VOLUME 578 August 2025
Transpac — Unplugged No More Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race Whatever Happened to Express 37 Hull #63? Max Ebb — Puzzled
F Prime deep water double-fingered concrete slips from 30’ to 100’.
F Guest berthing available for a weekend or any day getaway.
F Complete bathroom and shower facility, heated and tiled.
F Free pump-out station open 24/7.
F Full-service Marine Center and haul-out facility.
F Free parking.
F Free on-site WiFi.
much more...
64’ BRUCE ROBERTS KETCH, 2000
$170,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
$109,000
39’ BENETEAU OCEANIS 393, 2002
$89,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
$49,500
42' AquaLodge Houseboats 2020 - $115,000 ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347
40’ SALAR 40, 1975
$84,900
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
34’ FISHER PILOTHOUSE KETCH
$79,000
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.
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.
52’ SANTA CRUZ “LIGHTNING”, 1996
$399,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
36’ CHEOY LEE LUDERS, 1970
$60,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
33’ J Boats J/100 “EIGHT BALL”, 2005
$150,000
(3) 42' AquaLodge Houseboats 2020 - $115,000 ea. Mark Miner (415) 290-1347
50’ AAGE NIELSON YAWL, 1956
$189,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
40’ HUNTER LEGEND, 1986
$49,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
44’ DAVIDSON 44, 1980
$149,000
Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
40’ PACIFIC SEACRAFT, 1999 $345,000 Alameda (510) 838-1800
36’ CATALINA MKII, 2007
$115,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
32’ CATALINA 320, 1994
34’ SABRE MKII, 1985
$50,000.
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.
$64,000 Emery Cove (510) 601-5010
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.
42' AquaLodge
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.
Aug. 1 — Cocktails & Food on the Lawn, Marin YC, San Rafael, 5-9 p.m. Live music with Funny Farmers. Info, www. marinyachtclub.com.
Aug. 2 — Maritime Day, Galilee Harbor, Sausalito, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Live music, boat rides, historic vessels, open boats, demos, food & drinks, arts & crafts. Free admission. Info, www.galileeharbor.org.
Aug. 2 — Women Sailors Social Mixer, Almanac Beer Co., Alameda, 4-8 p.m. Meet IYC Women's Sailing Seminar participants & volunteers. IYC, www.womenssailingseminar.com.
Aug. 2-30 — 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
Aug. 3-31 — 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.
Aug. 5-26 — Family Paddle Nights, Alameda, Tuesdays, 5:30-8 p.m. $40/adults, kids free. Gaia Guides, https://app.enrollsy.com/browse/gaia-guides.
Aug. 8-9 — Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance, Obexer's, Homewood. Info, https://laketahoeconcours.com.
Aug. 9 — Taste of the Delta, Delta Diamond Farm, Isleton, 1-4 p.m. Local wine, craft beer, food, artisan vendors. Fundraiser for the Delta Chambers. $45-$50. Info, www. tasteofthedelta.com.
Aug. 9 — Hot Summer Nights, Stockton Sailing Club, 5-8 p.m. Car show, burgers, drinks, rock & roll. Benefits Hospice of San Joaquin. Free admission. Info, www.stocktonsc.org
Aug. 9 — Full Sturgeon Moon on a Saturday.
Aug. 10 — 2nd Sunday Work Party, Sausalito Community Boating Center, 9 a.m.-noon. Info, secretary@cassgidley.org
Aug. 11 — USCGA Safety Class, 6-8 p.m. For paddle craft, kayaks, canoes. Free. Info, (707) 252-3342 or www.nvyc.org
Aug. 14 — Single Sailors Association Mixer, Ballena Bay YC, Alameda, 5-9 p.m. Info, https://singlesailors.org
Aug. 16 — Marine Flare Collection, Dana Point Harbor, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. For Orange Co. residents & boaters. Free. Info, https://oclandfills.com/events/marine-flare-collection-event.
Aug. 16 -17 — International Safety at Sea Course, California YC, Marina del Rey, 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, https:// scya.org/event/scya-safety-at-sea
Aug. 23 — Rising Seas 4 with Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble, Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, Alameda, 1-4 p.m. Free. RSVP, www.rhythmix.org/events/rising-seas-manilatown
Aug. 24 — Open House/Free Sail, Cal Sailing Club, Berkeley Marina, 1-3 p.m. CSC, www.cal-sailing.org
Aug. 30 — California Free Fishing Day, statewide. Info, www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing/Free-Fishing-Days
Sept. 1 — Labor Day.
Sept. 4 — Dockwalker Program Celebration, virtual, noon1 p.m. Free. Info, https://tinyurl.com/mpj69m4w.
Sept. 4 — Mexico Cruising Seminar, Spaulding Marine, Sausalito, 4-5:30 p.m. $10; free for 2025 Baja Ha-Ha skippers & first mates. Info, www.latitude38.com/crew-party. Sept. 4 — Latitude 38 Fall Crew List Party, Spaulding Marine, Sausalito, 6-9 p.m. $10; free for 2025 Baja Ha-Ha skippers & first mates. Info, www.latitude38.com/crew-party Sept. 5-7 — Wooden Boat Festival, Port Townsend, WA. NW Maritime, www.woodenboat.org
Sept. 13 — Festival of the Sea, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Live music outdoors & indoors, boat parade, exhibits, puppet show, story time. Free. Info, https://maritime.org/seafestival2025.
Sept. 14 — Echoes and Evolution, Haydn Voyages, aboard Berkeley, Maritime Museum, San Diego, 2:30 p.m. With the Hausmann Quartet. $10-$60. Info, www.sdmaritime.org
Sept. 19-21 — Sausalito Boat Show, Clipper Yacht Harbor. See Latitude in booth #105. Info, www.sausalitoboatshow.com. November 3-15 — Baja Ha-Ha XXXI, San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with stops in Turtle Bay, Bahia Santa Maria and Mag Bay. Info, www.baja-haha.com
July 28-Aug. 4 — ILCA 6 Youth Worlds in L.A. Cabrillo Beach YC, https://2025ilca6youth.ilca-worlds.org.
July 29-Aug. 3 — Gover nor's Cup Youth Match Racing Championship. Balboa YC, www.govcupracing.com.
July 30 — Pink Shirt/Bra Cup Race. Free registration. VYC, www.vyc.org or www.jibeset.net.
Aug. 1-3 — Coronado 15 North Americans. HMBYC, www. hmbyc.org.
Aug. 1-3 — Skamania Coves Invitational for Tasars & ILCA Masters, Cascade Locks, OR. CGRA, www.cgra.org.
Aug. 2 — RC Choice #1 (of fshore). YRA, www.yra.org.
Aug. 2 — Jerry O'Grady Singlehanded Race. CPYC, www. cpyc.com.
Aug. 2 — Iron Butt Race. 5 miles upwind, 5 miles back downwind in West Sacramento. LWSC, www.lwsailing.org.
Aug. 2-3 — Match Race Qualifier. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.
Aug. 2-3 — Herb Meyer Regatta. BAADS/SBYC, www. southbeachyachtclub.org.
Aug. 2-3 — BAYS Summer #3. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Aug. 2-3 — Over night Race. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.
Aug. 3 — Day on Monterey Bay Regatta. SCYC/SCSF, www.scyc.org/day-on-the-bay.
Aug. 7, 21, Sept. 4 — New Wave Summer Series. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Aug. 7-10 — Chubb US Youth Triplehanded Championship for the Sears Cup. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.
Aug. 9 — In the Bay #3. YRA, www.yra.org.
Aug. 9 — South Bay Bridge Series. Info, www.jibeset.net.
Aug. 9 — Round the Rock. BVBC, www.bvbc.org.
Aug. 9 — Navigator's Race. BYC, www.berkeleyyc.org.
Aug. 9 — Chasing the Moon Race on Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay. BenYC, www.beniciayachtclub.org.
Aug. 9 — Summer Series. SeqYC, www.sequoiayc.org.
Aug. 9 — Doublehanded Race. SLTWYC, www.sltwyc.com.
Aug. 9 — Double Damned, Cascade Locks to the Dalles, OR. Hood River YC, https://hryc.clubexpress.com.
Aug. 9-10 — Summer Keel. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Aug. 9-10 — Santanarama in Pebble Beach. Stillwater YC, www.sycpb.org.
Aug. 10 — Gracie & George. Doublehanded coed race. Gracie drives. EYC, www.encinal.org.
Aug. 10 — Three Beach Fiasco on Tomales Bay. InvYC, www.invernessyachtclub.org.
Aug. 14-17 — US Women's Match Racing Championship/ Allegra Knapp Mertz Trophy. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.
Aug. 15-17, Sept. 13-14 — Catalina Island Series. LBYC,
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Aug. 16 — Single/Doublehand Race #5. BenYC, www. beniciayachtclub.org.
Aug. 16 — Vice Commodore's Regatta. HMBYC, www. hmbyc.org.
Aug. 16 — Fall One Design #1. SCYC, www.scyc.org.
Aug. 16, Sept. 6 — North Bay Series. VYC, www.vyc.org.
Aug. 16-17 — Drake's Bay Race. YRA, www.yra.org, or SSS, www.sfbaysss.org.
Aug. 16-17 — MidSummer Series. CYC, www.cyc.org.
Aug. 16-17 — Corinthian Cup. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Aug. 17 — Gar Woods Race. Tahoe YC, www.tahoeyc.com.
Aug. 22-24 — Mercury Labor Day Regatta in Pebble Beach. Stillwater YC, www.sycpb.org.
Aug. 23 — Great Schooner Race/Belvedere Classic. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Aug. 23 — Hannig Cup. SeqYC, www.sequoiayc.org.
Aug. 23 — MBYRA Double Angle. SCYC, www.scyc.org.
Aug. 23 — Funnette Island. SL TWYC, www.sltwyc.com.
Aug. 23 — Intraclub Race. R YC, www.richmondyc.org.
Aug. 23, Sept. 6 — Bender Series on Tomales Bay. InvYC, www.invernessyachtclub.org.
Aug. 23-24 — Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta. StFYC, www.stfyc.com.
Aug. 23-24 — PNW Junior Olympic Sailing Festival. Seattle YC, www.seattleyachtclub.org.
Aug. 24 — Bonita Blitz, Doublehanded Sunday Series. YRA, www.yra.org.
Aug. 24 — Baxter -Judson Series Race #5. PresYC, www. presidioyachtclub.org.
Aug. 24 — Fall SCORE #1. SCYC, www.scyc.org.
Aug. 30 — Jazz Cup to Benicia. SBYC/BenYC, www. southbeachyachtclub.org.
Aug. 30-31 — Millimeter Nationals. EYC, www.encinal.org.
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 — Redwood Regatta, Big Lagoon. Humboldt YC, www.humboldtyachtclub.org.
Aug. 31 — Hog Island Race on Tomales Bay. InvYC, www. invernessyachtclub.org.
Sept. 1-5 — Snipe Western Hemisphere & Asia Championship in San Diego. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.
Sept. 6 — Big Windward/Leeward. BYC, www.berkeleyyc.org.
Sept. 6 — Dave & Kay Few Regatta. CPYC, www.cpyc.com.
Sept. 6 — Moonlight Marathon. SeqYC, www.sequoiayc.org.
Sept. 6 — Fall Race #1. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.
Sept. 6 — Wosser Cup. SFYC, www.sfyc.org.
Sept. 6-7 — Multihull Invitational Regatta. R YC, www. richmondyc.org.
Sept. 6-7 — Veeder Cup. MPYC, www.mpyc.org.
Sept. 6-7 — Tahoe ILCA Fleet Championships. Tahoe YC, www.tahoeyc.com.
Sept. 6-7 — Perpetual. SL TWYC, www.sltwyc.com.
Sept. 10-14 — Rolex Big Boat Series. For J/88, J/105, Cape 31, Express 37 classes, ORC monohulls over 30-ft, and Classics built before 1955 with an LOA ≥48-ft and a current ORRez rating. StFYC,www.rolexbigboatseries.com.
Sept. 13 — Half Moon Bay Race. SSS, www.sfbaysss.org.
Sept. 13 — Carquinez Challenge. BenYC/VYC, www.
Sept. 13-14 — Thistle Regatta. SSC, www.stocktonsc.org.
Sept. 13-14 — Finn PCCs. SDYC, www.sdyc.org.
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Beer Can Series
BAY VIEW BC — Monday Night Madness: 8/4, 8/18, 9/1, 9/15, 9/29, 10/11. Nick, (510) 459-1337 or www.bvbc.org
BENICIA YC — Thursday nights through 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.
THE CLUB AT WESTPOINT — Friday nights: 8/15, 9/5. Larry, (650) 888-2324 or www.jibeset.net.
CORINTHIAN YC — Friday nights through 8/29. Marcus, (415) 606-4110 or www.cyc.org.
COYOTE POINT YC — Sunset Sail: every Wednesday night through 10/1. John, (650) 703-5621 or www.cpyc.com.
ENCINAL YC — Twilight Series, Friday nights: 8/8, 8/22, 9/5. Mike, (925) 357-1461 or www.encinal.org.
FOLSOM LAKE YC — Wednesday nights through September. Friday Night Series, 8/8 (Governor's Cup), 8/22 (Governor's Cup). Info, www.flyc.org.
GOLDEN GATE YC — Friday nights: 8/8, 8/22. Info, www. ggyc.org, raceoffice@ggyc.com or www.jibeset.net.
ISLAND YC — Island Nights, Fridays: 8/1, 8/15, 8/29. 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 through 10/30. Mark, owing78@yahoo.com or www.lwsailing.org. LAKE YOSEMITE SA — Thursday nights through September. Dennis, (209) 722-1947 or www.lakeyosemitesailing.org.
MONTEREY PENINSULA YC — Sunset Series: Wednesday nights through 10/8. Mark, race.mpyc@gmail.com or www. mpyc.org.
OAKLAND YC — Sweet 16 Series: Wednesday nights through 8/27. Info, www.oaklandyachtclub.net.
RICHMOND YC — Wednesday nights through 9/24. Info, www.richmondyc.org. RC racing, Thursday nights through 9/25. Gene, gene@pedrick.org. Friday Night Lights Dinghy Series: 8/8, 8/22. Info, sailingdirector@richmondyc.org.
ST. FRANCIS YC — Thursday Windward/Leeward Foil Racing through 8/20. Friday Foil Series through 8/15. Wednesday Evening Series through 8/21. Info, www.stfyc.com
SANTA CRUZ YC — Tuesday & Wednesday nights through 10/29. Friday night dinghy racing: 8/8. Info, www.scyc.org.
SAUSALITO YC — Sunset Series, Thursday nights. Summer: 8/7, 8/21, 9/4. Bob, (415) 828-4425 or www.sausalitoyachtclub.org
SEQUOIA YC — Sunset Series: Wednesday nights through 10/1. Info, www.sequoiayc.org or www.jibeset.net
SIERRA POINT YC — Tuesday nights through 8/26. Info, https://spyc.clubexpress.com
SOUTH BEACH YC — Friday nights: 8/1, 8/15, 8/22. Info, www.southbeachyachtclub.org
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE WINDJAMMERS YC — Wednesday nights through 9/24. Eric, rearcommodore@sltwyc.com or www.sltwyc.com
STOCKTON SC — Wednesday nights through 9/24. Andy, regatta@stocktonsc.org or www.stocktonsc.org
TAHOE YC — Monday night Dinghy Series, through 8/25. Wednesday night Beer Can Series, through 8/27. Mike, (925)
32' Westsail 1974 $35,000
48' Tollycraft Cockpit 1979 $59,500
708-3374 or www.tahoeyc.com
TIBURON YC — Friday nights through 8/29. Rob, race@ tyc.org or www.tyc.org.
VALLEJO YC — Wednesday nights through 9/24. Info, www.vyc.org or www.jibeset.net
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.
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Predictions for Station 9414290, San Francisco (Golden Gate) date/day time/ht. time/ht. time/ht. time/ht. LOW HIGH LOW HIGH
8/02Sat 0112/1.2
NOAA Predictions for .88 NM NE of the Golden Gate Bridge
8/02Sat 0317 0609/1.4F 0940 1125/0.5E 1258 1708/1.9F 2015 2327/1.3E
8/03Sun 0411 0718/1.6F 1047 1223/0.5E 1352 1801/1.7F 2059
8/09Sat 0055 0410/2.1E 0813 1112/3.0F 1424 1655/1.3E 1925 2259/2.9F
8/10Sun 0141 0458/2.3E 0846 1149/3.3F 1456 1733/1.5E 2016 2345/3.0F
8/16Sat 0101 0421/2.4F 0749 1012/0.8E 1220 1616/2.7F 1855 2153/2.3E
8/17Sun 0215 0530/2.4F 0917 1129/0.7E 1326 1717/2.4F 1957 2300/2.1E
8/23Sat 0117 0438/2.1E 0810 1059/3.5F 1411 1708/1.8E 2022 2311/3.1F
8/24Sun 0208 0526/2.1E 0847 1140/3.5F 1451 1752/1.9E 2112 2358/3.0F
8/30Sat 0040 0411/1.6F 0807 0959/0.5E 1132 1530/1.7F 1806 2056/1.3E
8/31Sun 0125 0516/1.6F 0925 1100/0.4E 1225 1620/1.4F 1852 2147/1.2E 9/01Mon 0230 0627/1.7F 1022 1159/0.5E 1332 1719/1.3F 1956 2257/1.1E
Source: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov
⇑⇓ A FEW MORE MEMORIES ABOUT THE LOSS OF THE LAKE MERRITT SAILING CLUB AFTER 88 YEARS
Glen Moore up here in the Smith Brothers' territory. I, too, cut my teeth sailing El Toros on the Lake Merritt of the North's sister program, Green Lake here in Seattle.
I had sailing fever like adolescent girls have horse fever There is no cure. Like Lake Merritt, Green Lake had a very strong program, based upon the El Toro platform, and a great number of sailing folk here in the Northwest learned first in the Smith-built El Toros. There were both adult and youth programs, with evening racing and even frostbiting throughout the winter months, all run on a volunteer-based model. The emphasis was on teaching and fun, and the program was similar to the Lake Merritt model, with the exception of rental options.
But people had FUN! I can honestly say that programs like Lake Merritt's shaped many lives. For me it was the introduction to a lifestyle of campaigning boats all over the country, then circling back to building El Toros for a chapter. I'm down to only two boats these days, but with Jotz sails for great match racing — still!
The best part was to go to El Toro regattas and sail against the best: the Jotzes, Warfields, (Surtees?), Toschis, et al, and to make it into the T-Shirt Division. The top 30 or so in the Bullship Race actually meant somethin'. The programs and the boats were a great way to improve my sailing in all areas: start timing, wind shifts, close-quarter maneuvering and rules study. But it seems that the sport has moved on.
Insurance and competition for very limited resources, such as water access and storage, seem to be the common factors in the demise of these precious resources. How many foiling Moth clubs are there in the country? Facilities like Lake Merritt Sailing Club formed the base of the pyramid that kept sailing viable as an activity and recruitment vehicle. Not every young sailor aspires to be an Olympian or a pedal pusher on an America's Cup foiling machine. (Most of the pedal pushers probably can't swim.)
Your article [the June 6 'Lectronic Latitude: Eight Bells Toll for Lake Merritt Sailing Club by Denis Hazlewood] only strengthens my resolve to pass this experience along to my own grandkids (Steve and Anne, did you read that?) It's truly a gift that you can give to that 3- and 5-year-old, and it says that everything the Lake Merritt Sailing Club did over the years was valid. Remember your roots. Sail on. Glen Moore Pacific Northwest
⇑⇓
So sad to hear that Lake Merritt Sailing is closing down. I learned to sail El Toros with my dad in the early 1960s. Neither of us knew anything about sailing and made plenty of mistakes. I also fell in love with the idea of using the wind to go from point A to point B.
Today, as I head into retirement from a long and active career, I look forward to spending more time afloat chasing after invisible forces, hidden currents and the splash of the bow cutting through the water. It's my happy place. Thank you, Lake Merrirt Sailing Club. I owe you a debt of gratitude for getting me off to a good start.
Eben Kermit
Sad day. I was a junior member in the '70s racing a Laser with another member, Paul Naton. I have wonder ful memories of my days racing on Lake Merritt with my friends. Just watch the wind shifts when somebody opened a sliding glass window on the 10th floor!
A special memory was being the club's junior representative to get to attend race camp at Tinsley Island. Good times. End of an era, for sure.
Todd Seavey Latitude Nation
Sorry to hear about the Lake Merritt Sailing Club folding, but thank you for the note that the city-run boat rental center is still going.
Eleven years ago, I took my then 4-year-old and talked the staff into letting us take a boat out. (I apparently squeaked by on the written test.) We forked over $40, I think, but got $20 back when we returned the boat without too much damage. Fast forward 11 years: The little guy who fell asleep in the car on the way home was one of five sailors Encinal YC sent to Opti national team trials this year.
At a time when public goods of all kinds are under attack, we're happy to live in a city that has a city-subsidized (yes, socialist!) sailing program.
⇑⇓ FROM THE AUTHOR
Hello to all of the sailors making comments here. Thank you for your kind and heartfelt messages. (For some reason I've only been able to reply to six of the first seven).
When I agreed to run for commodore in 2022, I told the members that I didn't want to be the last commodore of the Lake Merritt Sailing Club. To my great disappointment, I didn't get my wish.
If you would like to contact me with a PM, feel free to email me at redleader429@comcast.net.
Denis Hazlewood
Lake Merritt Sailing Club, Commodore 2022–2025
⇑⇓ OPERATION COVERING EAGLE
I have been following the Eagle since she became the training ship for the CG. There is a fantastic book called The Skipper and the Eagle that documents her departure from Germany after WWII and her subsequent restoration.
She serves such an important function for the USCG, building teamwork, seamanship and cooperation between the cadets. We are also very grateful to Call of the Sea, which does such a fantastic job of this for our Bay Area youth!
Milly Biller
Big Pink, International 110 Inverness
Milly was commenting on the June 27 'Lectronic with the same name as this letter.
⇑⇓
The United States Coast Guard Academy is a remarkable education experience for the appropriate sort of student, and certainly affordable, as well. The program grants fully accredited bachelor's degrees in a wide range of subjects, including engineering and science. It's highly ranked by the various college guides. It is an opportunity that young people should investigate to see if it fits them. Go to www. uscga.edu for more information. (No, I went to UC Berkeley.)
Christopher D. Barry
⇑⇓ A PERK-FECT DAY
Great article! Thanks for the invitation. What an out-
standing day. Keeping the tall ship tradition alive seems more important than ever. Thank you Coast Guard.
Mitch Perkins
In the weeds here, but I'm: super -excited to see Eagle in Seattle in 2025! Is there any history about the legality of this ship being foreign-built but actively serving the US government? Is there a Jones Act "exception" for this vessel?
Logically, it makes sense to keep/save/display/train with this ship, but it 100% makes sense that we can't have China making our aircraft carriers also. So there has to be an article or amendment that allows this foreign-built vessel in our "fleet." Any info would be great. Our family is excited to tour the ship and appreciate some political banter, as well. Let's get in the details!
Alex
Alex — We can't say exactly why Eagle is exempt, but its being German-built, clearly an exception has been made for the 295-ft, three-masted barque, which was commissioned by the Coast Guard in 1946. Being a war reparation from Germany and a form of repatriated US property — and given the fact that it's used as a training ship — a Jones Act exemption was likely made on Eagle's behalf. (The Secretary of Defense can request a waiver to the Jones Act.) Clearly you don't want a modern aircraft carrier built by China, but an 89-year-old tall ship doesn't pose the same security (or economic) concerns.
⇑⇓
I raced on the R boats out of Toronto in the '80s. We had between five and eight boats active until the early
'90s — four owned by Reimanns — when interest petered out. The fleet recovered and we had four R boats actively racing from around 2010 till about 2020: Diana (R8, built 1924 and restored by a Reimann), Gypsy (R13), Archer (R15), and Fantome (R18). There was lots of LYRA [Lake Yacht Racing Association on Lake Ontario] race week participation in those years as well, with the fleet from Sodus Bay, which includes four boats originally from Toronto.
Unfortunately, interest waned again and there are only a couple of boats sailing actively.
Andrew
Andrew was commenting on the August 2022 'LL: Are your Familiar with "R" Boats?
For years, I've sailed in Alaska, Canada, down the Washington and the Oregon coasts and California on my Swissflagged sailboat. I never had issues anywhere. California required me to register in the state because I stayed more than 90 days. Friends of mine with foreign-flagged boats — one French and the other German — also sailed in Washington waters, and they didn't have any issues or regulations forced on them either.
Perhaps the problem is that this particular foreignflagged 66-ft boat is owned by a US citizen (I assume). If the owner is a US citizen, it would be wise for them to register the boat under the US flag. No hassle afterwards. Sixty-six feet is quite a big boat with probably over 50+ gross tonnage?
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In that case, a captain with the required USCG Master Mariner License would eliminate these troubles. And one more thing, if someone can afford a 66-ft yacht, I would think they can afford the fees that come with it. No?
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Heinz was commenting on the June 2 'Lectronic Latitude with the same name as this letter. Arnstein Mustad, a delivery skipper and friend of Latitude, informed us that certain foreign-flagged vessels are required to have a pilot on board, though owners can file for an exemption. "[That] requires filling out a six-page form detailing the vessel's equipment and owner's experience, as well as the proposed itinerary," the skipper wrote us. "And since the boat is '66-ft' LOA it is required to pay $1,100 for the exemption (65-ft and less is $100)."
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Imagine you're an experienced French sailor having sailed across the Atlantic, negotiated poorly charted waters along the way, transited the Panama Canal, made your way up past Tehuantepec, up Baja in the spring, past Point Sur and Cape Mendocino and safely across Oregon bars, and then being told you're not experienced enough to transit Washington state waters in daylight!
To add insult, the exemption process is decided by com mittee every 30 days or so. If approved, the skipper is often restricted and/or required to enlist a pilot for educational services. I admit there are some places in the PNW that re-
quire extra attention to nav, weather and tides, but I think this level of bureaucratic control is a bit of an overreach.
SEPARATE: I am that captain, but under the rules a "licensed WA state pilot" is required unless an exemption is approved well in advance. In your case, you escaped Washing pilotage rules. If you had been caught, a penalty of up to $10,000 could have been charged (as I understand it). It is indeed a very unfriendly burden to levy on foreign-flagged vessels.
Arnstein Mustad
It's disappointing, but not surprising, given Washington state's persistence and ingenuity in coming up with taxes and fees. Washington has no income tax, so they run the state on sales taxes plus a veritable encyclopedia of taxes and fees on every imaginable activity.
I'm an Oregon resident, and when we took our Oregonregistered (and US-documented) 37-ft sailboat up to Anacortes for a year to enjoy periodic cruising on Puget Sound and the San Juans, we found that we had 90 days' grace before we had to register the boat with WA and pay "sales tax" (since we'd never paid it in no-sales-tax Oregon). But at least we didn't have to deal with this "pilotage" baloney in order to cruise our neighbor state's waters.
