The Traveling Sailsman - Adam Helms

America's Cup 34!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:10:00 +0000

I have a common complaint... that 99% of sailing videos just plain suck. Granted, sailing is a difficult sport to film in an exciting way. For example, the excitement on board a boat with the wind and the spray in your face is subjectively quite different; when compared to the point of view of a man watching that same boat from the shore, where the boat hardly seems to move. However, now that the powers that be have decided to continue using multihulls in the next America's Cup, we can rejoice that sailing will continue to improve as a spectator sport.

Sorry stodgy traditionalist, but watching monohulls is boring. For sailing to actually end up on your TV again it needs excitement. It needs fast multihulls. "But what about the tactics and I skill of yachting found only in monohull racing," you may ask? Well tactics-shmactics... I want the future...I want speed...I want giant 70 ft plus futuristic multihull behemoths! Thank the sailing gods for the endless ego of Larry Ellison. He is exactly what this sport sailing needs; a kick in the ass.

So when I found this new video released by the folks putting together the next America's Cup here in San Francisco, I was thrilled. Sure, it is not realistic...the wind is blowing the wrong direction..the boats are going like 50 knts... but who cares? Just like the BMW Oracle footage from the last America's cup... this video got me excited about the future of sailing. So let's all be thankful that it's a great time to be a sailing fan.

Been a long time....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:48:00 +0000

It turns out it has been awhile since I have written anything new on here. Pretty sad when the last thing I have written was about a race I ended up not taking part in. I guess with the wet chilly Spring we had here in the Bay there was that much sailing going on for me. Other then a couple of Wednesday night beer can races at Oakland Yacht Club, the San Francisco Nood Regatta was the only big race I've done lately.

Overall the NOOD was somewhat fun but really was not my type of event. It is the type of race that requires an expert attention to detail in following "the rules of sailing." It really felt like a we were trying to race a monohull type of race with multihulls. This is not to knock one or the other; each has their own type of style of racing. Doing an upwind downwind kind of a course on a multi is just kind of dull. For example, close quarters tactics are far less important then getting the boat going as fast as possible. Anyways, not really my cup of tea, but to each their own I guess. Some good "tour" style races are coming soon which should be fun.

In general, just looking forward to going out for a sail or two this coming month. We have been working on an old Erickson. Having started sailing on multihulls, it will be fun to try messing around with a monohull for a while. I do not see any conversion in my future, but variety is the spice of life.

Double Handed Farallons Race

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:41:00 +0000

This April my father and I will be taking part in the Double Handed Farallons Race. We had planned on doing the race on our Sprint 750, but after some deliberation decided that might be too wild of a ride for us. The Farallons race is one of the most dangerous races here in the Bay Area. Quite a few local racers have lost their lives over the years doing this race so I do not plan on taking things lightly.

Back in the late 90's my father flipped his F-31 trimaran over in the Frarallons Race. He was in the water for only a few minutes, and nearly died. I guess that is why this race has always kept me wary of participating in it. Hopefully, after this race is over, I will feel more comfortable about it. With my luck it will probably be a calm day with no wind at all, and this concern of mine will probably look silly in hindsight. Then again... I may just end up as shark bait. We'll see I guess.

Three Bridge Fiasco

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:15:00 +0000

This Saturday I will be sailing with my father on the our Corsair 750 Sprint in the Three Bridge Fiasco race. Over the years I have heard that this is one of the most wild races that goes on here all year. What makes it so unique is that you can cross starting line from either direction. Then you must round the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and the San Rafael Bridge; the order you round them is up you.

The weather should be wet and windy; with the run off in the Bay complicating the tidal conditions. Overall I am really looking forward to this race, and hope to have pictures up this weekend.

Cool Sailing Video

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:05:00 +0000

I loved this video when I saw it yesterday, but I had to change the music. No offense to the original creator of this. I just thought such an awesome sailing video needed a less distracting soundtrack than disco Euro Pop.

Mt. Whitney in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:51:00 +0000

So as I was checking out my Facebook page this morning I came across a posting by my friend Raul. It read simply,"2010 Goal - Summit Mt. Whitney." Now, I'm not one to believe in signs or omens...much, but I found it odd that only a week ago I had the same thought come to mind. Not sure why or how it came in to my mind. I do not even like climbing mountains, yet it seemed like a great reason to get in shape. Also, I need a challenge...a big challenge. Tomorrow I'm going to start working out again. If all things go well, I should summit Mt. Whitney with Raul sometimes between next August and October. I'll keep you posted...

