San Francisco Bay Adventures

2008-09-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

2008-09-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

The competition is always fierce at the Rolex Big Boat Series......Grand Prix's West Coast Venue

2008-09-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

California Coastal Clean-Up Day Sept. 20, 2008

Pitch in on California Coastal Cleanup Day throughout the Golden Gate National Parks and beyond. Volunteer at sites in San Francisco and Marin to help to keep our coast and shorelines clean, safe, and beautiful.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW AND WHO.

Saturday, September 20, 2008
9 AM - 12 PM

Audience: Members, Families, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Educators, Groups, Adults, Seniors
Location: Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Lands End, Marin Headlands, Ocean Beach, Presidio, Marin County, San Francisco
Event Type: Volunteer
Volunter Work Type: Beach Clean-Ups & Maintenance
Register

Pitch in on California Coastal Cleanup Day throughout the Golden Gate National Parks and beyond. Volunteer at sites in San Francisco and Marin to help to keep our coast and shorelines clean, safe, and beautiful.

It’s easy to participate:
1. Choose a Site & Register (see details below)
Contact the listed site coordinators to register. Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome. Drop-in sites are available. Registration is required for groups of 10 or more volunteers.

2. Download & Complete the Waiver Form
California Coastal Cleanup Day 2008 Waiver
California Coastal Cleanup Day 2008 Waiver (en Espanol)

3. Arrive at the Cleanup Site on Saturday 9/20 at 9am
In an effort to conserve bags and limit waste, we are asking volunteers to bring their own bags (or buckets). We will also have some bags and supplies available.
Otherwise, bring good energy, the completed waiver form, and proper clothing, i.e. close-toed shoes (no sandals), sunscreen, hat, and layers.

DOWNLOAD POSTERS AND POSTCARDS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE (scroll down).

SAN FRANCISCO CLEANUP SITES: Literacy for Environmental Justice, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Presidio Trust, and National Park Service are working collaboratively to host cleanup activities throughout San Francisco, including sites along the eastern shoreline, western shoreline, and interior of the Presidio of San Francisco.

EAST SIDE
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
A serious marine debris problem disproportionately affects San Francisco's eastern shoreline. On Coastal Cleanup Day 2007, 70% of 17,000 lbs. of trash was picked up on the east side of the city, but 80% of 2,500 volunteers cleaned up on the west side. We strongly encourage you to volunteer at San Francisco's most impacted places, and we can help direct you and your group to places that need extra attention.
Cleanup Sites: Multiple sites along Candlestick Point Shoreline, India Basin Shoreline, Heron's Head Park, Pier 94, Islais Creek, Warm Water Cove, and Mission Creek - please contact us for more details and to register.
Drop-in Site: Heron's Head Park
Meet in the parking lot at Cargo Way & Jennings Ave (needs about 20 volunteers)
Contact: Literacy for Environmental Justice, www.lejyouth.org, (415) 282-6840 , outreach@lejyouth.org

WEST SIDE
Cleanup Sites: Aquatic Park/Fisherman's Wharf, Crissy Field/Fort Point/Marina, Presidio of San Francisco, Baker Beach, Lands End, Ocean Beach, Lake Merced, and Fort Funston - please contact us for more details and to register.
Drop-in Sites: Ocean Beach Sites
- Ocean Beach/Fulton (stairwell 17/across from the Beach Chalet)
- Ocean Beach/Taraval
- Ocean Beach/Sloat
Contact: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, www.parksconservancy.org, (415) 561-3077 , volunteer@parksconservancy.org

MARIN CLEANUP SITES: The Golden Gate National Parks are working collaboratively with the Bay Model to host cleanup activities along the shorelines of Marin.
Contact: Click here to visit the Bay Model website.

California Coastal Cleanup Day is one of the nation's premier volunteer events dedicated to the marine environment. Since the program started in 1985, nearly 750,000 Californians have removed more than 12 million pounds of debris from the state's shorelines and coast. For more information visit the official website for California Coastal Cleanup Day at www.coast4u.org.

