The Rogue Hump-Nighters

"On Wednesday evenings between April and October, my sailing club, Club Nautique, organizes evening group sails followed by a delicious outdoor BBQ for members and their guests," writes instructor Rod Witel. "We simply call this event ‘Hump Night’, and we alternate weekly between our Alameda and Sausalito locations. They provide a great way for members to stay connected, meet new members, and introduce guests to sailing and the wonders of San Francisco Bay.

"When the 2011 Hump Night season closed, I — along with a group of fellow sail-aholics — vowed to continue this tradition (sans BBQ) throughout the winter. We’re affectionately called the ‘Rogue Hump Nighters’ (I’ve also heard us referred to as the ‘Rogue Humpers’, although I’m not quite sure why). "While other sailors might deem winter sailing on the Bay too cold, too dark, too dangerous or too uneventful, we’ve enjoyed a drier than usual winter, crimson sunsets, stunning full moons rising over the East Bay hills, and having the Bay practically to ourselves.

"Each week more and more sailors climb aboard and join the festivities as word of our adventures spreads. This Wednesday’s Rogue Hump Night culminated in a three-boat potluck raft-up just outside of Clipper Cove with 21 attendees — including Latitude 38‘s delightful bookkeeper Penny Clayton!

"So my advice to those sailors who stow their PFDs away with their Halloween decorations is that life is short, so why not pack as much sailing into it as you can?"

We can’t agree more with Rod. Though we’ve had a rough patch for the last couple weeks, winter normally provides terrific opportunities (in between storm systems) to shake the mildew out of your sails and enjoy some mellow sailing action. Oh sure, you’ll undoubtedly need to bundle up, but no more so than summer sailing . . . sometimes even less so!

If you’re interested in learning more about sailing schools and clubs, the April issue of Latitude will feature a Sightings piece about Penny’s recent experiences in learning to sail through Club Nautique, as well as a comprehensive list of sailing school rental boats in World of Chartering.