Photos of the Day

May 3 - Antigua

Once again, today's Photos of the Day come from Antigua Sailing Week, specifically yesterday's Fourth Race. After the debauchery of Lay Day, the sinners were punished with torn sails, a sunken mark, dismastings, and a rammed committee boat. It's all part of the fun and madness that is Antigua. Once again, Roy Disney's Los Angeles-based R/P 75 Pyewacket sailed to honors in class and fleet, while Bruce Schwab's Ocean Planet, still trying to find the groove, brought up the back of the class.

Twenty One America's Cup Boats for '03

May 3 - Auckland, New Zealand

Officials report that 21 new boats have/will have been built for the 2003 America's Cup in New Zealand. This will bring to 81 the number of IACC boats built since the 12 Meters were ditched in '92. For a complete list of the 21 for this year, visit www.hauraki-news.com/LatestNews/ClassAmerica-LN.htm.

In other America's Cup news, Larry Ellison's Oracle Racing Team will be staying in New Zealand through the (southern) winter rather than returning to Ventura. They are currently building two boats in Ventura, which will be shipped to New Zealand upon completion. At least two other teams have decided to winter over in Auckland also. As for the Kiwi Defenders, they are looking less infallible all the time. Yesterday they dropped a mast, and admitted that it would set their program back.

Orange Smells Brittany

May 3 - Atlantic Ocean

Bruno Peyron and his crew aboard the maxi cat Orange are expected to cross the Jules Verne finish line on Sunday to claim a new around-the-world record. Earlier parts of their voyage were frustrating and laced with adverse weather conditions. That's all changed around during the last two weeks, and they're enjoying nice sailing in favorable weather conditions. While they are eager to get home, they are also beginning to sound a little sad that it's going to be over.

Vallejo This Weekend

May 3 - San Francisco Bay, Carquinez Strait and Napa River

Last weekend was the Newport to Ensenada Race, the biggest thing going in Southern California. This weekend it's Northern California's Vallejo Race. Have a good time - and smile; our photo boat will be out there to capture the action in digits.

Do You Own This Lovely Schooner?

May 3 - Unknown

If so, could you please contact us? We lost the letter you sent to us, and would really like a copy. Email Richard. Gracias.

YOTREPS

May 3 - The Pacific Ocean and Cyberspace

Who is out making passages in the Pacific and what kind of weather are they having? Check out YOTREPS - 'yacht reports' - at http://www.bitwrangler.com/yotreps/

Weather Updates

May 3 - Pacific Ocean

San Francisco Bay Weather

To see what the winds are like on the Bay and just outside the Gate right now, check out http://sfports.wr.usgs.gov/wind/. The National Weather Service site for San Francisco Bay is at www.wrh.noaa.gov/Monterey/.

California Coast Weather

Looking for current as well as recent wind and sea readings from 17 buoys and stations between Pt. Arena and the Mexican border? Here's the place - which has further links to weather buoys and stations all over the U.S.: www.ndbc.noaa.gov/stuff/southwest/swstmap.shtml.

Pacific Winds and Pressure

The University of Hawaii Dept. of Meteorology page posts a daily map of the NE Pacific Ocean barometric pressure and winds.

Pacific Sea State

Check out the Pacific Ocean sea states at: http://www.mpc.ncep.noaa.gov/RSSA/PacRegSSA.html.
For another view, see http://www.oceanweather.com/data/global.html.