THANK YOU SPONSORS & SITE CAPTAINS!
State & Regional Sponsors
California Coastal Commission, Whole Foods Market,
Crystal Geyser, Oracle,
See's Candies, KPMG, Peet's Coffee & Tea,
Whole Foods Market Vendors, Alice Radio
(click here for the full list)
San Francisco County Sponsors
Sunset Scavenger & Golden Gate Disposal & Recycling Companies,
CA State Parks Foundation, Candlestick Point State Recreation Area,
Port of San Francisco, SF Public Utilities Commission,
SF Department of the Environment, ZuumCraft,
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy,
Literacy for Environmental Justice
San Francisco County Site Captains
Aquarium of the Bay, Boy Scout Troop 484,
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, Fairmont Hotel,
Farallones Marine Sanctuary Assoc., Golden Gate Audubon Society,
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Hoover Middle School,
JROTC-SF High Schools, Literacy for Environmental Justice,
National Park Service, Port of San Francisco,
Presidio Trust, Price Waterhouse Coopers, REI,
SF Department of Public Works/Community Clean Team,
SF Public Utilities Commission, SF Recreation and Park Department,
Save The Bay, Schools of the Sacred Heart/Stuart Hall High School,
Surfrider Foundation

2008-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Rolex Big Boat Series
San Francisco, CA, USA

Hold on, it's going to get windy!

September 13, 2008

Despite a light wind start to the third day of racing at Rolex Big Boat Series, the St. Francis Yacht Club's (StFYC) race committee completed two races for the 1,000-plus sailors competing. The wind built to a suitable 6-8 knots while racers waited on San Francisco Bay for the 11am start of race one. However by mid-day the wind picked up to the more typical 15-18 knot range and with a strong 3-knot ebb current to battle, race two was where fortunes were decided. The StFYC will award its six Perpetual Trophies after tomorrow's final Bay Tour Race, the traditional end for the seven-race, four-day regatta.

In IRC A, the class with the largest boats, Bill Turpin's (Santa Cruz, CA) Reichel/Pugh 78 Akela took line honors in the first race, followed closely by Vinctore, the Reichel/Pugh IRC 52 chartered by Jim Mitchell (Zurich, SUI) with tactician Gavin Brady onboard. However, John Kilroy's (Los Angeles, CA) TP52 Samba Pa Ti crossed the finish line ahead of Vincitore in race two and with it moved to the top of the 9-boat class.

"I think our position right now, after the last race, is that we're tied for first," said Kilroy. Indeed, Samba Pa Ti and Vincitore are tied on points; however Samba has won three races to Vincitore's one win, giving them the temporary tie break. "Hopefully it will come down to the last race tomorrow between us."

The name Kilroy has long been associated with this regatta. John Kilroy first sailed the regatta in 1964 with his father, Jim, on a brand-new Kialoa. "I have done 20 or so and have had the good fortune to win it a couple of times. It's always a spectacular event," he said.

Yesterday's class leader Criminal Mischief, the Reichel/Pugh 45 owned by Chip Megeath (Tiburon, CA) slipped to third overall.

Brad Copper (Point Richmond, CA) and his Custom Tripp 43 TNT pulled into the lead of IRC B class after posting a fast finish in the day's first race, ahead of yesterday's leader Michael Diepenbrock (San Francisco) and his Swan 45 Rancho Deluxe.

"Today's racing was good," said Copper. "Although there were lighter winds in the morning, they built during the race, which got to show the boat's capabilities. I think we lucked out. This afternoon's race was in heavier winds, on average 18-20 knots in building seas, and it really showed the boat's ability to perform."

Copper didn't just sneak up to the top of the scoreboard, here at his first Rolex Big Boat Series as helm. "I raced for 17 years, many years ago," he said. "I took a hiatus to focus on my career. It's been a long, long time, and modern boats are distinctly different than the old IOR boats I used to race. Every time I get on this boat I go up the learning curve. The whole campaign is new: the boat, the crew, the sails."

Going into tomorrow's final race, Copper hopes for moderate wind, conditions the boat favors, and promised to keep an eye on his competition. "We have tremendous respect for Rancho Deluxe. Swiftsure is a very well-sailed boat and it is better in heavier winds."

Swiftsure, Sy Kleinman's (Saratoga, CA) Schumacher 54, is in third overall after taking line honors in the day's second race.

Dave Kirby (Manhattan Beach, CA) continues to lead the 8-boat IRC C class with his J/122 TKO, while White Dove, the Beneteau 40.7 owned by Mike Garl (San Francisco) maintains the top spot in IRC D.