Where I Would Like to Visit in my Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:03:00 +0000

For a long time I have always enjoyed traveling to new places. Often thoughts of new experiences and places to visit come to mind, yet I forget to write them down. Today felt like a good time to finally construct a first attempt at a rudamentary list of destinations I would like to visit in my life. Eventually, as this list expands, it will include more detail and become more specific as to what I would like to do when I get there.

Here is my list so far:

Brazil - Rio De Janeiro during Canival, The Amazon
Costa Rica
Belize - Mayan Ruins
Mexico - Mexico City, Acapulco, Cozumel, Cancun, Teotihuacan, Mayan and Aztec Ruins
Portugal
Azores
Greece - Athens
England - London
Ireland - Dublin, Giants Cause Way
India - Mumbai
Thailand - Pucket
The South Pacific Islands - Fiji, Oceana, Bora Bora
The Caribbean - Jamaica, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cuba
Egypt - The Great Pyramids
Northern Europe - Amsterdam
Vancouver
Big Island of Hawaii - Hilo
Peru- Montu Pitue
Germany
Italy - Rome
France - Paris, South of France, Monaco
China - Hong Kong, Beijing
New Orleans during Mardi Gras

What about you? Have any suggestions?

SeaWind NorCal Rally

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Time for a shameless plug...On November 21 I will be at the SeaWind NorCal Rally here in Alameda, California. We are expecting half a dozen SeaWind Catamarans to show up. This will be my first time taking part in one of these SeaWind meet ups, and I'm looking forward to the food and mingling. For more information on this event check out the News section over at Helms Yacht Sales, or shoot me an e-mail.
http://www.helmsyacht.com/news/

It has been a while....

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:23:00 +0000

So, as the title of this post suggest, it has been quite some time since I have wrote something for this little blog of mine. Not much sailing or traveling has been going on for me in the past month or so. Actually, the last time we took our Corsair Sprint 750 out our inflatable hydro-hoist decided to die on us.

A large wake came causing the the rusty bindings holding one of the hoist's pontoons to detach. Needless to say when I looked over it seemed as if Jaws had attacked the damn thing. So for the time being we will have to keep our Corsair on a trailer on land for a while. Oh well, life goes on.

In the mean time, I'm looking forward to doing some fall sailing on our Seawind 1000 out on the Bay before the December chill comes into the air. Until next time... peace.

Color Pictures From Nearly 100 Years Ago!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +0000

While poking around the internet this morning I came across an article with color pictures taken in Russia around the time of the first World War. These are some of the most amazing experimental early color photographs I have ever seen. Often when I have looked at old films or photos it causes me to picture a different world that probably existed. For example, when you look at old grainy black and white pictures what you are looking at seems so different and foreign to your present day. Yet when I was looking over these old color pictures of Russia today, I was struck by how the quality of these photos brings one closer to what things may have really looked like 100 years ago.

Check out the photos at the following link:
http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2009/10/21/color-photography-from-russian-in-the-early-1900s/

Feeling Lazy....So Here is a Wakeboard Towed by a Trimaran

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:36:00 +0000

I have been feeling a little lethargic ever since the end of the Nor Cal Boat Show a few weeks ago. Eight days straight of work will do that to you I guess. So, until I get my act together, here is a video to tie you over until I am back in the writing mood.

This video is a few years old, but still fun stuff.

Porpoises Playing With Our Catamaran

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:52:00 +0000

Here is another short video I took from our Seawind Catamaran while going up the Coast of California. We had porpoises falling us most of the way, but next to Big Sur I was finally able to capture some on camera during the day time. Often the porpoises and dolphins would keep me company on my lonely watches captaining the boat in the middle of the night.

Whales!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:23:00 +0000

This is just a quick preview video to wet your appetite for my much longer project I'm putting together about my trip up the California Coast on a Seawind Catamaran. I spotted these Humpbacks off Point Conception in some cold rough seas. It was my first time seeing whales in the wild like this. Fun and exciting stuff.

