will be corrected soon.

"Bar copy not in yet," she explained. "And like, I don't know what's with those old tars at US Sailing. Their site is down, and I even tried the voice line but just got a recording, even during East Coast biz hours."

"I guess you didn't hear," another yacht club barfly explained, speaking loudly from three stools to my starboard. "The whole staff of US Sailing has been laid off by DOGE. No one's minding the store back there."

"What, someone thought US Sailing staff is inefficient?" I reacted with surprise. "And it's not even a government agency! They can't do that!"

"Well, no one said they had to put 'US' in their name. It's a natural mistake when you're swinging a chainsaw."

"Sheesh," I sighed. Fortunately, I was able to resolve the issue with my older version of the rules.

"I'm sure they'll all be hired back once the mistake is pointed out," said another sailor, planted on the stool to my left. "Like that biotech research institute that finally got some key scientists and technicians hired back. Their big achievement was splicing wooly mammoth DNA into a mouse gene, and getting a mouse with a thick coat of mammoth hair, so you can see why they were a target for their funds being cut."

"DNA editing tech is, like, important for medical reasons," Lee added. "That group has also isolated the DNA codes that control many aspects of human behavior. They even found the codes that turn on a passion for sailing, but the unexpected finding was that there

"That explains a lot," the sailor to my right concluded. "You know, we've been promoting yacht club membership to people who don't own a boat, and don't have any boating experience. The pitch is that joining the club is a much better, low-stress way to learn sailing compared to the sailing schools and dinghy clubs. I see born racers and born cruisers."

"Sure, but the schools all start the novices in boats that are, like, way too big," Lee asserted. "Gotta start in dinghies to ever become a really good bigboat sailor."

"I know what you're going to say next," I said preemptively. "A dinghy in 20 knots handles a lot like a big boat in 40 or 50 knots. But no one will ever let you practice with a big boat in a storm, so the dinghy is the only way to learn the boat dynamics and the muscle memory to handle a big boat in extreme conditions."

"For sure," Lee agreed. "A dinghy sailor can always move up, but put a big-boat sailor in a dinghy for the first time, and you have to have, like, the rescue boat warmed up."

"Good in theory," said my friend to my left, "but most of our club's new members are middle-aged, and there's no way you'll get them interested in learning to sail in a boat that can capsize. So be realistic. Grown-ups above a certain age aren't getting into a capsizable boat."

"Exactly," said the sailor at the other end of the bar. "Our teaching method, if you can even call it that, studiously avoids fear of capsize, and even more important, maybe, there's none of the performance pressure of class instruction and peer comparisons. No syllabus to get behind in. No tests to measure

progress. Just learn it the old-fashioned way, by sailing on big and comfortable boats with new friends."

"Hey, don't dis sailing schools," Lee interrupted. "Some of the grad students

in my department teach part time at those schools, and they have the technical chops to do it right. Their students make fast progress, have a good handle on the underlying science, and learn data-driven safety protocols that a lot of amateur skippers might, like, leave out."

"Good point," I agreed. "When I have new crew on my boat, if they can't stand to see a hatch left open when people are working on deck, then I know they came from our local sailing school."

"Sure, the sailing schools are the best route for most people," the sailor down the bar on my right continued. "Our club pitch is best for the ones who don't like

the structure of a school, or don't have the time. Someday we'll decode the DNA sequence for that disorder. After they join the yacht club, they can sign on as a guest on a club cruise or hop onto a race boat in the weekly beer can races as ballast. It takes a lot longer than it does at a good sailing school, but that's part of the appeal: more time, more fun, no skills testing or certifications to worry about. No testing. Did I already say that? Relax and keep it social."

"And you can always tell the born racers from the born cruisers?" I asked. "In two tacks or 200 feet," he boasted. "Some of these new novice members naturally gravitate to racing, some avoid racing, and their crew and guest opportunities are pretty much identical. Yes, I can spot 'em. It's in their DNA."

"Well, I think that's a lot of bilge," I replied. "If their first sail is in some heavy cruiser with roller-furling everything and a dodger that blocks the view of the sails, then sure, they can't understand why anyone would want to go racing and get cold, wet, scared and yelled at. But if their first experience

Small boat sailing and racing will nurture your sailing nature regardless of your DNA.

CHRIS RAY

The Woolly Mouse. If gene editing can put a woolly mammoth's fur on a mouse, it should be easy to add the DNA code that produces a passion for sailing to the human genome. But be careful, there might be distinct DNA strings for racing and for cruising.

is placing well in a beer can race with a skipper who's good enough to stay calm, and a boat that's fast enough to place well, then they get hooked on racing for the duration."

"This calls for a double-blind trial," Lee proposed. "When the university's genetics lab gets their funding back, all we need to do is test for the racing gene or the cruising gene in each new yacht club member. The DNA markers are kept secret from the subjects and the researchers, and boat assignments are randomized."

"Grants are hard to get these days," I said. "How would you finance a study like that?"

"No prob!" Lee replied. "I'm about to issue my own crypto meme coin. Crypto BoatBux, I call it."

"Crypto BoatBux?" I repeated. "Can you still make money with a new cryptocurrency?"

"This one has a few new twists," she

explained. "I think everyone here is familiar with a 'Boat Buck.' It's a variable unit of currency that depends on the size of your boat. For a 20-ft boat, it can be as low as a hundred dollars. It's 1,000 simoleons for a 30-footer, and 10,000 if your boat is 40-feet plus. That's like, 10-to-the-nth power, where n is the LOA of your boat in feet divided by 10. The value of the coin will always scale in proportion to your BoatBux base value."

"Brilliant!" said the sailor to my left.

"Crypto is a scam!" insisted the club member on my right.

"Sign me up for one," I said, thinking that if anyone could do crypto right, it would be Lee Helm. And as a meme coin, how could it fail? "When do these Crypto BoatBux go on sale?" I asked.

"April 1st!" Lee announced. — max ebb

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Lee's crypto meme coin, the Crypto BoatBux, available starting April 1. Just before this issue went to press, Max announced a new NFT (nonfungible token) whereby a digital token with no inherent value will be good for a dream date with Lee Helm.

THE RACING

We transition out of midwinter season into spring this month, with reports from GGYC's Seaweed Soup Regatta, RYC's Big Daddy, the SSS Corinthian Race, Island Fever in South Beach, OYC's Rites of Spring and DRYC's Opti Midwinters Box Scores is looking robust, with Midwinter Series getting their own box, and we wrap up this edition with Race Notes.

Seaweed Soup in San Francisco

It's an old cliché, but each year we anticipate the arrival of March with curiosity — will it really come in like a lion? The answer on Saturday, March 1, this year was, "Yeah, like, duh, fer sure!" A storm front was on its way, pushing westerly wind into the 30-knot range ahead of it, far exceeding the forecast for mid-teens. (We clocked a gust of 35 knots west of Angel Island.)

Most of Golden Gate Yacht Club's Seaweed Soup racers did show up for the last of the midwinter series on the San Francisco Cityfront. During the windy race on choppy waves, we counted at least one each of the following: a spinnaker boat that chose not to fly a spinnaker; a bald-headed drop (at the Knox buoy west of Angel Island); a set of twings broken; an exploded spinnaker; and a round-up to auto-tack perilously close to the Little Harding buoy.

Despite the westerly wind direction, Gordie Nash of Arcadia observed that it wasn't a topographical wind, but more of a regional weather pattern, so it was not your typical San Francisco summer weather.

Although some boats dropped out in

the intense conditions, others soldiered on. Among the finishers was Scott Easom's Sabre Spirit Serenade, which would be declared the overall series winner for a second year in a row.

Comparing this year to last year, Scott said their crew enjoyed the better weather this year, with all five races completed. Serenade was able to finish all of them, even the really light ones, "which created the throwout, which helped us because we one bad race," said Scott. "In the third one, we had a fourth. One of our guys didn't show up and I had to do the bow. That didn't go very well."

Scott's late uncle, Hank Easom, loved this series. "I think Hank's name's up there more than anybody's. That's why I continue to do it. And the crew loves it too. They've been so successful doing it." Scott is planning to race in this series again next year and to continue sailing with the Pyewacket program.

"This is the best winter series. This is the first place the wind fills in. If there's going to be any wind it's going to be on the Cityfront. While there's pretty good current over here, there's usually wind."

While hanging out après-sail at GGYC, we heard that Richmond YC

'Serenade' repeated as overall winner in GGYC's Seaweed Soup Regatta. Left to right: GGYC commodore Jim Flaherty, Hans List, Beth Munn-Newman, Emmet Yeazell, Peter Schoen holding the Soup cup, Jon Stewart and skipper Scott Easom (missing: Joel Turmel and Aidan Mobley).

canceled Sunday's Small Boat Midwinter races. The storm blew in and the wild weather continued on Sunday — reporters noted a gust of 45 mph at SFO airport that day. RYC's small-boat sailors will get one more chance to complete their midwinter series on Sunday, April 6.

GGYC's commodore, Jim Flaherty, took a moment during the awards-giving to remind us of the club's summer beer can series, to be held every other Friday starting on May 2. "It's painlessly unattended because it's San Francisco on the waterfront in the summer — duh. We promise you we'll rock this house on Friday night." Registration is open at www.jibeset.net

— latitude/chris

GGYC SEAWEED SOUP REGATTA (5r, 1t)

PHRF 1 — 1) Jubilant, J/112e, Kevin Wilkinson, 6 points; 2) Swift Ness, J/111, Nesrin Basoz, 7; 3) eXpresso, XP 44, Jim Lussier, 14. (9 boats)

PHRF 2 — 1) Serenade, Sabre Spirit 36, Scott Easom, 4 points; 2) Jeannette, Frers 40, Bob Novy, 10; 3) Sapphire, Synergy 1000, Mark Dowdy, 14. (9 boats)

PHRF 3 — 1) Arcadia, Mod. Santana 27, Gordie Nash, 6 points; 2) Uno, Wyliecat 30, Bren Meyer, 8; 3) Heart of Gold, Olson 911s, Joan Byrne, 9 (8 boats)

KNARR — 1) Flyer, Chris Kelly, 7 points; 2) Thor, Jeff Spoering, 9; 3) Igknarrant, Ty Ingram, 12. (10 boats)

FOLKBOAT — 1) Faith, Allen Slichter, 8 points; 2) Rodhaette, Laurence Chambers, 12; 3) Sabrina, Chandler Grenier, 14. (6 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

RYC Big Daddy Regatta

On Saturday, March 8, Richmond YC ran their pre-spring classic, the Big Daddy Regatta, with three buoy races on three race courses. Sailors on the Southampton course were afraid there wasn't going to be enough wind, but it came up and even got sporty enough to drench bow crews. On the OC (aka Berkeley Circle) course, the wind came up to 18 knots. Crews changed down to #3 jibs from #1 genoas after the first race, and heavy-air spinnakers came out. "All of a sudden it's summer," commented one sailor. "Where did this wind come from?" mused another.

The racing was done quickly, and sailors gathered back at RYC for free beer,

navy blue 36-ft

a buffet dinner and a dance party. The theme for the weekend was Mardi Gras.

The pursuit race on Sunday, March 9, had plenty of westerly wind. As was typical in March this year, the wind came in earlier, ahead of the 11:25 warning, and stronger than forecast. RYC's commodore, Ernie Galvan, noted "a great party and terrific breeze."

This is one of those races in which skippers choose the direction of rounding Angel Island and Alcatraz. The start line is set up east of Raccoon Strait. Is there wind in the Strait? There was. Might want to go that way first, especially on an ebb. It was ebbing all day. A Wylie Wabbit hopped down from the Pacific Northwest to show the locals the way.

RYC handed out prizes to the top 10 finishers. We polled them to learn which way they went. #10, Tenacious Cuttlefish, went clockwise. #8, Checkered Past, went clockwise; Kim Desenberg said they

planed all the way around the course. #6, Fidget, went counterclockwise. #5, Firefly, went clockwise. #3, Can O'Whoopass went counterclockwise. The Cal 20 had started first, at 11:30, and made a fast getaway to Raccoon Strait. "When you're hittin' obtuse angles you're going the right way," commented skipper Richard vonEhrenkrook.

#2 and #1 were both Wylie Wabbits and both went counterclockwise. Colin Moore of Kwazy said they planed from Point Stuart on.

But Holy Hand Grenade's crew — Taylor Joosten, David Rogers and Jack Killalea, hailing from Seattle, topped the other 104 starters. This was the first time on this course for Jack and David. Taylor had sailed the same course in last October's Great Pumpkin pursuit race on the

More from GGYC's Seaweed Soup race on March 1: left, Knarrs crossing tacks; right, the Farr 40 'Astra'.

Moore 24 Mojito. Taylor and David are new RYC members. They raced the 2024 Pacific Cup doublehanded in the Dogpatch 26 Moonshine, and Latitude profiled them in a story called Pre-Marriage Racing Program — Not Recommended for Everyone. See www.latitude38.com/ lectronic/pre-marriage-racing-program or the October 2024 issue of Latitude 38 — latitude/chris

RYC BIG DADDY FLEET RACES, 3/8 (3r, 0t)

PHRF A — 1) Saoirse, Tripp 41, Russell Huebschle, 6 points; 2) Swift Ness, J/111, Nesrin Basoz, 6.5; 3) Nuckelavee, Melges 32, Mark Kennedy/Pearl Prisco, 8.5. (4 boats)

PHRF B — 1) Peregrine, J/120, David Halliwill/EJ Rowland, 4 points; 2) Jeannette, Frers 40, Bob Novy, 9; 3) Reverie, J/109, John Arens, 12. (7 boats)

PHRF D — 1) Spindrift V, Express 37, Andy Schwenk/Lisa Wilson, 3 points; 2) Mintaka 4, Farr 38, Gerry Brown, 8; 3) Story Maker, Tartan 101,

Scott Easom's

Sabre Spirit 'Serenade' on her way to a midwinter repeat victory.

THE RACING

Mike Mahoney, 12; 4) Mudshark, Express 37, Dante & Kim Branciforte, 12. (6 boats)

PHRF E — 1) Flightrisk, Thompson 650, Ben Landon, 3 points; 2) Heart of Gold, Olson 911S, Joan Byrne/Axel Mehnert, 9; 3) WYSIWYG, Olson 30, Hendrik Bruhns/Guillaume Canivet, 14. (10 boats)

PHRF F — 1) The Flying Tiger, Moore 24, Vaughn Seifers, 4 points; 2) Synchroncity, Olson 25, Stephen Smith, 7; 3) Topper II, Moore 24, Conrad Holbrook, 7. (6 boats)

J/105 — 1) Maverick, Ian Charles, 3 points; 2) Prima, Artem Savinov, 7; 3) Chao Pescao, Paolo Juvara, 8. (4 boats)

ALERION 28 — 1) Resilience, Michael Quinn/ Kersey Clausen, 5 points; 2) Sweet De, Chris & Denise Kramer, 5; 3) H2Osprey, John Skinner, 8. (4 boats)

EXPRESS 27 — 1) Motorcycle Irene, Julia Paxton, 6 points; 2) Freaks on a Leash, Katie Cornetta, 11; 3) Wile E Coyote, Dan Pruzan, 11. (16 boats)

J/24 — 1) Evil Octopus, Jasper Van Vliet, 4 points; 2) Tenacious Cuttlefish, Brandon Mercer, 7; 3) Downtown Uproar, Darren Cumming, 9. (5 boats)

WYLIE WABBIT — 1) Holy Hand Grenade, David Rogers, 9 points; 2) Tulawemia, Chris Melhuish, 12; 3) 24K, Lisa Byrne, 12. (5 boats)

SANTANA 22 — 1) Anemone, Hank Lindemann, 4 points; 2) Zingaro, Jennifer McKenna, 5; 3) El Toro, Clyde Niesen, 11. (3 boats)

ULTIMATE 20 — 1) Cinderella Story, John Andrew, 4 points; 2) Toon Town, Michael Eisenberg, 7; 3) Peabody, Donna Womble/Travis

RYC's Big Daddy pursuit race on March 9. Left: The Pacific Northwest crew of 'Holy Hand Grenade' claimed their place on the perpetual trophy (there's no actual prize for best boat name, but if there were we'd give it to the Wylie Wabbit). Right, top: The washing machine on the south side of Alcatraz; bottom: the Ultimate 20 'Toon Town' and Beneteau 46.1 'Ventana'.