It seems to me that a state applying this fee only to foreign vessels might possibly violate some federal laws about foreign trade and relations being reserved to the federal government. It's kind of like a state imposing their own duties or tariffs, isn't it?
William Prendergast
⇑⇓ WE CAN'T SPEAK TO THE LEGALITY OF IT
This looks and feels like an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce. Puget Sound is managed collaboratively by both the state of Washington and the federal government. The Washington State Department of Ecology oversees
regulations,
agencies, such as the EPA and NOAA, address broader environmental and marine issues. Additionally, the Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force coordinates federal efforts to restore and protect the Sound.
Achasd
This article was forwarded to me by a Washington yacht broker. Yes, Washington has beautiful cruising grounds, and no, we do not have a state income tax. So we look to other sources of taxation. I have a few comments regarding the various swipes that are being taken at the state, some of which are based on people not taking the time to understand the rules.
The yacht industry in Washington has worked closely with the state legislature and the Department of Revenue over the last 10 years to make the state much more tax friendly for both Washington resident boaters and those who are nonresidents. Nonresident boaters can keep their boats in Washington for six months a year or more without having to pay taxes or registration fees. But, as with cruising in any state, they need to consult with people who actually understand how the rules apply, and how to plan with them.
As for the need for a licensed Washington pilot or obtaining a pilotage exemption, those rules are in place to protect the pristine waters of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea so they can continue to be enjoyed by boaters and non-boaters alike in the years ahead.
What is needed is for people to plan their trips in advance so they become informed of what is needed to eliminate tax and registration exposures and our waters are kept clean and safe for all to enjoy.
Fred Robinson Yacht Lawyer
Here's a bit more on the where and who of Wild Spirit:
After her launch, Peter Sutter spent eight years sailing and racing Wild Spirit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Soon after retiring from his sailmaking business, Pete set off on a remarkable six-year voyage deep into the South Pacific, looping back through Japan, and eventually sailing north to the Pacific Northwest.
While in Friday Harbor, Pete welcomed aboard an intrepid German world traveler named Christine El Barins who would eventually become his wife. Together, they explored Puget Sound and the Inside Passage before sailing south to Sausalito in the fall of 1990, or thereabouts, where they spent several months preparing Wild Spirit for another long cruise.
Pete and Christine then embarked on a second six-year odyssey through the South Pacific. Sadly, the jour ney was cut short when Pete's health began to decline. He returned to California for treatment and Christine sailed Wild Spirit solo from Vanuatu to Samoa, where the boat was loaded onto a freighter and shipped back to Sausalito.
Peter Sutter passed away in 1996 and Wild Spirit was left in Christine's able hands. It was important to Christine to complete her teaching career, so she reluctantly returned to
How about one more photo of a bridge (one of three) and a corresponding light- to no-wind fiasco (as seen in 2024) to illustrate the finer points of retiring, quitting or abandoning a race?
make the finish line until an hour or two (or never) after the race ended. Ditto to the Corinthian Yacht Club, although we were only half an hour late. In the dark. Which is usually a clue that the race is over. "Retiring" just sounds better, as you head for home.
Rick Johnson
Rick — I like that idea, and maybe it should be the other way around. In other words, if you choose to not finish, "retire" has more dignity. If you foul out, DNF sounds appropriately punitive.
Milly Biller
⇑⇓ CANCEL OR SHORTEN
If there is no chance of finishing on time or with enough wind that makes it actually fun to sail instead of just drifting toward the finish line, I'm all in favor of canceling, or shortening the course. I don't like to spend all day in the water, trying to finish a race. But I understand a distance race like during a California Race Week, when you invested the time and effort to do that many miles, you want to be able to fin ish the race the way it was intended — no matter how long it takes.
Greg Clausen PNW
⇑⇓ WHAT ARE WE CALLING A "FOUL"?
As soon as you start your engine and use it to progr toward the finish, have you not committed a foul from which you cannot or will not exonerate yourself? I guess it depends on the definition of a "foul."
Bill Mittendorf
⇑⇓ GETTING INTO THE NITTY GRITTY OF IT
The RRS [Racing Rules of Sailing] describe certain cir cumstances under which a boat may retire. It does not de fine the term. A boat may retire for any number of reasons, only some of which are described explicitly in the RRS. Nothing in the RRS limits the use of the term "retire" to an involuntary withdrawal.
Stuart Strickland
Stuart — I agree. RRS states circumstances in which a boat should retire, but we can infer that the same verb
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would apply to a voluntary decision to stop racing. After all, it has exactly the same effect on the scoring.
I actually came here to state my annoyance with racers who radio in to say they are "abandoning" the race. In contrast to "retire," RRS defines "abandon," and it's something that the race or protest committee does in order to cancel the entire race. A boat cannot cancel the race for everyone! Max Crittenden
I'll note the distinction between RET and DNF, should I have to infor m the RC of my intention to stop competing in the race. Good to know.
There was a regatta earlier this year where the SIs [Sailing Instructions] stated the obstructions, or "no-go zones," boilerplate Anita Rock, Point. Blunt buoy, Berkeley Pier, etc., and then stated that if a racer crossed said prohibited areas, they were not to "unwind," but were to do a 720-degree turn, and proceed racing. I thought that was odd, and dangerous, and tried to inform the OA (BYC) of the inherent problems with that idea — to no avail. Fortunately, the course raced offered no opportunities to take advantage of that option, and I have happily not seen such silliness in SIs since.
Richard vonEhrenkrook
⇑⇓
It also seems reasonable to accept the conditions, even when they may not be ideal. What kind of challenge is it if you always race in perfect conditions? How do you learn to compete in challenging conditions otherwise?
Ian Clements
⇑⇓ CAL MARITIME BATTLES THE PROS IN TRANSPACIFIC YACHT RACE
It's a great race, but I don't feel it's appropriate for college-age students to participate. It can be dangerous that far out at sea and I would hate for even one of their futures to be cut short by the remote accidents that can occur. There are much less dangerous coastal races that would be more appropriate. Nobody should allow the pressure of creating an image for a leading maritime college to cloud one's decisions.#HFACS [Human Factors Analysis and Classification System]
Rich Brooks
Rich was commenting on the June 5 'Lectronic Latitude:
Cal Maritime Battles the Pros in Transpacific Yacht Race, authored by students at Cal Maritime Academy.
Rich — I was not aware that CA-to-HI races were that dangerous. I have done four and have friends that together would account for dozens of trips without major incidents. Do you have any injury and fatality statistics to back up your opinion?
Andy Newell
Andy — They make these "statistics" about as readily available as the statistics that scuba diving near Cozumel is dangerous. (Dozens of shark attacks and other incidents kept from the public.) And I'm specifically referring to college-level competition, where these book-smart seafarers have had nominal ocean experience.
But I would argue that even with extensive experience, the competition is not without significant risk. If a death or serious injury doesn't occur to one of these students for at least 10 years, I will still consider my original post necessary and warranted.
Rich Brooks
Rich — We couldn't disagree more, and we reject several of the premises of what you said.
Your dissenting opinion instantly reminded us of a recent quote from legendary sailor and navigator Stan Honey, made on our own Good Jibes podcast (#149), who said of the members of the L.A. Yacht Club: "There was a community of folks there who had the shared commitment and common sense to bring kids along in our sport by making them feel appreciated as important team members. If there was a major ocean race and a kid with a seabag, there was zero chance that kid would be left on the dock."
We reject the notion that the crew has "nominal ocean experience." While there were some first-timers aboard, the very first line of the story reads: "A young, yet experienced crew will race against the world's top professional teams." We reject the notion that there is or ever was "pressure of creating an image for a leading maritime college." Mass Maritime has a long history of competing in the nearly 700-mile Marion to
Modern safety measures, such as helmets, have been implemented in youth sailing. For those of us who grew up sailing, we credit the sport for instilling us with a sense of agency and confidence.
Bermuda Race.
As is the case at each of the six state maritime colleges in the US, students at Cal Maritime are training for dangerous, high-stakes jobs. Many of them have already worked aboard a variety of commercial vessels throughout the world, with some cadets even conning ships. Mistakes on those vessels result in injury and millions of dollars in damage.
We appreciate a culture of safety and a healthy respect for the ocean, but we reject this kind of blanket skepticism that seems to be based on the false premises we just outlined. This isn't to say that ocean racing isn't dangerous. It most certainly is(!) and accidents can obviously occur. But we don't think that college-/military-aged students should be shielded or automatically exempt from the same risks and challenges that adults choose to take on — especially students who have been rigorously trained for careers in the maritime industry.
For the record: To our knowledge, there has never been a fatality or serious injury in the Transpac, though several vessels have sunk. We say "never" with some reservation and degree of superstition — we don't want to jinx it.
Be safe out there, everyone!
⇑⇓ HAWSE VS. SPURLING PIPES
I think you mean a spurling pipe in this case [Peter was commenting on the June 30 'Lectronic: The Resourceful Sailor Asks, "Will You Shut Your Hawsehole?"] A hawse pipe passes through the topsides.
I've always solved the problem by plugging the hole with plumber's putty — it keeps the water out, but leaves the chain free to run.
Peter Heiberg Scaramouche V, P/J 50 Singlehanded Transpacific Race Veteran
Peter — You roused more research. Spurling pipe is a new term for me, and I thank you for that. I didn't settle on hawsehole and hawse pipe lightly in writing this, trying to land on modern and commercial vernacular. It could be reasoned that Sampaguita has neither, nor a spurling pipe, being so small and without actual pipes or a windlass. (Unless you count me.) Somehow, the "anchor chain deck hole" didn't have a ring to it either.
Many readers have boats with windlasses and spurling pipes would definitely be correct. I love that I learn new things every day. The Resourceful Sailor's goal is to create conversation and inspire creative thinking and sharing. You have participated. Thanks for sharing and reading.
Joshua Wheeler
Josh and Peter — To our understanding, hawsepipe is the opening through the bow where the anchor chain passes from the deck to the water, while a spurling pipe is the opening on the ship's deck that leads to the chain locker. A "hawsepiper" is also someone who works their way up in the maritime in dustry from entry-level positions to a licensed officer.)
This remarkable rescue highlights both the risks and camaraderie of ocean sailing. [The reader is commenting on the May 14 'LL: Emergency Seaglider Recovery Needed in the Pacific.] The crew's quick thinking and use of emergency protocols likely saved lives, while the coordinated response from nearby vessels and authorities underscores the importance of community at sea.
The priority placed on human safety is commendable. The incident serves as a sobering reminder to carry proper safety gear and file float plans. Well-written and insightful — a must-read for any offshore sailor learning from real-world emergencies.
Daisy L.
The University of Washington's seaglider 'Pigeon' was actually the second rescuee by the Ventilly family aboard 'Oatmeal Savage'. En route to recovering the glider, the Ventillys picked up two souls off SV 'Flow', which had lost its rudder. Bravo to all involved!
Readers — In May, the University of Washington's School of Oceanography asked sailors for help in retrieving one of their seagliders, which was stranded in the Pacific. The glid ers "fly" underwater, sometimes diving over 3,000 feet as they collect data on ocean temperature, salinity, oxygen and chlorophyll, which is then transmitted to researchers. The glider, named Pigeon, had lost battery power and was float ing on the surface, still transmitting its location.
On May 30, the Canadian Ventilly family was sailing from Tahiti to Hawaii aboard their 36-ft sailboat SV Oatmeal Sav age when they came across the call for help and offered to attempt a rescue. As the Ventillys approached Pigeon's last known location, they received a distress call from friends
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aboard SV Flow, who were about 200 miles behind. Flow had lost its rudder and the crew needed to abandon ship. The Ventillys turned back and rescued them — adding two adults and their belongings to their already-small sailboat. With six people aboard, they continued toward Pigeon.
"On June 5, in the deep blue Pacific around 10°N, 145°W, the Ventillys spotted our beloved hot-pink Pigeon. They hauled her aboard and secured her to the swim platform."
⇑⇓ CHEERS
Shout-out and a round of drinks/dinner to the crew who gets it aboard. I'll be with ya in with the good spirit.
Jim Marshall
was
⇑⇓ EIGHT DEAD AFTER MOTORBOAT CAPSIZES IN SUMMER STORM ON LAKE TAHOE
The loss of so many people is very sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are impacted by this tragic accident. A big thanks to the first responders: You gave it your best! Was this boat a rental, or owned by the one of the people on the boat?
Either way, 10 people on a 27-ft boat is too many. Were there enough life vests for all on board? The answers to these questions should be in the headlines in the next few days. Weather conditions are one thing, but too many people on a boat that size is another. Safety should always be first. Having fun is second.
JJ was commenting on the June 23 'Lectronic Latitude: Six Dead, Two Missing After Capsize on Lake Tahoe. On Saturday, June 21, 10 people were aboard a 27-ft Chris-Craft powerboat when a forecast storm brought 30-knot winds and a 6- to 8-foot swell.
⇑⇓ MANY READERS STATED THE FOLLOWING NUMEROUS TIMES:
Ten people on a 27-ft boat is too many. If there had been no more than six people on the boat all wearing life preservers, there may have been more survivors. My thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, and with the family and friends of those souls who were lost in this tragic accident. VB Anderson Planet Earth
⇑⇓ ARE YOU EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED?
I saw the videos of the waves and wind and rough conditions. Tahoe locals know the weather can change in a heartbeat. Sadly, this excursion on the lake — a joyful event — ended so tragically. It's a terrible lesson: Every skipper needs to review how ready they are for these kinds of conditions. One eye should always be on the weather and an action plan should be ready to be put into service.
Jim Heffelfinger
Jim — It is a horrendous lesson, and it has legitimately shaken us.
There have been quite a few tragedies on the water over the past few months. The headlines break our hearts. The natural human response to the grief — is to ask: Why? Why were there so many people on the boat? Why weren't there enough life jackets? Is it in poor taste to ask these questions when the tragedy is still so fresh? Is there an appropriate interval before we try to find the lessons learned and maybe save a life in the future?
We generally discourage armchair captaining and "They should have done this" commentary, but in this case, we've been thinking about all the times we've nonchalantly jumped on a boat.
In this case, we want to scream to ourselves, and to anyone who might ever step on a boat, regardless of experience: Be careful. Be ready. Go through all the boring protocols: Namely, make sure there are enough life jackets and that everyone knows where they are (whether you're a passenger or the captain). Check the weather, even if it's flat calm. Have contingencies. Be careful. Come back alive.
⇑⇓ WHO'S ON BOARD FOR THE BAJA-HOORAH-HA?
From Richard Spindler, the Grand Poobah and founder of Latitude 38: "If you've signed up, or are about to sign up [for the 31st and last-ever Baja Ha-Ha] and are unsure of what's needed for a bio, check the following one from Dave Gilbert of the Chula Vista-based Hans Christian 38 Heure Bleue." The following is a truncated version of Dave's bio:
I learned to sail on San Francisco Bay in the early '80s while in graduate school at Stanford. At the time, I lived aboard a Columbia 36 with a lady friend, and later a Ranger 26 by myself. For the next 30 years, I was married to a landlubber who forbade me to sail. Eventually, I was allowed a Venture 17, followed by a Compac 16. I sailed those boats all over the forgotten coasts of Apalachicola, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach on the Florida Panhandle.
After becoming single again, I did a fair amount of chartering before purchasing my Hans Christian 38, a design I've been in love with since the '80s. In July 2023, I sailed Heure Bleue from Green Cove Springs, Florida, to her home here in Chula Vista.
I have a box turtle pet named Indy who sails with me, and probably hates it. He's getting close to 100 — middle-aged for a box turtle — but doesn't have any choice in the matter. My daughter will take him when Heure Bleue arrives in port with no captain aboard. LOL.
I've always said I was going to do a Ha-Ha, and since this is the last one, I have to go this year. My longest passage has been Florida to Puerto Rico, which took nine days. What I do
I do after the Ha-Ha depends on what the current administration has planned for the National Institutes of Health. If biomedical research keeps getting slashed, I will sail off into the sunset and leave the few remaining jobs to younger people. If it's all a bluff, I may see as much of the Sea of Cortez as I have time for and then slosh back up to Chula Vista.
My dream destination depends upon how much I've had to drink. When sober, I'd say winter in La Paz and summer in Chula Vista sounds like heaven. After a few drinks, Tahiti, Fiji, and all of that South Pacific stuff would be tops, with the Mediterranean as a distraction. I own my dream boat. I first saw a Hans Christian 38 in a boat show in 1984, and I promised myself that someday I would own one. I'm very stingy making promises because I always keep them.
I'm left-handed and have been 'DNA Dave' since 1984. I had a lot of non-scientist friends at Stanford, such as those who started Apple and stuff, and a lot of them were named Dave. To distinguish me I became 'DNA Dave', so I got that as my California license plate. I also had that plate in New York and Florida, and now I have it in California again. You may hear other people say they are DNA DAVE, but hands down, I am the original. But Dave is just fine. Depends on how many Daves you have around.
I don't feel I have enough money yet to safely retire, so I've started DNA DAVE LLC to help others disrupt the status quo in science while I'm sailing, and maybe I'll do some fiction or nonfiction writing and publishing. I'm taking a course. If all that works, I just might be able to make the sea my home. Or as I said, if the current anti-science attitude is the new world, I'll just move to Mexico. 'Nuff said?
Dave Gilbert
Heure Bleue, Hans Christian 38
Chula Vista
Nice letter, DNA Dave — I appreciated your story and background. You're an inspiration. I hope that you have a wonderful time. I'm a scientist too, sailing in S.F. Bay, retired, and have been considering taking my boat on the HaHa, but was hoping to jump on as crew for someone heading out from S.F. Let me know if you need crew. I'm 54, married, have kids, and have fun doing lots of other stuff too.
Tim Geistlinger
Have a comment? Email us at editorial@latitude38.com
ThisJuly’s Caption Contest(!) was submitted by John Dukat in 2020. We looked up the boat and the incident and learned (as many readers already know) that the boat is the Tioga II, designed by Francis Herreshoff and built for Robert F. Johnson at the Quincy Adams Yacht Yard, Quincy, MA, owned by Harold Noyes. The accident occurred during her launch on August 10, 1936. (According to Historic Vessel
Vega’s FB page, no one was seriously injured.) The 69-ft boat was later named Ticonderoga. It appears she now sails out of Newport, Rhode Island. We compiled this brief timeline from shipbuildinghistory.com, digitalcommonwealth. org, and vega1892.com. Now we have the facts sorted, let’s get on with the fun! The winning caption appears to the left with the photo; the top 10 runners-up are listed below.
"As John looked on in horror, he realized that he had bought tickets for Cirque du Soleil, sailing edition." — Mark Caplin.
"After months in Antarctica, the crew was having trouble re-orienting to the Northern Hemisphere." — Bob Adams.
"All clear! No scratches on this side!" — J. Parsons.
"That was a hell of a magnum of champagne they used to christen her!" — Rick Kruse.
"Hey guys, I think with my signature Foredeck Gunwale Handstand, I can get enough leverage to right the ship." — Roger Briggs.
"You missed a spot. There, I got it." — @a_bongiorno47.
"In Otto’s defense, it wasn’t the WORST launch he had ever mismanaged …" — Kelvin Meeks.
"The new Olympic sport of Maritime Break Dancing gets its debut. Larry and Dave score an almost perfect 9.8 in style points." — jeffcollier56.
"Who put the intern on the job?" — Eric Sutton. "SHIT !! … they've f..ked up the slipway again." — Craig Jacks.
"I'm still not reefing!" — Rog Knite.
While we're in the midst of summer sailing, the Baja Ha-Ha fleet is already cruising — or preparing to cruise — when the 31st and final Baja Ha-Ha sets sail from San Diego on Monday, November 3.
A couple of months prior, on Thursday, September 4, Latitude 38 will throw our annual Baja Ha-Ha Crew List Party and Mexico seminar at Spaulding Marine Center in Sausalito. The event brings together Mexico-bound cruisers and Bay Area sailors looking to connect for more sailing. This could be your opportunity to crew on the Baja HaHa, not to mention the opportunity for sailors looking to race or cruise on the Bay. Regardless of your fall plans, it's always a good time to make sure you're on the Latitude 38 Crew List here: www.latitude38. com/crewlist
As a classic Bay Area boatyard, the Spaulding Marine Center is an ideal venue at which to connect sailors with the past and future of sailing. There's plenty of parking nearby, a food truck to keep you fed and a cash bar with proceeds that go toward Spaulding's nonprofit mission to preserve the maritime heritage and marine trades.
Baja Ha-Ha assistant Poobah Patsy Verhoeven and Ruben Maciel of Baja California Sur will host a seminar sharing their knowledge of cruising south, necessary paperwork and attractions in the Sea of Cortez. They'll also answer your questions about the Ha-Ha and Mexico. Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria are remote, so preparing your boat, crew and provisions will help create a successful voyage.
As we go to press, there are 91 boats signed up, including 77 monohulls, 11 catamarans and three powerboats in the No Comprende division. Cruisers often use the Ha-Ha as the start of a multi-year cruise. And while the vast majority of participants are planning to spend at least the winter season in Mexico before sailing farther afield, others will make a U-turn in Cabo and sail back north shortly after the event. It sounds crazy, but the Ha-Ha is so much fun that it's worth it. (Plus, some people have to go back to work.)
One sailor planning to continue cruising after the Ha-Ha is Jody Alan Mortimer. Jody has conceived of a circumnavigation aboard her Hardin 45 Elizabeth Heather — it's the first boat she's ever owned, and this will be her first-ever Baja Ha-Ha. She started sailing five years ago and is clearly ready to start cruising.
Scott Laskey will sail his Sabre 426 Bluefin from Santa Cruz to Cabo with the Ha-Ha. He says he's logged thousands of miles sailing Northern California, the Delta and offshore. After this year's rally, he's planning to spend more time in Mexico, and then perhaps carry on to the South Pacific. "We've done this kind of passage before, but the HaHa has always been on our list," he said. "If all goes well it will be off to the South Pacific next."
Kevin Johnson and crew hail from Vancouver Island and have sailed over 10,000 miles aboard his Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 Occasio. They're looking to use the Ha-Ha as a jump-off for extended cruising. Where does he want to go next? "The next anchorage is always our favorite destination," Kevin said, adding that they always bring the rum and rarely use the engine.
Stephen Ronk and his partner have been sailing for 20 years and previously owned a Catalina 27. They've since stepped it up and bought their current cruising boat, the Hunter 410 Marisol. They've sailed the Channel Islands and plan to head south after the rally. "Our dream destination is Tahiti via the Galápagos," they wrote.
Antoin Russell of Mountain View has owned his Beneteau 361 Minami Kaze for 10 years. "She was a first boat that turned into a
The Sausalito boating community is set to host the third annual Sausalito Boat Show and Waterfront Festival September 19-21. The three-day event returns to Clipper Yacht Harbor to showcase new yachts, sailboats, powerboats, electric boats, luxury charters, trailerable boats, gear, accessories, food, exotic cars, VIP Chef Tasting night and more.
Hosted by Sausalito's boating and business communities, the weekend is a grassroots event that is more than just a boat show, it's a vibrant waterfront lifestyle celebration and a must-visit destination for anyone who loves life on the water. The
show also features family-friendly activities such as model yacht races, a bounce house, dunk tank, raffles and live music all weekend long.
The show will open on Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info and advanced tickets available at www.sausalitoboatshow.com (Get $5 off! with code L3825) and follow on Instagram and Facebook. Latitude 38 sales manager Nicki Bennett will be hosting a 'Women in Yachting' breakfast on Sunday from 1112:30. Come support local boating and have a blast!
forever boat," Antoin said. He is hoping sailing among the Ha-Ha's like-minded fleet will help him gain more offshore confidence. The Baja Ha-Ha has served as a confidence builder for most first-time cruisers and we're sure it will help him reach his dream destination, Mauritius.
The boats signed up this year range in size from a Cal 29 to a Hylas 63, with the average length a touch under 44 feet. Most major brands of sailboats are represented, with eight Jeanneaus, seven Beneteaus, five Catalinas, four Island Packets, one Tartan, one Tayana, and still many more participating. Experience on board represents a broad spectrum of sailors, with new captains bringing experienced crew and new crew joining experienced captains. At the end of the Ha-Ha, they'll all have had fun and gained far more experience to help them sail anywhere.
— john
There was a time not long ago when cruisers earned their sea legs headfirst in a lazarette, elbow-deep in bilge muck, and armed with a questionable socket set and the unwavering confidence of someone who read a single forum post about diesel engines. DIY was not only a necessity, it was a rite of passage. You weren't just fixing a leaking portlight, you were forging character — one stripped screw at a time.
Fast0forward to today, where cruising YouTube looks a lot different. Solar arrays are installed by subcontractors, interiors are refit by teams, and bottom jobs are outsourced to the tune of five figures. The DIY spirit hasn't disappeared, but it is being drowned out by the sound of orbital sanders run by someone else's hands.
Let's start with a shining example: the YouTubers of Sailing Avocet Chris and Marissa Neely, took a tired 1979 Cheoy Lee 41, and through sheer grit (and gallons of epoxy), turned her into a floating work of art.
continued on outside column of next sightings page
Are you racing this year? How many times? How many dif ferent crews have you had? This fall, we'll be awarding the three annual Wosser trophies. The Jake Wosser Trophy goes to the winner of the largest one-design regatta held on San Francisco Bay; the Ruth Wosser Trophy goes to the owner whose boat has raced (or started) on the most individual YRA-sanctioned or Coast Guard-approved race days in a year; and the Susie Wosser Trophy goes to the owner who takes the highest total number of different people racing on his/her boat during the year.
Keep an eye out for more infor mation
and entry links after September 30. In the meantime, keep track of the number of races you're doing this year along with the names of all your crew.
Plus — Do you have a one-design regatta on the Bay that you'd nominate as this year's largest one-design fleet?
— latitude
Collage below, from top left: Randy Gridley doing it himself aboard his Sabre 38 'Agea'; Chris Neely removes a toe rail on his Cheoy Lee 41 'Avocet'; Gridley working on an electrical panel; Jamie Gifford of 'Sailing Totem' is happy to do sail repairs on the dock; a separated scupper on the Sabre 38 MkII 'Finistere'; Chris and Melissa's dockside woodshop is quite normal for DIY boatwork.
No gold-plated sponsorships, no magic wands — just a couple with a deep toolbox and deeper patience. From stringers to stanchions, nearly every inch of Avocet has felt the business end of their effort. Their story proves that success isn't measured in dollars spent, but in splinters earned.
Their following isn't just built on beautiful sailing shots — it's built on relatability. Because if they can rip apart a cabin sole and put it back better than before, maybe we can fix our leaky chainplate without calling the boatyard.
Then there's Sailing Uma. Dan and Kika famously tore out their diesel engine and rebuilt their boat from hull to mast using an electric motor and little else but vision and tenacity. They didn't just embrace the DIY ethos, they evangelized it. Their channel is a masterclass in doing it yourself even when it might be easier, cheaper and definitely cleaner to pay someone else — or replace the boat entirely. They are living proof that you can go far with less, especially if you're willing to make a few mistakes, film them, and share the lesson.