In one-design racing, Mario Yovkov's (San Francisco) Great Sensation held its lead in the 7-boat 1D35 class in spite of Yovkov's admitted nerves over proposing marriage with a large, emblazoned spinnaker flown at the finish which read, "Will you marry me". Edward Durbin (Richmond, CA) scored a 1-3 to add to his considerable score line in 6-boat Beneteau 36. 7 class and hold on to first place, and Bartz Schneider (San Francisco) extended his lead in the Express 37 class.

For Rolf Kaiser and Scott Sellers (both San Francisco) on Donkey Jack, a 6-2 was enough to hold off Phil and Chris Perkins (both San Francisco) on Good Timin', by five points. "It was an okay day, not as quick as we wanted to be," said Chris Perkins at the dock after racing. "There weren't any big mistakes. Mother Nature just was not with us and a few shifts didn't go our way.

Scooter Simmons (Belvedere, CA) won the day's first race on Blackhawk, then finished eighth in the second race to hold third overall. "Tomorrow is one race and we need to catch up," said Perkins. "It will be one very long race. We hope for a lighter, shiftier day where the fleet splits."

Fortunes swapped in the 8-boat J/120 class to find Steve Madeira's (Northeast Harbor, ME) Mr. Magoo back in the lead over Barry Lewis' (San Francisco) Chance.

Michael Illbruck put in another notable day in the Melges 32 fleet on his Pinta (Munich, GER), scoring a 1-6 to maintain the lead, however the team is tied on points with John Porter (Lake Geneva, WI) on Full Throttle. Joe Woods (Torbay, GBR) moved into third overall with RED.

"Today was up and down, said Illbruck. "The first race was good. We had good pace and in the second race the beats were very difficult for us. You only have an amount of luck and we didn't have any breaks. It wasn't anything specific." It has been 10 years since Illbruck has sailed the Rolex Big Boat Series, however this time it was very different than the last. "I have to say I was on the boat in the 1D48 (in 1998) and I didn't really sail," he said. "This is for me the first time and it is a fantastic place to race. Really, it's unbelievable. It's difficult, it's very demanding because of the current and all the islands."

The multi-national team prepared by calling on the experience from crew members such as Don Cowie and Grant Loretz and new views by bringing in Trevor Baylis to provide local coaching, on recommendation from Illbruck's close friend John Kostecki. "I am the only German and there are six Kiwis," continued Illbruck. "We have strong roots in New Zealand. My father sailed with Kiwis and we had eight Kiwis on the Volvo Ocean Race boat. But really, it is more than just sailing. They are friends and I appreciate what they have done for us over the years. They are simply good sailors, the mood is always good, never down."

Illbruck was quick to point out the value of having multi-talented Ray Davies on board calling tactics. "There are good tacticians, but very few really great tacticians," he said. "Ray Davies is excellent, the guy is incredible. I've known him for many years, and I've always known that he was a good sailor. He was important for Team New Zealand, and aside from his abilities on the water he is a fantastic person. That's important. I would never sail with someone who isn't."

Going into tomorrow's final deciding race, the top five have a chance at winning. "We just have to go out and do our best," said Illbruck. "We have good speed and also I think the guys on the boat know how to win. Full Throttle (renamed for this regatta) is fantastic, they do a good job. I think it's the toughest group of Melges sailors we have competed against. The Italians are very, very strong. Even though we are nine boats, these boats are good, really, really good."

Racing concludes tomorrow with the Bay Tour race. Following this, the St. Francis Yacht Club will host the Rolex Trophy Ceremony where specially engraved Rolex timepieces will be awarded to the St. Francis Yacht Club's six Perpetual Trophy winners.

Regarded by sailors as one of the world's premier sailboat racing events, the Rolex Big Boat Series joins the list of other prestigious Rolex-sponsored events in 2008: the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Swan Cup and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

For more information about the Rolex Big Boat Series, contact the St. Francis Yacht Club Race Office at 415-563-6363 or www.stfyc.com. For daily racing videos, visit www.t2p.tv.

