Pura Vida Tales

Farallones Whale Cruise 2012

melissa — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:05:25 +0000

On Saturday morning March 10th, well before the sun was ready to rise, 10 groups of brave and fearless crews gathered at their boats to cast off for the Farallon Islands. The agenda was to spend some time out in the open ocean, get a close-up view of SE Farallon Island and hopefully have some good sightings of whales. The day was a success on all accounts.

Aboard Pura Vida we had our neighbors Richard and Jude, Ed, Kim and Madrone. The alarm was set for a shocking time of 4:30am. Because people were due to start arriving at 5:15, I could only really get one good snooze in…. Soon, the water was boiling for coffee and bags were being shuffled down the companionway. Everyone was super excited – as it’s never often enough to get ocean time. And today was sounding like a nice easy day.

Matey did end up joining us…though we wavered on bringing her because as she gets older, she likes visitors less and less…..throw in an ocean swell which she hasn’t experienced in a few months and she can get stressed. Fortunately though today was looking easy enough, so we were confident she could deal. Only slightly later than our planned 5:30am departure, we were pulling out of the slip. Due to the tide also dropping, the penalty of running late wasn’t one we were willing to pay.

After clearing the breakwater as the sun was rising we feasted on bagels and cream cheese while chatting away watching the birds come alive on the Bay and the edge of the thaw of the predawn chill start to greet us.

Passage out the Gate and radio check-in was pretty uneventful. Our trusty captain had corralled us to a smooth ride with the tail end of the EBB. Spirits were high as we adjusted to the changing motion from the flat plains of the Bay water to the rolling hills of the Ocean swells Mother nature had in store for us today. About 20 miles out we saw our first spouts. This renews the energy of the sleepy Pura Vida crew and we then again started keeping our eyes peered out for whales.

For a while a few of us were frolicking on the bow like we were in warmer water. Normally it’s far to rough to risk the drenching of the cold water to actually ride the bow….but dressed in foul weather gear, the risk was low and only needed a keen attention to raise you feet before they dipped into the water. The sea was refreshingly calm with nice rollers. As we approached the islands, cameras came out and our captain brought us in for a close roundabout.

He was hoping the Margarita Bar and Taco stand *** was still in business on the West side, but alas it had closed. But even without the break, our crew was enchanted enough with the rugged stark coastline of these islands. The crashing waves teemed with bird life and flashes of teal blue as the ocean water crashed along it’s first shore in about 3000 miles.

We had a great time sailing (even if it was motor-sailing), through the fleet and taking scenic shots of our friends, when a few hundred feet away, we saw a spout – to soon be followed by two more as 3 whales decided to frolic nearby offering photo ops for nice back and fluke views as they slowly meandered in the fertile waters of the Farallone Islands. As we brought the engine back to an idle, we drifted and silence fell across the boat as we enjoyed the moment – to be soon followed by ooohs and ahhhhs…. The whales had our complete attention. Though I am certain our captain ensured our safety as he always seems to do. I was certain our crew was having a good time – but with the help of the whales, it was hard for that to not to be the case.

Fortunately – I had the camera around my neck so was in prime position to document our luck.

As the whales meandered along their way, we started motor-sailing again and continued on our way home.

As we entered the foggy Bay, the breeze slowly picked up so that we had a nice sail home – well, from Angel Island to home

Melissa, Greg and Matey

*** For those not aware – there is no and has never been a margarita bar and taco stand on the Farallones. It’s far to rough. And the Farallones are a strictly enforced wildlife sanctuary and basically a big rock – so no where good to anchor, much less build a dock and taco bar – which is why it’s a local joke. If you doubt, we will gladly share Greg’s story about his night at anchor at the Farallones – over a drink of course

Half Moon Bay Labor Day 2011

melissa — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:54:04 +0000

This past Labor Day weekend we sailed to Half Moon Bay with A contingent of fellow BYCers. But to start the adventure off – let’s take in a little Matey-tude….

Because every adventure centers around our little girl (whether we like it or not ).