Gregory, 10. (6 boats)

RYC BIG DADDY PURSUIT RACE, 3/9

MONOHULL — 1) Holy Hand Grenade; 2) Kwazy, Wylie Wabbit, Colin Moore; 3) Can O'Whoopass, Cal 20, Richard vonEhrenkrook; 4) Under the Radar, Express 27, Greg Felton; 5) Firefly, Moore 24, Joel Turmel; 6) Fidget, J/80, Tim Stapleton; 7) Feather, J/100, Zach Berkowitz; 8) Checkered Past, Wyliecat 39, Kim & Anna Desenberg; 9) Salty Hotel, Express 27, John Kearney; 10) Tenacious Cuttlefish. (102 boats)

MULTIHULL — 1) Ma's Rover, F-31R, John Donovan; 2) Tri Jolie, Corsair 880, Rafi Yahalom; 3) Osprey, F-31R, Anthony Murphy. (3 boats) Full results at www.richmondyc.org

SSS Corinthian Race

"After a long wait for the wind to fill at Point Knox, we started behind all the doublehanded sailors," reports Bart Hackworth about the SSS Corinthian Race on February 22. He sailed the race singlehanded on the Cal 40 Shaman.

The Singlehanded Sailing Society used SFYC's race committee boat and set up the start-finish line west of Angel Island. "Being the last to start gave me a chance to watch all the different starting approaches and see the wind come and go as some boats struggled against

current and light air," continues Bart. "I determined it would be safest to start at the committee boat end and tack right. This let me get into some ebb and more breeze to our first mark, Little Harding.

"I rounded toward the front of my starting fleet and reached with the 155% genoa toward Blossom Rock. It was too tight to set, and I wanted to get the kite ready for the next downwind leg from Blackaller Buoy to Bob Klein Buoy near Southampton. As we reached toward the City, the westerly increased and I knew I also needed to get the #3 jib ready. I decided to round Blossom with the big jib and change to the small jib through the first tack. The wind increased to the high teens to low 20s sailing up the Cityfront, so this was a good idea.

"After rounding Blackaller, I set a 1.5oz kite with a snuffer on port tack and luckily never had to jibe all the way to Bob Klein. The wind did reach 23 knots, and it was a quick ride. As I passed Point Blunt, I chose to sail low and toward shallower water out of the shipping channel to avoid the ebb current. The wind began to decrease significantly behind Angel Island. However, the boats in front of us suffered far worse with light

than De Vries. (12 boats)

DH NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Bella, Eagle 44, John Rittenhouse/Michael Chammout. (6 boats)

air. I was able to reach in, douse and round the mark by tacking back toward Treasure Island. This got me back into the wind quickly before I tacked back on port to get more ebb. It was a quick sail back up to Little Harding and to the finish at Knox." In the end, Bart scored the best corrected time in the race, in any division.

"It was a long day. The Cal 40 is a lot of boat to singlehand, with a lot of heavy stuff. But I find if I constantly try to plan ahead to stay prepared for the next maneuver, it's pretty manageable and the boat will sail itself well under autopilot."

— latitude / chris

SSS CORINTHIAN,

2/22

SH SPINNAKER — 1) Shaman, Cal 40, Bart Hackworth; 2) Uno, Wyliecat 30, David Herrigel; 3) Crinan II, Wyliecat 30, Donald Martin. (9 boats)

SH SPORTBOAT — 1) Dragonsong, Olson 30, Sam McFadden; 2) Akumu, B-25, Greg Ashby. (5 boats)

SH NON-SPINNAKER — No finishers. (2 boats)

DH SPINNAKER <80 — 1) Basic Instinct, Elliott 1050, Memo Gidley/Eliot Schiffman; 2) Timber Wolf, Farr 38, Dave Hodges/John Kernot; 3) Bullet, Express 37, Larry Baskin/John Curren. (9

boats)

DH SPINNAKER 80-113 — 1) Freedom, Worth 40, Jib & Will Martens; 2) Rhapsody, Sabre Spirit 36, Laurence Pulgram/Alec Van Kerkhov; 3) Speedwell, J/88, Robert Mulligan/Andrew Goodwin. (9 boats)

DH SPINNAKER 114-158 — 1) Bandicoot, Wyliecat 30, Erik Menzel; 2) Arcadia, Mod. Santana 27, Gordie Nash/Terry Bennett; 3) Kangaroo Jockey, J/70, Peter Cameron/Drake Jensen. (10 boats)

DH SPINNAKER ≥159 — 1) Can O'Whoopass, Cal 20, Richard vonEhrenkrook/Rachel Porter; 2) Byte Size, Santana 22, Anna Alderkamp/ Chris Cassel; 3) Shadowfax, Olson 25, JP Camille/Boris Lukanov. (8 boats)

DH SPORTBOAT — 1) Rooster, Melges 20, John Oldham/Ian Charles; 2) Kwazy, Wylie Wabbit, Colin Moore/OJ Olsen; 3) Pacifico, SC27, Ron Tostensen/Gilles Combrison. (11 boats)

DH ALERION EXPRESS 28 — 1) Chesapeake III, Jim Fair/Bernard Price; 2) Zenaida, Fred Paxton/Arnie Quan; 3) H2Osprey, John Skinner/Charlie Brochard. (5 boats)

DH EXPRESS 27 — 1) Peaches, John Rivlin/ Samantha Gebb; 2) Tule Fog, Steve Carroll/Chris Chapman; 3) Motorcycle Irene, Julie Paxton/David Liebenberg. (9 boats)

DH MOORE 24 — 1) Topper II, Conrad Holbrook/Andy Schwenk; 2) Flying Circus, Bill & Melinda Erkelens; 3) Suerte, Nick Dugdale/Na-

DH MULTIHULL — 1) Papillon, F-27, Andrew & Kai Scott; 2) Waterwings, F-31RS, Todd Olsen/Chris Harvey; 3) Caliente, Explorer 44, Truls Myklebust/Jim Struble. (9 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

Island Fever in South Beach

John Tennyson, South Beach YC Island Fever Midwinter Series chair, says that each fall, after the Wind Machine has switched off, sailors are so desperate to race that they'll believe anything — especially the idea that there will eventually be enough wind if they just show up and wait long enough. This sure sounds like what happened February 22: sunny skies and a ripple o' breeze to start, advancing to mild rollers, cloud cover and bluster brewing.

On the course, Carter Ott was walking away with a string of firsts in NonSpinnaker Division. A newer member at South Beach, his Yankee Dolphin 24 picks up and goes. "I was looking to move Duckling up to South Beach Harbor. The welcome experienced at SBYC — the generosity, Corinthian spirit, love for their club and interest in bettering it, as well as location, made membership there a no-brainer for me."

Still getting in sync with the boat, he raced Duckling once in the South

More from the Big Daddy pursuit race, clockwise from top left: milling about waiting to start; the busy start line; 'Arcadia' and the Islander 36 'Windwalker' cross paths west of Alcatraz; the champions, Taylor Joost, David Rogers and Jack Killalea back at the RYC prize-giving.

THE RACING

Bay about a year ago and counts fewer than 10 times being on the water for an extended time: "I've been busy restoring her at the dock. I entered the series as a shakedown for Duckling. As for sailing solo, that's possibly out of nostalgia remembering my time as a junior in Sabots and Lasers."

He says February brought a welcome break with enough wind to "make it a bit spicy without the ripping currents we experienced in the first two months. For the non-spin class, just trying to finish November and December before the race committee called it — against significant current, in light wind, without a spinnaker — was extremely challenging."

The Spinnaker PHRF >150 division was trailing Huge, a Catalina 30. "As for our first-place standing at this point, it's not really so much our skill, but that 'we showed up'," says Jay Moore. "Winter racing is such a grab bag. In all the multiple club midwinters I've raced this season, more than half have not had a scored finish due to lack of wind and too much tide: If you show up and can finish a race, your odds of a good result are huge (tongue in cheek)."

In February's race, Huge's crew count was eight. "There were two keel newbies (also their first time racing), the person on the bow was brand-new in that role (he races J/105s, so is a great sailor),

and two hadn't raced on Huge for several months."

This Catalina 30 competes in roughly 18 club races per year, plus a few YRA events to mix things up. "More than half the crew compete on other one-design boats as well (J/105, Knarr, Express 27, Express 37)," he says. "Huge is our fun boat! As such, we view a main purpose as getting sailors (both new and old) trained and ready for competitive one design. During most seasons, this means roughly 25-30% of those aboard are new to competition. This also means we try not to take racing on Huge too seriously; one-design racing is for seriousness."

Despite the cool-to-cold San Francisco conditions, SBYC winners get warm-blooded tropical pink flamingos as trophies. Tennyson says, "No one knows when or why the flamingos arrived at South Beach — perhaps once upon a time one of them fed into Google Maps "Island Fever" and the results directed ‘em to fly to the S.F. Bay Area instead of Florida. We here at SBYC don't have the heart to point this out to them, so to make the birds feel welcome, we made them mascots for our Island Fever Midwinters. It then became obvious to award plastic replicas to individual race

winners."

Adding more thoughts about winter winds, Tennyson notes, "We had to cancel December races due to 30-knot winds and potential thunderstorms." But for the times when there really is no blow, SBYC bestows a prize for the first boat that officially abandons a race that no other boat is able to finish. It's the Reality Check prize.

— martha blanchfield

SBYC ISLAND FEVER MIDWINTERS (6r, 1t)

SPINNAKER <100 — 1) Nuckelavee, Melges 32, Pearl Prisco, 5 points; 2) Lark, J/112e, Nathan Sanders, 12; 3) Rakusu, J/105, Bill Davidson, 19. (8 boats)

SPINNAKER 100-150 — 1) Heart of Gold, Olson 911S, Joan Byrne/Axel Mehnert, 5 points; 2) Stratocaster, J/32, Lewis Lanier, 13; 3) Crew's Nest, Catalina 34, Ray Irvine, 15. (4 boats)

SPINNAKER >150 — 1) Huge, Catalina 30, Jay Moore, 8 points; 2) Sparky, Catalina 25, Paul Zell, 12; 3) Zeehond, Newport 30 MkII, Donn Guay, 17. (2 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Duckling, Dolphin 24, Carter Ott, 5 points; 2) Flying Fog, Pearson 303, David Feig, 18; 3) Parisian, Ericson 35-3, Raymond Schulz, 26. (3 boats)

Full results at www.southbeachyachtclub.org

The South Beach YC Island Fever midwinter race on February 22, clockwise from left: A windward mark rounding and spinnaker set; the bow crew of Larry Lang's J/105 'Air Jaldi' preps the kite; greetings from Bill Davidson's J/105 'Rakusu'.

OYC Rites of Spring

Oakland YC's Rites of Spring race took place on March 15 in the Central Bay. The forecast was for winds of 8-9 knots and minimal gusts. Well, the forecast was good on minimal gusts, however the wind was blowing in the mid- to high teens, keeping all racers moving swiftly over their courses. There was chop and slop here and there but also sunshine and blue skies. With the pretty steady breeze, it was a great day for racing.

The OYC committee boat anchored behind Treasure Island, where they spent the day as the start and finish lines

BYC MIDWINTERS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS, 2/22

RED FLEET — 1) The Flying Tiger, Moore 24, Vaughn Seifers; 2) Takeoff, Melges 24, Andrew Picel; 3) WYSIWYG, Olson 30, Hendrik Bruhns. (5 boats)

BLUE FLEET — 1) Swift Ness, J/111, Nesrin Basoz. (1 boat)

WHITE FLEET — 1) Tequila Mockingbird, Express 27, Randall Rasicot/Lise Smith; 2) Zeehond, Newport 30 MkII, Donn Guay. (2 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

SDYC ETCHELLS PCC, 2/22-23 (5r, 1t)

1) Rock On, Argyle Campbell, NHYC, 12 points; 2) Lifted, Jim Cunningham, SFYC/NYYC; 13; 3) Buschido, Chris Busch, SDYC, 16; 4) Here We Go Again, John Dane, Pass Christian YC, 17; 5) Rhino, Bruce Nelson, SDYC, 20. (30 boats)

CORINTHIAN — 1) Viva, Don Jesberg, SFYC, 34 points; 2) Capricorn, Ethan Doyle/Matt Hect, SFYC, 39; 3) Coyote, Grace Yakutis, Coronado YC, 46. (14 boats)

Full results at www.sdyc.org

NHYC/SDYC ISLANDS RACE, 2/28-3/1

ORR A — 1) Favonius 2, TP52, Greg Dorn; 2) Fast Exit II, Ker 52, John Raymont; 3) BadPak, Botin 56, Tom Holthus. (5 boats)

ORR B — 1) Grand Illusion, SC70, David Clark; 2) Ragtime, Spencer 65, Tina Roberts; 3)

were one in the same. A big thank-you goes out to Andy Lindstrom, who offered his trawler as the committee boat and who also served as the PRO. As with any race, some who love the sport get off their sailboats to run a race, and Andy and his committee of four willing volunteers made it happen.

There were three fleets this year: Multihull, Non-Spinnaker and Spinnaker. With 21 signed up, 16 competitors made it to the line. The multihulls were the first start and were given a course of 18.9 miles, racing between Blackaller Buoy, Harding Rock and Blossom Rock,

BOX SCORES

Mirage, SC70, Marchetta Furey. (4 boats)

ORR C — 1) Javelin, J/125, Daniel Murphy; 2) Maasai, DK46, Robert Capita; 3) Triumph, SC52, Steve Sellinger. (6 boats)

ORR D — 1) Restless, Cal 40, Alli Bell; 2) Ohana, Swede 55, Paul Hogue/Steve Wright; 3) Blackwing, Grand Soleil 44, Barry Clark. (8 boats)

ORR E — 1) Picosa, J/111, Doug & Jack Jorgensen; 2) Raven, J/121, Jeff Shew; 3) Creative, J/111, Ed Sanford. (6 boats)

ORR-EZ — 1) Kookaburra, J/120, Robert Kraak; 2) Rossa, DK46, Jared Gargano. (2 boats) Full results at www.islandsrace.com

NHYC CHANNEL ISLANDS 500, 3/14-16

ORR A — 1) Fast Exit II, Ker 52, John Raymont; 2) BadPak, Botin 56, Tom Holthus; 3) Zero Gravity, R/P 51, Ivan Batanov. (4 boats)

ORR B — 1) Grand Illusion, SC70, David Clark; 2) Pyewacket, Andrews 68, Roy Disney; 3) It's OK, Andrews 50, Tom Purcell. (3 boats)

ORR C — 1) Javelin, J/125, Daniel Murphy; 2) City Lights, SC52, Aaron Wangenheim; 3) Triumph, SC52, Steve Sellinger. (5 boats) Full results at www.nhyc.org

and back to Blackaller before returning to TI to finish. Non-spinnaker boats were next to start, with a little shorter course, 13.8 miles, racing to East Quarry Point, Harding, Blossom Rock and then north of TI to get to the finish line behind TI.

The Spinnaker fleet had the last start and raced 17.9 miles on a course running to NR10 northeast of Point Chauncy, then Little Harding, Blackaller, and back to finish.

It was a busy day on the Bay, with three container ships moving, ferries running, barges changing out at the end of the Estuary, and tugs wherever things were happening. Some racers were in the right place and time to cross well ahead of traffic and others found themselves having to tack over and round the stern of a container ship or two. But it's all in a day of racing on San Francisco Bay.

Back at OYC, sailors gathered for prizes for the top three finishers in each fleet and then an additional prize to the top finisher overall. The overall race winner was Sterling.

