Hindsight Is 2020

The afternoon of January 1 brought a slightly overcast 55-degree day with fickle winds between zero and 23 knots.

Perfect winter sailing!

At 7:30 p.m. on the 31st, we returned from a 10-day holiday road trip to the great state of Utah, visiting family and skiing along the way (I know, tough way to end a decade). Before we left we made loose plans with our friend Ben Shaw — host of the “Out The Gate” sailing podcast — to start the year right, doing what we want the next decade to reflect. More sailing! He joined us with his partner and their two young daughters. Upon leaving the marina, Mom asked the younger daughter why we wear life jackets. The response was innocent and honest, “So we don’t lose our children in the water.” She’s 2.

We left the Berkeley Marina at noon sharp, heading wherever the wind took us. The forecast was for northwesterlies from 10 to 20 knots. I thought we’d sail upwind with the flood current toward the Richmond Bridge, tacking between the shallows off Brooks Island and any wind shadow created by the Tiburon Peninsula and headland. Then we’d turn around and fly the chute back to Berkeley against the flood. But, similar to the ubiquitous New Year’s Resolution, plans changed.

We left Berkeley in southerlies and meandered around the Circle in three to eight knots until we passed the decrepit Berkeley Pier. The wind headed us just past the north end of Treasure Island. It was a pleasant eight to 12 knots, so we decided to tack for Pier 39. The young shipmates played in the cockpit and below, entertaining themselves in the forepeak and salon while the teak interior swayed and rocked around them. When on deck their parents would ask, “What are you supposed to do to stay safe?” The elder daughter would respond, “HOLD ON” and reach for a handhold, reciting “One hand for yourself.” She’s 5.

Once past Alcatraz, we found some wind and waves and needed to put in the first reef of 2020! The gusts to 23 knots and water making it on deck were exciting for all of 10 minutes, so we came about and headed for a wind shadow. By 4 p.m. we were well northeast of Point Blunt and becalmed. Instead of the large and beautiful chute, we rolled up the genoa and shook out the iron main, motoring back to Berkeley at five knots. The northeasteries never materialized.

Our plans were loose, and while things didn’t go entirely as we’d intended, we still had a great day sailing. In fact, it was the best day this year.

We did tell our guests we’d be back at the dock no later than 5 p.m., and by 5:01, they were walking away, sails set and drawing full in the New Year. This enjoyable experience brightened our outlook for the next decade. It was great to have those young shipmates aboard (that gave us hope for the next sailing generation, too). We just have to commit to any opportunity that blows our way.