Springing Into Latitude 38’s March Issue
The Bay Area weather is warming up for spring, and this issue is sure to have you reaching for those dock lines to cast off and hit the water under sail. With stories from the Farallones, Seattle, the Three Bridge Fiasco, Treasure Island, SailGP, Good Old Boatyards, and the Atlantic and various other oceans, we share the adventures of sailors who are on the water, being there and doing that. Here’s a preview.
It’s a Left, Then a Left at the Bridge
After reading Andy Schwenk’s description of his Seattle-to-San Francisco passage (“Turkey Trot,” January 2025), I thought I would share our somewhat different experience along that same route two months prior. Our less-qualified crew enjoyed five days of sailing. We also lost a crewman. But we ultimately got him back, with help from the US Coast Guard, and new Bay Area yacht club friends.
Three Bridge Fiasco
The Singlehanded Sailing Society’s Three Bridge Fiasco could have as easily been titled “Crapshoot.” Andy Schwenk, who sailed his Covey Island schooner Sir Edmund, described the lead-up to the race: “All week long, talk on the docks was ‘This one’s gonna be different; this year we’ll have wind. It will be fun,’ they said.”
Farallones — A Voyage of Purpose
Early on the morning of January 18, 2025, the sailing vessel Francesca, a 1999 Beneteau Oceanis 461, slipped away from Marina Village in Alameda, headed for the remote Farallon Islands. This wasn’t just any trip; this was a mission with a purpose. Francesca’s crew — myself, (skipper Larry Hall), co-skipper Harmon Shragge, Arzen Joy, John Daughters, Katie Blaesing, and Don Bauer — were ferrying vital supplies and personnel to one of the most pristine wildlife sanctuaries on the West Coast.
Plus, we bring you all your favorite, monthly columns:
Letters: Sealing Off a Productive Debate; Skepticism or Pessimism?; A Word on Sailors in Japan; A Fiery Night at Sea; plus a mailbag full of more readers’ letters and comments.
Sightings: Latitude 38’s Spring Crew List Party; SailGP Hits California; Treasure Island Marina; 8 Tips on Being Great Crew; Vendée Globe; and more.
Max Ebb: “Seeing Red”
Racing Sheet: This month we visit the RegattaPRO Winter One Design Series, the J/111 North Americans, Team Racing in Half Moon Bay, the Bill Bennett Cup and Pier Pressure in SoCal, the Berkeley Midwinters and OYC’s Sunday Brunch Series.
World of Chartering: It’s still winter, but summer is not far away. Club Nautique sailing instructor and charter captain Rod Witel sent us a couple of summer charter stories to get you thinking ahead. The first is a Club Nautique flotilla charter in Croatia, and the second a charter in Sweden with friends.
Changes in Latitudes: With reports this month on Stella Blue’s first cruise to Mexico; Salty Dancer’s return to cruising after a grounding scare; Quester’s for-once-leisurely trip to Hawaii, and a tasty assortment of Cruise Notes.
All the latest in sailboats and sailboat gear for sale, Classy Classifieds.
We appreciate all readers and all our supporters — you keep Latitude 38 in print! Please show your appreciation by supporting the advertisers, who have made this issue possible.
Also, a shout-out to this month’s cover image photographers Grace Towle and Bryan McDonald. You never know what you might end up with when you head out on the water.
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