(end)

Rolex Big Boat Series 2008

Sept. 11-14, 2008 - Day 3 of racing, six races completed

Top 3 in each class

Position, Boat, Skipper, Hometown, Race 1-2-3-4-5-6, Total points

IRC A (9 boats)

1. Samba Pa Ti, John Kilroy, Jr, San Francisco, CA, 4-1-3-1-4-1, 14

2. Vincitore, Jim Mitchell, Zurich, SUI, 3-4-1-2-2-2, 14

3. Criminal Mischief, Chip Megeath, Tiburon, CA, 1-2-2-3-8-3, 19

IRC B (9 boats)

1. TNT, Brad Copper, Pt. Richmond, CA, 1-2-2-2-1-2, 10

2. Rancho Deluxe, Michael Diepenbrock, Newport, RI, 2-3-3-1-2-3, 14

3. Swiftsure, Sy Kleinman, Saratoga, CA, 5-1-6-3-4-1, 20

IRC C (8 boats)

1. TKO, Dave Kirby, Manhattan Beach, CA, 1-3-1-1-1-2, 9

1. Scorpio, John Siegel, San Francisco, CA, 2-1-3-3-5-1, 15

3. BustinLoose, Jeff Pulford, Monterey, CA, 5-2-4-2-2-3, 18

IRC D (13 boats)

1. White Dove, Mike Garl, San Francisco, CA, 2-1-5-1-2-1, 12

2. Tupelo Honey, Gerard Sheridan, San Francisco, CA, 1-4-6-2-1-2, 16

3. Inspired Environments, Timothy Ballard, Sausalito, CA, 5-6-4-7-6-5, 33

1D35 (7 boats)

1. Great Sensation, Mario Yovkov, San Francisco, CA, 3-2-2-1-2-2, 12

2. Diablita, Gary Boell, Brickyard Cove, 1-4-4-2-1-1, 13

3. Jazzy, Bob Turnbull, San Francisco, CA, 5-1-3-3-4, 18

Beneteau 36.7 (6 boats)

1. Mistral, Edward Durbin, Richmond YC, 2-1-1-1-1-3, 9

2. Summer And Smoke, Pat Patterson, Angwin, CA, 3-4-2-3-2-1, 15

3. Bufflehead, Stuart Scott, Richmond YC, 1-2-6-4-4-2, 19

Express 37 (10 boats)

1. Expeditious, Bartz Schneider, San Francisco, CA, 1-2-1-2-2-2, 10

2. Brown Sugar, Steve Brown, Santa Ana, CA, 7-3-3-1-4-1, 19

3. Golden Moon, Kame Richards, Alameda, CA, 2-4-2-4-1-11/RAF, 24

J/105 (31 boats)

1. Donkey Jack, Rolf Kaiser, San Francisco, CA, 2-4-2-4-6-2, 20

2. Good Timin', Phil Perkins, San Francisco, CA, 1-3-1-6-8-6, 25

3. Blackhawk, Scooter Simmons, Belvedere, CA, 8-1-12-1-1-8, 31

J/120 (8 boats)

1. Mr. Magoo, Steve Madeira, Northeast Harbor, ME, 3-1-2-2-5-2, 15

2. Chance, Barry Lewis, San Francisco, CA, 1-4-1-1-7-3, 17

3. J World, Wayne Zittel, San Francisco, CA, 4-7-7-3-1-4, 26

Melges 32 (9 boats)

1. Pinta, Michael Illbruck, Munich, GER, 3-4-2-1-1-6, 17

2. Full Throttle, John Porter, Lake Geneva, WI, 1-3-3-4-5-1, 17

3. RED, Joe Woods, Torbay, UK, 4-7-1-2-3-2, 19

To receive daily reports and to download high-resolution images, copyright free for editorial purposes, register online at www.regattanews.com.

Racing is scheduled for daily September 11-14, with the prize giving on Sunday serving as the culmination of an intense week of big boat racing.

About St. Francis Yacht Club

Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club, within view of the Golden Gate Bridge, is a year-round host of over 40 regattas on San Francisco Bay. The club is renowned for its expertise in running world and national championships.

2008-09-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Rolex Big Boat Series
San Francisco, CA, USA

Fleet tested by course and conditions

September 12, 2008

Although the grey fogged-over conditions around the St. Francis Yacht Club seemed to deter spectators from gathering along the shore, building 10-15 knot breezes on San Francisco Bay were the only thing on the minds of competitors in the 111-boat fleet racing in the Rolex Big Boat Series. Principal Race Officers Kevin Reeds (Annapolis, MD) and Jim Taylor (San Francisco) started the fleet on time at 11am for the first of the day's two races. By the end of racing, some six hours later, each competing boat had accumulated close to 30 miles under its keel.

