One Dead After Sailboat Runs Aground Near San Juan Islands
A 56-year-old man has been rescued and a woman has died after a 31-ft sailboat was disabled and grounded near the San Juan Islands Monday night. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound watchstanders received a mayday call from the master of the sailboat around 7 p.m. stating his boat was disabled and drifting toward land. Weather conditions were reported as snowy, with 25 to 30 mph winds and 4- to 6-foot seas.
The Coast Guard command center launched a rescue boat crew from Station Bellingham and a Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles to locate the distressed vessel. The vessel was located but ran aground while the boat crews were attempting the rescue. The boat’s mast then collapsed, after which the air crew lowered a rescue swimmer.
The swimmer retrieved a 56-year-old man who was hoisted to the rescue boat. The woman was then located by the helicopter crew, who guided the rescue boat to her location. The woman was unconscious, and was brought aboard the rescue boat, where a crew member immediately began CPR. The woman was hoisted to the helicopter and flown to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and was later declared deceased.
The man was taken to Station Bellingham, then transferred to St. Joseph Medical Center.
A Coast Guard member was injured during the rescue and was transported to the hospital for evaluation, and was released later that night.
This video of the rescue was shared by the US Coast Guard:
Baja Ha-Ha XXXI — It’s a Go! Go! Go!
This just in from the Poobah:
Yesterday, Assistant Poobah Patsy Verhoeven spoke with Bob Hoyt of Mag Bay Outfitters, our man in Bahia Santa Maria, who reports that the port captain and immigration officials in San Carlos are all onboard for Ha-Ha XXXI. So it’s officially a go.
Signups will be starting on Friday, May 9, at noon.
The event itself will begin on Monday, November 3. We’re all but sure West Marine will be onboard for the Costume Kick-Off Party in their parking lot on Sunday, November 2. To add to the fun, the Poobah has arranged for the Beaver Full Moon to be shining on November 5, when much of the fleet will be approaching or in Turtle Bay.
While we haven’t worked out the details, it’s almost certain that the fleet will spend one more day in the Bahia Santa Maria/Mag Bay area and one less day in Cabo. This would make checking into Mexico at Mag Bay easier than before, and certainly much easier and less expensive than at overwhelmed Cabo. The onetime tiny fishing village has become too crowded and problematic except for very short stays.
How badly does Hawaii’s Kevin Millett want to do his sixth Ha-Ha? If all goes well, his new super 51-ft all-carbon cat will be launched in Australia in April. “I reckon that would give me six months to enjoy the South Pacific,” he says, “and make it to the Glorietta Bay anchorage in San Diego just before the Ha-Ha start.”
Myron and Marina Eisenzimmer of the Swan 44 Mykonos, who have been doing every other Ha-Ha for the last 20 years, say they’re in for sure. “Sign me up,” says Chris Maher, who, if the Poobah remembers correctly, did one of the very early Ha-Ha’s and has done a number in between.
Patrick Walton reports that now all his commitments are done, he hopes to join number XXXI, which would be his third. Anybody else?
For those new to sailing, the Baja Ha-Ha is the 750-mile cruisers’ rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with R&R stops at funky Turtle Bay and surreal Bahia Santa Maria. The event is open to boats 27-ft and longer that were designed, built, and have been maintained for offshore sailing.
What are two of the biggest benefits of the Ha-Ha? You’ll almost certainly be making new sailing friends for life, and if you have kids, there will be other “kid boats” around. The Grand Poobah doesn’t know about the rest of you, but he’s jacked about the idea of sailing his 30th Ha-Ha.
Save the date on your calendar now, and start getting ready! Signups start Friday, May 9.
Learn About Cruising Beyond the Bay With Club Nautique
Dreaming of cruising beyond San Francisco Bay? Join us for a panel and networking party to learn about Club Nautique’s renowned Passage Maker Program. Meet experienced sailors, hear their stories, and discover how this top-tier training can prepare you for unforgettable adventures!
Caption Contest(!)
This month we dived into our photo albums to see what we might find. Here’s one from the 2019 Master Mariners weekend aboard Call of the Sea’s schooner Seaward. We’ve long wondered why this guy is lounging around, and what he might be plotting. Any ideas? Drop your captions into the comments below.
Check February’s Loose Lips for last month’s Caption Contest(!) winners.
