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Chillin’

The weather gods have been kind to San Francisco Bay this winter. Besides a few blustery days and the odd raindrop or two it’s been pretty pleasant sailing all winter when there’s been enough wind to sail.

Just chillin’ — as the ebb was turning to flood, this Catalina 350 was enjoying a leisurely afternoon wander down Raccoon Strait. There was no Photoshop involved in that blue sky!

latitude/John
©2018Latitude 38 Media, LLC

This weekend was no exception. A Sunday afternoon cruise aboard our Ranger 33 Summer Sailstice saw plenty of boats just out chillin’ on the Bay with comfortable breezes, but enough wind at the Gate to get the kiters up on their foils. We let our lead keep us comfortably upright and our freeboard keep us dry. 

Greetings from the Central Bay. Give a wave to your friends (when sailing on the Bay, everyone is your friend).

latitude/John
©2018Latitude 38 Media, LLC
We always keep an eye on lone kiters outside the Gate. The breeze was great but if it quit, what would happen? No auxiliary to turn on and, though you’re warm in a wetsuit, the flood won’t get you home quickly. This guy looked solid and cruised home, no problem.

latitude/John
©2018Latitude 38 Media, LLC
The breeze, the temperature and the flat-water flood made the cruise out the Gate a perfect afternoon.

latitude/John
©2018Latitude 38 Media, LLC

We were in competitive mode last weekend doing the CYC midwinters and, as we approached our boat for a pleasure sail this weekend, club member Ted Goldbeck said, "Don’t you know there’s a penalty for using your boat for pleasure?" Yesterday there appeared to be many boats on the Bay willing to accept the consequences, and we were too.

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