In IRC C, Dave Kirby's (Manhattan Beach, CA) J/122 TKO took the lead from John Siegel (San Francisco) and his Wylie 42 Scorpio. "So far, so good," said Kirby of racing to date. Noting that the boat excels in conditions similar to today's wind range, Kirby explained that when it gets fluky, local knowledge comes in handy. "Norman Davant is the best tactician on this body of water," he said. "He nailed it. We port tacked the fleet at the first start and stayed in front and led for the whole race."

By the second race, the wind speed had increased, making things a little tricky not just for TKO, but for its competition. "Our main competition is Scorpio," continued Kirby. "They ended up over early and we ended up nailing the start. Fortunately we were able to hold off the Sydney 38s, which are faster than us but they give us time. It's hard to stay in front of them, they have symmetrical spinnakers and ours (spinnaker set-up) is a sprit. When going downwind they can bring the pole right back and drive lower."

In addition to Davant, who when not racing is the regatta's chairman, StFYC board member Pat Nolan is among the 11-person crew. "The crew on the boat, they're an amazing bunch of people," said Kirby. "So you know we're happy right now. We're in first by three points. We're not launched out in front of everybody, but we're comfortable in first. But, we're not going to sit back and relax."

Leaders in IRC A, B and C classes remain unchanged with Chip Megeath's (Tiburon, CA) Reichel/Pugh 45 Criminal Mischief leading IRC A; Brad Copper's (Point Richmond, CA) Custom Tripp 43 TNT leading IRC B; and White Dove, the Beneteau 40.7 owned by Mike Garl (San Francisco) leading IRC C.

In one-design action, Mario Yovkov's (San Francisco) Great Sensation moved up from third place to take over the lead in the 7-boat 1D35 class, while Edward Durbin (Richmond, CA) continued to lead the 6-boat Beneteau 36. 7 class.

For the J/120s, a small yet very competitive class, Barry Lewis' (San Francisco) Chance took over the lead from Steve Madeira's (Northeast Harbor, ME) Mr. Magoo in the 8-boat class.

"This was an interesting day because there were more wind shifts than what is typical here," said Lewis. "It was wonderful because we got in phase and stayed; we played every one that we could possibly play."

Lewis noted that he relied on tactician Doug Nugent (San Francisco) to put them in the best spot. "My plan was to go left early," said Nugent, who grew up sailing in Toronto, Canada. "But then there was a 20-degree left shift on the starting line and we ended up going off to the right, which was not what we wanted to do. We hung with the lift, it came back and we crossed the fleet. We played the shifts and stayed in front the whole race.it was a lucky shift!"

Bartz Schneider (San Francisco) on Expeditious continued his winning ways, scoring a first and second place, and remains in the lead of the 10-boat Express 37 fleet. Brown Sugar, owned by Steve Brown (Santa Ana, CA) won the day's other race and is in third overall behind second-place Golden Moon, owned by Kame Richards (Alameda, CA).

The top four positions in the 31-boat J/105 fleet held with Chris and Phil Perkins (both San Francisco) scoring a first and sixth, to edge out Rolf Kaiser and Scott Sellers (both San Francisco) Donkey Jack by one point. Scooter Simmons (Belvedere, CA) and his Blackhawk won the day's second race and are in third overall.

Michael Illbruck had an impressive day in the Melges 32 fleet on his Pinta (Munich, GER), scoring a second and first place to take over the lead from John Porter (Lake Geneva, WI) on Full Throttle. Pieter Taselaar (New York, NY), who counts among his crew young standout Jeremy Wilmot, from the Morning Light film, and multiple America's Cup competitor and Whitbread winner Marco Constant.

Racing continues tomorrow and ends with one, long Bay Tour race on Sunday. At the conclusion, St. Francis Yacht Club will host the Rolex Trophy Ceremony where specially engraved Rolex timepieces will be awarded to the St. Francis Yacht Club's six Perpetual Trophy winners.