— debby ratto

OYC RITES OF SPRING, 3/15

SPINNAKER — 1) Zeehond, Newport 30 MkII, Donn Guay; 2) Gig, HB 30, Gil Sloan; 3) Humble Vandal, J/92, Rhett Smith. (6 boats) NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Sterling, Catalina 34, Jim Brady; 2) Mystic, J/27, Jes Christian; 3)

SYC J/105 & J/88 SPRING INVITATIONAL, 3/1516 (6r, 0t)

J/105 — 1) Niuhi, George Hecht, 14 points; 2) Ne*Ne, Tim Russell, 18; 3) Godot 2.0, Phillip Laby, 34; 4) Peaches, John & Michael Rivlin, 38; 5) Blackhawk, Ryan Simmons, 41. (22 boats) J/88 — 1) Butcher, Dave Corbin, 8 points; 2) Speedwell, Thomas Thayer/Robert Milligan, 9; 3) Pelagia, Christos Karamanolis, 17. (3 boats) Full results at www.sausalitoyachtclub.org

ILCA CALIFORNIA MASTERS, MBYC, 3/16 (7r, 1t)

ILCA 7 — 1) Al Clark, Jericho SC, Grand Master, 18 points; 2) Erik Hauser, Scuttlebutt YC, Grand Master, 38; 3) Duncan Pearce, Royal Vancouver YC, Master, 40; 4) Martin Bonsager, Balboa YC, Master, 42; 5) Dave Leuck, MBYC, Grand Master, 48. (22 boats)

Full results at www.mbyc.org

ACSC SPRING DINGHY, 3/16 (5r, 0t) 5O5 — 1) Howard Hamlin/Jon Bell, 8 points; 2) Mike Martin/Adam Lowry, 9; 3) Mike Punnett/Paul Von Grey, 14. (9 boats)

ILCA 7 — 1) Elliot Drake, 5 points; 2) Julian Soto, 5; 3) Al Sargent, 14. (12 boats)

ILCA 6 — 1) Toshi Takayanagi, 3 points; 2) Jenny Maybee, 6; 3) Summer Strumph, 13. (3 boats)

Full results at www.sailalameda.org/racing.html

Champion of Champions of the Berkeley Midwinters and winners of the Kirt Brooks Trophy on February 22 were Nick Nash, Michaela Seifers, her dad Vaughn Seifers, and Abby Wentworth of 'The Flying Tiger', a Moore 24. Nick's dad Chris and Vaughn's son Wesley served as alternates.

THE RACING

Boogie Woogie, Ranger 33, John Ratto. (5 boats) MULTIHULL SPINNAKER — 1) Greyhound, F-22, Evan McDonald; 2) Pegasus 3, F-22R, Andrew Pitcairn/Anton Berteaux; 3) Tri Jolie, Corsair 880, Rafi Yahalom/Kartheek Manne. (5 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

Opri Midwinters Draw 80+ Boats

On February 15-16, Del Rey YC ran the Southern California Yachting Association Midwinter/Stephen M. Pitts Memorial/Southern California Youth Yacht Racing Association Carrie Series races for junior sailors. The Pitts trophy is named for DRYC junior sailor Stephen M. Pitts, who was Association of Santa Monica Bay Yacht Clubs Junior Yachtsman of the year twice. He selflessly mentored younger kids and was a credit to the sport of sailboat racing and to the yacht club. Tragically, Stephen passed

BENYC FROSTBITE SERIES (5r, 1t)

1) Tuquila, Hobie 33, Scott Nieman, 6 points; 2) E Ticket, Moorings 38, Noble Griswold, 11; 3) Vitamin Sea, Catalina 36, Steven Corwin, 22. (9 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

IYC ISLAND DAYS (5r, 1t)

SPINNAKER 3 — 1) Wile E Coyote, Express 27, Dan Pruzan, 5 points; 2) Good and Plenty, Soverel 33, Justis Fennell, 6; 3) Meepmeep, J/80, Greg & Lisa Byrne, 12. (6 boats)

SPINNAKER 2 — 1) Dream Catcher, J/24, Steven Bayles, 5 points; 2) Faster Faster!, Merit 25, David Ross, 6; 3) Bewitched, Merit 25, Dawn Chesney, 12. (6 boats)

SPINNAKER 1 — 1) Ursa Minor, Santana 525, Richard Standridge, 4 points; 2) Lelo Too, Tartan 30, Emily Zugnoni, 8; 3) Loki, Santana 525, Walter Shih, 11. (3 boats)

COLUMBIA 5.5 — 1) Maverick, Ken Bodiley, 4 points; 2) Roja, Chris Davis, 9; 3) Rogue, Ryan Nelson, 10. (4 boats)

SANTANA 22 — 1) Anemone, Hank Lindemann, 4 points; 2) Fun, Chris Nicholas, 8; 3) Fast Company, John Caskey, 10. (5 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Sashay Aweigh, Harbor 25, Ghaida Zahran, 8 points; 2) Blue Pearl, Newport 20, Beccie Mendenhall, 9; 3) Fly Bye, Pearson 26, Camilo Landau, 11. (6 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

Left: DRYC hosted the Opti Midwinters in mid-February, with four races in fluky breeze. Right: the start of Del Rey YC's Berger/Stein Series Race #3, the South Bay Tour, on March 1. For results, see www.regattanetwork.com/event/28984.

away at age 18 from leukemia.

Of 85 Optis entered, 56 competed in the Champ, or advanced, class and 29 raced in the Green, or younger, class. Based on ages, the Champ Class is divided into Red, White and Blue divisions. The 'Red' kids are the oldest; all range in age from 10 to 13. The Champ Class races are held offshore. The Green Class sails inside the harbor.

The swells were running 5-6 feet on Saturday, causing many delays. Light, fluky air prevailed. On Sunday, the swells abated a bit but took the wind along with them. The conditions permitted only a total of four Champ Class races. The younger Green Fleet had better luck inside the marina and rattled off

MIDWINTER

SERIES BOX SCORES

SCYC MIDWINTER SERIES (6r, 1t)

A FLEET — 1) Octavia, SC50, Shepard Kett, 16 points; 2) Heartbeat, Wylie 46, Lou Pambianco, 18; 3) Animal, Sydney 38, Matt Lezin, 20. (5 boats)

B FLEET — 1) Pegasus, Moore 24, Philippe Kahn, 9 points; 2) Javelin, J/105, Sergei Podshivalov, 10; 3) Dr. Feelgood, Olson 29, Rhys Chard, 11. (6 boats)

JIB & MAIN — 1) Hijinx 2.0, Express 34, Brad Sampson, 9 points; 2) Gandalf, Santana 35, Robert DeWitt/Ric Diola, 11; 3) Zoop, Islander 36, Paul Tara/Linda Moore, 12. (6 boats)

SC27 — 1) Dynaflow, Tom Preston, 8 points; 2) Duet, Garrett Koontz/Eddie Star, 10; 3) Sumo, Henry Cassady, 12. (7 boats) Full results at www.scyc.org

SEQYC REDWOOD CUP SERIES (4r, 1t)

PHRF — 1) Allons-Y, J/70, Davis King, 3 points; 2) Osprey, Sabre 36, Jeff Stine, 5; 3) Hijinks, J/92, Ian McGee, 10. (10 boats)

MERIT 25 — 1) Juan Blanch, 5 points; 2) Brett

eight races over the two days.

After the races, the kids were treated to pizza, chicken fingers, mac and cheese and mini hot dogs. Results are at www. dryc.org.

— andy kopetzky

Race Notes

Co-hosted by Newport Harbor and San Diego YCs, the Islands Race on February 28-March 2 kicked off SoCal's West Coast offshore racing season. The race runs from Point Fermin around San Clemente and Santa Catalina islands to a finish in San Diego off Point Loma. Thirty-one teams started on time in six ORR and ORR-EZ classes.

Doug and Jack Jorgensen's J/111

Herr, 5; 3) Steve Klein, 7. (5 boats)

OPEN 5.70 — 1) Altair, Samantha Chiu, 4 points; 2) Hummingbird, Andrew Lesslie, 7; 3) Roxy, Anja Bog, 9. (7 boats)

Full results at www.jibeset.net

SYC CHILI MIDWINTERS (5r, 1t)

SPINNAKER A — 1) Streaker, J/105, Greg Arkus, 10 points; 2) Chao Pescao, J/105, Paolo Juvara, 11; 3) Hazardous Waste, J/105, Dana Sack, 11. (8 boats)

SPINNAKER C — 1) Wimm, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349, Zach Sherry, 6 points; 2) Nancy, Wyliecat 30, Pat Broderick, 9; 3) Sweet Pea, Islander 30 MkII, Jan Hirsch, 9. (5 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER D — 1) Sapphire, Express 33, Michael Chammout, 5 points; 2) Amicizia, Hanse 415, Scott Lamson, 11; 3) La Mer, Newport 30, Randy Grenier, 13. (14 boats) Full results at www.regattanetwork.com

VYC TINY ROBBINS MIDWINTER SERIES (4r, 1t)

SPINNAKER — 1) Joker, J/35, Jennifer Valverde, 10 points; 2) Aerie, CS36, Mark Littlefield, 14; 3) Pearl, J/80, Jack Vetter. 14. (5 boats)

NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Triforce, Tartan 4100, Mike Kazek, 5 points; 2) Adventure, Catalina 36, Steven Strunk, 7; 3) Artemis, Hunter 356, Matt Hendricksen, 13. (3 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net

Picosa claimed Class E and was declared the overall winner. Roy Disney's Volvo 70 Pyewacket set the current record in 2021, sailing the course in 10 hours, 49 minutes, 52 seconds. This was a lighter year, particularly west of Catalina. See Box Scores on page 74 for top results.

The San Francisco Vanguard 15 fleet , previously housed at the now-

shuttered Treasure Island Sailing Center, has settled on San Francisco Boat Works in the Mission Bay neighborhood as their new home. (TISC plans to reopen after redevelopment construction is done.) Learn more about Fleet 53 at https://vanguard15.org

Errata: In the February Racing Sheet, we misidentified Cal Maritime Academy as a University of California campus; Cal Maritime is part of the California State

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

March's racing stories included:

• SailGP • Foiling Week

• Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup

• Mini Globe Race • California Dreamin'

• Transpac Profiles • Vallarta YC

• Previews of April Races, the Banderas Bay Regatta, Beer Can Races, the America's Schooner Cup, Congressional Cup, and more.

University system, not the UC system. Thanks to Craig Perez for the reminder. In the March Racing Sheet, we neglected to provide a photo credit for the image of Oakland YC's Sunday Brunch Series Race 4; that picture came to us from Bay Area sailing photographer Slackwater SF.

— latitude/chris

PERFORMANCE

Islands Race overall winner 'Picosa' at the start off Point Fermin on February 28.

CHANGES

With reports this month on Jack Van Ommen's latest cruising news; Salty Dancer's arrival in Costa Rica; Willow V's long meander through Mexico; looks at the Barra de Navidad Cruise-In Week and Zihuatanejo Sailfest; and a tasty helping of Cruise Notes.

Fleetwood IV — Elan 31

Jack Van Ommen

20th Anniversary of My Dream Come True

Gig Harbor

The irrepressible Jack Van Ommen is considering an attempt to become the oldest singlehanded circumnavigator.

In 2004, on a business/family visit in Europe, my brother-in-law, Herman, 12 years older than I, gave me a ride to Schiphol Airport. "Jaap, don't you think that you are a bit too old to try to sail around the world?" he asked. I didn't think so — 68 didn't seem that old. I wish he were still around so we could discuss that question now.

I could have never expected, in my wildest dreams, that I would still be doing this 20 years later. I am writing this from the Hemingway Marina near Havana, Cuba, on my way north to the Chesapeake. It's become my second home since I arrived there in 2007 by way of the Cape of Good Hope, having sailed roughly 70% of the solo circumnavigation. In the next couple of days, I'll be entering the Old Bahama Channel and the Gulf Stream for the fourth time since 2009. And planning to cross the Atlantic for the third time since 2007. Belize became the 66th country I have touched by boat since 2005.

Three marriages, two shipwrecks and one "wreck of a ship" better remain my limits. My last shipwreck was here on the Cuban coast on February 3, 2022. I was on my way to Rio Dulce to do some repairs and check it out for when I grew up and limited in my physical activities to better match my elder equals. One of the reasons for my stop here in Cuba is to try to recover some of my personal things from Fleetwood II

Fleetwood II was built from one of the three Naja kits I had imported from Whisstocks Boatyard in England in 1980 while I was having the original Fleetwood assembled in winter 1979-1980. I bought it from the second owner in April 2014, after my shipwreck with number one

near Ibiza on November 16, 2013. This is the boat with which I completed the still-missing part of the circumnavigation back to the Pacific Coast. I did this in 2016-2017 from Puget Sound, following the 2016 Baja Ha-Ha as a non-official participant (because of singlehanded disqualification). But Richard included me in the onshore fun and let me pitch my story and the SoloMan book.

I continued through the Panama Canal, and exactly a month after my 80th birthday, I finished the missing portion by crossing my 2007 inbound voyage — back-asswards.

I've found the Naja boats to be the ideal size and performance for me. So when the search began for Fleetwood III, I tried to find one of the two other kits I had imported back in 1980. The second one I sold went to a retired schoolteacher in Sacramento, a skilled hobby woodworker who did a superior job of building her. But sailing never became his passion. Years ago, I heard that he had sold the boat to a San Diego sheriff. But my searches never brought any answers, until I learned last November, on a boating website, that another Sacramento sailor by the name of Rolando had bought her in 2004 and sailed the boat regularly on San Francisco Bay. The trail went cold after that, but I'd love to hear from anyone knowing its whereabouts.

The third Naja kit was partially built by an employee of the company I had started to sell more of the kits. It ended up in British Columbia, sold to a good friend, and made front cover of Pacific Yachting, but all my efforts to locate it have failed so far. Again, if anyone knows any more about this boat, I'd love to hear from you.

Not finding any other Najas, I settled on a Dutch Waarschip, also a multichined kit boat, also 30 feet, with similar beam and draft. The difference is the plywood hull strakes are clinker built, like shingles. This gives the chines more stiffness in comparison with the Naja's butted joints. But the exposed plywood edges need constant maintenance.

This purchase in Holland turned into a total nightmare. The seller advertised the boat as having been built in epoxy. That turned out to be a deception, and I ended up replacing the rotten section in the bottom of the hull, deck and cockpit in the summers of 2022, 2023 and 2024. Fleetwood III is now in good shape and ready

to go, but I'm so fed up with the whole project that I'm selling the boat where she is in Amsterdam and suing the seller.

So the search resumed for Fleetwood IV, and there was an urgency to it. I was running out of options for a place to live! (On my Social Security I cannot afford hotels.) I had returned to the Pacific Northwest for Thanksgiving. My oldest daughter had downsized her condo, and her son was coming home for Christmas. After visiting a friend in Eugene, my youngest son and his wife in Roseburg, and my oldest son in Las Vegas, by mid-December I was running out of places to stay. I had nothing lined up beyond December 14. On the 13th I responded to the offering of a 1986 Elan 31 in Rio Dulce. It became my new residence on the 17th.

I am very pleased with the choice I made. This boat has luxuries I could not have imagined from my previous protected lifestyle, like a mechanical anchor winch,

FLEETWOOD IV

IN LATITUDES

roller furling, built-in autopilot, chartplotter, lazy jacks, 3-cylinder 24hp engine, 12-volt fridge, and more!

It got me thinking again what a difference 20 years brings. When I left Santa Barbara in April 2005 to make the 3,000mile sail to the Marquesas, I had $150 left in my bank account and the prospect that the next Social Security deposit of $1,450 would be available in the Polynesian ATM.

Now I own two sailboats and still have money in the bank. And if and when I expect to recover a good part of the $20,000+ I spent the last three summers repairing #3, I'll have enough spare money to be dangerous. But there's only a small chance that I'll ever be able to afford a home with a foundation again.