Over One Year Later...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:43:00 +0000

So, recently I noticed that I have been doing this site for over a year and a half. Does that make me a real blogger now? Or just an unsuccessful one? Anyways, if you read my site regularly you will probably have noticed two things.

1. I like to start my postings with "So"

- You might say,"Gee Adam, for someone who claims to be a 'writer' you come off sounding like a teenage valley girl writing a text message.

Valid point, but I guess all I have to say to you is....So?

2. The site is called, "Traveling Sailsman"... Yet, I do not seem to travel all that much.

-True. Outside of Australia, I have not left California since starting this site. Let's be real, I too have suffered from this lousy economy.

However, like many of you have probably discovered, that in times like these you learn to appreciate the adventures, travels, and experiences found closer to home. For me, I have rediscovered how great a State California is. I have been lucky to be able to travel up and down this California this year, and its been a blast.

In creating this site/blog I never really had a focus, or specific topic to write about. I just wanted an outlet to write, and figured that it would evolve into something eventually. In the end, this site will always be a place for me to share my thoughts, and to post my life's adventures(large or small), and hopefully share something entertaining and funny.

Thanks you for all that read my ramblings on here, and I will always try to make this enjoyable for you.

* I leave tomorrow for Catalina Island. From there I will help my Dad and his friend Dave take our Seawind Catamaran “Blue Water” up the Coast of California. It should be a rough trip since we will be going against the wind and the current. I plan on filming this, so stay tuned.

Picture of Pyewacket and Our Seawind 1000 Haul Out

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:21:00 +0000

So these pictures are from last week, but my camera was misplaced the last few days. While in San Diego we had our Seawind 1000 "Blue Water" hauled out to be converted into a 1000XL. This means that the transom(back end of the boat) will be extended.

Well at this same boat yard we spotted Roy Disney's boat "Pyewacket." Now this boat is massive, and word is they won't even tell how much they spent on this boat. The mast was so tall that I could see it miles away as I drove into Mission Bay in San Diego. Usually I'm a multihull guy but this boat is amazing to see in person. The keel can be moved from side to side hydraulically, and it has dagger boards on each side. The mast and boom are carbon. It also holds a special spot in my heart because Roy Disney hailed my father on the radio while on the 1996 Trans-Pac on a previous version of Pyewacket. Such a cool boat.

Pyewaket Pics:

Just for Laughs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:46:00 +0000

This blog of mine has always been a self-indulgent celebration of well...myself(Hey, at least I'm honest). I am always trying to find funny videos online, because laughter is an essential part of my life. Therefore, I'm going to start posting videos I find on here from time to time that I find funny. The video below is a set of five commercials that are really clever. Check it out.

Go Rickey, Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Growing up in the East Bay two of my biggest heroes were Jose Canseco and more importantly, Rickey Henderson. It has been a miserable year for an Oakland A's fan. The owner is openly saying that they are going to move the team, and they sit in dead last in the standings.

That is why amidst an unwatchable Oakland A's season I am so happy to see Rickey Henderson back on my TV, even for one day. For someone not known for his command of the English language, Rickey gave a Hell of a speech when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday. If it wasn't for Rickey Henderson I am not sure if I would have cared much about baseball, or even sports for that matter. He was an electrifying player to watch. I was truly lucky to watch one of the greats play, and I can still remember hearing my little sister yelling, "Go Rickey, Go!"

Truckee River

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:31:00 +0000

Finally put together a quick movie of our trip rafting down the Truckee River. There is a great part in the middle where my father has a close encounter with a tree. It always seems to make a movie funny when someone gets hurt.

Harmonic Convergence and Trans-Tahoe Race

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:17:00 +0000

Dan Mone has put together a great video of both the Harmonic Convergence and Trans-Tahoe Race which were up at Lake Tahoe a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to take part in the Harmonic Convergence, but was not able to race in the Trans Tahoe. Unfortunately we hit a rock and destroyed our center board a day before the race. Good thing Dan got it all on tape.

Rafting Down the Truckee River

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Today I awoke in a panic. My friend Dave said that my Dad needed my help with our Corsair Dash. Winds this morning in Lake Tahoe were gusting upwards of 30 miles an hour. We were afraid the anchor would not be strong enough to hold the boat in place. So we motored the boat through rough chop to the launch ramp. Then took the boat out of the water, and put it at it's own camp site. Luckily it was situated so that we did not have to put the mast down. Whew!