Regarded by sailors as one of the world's premier sailboat racing events, the Rolex Big Boat Series joins the list of other prestigious Rolex-sponsored events in 2008: the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Swan Cup and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

For more information about the Rolex Big Boat Series, contact the St. Francis Yacht Club Race Office at 415-563-6363 or www.stfyc.com. For daily racing videos, visit www.t2p.tv.

(end)

Rolex Big Boat Series 2008

Sept. 11-14, 2008 – Day 2 of racing, two races completed

Top 3 in each class

Position, Boat, Skipper, Hometown, Race 1-2-3-4, Total points

IRC A (9 boats)

1. Criminal Mischief, Chip Megeath, Tiburon, CA, 1-2-2-3, 8

2. Samba Pa Ti, John Kilroy, Jr, San Francisco, CA, 4-1-3-1, 9

3. Vincitore, Jim Mitchell, Zurich, SUI, 3-4-1-2, 10

IRC B (9 boats)

1. TNT, Brad Copper, Pt. Richmond, CA, 1-2-2-2, 7

2. Rancho Deluxe, Michael Diepenbrock, Newport, RI, 2-3-3-1, 9

3. Raincloud, Lorenzo Berho, Puerto Vallarta, MEX, 3-5-1-5, 14

IRC C (8 boats)

1. TKO, Dave Kirby, Manhattan Beach, CA, J/122, 1-3-1-1, 6

2. Scorpio, John Siegel, San Francisco, CA, 2-1-3-3, 9

3. BustinLoose, Jeff Pulford, Monterey, CA, 5-2-4-2, 13

IRC D (13 boats)

1. White Dove, Mike Garl, San Francisco, CA, 2-1-5-1, 9

2. Tupelo Honey, Gerard Sheridan, San Francisco, CA, 1-4-6-2, 13

3. Acabar, Jean-Yves Lendormy, Camden, ME, 7/30%-2-8-4, 21

1D35 (7 boats)

1. Great Sensation, Mario Yovkov, San Francisco, CA, 3-2-2-1, 8

2. Jazzy, Bob Turnbull, San Francisco, CA, 2-5-1-3, 11

3. Diablita, Gary Boell, Brickyard Cove, 1-4-4-2, 11

Beneteau 36.7 (6 boats)

1. Mistral, Edward Durbin, Richmond YC, 2-1-1-1, 5

2. Summer And Smoke, Pat Patterson, Angwin, CA, 3-4-2-3, 12

3. Bufflehead, Stuart Scott, Richmond YC, 1-2-6-4, 13

Express 37 (10 boats)

1. Expeditious, Bartz Schneider, San Francisco, CA, 1-2-1-2, 6

2. Golden Moon, Kame Richards, Alameda, CA, 2-4-2-4, 12

3. Brown Sugar, Steve Brown, Santa Ana, CA, 7-3-3-1, 14

J/105 (31 boats)

1. Good Timin', Phil Perkins, San Francisco, CA, 1-3-1-6, 11

2. Donkey Jack, Rolf Kaiser, San Francisco, CA, 2-4-2-4, 12

3. Blackhawk, Scooter Simmons, Belvedere, CA, 8-1-12-1, 22

J/120 (8 boats)

1. Chance, Barry Lewis, San Francisco, CA, 1-4-1-1, 7

2. Mr. Magoo, Steve Madeira, Northeast Harbor, ME, 3-1-2-2, 8

3. Desdemona, John Wimer, San Francisco, CA, 2-8-5-4, 19

Melges 32 (9 boats)

1. Pinta, Don Cowie, Munich, GER, 3-4-2-1, 10

2. Full Throttle, John Porter, Lake Geneva, WI, 1-3-3-4, 11

3. Bliksem, Pieter Taselaar, New York YC, 2-2-4-3, 11

To receive daily reports and to download high-resolution images, copyright free for editorial purposes, register online at www.regattanews.com

Racing is scheduled for daily September 11-14, with the prize giving on Sunday serving as the culmination of an intense week of big boat racing.

About St. Francis Yacht Club

Founded in 1927, St. Francis Yacht Club, within view of the Golden Gate Bridge, is a year-round host of over 40 regattas on San Francisco Bay. The club is renowned for its expertise in running world and national championships.

2008-09-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Rolex Big Boat Series

September 11-14

Get a Front Row Seat On A Bay Adventures Boat !

