A Fluid Learning Environment
In late April, a group of seasoned sailors, all having completed ASA104: Basic Coastal Cruising, embarked on a multi-day excursion teaching advanced offshore sailing techniques. In association with Sail Monterey, this was Shearwater Sailing’s ASA106: Advanced Coastal Cruising, and we were joined by veteran American Sailing Association instructor Blaine McClish.
Evening departure from Monterey
Blaine surveys the scene
The forecast called for northerlies for several days, abating somewhat at night, so we made the decision to leave immediately Thursday evening to make our way north toward San Francisco before a forecast gale would arrive the following afternoon.
Kevin and Guy on watch
As luck would have it, we made good time motor-sailing through the night and were able to shut off the motor just north of Pigeon Point, tacking up the coast with a reef in the main and our large staysail drawing nicely. Passing over the bar in the deep water channel, we sailed under the Golden Gate at midday in a freshening breeze. We investigated two anchorages near Raccoon Strait, but neither felt secure given the wind forecast and strong currents, so we opted to tie up at the Sugar Dock in Point Richmond to ride out the gale.
Always a thrill to enter from offshore
The next morning, we had a navigation lesson over a delicious sausage and egg breakfast and were ready to head out for a sail around San Francisco Bay.
Atalanta’s salon converted to a classroom
As usual, San Francisco Bay did not disappoint, providing a wide variety of conditions from breezy to calm, with strong currents and navigational hazards.
Red Rock - still for sale!
Plenty of ship traffic to negotiate
Lighthouse on The Brothers
After a beautiful and eventful day on the Bay, we chose a scenic anchorage on the Sausalito waterfront at the entrance to Richardson Bay. While swinging on the hook, we ate a hearty dinner and got a few hours of sleep before hoisting sail at midnight and slipping out the Gate under a stunning moonrise and calm winds.
Atalanta anchored in 20 feet of water with a 5:1 scope
Moonrise at midnight
Once out the Gate, the breeze filled and we set our reefed main and large staysail and made good time down the coast, slipping easily back into our 4 hour watch routines. A quartering cross swell made helming challenging, but Atalanta’s new rudder made the task less onerous. Once on Monterey Bay, we were joined for an hour by playful dolphins, including some Northern Wright Whale dolphins, unusual for their black and white coloring and lack of a dorsal fin.
Pacific white-sided dolphins on the bow
All smiles crossing Monterey Bay for a second time, the “right” direction
Back in Monterey, the crew spent another several hours and part of the following day doing coursework with Blaine, ultimately coming away with the coveted ASA106 certification.
The trip was such a success that we are planning another one in late September, exact dates soon to be announced. Certification is offered, but optional, for those who just want to spend three fun days offshore. Either way, it will be a great trip and we invite you to contact us for more information.
Celebrating a successful voyage