After a quick bite to eat, my Dad had a bug up his butt to go rafting down the Truckee River. What? "But I'm tired," I said. Oh well, he bribed me with some good pizza, and frosty Sierra Nevada. So, my Dad and Dave took an inflatable, and I took the kayak. Now, I had gone down the Truckee River years ago, but it felt so fresh and new. All my cares and frustration melted away. It was absolutely stunning. We slowly meandered down the river through a canyon of tall pine and redwood trees. The water looked so gentle and calm moving over smooth river stones. It was hard not to completely surrender to the peacefulness of our surroundings.

Then, came the rapids. What a blast! We dodged rocks and fell down small water falls. My Kayak filled with water. I was soaked. It was like a theme park log ride built by nature. A perfect log ride in every way.

Click here for more pictures.

Lake Tahoe. July 4th. Corsair Dash

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:50:00 +0000

Yesterday, July 4th, I had a great night up here in Lake Tahoe. We launched the new Corsair Dash(that we have on loan)and it took less then 20 minutes to raise the mast, and motor away. We did not get a chance to sail the boat yet, but hopefully tomorrow we will test her out.

We did however snag a great anchorage next to the Tahoe Yacht Club. After a few beers, the four of us laid out on the boat's nets, and prepared to watch the fireworks. The shores were lined with people. The fireworks show was amazing, and was right over our head. In the distance we could see three other locations on the lake with firework presentations of their own. It was a great start to what hopefully will be a fun filled two weeks up here.

For more pictures click here.

Windsurfer Vs. Trimaran

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Not sure how old this video is, but there is something hypnotic about it. I might just cut it up, and put this video to some music. Until then... here is a windsurfer smoking a one-design trimaran.

Delta Ditch Run

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:46:00 +0000

Last Saturday I took part in the Delta Ditch Run. Now, I'm sure I probably have done this race when I was younger, but can not seem to remember doing so. That being said, what a fun race! On our Seawind 1000 we were able to fly the spinnaker for most of the race. Recently I've become pretty good at flying the spinnaker, so for most of the race it was my job to trim it, and let it out when needed.

This race greatly opened my eyes to the adventures that can be had on the Delta. As we sailed up the San Joaquin River, I could see all sorts of water front bars, camp sites, anchorages, and local haunts. Call me a Bay Area snob, but I guess I never really thought of the Delta as being interesting. For years I have longed for adventures out beyond the Golden Gate, but maybe I was looking in the wrong direction. Recently I sailed up the Napa River and had a similar "eye opening" experience. There really are a ton of great places to anchor on our local rivers and delta.

As for the race, we did quite well. We came in third overall after corrected time. After a great dinner at the Stockton Yacht Club, my Dad felt like we should pull an all nighter and motor back to Alameda. During my shift, from 4am to 6am, I noticed a strange sound coming from the engines. I pulled the engines up and noticed the props were covered in marsh grass. I won't name any names, but I think the man on watch before me must have wondered off the channel. Overall I had a blast, and I hope to take a short weekend trip up the Delta soon.

Fastest Boat in the World LHydroptere

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:28:00 +0000

Looks fun but scary.

Geeking out! Windows 7 and Star Trek

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 May 2009 09:10:00 +0000

So... money has been a little tight lately, and that is cutting into the traveling budget. I did get to hang out in SoCal last week, but I have been itching to get out of town again. Don't get me wrong, I love the Bay Area in the Spring time. Still, it would be nice to spend some time sailing in some tropical local... living an alternative existence. Sigh...

However, alas, I am probably not going anywhere exotic soon. Therefore I have been taking the simple pleasure of playing with the new copy of Windows on my new laptop. (In case you didn't know, I am a total geek) Really, I promise, Windows 7 absolutely rocks. It's as if Microsoft took out all the crap in Vista, and your left with a beautiful zen like operation system.

Also, I saw the new Star Trek movie yesterday. Personally I was never a huge Star Trek fan, however this movie was a blast. It is a thrill ride type of film that is reminiscent of old school adventure flicks from my childhood.

Well, off to bed. Needed to get some ramblings out.