Friday was a vacation day for the both of us and departing wasn’t vacation-like – we were slipping out of the marina by 8am. The entire trip was a motorsail (with an emphasis on the motor). It was just the Davids gang on the way down and beyond a minor atercation about who had dibbs on the nap down below, was uneventful. I called it first by the way, so I was snoozing on the setee (or basically, our couch).

After arriving, we scoped out the spot Galatea chose to anchor, then snagged some recently price increased fuel and dropped anchor just off Galatea. Wholeheartedly we stood our ground while the fishing boats of HMB stalked our spot as we fueled up. One thing about sailboats is they hardley ever have fuel gauges so it’s a slow guessing game of 10 more gallons, then run down and stick a wooden dowel to see how close you are to the top of the tank….very high tech …

Our little girl is very focused on the sea lions at the entrance buoy….

The afternoon (we arrived around 1ish) and evening were spent lazing around, pumping up the dinghy and meandering around for Matey to get a little stetch in her legs.

We saw this great example of the extremes of boat owners…

Just in case you forget what we look like – a self portrait…

Matey enjoying her dinghy ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhSG5jBtAdo

This guy was quite beautiful and trusting. But he did get a little nervous as I did approach ever too closely with my point and shoot.

Friday, before dinner, we had a little get together aboard Pura Vida:

Saturday we lazed around in the morning (my favorite weekend activity)….then maybe walked around some more and started waiting for the rest of the BYC gang to arrive.

Love this boat and want to meet the owner to interview for a job…because I WANT TO GO TO HIS MEETINGS!!!!! What a fantastic little fishing boat. Greg and I often talk about picking up a little fishing boat like this…then we remember about maintenance and come to our senses…

Catherine and Doug of Galatea….

I love the working harbor-ishness of HMB…. I really enjoy this harbor….

So, in the afternoon, people started to arrive. Our Friend Mike was singlehanding in on his first solo sailing out the Gate adventure. As and added feature, the sailing gods decided to add an engine malfunction to his adventure (Mother Nature can be soooo Coool like that)….. that meant he was coming in under sail..though he was able to motor when he got close – he had alot on his mind. I tend to get nervous and picky when people raft up – about fenders out and at the right height…so to avoid stress, I arranged with Margeaux (who was already tied next to us) for extra fenders….well – as you can see – it wasn’t necessary. Not only was Mike sailing in without an engine, he had lined his boat with fenders all at the proper height…he is so awesome!.

After everyone arrived Saturday, we went out for a dinner – of 33 people at Mezza Luna….yummy! Then Sunday – After a loungy morning (well, I went for a run and Matey and Greg walked and socialized in the marina), we had everyone over for a raft up and games.

Trial run – Instead of walking over from the marina, packed up the boat and brought her into the raft.

The gang poses before eating…

After eats, we played a Blind Man Dinghy race which previous cruises have done and it’s been a lot of fun.

Above are the race photos. We won my a decent margin, but we were last to go and have done it before. Also, Greg is really good at doing what I tell him to do

We had such a great time, we almost missed the club’s activities Sunday night…. But we managed to drag ourselves there for a little more food, drink, music and bonfire…

Monday, we were joined early in the morning by Mike, Joanne and Lia for the trip back up the coast. Mostly it was basically a motoring trip till the passing under the Gate where the wind machine picked up and we had a fantastic sail back to Berkeley.

Video of the great sail back:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRtauB8z0xk

We’re headed to Bodega Bay this weekend…

Melissa

Vi’s Photos from this weekend

melissa — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:01:08 +0000

OK, We’re back from Half Moon Bay. I haven’t gotten around to organizing our photos, but I wanted to share Vi’s from the trip. She’s professional photographer and joined on Trial Run – a Passport 40 also in the BYC. She has a very impressive eye and I always enjoy seeing the art she comes up with.

http://vbottarophoto.blogspot.com/2011/09/half-moon-bay.html

Enjoy and mine are coming soon… Actually they better, we’re planning a trip to Bodega Bay in just under two weeks…

Later, M

Gotta Love 4 day weekends

melissa — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:23:08 +0000

Report – but this will work better than the previous posting. And I’m super psyched wordbooker is working.. and I wanted to see it work again….Yeah!!!!