And that's the core of DIY: not per fection, but process.
Another honorable mention? MJ Sailing. Jessica and Matt have been refitting boats for over a decade — sometimes in freezing Michigan winters, sometimes in blazing Florida yards. Their newest aluminum build is a testament to staying the DIY course even when you're surrounded by yard workers with clipboards offering to "just take care of that for you." They're methodical, meticulous and honest about the mess.
Now let's look at the other side of the anchorage. The "new wave" of cruisers, armed with fat budgets, pre-launch production deals, and little desire to turn a wrench unless it's part of a sponsored toolkit review. You know the ones:
The catamaran christening video starts with "We paid a team in La Rochelle …" The rigging inspection is outsourced before they've ever flown a headsail. The engine room? More like a showroom. Nothing leaks, because nothing's ever run long enough to break. And hey — good for them. Really. If you've got the funds, use them. Boats are hard enough without having to inhale bottom paint or bed deck hardware in a hurricane warning.
But when that becomes the default narrative — the only vision of cruising people see — it distorts the dream. It says, "You can only do this if you have a half-million-dollar budget, a Patreon army or a family trust fund." And that's where we start losing the magic. Is DIY dying? Not entirely. But it's quieter. Buried under a wave of content designed to sell a lifestyle, not share a journey.
Here's the thing: Boats break. And really knowing your systems can be the difference between sailing off into the sunset and drifting toward a very expensive rescue.
But DIY isn't just about saving money. It's about building confidence and learning your boat inside and out, so that when something inevitably fails at the worst possible time, you're ready.
So, if you're a creator showing your boatyard blunders, keep filming. If you're sanding by headlamp or re-bedding stanchions solo, we see you. You are the backbone of this culture.
And if you're new to cruising and scared of screwing it up? Don't be. There's no shame in paying for help — but don't forget the value in learning to do it yourself. Because long after the vlog is posted, the drone battery dies, and the sponsored epoxy kit runs out, one truth remains: Real sailors know how to fix their own sh*t.
— gale storme
What started as a small idea — just a few sailors with mics and a shared love of storytelling — has of ficially hit a major milestone: 200 episodes of Good Jibes! Whether you've been jiving with us from day one or you've just stumbled across our feed, we're raising a toast (preferably with something cold in a can, on a cockpit bench) to everyone who helped us get here.
If you're not quite sure what a podcast is — no worries. It's like radio on demand. You can listen whenever and wherever, whether you're sanding a deck, on a road trip down the coast, or at a mooring of your choice. It's free, easy to access and packed with personality. To find Good Jibes, just search for it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts — or go straight to www.latitude38.com/goodjibes to stream episodes online.
Good Jibes launched with one simple idea: Bring the West Coast sailing community closer through authentic stories, candid conversations and voices you don't always hear. Each episode drops Tuesday like clockwork — but here's the secret: You can go back and listen to any of them, anytime.
Across 200 episodes, we've chatted with legends and locals, dreamers and doers. Our guests have included record-breaking racers like Stan and Sally Honey, Paul Cayard and Bill and Melinda Erkelens. We've talked with globe-trotting cruisers like Behan and Jamie Gifford and icons like Liz Clark and Lin Pardey. We've talked with freedivers, boatbuilders, naval architects, regatta organizers, authors, instructors, wooden-boat lovers and sailors from up and down the West Coast and beyond. We've done live episodes from the Baja Ha-Ha and Transpac, and even captured the sounds and smiles of boat shows, scuba shows and summer raft-ups.
And the hosts? It's been a team effort from the Latitude 38 crew: John Arndt, Nicki Bennett, Moe Roddy, Monica Grant, Christine Weaver, Ross Tibbets and Ryan Foland. Each host brings their own personality, curiosity and passion to every conversation, giving you a front-row seat to some truly memorable exchanges.
Sailing is about people, stories and the community we build between ports. That's what Good Jibes celebrates. What other format lets you hear an old-timer recall salty tales from early sailing days? Or Olympians reflect on race-day nerves? Or hear Roy P. Disney share insights from the race course? Or follow a circumnavigation with lessons learned the hard way? Or listen to sailors talk about boats that feel like part of the crew? Or hear Lin Pardey reflect on a life well sailed?
Since casting off, Good Jibes has been downloaded in over 60 countries, from Fiji to Finland, Morocco to Mexico and Thailand to the Netherlands. The stories may start on the West Coast, but the reach is global and growing. To all of our listeners tuning in from around the world: Thank you.
We also want to thank our very first sponsor who helped us launch the podcast: the National Safe Boating Council. Their early support helped get Good Jibes off the dock and into your earbuds. If you're new to Good Jibes, or just behind on a few episodes, there's no better time to dive in. Open your favorite podcast app, search "Good Jibes", and scroll through the lineup. Think of it like browsing a marina — you never know what gem you'll discover. Want a few suggestions?
Episode 199: Bill & Suzette Lewis on retiring to cruise the world
Episode 18: Lin Pardey on her legendary life of sailing
Episode 125: Liz Diaz on Celebrating Wooden Boats
Episode 100: A special celebration of stories
The historical 34-ft Alden ketch Golden Rule, a project of Veterans For Peace, will sail to San Francisco Bay in August to sound the alarm about war and to promote a nuclear-free future. The ketch and its four-person crew will sail throughout the Bay in August, making stops in multiple cities, including San Francisco, Alameda, Berkeley, Richmond and San Mateo. Public meetings with local organizations will feature film screenings and speakers. The public will be invited to visit the boat along with some limited sailing opportunities. Golden Rule was originally launched in 1958 by Quaker peace activists. Golden
Rule set out to disrupt US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, sparking an international movement to end nuclear weapons testing.
After sinking in a gale in Humboldt Bay in 2010, the boat was raised and restored by a coalition of veterans, Quakers, and boat lovers, and re-launched in 2015 as a national project of Veterans For Peace.
Golden Rule's Bay Area visiting schedule: San Francisco, Aug. 5-7, 27-29; Alameda/ Oakland, Aug. 9-13; Berkeley, Aug. 14-18; Richmond, Aug. 19-22; San Mateo, Aug. 23-26. — latitude
Episode 63: Ronnie Simpson on the Global Solo Challenge
No matter where you start, you're bound to find wisdom, laughs and maybe a little inspiration for your own sailing journey.
We couldn't have done this without you — our listeners, our guests and everyone who shares the show with friends on the dock or in the boatyard. If Good Jibes has made you smile, think or dream, help us keep the momentum going. Leave a review to help others discover the pod or suggest a guest: Have a story or know someone who does? Reach out to editorial@latitude38.com; tell a friend — word-of-mouth keeps this ship sailing.
Here's to the next 200. Thanks for being part of the jour ney. We look forward to sharing your sailing stories and insights on the airwaves soon.
— ryan foland, Good Jibes host and SoCal Correspondent ryan@latitude38.com
I don't know if I would call myself a sailor quite yet, but I'm definitely getting there. I'd been taking sailing lessons for several years, but mainly on Lidos and Shields sailboats at Orange Coast College. (Shout-out to OCC!) In 2021, my nephew let me and my husband Her man use his sailboat in the Sea of Cortez for two weeks. What an amazing experience! The Sea drew us into its divine beauty, and we knew instantly that this was what we wanted to do and where we wanted to be. So our quest to find a boat began.
We'd looked at several boats when in spring 2022 we found our girl, Finally, a 1990 Island Packet 35. I think it was love at first sight. Our original plan was to sail the waters of Southern California, but there were no slips available, anywhere. We found a marina in San Diego that would allow us to stay for three months if we were preparing our boat to go south. We hoped to find something more permanent in that time so that we could stay in SoCal — no such luck. We met some wonderful people who not only helped
us get the boat ready, but assured us that we had the skills to take our boat south. On November 11, 2022, we untied our dock lines and headed south.
It would take a whole book to describe in detail our adventures in three seasons in Mexico over the last three years. We have gone as far south as Zihuatanejo and as far north as Isla Coronados. We have sailed hundreds of miles in this beautiful country. We decided that we would bring Finally back to California so that we could do some local sailing with family and friends for a few months. The Baja Bash became our next sailing goal. We left Cabo on May 10 and arrived in Ensenada on June 1, stopping for a week in both Mag Bay and Turtle Bay. Finally is back in SoCal in mid-July; we're planning trips to the Channel Islands and Catalina through the summer and early fall before we return to Mexico for another cruising season.
Here's a journal entry from an eventful passage from Bahía Tortuga to Ensenada, the last leg of our Baja Bash:
Spread: Herman and Ingrid have sailed hundreds of miles in Mexico on their 1990 Island Packet 35 'Finally'. Inset, left, 'Finally' at anchor. Inset, right: Herman and Ingrid, somewhere in Mexico.
Sunday, June 1, 2025. Respect: You can have all the moder n technology that makes you feel safe, but Mother Nature has her own ideas. Every day your confidence builds with your fancy apps and tools. Waking up, you grab your phone to see what has changed overnight, anxious for good news as it's a key to your destiny. When ideal conditions are present, you make your plan. Even though you believe what is in front of you, you also read between the lines to make it seem more favorable — a symptom of impatience.
As you begin your jour ney, everything is as predicted. You feel that you made the right decision, but suddenly, you find yourself in an unplanned situation. Your confidence deflates. You can't believe your predicament. You berate your technology. How could this be? I never saw this anywhere.
Luckily, you're still here after your ordeal. After some thoughtful consideration, you realize that there is no control over nature. You must respect her.
— ingrid vallejo
On Sunday, June 29, the Lake Merritt Sailing Club (LMSC) hosted its final race. On July 1, the 88-year-old club ended its nearly 90-year relationship with Lake Merritt, the City of Oakland, and the San Francisco Bay Area sailing community. A group of Oakland small-boat sailors formed the club in 1937. By 1969, the club boasted 281 members with a total of 302 registered boats representing 44 classes. By 2022, the club had dwindled to 25 members, with 12 sailboats representing five classes. The low-participation numbers, effects of the pandemic, and the cost of the City of Oakland's insurance requirements led to financial peril. In the spring of 2022, an anonymous group known as "The Ladies" funded the club's insurance costs through June 30, 2025. With one eye on the calendar and the other on the club's finances, the remaining members voted to close the doors at the end of June.
"It's hard to say goodbye after so many years, so many memories, but we had a hell of a ride, with one hand on the tiller, and one hand for the mainsheet," the club's commodore Denis Hazlewood wrote. But there was one last race to run: the 60-year-old City of Oakland Mayor's Cup Regatta. "On Sunday, June 29th the weather was just about perfect, with sunny skies, moderate North to northwesterlies and the usual swirling eddies in the lee of the Kaiser building," Denis continued. "The most wonderful thing is that we had 11 El Toros show up. We also had two Sunfish on the starting line. Longtime member Duncan Carter was there with the longest-lensed camera I've ever seen. Race committee chair Gary Hartsock took several photos of the Race Committee that we will be using in our final Telltale (Tales Told) edition."
Here were the final finishes: Sunfish, Roy Jordan, 1st; Russ Klein 2nd; El Toro, Gordie Nash, 1st; Tom Tillotson, 2nd; Tom Burden, 3rd; Chris Boome, 4th; Pack Davis, 5th; Buzz Blackett, 6th; Tony Su, 7th; John Patroskli, 8th; Brendan Choi, 9th; James Savattone, 10th. Mayor's Cup, Gordie Nash.
Post-race, members of the club's board of directors conducted an inventory and determined what to sell, donate or throw out.
"In dealing with our enormous stacks of historical records, my email to the Oakland Library got an immediate response," Denis told us. "They are very interested in taking our boxes of club documents and photo albums for their historical records section. Our Club may live on in the history of Lake Merritt and the City of Oakland." The club's remaining funds will be donated to the Richmond Yacht Club Youth Sailing program.
"As I write this, in my head, I'm hearing the strains of the old Irish tune The Parting Glass, and my eyes are tearing up," Denis concludes. "But since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not, I'll gently rise and softly call, 'Goodnight, and joy be with you all.'
"I am so honored to have been a member of the Lake Merritt Sailing Club, and serving as commodore since 2022," Denis concluded. "Thank you all for your support. Fair winds and following seas to you all."
— latitude
Elon Musk dominates 2025 Transpac. Well, that is not exactly what it sounds like, but rumor has it that all but one vessel had the Starlink system aboard. This essentially gives you highspeed internet capability no matter where you are in the world.
Define "high speed" and where in the world you are, and maybe there's more to the story. I can tell you this: Internet accessibility changes the ocean racing game. The Transpac YC committee puts strict limits on what can be accessed. If it provides you with information that will help you win the yacht race and it costs money, then it is off limits. If the information is free and publicly available, have at it. This access brings with it another layer of concern from the captains. Would their crew simply play on their phones, take pictures of sunsets, and surf internet dating sites while racing, or would they concentrate on sail trim and push their vessel onto the podium? Of course, the fast boats were able to find their way out front even with this distraction. Elon was not able to create havoc on the race course, intended or not.
In fact, maybe that was some of the allure of being offshore, to get a break from the it-can-absolutely-positivelybe-there-overnight world we live in. A typical watch lasts four hours (not on TikTok) on the trip across the pond, and the flight home can be less than six hours. In the ancient history of yacht racing, i.e., the 1980s, many ocean races banned integrated electronics that calculated things like VMG, COG and SOG. LORAN and RDF were allowed, but any kind of satellite communication was strictly forbidden. Now vessels are required to carry tracking devices, and even crew members have personal satellite location devices in case they fall overboard.
Navigation is now perceived to be less daunting. Folks that never would have dared to head offshore with a sextant in one hand and a paper chart in the other are now emboldened by computer screens and the ability to call in the cavalry if they get their butt in a sling.
Historically, we would spread out pilot charts and use historical data from race-winning boats to try to divine trends and tendencies. Ocean
Station November and Point Most were the critical areas where it seemed as if most boats did well. Old platitudes like, "Go south till the butter melts, then turn right …" were a guiding principle. Who still brings butter?
The 2025 fleet started on three separate days, slow boats on Tuesday, July 1; these vessels typically take 11–13 days for the passage. Two days later, vessels expecting a 9- or 10-day passage crossed the line, and finally two days after that, and after taking in the Los Angeles Fourth of July fireworks, the turbo rocket sleds. They started on July 5 and can cover the course in five days or less, given the correct conditions.
This year, the Pacific High pressure system squatted down on the fleet, making for lighter breezes in
general and eliminating opportunities for course records. A crescent-shaped piece of the High broke off and drifted down onto the fleet. Some drove north to cross into a better breeze; other vessels dove south to avoid this soft-breeze area, while others held to the rhumb line, hoping the shortest course was the fastest.
Lighter overall winds didn't mean it was always light. There were some microbursts that scattered the laundry and shredded the lighter spinnakers, but the only true heavy running that the Transpac is known for and bluewater sailors love was found in the last 50-mile run for the finish. By then, everybody was rested and ready, and the damage was minimized.
Of the 53 boats that started, all but four finished. Two boats withdrew for medical reasons and two with rudder issues.
Starting at the top, it was Alli Ball, Transpac Yacht Club rear commodore, and her crew: husband Stephen Driscoll, cousin Graham Bell, Eric Heim, and Greg Reynolds on her 60-year-old Cal 40 Restless that put on a show. They took full advantage of their symmetrical kites and stuck close to the rhumb line, kept the vessel moving, and came out on top of the whole shebang with first overall as well as first in Bridger Insurance Division 9. Very well done, and also making Alli the first woman to carry away the King Kalakaua Trophy for best overall performance!
With Alli Bell's outstanding overall victory aboard Restless, another standout in this year's race was the record participation by female skippers, with five at the helm. The other four women skippers were Tina Roberts on Ragtime, Stacy Sinclair aboard the Kelly Peterson 46 Rhiannon, Samantha Gebb on the Pacer 42 Zimmer, and Heather Furey skippering the Santa Cruz 70 Mirage. Working up from Division 9, it was in Pasha Division 8 where first place and the most-improved award would go to Mike Sudo's Beneteau 47.7 Macondo with skipper Mike Price. In 2019, they placed sixth in their division, in 2021 they took third in their division, and in 2023 they took first in their division. In 2025, they proved it wasn't a fluke; they did it again! Where do they go from here?
In Suntex Division 7, it was the smallest and most colorful vessel, Charles-Etienne Devanneaux's Beneteau First 36 Rahan, that took the northerly route and made it pay. They also placed fourth in fleet overall and were the second boat across the finish line behind the 88-ft Lucky. For a good while, you could believe they might have a shot at the Barn Door Trophy.
Charles and co-skipper Fred Courouble accomplished this feat while being the only doublehanded boat in the entire fleet. Four-on, four-off, or both on for 10 days, 9 hours and 55 minutes. Exhausting and successful.
Garmin Division 6 is the world of J/125s, historically some of the winningest boats on the course. It was Andrew Picel's always-quick J/125 Arsenal that dusted her competitors and also got the best performance of all the Thursday starters, with a 9-day, 13hour and 55-minute romp across the Pacific. It's also where a rudder issue developed aboard Chris Saxton's J/125 Vortices 2, requiring them to withdraw early from the race. They were able to return to the mainland unassisted.
Dave Moore's Santa Cruz 52 Westerly was
STEPHEN R. CLOUTIER / ULTIMATE SAILING
2023's overall winner and also the winner of that year's Division 5 pickle dish. Again, talk about putting a program together! It's very precarious at the top, but they managed a win in class again, coming out on top of Cabrillo Boat Shop Division 5 with a 9-day, 16-hour and 31-minute run across. Transpac racers like to say "the run across" despite the often first few chilly, pounding, close-hauled days that are usually
Jack Jennings' 'Pied Piper' was first among the California sleds.
forgotten by the time you're handed a Mai Tai after finishing in Hawaii.
Also notable in Division 5 is second for Kimo Winterbottom's Andrews 56 Halawa since they'd stepped their mast only two weeks before the departure date. It's impressive that they cleared all the administrative hurdles for entry and then sailed into second place.
The 40-something speedsters in the Cal Maritime Division 4 were led by the chick magnet (yes, I had to look it up) aboard Oliver Ernest's J/145 Aimant de Fille. She finished two days behind the second-place boat but managed to correct
out over Rich and Antonio Festa's Rogers 46 Groundhog Day, which was holding on to the class lead until Aimant de Fille crossed the finish line. Aimant de Fille won by just two hours on corrected time.
The yellow California-built rocket,
change. It was Jack Jennings' Reichel/ Pugh 68 Pied Piper that managed to correct out an hour and 10 minutes over the 2023 winner, Roy Disney's Pyewacket. Pied Piper took third in 2023.
Would their crew simply play on their phones, take pictures of sunsets, and surf internet dating sites while racing, or would they concentrate on sail trim and push their vessel onto the podium?
now from the Great Lakes, blew into town and blew out with the trophy for the Whittier Trust Division 3. The boats in this class, the California sleds, used to be the Division 1 boats. Times
Division 3 was also home to the highly anticipated matchup between two legendary Transpac winners, Tina Roberts' Spencer 62 Ragtime and Chip Merlin's Bill Lee 68 Merlin. Both boats have been through extensive refits and updating in the past couple of years, with the stunning new version of Ragtime being relaunched in 2023. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Not long after the start, a crew member aboard Ragtime developed medical issues requiring a return to port while Merlin sailed on to a fifth in class.
Division 3 faced one other injury requiring race withdrawal, just hours after their start. On the evening of July 5, the Andrews 68 Rock 'n Roll reported that co-owner and skipper John Sangmeister had suffered a fall, breaking three ribs and puncturing a lung. They quickly returned to Avalon on Catalina to get medical attention before transferring him to a hospital on the mainland.
In Mount Gay Division 2, John Raymont's Ker 52 Fast Exit found the on-ramp to the express lane off L.A. and, living up to her name, found her way across in just over seven days to lead the Pacific Coast-created class of 52-footers, the TP 52 fleet. The Transpac Yacht Club organized the
of the TP52 class in the early 2000s, and it became a very successful class, though recently it's been lacking many owners on the West Coast. This year's TP52-stacked Division 2 was very competitive, and was the class with the closest finishes from top to bottom on corrected time.
Division 2 skipper Greg Dorn of Favonius 2 wrote after crossing the finish line, "The final run to the finish unfolded just as expected, with the Molokai Channel once again delivering the intense challenge it's known for. It was a hair-raising experience. From 9:00 p.m. until our 4:45 a.m. finish, we raced through heavy breezes (20 to 25 knots of wind) reaching speeds well into the 20s.
"For our first race aboard this exceptionally fast boat, we couldn't be more pleased with the result. The real question now is: How far can this team go in the coming years as we continue to evolve? The potential is exciting for every member of Team Favonius 2."
Finally, the biggest of the monohull fleets, the Boatswain's Locker/Yanmar Division 1 class, proved that waterline ain't everything. Even though nearly 21ft shorter than the second-place finisher and Barn Door (first to Hawaii) winner, it was Tom Holthus' Botin 56 Badpak that corrected out over Byron Ehrhart's Juan K 88 Lucky for the victory. Lucky took the Barn Door Trophy with a 6-day, 6-hour and 23-minute sprint to Hawaii, while Badpak's winning time was 7 days, 10 hours and 43 minutes.
It was Division 1 that also lost a competitor to rudder problems when
Dave Moore's Santa Cruz 52 'Westerly' came out on top again.
CL BOAT NAME BOAT TYPE OWNER/SKIPPER
DIVISION 1 (July 5)
1 BADPAK Botin 56 Tom Holthus 07:10:43:05 08:18:20:00
2
3
4 ARAGON Marten 72 Josh Axler/Andries
5 HEROIC HEART SC52
6 J WORLDS HULA GIRL SC50 Wayne Zittel 12:00:19:30 11:04:48:19
DIVISION 6 (July 3)
1 ARSENAL J/125 Andrew Picel 09:13:55:48 09:04:19:08
DIVISION 7 (July 1)
1 RAHAN First 36 Charles-Etienne Devanneaux 10:09:55:14 08:13:48:34 2 PICOSA
(July
3 BLACKWING Grand Soleil 44 Barry Clark 11:12:28:42 09:05:57:25
4 RUBY First 40 Bertrand Merigot 13:08:34:18 10:01:08:02
DIVISION 9 (July 1) 1 RESTLESS Cal 40
08:12:05:49 2 SIR EDMUND Custom 49 Ketch Andy Schwenk 11:11:51:21 08:23:08:24 3 MAKANI Catalina 38 Eric Phipps 13:23:18:45 09:05:56:36 4 NALU V Cal 40 Mark Ashmore 13:23:55:57 09:11:55:49 5 REBECCA Swan 43 Dave Koller 14:06:44:53
George Hershman's Reichel/Pugh 63
Goodenergy experienced rudder-bearing issues. They gave up their quest and headed back to the coast unassisted for repairs. After escaping the light air on the coast, all four boats that dropped out experienced the rougher close-reaching conditions that took their toll. It's
always disappointing given the amount of preparation necessary to get ready for the Transpac, but it's good they made it home to find help ashore. The smithREgroup ORR Multihull fleet consisted of two unevenly matched catamarans, with Don Wilson's Gunboat 68 Convexity2 up
PHOTOS STEPHEN R. CLOUTIER / ULTIMATE SAILING EXCEPT
AS NOTED
against a stellar performance by Jerzy Poprawski's Moorings 4300 Kastor Polux. Nonetheless, it was the carbon Gunboat that showed her sterns to the starry twins Castor and Pollux.
Witha midnight umbrella drink, the Mai Tai welcomes from hosts serving finishers 24/7 and the legendary hospitality at all the clubs in Hawaii, the spirit of aloha was evident for every arrival. Now those who unplugged and took a break are heading back to the land of always-on screens and even higher-speed internet. It wasn't the windiest Transpac, or a record-breaking year, but this 53rd Transpac produced the challenges and rewards it's known for, plus the event's first female skipper winning overall! And the legend of the Cal 40 continues. Congratulations to all the competitors and the volunteers who make this epic event possible.
— andy schwenk/latitude 38
A 27 mile race from SF to Benicia. Enjoy warm weather and great wind.
SF
Friday, August 29
South Beach Yacht Club Jazz Cup shirt & burgee pick up! All Welcome!
Saturday, August 30
Racing from SBYC to BYC
After-party in the lovely, warm Benicia Yacht Club & Harbor. Live Bands, Dinner & Trophy Awards!
register: www.southbeachyachtclub.org
contact: rearcommodore@southbeachyachtclub.org
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The Baja Ha-Ha is the 750-mile cruisers' rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with R&R stops along the way at funky Turtle Bay and spectacular Bahia Santa Maria.
Nearly 4,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have done a Ha-Ha. Most participants are long-time sailors but first-timers to Mexico. Fleets are also sprinkled with repeat offenders. Several skippers have done 10 or more.
Boats from 27 to 100' can enter the Ha-Ha, though historically the average has been 42 feet. The average number of crew is four, although couples are not unusual. At least one member of the crew has to have offshore experience.
The goal of every Ha-Ha is for everyone to have a great time sailing and meeting other cruisers while making a safe passage down the coast of Baja. If you have a boat and a hunger for adventure, think about signing up for this year's 31st running. Visit www.bajahaha.com.
www.marinarivieranayarit.com 011-52-329-295-5526
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September 3, 5 p.m. – Deadline for all entries and information to be received by Baja Ha-Ha, LLC.
September 4, 6-9 p.m. – Latitude 38's Fall Crew List Party and Baja Ha-Ha Reunion, Spaulding Marine Center, Sausalito.
The place to be in La Paz, conveniently located near downtown. marinadelapaz@prodigy.net.mx
011-52 (612) 122-1646 www.marinadelapaz.com
La Paz Tourism Board welcomes you to La Paz!
Late October — Downwind Marine Welcome Cruisers Party and Vendor Fair with wholesale discount pricing all day at Downwind Marine
During October — Evening Cruising Seminars at Downwind Marine at 6 p.m.
November 2, 8:30- 9:15 a.m. – Skipper check-in.
November 2, 9:30- 11 a.m. –– Skippers' meeting. West Marine,1250 Rosecrans.
November 2, 1 p.m. – The Annual Ha-Ha Halloween Costume Party and BBQ. West Marine, 1250 Rosecrans.
November 3, 10 a.m. Monday – Baja HaHa Kick-Off Parade.
Enjoy our Baja Ha-Ha Beach Fiesta Sunday, November 23 Haul-outs up to 150 tons.
November 3, 11 a.m. Monday – Start of Leg One for all boats off Coronado Road
November 6, 2 p.m. – Daytime – BHH baseball game at Turtle Bay.
(612) 122-4624 • info@golapaz.com • www.golapaz.com
November 7, Evening: Restaurant hopping, such as it is, in Turtle Bay
November 7, Noon-ish. Friday – Famous Turtle Bay Beach Picnic Party until sundown
November 8, 9 a.m. Saturday – Start of Leg Two to Bahia Santa Maria.
November 10, Monday – Bahia Santa Maria Day; a layday for relaxing and exploring.
November 11, Tuesday – Hiking, beach walking, sports, and the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Party, sponsored by the local fisherfolk.
