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Bay Brigantine Passes COI
Good News! Last Friday 'Matthew Turner' passed the test! The final ‘test’ was the Man Overboard (MOB) drill, and thanks to lots of practice, drilling and efficient crew, 'Matthew Turner' passed with flying colors, and is now officially a Coast Guard “Inspected Vessel” — able to carry passengers for hire.
Waterfront Redevelopment
Read the complete story of the demise of the Island Yacht Club clubhouse at Alameda Marina in the July 2020 issue of Latitude 38.
Southern Hemisphere Winter
"They are calling it a one in 500 year rainfall here in Whangarei," friends of Latitude Lewis and Alyssa Allen of the Island Packet 420 Levana told us over the weekend. Whangarei, (pronounced fong-ah-ray) a boating hub on the east coast of the North Island, recorded 214 millimeters of rain — that's almost eight and a half inches — in 24 hours on July 17, and a further 44 mm the following day, according to New Zealand’s MetService.
Shorthanded Sailing vs. No Handed Sailing
Due to the sudden surge in cases of COVID-19, Bay Area health commissioners have once again clamped down on sailing. Fortunately, they realized the risk only applies to sailors but not to sailboats. For the balance of the summer, sailboats will be allowed to go sailing as long as there are no sailors aboard
Three Bridge Fiasco Goes East
One of the Bay Area's favorite sailing regattas, the Three Bridge Fiasco, has hit the big-time and is set to be replicated on the East Coast — specifically at Annapolis Yacht Club. Thanks to Scuttlebutt News for sharing the story with us, and allowing us to share it with our readers.
Embracing the Art of Sailing with Masks
Last week we published a story about masked sailors across the Bay Area and invited readers to send us photos and comments about their masked-sailing experiences. We received this response in the mail from George Scott. 
The World Famous L38
It's Caption Contest(!) time. This month's photo was sent to us by Peter Moorehead. Drop your caption into the comments and be sure to check out the August issue of Latitude 38 for the winner and top 10 entries.
History Finds Its Way Home
Like most live-aboard sailors, John is in a position to witness and often partner in salty-tales of all kinds. But how often can a sailor say they have touched nautical history or connected with the heroes and heroines of sailing's chronicles.
Classy Deadline the 15th
If you are Buying or Selling, visit Latitude 38’s NEW Classy Classified page. The deadline is TODAY, July 15 at 5:00 p.m. for the August issue.
Community Sailing
Recent events have provided the stark realization that providing opportunity will never be enough to adequately address the systemic racial inequity in either our society or our sport. It has been 20 years since TISC began and yet we still do not see the changes in our sport or society that we envisioned.
Sailors Rescued Near Treasure Island
The US Coast Guard reported that three people were rescued on Tuesday morning after their sailboat capsized near Treasure Island. Local fire and police departments and an unnamed Good Samaritan helped with the rescue. It is unclear what type of sailboat was involved and why it capsized.
Artist Uses NOAA Charts as New Medium
When NOAA decided to ‘Sunset’ paper nautical charts and transition to electronic charts, many sailors wondered what to do with their old charts.
Caribbean Islands Cautious Reopening
Almost all the cruising stories we've been reporting lately have involved the shutdown of various islands and cruising grounds. Recently the closing-trends have slowly started to reverse, as islands get a handle on the caseloads and how to manage life during the pandemic.
103 Tons of Trash
Chartered by the Ocean Voyages Institute of Sausalito, the Kwai departed from Hilo on a voyage to the Garbage Patch to collect ghost nets and other marine debris.
Sheltering-in-Place Isn't Always Due to a Pandemic
The ups and downs of COVID-19 drive us as crazy as everyone else. With all due respect for the real financial and psychological impact the pandemic is having on society, if you think this is bad, let us relive a story for you that we did way back in 1996 about Captain Ottmar “Harry” Friz, one of the most amazing seafarers and gentlemen we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Learning local waters
Last week, I was delivering my Columbia Challenger Esprit from San Rafael to Oakland, marking just the second time I'd made my way down the Estuary in a sailboat. Near the entrance, we saw that a container ship was turning behind Yerba Buena Island, rather than heading for the 'parking lot' of ships in the South Bay.
Boat-In Dine Outside Dining
The Bay Area is ringed with Boat-In dining locations and many have set up outside, waterfront tables and taken other precautions to help keep you both safe and well-fed.
Hurricane Forecasting Webinars
On July 9 and 10, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will be hosting their inaugural, live webinars on weather forecasting geared toward blue water mariners. Participation is free and there is space for up to 250 attendees.
Eight Famous Sailors
The National Sailing Hall of Fame will honor the following: James E. Buttersworth, 19th century maritime painter; Sandy Douglass, designer of the Thistle, Highlander and Flying Scot; Robbie Haines…
The Quiet Life in PV
While this is the quiet season in Puerto Vallarta, it doesn't mean Paul Martson of J/World hasn't been busy. He and his wife, Jennifer took on a pandemic project for their 2014 Wharram Tiki 30, Oleaje.
Sail Safely on July Fourth
We wish all our readers, and sailors across the country a safe and relaxing weekend. This year more than ever we need to take time out to reflect and relax.
Nothing Better Than Beer Can Racing
Well, summer's here! Some of us are working from home, and others of us have lots of free time for sailing. With everything that has gone down, there's still nothing better than an evening of summer beer can racing on San Francisco Bay.
July Latitude Out Now
We made it! Summer has come. We're half way to Christmas. And despite this year's unusual (to say the least) national and global upheaval we've pulled together and produced a great edition of Latitude 38 magazine for your reading pleasure — and ours!
Sponsored Post
Washing, waxing, varnishing. Serving the entire Bay Area for more than 30 years. “I have never seen the teak look so good."
Tahiti Moorea RDV Set For Late July
Put it in your calendar — the 2020 Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendez-vous is now scheduled for July 24 - 26. This annual three-day event celebrates cruising sailors' arrival in the French Polynesian islands after a successful ocean crossing.
Frigate Bird Misses Mast
Frigate Birds are an oddity among seabirds in that they never go in the water. Indeed, if a Frigate does somehow end up in the drink, it will likely drown in short order.
Bay Station Band Goes Virtual
Local musical artists, Bay Station Band will perform their annual 'Love The Bay Music & Sailing' tour this week, as a virtual event. Almost a decade ago, California-based songwriter/musicians Kwame Copeland and Deborah Crooks combined their love of sailing with their love for music.
What's in a number?
Nation — We will take any and all latitude theme establishments that you might have come across in your international travels.
Off to the Races
During the month of June, a lot of good news crossed the Latitude 38 Racing Desk. Now to figure out whose races are on, and which organizers are still holding off.
A New Look and New Features
Latitude 38’s Classy Classifieds is the place to buy or sell boats — as well as marine gear, trailers, liferafts, boat partnerships, trades and more.