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I’m just about bursting with excitement. Our Half Moon Bay Cruise is this weekend and I just can’t wait to be out the Gate…I would say with no land in sight, but the only way that’s going to happen is if there is fog…and I’m certainly not hoping for fog. Pray for the sun…today and tomorrow are forecasted at 71 degrees in HMB…so odds are good it’ll be better than last year. But the bar was so low last year…it was super cold and windy and Greg was working till 10:30pm every day. He sailed down there so that he could commute from there with the hopes a bunch of cruisers would stay up till 11 when he got in for a drink…which mostly happened…but most of the fun was over by the time he got there. But this year – he’s not working and it’s not looking to be windy….which isn’t exactly good for sailing, but is good for hanging at anchor rafted up with a bunch of friends. So I’l take that. Done. let’s go.

But, I have a few photos to share from the past month or two or so….highlights… Greg and I have been taking full advantage of his weekends off and sailing, sailing, sailing. It’s been fun.

Sherry and John

This couple who has been running the BYC Open Mics and the First Sunday Jazz and are also good friends…have relatives in Austin who just adopted the cutest little girl. this is them..

David, Erika and Alex

They were great to have aboard… here’s Alex in action..

She was even gybing with a strong following wind and she did great. For you nonsailors, it is something that takes a steady and focused hand and flirts with danger…bad things could happen if not done right

OF course I need to include that Kim – my Austin flavored friend came along….

After that spectacular day..or before…can’t really remember what came first and don’t really care to try On another trip, we sailed to Petaluma for a music festival. Here are some highlights:

A tug with the Richmond bridge behind him.

After entering the channel with Windarra (a sistership) behind us. They are now heading south on their second cruise. you can read about their adventures here: http://svwindarra.blogspot.com/

Windarra coming around the bend on the Petaluma river

OK – these two I can’t take photo credit for, Greg is the photographer… but I did the post processing, though admittedly, I had high quality to work with (like the way I sneak in to get some credit for this?)… I just thought they were really beautiful shots and really captured the uniqueness of sailing up the Petaluma river.

Below are a couple of videos from the music festival. The first is the real time painter or something like that. He painted to the music when it overcame him and he was sometimes more fun to watch that the actual band. The second is of a Capoeira performance that broke out during a Brazilian band set. It was amazing to watch. I know the video is long at just under 2 minutes, but keep at it – the dancers get better and better as the video goes on…

Live Painter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-JgzmeVco

Capoeira: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0cb1CTr2XM

Our next adventure brings us all the way to Oakland..which doesn’t seem all that exciting, but is in the traffic sense…but first off was a light-ish sail.

Then here are various pics after lunch and on our return out the estuary. We got held up by a container ship docking – which was fascinating for me because that links together my personal and professional life. Though also fascinating for everyone else because….well, it’s just pretty spectacular. Especially from about 100 feet away.

That about catches you up with our sailing adventures. Not much you are missing about us….except Matey’s front right leg seems to be bothering her these days…we’re about to take her to Dr Mattu to check her out. She can still play ball, she just pays a price and can’t jog with me..which she misses…or maybe this is her excuse to be able to gracefully sleep in…hmmm, hadn’t thought of that. Maybe it’s true what I thought 7 years ago when we adopted her, she really is smarter than me?????

Our furry friend

melissa — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:01:23 +0000

About 8 years ago, Matey met one of her first friends through her dogwalker, Miriam. Gus is one of the sweetest dogs and although he and Matey took some time to develop their bond – they did and I’ll always appreciate his sensitive thoughtful presence. Gus was Miriam’s lucky doggie who got to live with a dogwalker and Matey would often hang out at their house on the crowded days when he wasn’t romping at the park with his mom, doggie sister Marina and his other pack of furry friends.

Tomorrow we will say goodbye to our friend Gus. Although we don’t see him anymore since his move with his family to the East Coast. He is still special in our heart and we will miss him.