(638) 112-0204 cabralesboatyard.com
November 12, 7 a.m. Wednesday – Start of Leg Three from Bahia Santa Maria to Cabo San Lucas.
November 13, 7:30 p.m. Thursday –Dance Party at Squid Roe.
November 14, noon. Friday – Cabo San Lucas Beach Party
November 15 – 6 p.m. Saturday – Awards presentations hosted by Cabo Marina.
November 23, 4-7 p.m. – La Paz Beach Party at La Costa Restaurant.
Most yacht races start with a bang (or, these days, more likely a horn). Two bangs instead means a postponement, which might last from five minutes to two hours. On June 20, the Singlehanded Sailing Society took a show of hands at the mandatory skippers' meeting for the 2025 Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race and postponed for 25 hours.
At issue was a gale blowing just offshore of the California coastline. Race chair David Herrigel listened to the fleet's wishes to spend as little time as possible in the high winds and big seas — 24 hours of the rough stuff being preferable to 48 hours of it. So the fleet of 10 boats started a day late on Sunday, June 22, off Golden Gate Yacht Club, where conditions were deceptively pleasant — unlike what awaited racers outside San Francisco Bay.
The heavier boats weathered the big blow better than the sporty ones. Greg Ashby on the Richmond-based B-25 Akumu — the smallest boat in the fleet — took a dive to the south due to the conditions. "It was so rough; there was so much water coming over the deck," he told us. "It was like being firehosed the whole night. Water pouring in through the hatch soaked the port bunk. It was a sopping mess in there by Monday morning. It was still pretty rough for most of Monday, Tuesday even."
By contrast, the biggest boat in the fleet, the SoCal-based two-masted MastFoil 49 catamaran Starship stretched out to an early lead that skipper Peter Simon maintained for half the race. "We had very stiff conditions coming out of San Francisco Bay for the first couple of days," said Peter. "The catamaran has a real advantage over the monohulls in that kind of weather because the hulls are very fine. Chris White designed it as a performance boat. It surprised me; I never expected to be in the lead. But Starship doesn't shine in light weather. She needs quite a bit of air to move her. In the light air, the other boats caught up. Then I made the rookie error of letting myself get too close to the Pacific High, so I was in particularly quiet air. Solstice passed me going south, and I was too dumb to follow him."
On the Sausalito-based Sabre 426 White Rose, Tim Sowerby said that "The first 24 hours of really windy stuff was
no problem. I reefed down pretty quickly — a double-reefed main and a staysail. Once that sail configuration was set, she tracked well, pointed well, and did fine."
Alex Benderskii, sailing his second consecutive SHTP on the SoCal-based T artan 41 Reverie, commented, "The first part of the race was actually great for Reverie because she loves sailing upwind in heavy weather and big seas. It's uncomfortable, but I would say it's much more comfortable than on other boats. And fast. Typically I don't have to turn downwind too much. Both this year and in 2023, it was a pretty fast windy reach."
John Wilkerson, sailing his thir d SHTP in a row on the Washington-based Express 37 Perplexity, described the early part of the race: "It was a good decision to delay by a day. It was still pretty challenging, at least for my boat." He and Michael Polkabla on the Monterey-based Cal 40 Solstice had a tacking duel out the Gate. Once they were out, the wind was blowing 15-20 and the two were side by side. "Then it started to pick up more than that. I'm already at a #3 and a double reef and Michael has his full main and a #3. He puts up a staysail — he puts up more sail! I had already cracked off some, but he was staying upwind, just screamin' along. He did eventually reef his main."
The sunny middle part of the race sounded as if it was excellent, as long as one was careful not to venture too close to the Pacific High and kept all the gear
intact. John Wilkerson said about the High that "It got very weird." It appeared to stretch out very long west to east. "It also started to creep down." John liked his southern position relative to his closest competition. "I thought, 'I'm in the catbird seat here.' My router is saying to go up north and then tack over, and I said I'm not going to do that.
"Then the problem became that Hawaii was dead downwind. I decided to keep going DDW in part because the forecasting was saying it was going to shift and become more favorable for me, but it never really did. I spent a lot of time sailing deeper than I normally would. That was challenging for the spinnaker because it was collapsing and filling. I had a topping-lift cable break, so I repaired it, but I didn't tape it so I tore my first spinnaker. I fixed it and put it up and it tore again. I couldn't figure out what the problem was. I put my A5 up. That tore. I finally figured it out, but I'd ended up dropping two spinnakers into the water. The last time that I did it was two nights before the finish. It went into the water and a line got under the keel, so I went into the water. I put on a bicycle helmet, which was a good idea because of the waves."
"I blew out my spinnaker again, three or four days in," said Cliff Shaw, a multiple recidivist, who sailed his trusty Emeryville-based Crowther 10m catamaran
Rainbow. "It just snapped and was gone. It was slow sailing for a few days after that." The old kite had been the only one aboard. "Then finally I got down to the trades and got a steady 6.5 to 7 knots, which is about normal for this boat. It would surf up to 10-12-15 sometimes for short bursts."
One of two Cal 40s i n the race, the Richmond-based Fugu was a relatively new boat to second-timer Chris Case. His gear failure and repair led the race committee to bestow upon him the Foxx Fyre Trophy, aka the McGyver award. First of all, one of his two autopilot mounts started to tear away from the hull. He repaired it with System 3 epoxy. "It's more supposed to be a glue, so it took me a while to get the fiberglass to saturate. It didn't move after that. I reinforced the one that was still working before trying to fix the broken one."
Th en there's what happened 200 miles out from Hawaii.
"There was a night of nothing but squall after squall. It was 22 knots between the squalls and 28 during the squalls, and it just kept coming. Earlier in the day there was hardly any wind,
"I said, 'Suck it up buttercup, you're not going to sleep.'"
and I had put a preventer on to keep the boom from flopping in the waves. I forgot to take it off. I just had a couple of pieces of Dyneema for the mainsheet harness around the boom and I think the preventer was pulling it farther forward on the boom, which made the leverage worse and worse.
"That squally night I took the jib down, the autopilot kind of lost control, we spun around, the preventer was still
on, and it broke, thunderously: 'Bang!' I saw the boom come across and then it started to go back. Because the mainsheet was so far forward, it partially wrapped around a winch on the cabintop, and the boom started bending.
"It took all my strength to get the main down. I got the elbow of the boom over on the port side and the end over on the starboard side, at almost 90 degrees. After I secured everything, I had to lie down for a nap. It got light, so I took the #3 off and put the #1 up. I was going to be two days. Then I got into more wind and I was doing 10s and 11s with just the #1 up. That's why I'm here in 36 hours instead of 48. I was happy I was going so fast. I didn't want to do another fuckin' night on the ocean."
A s in the much bigger Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu, a Cal 40 won the 2025 SHTP overall. That doesn't mean all went smoothly for the skipper.
"The first day was really rough," recalls Michael Polkabla. "I was in the cockpit doing a maneuver and I lost my balance and fell onto the wooden tiller. It shattered like a chicken bone. I got creative. There were three big bolts; I took the center one out and drilled it through the top and sandwiched the chicken-bone thing. That was a straightforward fix.
"Day 2 out, everything's working, it's all really good, I've got a breakfast burrito in the oven, I'm on the head, and I get this weird smell. 'That's not a breakfast burrito. Holy crap! Something's on fire!'
'Fugu's boom, as seen in Hanalei Bay.
Left: The only starter who didn't finish was Christopher Rusin on the Washington-based Westsail 32 'InnFall'. He sailed instead to Honolulu, planning to continue his circumnavigation of the Pacific High from there. Right: After finishing, 'Perplexity' motors into scenic Hanalei Bay. Her skipper, John Wilkerson, has retired and plans to island- and atoll-hop his way to Australia next.
I look in the back of the companionway and there's a flame shooting out of this solenoid controller. I run back and grab a fire extinguisher, then no, I can't do it with a fire extinguisher because that's just going to destroy the entire cockpit. It's an electrical fire; disengage the electrical. So I reached around and ripped out a bunch of wires that were coming out of the bulkhead, that I knew were going to the solenoid. This thing shorted out and caused the fire, a big ol' ball of flames."
Approaching Hawaii, Michael was in the lead, with Loren Brindze on the Hobie 33 Topaz nipping at his heels. "My autopilot broke not too many hours out [from the finish]," recalled Michael. "I grabbed my handheld GPS, I had the compass, and I had to hand-steer for 20+ hours. An autopilot, you get used to it, you get the boat into a good rhythm, you
can get a little catnap, but this forced me to sail. There's no better sailor in the world than a sailor, who can anticipate. An autohelm reacts. They're very good at reacting. We use our intelligence to surf a wave.
"I said, 'Suck it up buttercup, you're not going to sleep.' I tried to lash down the tiller so that I could go down and do some navigation stuff. And it's blowing, the waves are huge, so I literally, quick, grab a bunch of power bars, throw 'em in the cockpit, get some water, then just do it. You could so easily just give up, but no, I'm going to keep pushing because I know that kid on Topaz, he's a rockstar. I can see from the reports every day that he and I are close and it's going to get down to the last day."
That "kid," the 36-year-old on the SoCal-based Topaz, chased Solstice all the way to the middle-of-the-night
Below, left to right: Greg Ashby of 'Akumu', SSS race committee volunteer Bryan Reed, Michael Polkabla of 'Solstice', and mothership skipper Dennis Maggard, who volunteered his dinghy as a shuttle, in Hanalei Bay. Right: The finishers at Nawiliwili ahead of the awards ceremony hosted by Kauai Sailing Association on July 12. Back row, left to right: Chris Case, Tim Sowerby, John Wilkerson, Greg Ashby, Cliff Shaw; front row: Loren Brindze, Alex Benderskii, Peter Simon, Michael Polkabla.
finish on July 4-5 and crossed the finish line just 15 minutes later than Solstice. We'd seen Topaz take a jibe away from Solstice's line in the last hours of July 4. After Topaz was safely anchored in Hanalei Bay, we asked Loren about it.
"The final jibe was due to having a hotter angle than Solstice. I have to take that hot angle. I'm happy with that jibe; I nailed the layline. It was almost a little too hot coming in at the very end, but I got my 200-mile day, so that was cool. The strategy was just to keep the boat moving fast toward the finish. The problem was that maneuvers take a long time when it's 20+ and dark and I'm bringing the sock down."
Like other fleet members we talked with, Loren had a great time. "I want to do it again, the same thing only better. I have a big list of things I want to do to improve the boat. I want the water to stay outside of it. I'm really happy with the way I navigated the course. My actual sailing skills could have been better."
Tree Time is a super-casual daily pre-sunset gathering at Hanalei's Pavilion Park.
How does one cope with the solitude in a long-distance singlehanded race? In the old days, the fleet members supported one another via SSB. Nowadays, satellite communications allow racers to keep in touch. Then there's the less tangible companionship. "There were people with me on the boat," said Michael Polkabla. "I think they were the people who owned the boat before (they're deceased). They were there last
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time too. I woke up from a nap, looked over, and saw the guy driving, and I go, 'Thanks so much for doing such a great job driving.' He looked at me and tipped his hat. I looked at the guy who was navigating and go, 'You're doing a great job; thanks for letting me get some sleep.' And I went back to sleep. Then I woke up and went, 'What the heck was that?'"
We recorded an interview with Michael for a Good Jibes podcast; look for that on www.latitude38.com. Also look there for 'Lectronic Latitude updates on June 23, July 7 and July 16. For more info, check out www.sfbaysss.org and parse the results at www.jibeset.net. — latitude/chris
SSS SINGLEHANDED TRANSPACIFIC YACHT RACE, 6/22-7/13
MONOHULL — 1) Solstice, Cal 40, Michael Polkabla; 2) Topaz, Hobie 33, Loren Brindze; 3) Perplexity, Express 37-1, John Wilkerson; 4) Reverie, Tartan 41, Alex Benderskii; 5) White Rose, Sabre 426, Tim Sowerby; 6) Fugu, Cal 40,
Hanalei Yacht Club Trophy – First Place Monohull on Corrected Time: Solstice
Latitude 38/Nelson's Trophy – First Place on Corrected Time, Monohull from Northern California: Solstice
Jack London Trophy – First on Elapsed Time: Solstice
Displacement Monohull Trophy – First on Elapsed Time, Heavier Monohull: Solstice
Jim Tallet Memorial Trophy – First on Corrected Time from outside Northern California: Topaz
Grover Nibouar Trophy – First on Elapsed Time, Small ULDB Monohull: Topaz
Orcon Corporation Multihull Trophy – First on Elapsed Time, Multihull: Starship
Perseverance Trophy – Last on Elapsed Time: Akumu
Foxx Fyre Trophy – McGyver Award: Fugu
Chris Case; 7) Akumu, B-25, Greg Ashby; 8) InnFall, Westsail 32, Chris Rusin, RET. (8 boats) MULTIHULL — 1) Starship, Chris White MastFoil 49, Peter Simon; 2) Rainbow, Crowther 10m, Cliff Shaw. (2 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net
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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
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Stop by to see what we can do for you & your boat
Hwy 101, take the Sierra Point Pkwy exit and follow the signs to the marina.
Somewherein a forgotten barn in Washington, a sailing legend waited, wrapped in dust and silence. My heart pounded as we drove east along the Columbia River Gorge to rescue the last Express 37 ever built and whose ultimate fate was to be the landfill. Whichever the case, the Discovery-Recovery and Delivery is an anomaly, as I came across this "yet-to-be-assembled" hull #63 in Stevenson, Washington, thanks to Andy Schwenk. I'm not sure if I should thank him or curse him for the information he passed on about this "free mystery boat somewhere in Oregon or Washington."
I'd purchased Express 37 hull #39 Main Squeeze (currently in Santa Cruz) last year from Joe Thomas Booker, a longtime Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Joe had owned her since 1986; it was time to let go. My infatuation with the Alsberg Brothers Boatworks Express boats started during the heyday of Santa Cruz boatbuilding. At the time (1980s), I was sailing a brand-new Don Trask J/24, bright red no less, and my partner Phil Myers (RIP) and I called the boat Salsa. We were not exactly welcome as we were smack in the middle of Olson 30s, Moore 24s, Santa Cruz 27s, and the Wilderness boat explosion. I recall being in Moss Landing at the end of a race and Tom Connerly and Howard Ruderman, longtime Moore 24 owners, walked by and I overheard "So that's what a J/24 looks like." I'm not sure they approved. Tom and I have spent many offshore miles together — Mexico, Hawaii — since those days.
The first time I saw an Express 27
was coming into the harbor after the Wednesday night races. There she was with Terry Alsberg, Junior Morgan and several others. Sleek with its contoured bow, exposed wooden stern and fractional rig, it was a departure from other boats built around that time, although similar, in that the bow and rigging mirrored the successful Moore 24 to a great degree. This was the early '80s, after Terry Alsberg left Ron Moore's shop and got together with Carl Schumacher and came up with the design. Needless to say, it was a big deal, and the Express Line (27-, 34- and 37-ft) was launched. Over the span of around six years, they produced 117 27-ft hulls, 28 34-footers, and 63 37s. Sixty-two 37s were floated. #63 has never hit the water; not even the keel was attached. The elliptical keel still sits on a dilapidated pallet where it was left 30+ years ago in Santa Cruz.
Getting back to Andy — "Should I thank him or curse him for the information he passed on about this 'Free mystery boat somewhere in Oregon or Washington?'" Having received the phone number of someone who knew about it, I placed a call, left a message, and several days later received a call back with the details of the person in possession of this mystery boat. It was Doug Austin, formerly of Monterey Bay Fiberglass, supplier of resin to many or perhaps all the local boat builders at the time, and I suspect the surf community as well. Having left a message and anxiously waited a few days, I received his call and he described what he had. I was a bit surprised.
ALL PHOTOS DARREL LOUIS EXCEPT AS NOTED
When Alsberg closed shop, Doug was given hull #63 … the whole boat. "Yet to be assembled," he said, with everything needed to assemble and float it, "sitting on a triple-axle trailer." It sat on his property in the Columbia River Gorge in Stevenson, Washington, an hour east of Portland, Oregon. I had lots of questions, as did he. I explained I have been a member of Santa Cruz YC since 1982, sailed four Hawaii races, one-design on two different J/24s over 15 years, have owned and raced a Santana 35, hold a USCG six-pack captain's license, and am a certified ASA instructor.
He was still a bit reluctant to offer up the "free" boat, until we started talking about the participants in the potential build, which would include, of course, Homer Lighthaul, whom he knew quite well; Rocky from the Bill Lee boatbuilding days; and other craftsmen who are still around from that era, albeit moving a bit slower these days. Being familiar with the various craftsmen and participants, he forwarded the enclosed photos and inventory, much to my surprise, as I was not expecting the thorough nature of his inventory. We ultimately agreed the trailer would have six new tires, wheel bearings, and the brake system overhauled at my expense. The boat was free; "just come and get it!" It's likely the most expensive free thing I have ever received. Thus far $10k in expenses — two airplane rides, numerous hotels, car and U-Haul truck rentals, just to get it back to Santa Cruz.
And so on a blustery wet, cold March winter day, I took an exploratory trip to establish the feasibility of the build and exactly what inventory was available. As I drove the one hour east of Portland through the Columbia River Gorge, across the "Bridge of the Gods" into Washington from Oregon and through the small town of Stevenson, I was wondering what I might find and was admittedly very excited, curious, and at the same time thinking, "Are you really going to do this?"
I turned left up a narrow road and onto a dirt driveway, and there it was. White hull, typical Alsberg blue stripes, and not so gleaming, as it was partially covered with a silver
tarp with the north side sporting green Washington moss. Sitting on a tripleaxle trailer with rotting tires, it looked wonderful against the green backdrop of the pines. Doug and his wife sat with me for an hour or so, pulling out the original drawings, sketches, renderings and notes Carl Schumacher had generated. Thereafter, we spent some time in the barn going over the interior of the Express, which included every nut and bolt, stern pulpits, lifelines, hose tube and hardware and bulkheads. Altogether a complete Express 37, including a Yanmar three-cylinder, still in the unopened wood crate. He said the mast and keel were at his warehouse property in Live Oak near Santa Cruz, and sure enough, on my return, there they were.
I thought I had secured a location for the build, only to be shocked at the rent, which was cost prohibitive, and set out to scour the harbor neighborhood. It didn't take long. Live Oak is known for its large lots due to being the "Egg Basket of the World" during the 1920s through 1950s, when the poultry industry saturated the area. Cruising around and peering into the back of lots, I spotted an Express 27, completely restored by a property owner whose parents had purchased the "chicken ranch" in the early '60s. He'd also previously owned an Olson 29, a
Melges 24 and a couple of ULDBs (Ultra Light Displacement Boats) over the past 40 years. He was in the process of restoring one of the several residences on the property and was open to working with me at a great rent rate. He also offered to assist in the project. I thanked him and he said, "You haven't seen the best of what I can offer." He unlocked the door to the 20-foot-deep by 150-foot-long former chicken coup to reveal a complete, professional-grade wood shop, which he offered as part of the storage package, plus power, water and an area for storage of boat parts. What the heck?!
And so, on a Sunday night, after having sailed two races in Santa Cruz that day on the Express 37 Main
Squeeze, I took a one-way flight to Portland with Ethan Priest, numerous "Oversize Load" and "Wide Load" signs (not to be confused with the Santana 35 Wide Load, named after the banner hung across its transom during transport), and handmade orange flags. We barely made the flight.
Famished from a day of racing, we looked forward to a great meal and a drink at the bar only to find out both were closed due to a remodel; dinner was out of a hotel vending machine at midnight. Monday morning we took an Uber ride and rented U-Haul trucks, a 15- and a 26-footer, and off we went, east to Stevenson.
Purchasing a power washer in Portland that morning to clean things up, and with the help of Doug Austin and his wife Cheryl, we carefully inventoried and loaded the big truck with the never-opened three-cylinder Yanmar, bulkheads, floorboards, windows, wiring, blocks, rigging and all essential E37 build parts, as well as other pieces, parts and spares. Doug had closed out of Olson Boats along with Buzz Ballenger finishing up several Olson 29 and 25 hulls as operations ceased in the late 1980s. Being given the unassembled Express 37, he had duplicates of some items, and we loaded them all for the trip back to the chicken ranch.
An uneventful trip it was, as we departed the following morning across the Bridge of the Gods, blocking traffic both ways for a short spell. Both vehicles were adorned front and back with either a Wide Load or Oversize Load sign, along with the reflectors and beam lighting Doug had installed. With our flashers on we rolled out, stopping at the only gas station in town to top off. Ethan and I determined we would drive the 800-plus miles that day and just be done, since the ordeal had started
Sunday evening and it was now Tuesday morning. With no Oversized Load Permits for Washington, Oregon or California, off we went. To explain: Try dealing with Cal DOT and the CA, OR and WA DMVs about a boat and trailer, both unregistered, the trailer non-operational since '94 and not in the system for 35 years, and with mismatched serial numbers on the trailer and mismatched license plates. I attempted to pull permits with little to no assistance, having been on hold for three-plus hours
with Cal DOT and failed attempts with Oregon and Washington. Given the nature of the registration fiasco, we rolled the dice and headed south. Stopping throughout the long day at fast food spots and gas stations with our numerous signs, flags and blinkers waving, we encountered curious eyes and enthusiastic comments, and smiled at the three or four patrol officers we encountered through the three states.
After a sunrise start on Tuesday, at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday we rolled into
Santa Cruz over Highway 17 and onto the shoulder just before town into a welcoming overnight parking spot, a bit exhausted and ever-so-done. Early next morning I headed over to the chicken ranch and unloaded all the components from the 26-footer, paying particular attention while going over the inventory I had received along with two original copies of Carl Schumacher's plans, prints, and engineering documents that I deemed invaluable.
The progress is at a snail's pace, with several industry notables including the likes of Bill Lee the "Wizard" giving an
enthusiastic nod after stopping by at my request; Homer Lighthaul "The Guy" for major deck glass repair, always the pro; Larry Tuttle, who's building an upgraded "Schumacher" rudder to match the 37's elliptical keel; and, of course, Brendan Busch, given his layout on the Express 37 Spy vs Spy; as well as locals Matt Cole, Steve Leddy and of course Buzz Ballenger. All are assisting in some way with Carl. Yes, I have named the boat Carl, utilizing his handwritten script on the blueprints I recovered with hull #63.
With lots of help from the local sailing community and the GoFundMe account I've set up, it should come together perfectly. First — clean up, inventory, and roll up our sleeves for the build! I'll share more in Phase Two — The Build, and later Phase Three — The Launch. In the meantime, please "Help Float Carl: Revive the Last Express 37" at bit.ly/4lH7s0G, or email darrellouis@gmail.com to provide input and assistance.
— darrel louis
Thewind went light and backed around to the north, and we could finally tack onto port in a much smoother sea. This was after days of beating north in the trades.
Lee Helm usually works summers in her chosen field, naval architecture and computational fluid dynamics. But her cred as an ocean racer had reached the point where she was offered a well-paid gig as a delivery skipper. She decided, just for a change, to bring a Transpac racer back from Hawaii. It had to be on her terms, though: "No motoring and no jerry cans of diesel fuel strapped to the lifelines," she insisted. "It's a sailboat."
That sounded OK to me, so in a moment of irrational exuberance I signed on as one of Lee's crew. Though the morning after I signed Lee's Articles of War for the voyage, I recalled a legendary sign in Merlin's cabin. Put up for the delivery crew, it read: "DIESEL FUEL IS CHEAPER THAN SAILS." But this boat was not Merlin, and displayed no such reminder.
almost annoyingly cheerful.
The first real challenge had been deciphering her watch-rotation scheme. With five on board, in cruise mode, we each had only one three-hour watch during the day, and one two-hour watch at night. Five people standing watch for five hours each, for a total of 25 hours covered. But a day is only 24 hours long. Where did the extra hour go? We could figure it out later. The schedule seemed easy enough. Instead of just "on watch" and "off watch," there was a "standby" position so a second person was always on call. Also, we each had the same hours every night, a feature I was sold on after a couple of days.
"Been there, done that. But no spoilers till I solve this silly rope puzzle."
Over a large breakfast, now that our appetites had returned, the second challenge was produced by one of the other graduate students that Lee had recruited — a physicist studying string theory — so naturally he'd brought a rope puzzle for us to solve.
as my mainsheet. The ring in the middle looked like Burmese teak.
Lee provided the patter to set up the problem:
"You are the bow person on a 70-ft boat approaching the windward mark," she began. "To save weight, the boat uses a new non-opening spinnaker halyard shackle. The chute is hooked up on the port side, for a starboardtack set. But like, as usual, the afterguard changes their mind with about 10 lengths to the mark."
"Jibe set!" they call. "Change to a starboard-side set!"
We all knew what to expect for those first few days: Close reach to get north, small jib, mainsail reefed, don't let the boat go fast enough to pound. It was still a nasty motion down below. I had brought fishing gear, but no one felt like dealing with a live fish on deck, so we spent most of our time horizontal except Lee, of course, who remained
I had seen this one before: one of the "Stumps" puzzles made by Lumberjack Toys. The object was to move the ring from one side to the other. But Lumberjack was no longer in business, so this version — the lightweight racing model — was handmade. The struts were carbon fiber tubes, the ring was titanium, and the rope was expensive, high-strength double braid, the same
The puzzle was to move the ring, representing the non-opening shackle, to the other side of the cow hitch around a wooden ring in the middle of the device.
"That looks easy," said our foredeck crew, who claims to be "very good at knots." He tried it first, and was still working on it when breakfast was over and the dishes put away.
"I've got a better puzzler," said the novice sailor on the voyage. "If a bear walks one mile south, one mile west,
and one mile north, and ends up exactly where it started, what color is the bear?"
"White," I said, "It's a polar bear, because the starting point had to be the North Pole."
"No, there can be an infinite number of starting points," the physicist corrected me. "Suppose the bear is one
plus one-over-two-pi miles from the South Pole?"
"You're right," I conceded after a little thought. "And it also works for one plus one-over-four-pi miles, so the bear goes around the pole twice."
"That reminds me of a better one," said Lee. "Two birds fly away from Hawaii. One flies 100 miles east and
then 100 miles north. The other one, flying exactly the same speed, flies 100 miles north and then 100 miles east. No wind, all headings are true not magnetic. Have both birds flown, like, the same distance through the air?"
I knew it had to be a trick question, or else it wouldn't be a good puzzler. But they flew at the same speed for the same time, so the first answer had to be "yes."
"Correct," said Lee. "Now, did both birds get to the same place after their flight?"
That could be tricky, but I said, "Yes."
"BZZZT!" Lee made a buzzer sound. "Wrong!"
"Think 'great circle sailing,'" suggested the physicist. Meanwhile, our foredeck crew was still struggling with the rope puzzle.
"How far apart are the two birds?" Lee asked. "Use 21.5 degrees for the departure latitude. And like, calculators are allowed for this test."
"I'll work on it," I said. "I think I see the problem."
"OK, my turn," said another crew whom Lee had signed on, this one an undergraduate in Lee's department.