My memories of my years as a successful millionaire wood exporter have become very vague. They were good years, but the bankruptcy in 2000 and the first Social Security check in 2002 were the best things that ever happened to me. That set me free. After the bank dropped me, I worked on commissions for a former competitor. There were months that I had to ask my landlady to postpone my rent payment. I remember that sunny day when I sat on the balcony of my apartment with a cup of coffee, and suddenly opening my eyes and senses to the fact that I had everything I could ever ask for. That I may have lost my fortune, but the best things in life are free and a cup of coffee is still affordable. Staring for hours at the same picture of the ocean to the horizon never bores me. It just fills me with the appreciation and gratitude for the awesome gifts God has provided for me. No charge for the wind and solar

power, and no tolls to use His highways; the regular entertainment of the dolphins' acrobatics, the sunsets and the moonlit night passages.

My late brother-in-law Herman would be shocked to learn I'm now considering a new goal: becoming the oldest solo circumnavigator. The record is currently held by the late Harry Heckel, who completed a westabout rounding at age 78, and a west-east circumnavigation in 2005 at age 89.

I bought his book in November 2023 and realized that I might be able to better his accomplishment. I'll be 89 a year from now, so I am seriously thinking of taking a crack at it. My plan would be to take off from the Atlantic coast in late spring and proceed eastward. It may include a Northwest Passage. That is my plan.

But don't hold your breath or buy shares. I'm not known for keeping my wild promises.

— Jack 2/20/25

Jack's book, SoloMan, about his circumnavigation, was published in 2015. It's available at www.SoloMan.us. You can also follow his adventures regularly at www.ComeToSea.US.

Salty Dancer — Jeanneau 44DS

James "J" Mills

Mexico to Costa Rica (Part 2) Incline Village, NV

Last month, J, a veteran Mexico cruiser, took readers along for his smell-the-roses sail south from Baja as far as Puerto Escondido — the first leg of a planned circumnavigation. Things got more real from there, as his crew had flown home and he proceeded south singlehanded …

I was in Bahia Sacrificios, waiting out the weather for the 230-mile crossing of the Gulf of Tehuantepec to Chiapas. I was also thinking I should top off my fuel tanks. They don't call the southeast winds that sometimes rage across the Gulf "Tehuantepeckers" for nothing. And I might have to power through some of it.

With no cellphone service available, I kayaked into shore to find a Wi-Fi connection at one of the palapas to check the weather. PredictWind and other weather models clearly showed the best window for the next week or more would start the next day. Time to go!

Fuel was still a concern, but Salty Dancer's Yanmar diesel fuel burn-rate (the rough equivalent of "mileage") had been very efficient, so I was confident we had enough. On May 14, I was up at 7 a.m., motorsailing in light winds on a rhumb line course to Chiapas.

Conditions across the Gulf were benign

Above: The newest 'Fleetwood IV' sailing off Key West. Top right: The loss of 'Fleetwood II' on a Cuban reef in 2022. Above left: The original 'Fleetwood'. Top left: Jack with the namesake of his last four boats, a favored '51 Chevy Fleetline sedan.

ALL PHOTOS STELLA BLUE

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as predicted. We were able to sail most of the first day and motorsailed through the first night. The second day, we were windless and motoring across smooth, gray seas as far as I could see. The radar showed small squalls popping up along the shoreline, staying mostly 20 or so miles inland of us.

The next day we were able to motorsail most of the day, which of course made my fuel consumption more efficient. That night the squalls intensified, with big yellow targets popping up on the radar screen 10-12 miles away, and thunder and lightning in the distance.

Around 2 a.m., I dozed off in the cockpit, but was soon awakened by changing winds and weather in the form of a huge, eight-mile-wide squall just ahead. Thunder, lightning, and heavy rain wereall around us, and there was literally nowhere to go to get around it. I tried to turn and run away from it, but it wanted to push us toward shore — the last direction I wanted to go. So I furled the remaining sails and drove into it, buffeted by 4050-knot winds and torrential rain and lightning for two hours before we finally popped out the other side. After that, I drove around a number of other smaller squalls, but at one point there were no fewer than six radar targets popping up around us, along with a couple of waterspouts sighted in the distance as the sun came up.

At dawn on May 16, land was in sight, and we were approaching the channel to Chiapas. I radioed the capitán de puerto and was given clearance to enter the channel and

proceed to the Chiapas Marina, where I had a reservation for a slip. I think it was about then that I noticed my wind instruments were not functioning. Other instruments were fine, but no wind. Yikes! We had not been struck by lightning, but I learned that sometimes just being near strikes is enough to take out some electronics.

After visits from the port captain, customs and the Mexican navy — who brought a dog along to sniff around down below — I was finally able to get some rest after an exhausting 48 hours at sea and the previous three weeks on the hook. For the next 24 hours I did nothing but eat, sleep, and enjoy the marina pool and restaurant.

When I was well rested, the first problem to be solved was the non-working wind instruments.

Richard on Kealani offered to help me troubleshoot my electronics, and we spent more than three hours opening upside panels and floor panels, chasing wiring and checking voltage, finding nothing amiss. He then suggested it could be the transducer at the masthead.

By that time, Roy and Brent from the catamaran Forever Friday had come onto the team. And soon I was headed up Salty Dancer's 64-foot mast. I briefly enjoyed the nice view before removing and inspecting the transducer — again finding nothing obviously wrong. I cleaned the connections, reinstalled, the switch was flipped and — damn! — still no wind instruments.

I was on my way down when Joe from Ocean Rambler came walking down the dock with an identical new transducer in his hand. "If you want to try this, you're welcome to it," he said. So up to the top I went again. I removed the old and installed the new, Roy threw the switch, and bam! My wind instruments were working again! Joe wouldn't even accept any payment, but I told him I would buy one when I got to Costa Rica and if we ever bounced together again, I would have it on board for him.

Five months later we did meet again in Panama, and I was very happy to hand him the new transducer I had on board. I took off on May 21, in company with Forever Friday and Kealani — after we all once again went through visits, fees, signatures and handshakes from the same agencies (and dog). They even untied the boats, shoved us off, and waved adios. We were officially cleared out of Mexico.

I had planned to stop at Bahia del Sol in El Salvador, but the entrance bar was closed out due to large ocean swells. So onward we went. The next days were replays of my Tehuantepec crossing — motoring or motorsailing during the day, with squalls from midnight until morning. After a brief stop and rest at Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua, I set sail in a light afternoon wind. Fuel was a looming concern by then, but with a little wind and luck, I felt confident Costa Rica would be the next stop.

Bahia Santa Elena appeared in the distance just as the sun was setting the next day. I had hoped to enter that unknown bay in daylight, but with a good depthsounder, radar, and faith in my chartplotter, we entered in pitch darkness and dropped anchor about 200 feet from

The 'view from the top' of the marina at Chiapas. Replacing a masthead transducer solved 'Salty Dancer's glitchy wind instrument issue.

As this issue went to press, 'Salty Dancer' was halfway to Hiva Oa on the Pacific Puddle Jump.

IN LATITUDES

do this. That's what it's all about.

— J 12/3/24

marine life and the amazing sailing community.

After the Ha-Ha, we sailed nonstop to La Paz and happily "paused" for six weeks. We spent most of our time at anchor in the harbor, using the dinghy dock at Marina de La Paz, but we did treat ourselves to 10 days at Marina Costa Baja in December.

We loved La Paz! Very walkable, with a plethora of chandleries, and some amazing Mexican wines and restaurants. By water, it's well located for day trips to La Ventana, Todos Santos and Los Barriles. Best of all, it's only a short three- to fourhour sail to Espiritu Santo, where we could play bocce ball on the beach, hike the dunes, and of course swam in secluded anchorages.

We finally left La Paz in early January and headed to Mazatlán. The cruising community was incredibly warm and welcoming. If you go, be sure to check out the 4 p.m. security briefings on Dock 6!

Taking advantage of the great services available in the region, we had some engine and canvas work done while we explored the city. Although the marina is five miles from the picturesque town, there are myriad transportation options to get you around.

a dark and menacing shore. Too tired to eat, I fell asleep on the verge of hallucinations.

The next morning, I woke up in a tropical paradise: howler monkeys screaming in the trees, parrots flying across the lush, green landscape, fish dancing in the water, blue sky, and sunshine. I took a swim around the boat and washed off five days' worth of grime as "cruiseheimer's" began to set in. "The past five days hadn't been that bad," my tired brain told me. "The weather not so hard, the squalls not really that difficult to navigate." After a while, I could hardly remember even a single moment of angst or discomfort. It was all washed away in the sunshine and clear sea.

Later that afternoon, Forever Friday and Kealani came sashaying into the bay and dropped anchor. They had stopped in Bahia Fonseca and been caught in some of those storms I had avoided. We all had some stories to tell over dinner that night on board Forever Friday. That's why we

Readers — J wrote this article while in Panama in January ("after a very wet passage from Costa Rica in October-November"). When we last heard from him, he was in Port Ayora, on Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos. He was due to depart for the Marquesas on or about March 1.

Willow V — Beneteau 461

Lorenzo Sechi and Christy Buchanan A Long Meander Toronto

The Baja Ha-Ha was the beginning of what Lorenzo and I hope is a long, meandering sail down the Pacific coast of Mexico and farther. Leaving Toronto and moving onto our boat in Ventura in October 2024, the original plan, loosely, was to spend a year in the Sea of Cortez and then make our way to Costa Rica before flipping a coin and heading east or west. However, after six months, we're already considering extending our time in Mexico thanks to the isolated anchorages, vibrant

Highly recommend: a trip to the Juárez market on Sunday mornings, a hike up to the lighthouse, and an afternoon at the whale museum followed by drinks at the Sky Bar 360.

We finally left Mazatlán in February and headed to La Cruz in Banderas Bay. We could have easily taken a week or longer to check out all of the anchorages en route; however, we had friends flying into

Christy and Lorenzo (above) will have to wait to flip that coin to decide east or west — they're enjoying the Sea of Cortez on 'Willow V' too much to leave just yet.

Above: 'Salty Dancer' on the hook. Top left: Sunrise in Partida. Center: Breakfast on the beach at Puerto Escondido. Top right: Roy and Brent on 'Forever Friday' (Ha-Ha class of '23) offered help, gear and buddy boating.

CHANGES

Puerto Vallarta so we had to fast-track our sail. We'll be heading back to La Paz in April, however, and plan to check out Chacala, San Blas and Isla Isabel then. For now we are exploring La Cruz, Sayulita, Yelapa, Bucerias and Puerto Vallarta, with friends from home who are looking to escape the cold.

The Ha-Ha is still a big part of our life. We fly our flag proudly and are thrilled when we run into new or old boat friends. We have to keep on reminding ourselves that this is not a vacation. It's now our life. We love our new reality.

— Christy 3/1/25

Cadenza — 45-ft Hardin Voyager

Terri Potts-Chattaway and Jay Chattaway

Barra Cruise-In Week

Malibu

It is February in Barra de Navidad. One by one, sailors arrive from all different directions for the eighth annual Cruise-In Week. Some sail up from the south. Others sail down from the north. For several years, the Vallarta Yacht Club has rallied its members to make the trip down to Barra. Nine boats and over 30 people made the journey this year. Bart Goodell, Director of VYC's Youth Sailing Program, even towed three Hobie 16s down, and encouraged five of the students and their parents to drive down and compete in the race. Children helping children. You have to love that.

All come because they love this community. All come because they want to give back. And all come because it is a whole lot of fun. As the boats trickle in, cruisers gather around the pool, catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. Afternoon water volleyball quickly becomes a daily event. All are waiting for the festivities to begin.

Cruise-In Week is a fundraiser that was created in 2018 by sailors Pat and Carole McIntosh, and local resident Linda Bella Ruiz, to help fund the schools of Barra de Navidad. Barra is a quaint Mexican village along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It has kept its charm over the years, despite the influx of American and Canadian tourists who return year after year. Chiefly a fishing village, it's also surrounded by areas of farms. It is a small, rural community, and supporting educational opportunities for the children is a challenge. The Mexican government supplies the school buildings and pays the teachers. Everything else is up to the families who live here. That is why we come. To offer support in the best way we know how: by sharing our love of sailing.

Each year, the week morphs into its

own unique schedule, depending on what we've learned from the year before. This year, there were three on-the-water events, nicely timed by sending the cruisers out every other day. There were two music cruises and one race, affectionately known as the Flamingo Regatta.

Those of us who signed up for the music cruises took paying customers out for a short daysail around the bay, eventually finding our way to the cove in front of Barra's sister town, Melaque. There we anchored around the music boat, Baja Fog, for a concert by the local talent.

Eva Kabande and Daniel Abela treated us to an afternoon of mellow Latin jazz. It fit perfectly with the soft breeze and gentle swells swaying the boats. Salvador took it up a notch on Thursday with his rock and roll cover songs. People were grooving with the music, dancing across the bow, while some sat in groups, chatting and enjoying drinks and goodies from the French Baker. Others jumped into the water for a cool dip, swimming from boat to boat. There were even some water-pistol fights. It's a day of fun, sun, and music and has become so popular that it always sells out.

Other events included a work day organized by Pat and Carole McIntosh. Volunteers went to Miguel López de Legazpi Elementary School and the Maria Dolores Gomez Ibarra Preschool, where they painted and trimmed trees in the playground. Work days are popular as they give cruisers the opportunity to visit the schools and meet some of the teachers and children. New this year was the Poker-Taco Crawl hosted by John and Monique on Baja Fog and seven of the local eateries. The town merchants were welcoming and excited to be part of the fun.

Then came the favorite event for the cruisers (and maybe even the town): the Flamingo Regatta.

It is a race, yes, but the theme is fun — and flamingos. The racers decorate their boats with flamingos; flamingos are used as turning marks; some boats tow flamingos and many crew wear flamingos on their heads. Water guns come out and trash talk is rampant.

Three beach bars were advertised as viewing stations and places where patrons could place bets on the winner. It wasn't long before Sunset, Nachos, and Sea Master were filled with customers, drinking, eating, laughing, and most importantly, betting. Each bar had one or two people with handheld radios calling the race and keeping the guests entertained.

The course started in Barra, ran along the beach to Melaque, and back to Barra

— twice. It was a pursuit race, so the slowest boat, Baja Fog, started first. The theory was that all the boats would finish together. Not so this time. The first-place finish was a race between Baja Fog, with John Schulthess and crew on board, and Foggy, a Hobie Getaway sailed by John's wife, Monique Boucher, and their friend, Mike Montague. It was a competition not only between boats, but between husband and wife. Foggy won! Baja Fog came in second overall, but first in the big-boat competition. John, Monique, and Mike all hail from Sonoma County.

The day after the race is the Mexican Fiesta in the town square, hosted by the schools and their families. It is their chance to contribute and is celebrated

MIGRATION

LUANA ESTER ZUŃIGA

IN LATITUDES

Outtakes from Barra Cruise-In Week (clockwise from below): Dancing the afternoon away aboard 'Swan Fun'; Salvador shredding some rock 'n' roll during the Music Cruise; Hobie 16 in Flamingo Regatta mode; 'Roxxy' had the most donations (by number, but not amount) of any boat; 'Cadenza' at anchor; Terri and Jay of 'Cadenza'; 'Catatude' (left) leads the way on the Music Cruise.

with the entire community.

If there are cruisers around, there are parties. It started with a welcome party and ended with an awards party. There was a prize for the best poker hand. There were awards for the winners of the race: overall and little boat – Foggy first place; big boat — Baja Fog in first, Carmanah second, and White Raven third. There were also awards for the boats that raised the most money — Moon Drifter in first, Hey Ya in second and Baja Fog in third. Finally, a special award, a handmade flamingo made by a woman in town, was given to K2 for "having the most fun."

Cruise-In Week raised 539,000 pesos (approximately $27,000), which was

divided among the six public schools and the public library in Barra de Navidad. That is up from 485,000 pesos last year. None of this would be possible without Elinore Craig on Nakamal. Elinore spends many months every year preparing for this event, and she is the jefe who guides us through the week. What could easily devolve into a confusing mess, she brilliantly orchestrates into a seamless whole. She is a gift to both the town and the cruisers.