1pm EST – We will be thinking about him and will be with him and his family in spirit as he crosses the rainbow bridge.

We love you, Gus and wish we can give you a neck nuzzle personally. But Miriam and John – please pass this on for us…

~Love, Melissa Greg and Matey

Let’s go on a river cruise……

melissa — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:35:57 +0000

Over memorial weekend, we decided to join the other BYC cruisers head up to Petaluma for what we hoped would be warm sunny river fun and relaxation. The weather had other plans….It’s been really wonky in California this year….here we are in June with a stormy day to face. But memorial weekend also had a rainy day mixed into it. But we rolled and it didn’t affect our visit.

Due to currents we needed to leave the slip by 7am and that we did. Kevin and Renee Murray joined us for the trip. We motored to just North of the Richmond Bridge where we were about to pull out some sail and turn off the engine. This lasted for a while as we threaded our way up the channel through San Pablo Bay, but shortly we rolled up the jib to motor sail up the actual river (which, by the way, is not an actual river). It’s always amazing to sail along the farmlands and vineyards.

As we entered the river we first had to deal with a nail biting moment when we passed under the fixed highway bridge. Pura Vida’s mast is 63′ tall above the water. By the time you add in the attenna, lights and wind sensor at the top, it is mor like 64′+. The published height of this bridge is 70′ MHHW. I think the drama speaks for itself. Here is a link to a video as we passed under it coming back down the river on Sunday: http://youtu.be/gFUKd01HllM

Heading up the river

Just meandering and enjoying the scenery

drive the boat and chat...but scratch my butt while you're at it.........

We even got to see “Greg’s Buoy” where he got to spend the night high and dry after cutting the corner to try to win a race some years back.

Greg's Buoy

Ahhh...the smells....can't beat the smells.......

the D Street Bridge. the guy who designed this also designed the Golden Gate Bridge...learned that on the tour

When we got into the basin, there were already about 30 boats so we decided to tie up toward the outer docks. Besides adding in some local flavor, these were much quieter.

Peaceful

We had a nice walkabout town with Kevin and Renee and then returned to hang at the boat. Too soon, they had to head back home to take care of their furkids. Afterward, Greg and I downloaded some walking tours of the town for the next day and turned in early.

LOVE the green worm!

What a face~

Saturday was the big day for BYC boats to show up, since we knew we wanted to leave early we ended up side tying with a trimaran as to not get ourselves too deep into the raft. Sharon and Tom were one of the first to show up and quickly side tied to us. Then we all headed off for our walking tour of Petaluma. I think we only made it about 2/3 of the way before we ducked in for lunch at a yummy Thai place and the rain started. Having gotten our fill of touring, we headed back to the boat to see the show of people coming in and docking. It can be pretty entertaining. As long as everyone understands, it’s a rotating show and everyone will get their turn at entertaining the anchorage/docking area – no one is immune :-) only fate knows who is next on the show.

By the time late afternoon rolled around, the show was almost over and the gang headed to the library where an Apollo astronaut was speaking and answering questions. We were only able to catch the tail end of it….but wish we could have heard his whole talk.

OH – Sat we discovered 24 hour fitness (where Greg and I belong) has a club right on the water complete with an outdoor hot tub that overlooks the basin….ahhh….can you say.YES……. Lovely….. oh, we know this only because we were rewarded for getting up earl on Saturday and working out. It’s a very nice club if any of you make it out there.

Sat night we had dinner at Volpi’s an old Speakeasy and Italian Restaurant which they have worked to save the look and feel of. So it even had the bar in the back – a must see …. http://www.yelp.com/biz/volpis-ristorante-and-bar-petaluma

After dinner we strolled to Lala’s creamery (http://www.lalascreamery.com/) for a quart of vanilla to go with Tom’s hommade rubarb pie……yummies were had aboard Pura Vida that night……

Sunday, not too early we headed out of the raft for our bridge opening to ride the currents back home. We were gifted favorable winds so our beating fears were unfounded. We actually had a pretty amazing sail up until about the Brothers, then it shut off and we motored home.