The R/P 70 Akela Tuning up For The

Rolex Big Boat Series 2008

2008-08-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the Blue Angels Air Show from a Front Row Seat Aboard a Private Yacht on October 10~11~12

2008-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Radical International Skiffs tear up the Bay.

Blasting through the 'washing machine' of the Central Bay with 30kts of breeze and a 4.5 knot ebb, You have perfect Summer conditions

2008-08-15T13:22:00.001-07:00

Wow, What a picture perfect day of Tall Ship Sailing into the Bay.

Led by the Us Eagle with her distinctive 4 head sail rig!!

2008-06-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Bay Sailing

Sail on the Tallship

Historic Gaslight Schooner

Charter Boats to Spectate

Tall Ships Parade

SFBayAdventures.com

2008-06-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

“Festival of Sail San Francisco 2008” - Volunteers Needed

Reply to: terry_dorman@nps.gov

Date: 2008-06-14, 3:16PM PDT

The Festival of Sail San Francisco will welcome striking Tall Ships® from all over the world from July 23rd through July 27th, 2008. These international, awe-inspiring vessels will be docked along the waterfront offering the public the unique opportunity to tour; sail and learn about our rich maritime history. This event is expected to draw more than one million people and widespread media attention. Tall Ship® festivals around the country bring out record crowds; target the family demographic and provide a huge increase in economic impact to the host city.

We need volunteers in a variety of capacities which have been broken down into two major areas.

Landside Volunteer Positions:

Security, Ticket Sales, Beverage Service, Information, Education, Kids Areas

Waterside Volunteer Positions:

Crew Logistics, Ship Logistics, Parade of Sail, Ship Liaison

If you are interested in volunteering during the event, please fill out the volunteer form on our website at http://www.festivalofsail.org/NEWvolunteerSF.asp

We will contact you closer to the event.

If you have a bit more time and can assist now… the following is a sample of some of the specific areas of need:

1. Volunteer Recruitment Lead – the Festival of Sail is looking for over 1,500 volunteers and the Volunteer Coordinator will help with outreach to spread the word

2. Captain's Manual - help develop the official manual sent to each visiting ships' captain

3. Captain's Black Tie Dinner Coordinator – assist with overall coordination of the Captain’s Dinner including invitations, RSVP and liaison with the caterer

4. Crew Activities Director – help to create fun and interesting events and activities for the visiting crews to participate in during their stay such as securing complimentary museum tickets; organizing a trip to watch a Giant’s game and etc.

5. International Village Community Outreach Coordinator – working with local nonprofits and community groups to participate in the International Village

Please email info@festivalofsail.org if you are able to assist with any of the above areas immediately, otherwise complete the online Volunteer Signup form.

For more information please visit www.festivalofsail.org

2008-06-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Open Water Rowing Regatta sponsored by the Sausalito Open Water Rowing Club

Photo boats provided by SFBayAdventures.com
HDV Production by SFBAYIMAGES.com
San Francisco Bay Open Water Rowing Regatta sponsored by the Sausalito Open Water Rowing Club

2008-06-10T21:25:00.001-07:00

U.S. National Kiteboard Racing Championship
Saturday, June 14 3:00p
at Crissy Field Beach, San Francisco, CA
What: 2nd U.S. National Kiteboard Racing Championship
When: June 10-15, 2008 3:00 p.m.
Where: San Francisco’s waterfront, Crissy Field, The Marina District

2008-06-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Bay Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon 2008. Video produced by SFBAYIMAGES.com.
Photo boats provided by SFBAYADVENTURES.com !!!

2008-05-07T11:41:00.001-07:00

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Contact SFBAYADVENTURES.com for a K-Fog Kaboom Cruise. SFBAYADVENTURES.com
Firework photos from one of our boats, 2002.

2008-05-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Schools going to be out for the summer soon! How about Sailing School for your kids?