When Cruise-In Week is over, one by one the cruisers pack up and leave. Some sail south, others return north. Many will return next year for Cruise-In 2026. Please join us.

— Terri 2/21/25

Zihuatanejo Sailfest

Sailfest is a two-week fundraising event that combines fun and heartfelt volunteerism. All donations raised support the mission of Sailfest to create a promising future for the least advantaged children in the underserved communities of Zihuatanejo. Projects include the construction of school classrooms, kitchens, washrooms, and covered multipurpose areas, as well as providing food and school supplies.

2025 marked Sailfest's 24th year. With the help of 200 volunteers, the event raised just under 2.45 million pesos (about $125,000). We are grateful for each of the volunteers who made this possible, and a big thank-you to the patrons

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CHANGES

who attended each of the Sailfest events. Cruises are always popular with our Sailfest participants. This year, our fleet totaled 19 boats. Picante, a 75-ft catamaran based in Zihua, also joined our fleet during the festival. The cruise committee volunteers signed up and loaded over 637 donors for sunset and music cruises; a special Valentine's Day Cruise, which included beverages and gourmet hors d'oeuvres; a sail parade during which the boats circled the bay before cruising to Ixtapa and back; and the Rally Round

the Rock, which caps off the two-week festival. The cruises raised over 442,500 pesos ($21,800).

The music cruises always sell out quickly. More than 185 donors enjoyed outstanding local and international musicians who generously donated their time and talent, including Jose Luis Cobo, Carlos Uribe, Denise and John, Scotty and Rosanne, Estephania Burns, Zocato Blues Band, Raul, Jossy Gallegos and Fernando.

A special thank-you to all of the boats that made this festival so successful: Freedom Kirkland, Rapscallion, Voyager, Crow's Nest, Chez Nous, Ziva, Iliohale, Swan Fun, Ole Sara, Time Warp, Dock Holiday, Sea Horse, Odysea, Blue Lagoon, Argo, Felicita, Good Day, Sakumo Lagoon, Sail Zihua and Picante.

— Nancy Hunting For more information on this event, go to www.sailfest-zihuatanejo.com

Cruise Notes

• After the Ha-Ha, Chris Fowler of the Ericson 32 Red Beard was planning a fun season in Mexico. That went out the window in La Paz, where he discovered a leaking packing gland that needed more than a quick repair. Unable to afford a haulout and proper job, he opted to head back home to Portland.

"It turned into a race against time," says Chris, who had just said adios to his last crew. So his only choice was to make the trip solo, but not alone. His cat, Penny, offered both moral support and, as it turns out, possibly lifesaving support.

"The first day out beat me up with rough seas, and by nightfall, I was struggling with a bad flu that left me almost bedridden for days," he says — with the boat proceeding under just staysail and autopilot (which he could steer with an

'Voyager' and 'Iliohale' rafted up for an afternoon of music and fun at Sailfest.

Aboard 'Red Beard', man's best friend is a cat named Penny. RED BEARD

iPad). When he felt well enough to get back on deck, "The wind died completely at one point, and I realized I might not have enough fuel to make it to Ensenada. I barely made it to Turtle Bay, using every last drop of diesel, and spent Christmas and New Year's there doing minor repairs, refueling, and waiting for weather."

Things didn't improve much after that, with generator, battery charger and autopilot all taking turns conking out. When he was finally back underway with the autopilot steering once again, he passed out on the quarter berth. He was awakened a short time later by Penny clawing at him. "I felt delirious, struggling with hallucinations and nausea, which stayed with me the rest of the night," he says. He feels it was likely carbon monoxide poisoning.

"After six days at sea, I finally made it to Ensenada, where I found solace in the warmth of the cruising community at Cruiseport Marina," says Chris. But he was only halfway through the journey back to Astoria to get things fixed. "Penny and I have returned to Portland to wait out the weather and regroup before continuing the long journey ahead."

• Another Ha-Ha boat heading home with "battle dam age" was Tom Hammons' San Diego-based Catalina 38 Constellation's Spirit. After a "great Baja Ha-Ha," Tom, along with friends Curt Snyder and Tony Van Houweling, headed over to Mazatlán, "where we met up with a couple who remembered Tony and me from our adventures during the 2016 Ha-Ha!" says Tom.

After Mazatlán, they proceeded south to Chacala, "where we had an interesting encounter with the port captain's young children," says Tom. "While checking into the port, we missed the sign to the office and proceeded up the stairs and into his apartment, where we encountered three lovely young kids who were completely surprised with the appearance of two scruffy sailors." After a couple minutes of broken Spanish and pointing, it all got

IN LATITUDES

sorted out.

In La Cruz, they were joined by wives Lana and Kathleen for Thanksgiving week at Paradise Village. From there, Tom's son, TJ, joined the boat for the legs to Chamela, Tenacatita and Barra.

In Barra, a small electrical fire put a damper on further cruising plans. They ended up leaving the boat in La Cruz and flying home for the holidays, returning January 1 for the bash back home.

Fortunately, says Tom, "This was one of the easiest northbound transits any of us had had. We only experienced three partial days of what would be considered truly 'bashing' conditions." The scariest part had nothing to do with the sea state. "Shortly after rounding Cabo Falso, two large whales surfaced about 10 feet off the starboard quarter and proceeded to roll to the left under our transom. Way too close for my thinking!"

After getting a very drippy dripless stuffing box fixed in Ensenada, they cleared out of the country and were soon back home in San Diego.

Total time away and distance traveled were 75 days and 2,640 miles.

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CONSTELLATION'S SPIRIT

Left to right: Curt, Tom and Tony toast a successful bash at Southwestern Yacht Club in San Diego.

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CHANGES IN LATITUDES

"Once again, we got the opportunity to experience the true definition of cruising: repairing your boat in exotic places," says Tom — "all in all a great adventure. We'll be back for Baja Ha-Ha XXXI later this year!"

• Remember the Canadian cruising couple whose bodies were found in a dinghy off Sable Island last summer? The Transportation Safety Board of Canada recently completed an investigation that suggested that fire likely figured into the deaths of Brett Clibbery, 70, and his wife, Sarah Packwood, 54, and the loss of their Gibsea 42 Theros.

The couple were on the first leg of their dream cruise from Halifax to the Azores and beyond last June when, just a few days out, the boat's AIS signal went silent. There was no distress call or emergency notification from the boat.

A month later, the bodies of the couple were found in the boat's inflatable dinghy near Sable Island. Speculation at the time included possible collision with a ship. According to the TSB's recently released report, there was only one tanker in the area, but no evidence of collision.

But there was evidence of fire: Brett's "flotation suit" showed signs of fire damage "which occurred while the suit was being worn," according to the report.

The boat has never been found and is presumed lost. So the cause of the fire, if there was one, will never be known. But a recent change Brett had chronicled online might have had something to do with it. He had removed the boat's engine and replaced it with an electric motor. The batteries he used were sourced from a Nissan Leaf automobile. Turns out that those batteries have a reputation for overheating and catching fire. (Last year,

Nissan recalled some 24,000 2019-2020 Leafs to address this issue.)

• Thirty-five boats signed up for the 2025 Pacific Puddle Jump — possibly the loosest sailing rally in exsitence. You start wherever you want, whenever you want. Most Rally participants shove off from Banderas Bay, Panama, or the Galápagos Islands for the 3,000-ish-mile Pacfic crossing, whose official finish is in Hiva Oa.

Boats, either individually or in groups, have taken off as early as February, but most depart in March or April. So the main part of the 2025 fleet will likely be at sea as this issue hits the streets. A few boats still get going in May or even June or July.

If you haven't heard about the Pacific Puddle Jump before, or if you would like to follow its progress, go to www.pacificpuddlejump.com. If you are part of the fleet, please consider contributing an account of your passage on these pages. Contact Changes in Latitudes editor John Riise at jriise38@gmail.com for details.

SARAH JUSTINE PACKWOOD

Findings from an official investigation into the deaths of cruisers Brett Clibbery and Sarah Packwood only add to the mystery of what happened to them last summer.

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DiNGHieS, liFeRaFtS & RoWboatS

8 FT el Toro. Moore El Toro w/road trailer, dock dolly, two carbon masts, two carbon booms, one new wood boom, two sails, foil bag. Can deliver. $3,000. Pleasant Hill. tony.english@comcast.net (925) 586-7554

18 FT aSTilleroS/wing 2010. Tubes replaced and are in very good shape. Has a 2010 90hp Evinrude E-TEC. VHF, Garmin chartplotter with radar. Comes with trailer. Price negotiable. $8,500. Berkeley. baywater911@gmail.com (415) 531-7939

10 FT ZephYr greMlin 1972. Gremlin G63. 10-ft 4-in. Great condition. One owner as seen in title pic. Rarely used back in the ’70s and stored in a garage for life. Includes everything in the pics. Does not include sail or trailer. Manufactured at the Richmond, CA, plant back in the day. $6,000. Watsonville, CA. hooverhort@comcast.net (815) 440-9584

15 FT ZoDiac Mk iii 1999. Sat in garage, replaced impeller runs like new. Trailer, tires perfect condition. Bimini and extra gear. 40hp Tohatsu. Control panel lifts motor, new ACDelco marine battery in case. $14,000. Mendocino. melco@mcn.org (707) 884-4836

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10.7 FT oc 330 TenDer 2025. Awesome, custom-built, NZ-made. Still in the crate, this is a full carbon-fiber boat with $2700 in extras: upgraded Phifer Suntex 90 gray rub rail; alloy Delta Panel; retractable wheels; full carbon resin-infused bow lid; custom cover. Recommended motor is 15 hp, short-shaft. Weight: 86 lbs. (39kg); overall length: 10 ft 8.2 in (3.3m); overall width: 5 ft 2.4 in (1.6m); max load: 822 lbs. (373 kg). Perfect for a couple, family of 4, or for cruising with room to carry stuff in this amazing, super-stable, incredibly safe, very light, and fun boat! This boat prices out at $17,700. See URL. $15,500. Ventura, CA. onscuba@gmail.com (805) 455-5230 https://tinyurl.com/bdz6cptw

24

14 FT weTa 2010. Weta 4.4 trimaran sailboat #572. Fast. Fun. Easy. Boat is in excellent condition and is sailed regularly. Includes road trailer, yard dolly, and custom Sunbrella cover. Boat has upgraded lines, new composite rigging, upgraded roller furler, new North main, custom spray skirts. Boat is set up for heavy air with 5:1 main and 2:1 jib sheets. Boat needs nothing and is ready to sail now. $6,500. Richmond Yacht Club. bhyde415@gmail.com (707) 592-6961 https://tinyurl.com/42a7373j

23 FT ranger 1975. ‘Mucho Gusto III’ race winner. Ullman headsails #1, 2, 3. 2 spinnakers, 1/2oz blooper. New propane. Mercury motor. $3,000. Ventura, CA. (805) 340-4082

DAVE’S DIVING SERVICE

Feet & UNDeR SailboatS

24 FT Yankee Dolphin 24 1969. ‘Adelante’ is looking for a new home! Sometime around 2010, I bought this little beauty as my first sailboat. I’ve had some great times with her (including a trip all the way to the Delta in 2018) but I live in San Jose and can’t take her out as much as I’d like now. 4hp outboard, very recently rebuilt. We just took her out on the Estuary a couple of weeks ago and she still sails great. She still has the Sparkman & Stephens Hull #129 brass plate mounted on the polished wood bulkhead below. Currently located at Fortman Marina. Serious offers only please; thanks! $500. Fortman Marina. stephaniepixxl@gmail.com (831) 4192903

23 FT Bear BoaT 1946. ‘Smokey’, Nunes built. Awlgrip hull and spars. Full canvas cover. Racing and cruising sails. Mexico and Pacific Northwest vet. Lots of gear to go with boat. Good condition. Please contact David via phone only. $4,500. Sausalito, CA. davesdivingservice@gmail.com (415) 331-3612

12 FT pelican 1965. Smith Brothers hull #247. New tanbark sails. Good condition w/trailer. Please contact David via phone only. $3,800. Sausalito, CA. davesdivingservice@gmail.com (415) 331-3612

12.3 FT BeeTle caT 2005. A classic with premium upgrades. Great condition. Always dry-docked. Hull # 2251 fully fiberglassed so no need to preswell. Includes trailer plus covers for cockpit and whole boat. New mainsail is blue. $10,000 OBO. Novato. cliff@warmspringsholdings.com (415) 302-5134

22 FT SanTana 22 1976. Pocket racer/ cruiser ‘Albacore’. Race-proven (podium finishes 2023 and 2024 Nationals) with all equipment, two full suits of sails including spinny gear. Also cabin cushions, lights, etc. so a good weekender. Fun and competitive local fleets, especially in Alameda and Richmond — racers or potentials preferred. Includes the classic 2.3hp Honda 4-stroke air-cooled outboard. Road-tested trailer extra: $900 OBO. $2,900 OBO. Point Richmond. jan.grygier.ca@gmail.com

20 FT Melge S 20 2010. Melges 20 and trailer in very good condition, lightly used. Inventory: 3 sets of sails, 2 gennakers, Tacktick, traveling and mast-up tarps, traveling boxes and Suzuki 2.5hp. $20,000. Los Angeles. jlang@ucla.edu

25 – 28 Feet SailboatS

27 FT h -BoaT 1980. A popular racing class in Europe with great sailing characteristics, this 1980 Artekno HBoat is in excellent condition, with well maintained sails, rigging, electrical, instruments, equipment, and outboard. See website for more details. Motivated seller. $17,000. Berkeley, CA. proge@berkeley.edu (831) 818-4769 https://tinyurl.com/5t3f97wu

25 FT o l S on 25 1986. Priced to sell! Fast and fun! This boat was actively raced until last fall and is ready for its next owner. Full set of sails including two spinnakers. Rigging replaced in 2019. All lines in good condition. Needs bottom paint, priced accordingly. A great deal for a solid racer/cruiser! Serious inquiries only. $5,900 REDUCED. Gashouse Cove, S.F. tmzoro@gmail.com (415) 254-4268

27 FT e xpre SS 27 1982. ‘Hang 20’ is for sale! If you want an Express 27 for the 2026 Pac Cup, look no further! ‘Hang 20’ did the Pac Cup in 2022 and is just about completely ready for 2026! See the 2026 Pac Cup equipment list and how ‘Hang 20’ meets it at the URL below. You can also see her full inventory at https://docs.google.com/document/d/ 1DtFOSgS7RIAZwTo1FFixhOiFWILQ4 3fQFGGVmno4Kaw/edit?usp=sharing. ‘Hang 20’ also comes with a roadworthy trailer, an awesome Pelagic autopilot, and lots of custom gear pockets. She is fully equipped for YRA offshore and also does well in fleet races on the Bay! If you are interested/want to learn more, please email me. $27,000. Richmond, CA. mstewks@yahoo.com https://tinyurl. com/5d2u57vf

25 FT c&c 1973. Excellent daysailer, never raced for 35 years by current owners. Roller furling 2021, low hrs on 2017 Honda 9.9 outboard. Hauled out/ bottom paint 2020, ready for maintenance and upgrades. Many extras. Berthed at Richmond Boardwalk Marina. $5,100 OBO. Point Richmond. pmcn1954@pacbell.net (925) 286-5630

28 FT h28 1978. Fiberglass, manufactured by Compass Yachts in Auckland, New Zealand. Lots of sails included. Main and jib nearly new. 1996 Volvo Diesel. $6,500 OBO. Stockton Sailing Club. memcom@gmail.com (209) 483-6301

26 FT Fri S co FlY er c la SS 1960. Teak wooden sloop built by Cheoy Lee. Large cabin and cockpit. Aluminum mast and boom. A great sailboat for a day on the Bay or the weekend. Very good condition. $7,900. Richmond, CA. stefroche916@gmail.com

26 FT J/80 1993. Performance sportboat for sale. A blast on the Bay, great for daysailing or racing. Basic boat, no trailer or outboard but priced below market. A little TLC and you have a great boat. $16,000. Alameda. wayne@sailing-jworld.com (415) 6062634

FT

This capable, trailerable coastal cruiser has many upgraded features of boats far larger: inboard Yanmar diesel and saildrive, an upgraded rudder, wheel steering, shallow-draft winged keel, completely redone/improved electrical systems, upto-date instruments including autopilot, all standing and running rigging upgraded, up-rated mast and boom. The value of this Catalina 250 far exceeds the listing. Completely overhauled/refitted in 2016 with impeccable documentation of all work done. This boat is ready for anything on the Bay, Delta, and even short trips out the Gate; or put it on the trailer and your options are limitless. 2020 survey valued at $27,000 available upon request. $17,500. Marina Bay, Richmond, CA. cbhbackinca@gmail.com (949) 565-5252

25

caTalina 250 w/Trailer 1999.