This is the Brothers -- or Brother...since you can't see the other.....

Another fabulous weekend….. I love cruising weekends – they make me happy

Finally home...the GG viewed through Raccoon Straight

Flashback….Whale watching to the Farallons

melissa — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 15:32:48 +0000

Way back at the end of March Greg and I led a cruise of 8 BYC boats out to the Farallon Islands to hopefully see some whales. We did this last year as part of a cruise organized by a Sausalito club….but thought since we were starting up the monthly day cruises for BYC, this would make a perfect adventurous addition to our schedule. We, on Pura Vida were only gifted a spout – but others did see actual whale blubber – fortunately not in their rigging, but in the ocean where it belongs .

I took photos, but we also had along Vi Bottaro who is an amazing professional photographer from the Napa Valley. My photos can’t compare with hers, so please follow this link to her blog post about our very long day:

http://vbottarophoto.blogspot.com/2011/03/byc-cruise-to-farallon-islands.html

And if you are into photography – especially boating or water related subjects, I highly recommend backing out to her main blog and subscribing. Her photos are really amazing.

Below is Greg’s Write-up for the Now Hear this….I thought it captured the day perfectly (along with Vi’s photos)…..

Farallones Whale Watching Cruise Report

On Sunday morning March 27^th, well before the sun was ready to rise, 8 groups of brave and fearless crews gathered at their boats to cast off for the Farallon Islands. The agenda was to hopefully see some whales, get a close-up view of the Islands and have a fun romp in the big ocean. Even though NOAA was predicting some possibly stomach challenging seas, the following boats found the draw of adventure too strong to stay in their slips any longer: Pura Vida (Melissa & Greg Davids), Maggie (Dave Douglas), Bliss (Jolanda DeBoer & Tod Flak), Margaux (Sharon & Patrick Hind-Smith), Roxanne (Mike Mitchell), Charisma (Bob Johnson) and Mona Too (David Halaby). With us in spirit, but thwarted at the last moment with engine issues, was also Knot Studying (Lindsey Goosherst & Mike Dvorak). All of these boats were ably crewed by a list of sailors too long for this article – 38 sailors total.

After motor-sailing to a couple miles west of Point Bonita, a nice southerly breeze kicked in which allowed us to fetch SE Farallon on a close hauled port tack. This reporter found the sea state to be much nicer than feared from the forecast, though many of the larger rollers would still hide the view of other boats behind walls of water. It is rumored that a few crew members from various boats were so anxious to attract whales that they decided to see if chumming worked as well for gray whales as it does for sharks. Results from this test appear to indicate that sacrificing one’s breakfast does not result in a greater likelihood of attracting cetaceans. While we feel comfortable with accepting these findings, we have no doubt that future scientifically curious sailors will do their part to broaden the sample size of this research.

Actual whale sightings were relatively few and far between, but most everyone saw at least a few blows. There were also some reports of viewing the actual backs of close-by diving grays and one crew member on Maggie witnessed a breach. Most all of the boats completed a circumnavigation of SE Farallon and were able to enjoy the impressive views of big waves crashing on the shore of this very jagged bit of rock 26 nautical miles straight out from the Golden Gate.

We would like to give a big special thanks to BYC member, and marine biologist, Carol Keiper for an enthusiastic talk she gave to all of us at a crew meeting the Friday before. Carol imparted quite a bit of interesting information on gray whales and the Farallon Islands. While Carol was not able to sail out there with us, she nonetheless stood witness to our fleet circling the island as she was leading her own professional whale watching cruise from a chartered fishing boat.

The sail back to Berkeley was quite the fun romp. Winds picked up a bit to the 15 to 20 knot range on a starboard beam reach. All boats experienced some nice surfing on the ocean waves. A bit of drizzle on the return did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Upon their return, many of the crews gathered back at BYC for Sunday “Linner”, a cold beer (or wine) and traded stories. Good times.

