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Sure, the forecast is calling for a 70% chance of rain tomorrow. And, sure, the wind is supposed to reach a whopping 10 knots — from the SE, no less.
The reputation of America’s ‘first responders’ took a humiliating kick in the groin at Alameda’s Crown Beach on Memorial Day, after numerous members of the Alameda police and fire departments stood at the edge of San Francisco Bay for approximately one hour as Raymond Zack, a fully-clothed 53-year-old man, slowly committed suicide via exposure in neck-deep water a short distance offshore.
We’ve received lots of well-deserved nominations for local ‘unsung heroes’ since we recently put out a call (here and in Latitude 38 magazine) for nominations.
The Oakland Estuary is the first ‘Zen Zone’. It’s actually a wonderful place to sail, as the water is always flat and it’s often warm on the downwind sail home.
Whether you’ve got a ride for the big event or are simply observing from the sidelines, the Regatta is an eyeful of nautical history.
As recently as a few months ago, it was looking like the Bay Area would miss the the spectacle of the AC 45s altogether.
In the March 7 ‘Lectronic Latitude, we reported that a couple of moorings at Angel Island’s Ayala Cove had gone walkabout — thankfully with no boats attached to them — and that boaters should be cautious when planning an overnight stay.
The Bay has some of the most productive charity events on the West Coast, not the least of which is the Sequoia YC’s Hannig Cup.
In May 20’s ‘Lectronic, we reported that Allen and Kate Barry, who have been cruising their San Francisco-based DownEast 38 Mendocino Queen all over the world for most of the last 18 years, are currently retired and cruising comfortably on just $1,500 a month in the Caribbean.
About five years ago, the Grand Poobah decided it was high time that there be new graphics on the Baja Ha-Ha and Some Like It Hot T-shirts.
Many sailors have seen the elusive green flash, but we wonder how many have seen an (apparently) even rarer event: the so-called “milk sea” or “milky sea” that emits an intense glow at night.
Sometimes a noose is just a noose. © Lifeline In the May 11 and May 13 ‘Lectronics, we ran pieces on the recent troubles between various cruiser factions, businesses, and Fonatur staff in Puerto Escondido.
Seems like every time we receive a note from longtime cruiser Kirk McGeorge of the USVI-based Tayana 42 Gallivanter it brings a chuckle.
Although they are anything but wealthy, Allen and Kate have managed, thanks to periodically working along the way, to cruise since ’93.
In May 2’s ‘Lectronic Latitude, reader Ron Taillon wondered if a device existed that would give a sailor approaching a bridge "a quick reading from the deck so you can have confidence in trusting the chart’s readings."
Swedish Billionaire Torbjorn Tornqvist’s Artemis Racing has taken over the reins as the new Challenger of Record for the 34th America’s Cup.
If you’re a regular Latitude reader you’ve probably noticed that many of the same names make headlines and show up in racing box scores again and again.