27 FT norSea 27 1997 . Beautiful. Professionally finished and designed for offshore sailing. That was my dream but I met the love of my life and she didn’t share the same dreams. After sailing around Puget Sound for 10-12 years it’s time to say goodbye. Email me and I will send you a complete list of all the equipment included. $59,000. Seattle, WA. boatbutcher@hotmail.com (253) 3801413

25 FT caTalina 250 wing keel 1997 . Hull #276. ‘See Monkeys’. Set up for singlehanding. Tiller. Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilot included. Boat is trailerable. I do not have a trailer. Hull cleaned three times a year. Per diver, paint is in excellent shape. Last painted December 2022. Re-fiberglassed rudder at the same time. Honda 9.9 outboard, regularly serviced. Major service in September 2024. New VHF radio March 2022. 2021: replaced standing and running rigging, upgraded to two-battery system with switch and charge controller, replaced lifelines with bare steel wire. $11,000. Coyote Point, San Mateo. john@jfbatlaw.com (650) 207-5267

25 FT MeriT 25 1984 . Comes with two-axle trailer w/good tires. 2 #1 sails, #2 sail, #3 sail. All sails are in old condition. Two spinnakers in like new condition. VHF radio. Clear title, up-to-date registration. Call Cecil at 707-339-2359. $5,000. Clearlake, CA. d20001.pearson@hotmail.com (707) 339-2359

27 FT BalBoa 1978 . Maxi — trailerable. Health forces sale. $7,000. Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond. rtrouble@pacbell.net (775) 677-7503

25 FT caTalina 1977. Sailboat on EZ Loader trailer. Impeccably restored by experienced marine mechanic. New: galley, head, GPS, fireplace, upholstery. Primo condition. Turnkey ready, no saltwater, beautiful custom woodwork with teak marquetry inlays, numerous essential sailing accessories included. $15,000 OBO. North Lake Tahoe, CA. laurieswanson20@gmail.com (530) 2779854

27.93 FT paciFic SeacraFT 25 Mk ii 1978. Sailboat with excellent trailer and tremendous amount of gear ready for someone handy. New Yanmar 2YM15 with 1.5 hrs, two furlers, six sails, cockpit and interior cushions, two anchors, wind vane self steering and tiller pilot, Furuno radar, propane system parts. Too many parts to list — contact Todd Chandler for link to photos. $18,900. Newport, OR. todd@chandlermarineservices.com (541) 992-9289

26 FT YaMaha 1984. 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

29 FT coluMBia 1967 . Classic Sparkman. 6 ft headroom. New main and new jib. Wood stove. Origo cook stove. Cobo. Need to sell for health reasons. $6,000. Vallejo Marina. adam.cox1234@gmail.com (805) 7041946

30 FT knarr 1960 . US #100, Norwegian-built, varnished wood hull and cabin sides, aluminum mast and boom. Two suits North sails, two outboards, stuff. Won ’77, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’85, ’86. $19,500. SFYC Harbor, Belvedere, CA. georgerygg@gmail.com (415) 596-6296

30 FT BaBa 30 1985. Bluewater fullkeel boat. Beautiful teak in and out. New standing rigging, Hydrovane, Honda motor 2004. Full boat cover. Needs a touch of TLC. Dinghy with outboard. Her name is ‘Clementine’. $50,000. Sausalito. sjeveratt@gmail.com (415) 940-3552

30 FT BaBa 30 1978. Project, mid-refit. New spruce spar, new chainplates. 1 hr on rebuilt Yanmar 3GM. All tanks, plumbing and electrical removed. Email for more information. stirlingbuilders@ gmail.com. $20,000 OBO. Quincy, CA. stirlingbuilders@gmail.com

30 FT new Japan YachT VenT De FeTe Sloop 1983. Boat has electric motor. The boat is $15,000. The slip is for sale for $45,000. It is a dockominium (Glen Cove Marina, in Vallejo). Single-handed from Japan. Good hull report. $15,000. Glen Cove Marina. john@wadsworthassociates.com (925) 381-0481 https://tinyurl.com/mex3kcpy

30 FT TarTan 30 1972 . Too many upgrades to list. Our son was going to bluewater, but started a family. Sitting for 3 years. Atomic 4. New lifelines, standing rigging, mast step, sails, dodger, stainless gas tank. $14,500. San Rafael. dianeirisballard@gmail.com

30 FT paciFic 30 1982. Designed in the ’20s, built in the ’80s of quality Canadian fiberglass, ‘Ramona’ is 30-ft on deck with elegant overhangs that guarantee compliments every sail. An original “gentleman’s (or gentlewoman’s) daysailer,” ‘Ramona’ has everything you need and nothing you don’t for a comfortable day on the Bay. Why sail a motorhome when all you really need is a sports car? Dependable Yanmar (recent List Marine service), crisp Pineapple sails, new standing rigging (including top of mast), rollaway head, and a great napping berth. Designed by William Roué of legendary ‘Bluenose’ schooner fame. Twenty-one-ft waterline, 8-ft beam, 4.5-ft draft, 4700-lb displacement, and one of the sweetest sailers that just happens to be undeniably pretty. $10,500. Richmond. rgriffoul@sbcglobal.net (510) 290-0955

30 FT wYliecaT 30 1997 . New square-top made by Ullman sails in Santa Cruz. Powered by a Yanmar 1GM10: runs great. Boat’s clean and ready to sail. Text me at 949-9458470 Dave. $43,000. Newport Beach. lagunawide@gmail.com (949) 945-8470

30 FT knarr 1998 . ‘Fifty/Fifty’ has a fiberglass hull and is the last and most recent Knarr built by Borresen boatyard. Classic boat in excellent condition – a joy to race and sail! $42,500 OBO. San Francisco, CA. stone_paul_a@yahoo.com (408) 8767197

31 FT caTalina 310 2000. Must see to believe! Excellent condition. Set up to singlehand. Hoyt jib boom, self tending. Bow thruster and dodger new. Doyle mainsail and stack pack recent. Standing and running rigging have been replaced. Pulled. Painted and engine serviced April 2024. 1155 engine hrs. Same owner for 18 years. Many upgrades and custom interior. Walkaround queen berth. Perfect couple’s cruiser. Sausalito transferable slip. $64,000 REDUCED. Sausalito, CA. jimlewitt@gmail.com (415) 302-6823

30 FT Yankee one claSSic wooDen racing Sloop 1949. Master Mariners award-winning sailboat designed by William Starling Burgess and Stone-built. ‘Flame’ was totally restored in 2015. Varnished wood hull. Roller furling. Complete survey in 2023 available. “A Sailor’s Saiboat.” $49,900. Richmond, CA. stefroche916@gmail.com

30 FT ericSon 30+ 1980. Five-anda-half-ft draft keel. Version,0 Universal Diesel, new propane two-burner stove conversion. Rigging replaced late ’90s. Two mainsails. Original roller jib. $13,000 OBO. Sausalito. newcombarger@yahoo.com (415) 3426230

35 Feet SailboatS

35 FT coronaDo 1972. Coronado CC sloop. Helm steering in center cockpit. Full enclosure canvas on center cockpit. Foresail: 130 genoa on roller furler. Mainsail: 3 reef points via hank up. New-ish running rigging. Yanmar 3GM30F with low hrs l15 yrs old). New fuel cell. Electric head. Electric windlass w/plow anchor. New bottom job 2025. New “Propspeed” paint on propeller and prop shaft. Galley: Reefer is DV on cold plate in ice box. Galley: microwave. Features walk-around deck and walk-around belowdecks layout. Master stateroom has inline queen bed with built-ins on both sides. $29,500 OBO, trades considered if good value (cars, trucks, Motorcycles, etc.). Napa. blake-grant@hotmail.com (650) 650-3333

32 FT caTalina 320 2002. ‘Grace Kellie’ is the perfect family cruiser. She features a roomy layout with a functional galley, a large dinette that converts to a berth, a private aft cabin, and a V-berth forward. Her wide beam extends aft, creating a voluminous cockpit with cushions, princess seats on the stern, fold-up wood table, and walk-through transom for easy access to the swim step. She has been well maintained and is in excellent condition. She has new AGM starting and house batteries. $67,000. San Francisco. cdlowe1769@sbcglobal.net (408) 8009560

34 FT BeneTeau 331 2000. ‘Boomtown’ is lively and well maintained. She’s ready to go and often seen cavorting on S.F. Bay. Simple systems, easy to sail and ideally suited for Bay and coastal cruising. She’s comfortable at a mooring or on the hook for a weekend or longer. Roller furling jib, in-mast furling, and power winch make life simple. Hauled and painted every 2 to 3 years and dived on regularly. All systems below are clean, well maintained and functioning well. Westerbeke 27hp. with low hrs, never misses a beat! Currently being serviced: raw water flush, oil change etc., and full interior/exterior detailing. For more information or to schedule a viewing, please contact Joe. $60,000. Berkeley, CA. cunliffe@sbcglobal.net (510) 648-9253

35 FT Dehler 34 1985. ‘Private Reserve’ — Dutch-built racer-cruiser. Tiller, all lines led aft, all-teak interior, new batteries, Yanmar with 1900+ hrs, recently updated standing and running rigging, Q4 2024 haulout. Text for details. Also possible: fractional ownership or no-equity partnership, or use as a trade for a full-keel 36- 42-ft cruiser. $18,000 OBO. S.F. South Beach Harbor. valtaft@gmail.com (650) 670-5300

35 FT SanTana 35 1979 . Recent haulout. Beautiful coastal slip only $350 monthly. Full cockpit cushions, custom galley cabinetry, Yanmar 2GM, delivery available, racing and Dacron sails, spinnaker and pole. See craigslist for full details. Contact Todd. $13,500. Toddkapp1@gmail.com (907) 885-9013

32 FT gulF piloThouSe 1980. Fully equipped. Radar, color GPS, builtin battery charger, modern autopilot, solar panels, 12V fridge, water heater, anchor winch. All sails restitched. Two steering stations. Tools and spares. $15,000. Long Beach. darblessing@gmail.com (562) 537-3720

34 FT expreSS 34 1986. 1986 “Boat of the Year” 1987 Sailing World Magazine. One of Carl Schumaker’s finest designs. Two-burner stove with oven, hot water. Almost-new North main, lightly used North jib on Harken roller furling, many bags of sails, two spinnaker poles, raceready, fully equipped. Priced to sell. $35,000 OBO. Richmond Yacht Club. karlengdahl10@gmail.com

35 FT FanTaSia 35 Mk ll 1979. In very good condition and ready to go. Most all systems upgraded including standing rigging and lifelines. Above-deck Maxwell windlass, Profurl 4200 genoa furler, ComNav autopilot, Vector AIS, Dometic fridge in updated galley and full stand-up workroom are just some of the features that make so much in a 35-ft boat. Teninch pillow top mattress! Runs great! ComNav Commander P2 color autopilot, Octopus hydraulic steering ram, Blue Sky charge controller, new lifelines (2018), new rigging (2018), New Found Metals stainless ports, Garmin chartplotter, Vesper SP160 antenna splitter, Vesper XB-8000 AIS, Standard Horizon AIS/ GPS VHF w/remote handset in cockpit, Iverson freestanding bimini, lazy jacks, transom hoist. $39,000. Isleton CA. carey.shine@gmail.com (541) 973-9562 https://tinyurl.com/5t3hs6df

32 FT ericSon 32 1972. In excellent shape. Wheel steering and roller furling jib. Many new features: instruments, cockpit canvas, dodger and window screen, mainsail stack, boom kicker (eliminates uphaul) and new head. Engine hrs < 500 on Universal diesel. Recent hull paint fall 2023. Many custom features including cockpit dining table. Very well maintained. Reason for sale is my age and health. For more photos and info see Craigslist URL. $20,900. Oakland North Marina. gumdoc@mac.com (510) 368-9611 https://tinyurl.com/2ed8rh4p

34 FT peTerSon 34 1979. Refit over the last several years. I am getting a bigger boat. Lots of major upgrades, some new sails, winches, clutches, decks redone, plumbing, new wiring, chartplotter, VHF, MFD in cockpit, autopilot. New head, bottom paint with barrier coat done in fall 2023, new cutlass bearing, motor mounts. Fuel tank was recently cleaned with all new fuel lines. Two-cylinder Yanmar diesel. Looks a little rough but runs great. Has a two-blade folding prop. Sails include new genoa, newer main, lots of spinnakers and old race sails. Standing/running rigging in great shape. Tough old boat, very well built, solid shape structurally. Allan Andrews keel and rudder. $25,000. Ventura, CA. scottnordeng@gmail.com (805) 953-4458

32 FT herreShoFF 1998. Sail around the world!! Beautiful, strong cruising cutter. Herreshoff-designed, bowsprit and boomkin, 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; no engine; sail into and out of upwind Berkeley berth or use 16-ft oar; 4 anchors (45# 35# 25# CQR, fisherman); windlass. Call Emily 925-899-1546. P.S. Consider adding an electric motor. $19,000. Berkeley, CA. ems323@gmail.com (925) 786-7878

33 FT paciFic SeacraFT Mariah 31 1978. Stout boat of legendary strength and seaworthiness. Highly sought-after for bluewater sailing. She is in excellent condition, spartan appointments and in original condition with no modifications. Newer standing rig, crisp sails, fresh bottom job. $32,000. Tiburon. sailingfearless@gmail.com 415-745-2292

34 FT wY lie 34 1980. One of Tom Wylie’s best designs; fractional rig, new Quantum main and cover, other sails for all conditions, PHRF 120, Yanmar and 2GM diesel 1700 hrs. A great Bay boat! $21,500. Richmond. kurrewa59@gmail.com (808) 381-5884

33 FT c al 33 1971. Classic olderstyle sloop with modified scoop stern. Strong Volvo diesel 487 hrs. Harken roller furling. Tiller, older sails. Relocating and priced to sell. $5,900 OBO. Emery Cove Yacht Harbor. ngolifeart@gmail.com (747) 286-8311

36 – 39 Feet SailboatS

38 FT lancer 1985. Lancer (38 hull with fiberglass swim deck). LOA: 40 ft. Volvo 4 cyl diesel — 61 hp goes 9 kt. Mainsail: Roller furler outside mast. Genoa: 130 roller. Electric head. $59,500 OBO, Trades. Napa. blake-grant@hotmail.com (650) 650-3333

37 FT cheruBini 1979. Coast Guard documented. Yanmar diesel 529 hrs. New UK main, 130% roller furling genoa, and self-tacking sails with full canvas covers. Self-tailing Lewmars. Canvas hatch, wheel covers. Email for details. Make an offer; negotiable. $20,000 OBO. Alameda, CA. camden219@yahoo.com https://tinyurl. com/3abkckx8

39 FT irwin ciTaTion 1979. Built in Florida for San Francisco Bay. Great liveaboard and coastal cruiser. 2023 bottom painted. Extensive rebuild/replacement of most systems in 2006 including Yanmar 3JH4. Monitor vane/e-rudder. dodger/bimini. Call or email. $45,000. Richmond, CA. svcasablanca1979@gmail.com (925) 391-1250