FLashback….Drakes Bay.

melissa — Mon, 30 May 2011 21:11:41 +0000

Flashback a couple of weeks….

Thursday after working late, stopping by Berkeley Bowl for some dinner/weekend ingredients and hitting the gym for a hard
workout, I returned home to start readying Pura Vida for a little romp up to Drake’s Bay (Pt Reyes). Alcatraz Cruises is
in between their schedule changes (winter to summer), so where it seems Greg is fitting into the totem pole, he is on a
wacky schedule and sometimes gets a weekend day or whole weekend off. This weekend he gets Friday through Sunday. So
we’re taking advantage and heading off for a weekend of cruising adventures.

Matey Ready for action

I hold my breath every time he does this

Gourmet lunch underway

We are in the midst of it, sitting at anchor in Drake’s. Which means no internet, cell phone service, no pandora, no texting. But we do get to play with the HF radio and tune into the Mexico nets. This morning we got to hear
Don Anderson of Summer Passage give his weather report. Gee I miss his “flavor”…he’s such a great character and source
of entertainment and knowledge.
So, backing up, we woke early Friday – around 6am. But really I woke, Greg didn’t sleep. He’s so like a kid before
Christmas. He was so excited to get out on an ocean adventure, he was up all night doing whatever he does and by 6am I was
woken by the smell of Bacon. Gotta love waking up like that!
By 7:30am we were heading out the marina. Fortunately there was a little wind, so we sailed most of the way out and on
into Drake’s. I probably spent a little more time than I should have on email… I do enjoy the team
I used to work with.. I won’t dwell, but it was my old boss’ last day. He was an inspirational force with the group I
worked with and lets just leave it at I’m pretty sure things are going to change.
But fortunately AT&T knew what was really best for me and around 2ish – cut me off for good. Before then, we had a lively
current shuttling us out the Gate which kept things interesting. Just beyond Potato Patch things flattened out nicely and
we were moving along in about 15-20 knts of wind. Much more than we were expecting. Though, we weren’t really expecting the
mogules of crab pots we had to weave around. Every time we saw them we regretted not packing along our crab trap to pick
up some dinner once we got anchored.
We made it in around 3ish. After a “meeting of the minds” with our roller furler (who is trying to get itself bumped up
the list to be replaced before the windlass)….Greg’s mind surpassed the furler and we proceeded to tidy up Pura Vida who was now
resting at anchor.
I had been fearing the cold, but after digging out my long johns and snuggly boots…and lighting the lantern – it wasn’t
that bad. We had a nice grilled steak, asparagus, wild rice and Sharon’s Kale Salad. Add in tunes, a margarita for Greg
and wine for me….it was just about a perfect evening.

Dinner

Saturday morning brought another yummy breakfast by Greg and a lazy morning listening to the Amigo Net then reading while
gently rocking away. It looks like both today and tomorrow will be a light upwind sail back home. Yep, upwind both
ways….luckily Pura Vida makes that easy. We had planned on staying until tomorrow, but there is a BYC day Cruise raft up
tomorrow that we think we want to attend.

I Know, another Matey photo...but she's just so darn cute and salty

Taken as we were leaving, but this is where we were anchored

Family photo underway

Heading back to the Gate

Relaxing back at home

OK – Now flash forward to present day. Sorry about that – that’s what happens when I start a blog post and don’t
finish…. We did end up returning Saturday and then Sunday joining in on the raft up at Aquatic Park. It was a lot of
fun – though it did get a little windier than we would have liked, we held and all had a good time.
After this weekend, our plan was to replace our windlass with a brand spanking new one. We’ve purchased it and Greg is
finishing up the install – hopefully to be done by next weekend. Since we’re planning to spend Memorial Weekend in
Petaluma (as long as Greg gets the weekend off), we really need to have it completed before we go.
Greg can’t wait for the first elevator ride up the mast :-)
So some additional news, this past weekend, we ran across a good deal for a heater, which is on our “list”….so after the
windlass install, Pura Vida should be sporting a new forced air diesel heater…..that’ll make night at anchor a lot more
cozy….. well, it’ll probably make some days at anchor more cozy as well…

OK, flash forward again…. we did spend Memorial weekend in Petaluma – well kinda, we returned Sunday. The windlass is installed and Greg got his elevator ride…. OK – on to finding photos and getting this published….