"You are in a small boat floating in a small pond," she described the scene. "There is a large rock in the boat. You throw the rock overboard and it sinks to the bottom. Does the water level in the pond: A, go up; B, stay the same; or C, go down?"
"It would have to stay the same," answered the physicist.
"Be careful!" she advised.
"Answer divulged when we're back in the Bay," the naval arch student said.
I thought it was time to bring this back to sailing, so I posed another problem: "It's the starting line for Master Mariners Regatta, the first mark is Little Harding, and the east-west starting line off the Cityfront is parallel to a strong ebb current. The wind is steady from the north, unusual for that time of year. The RC boat, at anchor, has set the line very carefully to be exactly
at right angles to the true wind. But remember the strong ebb current running from east to west, right down the starting line. Is the line really square? Or is one end favored? Which end? Up-current at the starboard-boat end, or down-current at the port-end pin?"
"Been there, done that," said the foredeck crew. "But no spoilers till I solve this silly rope puzzle."
He finally solved it on the last day of our 19-day passage. — max ebb
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Peak season regattas and championships covered here include the Moore 24 Nationals and Long Beach Race Week; the YRA's Half Moon Bay Race, In the Bay Series, and new Women's Championship Series; the US Wingfoil Championship; the ILCA PCCs; the Mercury Hart Nunes Regatta; the El Toro Nationals; StFYC's Woodies Invitational; and the WA360. See much more in Box Scores and Race Notes
Moore 24 Nationals at LBRW
Among the championships contested at Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week on June 19-22 was the Moore 24 Nationals.
"It is really freaking cool to travel to a new venue," commented Kurt Lahr of the Richmond-based Safety Third in a note to the fleet. "Our board deserves a thanks for going outside the box and organizing this event.
"Forty years ago this last Memorial Day Weekend, Joel Verutti asked a young, impressionable me if I wanted to go for a sail on #55 Mercedes across Whiskeytown Lake. It makes me smile to think that's the spark that started my love for this fleet. The best families, the best friends, the best boat — I just don't believe it gets better than what we have.
"I can only speak for myself, but that was a very dif ficult weekend of mental sailing. I think of substantially better breeze and some swell when you say ABYC. Instead we got light and lumpy for two days, not at all what I was thinking when I said a couple weeks prior that we should be on the outside course. I'm not a fan of the overplayed
chutes-and-ladders metaphor, but that is what it seemed to be out there. I had heard this summer has been 'weird' down there, and the 'It's Long Beach, you go right' may not play. Turns out it was basically a dogfight to just stay in phase with both sides of the course paying. The passing lanes were there if you could find them. Not taking any big hits was key. The last day was more reminiscent of light-air Huntington: Sniff the shifts and stay in the pressure. The distance race would have been more fun were it square, but it was a nice bookend to the weekend thanks to the best pressure of the weekend."
In their 17-boat division, five different boats won in the nine races: Safety Third, Paramour, Firefly, Mooretician and Orca.
"My boat partner Alex keeps me calm when I think the sky is falling," added Kurt. "Elishia sages all the bad spirits from our team and crushes her job on the bow. My oldest daughter Hayden looked at the schedule and decided Long Beach was better than Oahu. It is truly an honor and a privilege to sail with (and against) the people you love."
— latitude/chris
MOORE 24 NATIONALS, ABYC/LBYC, 6/20-22 (9r, 1t)
1) Safety Third, Kurt Lahr, RYC, 23 points; 2) Paramour, Rowan Fennell, SFYC, 28; 3) Firefly, Joel Turmel, RYC, 33; 4) Mooretician, Peter Schoen, RYC, 33. (17 boats) Full results at www.lbrw.org
More from Long Beach Race Week
“I always love sailing Long Beach," says Peter Wagner, skipper of the J/111 Skeleton Key. "The conditions are spectacular, and while it wasn't prototypical Long Beach conditions, it was still good racing.
"It was our first-ever Pacific Coast Championship regatta for the J/111 fleet, so that added some fun to the whole event. It's really great to see the numbers in the fleet growing and the level of competition getting higher and higher as more good sailors jump into the class." Skeleton Key, racing Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week for the second consecutive year, took home a second win in class, prevailing in six of seven races sailed. Skeleton Key also won the PCCs.
Six of 11 teams racing in the Catalina 37 class were all-women crews, two of which made podium. Chris Orlando and his team from LBYC defended their 2024 National Championship, easily taking first place with 11 points for the 2025 Nationals title.
“This year was a tougher fleet than last year," said Orlando. "Conditions were challenging all weekend, with not a lot of obvious lanes upwind, and you really had to work on solid fleet management. We had decent boat speed, but it was hard. Justin Law at the helm was super-strong as usual, and I'll chalk our win up to a lot of hours as a team."
The T ravel Trophy, awarded to the boat owner who traveled the farthest distance based on hometown, went to Mackenzie Cook on the Moore 24 Nobody's Girl. Although the boat lives in Santa Cruz, Cook hails from Kailua, Hawaii.
Mark your calendars now: The 21st
Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week hosted the Moore 24 Nationals this year.
edition of Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week will be held on June 26-28, 2026. — michelle slade & latitude/chris
LBYC/ABYC ULLMAN SAILS LONG BEACH RACE WEEK, 6/20-22
PHRF A — 1) The Baby Screams, Melges 32, Jeff Janov, 7 points; 2) Iris, Melges 32, Jack LeMaire, 21; 3) Full Send, Cape 31, Dirk Freeland, 26. (7 boats)
PHRF B — 1) Jim, J/120, John Snook, 10 points; 2) Raptor II, J/112e, Heinz Butner, 13; 3) Swordfish, J/105, Chris Raab, 24. (7 boats)
RL A — 1) Javelin, J/125, Daniel Murphy, 3.5 points; 2) Kibosh, Sydney 41, Steven Mee, 11; 3) Vigilante, Concordia 47, Raymond Godwin, 12. (7 boats)
RL B — 1) Cheeky, J/122, Mark Stratton, 7 points; 2) Relentless, 1D35, Derek Williamson, 7; 3) Encore, John McEntire, SC37, 8. (11 boats)
CATALINA 37 NATIONALS — 1) Chris Orlando, LBYC, 11 points; 2) Allie Blecher, California YC, 24; 3) Alli Bell, SDYC, 24. (11 boats)
BENETEAU 36.7 — 1) Givenho, Eric Hanson, 6 points; 2) Kraken, John Sivak, 10; 3) Buenos Aires, Mark Williams, 16. (4 boats)
J/111 PCC — 1) Skeleton Key, Peter Wagner, StFYC/SFYC/NYYC, 8 points; 2) Flam-
buoyant, Steve Flam, ABYC/LBYC, 22; 3) Obsidian, John Staff, Caliornia YC, 23. (6 boats) J/109 WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP — 1) Blue Crush, Bob Little, ABYC, 4 points; 2) Zephyr, Jack Mayer, DRYC, 11; 3) Spray, Peter Nelson, California YC, 15. (5 boats)
J/70 — 1) DJ, Ryan Cox, 7 points; 2) Nunuhunu, Arnaud JP Benahmed, 25; 3) Cake, Scott Deardorff, 36. (13 boats)
MELGES 15 — 1) Dark Wave, Karla Reinhardt, 15; 2) Enigma, Morgan Paxhia, 23; 3) String Theory, Tim Zimmermann, 26; 4) No Name, Elisabeth Hopkins, 34; 5) No Name, Cameron Feves, 36. (21 boats)
Boat of the Week, PHRF — Cheeky
One Design — Safety Third Yacht Club Challenge — Safety Third Golison & Kent Family Trophy — Paramour Travel Trophy (farthest traveled) — Nobody's Girl, Moore 24, Mackenzie Cook, SCYC Campbell Cup — Javelin
Full results at www.lbrw.org
Windy Shirley Temmings Regatta
The first regatta of the YRA Women's Championship Series was Encinal YC's Shirley Temmings Cup on June 28. Nine women skippers with at least 50% women crews registered.
Competitors from around the Bay met near the Berkeley Pier ruins at 11:30 for three scheduled races. With boats ranging from Santana 22s to J/105s, the committee opted for twolap windward/leeward courses with 0.75-mile legs for Races 1 and 2.
The breeze was already blowing more than 15 knots at the start of Race 1. By the start of Race 2, the breeze had built to 20 knots, and all boats were flying downwind. For Race 3, competitors sailed to the windward mark and then down the Estuary all the way to EYC. By the time sailors reached the finish, the breeze had mellowed out, temperatures warmed, and a well-deserved postregatta social awaited.
Collette Zaro, who won aboard the J/105 Blackhawk, writes, "It was a fantastic day on the Bay, with fun yet challenging conditions that made for competitive racing. We had heavy air and chop, then light-air conditions in the Estuary, with varied courses — a great mix of racing!
"We won because we had a great team: Brent on main and tactics, Mays on trim, Laura on pit, and our juniors,
Joby and Jasmine, on the foredeck. Parts of the crew were new to sailing together, and we got better with every race.
"We had solid starts and consistently won the slightly favored boat end with clear air and speed. The breeze was fairly consistent across the course, and we mainly wanted to get a clear lane. The heavy flood made the starboard layline a tough call.
"The course was fairly short because of the mixed fleet, and even shorter downwind, which meant being able to jibe first was a big win. We focused on keeping the boat powered up and well heeled but not too much, while executing clean maneuvers, like early drops in the heavier breeze. It all added up.
"We ran heavy-air sails all day, starting with a base rig tune for about 15-17 knots, but as the breeze built, heading into Race 3 to around 23 knots, we tightened the rig, cranked on the backstay upwind to help with pointing, and moved the jib cars aft to twist. With the chop building toward the end of the day, it was all about keeping the boat powered up but balanced.
"Later, sailing into lighter conditions in the Estuary, we focused on staying
See more photos at www.crayivp.com/2025-StFYC-Regattas/WingDing-US-Nationals-25. Check out the top results in Box Scores on page 72.
clear of the container ships' wind shadows on port and maintaining flow. We sailed slightly higher with soft movements and careful weight trim to keep momentum in the lulls.
"It was inspiring to see so many talented women at the helm and throughout the crew, along with strong support from our male allies. A huge thank-you to Ryan for the opportunity to drive Blackhawk, and to Brent for helping me pull together the boat and crew for this regatta!"
The smallest boat in the regatta was Samantha Chiu's Altair, an Open 5.70. Her story: "We were surfing and were going well over 14.5 knots! Blackhawk was super-sweet. They came over, in between races, and were, like, 'Holy sh*t! You all are killing it and must be having tons of fun!' We thought, 'Yeah, this really is a wild and fun day.'
"One of my goals this year was to trailer the Open 5.70 to a new sailing venue. The Shirley Temming Regatta was the perfect excuse. Altair's team
packed her up and drove over on Friday. We had tons of support from Sequoia and Encinal YCs to prepare the boat and step the mast. It was my first time using a crane! Then, we raced at Island YC's Friday night race to make sure everything was rigged and ready to go for Saturday's regatta.
"As soon as we got out to the Slot, we knew it was going to be a sporty day. Open 5.70s are wet boats, and we were already soaked from getting to the start.
"Everything was fantastic until Race 2, when the spinnaker tore. We persevered and enjoyed experimenting with new techniques to go fast without our spinnaker for Race 3.
"Ba ck at EYC, everyone shared drinks, snacks and laughs. Flying Green Dragon had tons of food and welcomed Altair over. We were very hungry and had been surviving off power bars, apple slices, and tiny sandwiches. It is pretty tough to sneak in food on an Open 5.70."
The YRA Women's Championship
Series continued with Sequoia YC's Rock the Boat Regatta on Sunday, July 13, and will conclude with the Women's Bonita Regatta on Saturday, October 4. — latitude/chris
EYC SHIRLEY TEMMING CUP, 6/28 (3r, 0t)
1) Blackhawk, J/105, Collette Zaro, 3 points; 2) Sharkey, J/105, Kate Molitor, 9; 3) Chinook, J/105, Elizabeth Henderson, 10. (8 boats)
Full results at www.jibeset.net
Sequoia's Rock the Boat Regatta
Eight boats competed in the Rock the Boat Regatta on Sunday, July 13, with ideal weather conditions for competitive racing on windward/leeward courses. This regatta is the second of three regattas in a Women's Championship series, which is new this year. The NOR specified that boats must have a female driver, a female tactician, and crew of at least 50% female racers.
Jacl yn Manrique drove a J/70 named Allons-Y to victory with three first place finishes in the spinnaker divi-
sion and the overall win for the regatta. Four of the boats in July 13's regatta also raced in the Shirley Temming Regatta on June 28. In that regatta, Chinook, a J/105 skippered by Elizabeth Henderson, finished third, just one point ahead of Altair. The other two contenders are Albacore and Flying Green Dragon.
— stan phillips
SEQYC ROCK THE BOAT REGATTA, 7/13 (3r, 0t)
SPINNAKER — 1) Allons-Y, J/70, Jaclyn Manrique, 3 points; 2) Chinook, J/105, Elizabeth Henderson, 6; 3) Sweet Jane, J/9, Shelly Nelson, 9. (3 boats)
NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Love Handles, Catalina 38, Yuning Pathman, 4 points; 2) Albacore, Santana 22, Sarah Hudspeth, 5; 3) Flying Green Dragon, Tartan 3500, Samee Swartz, 9. (3 boats)
OPEN 5.70 — 1) Altair, Samantha Chiu, 3 points; 2) 570, Maggie Garside Heilman, 6. (2 boats)
Full results at www.jibeset.net
The YRA Offshore annual trek to Half Moon Bay is usually a fairly mellow, mostly downwind ride from San Francisco to the Princeton harbor. Because of this, the YRA has added it to our group of destination races like Vallejo and Encinal that have racer parties at the end.
Forecasts for the 2025 version, as of a couple of days before the race, started out with light southerly winds. Late Friday or early Saturday the HRRR highresolution forecast started showing something the others did not: a small area off Daly City that would experience sustained winds in the mid-20s with higher gusts, all while the same model showed 10-15 out by the Lightship.
On Saturday mor ning, 26 of the 28 boats registered showed up and were given the shortest course, out around the nearest ship channel buoy, then down to Half Moon Bay.
Winds were in the 12- to 14-knot range, and many of us started with small jibs. Once we got out by Point Bonita, the wind got lighter, causing some boats to go to bigger headsails.
The fleet all got around the channel
mark and headed south, still with 8- to 12-knot winds on the nose. As we got around Daly City, we all found out that the HRRR forecast was correct. A small area had much heavier wind than the rest of the race course.
Ahi went from our #1 jib to the #3, then reefed the main, then swapped the #3 for our #4 storm jib, all about as quickly as we were able. We saw sustained winds at around 25, and our high gust reported was 30 knots. We tacked away from shore hoping to find a bit of relief from the wind and eventually did.
Fourteen boats dropped out of the race as they hit the windy spot a bit after 1 p.m. At the front of the pack, Mark Dowdy on the Santa Cruz 50 Hana Ho reported that they saw sustained winds of 20 with gusts to 26.
Once we got away from the windy spot, things calmed down a bit. Over the next few hours, we put up the #3 and shook out the reef.
Winds at our finish were in the 8- to 12-knot range, with foggy conditions and only a few hundred yards of visibility.
The first boats finished just after 3:30, with all of the PHRO1 boats
finishing. The remaining four boats from the other three divisions finished, with Ahi bringing up the rear just before 6 p.m. — quite a bit of effort for dead last (and second in division).
We managed to get to Half Moon Bay YC before the paella was packed up. It looked like a good party, but we were just happy to find a warm, dry place and some hot food.
— andy newell
YRA HALF MOON BAY RACE, 6/28
PHRO 1 — 1) Jubilant, J/112e, Ross Werner; 2) eXpresso, XP 44, Jim Lussier; 3) Swift Ness, J/111, Nesrin Basoz. (8 boats)
PHRO 2A — 1) CruzSea Baby, Beneteau 10R, Brian Turner. (6 boats)
PHRO 2B — 1) Shaman, Cal 40, Bart Hackworth; 2) Ahi, Santana 35, Andy Newell. (7 boats)
SHS No finishers. (3 boats)
MULTIHULL — 1) Greyhound, F-22, Evan McDonald/Ross Stein. (2 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net
ILCA PCCs on Lake Tahoe
On June 20-22, sailors from across the western US — and from as far away as Nova Scotia, the UK and Florida — gathered at the breathtaking Lake Tahoe for the ILCA Pacific Coast Championships. With its iconic blue water and crisp alpine air, the lake looked like a postcard — until the mountain weather reminded us who's boss.
Some of us camped under the stars, others found time for mountain biking, trail running, or hiking between racing attempts. But Mother Nature had her own regatta planned.
On Friday, we arrived bright and early to a wind-whipped lake, with gusts cranking into the 40s by midafternoon. Racing was postponed, then postponed again, and when a few brave souls ventured out after 4 p.m., the wind promptly died. All races were abandoned. Fortunately, Charcuterie YC and the legendary Emilio hosted a cheerful campsite gathering. Laughter, snacks, and stories filled the air, racing
or no racing.
On Saturday, spirits were high as we rigged up, hoping for better conditions. But just as we were getting ready to launch, ominous gray clouds rolled in from the north. Within minutes, gusts sent sailors scrambling to de-rig, and then — because why not? — a two-hour snowstorm rolled through. Yes, snow. In June. Vans, tents and anything warm became the refuge of choice. Racing was (wisely) canceled for the day.
That evening, Tahoe YC hosted a fun BBQ and a sailor's forum, where we swapped stories and laughed off the chaos. The gravity of the storm hit hard when we learned the next morning that several lives had been lost farther south on the lake when a recreational boat capsized in the storm — a sobering reminder of the power of this place.
On Sunday, finally, blue skies! Light but sailable breeze filled in, and the race committee was determined to make the most of it. We got in six races in one day, with one throwout. Winds hovered in the 8- to 12-knot range — gentle but shifty — and the key to success was clean starts, smooth boat handling, and reading those alpine shifts like a trail map. Upwind, staying on the lifted tack paid off; downwind, picking the favored gate made all the difference.
I started the day strong — with an OCS [On Course Side, aka over early]. But I clawed my way back to fourth, which made me realize I actually had some decent upwind speed. That led to two subsequent bullets. I was feeling pretty good until the kids talked with their coaches and figured things out by Race 4. My throwout came thanks to a surprise mainsheet failure mid-leg. But despite the drama, it was a beautiful day on the water: flat, sunny and full of good energy.
And just to cap things off, on our way back to the parking lot, a large bear ambled through, clearly curious about this odd fleet of visitors with their fiberglass toys. A fitting Tahoe send-off! We came for the sailing, but we stayed for the stories.
— courtney clamp
ILCA PCC, TAHOE YC, 6/20-22 (6r, 1t)
ILCA 7 — 1) Sullivan Nakatsu, Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, 5 points; 2) Ryan Anderson, Nova Scotia Dream Team, 11; 3) Mats
Braaten, Royal Canadian YC, 13. (12 boats)
ILCA 6 — 1) Ethan Lee, Seattle YC, 9 points; 2) Daniella Cheng-Sun, ABYC/Port Madison YC/ Seattle YC, 11; 3) Courtney Clamp, RYC, 17. (11 boats)
ILCA 4 — 1) Finn Cox, St. Petersburg YC, 8 points; 2) Adam Mendelblatt, St. Petersburg YC, 9; 3) Ethan Cox, St. Petersburg YC, 13. (9 boats)
Full results at www.tahoeyc.com
Mercury Hart Nunes Regatta
The 2025 Hart Nunes regatta turned out to be fun and exciting. SFYC provided a great venue in Richardson Bay and did a great job running the event. The wind proved a little fickle — light at first — which delayed the first start on Saturday. It eventually filled in, but mid-day it died and then reversed direction, requiring the PRO to flip the course almost 180 degrees. Part of what made the racing interesting is that the left side worked for some legs and the right side for others.
The race committee ran four races on Saturday. The first race of the day had an interesting result; Shaum Sinawi hasn't raced Mercurys lately, but he showed he wasn't rusty as he finished first. Randy Smith showed his experience and topped the field in Race 2. Randy Hecht, always a top contender,
captured Race 3. David West won Race 4. Sunday provided great racing, and the wind cooperated. The first race of the day had some interesting lead changes. Scott Jenson led at the first mark with David West in hot pursuit, David prevailed at the end. Randy Smith, our eventual winner, had an up-and-down day. David West was Mr. Consistent, with a bullet and a second. It was great to see 10 boats out on the water with gr eat weather. SFYC provided snacks and cold drinks after the racing on Saturday. After all the boats were put away on Sunday, most competitors gathered on the SFYC deck for some food and cold drinks — one of the best parts of Mercury racing! — scott jenson
SFYC HART NUNES REGATTA, 6/20-21 (6r, 0t) MERCURY — 1) Fast Break, Randy Smith/ Kurt Hemmingsen, 19 points; 2) Niuhi, Randy Hecht, 21; 3) Space Invader, David West/Chris Krueger, 24. (11 boats)
Full results at www.sfyc.org
El Toro Nationals in West Sacto
Kurt Hemmingsen and Randy Smith won the Hart Nunes Regatta at SFYC.
This year's Nationals was indeed a schooling of patience. Sunday was the day everyone was hoping for. Lake Washington's wind conditions were perfect but from an odd direction. This would take the local-knowledge factor away. Conditions were challenging from a wind-shift perspective. But the local boy did well anyway.
Thursday's practice day was so windy (this south wind direction never happens on Lake Washington), it was a day an El Toro could just survive and get back to the dock.
On Friday, e veryone left the dock and attempted sailing out, but it was apparent that racing was impractical (this
20- to 26-knot north wind never happens on Lake Washington).
Saturday, ther e were a few who joined into the club's scheduled dinghy regatta, and Vaughn Seifers showed everyone how to sail an El Toro in over 20 knots of wind. He toyed with the few El Toros that stayed upright.
But then came Sunday. Lake Wash-
J/70 MIXED PLUS NATONALS, CYC SEATTLE, 6/13-15 (7r, 1t)
1) Mossy, Dalton Bergan, CYCS, 13 points; 2) Riff, Boris Luchterhand, Orcas Island YC, 14; 3) WarCanoe, Michael Goldfarb, CYCS, 15; 4) Rodeo Clown, Keith Whittemore, CYCS, 30; 5) Yolanda, Doug Nugent, HRYC, 34. (17 boats) Full results at www.cycseattle.org
StFYC SUMMER WINGDING/US WINGFOIL CHAMPIONSHIP, 6/20-22 (15r, 2t)
GOLD — 1) Sean Herbert, Manly SC, 13 points; 2) JP Lattanzi, Kaneohe YC, 41; 3) Johnny Heineken, StFYC, 43; 4) Kai Mirel, StFYC, 61. (20 boards)
SILVER — 1) Domenic Bove, StFYC, 270 points; 2) Chip Wasson, NoYC, 276; 3) Leo Robillard, NoYC, 282; 4) Finley Morris, StFYC, 302. (19 boards)
StFYC S.F. BAY CHALLENGE, 6/21
WINDSURFER — 1) Maximilian Rosenblad; 2) Al Mirel; 3) Chris Radkowski. (7 boards)
KITEBOARD — 1) Adam Keaton; 2) Matt Faus; 3) Vladimir Mezhibovsky. (4 boards) WINGFOIL — 1) Sean Herbert; 2) JP Lattanzi; 3) Kai Mirel; 4) Johnny Heineken; 5) Calum McDonald. (42 boards) Full results at www.stfyc.com
SBYC J STOP REGATTA, 6/21-22 (6r, 0t)
J/105 — 1) Prima, Artem Savinov, 17 points; 2) Sharkey, Shane Palmer, 18; 3) Arrived!, Tom Struttmann, 18. (7 boats) J/88 — 1) Ravenette, Brice Dunwoodie, 8
ington showed why this is indeed a great place to sail El Toros.
Lake Washington's El T oro fleet now numbers five boats, all competitive racers. The Richmond fleet will be scheduled for the Lake Washington Dinghy series on the third weekend in June from now on.
