As a whole, sailors are often stereotyped as rugged individualists who pride themselves on self-sufficiency. But no subset of sailors actually fits this profile more accurately than singlehanders and doublehanders. This month, several hundred of them are sprucing up their boats and fine-tuning their gear in anticipation of the largest — and whackiest — race on San Francisco Bay’s annual race calendar: The Three Bridge Fiasco, January 25, which accepts only shorthanded entries.

The race’s head-scratching instructions specify that boats can cross the starting line in either direction, then proceed in any order around buoys or landmarks near three bridges: the Golden Gate Bridge (the fleet rounds Blackaller buoy), the Bay Bridge (around Treasure Island), and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (around Red Rock). Competitors cross the finish line in either direction also.

Given these perameters, we understand why the Three Bridge is often referred to as crazy or goofy. What’s not so obvious is why it draws the largest turnout of boats of any race here all year — even those that take place on glorious summer days. It makes us shiver just to think about all the times we’ve been out photographing the Three Bridge when it was so cold, wet and miserable that we couldn’t wait to get back to the dock.

So, if you’re a Three Bridge regular, tell us: What is it about this annual contest that makes it so compelling? Do you see it as an annual rite of passage? Is it to test your mettle? Or is it that you’re so desperate to get out of the house in late January that you’d find almost any excuse? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

This summer two historic ocean races to Hawaii resume their bi-annual starts in the Bay — The Singlehanded Transpac and the Pacific Cup. In each case, organizers employ an extensive network of support and education to racers.

One aspect common to each is their pre-race seminars. These are open to participants and non-participants alike and provide in-depth discussions on numerous topics such as on-board electronics, rigging, safety, and sail management. This month both will be holding events on topics that might very well interest you — whether you’re planning to sail to Hawaii this summer or not.

The Singlehanded Sailing Society’s January 8 seminar is all about steering. The two-hour session covers important aspects of emergency rudders, self-steering systems, and the installation and maintenance of autopilots and associated equipment failures. The presentation will be held at the Oakland YC from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Similar seminars are held monthly through July. 

The Pacific Cup YC hosts their Pacific Offshore Academy at the Richmond YC periodically through March. On January 26, POA #3 covers various topics that include: boat optimization, crew practice, provisioning your boat, returning home, and insurance. Reserve your spot online or show up at 1 p.m. the day of the event with your $20 admittance fee.