Short Tacks Upwind Against the Ebb
We’re taking you on some short tacks as we pass on some of the news that blew across our decks.
The Spring Equinox was Yesterday, Summer is Coming!
The spring equinox occurred on Tuesday, March 19, as the sun crossed the equator into the Northern Hemisphere. This means longer days, the arrival of beer can racing, spring series and endless more hours to sail in the California sunshine. While we’re on solar events, the next solar eclipse can be seen on April 8, with Mazatlán, Mexico, being one of the best places to view it on the West Coast. Now is also a good time to commit to sailing on the the solstice weekend of June 22 for the Summer Sailstice Celebration.
More Flip-Floppers — The R2AK and the WA360 Now in Alternating Years
News from the windless and engineless Northwest. The steady, annual drumbeat of the R2AK is becoming an on-again off-again affair, as the race organizer (the Northwest Maritime Center) has revised the scheduling to run the R2AK in even years and the WA360 in odd years. To bring you up to date, 2024 is an even year, so this is an R2AK year. Next, it flip-flops to the WA360 in 2025, with the next R2AK happening in 2026. The pattern will get clearer over time.
Is it really windless in the Northwest? Not really. There are lots of entertaining R2AK videos showcasing plenty of drama and lively sailing. Plus some pedaling and paddling.
Why are they changing the schedule? They explain, “Inspired by legends of scarcity like the McRib and Disney’s Vault, we’re embracing the power of deprivation, desire, and suspense. Here’s why it’s better:
“Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: Like storied quests of old, time between races will make for more excitement and anticipation as the jitters of race-detox set in. And with this brilliant and insightful adjustment to R2AK supply and demand, racer futures are trading high.”
Free Money … Also Known as Grants
We bet you could really clean things up with $4.25 million! That’s what’s currently available for government agencies with financial needs for patrol boats and related marine resources, plus SAVE grants to clean up derelict vessels. Grant applications must be in by April 30.
BSEE (Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment) Grant Program
Up to $1.5 million is available to local government agencies statewide that demonstrate a need for patrol boats, replacement engines, personal watercraft, search-and-rescue equipment, and patrol equipment for conducting recreational boating safety and enforcement activities. These competitive grants are to augment existing local resources and not to fully fund boating safety and enforcement patrol units. The US Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety Program provides funding for this BSEE grant program. Contact: [email protected] or (916) 902-8795.
SAVE (Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange) Grant Program
Up to $2.75 million is available to local public agencies statewide to receive surrendered recreational vessels and to remove and dispose of derelict recreational vessels on coastal and inland public, navigable waterways. Grant funding comes from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund. For more information contact: [email protected] or (916) 902-8820.
You can also help the Bay by becoming a trained Dockwalker. Learn more here.
Mark Your Calendar —Yacht Clubs in Alameda Hosting an Open House May 4
The Island-Wide Open House at all Alameda clubs will be 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on May 4. Explore the vibrant boating community of Alameda through this free event, and discover the perfect club for you. Club events and hours vary — visit each club to learn more and enjoy activities, food and drinks at each venue. Secure your FREE tickets at Eventbrite.
Act Fast! SailGP Tickets Are Now on Sale.
The champions of Season 4 will be crowned when SailGP returns to the iconic city of San Francisco for the winner-takes-all Grand Final on July 13-14. Tickets are on sale here.