Next year's Nationals will be in s altwater, at the Alameda Sailing
Local boy Tom Tillotson schooled the fleet. He was the organizer, sponsor, PRO, local sailor and the big winner! Not bad for a guy who raced El Toros back in the '60s. Tom can tell stories of racing and winning in other locations in a fleet comprising the best sailors of those days. This fleet was made up of some of the El Toro's best Bay Area sailors.
points; 2) Inconceivable, Steven Gordon, 19; 3) Christos Karamanolis, 19. (6 boats) Full results at www.southbeachyachtclub.org
RYC BAYS SUMMER #1, 6/21-22
C420 — 1) Carter Newhauser/Luca MejiaYoung, 8 points; 2) Noah Shefer/Finn Hayes, 12; 3) Henry Scalise/Maya Youssef, 12. (11 boats) RS TERA — 1) Sebastian Kreamer, 15 points; 2) Trey Roost, 20; 3) Kai Hislop, 25. (10 boats)
OPTI CHAMP — 1) Harrison Doyle, 7 points; 2) Sonda Ngongoseke-von Wunsch, 11; 3) Finn Kroeker, 18; 4) Shirley Ning, 30; 5) Vincent Mulcahy, 32. (21 boats)
OPTI GREEN — 1) Jellybean, Anna Torres, 15 points; 2) Indubitably, Isolde Bodiley, 24; 3) Rapid Duck, Ulysse De Halleux, 34. (12 boats) Full results at www.richmondyc.org
StFYC WOODIES INVITATIONAL, 6/27-29 (6r, 0t)
KNARR — 1) Kuliani, Jon Perkins/Kurt Hemmingsen, 17 points; 2) Viva, Don Jesberg, 19; 3) Niuhi, Randy Hecht, 24. (13 boats)
ALERION 28 — 1) Allegro Non Tropo, Jim Titus/Bill Claussen, 10 points; 2) Sweet De, Chris Kramer/Ian Charles, 23; 3) Spirit, Don Wieneke, 30. (8 boats)
FOLKBOAT — 1) Windansea, David Wilson, 11 points; 2) Polperro, Peter Jeal, 14; 3) Thea, Anderson/Horsch/Schafer/Strumph, 15. (9 boats)
Full results at www.stfyc.com
C420 CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, LBYC, 6/28-29 (6r, 1t)
1) Gage Christopher/Beckett Christensen, ABYC, 8 points; 2) Carly Kieding/Julia Getter, Santa Barbara YC/NHYC, 9; 3) Cooper Keeves/Vanessa Mellinger, California YC, 16; 4) Kingston Keyoung/Olivia Norton, ABYC/BCYC/ NHYC, 19; 5) Carter Newhauser/Luca MejiaYoung, PYSF, 29. (31 boats)
Full results at www.lbyc.org
ILCA MASTERS PCC, JERICHO SAILING CENTRE, 7/4-6 (5r, 1t)
ILCA 7 — 1) Al Clark, JSCA, Great Grand Master, 10 points; 2) Tony Martin, JSCA, Great Grand Master, 14; 3) Julian Soto, Charcuterie YC, Apprentice, 24; 4) Andriy Kanyuka, JSCA, Grand Master, 25; 5) Duncan Pearce, RVYC, Grand Master, 27. (28 boats)
ILCA 6 — 1) Paul Clifford, Westwood YC, Great Grand Master, 19 points; 2) Tanja Smutny, JSCA, Apprentice, 21; 3) Isaac Bussin, Calgary YC, Apprentice, 24; 4) Walt Spevak, StFYC/ Okoboji YC, Great Grand Master, 25; 5) Karen Johnson, West Vancouver YC, Grand Master, 32. (32 boats)
Full results at www.jsca.bc.ca
Center, probably in late August. The race course could be in the open waters of the South Bay or inside the lagoon next to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. — gordie nash
EL TORO NATIONALS, LWSC, 6/19-22 (5r, 1t)
1) Tom Tillotson, 7 points; 2) Vaughn Seifers, 9; 3) Tom Burden, 11. (14 boats)
SDYC OLYMPIC CLASSES REGATTA, 6/28-29 (7r, 1t)
29ER — 1) Olympia & Maribelle Barelli, 9 points; 2) Julia Stewart/August Felgenhauer, 13; 3) Sean Kaseburg/Owen Fretwell, 16. (6 boats)
ILCA 6 — 1) Lina Carper, 7 points; 2) Jessica Bell, 10; 3) Madeline Mitchell, 17. (4 boats)
Full results at www.sdyc.org
EYC ESTUARY ONE DESIGN REGATTA, 7/6 (5r, 1t)
COLUMBIA 5.5 — 1) Roja, Chris Davis, 4 points; 2) Alert, Dominic Waterloo-Humphrey, 9; 3) Rogue, Ryan Nelson, 10. (9 boats) HARBOR 20 — 1) TBD, Chris Boome, 5 points; 2) Poco Loco, John Hansen, 7; 3) Slo Jade, Aimee Daniel, 13. (7 boats)
Full results at www.jibeset.net
29ER NATIONALS, SFYC, 7/11-13 (12, 1t)
1) Kevin Cason/Holland Vierling, SDYC, 11 points; 2) Sean Kaseburg/Wesley LaRue, SDYC/MBYC, 57; 3) Otto Wehner/Brooks Vogt, LBYC, 41; 4) Olympia & Maribelle Barelli, SDYC, 42; 5) Anton Schmid/Vanessa Mellinger, SDYC, 69. (18 boats)
Full results at www.sfyc.org
YRA WESTPOINT REGATTA, 7/12
SPINNAKER 1 — 1) Nuckelavee, Melges 32, Mark Kennedy; 2) Alchera, J/120, Jeff Phillips; 3) Frequent Flyer, Farr 30, Stan Phillips. (6 boats)
SPINNAKER 2 — 1) Wowla, J/100, Bob
The second-ever WA360, a 360-ishmile human- and wind-powered race through the Salish Sea, wrapped up on July 11. On June 28, 84 teams had crossed the start line in Port Townsend "to the sound of a cannon, Rick Astley, and the collective exhale of over 200 racers who'd been holding their breath
Walden/Lori Tewksbury; 2) Red Cloud, Farr 36, Don Ahrens; 3) Special Edition, Wilderness 30, John Ross. (10 boats)
SPINNAKER 3 — 1) Revelry, Catalina 42, Rick Gilmore; 2) Ahi, Santana 35, Andy Newell; 3) Son of a Son, J/70, David Fried. (7 boats)
SPINNAKER 4 — 1) Neja, Dasher 36, Jim Borger; 2) Luna Sea, Islander 36, Dan Knox; 3) Goose, Catalina 30, Mike Kastrop. (7 boats)
MULTIHULL — 1) Caliente, Explorer 44, Truls Myklebust; 2) Tri Jolie, Corsair 880, Rafi Yahalom; 3) Round Midnight, Explorer 44, Rick Waltonsmith. (3 boats) Full results at www.jibeset.net
SYC J/105 & J/88 SUMMER INVITATIONAL, 7/12-13 (6r, 0t)
J/105 — 1) Blackhawk, Ryan Simmons, 10 points; 2) Niuhi, Randy Hecht, 10; 3) Mojo, Jeff Littfin, 23; 4) Ne*Ne, Tim Russell, 33. (16 boats)
J/88 — 1) Ravenette, Brice Dunwoodie, 9 points; 2) Speedwell, Tom Thayer/Robert Milligan, 9; 3) Butcher, Dave Corbin, 20. (5 boats)
Full results at www.sausalitoyachtclub.org
FYC HIGH SIERRA REGATTA WEEKEND 1, 7/12-13 (5r, 0t)
SAN JUAN 21 SPINNAKER — 1) The Black Pearl, Rod Hansen, 6 points; 2) Uno Mas, Ken
all morning," write the clever scribes at Northwest Maritime. "Some days had gales. Some days were wind holes so glassy that your own despair could be seen in the reflection."
The first team to finish — in an astounding 2 days, 18 hours — was Puget Sound Navigation Company. Molly Karas, Michael Karas and Anthony Boscolo sailed a Gougeon 32 catamaran. "We all learned to sail in
Nelson, 11; 3) Illuminator, Levon Nargizyan, 16. (6 boats)
SAN JUAN 21 NON-SPINNAKER — 1) Orcas, Evan Halstead, 13 points; 2) Redrum, Dillon Hansen, 13; 3) Dulcinea, Robert & Kristen Ferraro, 18. (9 boats)
VANGUARD 15 — 1) Ciara Dorsay/Drake Hayes, 10 points; 2) Kristin Altreuter, 14; 3) Andrew Watters, 17. (7 boats)
INTERNATIONAL 14 — 1) Low and Angry, James Clarkson, 9 points; 2) Amused, John Clark, 13; 3) Baby on Board, Michael Leitch, 23. (6 boats)
DAY SAILER — 1) Greg Miller, 20 points; 2) Natalie Coleman-Fuller, 20; 3) Craig Lee, 20; 4) Skip Shapiro, 24. (19 boats)
LIDO 14 — 1) Tom & Cole Jenkins, 15 points; 2) Grant Hill, 18; 3) Bob Little, 18. (14 boats)
LASER — 1) Al Sargent, 6 points; 2) Marcel Sloane, 14; 3) Chris Simenstad, 15. (12 boats)
LASER RADIAL — 1) Laird Henkel, 5 points; 2) Courtney Clamp, 14; 3) Tate Vincent, 15. (7 boats)
BANSHEE — 1) Charles Witcher, 6 points; 2) John Andrew, 9; 3) Steve Anderes, 16. (4 boats)
RS AERO — 1) Chris Cartwright, 5 points; 2) Melissa Hale, 13; 3) Michael Sealey, 13. (7 boats)
OPTIMIST — 1) Corinne Matson, 5 points; 2) Shane Malloy, 12; 3) Arlo Trevelyan, 13. (9 boats)
MOTH — 1) Robert Englehart, 13 points; 2) Jack Lugliani, 19; 3) Ryan Nelson, 21. (4 boats) Full results at www.regattanetwork.com
elementary school on the Puget Sound and have grown up in the PNW, racing sailboats locally, nationally and internationally together and as competitors," states their team profile. "Thus far we have been able to avoid rescues from marine first responders on most continents." Learn more at https:// nwmaritime.org. — latitude/chris
Race Notes
NHYC won the fifth edition of the National Women's Invitational Team Race for the Thayer Trophy, held June 20-22 in Marblehead, MA. Six teams competed in the 3v3 format using 23-ft Sonar keelboats with spinnakers.
NHYC's Dylan Sih and his crew of Kaya Hancock, Anton Schmid and Michael Sentovich defeated Siena Nichols of Balboa YC in the US Youth Match Racing Championship on June 27-29 to claim the Rose Cup. Using GovCup 22 keelboats, Balboa YC in Newport Beach hosted 10 teams of sailors ages 16-20. See www.ussailing.org.
For more racing news, subscribe to 'Lectronic Latitude online at www.latitude38.com
July's racing stories included:
• Transpac Race to Honolulu
• Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race
• 2028 Olympic Sailing Venues
• Ronnie Simpson's New Open 40
• Preview of August Races, the San Francisco Bay Navigator's Race, and more.
The Junior Women's Singlehanded Championship (aka the Leiter Trophy) attracted 27 girls ages 13-18 for a threeday clinic and two-day regatta on July 7-11 on Lake Michigan at Macatawa Bay YC in Michigan. Noelani Li of Seattle YC dominated the ILCA 4 fleet. SoCal sailor Maia Lim Laurie topped the ILCA 6 division. Check https:// theclubspot.com/regatta/Fr0lxTc3vm for complete results.
Long Beach native Riley Gibbs, 28, placed sixth (and first American) in the Moth Worlds, hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine on Italy's Lake Garda July 6-13. On the last day, waves and strong gusts delivered highly technical, spectacular racing. The 137 athletes from 25 nations included some of the greatest names in international sailing. For more, see www.fragliavela.org/en. — latitude/chris
Lind Marine is proud to announce it has launched an entire NEW FLEET of marina and homeowner dredging equipment.
Providing services throughout the San Francisco Bay and Delta, and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, since 1906.
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With reports this month on Keeldragger's long-delayed Great Pacific Adventure; Lochinvar's long Pacific Puddle Jump; Tardigrade's northern adventure; and a tasty selection of Cruise Notes.
Keeldragger — Valiant 40
Mark and Debbie Bunch
The dream began decades ago on inland waters, sailing with my father. That spark ignited a lifelong passion
Mark and Debbie have learned to navigate their cruising journey, both together and apart.
that evolved from my first modest Catalina 22 to my current vessel — a wellequipped 1989 Texas-built Valiant 40 named Keeldragger. Through six boats and many years, the vision of crossing the Pacific never faded.
After 20 years balancing career and family, I found myself at a crossroads — empty nest, supportive wife Debbie, and financial means to make the leap. In 2020, I turned in my resignation at my big tech job and prepared to depart for Mexico, with sights ultimately set on Hawaii. Then disaster struck: My transmission failed. And with parts hard to find for my old Volvo Penta engine, I decided to do a complete repower. By that time, pandemic supply chain issues meant waiting nearly a year for a replacement engine and trans. Reluctantly, I returned to work.
Four years later, with colleagues joking, "I'll see you in a couple of months when you change your mind," I retired again, this time for real. The question remained: where to go after Mexico — Hawaii or French Polynesia?
One of my biggest challenges was
navigating this journey with Debbie. Though she loves sailing in moderate conditions, seasickness meant she wouldn't join for offshore passages. She would continue working and fly to meet me at various destinations. This effectively meant planning a solo adventure.
After poring over Jimmy Cornell's World Cruising Routes and considering options that would balance adventure with a reasonable time frame, I initially settled on Mexico to Hawaii, and back to Southern California. That's when Debbie challenged me: "Why aren't you sailing to the South Pacific like you've always dreamed? What if this is your one and only shot?"
When I explained the challenges — covering over 10,000 miles in a single season with tight schedules — she finally said, "I don't think you have the balls to sail to Mexico, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and back!"
That was all the motivation I needed to make the Pacific Puddle Jump!
Today I'm writing from Papeete, French Polynesia, having singlehanded over 4,000 miles from Mexico through the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands.
Friends joined for segments of my initial journey, over 2,000 miles between Baja, the Mexican Riviera, and the Sea of Cortez. But the real test began in Puerto Vallarta, where a severe case of influenza nearly derailed my departure. Despite not feeling 100%, I set sail on March 20 as planned.
Mild conditions for the first few days allowed me to regain strength before heading southwest toward the equator. Near 10°N 120°W, I encountered my first squalls as I approached the ITCZ. Initially intimidated, I learned to embrace them for the additional boat speed their pressure provided. Despite light conditions through the doldrums, I paid my tributes to Neptune unceremoniously with a shared can of Carta Blanca as I crossed the equator.
Three days from Nuku Hiva, my engine began stalling intermittently. I traced it to an issue somewhere between the diesel tank pickup and
fuel line. With inconsistent winds and approaching thunderstorms, I had to carefully manage my arrival timing using sail power alone. The night before arrival brought gusting winds near 30 knots and persistent lightning.
At sunrise, with my engine repeatedly stalling, I attempted to sail into Taiohae Bay in 22-28 knots, with shifting winds pushing me dangerously toward rocks to leeward. In desperation, I restarted the engine and managed to drop anchor in 75 feet just as it stalled again. Exhausted after 26 days and 3,000 miles solo, I slept for 16 hours straight.
After solving my engine issue (a tiny piece of Teflon tape fouling the priming
bulb), I set course for Rangiroa in the Tuamotus. Despite friends assuring me this five-day, 577-mile passage would be easy compared to crossing from Mexico, new challenges emerged.
After three glorious sailing days, I fouled my propeller on discarded fishing gear. With no crew to assist, I had to dive six times in nearly two-meter waves to clear the prop, an emotionally rattling experience with no alternative but to succeed.
Rangiroa presented the notorious passes of the Tuamotus — narrow channels where tidal influences create
powerful currents. Despite timing for slack currents, I encountered 4-knot outgoing currents and turbulent waters on my first attempt. A second try still meant fighting 3.5-knot currents, but I finally made it to paradise.
My final leg to Tahiti was relatively short at 217 miles, but timing remained critical for exiting Rangiroa's pass. Even at high slack tide, a knot of outgoing current created standing waves as it met incoming swells. After navigating this final challenge and motoring through rain squalls, I reached Marina Papeete, a stark contrast to the
remote beauty of the Marquesas and Tuamotus.
Having now traveled 6,051 miles — 4,000 of which were singlehanded — my focus tur ns to the next major passages: Tahiti to Hawaii and Hawaii to California. With luck (and crew!), I'll make Honolulu by late June and California in July.
As I reflect back on the jour ney so far, this adventure taught me that preparation is essential, but adaptability is crucial. Equipment will fail at the worst possible time. Weather forecasts are educated guesses. And sometimes, your spouse's challenge — "I don't think you have the balls" — is exactly the motivation you need to grow some.
For those dreaming of similar journeys, my advice is simple: Set a hard date. Life's currents will always try to pull you off course. But with determination and a well-equipped vessel, the South Pacific's azure waters are within reach, even for a solo sailor with a point to prove.
As I prepare for the long voyage home, I can't help wondering: How will I ever top this act?
— Mark 5/22/25
As of mid-July, Keeldragger was well on her way on her third and final long passage from Hilo, Hawaii, to Southern California. Mark was looking forward to completing the Great Pacific Adventure by the end of July.
Lochinvar
Natassja Shayer and Severin Gatzen-O'Keefe
The Pacific Ocean is a very big place. This was beginning to dawn on us about a week after sailing away from Mexico, when we would look at our digital charts and see our little GPS blip was still touching North America. An equal but opposite realization that a Westsail 32 is a very small place occurred to us at around the same time. We knew we were in for a long ride, during which we would become two of the farthest humans from land.
Our first two weeks of passage saw us slowly rolling farther into the ocean. The trade winds went home every evening, leaving us rolling around all night until the next morning. We were determined not to motor on our
passage, so we would sit and wait for the wind to push us along again, like a rock being kicked down a path by a
When Australians Severin and Natassja decided to buy a cheap boat and sail it home, they started in California, "where old boats grow like barnacles and monthly slip rents are equivalent to the cost of a small car."
bored child walking to school. Once every few days we would be entertained by pods of dolphins who would ride the wake, until they realized just how slow we were going (we averaged 3.5 knots for the whole passage, about the same speed as a bicycle). The excitement of our day was hearing our little Garmin inReach — our only link to the outside world — chirp with a text message. As we made our way southwest, we encountered stronger winds, sometimes up to 30 knots, Finally we were getting somewhere!
… Until we weren't. The infamous doldrums swallowed us whole about 600 miles north of the equator. Still stubbornly refusing to start our engine, we drifted for two days. Eventually, our friend Wilson (the previous owner of Lochinvar, who was keeping us informed on the weather) gently pointed out that the current was slowly pushing us in the wrong direction, and the wind wasn't going to come for another
week. So we relented, and, with our self-perception as puritan sailors ruined, started the engine. This drew the attention of a humpback whale, who came over to investigate the noise.
We motored across the glassy calm waters, reaching the halfway point of our journey, 1,500 miles from the nearest point of land. After four days of motoring, we finally found some wind — blowing from the wrong direction, but beggars can't be choosers.
It was around this point that we began to encounter our first real squalls, those small storm cells that the ocean sends just to remind you who's boss. At one point, a particularly nasty one blew so hard our cockpit dipped into the ocean. We both dove outside, having to reach into the water to cast off the jib sheet and haul in the furling line.
Our equator crossing was marked by an of fering of tea and sourdough to Neptune. (Traditionally, one would surrender some rum, but unlike our sailing forebears, we are not big drinkers.) We had now officially surrendered our lifelong status as pollywogs and adopted our new titles as shellbacks.
We had been at sea for nearly a month by now. Without internet, showers, refrigeration, the ability to stand still, or the ability to talk to friends and family, we were truly missing the land lives we had left behind. The ocean was wearing us down.
The failed turnbuckle. Luckily, intermediate stays installed by the previous owner kept the mast upright.
It was also wearing down equipment. One day when we were minding our own business, we were interrupted by a loud TWANG! We climbed on deck to find that the turnbuckle for one of our stays had snapped. On most boats this would have been truly catastrophic, likely leading to a dismasting. Luckily for us, Wilson (the previous owner) had installed intermediate stays, meaning no one stay was responsible for holding up the mast. So we simply tacked, replaced the turnbuckle with with one from the spare parts stash in the bilge, and continued on our way. We sailed onward to
paradise with no further drama (well, OK, except for the torn staysail). We finally saw the island of Hiva Oa as the sun set. The first smell that greeted us was that of manure and animals, followed by straw, flowers and sap. The silhouette of the jungle-clad, mountainous island was outlined
with the beautiful stars of the Southern Hemisphere — and a moonbow!
Our passage from Puerto Vallarta to Hiva Oa took 36 days — by far the longest passage of our quest to get home to Australia, after buying our boat in San Diego.
— Severin 7/4/25
You
We started our adventure as fulltime cruisers by turning the "wrong way" out the Golden Gate and heading north from San Francisco to British
Columbia. Despite warnings that it would be a painful bash, we managed to have a great trip with lots of patience, problem solving, and incredible encounters with nature.
This journey has been brewing for years, with roots stretching back to Maddie's middle-school days sailing on Chesapeake Bay. When we met in college, her far-fetched dream of living on a boat seemed worlds away from Jeremy's Colorado mountain upbringing. But after spending our honeymoon on a weeklong liveaboard sailing course in the San Juan Islands, the ocean became part of our shared story. Nothing says romance like days spent mastering stern ties with a bunch of strangers, and nights in a cramped V-berth. The gorgeous sailing around emerald islands and misty mountains sealed the deal. The sailing school handed us a bottle of champagne with raised eyebrows, declaring that if we could survive this kind of honeymoon, our marriage was destined for success.
Six months later we were the proud owners of Tardigrade, our 1981 Tayana Vancouver 42. We fell for her rustic wooden interior and adventurous spirit, but honestly, the name didn't hurt either. Named for an indestructible microscopic creature resembling a cross between a grizzly bear and the Michellin Man, tardigrades can survive being boiled, frozen, and shot into space. We figured they'd be a forgiving mascot for our first boat.
Our original plan had us heading south with the Baja Ha-Ha in October 2024, but pneumonia landed Jeremy in the hospital during our final preparations. Instead of sailing our own boat to Mexico, we ended up crewing with Sally and Michael Aldridge aboard their Santa Cruz 52, Sweetheart. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise — learning the ropes without the pressure of captaining our own vessel gave us confidence we didn't know we needed. So much so that we decided to chart an entirely different course and head north instead.
The weeks before departure blurred together in a frenzy of marine supply runs, leak repairs, and stalking Craigslist for a used outboard. We said our farewells to San Francisco friends a half-dozen times, never quite sure if we'd be leaving tomorrow or waiting weeks for a weather window to open
up. It felt like saying goodbye to someone and then realizing you're walking in the same direction. But then the mo-
original plan
ment arrived, and we barely had time to process it before we were pulling away from the dock that had become our neighborhood in Berkeley and beating into classic 30-knot Slot winds toward Sausalito.
Passing under the Golden Gate had loomed in our minds for years as the real beginning of the voyage, and as the towering red span passed overhead with the roar of traffic and echoing waves, we tried to absorb that this was actually happening — we were living our dream. Our longtime housemate had biked out to wave us off from the bridge, a tiny speck shouting goodbyes into the howling wind. Unknown to us, he pedaled all the way to Point Bonita lighthouse for one final glimpse as we rounded the point and committed to the open ocean, the last witness of one chapter and the first of the next.
The first stretch tested us immediately with brutal headwinds approaching Point Reyes, but once we cleared the point, that same wind filled our closehauled sails and carried us north. As evening fell, we settled into our watch — three hours on, three hours off — keeping vigilant for other boats and crab pots. Everything went smoothly until the autopilot started slipping as the seas got rough, forcing Maddie to hand-steer while shouting Jeremy
awake. He stumbled into the rear compartment to wrestle with the coupling, getting soaked and straining his arm in the process. It was our first real taste of a lesson our friend Jesse had shared: This discomfort and difficulty is actually the point: It's how you know you're on a boat.
Dawn brought the approach to Fort Bragg, and despite Coast Guard confirmation that conditions were safe, watching waves explode against the rocky coastline on either side of the narrow entrance got our hearts racing as we approached our first-ever bar crossing. But Maddie threaded us through the channel under the highway 101 bridge, and suddenly we were gliding into the calm, green waters of the Noyo River. The sensory shift hit us immediately — after 24 hours of nothing but salt air, we were flooded with pine and eucalyptus scents, plus the warm smell of toast drifting from riverside restaurants. Harbor seals popped up to investigate as we passed, while chunky sea lions performed their breakfast rotations, barking and begging scraps from the fishing boats like oversized dogs.
The next two weeks were forecast to be basically one continuous gale outside our safe little harbor, so we settled in to wait. Everyone warns that waiting for weather windows is a torturous part of cruising, but the 13 days we ended up spending in Fort Bragg felt like exactly the deceleration we needed after five years of San Francisco's relentless pace. We kayaked the Noyo's quiet backwaters, ate some incredible fish and chips, took a train through redwoods to a forest bar, and volunteered at the local food bank. The forced pause let us actually settle into this new rhythm of life.
When our weather window finally opened, we were sad to leave Fort Bragg's magic behind, but excited to be back in open water making progress. The ocean rewarded us with hundreds of dolphins, churning up the water in a massive pod. We abandoned the helm to rush forward just as several peeled away to surf our bow wake, sending us into delighted laughter and misty-eyed gratitude at sharing such a magical moment together.
Upon arriving in Crescent City, Jeremy went up the mast to fix a tangled halyard and spotted a surf break down
the coast from his high vantage point. We hadn't read about surfing in Crescent City in any of our cruising guides, so it was an unexpected surprise. We put aside our to-do list and rented a board to spend the afternoon catching waves under pine-covered cliffs.
After our surf adventure we had to pay some taxes to the universe. While doing engine checks the next morning, Maddie discovered a pool of bright-red liquid in our bilge. After a stressed call with our mechanic, we realized it was
rain, and sloshing waves in near -zero visibility.
Our third night culminated at the Columbia River Bar, the notorious "Graveyard of the Pacific" where the massive river meets ocean swells. We'd planned to cross at slack tide, but after hundreds of miles of passage we failed to consider that this small blip on the chart would still take hours to traverse. What we'd imagined as a single dramatic moment stretched into hours of crawling upstream against strengthening current, watching our speed drop to less than walking pace despite our screaming engine. A call to the Coast Guard confirmed our fears — conditions would only get worse and the max ebb would have us going backward. We had no choice but to turn around and let the river spit us back out to sea. What followed was the most intense 10 minutes of our sailing lives, crashing through steep standing waves that built to 10 feet as the current accelerated us across the bar at over 12 knots.
Five hours later, the tide had tur ned and we motored back in easily, marveling at how the same stretch of water had transformed from terrifying to tranquil. After securing our lines in Astoria, we collapsed on the dock in our soggy foulies, finally letting the magnitude of making it to Washington sink in.
The final push to Neah Bay felt almost easy after our three-day Oregon marathon, helped considerably by our innovation of sitting on hot water bottles as makeshift seat warmers on watch. By Port Angeles, we realized we were done with the exhausting rhythm of three-hour sleep shifts. When we finally crossed the Strait of Juan de Fuca to our first San Juan Islands anchorage, we kept turning to each other in disbelief: "We actually did it!"
transmission fluid from a loose clamp. Jeremy sprinted a mile to buy replacement fluid, and we cleaned up the bilge, tightened the clamp, and were off for our longest passage yet — the entire Oregon Coast in one go!
The first day and night passed motoring into steep northerly waves,
fighting seasickness and anxiety about our freshly repaired transmission. But the second day brought the promised southerly winds, and we finally got to turn off that grinding engine and sail. The relief was short-lived, as those warm southerlies brought rain all night, leaving us soaked through our foulies. We huddled at the bottom of the companionway steps, watching our chartplotter and peeking up to scan for lights while listening to the unsettling symphony of creaking rigging, pattering
We're writing this from a peaceful anchorage on Pender Island in British Columbia, surrounded by piney air, bald eagles, and Canadian flags fluttering in the long summer sunset. We're proud of everything we accomplished to get here, while knowing how much we still have to learn and how many mistakes we're bound to make. This adventure is just beginning, and we can't wait to settle into whatever the cruising life brings next.
— Maddie 5/2/25
There was a significant error in July's Changes In Latitudes. In Richard Leland's excellent story about shipping his S&S yawl Fairwyn back from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest aboard a specialized yacht transport ship, we noted that the price was $2,100. In fact, the correct price was $21,000. The error was ours. We apologize to readers, Rick and Gayle Leland, and the shipping company, Allied Yacht Transportation.
Cruise Notes
• Brian Lattner and Lauren Hodsdon of the Camper & Nicholsons 35 Griffin set out from Seattle for points south in July 2022, visiting Canada and Mexico before taking part in the 2023 Puddle Jump. Although they had planned to land in Australia by November that year, plans changed when an early-season cyclone started developing. "Some models were calling it, while others weren't; then they'd all switch
in the following update," recalls Lauren. When they finally did match up — that the cyclone was happening — "We knew we weren't leaving Fiji that season." Plan B was booking a cyclone pit at Vuda Marina in Fiji. Thankfully, that cyclone didn't hit Fiji, but it did chase a few boats off Minerva Reef on its way to New Zealand. The silver lining was that "Putting Griffin in a cyclone pit turned out to be a gift. It gave us a whole extra season in Fiji, and we got to stop in Vanuatu and New Caledonia, places we weren't sure we'd have seen if we'd gone quickly last year."
Among Lauren's favorite moments last season were seeing the eruption of Mount Yasur in Vanuatu, and giving back to the local community. "We've experienced immense generosity all the way across the Pacific, from people welcoming us into their homes and sharing their beaches and coral reefs, to sending us off with armfuls of fresh fruit.
