Sailing Education Adventures

A huge congratulations from SEA to member Pat Broderick who won First Place Division A of the Pacific Cup 2010.

Way to go, Pat!

This race is no small feat - it's an ocean race to Hawaii, after all. Pat raced on Nancy, a Wyliecat 30, with two crew.  And, we at SEA are all eager to hear the details.

For more links about the Pacific Cup 2010, see

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2010-07-19&dayid=455

http://www.pacificcup.org/2010/final

It might have been the first time ever seen - pirates, wenches, skippers, intro students, dogs, kids and parents marching with a 15 foot SEA banner down the streets of Sausalito. Candy got tossed (okay, some consumed, too), and all had a great time.

Could this be SEA's FIRST ANNUAL 4th of July Parade?

Let's just say AJ's planned raffle and treats after the parade topped the event. Thanks to AJ for making this event happen for SEA! And, thanks to all the marchers for helping SEA spread the word - in style! You guys are what make SEA a great sailing community! AARG!

SEA members spent a day helping Summer Sailstice 2010 at Treasure Island be a success.

This annual event is becoming an attraction for all sailors, young and old, who love and want to share the spirit of sailing. Leslie, AJ, Karen and Barbara served up gruel to hungry folks and met some fun sailors, including a knot tying master - someone who might make an appearance for SEA soon! 

Dear SEA member,

The annual SEA SailFest is coming up on  Saturday, August 7   11am to 3pm
SailFest is a fundraiser for SEA’s 27 yr-old Sail Camp and its 2 other more recent youth sailing programs.

When: Saturday, August 7   11am to 3pm
Where: 24 Summit Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 (Google Directions)
What: Celebration of SEA’s Youth Programs, 'Race for the Dawg', a BBQ and FUNdraiser
Who: All SEA Members and Sail Campers
All Members are invited and urged to support SailFest 2010 in the following ways:

What an amazingday.  Four boats agreed to meet under the gate by 9:00 and by 8:50 we were steaming out the gate in unison. That's SEA for you!

Two headed south toward Mile Rock, and two north toward Pt. Bonita, as a large container forced the fleet to split up. The winds were brisk -- 25kts easy -- with short period waves, chop and wind waves combining to make the first hour a rough ride.

For Fayaway it was also a wet ride out the gate. So wet in fact, we had to heave to at Pt. Bonita cove and putter around for a bit pumping the bilge, reefing the main and changing out the headsail.  Mark decided to take it slow, enjoy the sun and calm air, and let everyone re-group. First timers Wesley and Karen snapped into action to prepare Fayaway for round two, eager to get going again and catch up to the fleet.

Bodega Sunset passed to west, searching for the Bonita Channel, while Summer Solstice and Daisy could be seen in the distance, close-hauled and pushing on toward the islands on a more southerly route.

We headed back out into the choppy conditions, trying to north as much as possible along the Marin headlands shore. We rode out the rough but manageable potato patch and eventually crossed with Daisy, who was now coming into visible range again, her lone sail standing out on the horizon.

Three more tacks and a closer cross with Daisy brought us north of the lightship. As we headed farther offshore the seas seemed to stabilize, with a more consistent but still short swell running. Some snacks and water were shared but not much else. Steering and holding position in a our 23' sloop was no picnic.  Mark was about to impose Frank's rule of "You have used up all 6 questions, Karen" when Wesley, who had been unusually quiet announced it was not going well. By the time he was really feeling it, we had reached the 18nm weather buoy near the north channel.   The constant pounding over swells was getting to him, so after a short chat we agreed it best to turn back and head home.

The ride back was fast and provided some fun surfing opportunities, some intense jibes, and some close call accidental jibes.