Good Jibes #177: Nate Stephenson on Sailing To Get Your New Boat
This week we chat with sailor Nate Stephenson on the perks of going on a sailing trip to pick up your new boat. Last year, Nate and his partner Megan sailed up to Surrey, British Columbia, to purchase their 34-ft Sun 1030 Gallia. After exploring B.C., they cruised it back down to Santa Barbara.
Tune in as Nate chats with Good Jibes host Ryan Foland and shares his experiences — why the scariest moments while sailing are the most formative, how to face your fears and learn patience on the water, the amazing orcas and other wildlife in B.C., why you should consider living on a boat, and why sailors are some of the friendliest people in the world.
Here’s a sample of what you’ll hear in this episode:
- Should you take offers for a free boat?
- How to develop the skills to repair bigger and bigger boats
- Did Nate and Megan connect through sailing?
- How long did it take to find the perfect boat?
- Were British Columbia’s coastline and protected water an obstacle in getting to the boat?
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots — follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!
Learn more about Nate at Nate-Stephenson-Photography.com and on Instagram @Nate_Stephensonn, Ryan at Ryan.Online, and read “SV Gallia, from B.C. to Santa Barbara” by Nate Stephenson on page 36 of the January issue of Latitude 38 sailing magazine.
America One Racing Introduces New Board Members
America One Racing (A1R) was formed on San Francisco Bay following the sale of America One’s America’s Cup assets to Larry Ellison. Since then A1R has been utilizing the funds to support many aspiring Olympic sailors and sailing organizations. US Olympic sailors continue to compete without the financial support provided to other professionally funded national teams. This is where America One has been stepping in to support competitive US sailors aiming for Olympic medals. America One issued the following press release regarding new members on the board:
America One Racing (A1R) has been a force in high-performance sailing for over 25 years. Now, A1R announces its next phase of programming by adding four new Directors to the Board and launching Project Podium.
America One Racing is pleased that four of America’s most qualified sailors have joined its Board:
Doug DeVos is a multi-World Champion sailor and Team Principal of American Magic.
JJ Fetter is a trailblazing American sailor who won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and a silver at the 2000 Sydney Games in the women’s 470 class.
John Hele is a successful sailor and businessman and served as the New York Yacht Club Treasurer.
Anna Tunnicliffe Tobias [was] an Olympic gold medalist in the Laser Radial class at the 2008 Beijing Games. Anna also won the 2018 CrossFit Games, Masters 35–39 division.
They join continuing directors William Ruh, Paul Cayard and Doug Smith.
Two-time Olympic medalist, JJ Fetter commented, “I have long admired America One’s support of US athletes. I believe that bringing together like-minded foundations and private donors to support our top medal candidates with a qualified, small operational team is the path forward for the USA. The youth development aspect of A1R is also near and dear to me and my support of youth sailing in Southern California. I am honored to join the America One Racing Board in supporting our USA athletes.”
A1R LAUNCHES PROJECT PODIUM BACKED BY A FLEET OF DEDICATED SUPPORTERS
A1R’s newest initiative, Project Podium, aims to elevate Olympic campaigning for a group of experienced and continuing US Olympic sailing athletes. The program will provide complete support for each athlete, ranging from coaching to equipment and campaign strategy.
“A1R is pleased to add the expertise of our new board members as we pursue sailing excellence for US athletes,” said William Ruh, America One Racing Chairman. “We look forward to the mix of elite competitive sailing experience as well as executive management they will bring to bear on our strategy to professionalize the Olympic training experience in order to see more US sailors achieve podium wins.”
America One Racing will continue its youth development programs through the Foiling Pipeline. A1R can implement these programs because it continues to be backed by a steadfast network of supporters.
“Attempting these lofty goals would not be possible without the experience and passion of our partners American Magic, Quantum Racing, the Sailing Foundation of New York and the Schoonmaker Foundation. Together with St. Francis Sailing Foundation and Windmark Foundation, and thanks to the generosity of individual donors, we share a commitment to enhancing the sport of sailing,” commented Paul Cayard, a founding Director and skipper of the America One challenge during the 30th America’s Cup.
“I want to thank outgoing directors Larry Finch and Tom Seip. Through almost 30 years and a variety of sailing projects, Larry and Tom (with Fritz Jewett) led America One with passion, experience and care. We thank them immensely!”
– America One Racing
America One Racing’s ability to raise funds and support high-caliber athletes allows the sailors to focus on sailing and helps them get the coaching they need to get more US sailors on the podium in future Olympics. US Sailing athletes will be competing in the summer Olympics in Long Beach in 2028!