Another Fun Run up the Coast
Calm conditions required a good deal of motoring and provided gorgeous views for our group as we sailed from Monterey to San Francisco and back last weekend.
Plenty of antics as we head out onto the Bay
Our group of 8 left the dock at 0658 to a beautiful sunrise and a perfect easterly breeze as we headed the bow toward Santa Cruz. The sun warmed us up as it peeked above the mountains on the far side of Salinas, and we close reached under full sail with dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, a variety of sea birds, and whales.
Spectacular sunrise over Monterey Bay
As the air warmed and the easterly waned, we fired up Atalanta’s big Volvo Penta diesel and continued our way north, eventually encountering some low fog that provided an incredible fogbow, which we chased all the way past Montara north of Half Moon Bay.
Fogbow like no other
As the wind went to the west and we set sail again, our crew was in high spirits anticipating our arrival at the Golden Gate.
Gerard
Guy
Alisa
Stu
As we sailed along at 9-10 knots, the majestic Gate hove into view, and passing under it was a first for some of our crew. That moment is indescribable, but it combines a feeling of awe and accomplishment, especially under near perfect conditions of full sail and a darkening sky.
First peek
A rite of passage
The Golden Gate
Our arrival in Sausalito was earlier than expected, and after some delicious home-cooked beef stew (enjoyed underway) courtesy of Alisa, we all celebrated with a beverage, snacks and a chat about our trip before settling into our bunks at the marina in Sausalito.
Debriefing at the dock. L to R, Scott, Stu, Guy, Alisa, Carol and Alan
In the morning, after enjoying an extra hour of fall-back sleep, we left the harbor and motored out into the channel in Richardson Bay. While still in the channel, the motor died and we suddenly found ourselves adrift. We anchored safely out of the channel leading from Sausalito while we diagnosed the problem, which was water in the diesel. We drained the water and then had to bleed all the air out of the engine, but got her started again after a couple of hours. It was a good lesson in how to effect emergency repairs.
Scott diagnoses engine problem
Temporary and unplanned anchorage
After the delay, we headed back out under the Gate and made a left turn toward Monterey. The wind was light and out of the south, so we motored much of the way until the wind shifted enough for us to sail across Monterey Bay. The rain and dark provided some excitement and challenging conditions for our helmsmen, who all did an excellent job guiding Atalanta home.
Alan and Guy take in the moment
Heading south, winter skies
Shortly after midnight, we arrived safely back in Monterey, another trip in the books and ready for our next adventure.
If you would like to venture offshore on Atalanta, please read about our President’s Day Weekend trip in February. Welcome aboard!
Radar returns at Ano Nuevo, before the rain