36 FT iSlanDer FreeporT 36 1978. Ha-Ha ready! Last 7 seasons in the Sea of Cortez and ready to go today! Bob Perry design, this is the preferred B plan with a port-side Pullman berth. Please check website! $65,000 OBO. Currently Long Beach, CA. dheirendt@hotmail.com (559) 999-5219 https://dheirendt.wixsite.com/truenorth

36 FT Morgan one Ton 1975. Sloop rigged, cruising Mexico for 8 years. Westerbeke 40 (Perkins 107), Balmar 100 amp and smart regulator, Harken Mk IV furler, Maxwell windlass, Rocna 44, 200 ft G4 chain, Fortress 22, dodger, bimini, rigid vang, CPT autopilot, good sails, lazy jacks with newer sail cover, Raymarine ST60 instruments, Garhauer oversized traveler and GiB car adjusters, Force10 two-burner/oven propane, newer cushions with Sunbrella upholstery, Katadyn 40 watermaker, 45 gal fuel in two tanks, Frigoboat refrigeration, three 100W flexible solar panels w/Blue Sky solar boost controller, four 100-amp group 30 house bank, one group 24 starting, Good sailing racer/cruiser. Everything in good to great shape but needs some keel work. $6,000. Guaymas/San Carlos, MX. cometmdr@gmail.com

38 FT hc 38 Mk ii 1981. Ready for new ownership. Located in Mazatlán, MX. Great weather and workers available. Mazatlán, MX. lord41897@mypacks.net

37 FT TaYana Mk 2 cuTTer 1986. ‘Banyadah’ (home on the water) is a sound ocean-going vessel with many features. Her deck hardware was removed for transport and needs to be reinstalled. New mast wiring and rigging in 2021. Some cosmetic work required. Perfect for someone looking to get into an offshore boat at an affordable price and willing to put in the work. Most work is DIY. She has faithfully taken us on 1000s of sea miles and is looking for her new family. (Sadly, our current circumstances mean it won’t be us.) Please email or call for full details. $15,000 OBO. Sausalito. jaygrant11383@gmail.com (415) 4136707

38 FT wY lie 38 1985. Turnkey boat in Oxnard. Yanmar 3cyl with 570 hrs, double-spreader mast, rod rigging, 2024 Dacron main and jib from Ullman, lightly used laminate 155% from Santa Cruz sails, 3 sym spinnakers, aluminum pole, mix of self-tailing and non-ST winches. Light ply interior, similar to Express 37. Great for coastal and Hawaii races and performance cruising. Listing until June, then giving up and going sailing. Open to downsize trade. $50,000. Oxnard, CA. slampoud@yahoo.com

38 FT x-YachTS x-382 2002. Exquisite example of X-Yachts’ transition into performance cruising. No expense was spared building and fitting out this wonderful example of Danish boatbuilding. Always loved, expertly maintained, and extensively upgraded with quality gear. Excellent condition. $139,000 OBO. Ventura. cmldesign@gmail.com (650) 380-3095

39 FT c al 39-2 1977. ‘Sea Star’ is for sale. For details see URL. $39,000. bob@bobwalden.com https://tinyurl.com/ Buyseastar

38 FT Down eaST Sloop 1976. During ownership of ‘Anita’ we’ve done the following: Sandblasted the bottom, faired in and coated with 2 coats of marine epoxy, painted. Installed new Yanmar 53hp diesel w/new fuel tank, drive train. Installed 90% new wiring, batteries, panels etc. New SS stanchions, bow and stern pulpits. Installed Corian counter tops, new cushions and solid teak chart table top and a heavy duty Lofrans windlass. New 300-ft 5/6-in G4 chain. Other improvements and gear, too numerous to mention. ‘Anita’ has great headroom in saloon, giant V-berth, freeboard of a much larger boat, huge amount of storage space. Search URL for sailing adventures in SoCal. Courtesy to brokers. $49,500. https://tinyurl.com/ynxxcca2 capnernie1@aol.com

37 FT alSBerg BroTherS expreSS

37 1985. ‘Limitless’ is a proven offshore and inshore racer/cruiser with a proven winning record with many podium finishes. A Transpac and Pacific Cup racing veteran, ‘Limitless’ is ready to go to Hawaii in turnkey condition. There’s an extensive sail inventory including class carbon fiber mains, cruising Dacron main with new Tides Marine track. The sail inventory includes E/P, Ullman, Quantum and Hyde sails from 2016 to present, some new never-used sails (A5, Code 0, A4). Also, new 2023 Ballenger spar with new rod rigging, newer running rigging, two carbon fiber spinnaker poles and reaching strut. Many more extras included…. $69,500 Price reduction. San Pedro, CA. E37LLfast@aol.com (310) 720-0620

39 FT Fre Ya 2003. Proven famous bluewater cruiser/racer. Every amenity for safety and comfort except air conditioning. Lying San Diego, ready for the Ha-Ha. Turbocharged Yanmar recently rebuilt. Bristol condition. Tall rig, 13 standing riggings, 13 halyards, two autopilots, two chartplotters, windvane steering and much more. Complete suite sails for heavy weather, paraglider spinnaker, Jordan series drogue, Dynaplate grounding to mast, sleeps 6. Watermaker, hydraulic backstay. Email or call. $120,000. San Diego. berniekreten@yahoo.com (916) 335-6555

36 FT caScaDe 1977. Bluewater-ready turnkey sailboat. 55 hrs on new Yanmar 30 hp, navigation autopilot, leather interior hand-carved wood. Dickinson diesel heater, full head with hot shower, full galley and more. Great liveaboard with large V-berth, comes with transferable slip! $25,000 OBO. Newport, OR. sureshanjie@yahoo.com Suresh (510) 459-8018or Dustin (808) 756-1389

38 FT carrera 38 1987. Imported by Sven Svendsen. 2023, mast removed with new standing rigging installed, two new batteries, two new compasses, new bottom paint, new zincs, new service of the outdrive/prop, hydraulic outhaul, vang and mast bend, twocylinder Volvo recently serviced with oil change/pump/filters, all work done by Svendsen. Two mainsails, two spinnakers, genoa and two roller jibs, spinnaker pole, Ballenger mast and boom. $15,000. Pt. Richmond Marina, CA. franzsteinerarchitect@comcast.net (510) 914-1289

43 FT w e STS ail 42 1974. Readyto-go legendary cruising boat! Actively being sailed in Mexico. Limited delivery available. Meticulously maintained. Powertrain and engine room refit in 2023. Only 430 hrs on rebuilt Perkins! Owner’s cabin. Spares for every system. $60,000. West Coast of MX. westsail42forsale@gmail.com (425) 7368540 https://westsail42forsale.wixsite. com/hull1

42 FT conTeST Deck Salon 1982. High-quality Dutch offshore fast cruiser. Skeg rudder, Yanmar1540 hrs. Onan gen 660 hrs. Good sails, rig and B&G electronics, radar, solar, 2x Depth, 2x GPS plotters. No teak decks, big aft cabin. Ready to go. $88,000. Ventura, CA. distantbeat@gmail.com (805) 574-9791

43 FT SerenDipiTY 43 1981. Very well equipped for cruising, this classic Doug Peterson design is located in Mexico and is seriously for sale after a circumnavigation. Universal diesel, two spins, two mains, Moniter vane, Maxwell windlass and much more. $39,900 OBO. Mexico. geneosier@yahoo.com

49 FT hYlaS 47/49 1989. Well equipped, with H49 stepped transom. Custom stern arch and hard bimini w/1000W solar panels. Yanmar 4JH3E diesel, watermaker, two autopilots, washer, fridge, freezer. Corian countertops. All modern electronics. Ten winches, windlass. Cutter rig, Profurl, slab reefs, Sta-Lok terminals. Four sails. Three cabins. Classic wood interior. Seaworthy world cruiser. Owned and maintained by Navy vet/submersible pilot/USCG 500 Ton Master since 2002. Great liveaboard located St. Thomas, USVI, with mooring. All toys, tools, spares — everything included. Reduced price for quick sale. Price firm. Email for more info. $149,000. St. Thomas, USVI. kirktek@gmail.com (540) 353-6245

40 FT paSSporT 40 1983. This is a world-capable yacht, ready to take you cruising. Beautiful yacht in really good condition. She is cutter-rigged with oversized rigging and extra cockpit winches. Major equipment has been replaced or renewed. She is cruise-equipped. Call or email. $110,000. Orcas Island, WA. svlandsend@yahoo.com (360) 632-8896

50 FT ValianT 2004. Custom-built for the original owners 20 years ago. Valiants are known for their super-strong construction, and for the way they sail shorthanded. Designed and built for the shorthanded crew, the 50-ft Valiant is the queen of the fleet with her newly expanded true cutter sail plan, and featuring a doublespreader rig mast and anchor bowsprit. An amazing opportunity presents itself! This is the only Valiant 50 built with the Pullman berth and forepeak storage. More photos and details are available upon request. $399,000. Redwood City, CA. sail.legacy@gmail.com (415) 572-0891 https://svlegacy.net

44 FT kellY peTerSon 1979. Classic offshore cutter. New in the last 3 years: Profurl, running and standing rigging, radar tower, Zeus 3S 9, HALO20+, Cebro, forward head, new H2O and sanitation hoses, 12V rewire, stanchion bases, propane system and much more. Health issues force sale. Socalsailmail at yahoo for details and photo packet. $75,000. San Carlos Sonora, MX. socalsailmail@yahoo.com https://tinyurl.com/m9dxk6dp

41 FT iS lan D er FreeporT 1976. 58 hrs major overhaul Perkins154, new Autohelm 5000, new 5/16-inch ss standing rigging, Raymarine E7 Downvision sonar display geared for Pacific Puddle Jump, all safety equipment included. $41,000 OBO. San Carlos, Sonora, MX. nissenkj54@gmail.com (707) 450-7523

50 FT FD-12/TaYana 1980. Offshore cruiser. Modified fin keel, cored hull, teak decks. Repowered engine 110hp Volvo 5-cylinder turbodiesel less than 100 hrs, generator, electronics. Two cabins forward, large master cabin, galley, refrigerator. Two heads. Fuel 300 gal, water 300 gal, 75 gal holding. $105,000 OBO. Ventura. binfordmort@gmail.com (323) 399-6472

43 FT c & c 43-1 1971. “Limited edition” 43 by Bruckmann. A multi-year repair/restoration completed in 2022. Roller furling, Harken batt cars, and autopilot allow shorthanding. Windlass and anchor package makes anchoring efficient. See SailboatData.com C&C43-1 page for layout and specifications. $46,500. Port Ludlow, WA. Calypso43@outlook.com

46 FT cal 2-46 keTch/SolenT 1975. REDUCED Want to cruise/liveaboard in comfort/style? Many upgrades including tanks, toerail, electrical. Issues fixed not just symptoms. Don’t need to spend years in a boatyard before you can go. In Mexico, clean paperwork. Cal2.46. DreamCatcher.forsale@gmail.com. $79,500. San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. Cal2.46.DreamCatcher.forsale@gmail. com

40 FT cheoY lee rhoDeS DeSign 1967. Beautiful cruiser ready! 20 gph watermaker. Generator, solar, wind generator, 6-passenger life raft. Glass decks, 3-cabin layout. Full canvas cover. Rebuilt Perkins. Everything in working order. Turnkey. Immaculate condition. $40,000. Huatulco, Oaxaca, MX. watersports54@yahoo.com (559) 9037402

40 FT challenger 40 1974. Good news! Extensive refit was begun in 2020 including: Thorough cleaning and repainting of storage, mechanical areas, and bilge. New motor mounts and turbo assembly on Yanmar 4JHTE. New throttle and gear Morse cables. Scupper hoses replaced. PSS seal installed. Shaft cutlass bearing replaced. New raw water intake thru-hull. New raw water intake hose. New AC/DC panel. Rewired entire boat. New LED cabin lights. New outlets w/GFCI. New Group 31 starting battery, Aux. 5-amp engine battery charger, 660AH lithium house bank, Victron 3KVA inverter/charger, Victron AC/DC distribution w/remote monitoring, Dec. 2023 Micron 66 paint. Needs holding tank (has manual head and portable toilet), Needs freshwater tank and plumbing (has drains for sinks). $29,000 OBO. Marina Bay, Richmond, CA. seanmcal@gmail.com (310) 971-5208

47 FT TeD carpenTier liDo ShipYar D 1957. Ketch with 11-ft beam, 7-ft draft. Hull is strip-planked tongue and grooved. This vessel was built by naval architect Ted Carpentier, who also worked as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft and was a personal friend of Howard Huges. It was custom-built for the CEO of United Airlines (the original spinnaker is in United Airlines colors). I have owned this boat since 1996. The interior has been refinished, Elco EN7000 motor installed, teak deck and a new carbon fiber mast and boom and new toilet are ready to be installed. Coast Guard Vessel documented. She is a fine vessel in the San Francisco Bay area. $85,000 OBO. San Francisco Bay Area. vksbo@hotmail.com (510) 967-8421

40 – 50 Feet SailboatS

43 FT cuSToM Schock keTch 1973. Professionally built of mahogany over oak, ‘Debonair’ has been lovingly maintained and extensively upgraded. A seaworthy passagemaker, ‘Debonair’ recently completed a 16,000-mile Pacific tour. From rig to sails, systems to safety, ‘Debonair’s voyage-ready. $63,900. Port Hadlock, WA. ketchdebonair@gmail.com https://tinyurl. com/2s36wtce

49 FT cuSToM choaTe peTerSon Sloop 1988. Solid performance racer/ cruiser. Spacious headroom, storage, large galley and main saloon, with roomy aft cabin and separate head. Rod rigging, great winches and running rigging layout. $70,000 OBO or Trade. Sausalito, CA. libertyshipmarina@comcast.net (415) 613-3665

46 FT STeel Yawl 1958 FullY reFiT in 2005. ‘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 15 years cruising about the world; maybe now it’s your turn. Fall in love with your dream boat. Lots of good kit included in the sale, she can be ready to sail to Norway in 2025! Contact C. Masters for complete list. $69,500 NEW PRICE!! Ipswich, Suffolk, UK. svendeavor1958@gmail.com (206) 9603793

48 FT SuncoaST 1980. 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

51 & oVeR SailboatS

53 FT Swan 1989 . A Germán Frers design. Interior is maintained in firstclass condition. Upholstery somewhat faded. Most important it is original. No DIY modifications. New mattress toppers. Google 1989 Swan 53, will provide sistership pictures. Vessel has new North mainsail. loaded with winches and deck gear. One year’s moorage included. A classic with many extras. Assured contact by text. Owner estate sale. $375,000 CDN dollars. Ladysmith, BC, Canada (Vancouver Island). sail.papillon@gmail.com (778) 710-9918

60 FT cuSToM crealock 1997 . Just back from NZ! This 60-ft steel schooner will take you anywhere you want to go. Available to view in Tiburon. $185,000 OBO. Tiburon. otterkicks@gmail.com (707) 499-9414 https://schoonershellback.com/

ClaSSiC boatS

33 FT laurenT gileS wanDerer iii 1958 . Second hull built to the design made famous by the Hiscocks. Offshore pedigree, 2020 refit including full bottom recaulking. Additional $20K in improvements in the last five years. Transferable slip in Monterey Harbor. $29,000 OBO. Monterey, CA. nathan.m.goodman@gmail.com

34 FT laBruZZi 1917 . Built in San Francisco in 1917 by Alphonz LaBruzzi, this classic Bay cruiser has been awardwinning in the Classic Yacht Association. Well maintained in a covered slip in San Rafael, this vessel has recently been hauled for a bottom job and other work, bringing her to excellent condition. Current survey is available. Powered by Isuzu diesel with low hrs. Illness forces sale. $20,000 OBO. San Rafael Yacht Harbor. stickypatoo@gmail.com (707) 882-1726

20 FT new MahoganY MoTor launch 2023 . Professionally built replica of a 19th century fantail launch. Honduras mahogany on oak frames, teak deck and cabin. New 2-cyl Yanmar diesel 2023. Custom galvanized trailer. Will be displayed at Wooden Boat Show, Corinthian YC June 22–23. $21,000. Marshall Boat Works, Tomales Bay. rvwedel@gmail.com (510) 233-0102