Canvas Repair

melissa — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:13:15 +0000

This weekend we noticed Pura Vida’s main cover was ripped. I say we noticed, but that sounds like were were observant or diligent….Really this seam that came undone was about as obvious as whacking us on the head. It was at the top of the cover and about 2 feet long. So not addressing it wasn’t really an option. Fortunately a few years ago, a neighbor gave us an old sewing machine she was getting rid of. It’s a home machine, but an old metal one of ages ago. I’ve done a few things with it and tested it on layers of sunbrella so believe it’s up to the task.

Today was the day. Greg was working, so I dug out the machine, set up the sail loft in the salon and gave it a go. Sadly I haven’t gotten around to buying UV thread, so my household thread will have to do for now. I used 3 lines – so maybe we’ll get a little time out of it.

Now after a few more blog maintenance issues…. Matey and I will get our yaya’s taken care of. Then it should be about time for Greg to get home. Photos from the cruise this weekend will be coming….

Day Cruise and a first timer poking their nose out the Gate

melissa — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:11:49 +0000

This past weekend was the club’s day cruise out to Presidio Yacht Club for a Burger with the best view and coziest bar in the Bay (organized by our good friends Lindsey and Mike). Our Friends Mike and Joanne were up for taking out their boat Quattro Mari – and believe it or not, their schedules even allowed for the trip – after Mike rearranged a trip to Italy so he could have a couple of days at home.

I should mention, the reason Pura Vida wasn’t joining in on the fun is because she was getting a little minor surgery by having her new windlass installed. So instead of going over with Mike and Lindsey, we headed over on QM.

There were a total of 6 boats all meeting outside of the breakwater in Berkeley at noon (or was it 11, I have no idea). Then we left en mass out to beat our way to Horseshoe cove at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Fortunately the wind was a moderate 10-15 kts the whole day. It was smooth sailing (so cliche’) all the way. Joanne made chocolate dipped fruit (was that why she was running so late ). IT was very decadent…. and really civilized……most un-Berkeley-like…..

As we closed in on the cove, Mike coordinated the boats via the radio – three got the dockspace, the other three would anchor with one of the boats on the dock ferrying everyone in….. We anchored, then awaited our ferryboat ride.

Todd and the rest of the crew came to ferry us and we were surely the sight with about 14 people hanging onto the boat as we pulled into the dock…. we even had to shufle ourselves around so that we weren’t all leaning over on the same side.

With all of the Berkeleyites tidied up, we mosied on up the dock to the club for a refreshing drink of choice and nibbly for lunch. The bartender was pretty decent after getting over the shock of his dream of a lazy Sunday afternoon being dashed.

In typical Presidio YC fashion, we relaxed and enjoyed the view and a yummy burger and cold beer….before leaving we snapped a group photo, then everyone made their way back to the boats and started their trip home.

Since Mike and Joanne are still fairly new to sailing, this is furthest trip that they have been on and neither had been outside the Gate, so because the weather was being so cooperative, we decided to head on out and tick that milestone off their list.

For Greg and I, it was thrilling and a fantastic reminder of just how special this place is. It’s always nice to share sailing on the Bay and milestones such as sailing under the Gate with someone experiencing it for the first time. It’s sad, but we sometimes forget how special it is…. Joanne and Mike – thank you so much for reminding us and letting us share with you such a milestone. Your joy was refreshing!!!

Well, after getting our fill of ocean swells, we turned around for some gybing back to Berkeley. I forgot to mention, while we were having lunch, our Grey sky turned sunny……the sun held for just about the whole trip back with a little interesting cloud formations threatening to rain on us, but not following through, but only making for good views.

A pretty great day. Greg and I then spent the evening having a light dinner and watching the movie “Never Let Me Go”……