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Photos of the Day

June 17 - Pacific Ocean

Today's dramatic Photo of the Day is of San Francisco singlehander William Peterson being taken aboard the USS Chung-Hoon 800 miles off the coast of California on June 10. On the final Panama to California leg of his nine-year circumnavigation, Peterson's 40-ft ketch Camerra, believed to be a Newporter 40, was dismasted in rough weather. He had to abandon the boat. The second photo is of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard assets coming to Peterson's rescue. For details, see Wednesday's 'Lectronic.


U.S. Navy Photos Courtesy USS Chung-Hoon


Mexican Port Captains Don't Want to Be Bothered with Your Silly Papers Anymore

June 17 - Acapulco, Mexico

Craig and Eva Swackhammer of the Channel Islands-based Cal 2-29 Tigertail, who are having to work their way north from Acapulco after losing an engine, have good news. "Domestic clearing is indeed over, and all port captains seem to be in the loop. You just check in once and don't worry about it again. The port captains don't want to be bothered with your silly papers anymore now that there is no money in it."

Hmmm, just as many of us suspected.


First Attempt at Sewing Is on Husband's Skull Before Abandoning Westsail 32 in Storm

June 17 - Auckland, New Zealand

As reported on Wednesday, seven people on four vessels had to be rescued in four days earlier this week between New Zealand and Tonga, as the area was ravaged by terrible storm conditions. Among these were Garry and Lisa Blackwood, Puddle Jump veterans from '03 with their Canadian-based Westsail 32 Scot Free. According to a BBC report, Lisa had gone overboard in the rough conditions. While rescuing her, Garry suffered a bad gash on his skull. Having never sewn before, Lisa had no choice but to start on her husband's head. As you might expect, there was no anesthesia for the patient. What you might not expect is that she did a great job - and the Blackwoods' reaction to the events: "We'll just have to get another boat and start over again."

We suspect the Westsail, like Peterson's Newporter, hasn't sunk, and is out there floating.

Don Engle of the Lafayette-based 70-ft catamaran My Way reports they made the same passage about a week before Scot Free in nearly calm conditions. They'd waited through a week of storms to take off, however.


Latitude 38 Looking for Your Tips on Bay Area Cruising

June 17 - SF Bay Area

Since not everyone can take off cruising or charter a yacht in some exotic destination this summer, we're going to run a July article on the great overnight and multiple-day destinations here in Northern California. We've got plenty of ideas of our own, of course, but we'd love to get your input, too. So we'd like to know: 1) What are your favorite spots for semi-seclusion, where the annoyance of powerboats and jet-skis is at a minimum? 2) What's your favorite spot for a nice dinner out at, or near, a dock? 3) What's your favorite spot or activity for kids? Email Andy.


We're Not Sure if Anybody Really Cares yet, but the America's Cup Has Officially Started

June 17 - Valencia, Spain


Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

That's right, all 12 teams are in Valencia and competing in Act 4, the results of which will actually count for seeding for the 2007 Cup. True, it's not very many points, but it's keeping everyone on their toes. What's also new this time is that Alinghi, the Defender, will be sailing with all the potential challengers. Experts say the most likely challengers to ultimately face off with Alinghi for the Cup are Italy's Luna Rossa, Larry Ellison's BMW Oracle from the Golden Gate YC, and Emirates New Zealand. Europe is reportedly going gaga over the event despite the fact that Valencia is not a very nice city and the sailing conditions don't quite seem to be what was promised.


Last Weekend's Catnip Cup

June 17 - Vallejo

A non-record 13 catamarans and multihulls from 27-ft to 63-ft did last week's overnight Catnip Cup to Vallejo. The skies were blue, the wind was light, and the seas were flat. It was a great time for light-air sailing.


Photos Latitude/Richard


Summer Sailstice on the Bay . . . and Beyond

June 17 - Northern Hemisphere

The following is a paid advertisement:

The 5th Annual Summer Sailstice - and the longest sailing days of the year - are this weekend. So far, sailors from 48 states have signed up for the event, but everyone in the Northern Hemisphere is encouraged to sign up at www.summersailstice.com.

Why sail? Why sign up? Sailing anytime is great, but the solstice - actually on the 21st - is the longest day of the year, so it's a fantastic time to get out and sail. And you should sign up because many of the world's best sailing companies are offering hundreds of prizes just for your participation. You can win a one-week BVI charter with The Moorings, a Hunter Xcite sailing dinghy, $200 gift certificates from West Marine, and more.


Sunset on the solstice at Angel Island

Numerous Bay Area individuals and clubs have found their own ways to celebrate. Bay Area events includes South Beach YC's cruise to Paradise Cove June 18; Club Nautique's Summer Sailstice 'concert on the water', also at Paradise Cove on the 19th; Sequoia YC will celebrate with a cruise to San Leandro; while six Alameda yacht clubs will welcome sailors and boaters for an open house at each of the clubs from 2-6pm on Saturday. Corinthian and Tiburon YCs will celebrate with their annual 'Friendship Regatta' and an 'in-harbor' Summer Sailstice sleepover at the Corinthian.


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