Tea with a Legend
©2011 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
It’s not everyday that you get to share a cup of tea with a sailing legend, but that’s just what this writer did today. Dutch solo circumnavigator Henk de Velde stopped in Richardson Bay last Saturday in the middle of his sixth trip around the world, this one aboard his 52-ft Chris White trimaran Juniper. We’d made plans to meet Henk later today for an in-depth interview but we had the pleasure of sharing a quick cuppa this morning after local diver/photographer Tim Sell brought him to shore to find a replacement fuel tank for the one stolen out of his dinghy yesterday.
"This is really terrible," said de Velde. "In 30 years of voyaging, I’ve only had some tools stolen in Russia and a camera stolen in Argentina." What a welcome to the Bay Area. Considering the slew of dinghy theft reports we received last fall, perhaps he’s lucky to have a dinghy at all.
©2011 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
But the theft didn’t affect Henk’s cheerful demeanor. He happily told the short version of his life and adventures, and we’re certainly looking forward to hearing the details. You’ll get to read about them in the June issue of Latitude 38.
Sailor of the Month
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
The 2011 Northern California Sailing Calendar and YRA Master Schedule is not only a great resource for planning your racing, it’s also where you’ll find Latitude‘s Sailor of the Month. For the month of May it’s actually the sailors of the month.
In the last few years, Richard vonEhrenkrook and Paul Sutchek have put up a string of division and overall wins that would be the envy of many racers. They extended that streak in April, taking overall honors in the 70-boat, nine-division doublehanded fleet in the Singlehanded Sailing Society‘s Corinthian Race aboard vonEhrenkrook’s Cal 20 Can O’ Whoopass. This win was hardly a walk in the park for these two accomplished sailors. And you can find out why by clicking on the link above.
Join Our SoCal Ha-Ha Seminars
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
If you happened to come across the human jumble above, you might be inspired to scream for a lifeguard — unless, of course, you were a veteran of the Baja Ha-Ha rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. In that case you’d know that these waterlogged sailors were merely exhibiting their affection during the From Here to Eternity Kissing Contest at the end of the annual Cabo beach party — it’s always hilarious fun.
If you’re in Southern California, you can learn about all aspects of this 750-mile rally at either of our two special seminars next week, which will be sponsored by Ullman Sails:
The first will be Tuesday, May 3, at the Santa Monica Windjammers YC in Marina del Rey (7 p.m.), and the second will be Wednesday, May 4 at the Dana Point YC (also 7 p.m.). Both events are free, but the sponsors request that you RSVP to (714) 432-1860 if you plan to attend.
©2011 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
At both events, Latitude 38’s Managing Editor Andy Turpin — aka the Ha-Ha’s Assistant Poobah — will present a digital slide show that will introduce potential Ha-Ha’ers to all aspects of the two-week event (slated for October 23-November 5 this year).
A question and answer session will follow where Turpin will answer queries about specific event details, and Ullman sailmakers will answer questions about proper preparation for cruising south of the border. Both events promise to be fun, entertaining evenings that will get you revved up to join the PG-rated fun at this world-renowned rally.
©2011 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Latitude 38 is Ready for the Weekend
Great news! The May issue of Latitude 38 is making it’s way to all the usual places today. You may be too busy sailing in tomorrow’s Great Vallejo Race to read it on the way up but after you get tucked in at the Vallejo YC — and before you head up to the party, which is featuring the Eric Stone Band, tons of food, and plenty of refreshing beverages — take a quick stroll through the pages. You’ll find the latest news on the America’s Cup, a spectacular photo spread on St. Barth sailing, our annual boatyard tour, the story of Summertime Dream’s rebirth, tips for this year’s cruising class, and so much more it’ll make your head spin. And that’s before you start celebrating!