38 FT henrY J. Gielow Cutter 1935 . Rebuilt over 14 years, ready to sail, member of the Master Mariners. Email for photo spread and comprehensive narrative. $59,500. Sierra Point Marina, Brisbane, CA. richardsalvini@yahoo.com (650) 996-4215

MUltiHUllS

35 FT walTer greene acapella TriMaran 1982. ‘Humdinger’ has had two owners since new. Transatlantic race veteran, Round Britain and Ireland race in 1982, Route du Rhum also in 1982, chartered as ‘Aspen’. Pacific Northwest Swiftsure races. All with first owner. Boat moved to S.F. Bay in 1999 and extensively raced in SSS and BAMA events. Pacific Cup in 2014. Family and friends cruising CA coast as far as San Diego. Boat set up for singlehanded saiiing with lines led aft, Harken furler jib and screacher. ATN sock for spinnaker. Sails include carbon main, carbon jib, laminate screacher. All Pineapple. NewYamaha 9.9 outboard. USCG documented vessel. Email for complete equipment list. $75,000. Emery Cove Marina. lnolsen@comcast.net

20 FT glaSTron gx199 1988 . Great shape older Glastron runabout. Never been in salt water. Light usage. Mercruiser V-8 engine. $7,000. Bethel Island, California Delta. blmunro@sbcglobal.net (415) 900-5072

PaRtNeRSHiPS

expreSS 34 parTnerShip. Nice condition. Fully equipped. 50% partnership. $17,500. Brickyard Cove. Richmond. robtdstephens@gmail.com

J/111 parTnerShip. I’m looking for partner(s) to buy a J/111 with and race it, sail it, and as a bonus, we can make some $$ with it. Great boat/rating, fastfun, and I have a prime berth in S.F. S.F. spinnaker.sailing@yahoo.com https:// tinyurl.com/5n6ztvbf

alBin 36 Trawler 50% eQuiTY parTnerShip. Classic. Beautifully maintained, fiberglass hull. Seeking a Marin County partner with sound boating experience. December 2024 marine survey available. Must be seen. $30,000. Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito. byronmfox@gmail.com (415) 307-2405

looking For BoaT parTnerShip. 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

PRoPeRtY FoR Sale oR ReNt

SpaciouS cuSToM FloaTing hoMe in The SacraMenTo DelTa. 900 sq ft +- cabin-like floating home. Upstairs hardwood floor, cedar plank ceiling and Anderson French doors. Wood-burning stove and new futon. Kitchen boasts custom hickory cabinets, Corian countertops. Refrigerator, propane stove, microwave and plenty of windows to enjoy the wildlife. Relax on the front and rear decks! Fish from the dock, berth your boat out front! Upstairs bathroom boasts travertine tile and Swanstone shower, new composting toilet downstairs, master bedroom with queen bed, bath with sink and tub. Second bedroom and storage room. Lovely, well-managed marina with many amenities including clubhouse, laundry and shower facilities an hour+- from San Francisco Bay and vicinity or Sacramento. $135,000. Isleton. cyndimarcus@yahoo.com

DraMaTic waTerFronT alaMeDa TownhoMe . 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

puerTo VallarTa oceanFronT 1 BeDrooM — STepS FroM Your BoaT! Discover your pied-à-mer at Ocean Singer— exclusive, low-density retreat near Marina La Cruz. Enjoy breathtaking bay and mountain views, quiet beachfront, and toptier amenities: two pools, gym, lush gardens and rooftop Jacuzzi with a 360° panorama. Built with cutting-edge materials, this is one of the most solidly constructed residences on the bay. Just a short walk to vibrant dining, markets, and marina life. Luxury, tranquility, and adventure await! $349,000. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, MX. bryan@remaxpuertovallarta.com +52 (322) 210-6072 https://tinyurl.com/4rcey33b

S.F. Bay Area Glen Cove Home. If you aren’t participating in the Thursday night “Regatta on the Strait” you can watch it from home. This appealing 4BD/2.5BA home boasts vaulted ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and fresh updates including new carpet, a new roof, and exterior paint. Glen Cove Marina, 2014’s Small Marina of the Year, is just one mile by car or a 10-min scenic walk on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Call Morrison Real Estate. $749,000. Glen Cove, Vallejo, CA. morrisonrealestate8@gmail.com (888) 800-0886 http://DinaMorrison.com

a MaSTerpiece oF MoDern arT on The San FranciSco BaY. Discover modern luxury in this architectural masterpiece, built of steel, glass, and concrete. Suspended over the San Francisco Bay, this one-of-a-kind home features a private 45-ft primary deep-water dock and 25-ft guest dock both with seamless access to the San Francisco Bay. Nestled in the exclusive Brickyard Cove community, this stunning property is perfectly positioned adjacent to the Richmond Yacht Club, offering an ideal waterfront lifestyle. $2,950,000. Point Richmond, CA Brickyard Cove. mark@theledererteam.com (510) 7744231 https://tinyurl.com/3x9s6c95

Maine coaST coTTage For 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

experienceD long-TerM crew wanTeD . INDIVIDUAL OR ONE BERTH TEAM Custom 55� trimaran, well-maintained and equipped, proven passage maker. 2025/2026 San Juan Islands to Panama. Please see URL for detailed boat information, crew requirements and contact information. http://svSurrender.com

tRaileRS

SailBoaT Trailer. 27 ft 5-ton double axle, electric brakes. Contact for photo. $2,000. Mendocino County. retallic@pacific.net (707) 391-8605

beRtHS & SliPS

40 FT priVaTe Slip For renT. Better privacy. Better security. Better access. Better parking. Better setting. Better monitoring of your boat. Better utility arrangements (all included) and better pricing (23% below public marinas). $395. Alameda Estuary. capt.edpayne@gmail.com (510) 521-2000

aweSoMe 50 FT Slip pier 39 San FranciSco . For sale: Stunning city views, 15-ft+ beam, 50-ft length. New cleats, dock box, power pedestal, and hose management. Perfectly located for entire Bay Area coverage and beyond. Very easy access, great maintenance team, parking, and more. $24,000. Slip G-32, Pier 39 Marina. greg.rossmann@gjrcap.com (650) 7400263

eMerY coVe BoaT Slip For renT. Berths for rent. Emery Cove Yacht Harbor 35-ft = $472.50/month C dock and 40-ft = $540/month E dock. Dockominiumrun marina in Emeryville. emerycove. com. Brand-new docks, aluminum with Ipe wood deck, brand-new restrooms, beautiful grounds and just dredged. Great location center of S.F. Bay. Email studio6161@icloud.com. Emeryville, CA. studio6161@icloud.com http://www. emerycove.com

reDwooD ciTY Marina SlipS aVailaBle. 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

bUSiNeSS

puerTo VallarTa BuSineSS For Sale. Discover the exciting chance to own ‘YUMMIES Mexico,’ a frozen food sensation with a perfected menu and a loyal customer base aged 40-80. This successful Puerto Vallarta business is now on the market and ready for a new chapter. Explore detailed information on website and FB: https://tinyurl. com/mjb9v9je. La Cruz, Nayarit, MX. yummiesbydonyteri@gmail.com 52 (322) 275-3322 http://www.Yummies-Mexico. com.mx

uSS poToMac Ship’S Mechanic/ Ship keeper. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic presidential yacht — a National Historic Landmark — is accepting applications for a part-time ship’s mechanic (role name: ship keeper). Potomac is 376 gross tons, 165 feet LOA with Enterprise direct reversible diesel-marine engines. She is berthed at 540 Water Street at Jack London Square, Oakland, CA. The USS Potomac ship keeper is responsible for repairing and maintaining the ship and her related systems, overseeing vessel inspections, and ensuring the vessel functions efficiently and safely. Full job description at usspotomac. org. Send resume and cover letter to Potomac Association, 540 Water St., Oakland, CA 94607. Oakland, CA. jpettley@usspotomac.org (510) 627-1215 http://www.usspotomac.org

laTiTuDe 38 ‘aMBaSSaDor’.Latitude 38 is seeking an “Ambassador.” The ideal candidate is a sailor based in the SF Bay Area, is friendly, outgoing, well-organized and a self-starter with excellent communication skills. They are someone who can work independently as well as manage a team of volunteers. An ambassador encourages enthusiasm, understands the scope and goal of a project and is able to appreciate, respect and organize a team of volunteers to execute a project with efficiency and eagerness. This is an ideal position for someone who is financially secure and looking to stay active and social, and is excited to be part of our vibrant sailing community. Meet and greet the great people who help us distribute the magazine. Read about a few of them here: www.latitude38. com/lectronic/meet-great-people. Email Penny with AMBASSADOR in the subject line. This is a volunteer position, but a stipend will be offered. SF Bay Area. Penny@latitude38.com

Two harBorS harBor paTrol poSiTionS aVailaBle . 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

Sailing Science cenTer – conTracT anD VolunTeer poSiTionS open. Community Engagement Coordinator, Graphic Artist, Photographer(s) wanted as contractors or volunteers. Volunteer docents wanted for educational science exhibitions. Ask about other roles. info@sailingscience.org (510) 390-5727 https://www.sailingscience.org/

Join our TeaM oF inSTrucTorS! 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

MeMBer SerViceS aSSociaTe wanTeD. Club Nautique is the premier sailing and powerboating school on the Bay. We offer the full curriculum of US Sailing and Powerboating certifications as well as membership, charters, events, and yacht sales. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and customer service oriented person to join our team in Alameda. This is a full time position offering $21-$24/hr depending on experience. Click on the link to learn more. stephanie@clubnautique.net (510) 8654700 https://www.clubnautique.net/ about-club-nautique/job-opportunities/

licenSeD capTain wanTeD. 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 http://www.towboatusdelta. com

NoN PRoFit

DonaTe Your BoaT. 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

plan Your Mexican geTawaY now. 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 (415) 269-5165

GeaR

Four-BlaDe Max-prop. V.P. fast feathering propeller. 19-in dia. Pitch and rotation easily adjustable. Blades automatically feather and rotate 180° for reverse. Almost new. Less than 150 hrs of use. For 1 1/4-in shaft with standard SAE taper. Can be rebored for largerdiameter shaft. Includes 3 zincs, custom gear puller and instruction manual. Presently in New Zealand, but can be brought back to the US in March. $3,000. Presently in New Zealand, Bay of Islands. alancblunt@gmail.com 011 64 (210) 811-4317

YanMar 2YM15 DieSel Maine MoTor. This YANMAR 2YM15 diesel motor is a reliable and powerful option for any boat owner. With a 2-stroke engine and 15 HP, this motor is sure to provide the thrust needed for a comfortable and safe ride. YANMAR 2YM15 is a great choice. It’s easy to install and will provide consistent performance for years to come. Don’t miss the opportunity to upgrade your boat’s power with this topof-the-line motor. $975. Moss Landing. pcummins569@gmail.com (831) 2477939

Swap MeeT MaY 3. Marine gear, clothing, boat parts, tools, nautical treasures, and art. May 3, 8 a.m.–12 noon, free admission. Rain or shine. PSPYC is next to KKMI in Point Richmond. Be a vendor: $30 fee, pre-register by email. Point San Pablo Yacht Club, Pt. Richmond, CA. 1stmatespspyc@gmail.com http://www. pspyc.org

SailBoaT eQuipMenT For Sale . 4-cylinder Westerbeke 35 hp 1296 hrs 60 lbs oil pressure. Paragon transmission 1 to1 ratio. Comes complete from alternator to propellor. Will demo, $ 4,500. Garhauer heavy-duty traveler with heavyduty stainless risers $950. Vallejo, CA. braypatrick615@gmail.com (925) 478-1535

cruiSing gear. Offshore Commander 3.0 life raft 4 person $1700. EPIRB global V5 cat 2 $600. Fortress collapsible anchor with storage bag 21 lb. $450. 200 ft. 5/8 rode with 50 ft. chain $300. Watermaker Rainman portable high-output 30 gallons + per hour with self-contained Honda generator $4500. All items like new. $1. Reno, NV. twasik6747@gmail.com (775) 691-9147

tRYiNG to loCate

looking For 24 FT piVer TriMaran ‘no naMe’. We’re former owners of the plywood 24-ft Piver trimaran that sailed around the world in the ’70s. The boat’s last known location was San Diego. We’d appreciate hearing from anyone who might know the whereabouts of ‘No Name.’ wolfinds@mindspring.com �(415) 806-3334�

Alameda Marina / Pacific Shops Inc. 22 www.alamedamarina.net

ATN 27 www.atninc.com

Berkeley Marina ............................... 24 www.berkeley-marina.com

Berkeley Marine Center ..................... 28 www.berkeleymarine.com

Boat Yard at Grand Marina, The 4 www.boatyardgm.com

Brisbane Marina 56 www.brisbaneca.org/marina

Cruising Yachts ................................. 61 www.cruisingyachts.net

Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show .......... 12 www.pacificboatshow.com

Denison Yachting 99 www.denisonyachtsales.com

DeWitt Studio 96 www.jimdewitt.com

Division of Boating & Waterways ........ 65 www.dbw.ca.gov Downwind Marine

www.downwindmarine.com

Emery Cove Yacht Harbor 53 www.emerycove.com

EZ Sextant ............................................ www.thirdreefsw.com

Fisheries Supply Co. .......................... 68 www.fisheriessupply.com

Gianola Canvas Products 35 www.gianolacanvas.com Grand Marina 2 www.grandmarina.com

Haven Boatworks .............................. 86 www.havenboatworks.com Helmut’s

Napa Valley Marina ......................... 20 www.napavalleymarina.com

Outboard Motor Shop 31 www.outboardmotorshop.com

Owl Harbor Marina .......................... 64 www.owlharbor.com/

Oyster Point Marina 29 www.smharbor.com

Powerstride Battery ........................... 33 www.powerstridebattery.com

Quantum Pacific 77 www.quantum.com

Raiatea Carenage Services ................ 85 www.raiateacarenage.com

Baja Ha-Ha Rally 84 www.baja-haha.com

Richard Boland Yacht Sales ................ 98 www.richardbolandyachts.com

Richardson Bay Marina 32 www.richardsonbaymarina.com

70’ SANTA CrUZ

70 ’85 $250,000

Chardonnay III. Turnkey Subchapter T vessel ready for business. Great opportunity for a swift boat with charter slip and management available.

66’ GOrBON 66 ’97 $550,000

Bajavento. A luxurious performance vessel that can easily be sailed shorthanded. Professionally maintained. Cruise in style and comfort.

54’ rOBerTS 54 ’79 $225,000

Spirit. Rugged bluewater vessel designed with comfort and safety in mind. Nicely upgraded. Coast Guard Certified for up to 42 passengers.

Rubicon Yachts ....................... 5,6,7,8,9 www.rubiconyachts.com

Sail California .................................. 15 www.sailcal.com

Sailrite Kits ....................................... 21 www.sailrite.com

San Francisco on the Bay ................... 37 www.sfonthebay.com/list-38

San Juan Sailing 28 www.sanjuansailing.com

Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors/ SAMS 30 www.marinesurvey.org

South Beach Harbor 18 www.sfport.com/southbeachharbor

Spinnaker Sailing San Francisco

www.spinnaker-sailing.com

www.summersailstice.com

AllIAUrA PrIVIleGe

’00

Galileo. Lightly used cruising catamaran. Updated with new standing rigging and much more. One year Santa Cruz slip possible.

Richard Boland Yacht Sales

OPEN BOAT

Marina Village, Alameda Office 510-521-6213 Direct 510-610-6213

2ND WEEKEND OF THE MONTH

Westpoint Harbor, Redwood City Richard • Svendsen’s, Richmond/Alameda Rob • rbys@aol.com • www.richardbolandyachts.com

Richard: 510-610-6213

Mik: 510-552-7272

Rob: 619-552-6943

Barney: 510-541-1963

David: 781-526-8469

Michael: 831-236-5905

George 415-793-9376

Stephenie 415-299-9780