Four guys and a 33 foot Beneteau from The Modern Sailing School & Club in Sausalito on the San Francisco Bay. How do you pass that up?
The early afternoon wind was not cooperating as far as sailing goes. We just enjoyed the day and being out on the water. Opened some Williams Selyem Pinot and some Ramey Chardonnay. Relaxed. Had some lunch. Sunshine and Blue Skies!
Maybe it was when the guys broke out the cigars and Guinness Stout that Mother Nature realized we were serious and decided to give the boys a ride!
After cruising along with the wind under 10 knots most of the afternoon, The Bay Bridge behind us now, we tacked back towards Alcatraz and The Golden Gate. We took turns manning the helm. At times the wind gusted up near 20 knots, filling the sails, the boat at full tilt, skimming and gliding smoothly along (smoothly depending on who was at the helm ... with me... not so much), a little adrenaline rush for the crew.
Under the shadow of The Great Golden Gate Bridge we sailed, not exactly America's Cup sailing, but the wind did top out over 20.6 knots and we sailed along for the better part of the late afternoon and into the setting sun!
Saturday, November 21, 2009. MSC Crew: Captain and Tony in front, me in red and Paul with the cigar!
(click on pics for bigger view, then click back arrow to return)