"When we got to Vanuatu, we finally had an opportunity to meaningfully give
back. In conversation with Sarah at the Volcano Park office, she told us the lake near her village was not potable due to ash falling from the volcano. We offered up water from our watermaker and set a time to meet her on the beach nearby. Brian took two dinghy loads full of water buckets from the beach and over the next few hours we cleaned and filled each one. Later we posted to our social
HAULOUT
• Marine Travelift 25 tons
TAHITI CUSTOMS POLICY
Foreign Flag vessels can stay on dry storage in our yard for up to 12 months out of 24.
• Marine railway 70 tons
• Storage in adjustable steel cradles
Raiatea Carenage will make sure paradise is everything you expected. Call, write, or sail in . . . we're here to serve you.
B.P. 1111 Uturoa Raiatea 98 735 Polynésie Française
Tel: (689) 40 600-545 ~ Fax: (689) 40 600-546 ~ VHF 68
• Fenced Yard
• Travelift 50T & Amphibious mobile trailer 50T
• Services of our tug for towing safety assistance and interventions
PAINTING
• Topsides, hull, bottom, varnish
• Brush, roller, spray
MECHANICAL WORK
• Inboard, outboard, diesel, gas
• All brands
REPAIRS
• Electrical repairs
• Refrigeration installation & repair
• Fiberglass & woodwork
• Welding, steel, stainless, aluminum
SAIL LOFT
• Sail repairs, biminis, dodgers, covers STORE
• International, Pettit, Epiglass, Devoe
• Spares
• Fill U.S. gas cylinders
DO-IT-YOURSELFERS WELCOME!
BoatUS Cooperating Marina
Web site: http://www.raiateacarenage.com ~ email: raiateacarenage@mail.pf
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media, hoping that other boats passing through Port Resolution might be able to do the same. If you're traveling that way and have some water to spare, ask for Sarah."
Lauren and Brian finally made it to Australia at the end of the season. At this writing, they and Griffin are settled for the winter in New Zealand — and already planning their next sailing adventure.
• Randy Repass and Sally-Christine Rodgers were on the go in the Sea of Cortez last fall, sailing their Santa Cruzbased Wylie 65 Convergence some 700 miles north as far as Isla Angel de la Guarda (off Bahia Los Angeles), then 700 back to Barra de Navidad.
"The stark isolation of its harsh volcanic landscapes. The abundance of dive-bombing pelicans, cor morants, and frigate birds, and the nights of endless stars were dreamlike," says SallyChristine. "But when the northerlies kicked in with steady 35+ knots — a sand-in-your-teeth kind of wind — we
Sally-Christine and Randy have been cruising 'Convergence' around the world since 2004. Designed by Tom Wylie, the boat features unstayed carbon masts and wishbone booms on both catboat-style masts.
were less enamored. We sheltered in Puerto San Juan at Bahia de Los Angeles where nights are serenaded by coyotes. At Santa Rosalia, founded in 1885 by the French mining Company Compagnie du Boléo, among the town's quaint balconied buildings, we found a bakery from 1901. Mulegé, with its palm-treed banks along the meandering Rio Mulegé, offered a respite from the desert terrain.
But it's the opportunity to be alone in places that Steinbeck penned as having "both wonder and hostility," that intrigued us. A highlight of the trip was Dia de los Muertos, traditionally celebrated on November 1-2.
Sally-Christine and Randy are currently enjoying another kind of tranquility at their place in Canada, sailing their Marshall catboat and enjoying nature.
This morning we were serenaded by oystercatchers, house wrens, robins, violet flycatchers, tohees and swallows, all under the watchful eye of ravens that frequent our cabin. Yesterday,
while kayaking, we watched the aerial dog-fight between two bald eagles. They were spiraling and diving as one chased the other out of its territory. I was privileged to watch a kingfisher teaching three young to dive for fish. It is magic here … and yes, we are sailing the Marshall Catboat at every opportunity."
• "The last time Latitude 38 checked in with us (in 2023), we were finishing up a second season in Fiji," writes Nancy Novak of the formerly Sausalitobased Oyster 385 Shindig. "Returning to a cruising ground for another season has always been special, as there are favorite places to revisit, as well as new places to explore."
From Fiji, Shindig sailed south to New Zealand, with extended visas and a plan to explore as much as possible this new playground. "New Zealand is full of wonderful surprises," says Nancy. "We spent five months in both the North and South islands, discovering the backroads as well as urban spots. Having friends from the Bay Area join
us on some of the adventures was an added bonus.
"The big news is we decided to sell Shindig It was something we always knew we would do eventually, but still a bit hard to firmly say, 'Yes, this is the time.'
After several weeks of heads-down work to get her ready, we signed up with a yacht brokerage in Auckland. The stars aligned as an enthusiastic local family with long-term cruising plans found her. We continue to remain in contact with them, as Captain Rob has an open 'technical hotline' to answer any questions — and there are many — that come up.
in Rob's man cave. We prefer to think of this period as 'in between boats.' One thought we have is to purchase a power boat and explore the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. We've also been enjoying a strategy of 'other people's boats', and recently were in the Sea of Cortez on friends' 50-ft Mickelson.
"So now, after 25 years of boat ownership, and three Shindigs, we are currently boatless — well, except for the 14-ft Laser suspended from the rafters
"While we wait to see how this next chapter writes itself, Rob is spending most days in his man cave with a growing list of projects to machine, weld, paint and polish. Nancy is enjoying her music groups as a cellist and pianist with chamber music, orchestras and symphony concerts. We continue our south-of-the-border journeys with annual trips to La Ventana to kiteboard, foil and generally enjoy the starkness of the desert with the sea."
More than 4,000 boats and 14,000 sailors have done the 750-mile cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Here are some of the main reasons. 1) It’s really, really fun. 2) Superb safety record. 3) You get a Ha-Ha backpack filled with swag at the Halloween costume kick-off party. 4) To a great extent there is safety and shared knowledge in numbers. 5) Daily roll call in ports, professional weather forecast, and net.
6) Six social events in which to make lifelong cruising friends. 7) You’ll be featured in the Ha-Ha bio book. 8) Experienced leadership. Collectively, the three event leaders have transited the Baja coast 100 times. 9) The fleet will able to check into Mexico at Bahia Santa Maria 10) It gives you compelling deadline to leave the dock. And Bonus Reason #11, most cited by past participants, all the new cruising friends you’ll make.
66’ GORBON 66 ’97
$425,000
Bajavento. A luxurious performance vessel that can easily be sailed shorthanded. Professionally maintained. Cruise in style and comfort.
46’ TAYANA 460 PILOTHOUSE ’02
$315,000
Peregrine. One owner boat custom-built for seller. She has sailed the South Pacific and is updated and ready for another extended cruise.
37’ ISLAND PACKET 370 ’08
$229,000 Pelican. Extensively upgraded, fully equipped, and maintained to the highest standards. Better than new and ready to go right now!
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10 FT AB 2013. Rigid Inflatable: fiberglass bottom, PVC tubes, bow storage locker, wood seat, seat storage bag, and oars. Good condition, tubes hold air perfectly with no leaks. 2013 Tohatsu 18 hp 2-stroke outboard with new (2025) fuel pump, water pump, ignition coil. Runs strong. 2021 18ft Karavan trailer, like new, in water fewer than five times. Dinghy and motor asking $1600. Trailer optional for $900. $2,500 OBO. Napa, CA sailsojourner@gmail.com (707) 8154749
11 FT HIGHFIELD CL340 2019. Aluminum hull rigid inflatable boat with 25 hp 2019 Yamaha outboard (Yamaha’s lightest). Lightweight aluminum hull plus lightweight motor equals the ability to pull one teenager on an inflatable tube while another one rides along with the adult operator. Less than 200 hrs operating time. Motor serviced spring 2024. Includes factory bench seat, OEM underbench storage bag, navigation light kit (for nighttime cruising), two propellers, tiller extension, oars, cover, foot pump. Price is for boat only. Trailer (new in 2021) can be included – add $1,000 ($5,500 for both). Currently located in San Rafael. Demonstration rides available to serious buyers. Delivery possible, depending on location and final sale price. Cash or wire transfer only. $4,500. San Rafael r.hughes199@gmail.com (206) 954-1805
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
12 FT SHELLBACK 2000. Wooden rowboat and Shaw & Tenney oars. New trailer. $5,000. Sausalito, CA kraussliz@gmail.com (415) 332-9103
10 FT HIGHFIELD CL310 2023. With FCT7 console. Aluminum hull, Hypalon tubes, 10-year warranty. Suzuki EFI 20hp 4-stroke EPA for all waterways. 81 hrs. 5-year warranty. 320 lbs total weight for boat and motor. Very comfortable, rugged, fuel efficient. Galvanized trailer, cover, many upgrades and extras. Remote start and hydraulic trim at throttle. Planes instantly and maintains plane at low speeds. $19,000 in receipts. Fantastic for exploring Bay, lakes and Delta. $9,600. Sausalito Redwood111@earthlink.net
18 FT OPEN 570 2006. Fast, compact sportboat, stable in both light and breezy conditions. Great for racing in active one design fleet, or just zooming around for FUN! In coveted endberth, with 2,5hp Tohatsu and trailer, ready to sail. . $12,500. Sausalito. swan100391@gmail.com
23 FT BENETEAU FIRST 235 1990. ‘Gitana’ is a joy to sail with friends or singlehanded. All lines led back to the helm, making sailing easy. 3 jibs, 2 mains, a drifter, asymmetric and symmetric sails let you fly in all conditions. The Garmin plotter/fishfinder lets you explore with confidence. 4hp outboard sips fuel when the wind fails to cooperate. Adventure awaits, accessible with a double-axle trailer. Go to the San Juans or Baja without the hassle of bashing. $10,000 OBO. Eureka, CA svshadowfax131@gmail.com (707) 2963165
23 FT BEAR CLASS SAILBOAT 1958. Last chance. Rescue a charming wooden Bear class sailboat. Worthy project. Combine two boats and gear, making a restored classic sailboat. The time is now or never for the historic surviving boat. Free! $1. Sonoma, CA dolfindetails@gmail.com (415) 3770894
YOUR
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23 FT BEAR BOAT 1946. Sail into San Francisco Bay history with ‘Renegade’, a classic Bear class wooden sloop. Recently professionally restored, she boasts North sails in excellent condition and is ready to sail as is or continue with further cosmetic restoration. ‘Renegade’ is perfect for racing or daysailing on the Bay and offers a rare chance to own a piece of maritime heritage. Offered to someone committed to preserving and enjoying this historic vessel. $3,500 OBO. Berkeley Marina hans@bearboats.com (415) 487-8676
18 FT TRIAK 2018. Triak with main and spinnaker. Been sailed once; long story! Always covered. Excellent condition. Comes with all sailing equipment and spray skirt. Travels on a customized trailer with mounts for everything. Have titles for trailer and vessel. When the wind blows it takes off like a rocket. $4,000 OBO. Livermore, CA fcoffield@icloud.com (925) 216-0227
15 FT SAGECAT 2017. Boat: drop keel, 220 lb bulb, full-batten main with two reefs, anchor gear, 2hp Yamaha outboard, fresh bottom paint, small but fairly comfortable accommodations. Trailer: Pacific single-axle, spare tire. Good boat for breezy Bay Area. Sharp sailer. I can deliver California, Oregon, Washington. $15,000. Novato, CA dnldcharles@gmail.com
30+ years, USCG 50-Ton Master Mariner Cptn Heinz, Sail Coach info@swissadventures.com www.SwissAdventures.com/coaching
No ocean too big, no trip too small, no ship too large, no mast too tall. Sail or power, we move them all! When you are ready give us a call. Professional Service • cappytom@aol.com • (206) 390-1596
23 FT RANGER 23 1976. Refit in 2021: Awlgrip hull and topside, Trinidad bottom paint. New standing rigging, tinted tempered glass ports, tricolor masthead lights, mainsail and tiller cover, quarter berth cushions. Equipment: 6 hp Nissan 4-stroke outboard, spinnaker and whisker poles, 2 anchors, 4 winches. Electronics: Knotmeter, depthsounder, compass, VHF radio, stereo. Sails: Jibs — 100, 125, 150. Spinnaker. Main. Additional photos and information available upon request. $12,000. Sausalito, CA rwilsonsf@gmail.com
23 FT BEAR BOAT 1938. Own a piece of San Francisco Bay sailing history! Classic 1938 Bear Boat #8 “‘Pola Bear’, the oldest Bear class boat still standing and sailing proud! New Pineapple main and jib. Fir planked, oak ribs, mahogany cockpit, lead keel, canvas deck. Full cushions. Hitachi 6 hp outboard. Full winter boat cover and spring/summer covers. Mast refinished. Hauled out each year for bottom paint and maintenance. She is simple, perfectly balanced, and sails smooth and quiet. Currently being sailed on Monterey Bay. $8,900 OBO. Moss Landing, CA steve@sequoiafoods.com (831) 2543229
24 FT J/24 1987. #4268 — ‘Little Wing’. Please don’t email me unless you are actually looking for a J/24 or similar one-design boat to race locally/regionally. Boat is in tip-top shape after getting ready for Worlds in Seattle last year, where she measured in perfectly and finished in 15th place overall. Fantastic trailer and Torqeedo sold separately. Contact for more info and inventory. Please let me know what sailing or racing you’ve done so I know you aren’t a scammer. $12,000. Richmond, CA robinvvwins@gmail.com https://tinyurl. com/22jyxatk
14 FT SKERRY 2018. Classic little double-ender by Chesapeake Light Craft. Balanced lug rig, offset tiller, kick-up rudder, daggerboard. Kit boat, assembled by woodworking pro. Gray outside, finished bright inside. Almost unused. Always garaged. Includes trailer. Google “Skerry” for reviews. A gorgeous little boat! Also available, 14-ft cedar strip canoe. $1,950 OBO. Oakland khelmgren@comcast.net (510) 2058876
27 FT CATALINA 1977. Great entry level sailboat. Newer North mainsail with cover. Newer North 100% jib. 9.9 Mercury long shaft outboard motor recently serviced, motor garaged in winter. Dodger, refurbished interior brightwork, dinette configuration, two-burner propane stove, Porta-Potti, epoxy bottom with blue bottom job, no blisters, tiller helm, anchor w/100-ft rode, owned for 30 years and well maintained. This is a solid sailboat for the price and ready to sail. Many extras included: life jackets, etc. $3,850 OBO. Berkeley Marina santanawindz@yahoo.com (510) 2196116
25 FT MERIT 1983. Well maintained. No bottom paint, dry sailed. Includes: Trailer, Yamaha 4 hp outboard motor. Two 150 genoas and sheets. One #2 genoa. Two mainsails, One good spinnaker, four fair spinnakers, Two spinnaker poles, spinnaker bags and sheets. Standing and running rigging in good condition, internalized halyards. $3,000. Merced, CA timharden2020@gmail.com (209) 6312264
(415) 497-9078
AMS • Serving the Bay Area Since 1980 Steve.Surveys.SF@gmail.com
Sailing Academy The Affordable Way to ASA ASA Basics to Ocean • Crew Intro to Cruising Prep (510) 535-1954 • www.afterguard.net
28 FT STUART KNOCKABOUT
CLASS 1995. Designed by L. Francis Herreshoff. Built by Eddy and Duff to a custom order. All teak rails, coamings, winch mounts, teak transom with gold leaf name, sailing hardware mounts, are high-gloss varnished. Professionally maintained. Shoal draft centerboard. Long seats inboard of cockpit coaming both sides of cockpit seat, four on each side. Boat in excellent condition. Traditional bronze hardware and winches. Two sets of sails, including working jib on self-tending boom, asymmetrical spinnaker with pole. Long shaft Torqeedo electric outboard, double-axle Triad trailer new in 2004. Many extras. Ready to sail. A simple, basic, easy boat to sail. Boat located on Cape Cod, MA. See Stuart Knockabout web sites for details, photos. $41,000. Cape Cod, MA Indigosailing52@gmail.com (773) 6989180
27 FT ANTRIM 27 2000. ‘Arch Angel’. Full complement of Quantum sails: 2 mains, 4 spinnakers (one.5 light air), 1 Code 0. 3.5 hp long shaft Mercury outboard. New epoxy bottom paint in 2023. New cockpit seats, nonskid in 2024. Double-axle trailer, newly painted in 2024. Tacktick solar electronic instrument, compass, start timer, depthsounder, speedo. V-berth cushions. Running backstays (not installed). $40,000. Richmond Yacht Club #111 bgriffsail3@gmail.com (775) 772-2428
25 FT CATALINA 250 WING KEEL 1997. Trailerable and rigged for easy singlehanding. Tiller steering with Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilot. Honda 9.9 outboard (regularly serviced; major service Sept. 2024). Hull cleaned three times a year — diver reports excellent paint condition (last painted Dec. 2022). Rudder re-glassed at the same time. Standing and running rigging replaced in 2021. Also in 2021: upgraded to two-battery system with switch and charge controller; lifelines replaced with bare steel wire. New VHF radio (Mar 2022). No trailer included. $10,000. Coyote Point, San Mateo john@jfbatlaw.com (650) 207-5267 https://tinyurl.com/bddwwfra
27 FT BALBOA 1978. Maxi — trailerable. Health forces sale. $7,000. Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond rtrouble@pacbell.net (775) 677-7503
25 FT OLSON 25 1984. Hull #45. Santa Cruz-built for NorCal conditions. Shipshape and race-ready! Former national champion. North racing sails, Pineapple cruising sails. B&G instruments, Suzuki 2.5 hp outboard. Nice and clean interior. . $11,500. Berkeley Marina. ancelnicholas@gmail.com (510) 4591337
27 FT H-BOAT 1980. A popular racing class in Europe with great sailing characteristics, this 1980 Artekno H-Boat 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 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
27.93 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
30 FT NONSUCH 30 CLASSIC 1983. One owner for 28 years. Very well maintained. Complete maintenance records available. Beautiful inside and out. $22,500. Alameda, CA rjmcpeek@aol.com (408) 981-8600
29 FT HUNTER 29.5 1997. Very nice 30FT cruiser up for sale by owner. In excellent condition, ideal for sailing in the Bay/along the coast. Brand new bottom paint done less than 3 weeks ago (late June). Brand new dodger windows just put on yesterday, with incredible new clarity! Equipped with Japanese bulletproof and reliable Yanmar 2GM20F diesel engine (2-cyl, 18HP, low 1310 engine hours). Recently installed Raymarine autopilot. Full winter cover set. Large cockpit, walk-through transom, and a swim platform for fun in summer. Marine head with a shower. Sleeping up to six people. Galley equipped with stove/microwave/refrigeration and ice chest — perfect for singlehanded. Compact and easily manageable, yet spacious enough and very capable cruiser. $34,000 OBO. Alameda, CA werwolf74@yahoo.com (541) 622-5174
30 FT CATALINA 30 MK 1 1981. Without question, the most upgraded, well maintained Catalina 30 on the market today. She is turnkey, ready to take you on your next adventure. Combined you are looking at over $45,000 in improvements. Take the best Catalina out there, add 30K of important repairs and upgrades, and here it is. Whether you plan to live aboard, daysail, or go coastal cruising, The ‘Fujin Fighter’ is the Catalina for you. $26,500. San Pedro, CA twebster7676@gmail.com (949) 4444773 https://tinyurl.com/38eyfzwu
30 FT OLSON 1980. Professional openstern conversion Micro-adjustable mainsheet, traveler, and backstay Bowsprit Excellent sail inventory Tohatsu 3.5 hp – like new Solid trailer with good tires Much more. Email for pictures $17,500. Richmond, CA Boardwalk Marina spaulwarren@gmail.com (916) 9192850
30 FT OLSON 30 1980. Hull# 88. Singleowner boat. Comes with trailer. Custom rig and fittings. Lots of sails. $12,000. Boardwalk Marina, Richmond, CA. bruce.heckman@comcast.net (510) 566-4780
31 FT DUFOUR 3800 1983. Inboard engine and rigging need immediate replacement. No known leaks. Sinks and water work. Electricity works, though battery may need replacing. Fiberglass monohull. Rigging: sloop. Keel: fin w/spade rudder. Racer/ cruiser. $9,000 OBO. Santa Cruz, CA natcarsten@yahoo.com
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. $3,500. Vallejo Marina adam.cox1234@gmail.com (805) 704-1946
30 FT NEW JAPAN YACHT VENT DE FETE SLOOP 1983. Boat has electric motor. The boat is $12,000. The slip is for sale for $45,000. It is a dockominium (Glen Cove Marina, in Vallejo). Single-handed from Japan. Good hull report. $12,000. Glen Cove Marina john@wadsworthassociates.com (925) 381-0481 https://tinyurl.com/2n6uutvu
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 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. Twentyone-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. $8,250. Richmond rgriffoul@sbcglobal.net (510) 290-0955
30 FT YANKEE ONE CLASSIC WOODEN RACING SLOOP 1949. Master 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.” Recently shown at the Master Mariner’s Wooden Boat Show at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. $49,900. Richmond, CA stefroche916@gmail.com
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 SANTANA 3030 GP 1984. Nelson Marek Santana 3030 GP. Fully optimized with seven recent winning seasons including SD CRA winner in 2022/2023. Competitive PHRF 120 and ORC. Upwind/downwind killer. Will outpoint most boats. Lightweight/well balanced. Eight sails 2020 or newer including: new membrane LG carbon #1 used only four times. Membrane carbon main and five kites (0.5, 0.6, and 0.75 oz. symmetricals and A2/A3). New carbon spinnaker pole and recent Harken self-tailers. Massive cockpit, great for racing/cruising. Voluminous interior with four berths. Aft berths are true doubles. New Jabsco head. Redone varnished floor. Excellently cared-for Yanmar 2GM20F with full maintenance report. New batteries. B&G Triton 2 instruments. Three-year-old sprayed racing bottom. No blisters. Cruisingready. $12,000 OBO. San Diego, CA michaelschrager@gmail.com (574) 850-6318
32 FT VALIANT 1977. ‘Bettie Page’. Solid offshore cruiser. Newly painted, clean inside and out, Westerbeke diesel low hrs serviced 2024, new battery bank. Electric windlass, custom upgrades, fireplace, stainless ports. Blistered but dry, built like a tank. Owned since 1980. $33,000 OBO. Sausalito, CA pfvalles@yahoo.com (415) 812-7563
33 FT SWIFT 33 1983. Huge cockpit, dinghy and motor on davits. Seven bronze ports. CPT autopilot, electric windlass, beautifully varnished, original Volvo diesel with saildrive. Roomy V-berth, Headroom 6.4 ft. Solar stored in lithium batteries. $25,000. Barra de Navidad, MX lukejtornatzky@gmail.com (509) 8618180
32 FT DOUGLAS 1977. Extremely updated 32-ft full keel sailboat, designed by Ted Brewer. Over 20K in recent upgrades make this boat a sound choice. Custom StackPack, new mast wiring, engine panel controls, V-berth mattress. Epoxy barrier coated, replaced compression post and tabernacle, replaced gudgeon pins in keel foot, new SS dorades, all opening SS portlights with screens, dodger and bimini, loose-foot main and genoa and spinnaker, standing rigging replaced, Harken traveler, running rigging excellent condition, Pelagic autopilot, grounding plate, 4 new thru hulls. So much value in this boat that has been tried and tested on the Sea of Cortez. Reach out for additional information. $24,500 OBO. San Carlos, Sonora, MX altairishgirl@gmail.com (801) 550-7108
35 FT THOMAS COLVIN SAUGEEN WITCH 1976. ‘SweetWitch’: An aluminum schooner from Greenwich Yachts, B.C. A Yanmar 2GM20F propels her 5.5-ton displacement. 4.5-ft draft. We lived aboard 5 years cruising from Canada to Mexico. 2-burner stove with oven, refrigerator, cabin heater, 100 gal water, head, inverter charger, autopilot. Bowsprit adds 7 feet overall but can be removed to reduce moorage cost. $39,000 OBO. Charleston (Coos Bay), OR svsweetwitch@hotmail.com (541) 551-1325
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 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) 6503333
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. $15,000. Berkeley, CA ems323@gmail.com 925-899-1546
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 415-7452292
35 FT FANTASIA 35 MK LL 1979. In very good condition and ready to go. Most all systems upgraded including standing rigging and lifelines. Abovedeck 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. Ten-inch 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/ypssa9ue
33 FT CAL 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
36.5 FT PEARSON KETCH 1977. Cruised Mexico-S.F. Bay. Has B&G plotter, radar, dinghy davits, full dodger, batteries, solar, windlass, roller furler. Excellent small cruising boat. Westerbeke 4-108 ran great. Needs new front oil seal before it will run again. $6,000 (831) 334-1161
36 FT CUSTOM WILEY CUTTER 1978. Sail into history on ‘Wild Spirit’, Tom Wylie’s first cruising boat. She’s carried her owners over 135,000 miles — Mexico, Pacific crossings, Japan. Three no-expense-spared refits and continual upgrades ensure she’s Bristol and fully cruise-ready. $65,000. Puerto Escondido, Baja California Sur, MX svwildspirit78@gmail.com 7074849486 http://www.svwildspirit.com
36 FT CATALINA 36 1985. In good condition. 25 hp Universal diesel, integrated Garmin chartplotter, autopilot, AIS, depthsounder and wind instrument, Raymarine radar, Adler Barbour 12V marine refrigerator, 3-burner marine stove, microwave, inverter. $29,500. Pillar Point Harbor hermann.diederich@gmail.com (650) 454-0614
38 FT ALAJUELA 38 1976. ‘Saito’ is a cutter rig that has improved with age under the loving care of her knowledgeable previous owners. This bluewater cruiser is a true ocean voyager with a sweeping full keel for sea-kindliness, speed at sea, and comfortable accommodation. The Alajuela 38 is known for quality engineering and a solid build to take you anywhere in comfort with timeless and unpretentious styling. Volvo Penta D2-55 diesel (55 hp). Fuel tanks: diesel, 48 gal FRP tank integral w/hull, new fuel gauge; plus 9 gal aluminum day tank for diesel heater or reserve for engine. Fuel economy: 0.80 gallons/hour at 2,000 rpm. Dickinson Antarctic diesel heater. Water tanks: 50 gal and 40 gal stainless steel. $68,000 OBO, Trade. Moss Landing, CA mike.sack@sanctuarycruises.com (831) 239-5504
36 FT CATALINA 36 1983. ‘Heartstring’ is a beautiful boat and ready to sail. We have owned her for ~five years and have sailed her or spent the weekend on her almost weekly. She has sailed on short “cruise outs” with the Berkeley Yacht Club to places like Petaluma, Benicia, and San Francisco. She is very spacious and comfortable below as well, with all the storage space and amenities needed for any length of stay or even as a liveaboard. We now need to sell her as we have moved on to another boat. See our listing on Craigslist for more pictures and details. $25,000. Berkeley Marina twnkzbroth@gmail.com (916) 201-1860
38 FT CATALINA 38 1980. Spend your summer on a strong, capable, well maintained, and well built sailboat currently located in Emeryville. S&S-designed, beautiful lines and often regarded as the best boat Catalina ever made. Bottom painted six months ago. Engine runs perfectly. Has a fridge, inverter, new chartplotter, newish batteries, recently upgraded wiring, upgraded mast step and a recent survey. Marvelous sailing qualities and an extremely well respected design. $18,000. Emeryville ryanharperadvertising@gmail.com
36 FT J/36 1982. Great racer/cruiser. 2021 Quantum Fusion M mainsail, #3 jib, and genoa like new. Raced one season. Forespar carbon spinnakar pole. B&G Zeus 3 chartplotter, radio with cordless hand unit. 2015 upgraded Yanmar 30 hp diesel with 400 hrs. Beam 11.75 ft, draft 6.6 ft. $30,000. Pt. Richmond, CA kmwino@gmail.com (707) 287-6397
38 FT CABO RICO 1979. Cutter rig. Full keel. The good: New 2023 Yanmar engine 55hp 70hrs, folding prop, shaft, cutlass bearing, water heater. Rigging, mainsail, roller furling jib, staysail, Harken roller furling, B&G dome radar, windlass. And more. The bad: Deck needs work, paint and water intrusion, cosmetic work interior. $69,000. Sausalito juancarloscolorado@gmail.com (707) 338-2999
38 FT ERICSON 38-200 1989. ‘Sea Dancer’ — Bruce King classic, cruising equipped. Sloop rigged, wing keel (5-ft draft). Universal diesel, solar, Victron, lithium, Balmar, Avon RIB, davits, power windlass, great ground tackle, more. Late-2023 survey $50K. $50,000 OBO. San Carlos, MX gazaboo@yahoo.com (808) 494-6173
38 FT COMFORT 38 1983. SV ‘Martha Rose’, ketch rig, fiberglass Coastal cruiser. Ed Monk design, one owner, 1994 6B Cummins, 3700 hrs., 1000-mile range, 2010 4-blade Variprop feathering propellor, 2021 Garmin radar/fish finder, Furuno fish finder, Raymarine autopilot, Dickinson Pacific stove, Spectra Watermaker Ventura 150, Two staterooms, one head w/bathtub, 8-ft custom skiff, Suzuki 6hp 4-stroke outboard, 2 Solar panels 3 amps each, interior & exterior videos available. $80,000. Columbia River, WA skamokawapete2014@gmail.com
36 FT CATALINA 36 1993. Tall rig, walkthrough transom and boarding ladder. Universal M-35 diesel with only 600 hrs!! Electric windlass, Max Prop feathering prop. Main,135 genoa, asymmetrical spinnaker with sock all in great condition. Six two-speed self-tailing winches, rigid vang. All electronics replaced in 2023, Two new D4 deep cycle batteries. Hot/ cold pressure water, lead fin keel, interior is in excellent condition, purchaser will be entitled to 1 year slip rental in Santa Cruz Harbor $55,000. Santa Cruz Harbor Mtthomas@comcast.net (925) 783-4010
39 FT CAL 40 1964. Legendary Cal 40, built in 1964 and beautifully maintained, groundbreaking performance and timeless lines, is waiting for new adventures. This particular boat has been cared for by an owner who appreciates her pedigree and has invested in key upgrades like new sails, new electronics, autopilot and more. $80,000 0B0. Richmond Yacht Club odilehines@gmail.com (415) 963-2160
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) 6503333
36 FT CASCADE 1977. Bluewaterready 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 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. $45,000 capnernie1@aol.com https://tinyurl.com/ ynxxcca2
39 FT FREYA 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
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
39 FT CAL 39-2 1977. ‘Sea Star’ is for sale. A strong race boat suitable for San Francisco Bay conditions. Winner of many local races and well known on the bay, see webpage for details. $38,000 OBO. Stockton, CA bob@bobwalden.com https://tinyurl. com/Buyseastar
44 FT FREEDOM 44 1984. Built in 1984 by Tillotson Pearson in Newport, RI, this stable, easy-to-handle openocean cruiser is a rare gem designed by Garry Hoyt and Ted Hood. Known for comfort and solid performance, only a few dozen were made. ‘Coyote’ is clean, operable, and ready for local adventures. While fully sailable, she truly shines in the hands of a dedicated owner ready to invest time and care. A sought-after classic for knowledgeable sailors. $40,000. Alameda, CA rosebutterfield@gmail.com https:// tinyurl.com/497buv4c
40 FT CONCEPT 40 1982. Very well maintained tall rig sloop. LOA 40 ft, beam 12 ft 8 in, draft 6 ft 6 in. Threeblade feathering prop. Full-batten main, lazy jacks, 130 genny, spinnaker, storm sail. Two staterooms, head, 11-gal water heater, navigation station. U-shape galley w/oven and large, efficient reefer/ freezer (Frigoboat with keel cooler). Lots of storage. Radar, Autohelm. Espar furnace. 200W solar panels. Outboard engine hoist Contact Michael Gordon. $50,000. Anacortes, WA mjgordon51@gmail.com (303) 7263448
40 FT OLSON 40 1982. Estate sale with clear title — looking to sell, so if interested make an offer. Price not most important as other stuff going on. Completely refit the boat top to bottom in 2022. Sails well but set up to cruise. Turnkey and ready to go. Dad sailed it down the coast and was set to take it up the Sea of Cortez when he passed. See URL for full listing. $50,000 OBO. La Paz, MX oliverkell16@gmail.com (978) 846-1614 https://tinyurl.com/ypur3zp3
49 FT SAMSON C-DEUCE KETCH
2012. ‘Dancing Dolphin’ was built by Howard White and many expert craftsmen over a span of 40 years. Equipped with a 371 GMC diesel with a new transmission. She was built for cruising. Regular haulouts have been in Santa Cruz. Handling is easy with bow thrusters and new cutlass bearing. Rigging done by John Hansen, Pacific Rigging and Electronics by Beckman Marine. Spacious interior, beautiful finishes, large work space and storage. Looking for a buyer to live out our dreams. $100,000. Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay howardandkathywhite@gmail.com (650) 728-3149
50 FT HUDSON FORCE 50 1978. Center cockpit. Ford Lehman 80hp, approx 4200 hrs. Lower teak decks removed. Sails fair. $64,000. Berkeley Tcparfitt@yahoo.com (707) 861-2954
41 FT CATALINA 42 MK I 1992. A two-time Mexico vet with numerous upgrades in excellent condition. She is ready to do this year’s Ha-Ha or anything else you want to do. If you’re looking for a great cruising boat this is the one you want. $94,000. San Pedro, CA cat42destiny@gmx.com (510) 8725506
47 FT SWAN 1980. Mega deal! Time to downsize. ‘Bones VIII’ has been around the world twice and is ready for a third lap. All the gear and the spares you can imagine. New dodgers, chartplotters, radar, etc. Bottom job in 2024, rebuilt transmission, ready to go anywhere. Time to downsize and let go of the dream. This could be the dream of the century. $96,000. Stockton Sailing Club john.mm.green@gmail.com (209) 4798100
40 FT ENDEAVOUR 40 1983. In excellent condition. The boat is in a slip at Marina Real in San Carlos, Sonora, MX. My wife and I have owned the boat for 10 years. The engine is a 2005 Yanmar 4JH4E 54hp with 1649 hrs. The included inflatable is a 2011 hard-bottom 10.4-ft Achilles with a 15hp Yamaha 2 cycle outboard. The Doyle mainsail was purchased new about 6 years ago. See URL for 200 pics I dumped into my AMZ photos. Equipment: See listing url pictures with previous pictures of Yacht world listing from 10 years ago. Most of the listed equipment is still with the boat. Payment by US bank to bank transfer only. No cash or check. $58,000. San Carlos, MX rode7runner@yahoo.com (520) 4012352 https://tinyurl.com/32twna5z
40 FT JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 40 2003. ‘Stardust’ is now on the market due to the health of the owner. The first owner had her for 20 years and outfitted her for bluewater adventures: Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. His preparation and modifications were thoughtful and professionally executed. I have owned her since March 2023 and sailed her around the Salish Sea and in club racing on Wednesdays. She is in excellent condition, has superior handling characteristics, is both weatherly and relatively fast, easily singlehanded, can sleep 7, and is warm and comfortable below — the best all-around boat one can imagine. $135,000. Tacoma, WA dstromquist@comcast.net (360) 606-9043
46 FT KELLY PETERSON 1982. This classic cruising yacht design offers solid construction, incredible seaworthiness, comfort, roominess, and speed. The KP46 is a legend for good reason! Beautiful solid teak interior cabinetry and cabin sole in excellent condition. Luxurious interior with spacious forward and aft cabins. Dinette to starboard with beautiful teak table, convertible to another bunk. Bench seat (sea berth) to port. Nav table. Spacious galley. Two heads. Diesel furnace. The hard dodger and cockpit curtains guard from the weather underway, and provide an all-weather lounge area at anchor. This boat has been continually maintained and upgraded with the intent of cruising. This is a great boat, and we are selling only because we are moving to Asia. $120,000. Ventura, CA bjohnson93401@gmail.com (805) 550-1421
47 FT WYLIECAT 48 2000. If you like to sail fast without working hard; if you like to sail without waiting for a crew to show up; if you prefer to avoid “white-knuckle” stressful sailing; if you don’t want to worry about shrouds, stays, rigging; if you think simple is safe; if you don’t want to duck the boom; if you don’t want to spend $400K+ on a new one, then this is the boat for you!!! Well maintained and cared-for, ‘Ahava’ is for sale, or is it sail? $130,000. San Francisco Marina mksabra@aol.com (415) 320-2233 https://tinyurl.com/bdhxxk5p
42 FT VAN DE STADT REBEL 42 1977. English-built boat, sailed across the Atlantic shorthanded with no problems. Great sea boat. New standing rigging and lifelines 2024, Perkins 4.108 diesel with BorgWarner V-drive, regularly maintained, works great. New slab-reefing mainsail 2022 and six foresails. In great sailing condition, needs modern electronics. Electric Lofrans windlass and self-tailing 44 Lewmar cockpit winches. Hydraulic steering with wheel. Recent lead acid batteries. Gimbaled gas cooker with oven. Manual and electric bilge pumps. $30,000. Channel Islands Harbor, CA philip.vaughan@gmail.com (626) 4758522
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 double-spreader 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. $379,000. Redwood City, CA sail.legacy@gmail.com (415) 572-0891 https://svlegacy.net
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) 2352527 http://guapasailboat.com
46 FT CAL 246 1974. Legendary Cal 246 refit complete, health issues force sale! All-new ST winches, Raymarine electronics, 12V Isotherm fridge/freezer, Victron inverter, BBQ, AGM batteries — three 200Ah house and 90Ah starter. Rigging, two 300W solar panels. paint, thru-hulls, engine gone through completely by mechanic. Alternators rebuilt, dinghy. 15hp Yamaha, fuel tanks replaced, Furuno chartplotter/ radar, Robertson autopilot, electric windlass, 350 ft chain, roller furling, lazy jacks, Walk-in engine room, bowsprit, davits, boom gallows, huge cockpit, many spares and extras; sails are in good condition. 120 fuel, 400 water. Email for more info and pics $45,000. Marina Seca, San Carlos, MX bobonparadise@hotmail.com (702) 768-5793 WhatsApp
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
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
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 voyageready. $63,900. Port Hadlock, WA ketchdebonair@gmail.com https:// tinyurl.com/2s36wtce
47 FT TED CARPENTIER LIDO SHIPYARD 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
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/
52 FT BENETEAU 52.3 2006. Owner’s version. Buy in Mexico and save broker commission and sales tax. Start your cruise with fat pockets. Title and funds transfer in the US. Located in Barra de Navidad. $250,000. Barra de Navidad, MX (360) 317-4722
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. $49,500. Sierra Point Marina, Brisbane, CA richardsalvini@yahoo.com (650) 996-4215
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
36 FT HERRESHOFF NEREIA KETCH
1953. ‘Patience,’ a classic yacht, is for sale: authentic L. Francis Herreshoffdesigned ketch. Built by Chaulker and White at Wilmington Boat Works in Wilmington, CA, in 1953, ‘Patience’ is as close to the original design and specifications as you will find in a Nereia of any age, with combination of sawn and laminated oak frames, silicon bronze-fastened Port Orford cedar planking. External ballast is 12,000 lbs of poured lead. Solid teak decks. Spars are hollow square Sitka spruce. All of the original hardware is included in the sale. ‘Patience’ is not currently seaworthy, but probably 80% of the way toward completion. For viewing, complete inventory list and/ or current photographs, please contact me. $39,995. San Francisco Bay ed@marinhomeinspector.com (415) 328-4540
32 FT FRIENDSHIP SLOOP 1947. Built by Paul Luke in Boothbay, ME. Well found, excellent shape; longleaf yellow pine on oak. Teak decks. Sails: main, staysail, jib and drifter. All gear and 11-ft Achilles incl. Sails like a dream. $19,000. Ventura, CA peterwoodboats@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
46 FT FELLOWS & STEWART YAWL 1931. ‘Cheerio II’, 1931 46-ft yawl, formerly owned by actor Errol Flynn. Three-time winner of her class in the Newport to Ensenada Race; first to finish in the 2024 McNish Classic Yacht Race; winner of “Best Represented Theme” in the 2025 Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. Google “Cheerio II” for photos, videos, and articles about the boat, a SoCal classic! Recent survey available. $100,000 OBO. Channel Islands Harbor jmcnish@earthlink.net (510) 846-4178 https://tinyurl.com/2bsw8djr
33 FT ECO TRAILERABLE TRAWLER 2014. All aluminum full-displacement trawler w/8-ft beam, 21-in draft, two 50 hp outboards, No thru-hulls. Rooftop air, autopilot, radar, etc. Galley, compost head, anchor on drum winch, 2 forward bunks, dual helm chairs, self-draining cockpit. Aluminum 3-axle trailer, can be legally trailered w/o permits. USCG documented. 7,000 lbs. Made in USA, launched in 2022, low hrs, well maintained, freshwater use only. $154,000. Sylmar, CA Kwagniere65@gmail.com (818) 482-5309
19 FT WELLCRAFT CENTER CONSOLE & SLIP 1995. 1995 Wellcraft Center Console plus 30-ft Marina Green slip. Clean, solid hull. 2017 Yamaha 115 engine $30,000. Marina Green, San Francisco tbaeder@gmail.com
SABRE 38 IN DOWNTOWN SAUSALITO. Seeking a sailing partner for this classic performance cruiser. Newer engine, rigging and instruments. Galley, head, shower, and comfortable v-berth. If you like to sail the bay and mess around with boats, let’s talk. $500. Sausalito joedvardsson@gmail.com
SAUSALITO PARTNERSHIP CAL 39 MKII. Established partnership seeking new equity partners to sail our classic yacht on a turnkey basis. All maintenance tasks handled by local manager. Prime Sausalito slip. $500/mo each covers all costs after modest buy-in. macdonaldtom4@gmail.com (916) 529-6582
DEHLER 34 RACER-CRUISER. $300 monthly plus semiannual boat maintenance fee. No-equity partnership — 35-ft Dutch-built racercruiser sailboat (Dehler 34 Optima 101 1986), tiller, all-teak interior, nearnew standing and running rigging, recent haulout, Yanmar (1900+ hrs). Boat buyout option available. Locals only. $300. SF South Beach Harbor valtaft@gmail.com (650) 670-5300
1985 C&C 33. Seeking a third partner to share ownership of 1985 C&C 33 (Mk II) racer-cruiser. Expenses and maintenance responsibilities are to be split equally among the three coowners. Located at the Richmond Yacht Club. The boat sleeps 3–4 people and features a compact galley with teak interior accents. Comes with a spinnaker and inflatable dinghy. Yanmar 2GM engine. Newly painted bottom. The buy-in for a 1/3 share is $6,800. Monthly slip fee is approximately $150 per owner. Please contact this email if you are interested. $6,800. Richmond velo1200@proton.me
J/120 PARTNERSHIP AT SOUTH BEACH. Great opportunity to own a 1/2 interest in a fast/fun race boat that is also a comfortable cruiser. Alchera has won the single-handed Transpac 2x and is set up for shorthanded racing, fully crewed racing, and just a fun cruiser. Sails include new Code 0, new #3, Main, #1, twin-pole #2, Asym Spinnakers, etc. Water-maker, SSB w/Pactor, etc. Too much to list. The boat is berthed on B dock close to the gangway in South Beach Harbor, San Francisco. 1/2 Share for $25000 plus 1/2 of expenses. Call for details. Will entertain non-equity partnerships as well. $25,000. South Beach Harbor jeff@hpinvestmentsinc.com (415) 8676488
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
31 FT CORSAIR F31RS 2001. Ian Farrier-designed, built by Corsair Marine in Chula Vista, CA. Lightweight aft-cockpit R model — 3925 lbs. Rotating aluminum mast with synthetic cap shrouds. Lazy jacks. 9.8 hp Tohatsu outboard. Masthead VHF. Aluminum trailer. $85,000. Alameda, CA todd_olsen@comcast.net (510) 4275328 https://tinyurl.com/2eyx3582
31 FT CORSAIR F31 1996. The F-31 remains one of the most influential production folding trimarans ever created, beloved for its fast yet accessible sailing experience. $72,955. San Francisco/Brisbane mevered@gmail.com (415) 745-0384 http://www.corsairf31.com
28 FT CORSAIR F28R 1997. Sail ready. This boat is fast and fun. Lots of upgrades, equipment list for details available on request. Carbon fiber mainsail, 42-ft carbon fiber rotating mast. New Harken roller furling and Quantum jib. Make offer; motivated seller. Fresno/ Huntington Lake $40,000. Fresno, CA / Huntington Lake CA after, June 2 2025 DIrwin@djicpainc.com (559) 349-0362
SAIL TO SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND. Looking for adventurous crew for unique sailing opportunity. Check out website for information. Six-week wildlife/sailing adventure: FalklandsSG-Falklands scheduled for Oct/Nov 2026. All costs shared. Not a bougie cruise but a once-in-a-lifetime shared experience! South Georgia Island mail@sailing-south-expeditions.com https://tinyurl.com/23mvvvjt
FRUIT FARM IN PANAMA. 4.5+ acre farm. One-hour drive from the city in spectacular area famous for its abundant pure water and deep soil. Different sources of water including public, year-round river with freshwater prawns and fish, spring, cisterns, pump room with 50 GPM well, paved road, fenced, roads inside, titled, ready to build (like neighbors’ exquisite hacienda), water company or tourist attraction. Property has old flowering trees, panoramic vistas and over 200 trees. 50 different varieties of tropical fruits, including, mango, avocado, coffee, cacao, water apples, custard apple, soursop, many types of citrus, breadfruit, banana, star apple, nance, coconut, tamarind. Wildlife galore. Photos and videos on request. $170,000. Capira, Panama jamesahudson@protonmail.com (831) 706-4614
FIJI: WATERFRONT FREEHOLD PROPERTY. The perfect Fiji resort-hotel investment or a place to build your dream escape. This 19-acre freehold property near Labasa on Vanua Levu offers unbeatable value, natural beauty, and development potential. Adjacent to existing eco-resort! $220,000. Labasa, Fiji framegreg@gmail.com (415) 405-6384 https://tinyurl.com/49mket4d
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 866835-0500 https://tinyurl.com/43475rkj
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
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) 740-0263
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. Dockominium-run marina in Emeryville. emerycove.com. Brandnew docks, aluminum with Ipe wood deck, brand-new restrooms, beautiful grounds and just dredged. Great location center of S.F. Bay. Emeryville, CA studio6161@icloud.com http://www. emerycove.com
REDWOOD CITY MARINA SLIPS
AVAILABLE. Slips 30′-75′ at great rates! Amenities: parking, bathrooms, laundry, pump-out, 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
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 www.YummiesMexico.com.mx
MARINE MECHANIC POSITION. Come join a professional marine engineering team at the Red and White Fleet. We are looking for an experienced diesel mechanic and/or skilled welder who shares our commitment to safety and quality. This is a full-time position, compensated at $76,000 to $94,000 per year depending on experience and skillset and includes the following benefits: Fully covered healthcare premium — health, dental, and vision. 401(k) with matching. Vacation, (2 weeks years 1 and 2, 3 weeks years 3, 4, and 5, and 4 weeks years 6 and on). Nine holidays. Paid sick time. Employee discount. Professional development assistance. And a great work atmosphere. Please email or visit our website for more info. San Francisco jburgard@redandwhite.com (415) 3412785 https://www.redandwhite.com
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 https://tinyurl.com/y7b2587w
WORK IN LAKE TAHOE! Looking for a captain for a 55-ft catamaran in beautiful Lake Tahoe, providing daily sailing cruises, great work environment. Must have a masters with sailing endorsement. Seasonal job, from mid-May through mid-October. Pay DOE. Lake Tahoe mary@awsincline.com (530) 448-3130 https://awsincline.com/
MARINE CANVAS INSTALLER POSITION. Part or full time. Compass Canvas is hiring a marine canvas installer to join our team in Richmond, CA. This role offers competitive pay and the opportunity to work on quality marine projects. Requirements: 2+ years experience in the marine industry; detail-oriented and reliable a must; experience with canvas installation is a plus. If you’re experienced, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now by sending your résumé to David. Point Richmond david@compass-canvas.com (415) 299-3415 http://compass-canvas.com
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
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/
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/
DOCKSIDE MANAGER PIER 45 SAN FRANCISCO. Responsible for the overall management of staff and operations at Pier 45, including the USS ‘Pampanito’ as a museum and memorial to the Submarine Service of the US Navy. Exempt 32 hours/week. (From time to time, may be required to work weekends, holidays, and graveyard/swing shifts.) See full job description at URL. San Francisco careers@maritime.org (415) 561-6662 https://tinyurl.com/yc8xbusr
LATITUDE 38 RACING EDITOR. Latitude 38 is seeking a part-time Racing Editor. The ideal candidate is a passionate Bay Area sailor with current racing experience and strong writing and editorial skills. You are an active racer, attend regattas, talk tactics, and know the difference between the leeward mark and a lee shore. You’re also a skilled communicator— able to tell the story of the local and international racing with accuracy and fun. You enjoy connecting with racers, clubs, PROs, and crews from all backgrounds and fleets. You’re organized, self-motivated, meet deadlines, and can file clean copy with tight deadlines. This freelance position is perfect for someone who wants to stay closely involved in the Bay Area sailing community while helping Latitude 38 continue its long tradition of covering California racers and racing. You’ll work with our editorial team to shape each issue’s racing coverage and contribute to both the print magazine and ’Lectronic Latitude. If you love racing and love writing, we’d love to hear from you. Read more about us here: www.latitude38.com. Email John with RACING EDITOR in the subject line. This is a freelance/work from home role. SF Bay Area. John@ latitude38.com
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 five-minute 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
Alameda Marina / Pacific Shops Inc. 28 www.alamedamarina.net
Annapolis Sailboat Show................. 13 www.annapolisboatshows.com
Antioch Marina ............................... 65 www.antiochca.gov/antioch-marina
ATN ............................................... 31 www.atninc.com
Baja Ha-Ha Rally ............................ 84 www.baja-haha.com
Baja Ha-Ha Sponsor Page .......... 52,53 www.latitude38.com/headingsouth
Berkeley Marina ............................. 24 www.berkeley-marina.com
Berkeley Marine Center 26 www.berkeleymarine.com
Boat Yard at Grand Marina, The ..... 23 www.boatyardgm.com
Brisbane Marina ............................. 57 www.brisbaneca.org/marina
NORTH EASY FURLING GENNAKER. Used just once. Includes Harken Reflex head and tack swivels, but you will need a flat deck furler. Luff 43.6 ft; leech 39.1 ft; foot 24.8 ft. SMG 22.1 ft, area 800 sq ft. Paid $4,000. $2,000. Pt. Richmond nikasdad47@gmail.com (916) 217-0222 Watermaker Spectra Ventura 200T. 2019 used 1 season in Mexico, $8560 total purchase price new. 8.3 gph warm water model. Analog controls, 10 amp energy draw @ 12V, Can run off solar. Z±ION system protection. Extra filters, chemicals, repair kit, All manuals $4,900. Monterey, CA danagrnmt@aol.com (831) 402-9169
LATITUDE 38 T-SHIRTS & HATS. Official Latitude 38 gear! Nautically fashionable T-shirts, hats and caps perfect for sailing San Francisco Bay. T-shirts, tank tops, long-sleeve shirts, and hats available in multiple colors. Free shipping on orders over $60use code FREE$60. Perfect for Bay Area sailors who know that “We Go Where the Wind Blows.” Order online at latitude38store.com. San Francisco Bay Area store@latitude38.com latitude38store.com/
Cruising Yachts 97 www.cruisingyachts.net
Denison Yachting ............................ 99 www.denisonyachtsales.com
DeWitt Studio ................................. 61 www.jimdewitt.com
Division of Boating & Waterways ..... 35 www.dbw.ca.gov
Downwind Marine .......................... 18 www.downwindmarine.com
Emery Cove Yacht Harbor 37 www.emerycove.com
Ensenada Cruiseport Village ............ 33 www.marina.hutchisonportsecv.com
Fisheries Supply Co. ........................ 64 www.fisheriessupply.com
Gianola Canvas Products ................ 96 www.gianolacanvas.com
Marina ..................................
www.grandmarina.com
ANCHOR WITH ROPE/CHAIN RODE. 35 lb Britany anchor (similar to Danforth) with 25-ft 5/16-in G3 galvanized chain and 180 ft 1-in three-strand nylon rope rode. Suitable for boats up to 40 ft. New/like-new condition. $725 value. Free local delivery! $325. North Bay anchorforsale@icloud.com 7075822253
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) 532-9831
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
List Marine Enterprises 30 www.listmarine.com
Marchal Sailmakers ........................ 21 www.marchalsailmakers.com
Marina de La Paz ........................... 51 www.marinadelapaz.com
Marina El Cid 51 www.elcid.com
Modern Sailing School & Club ......... 26 www.modernsailing.com
Moorings ......................................... 3 www.moorings.com
NAOS Yachts ................................. 83 www.naosyachts.com
Napa Valley Marina ....................... 20 www.napavalleymarina.com
Outboard Motor Shop .................... 32 www.outboardmotorshop.com
Port of Redwood City ...................... 31 www.redwoodcityport.com
Powerstride Battery ......................... 34 www.powerstridebattery.com
Quantum Pacific 74 www.quantum.com
Raiatea Carenage Services .............. 82 www.raiateacarenage.com
Remoran Hydrogenerators / Sustainability Maine, LLC ........................... 51 www.sustainabilitymaine.com
Richard Boland Yacht Sales ............. 98 www.richardbolandyachts.com
Richardson Bay Marina 27 www.richardsonbaymarina.com
Rubicon Yachts....................... 5,6,7,8,9 www.rubiconyachts.com
Sailrite Kits ..................................... 19 www.sailrite.com
San Francisco on the Bay 65 www.sfonthebay.com/list-38
Sausalito Boat Show ....................... 10 www.sausalitoboatshow.com Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors/SAMS
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