San Francisco Bay Adventures, Your resources for sailing, charters, boating events and more. www.SFBAYADVENTURES.com

Youth Sailing Schools - Education San Francisco - Non Profit

Sailing Education Adventures

SEA is a nonprofit community-based sailing training organization. We provide low-cost sailing education to the San Francisco Bay Area. Sailing Education Adventures (SEA) is a San Francisco Bay Area non-profit, volunteer, membership organization dedicated to promoting sailing through affordable instruction and related educational and social activities.
www.sailsea.org
America True Youth Sailing
America True is entirely dedicated to providing youth with opportunity to benefit from sailing and its inherent life lessons. We believe that sailing can teach youth valuable life lessons including confidence, independence, strategic thinking, teamwork and respect for the environment. We believe that sailing can, and should be open to all regardless of gender, culture, ethnic, or economic background. We believe that many of those who could benefit most do not currently have access to the sailing experience.
Write, call or visit us at:

America True, Pier 40, San Francisco, California 94107

Telephone: 415 974 1018, Fax: 415 974 1024

www.americatrue.org
Sausalito Yacht Club Junior Sailing
Sausalito Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program

Sausalito Yacht Club

Located at the Foot of El Portal

Mailing address: PO Box 267 Sausalito, CA 94966

(415) 332-7400
San Francisco Yacht Club Youth Sailing
Youth Sailing at the San Francisco Yacht Club has a number of distinct components: Youth Instructional Programs, High School Racing, High Performance Sailing, "All Age Programs" and Private Sessions are organized through the Youth Sailing Office. Below is an outline of these activities and details may be obtained by clicking on the appropriate links on this site.

Youth Instructional Sailing Programs

In the Spring, Summer and Fall, classes are offered for beginner, intermediate and advanced sailors. Members and nonmembers from 8-16 years of age are welcome to participate in these fun and instructional sessions.

Youth Sailing Program

98 Beach Road, PO Box 379, Belvedere, CA 94920
www.sfyc.org

Youth Sailing Program phone 415-435-9525

San Francisco Bay Axis - San Francisco Bay Area Informaiton. SF Bay Area Yacht Clubs

Spinnakers - The Downwind Leg - Photography from San Francisco Bay yacht Races from the past five years by SF BAY IMAGES. Colorful aerial and marine photography. Full Length high resolution Enhanced DVD without watermarks available at www.SFBAYSTORE.com.

2008-04-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

THE ANNUAL MASTER MARINERS REGATTA

Will be held SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2008

For info: (415) 364-1656

http://www.mastermariners.org/

2008-04-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Opening Day on the Bay
27 Apr 2008

Opening Day on the Bay, on the last Sunday in April, is the official opening day of the Northern Californian sailing season and sees over 150 boats, beautifully decorated and adorned, heading across San Francisco Bay in parade formation.

Dating back to 1917 and organised by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the parade sails from the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge to just past Pier 39.

Any vessels can take part as long as they register beforehand and the procession regularly features tug boats, clean-up boats and tour boats, with visitors and spectators onboard.

Judges are on hand to dish out prizes for the décor and imagination of the colourful vessels.

Let SF BAY ADVENTURES set up an opening day on the bay charter for you!

2008-04-08T22:09:00.001-07:00

Click to Play

2008 Blue Angels Fleetweek Schedule:

Thursday October 9, 2008

Noon-5pm

Blue Angels Survey Flights

Friday October 10, 2008

3pm-4pm
Blue Angels

Saturday October 11, 2008

3pm-4pm
Blue Angels

Book Blue Angels Charters for 2008

2008-03-11T22:30:00.001-07:00

Gitana 13" Makes Sailing History

A French crew of ten made sailing history traveling 14,500 miles from New York to San Francisco on February 28th, 2008. The boat was captained by Lionel Lemonchois and went by way of Cape Horn. The weather was rough at Cape Horn and the vessel had to take shelter for 5 days.

"Gitana 13" is a 110 foot Catamaran whose speed can reach up to 43 knots. They hit light winds on the last leg entering the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. Even in light winds they passed under the Golden Gate Bridge at 10 to 14 knots.

The finish line is between Alcatraz Lighthouse and Coit Tower. The oldest record of this route was the famous passage of the "Flying Cloud" in 1989 with the time of 89 days and 8 hours. The passage was dubbed "Route D'Or" for the California Gold Rush. In 1998 "Aquitainne Innovations", another French vessel, broke that record making the time of 57 days and 3 hours.

The "Gitana 13" will makes its next stop in Tokyo on its way around the world.

Photoboat provided by Captain Paul Dines SF BAY ADVENTURES

Music by Bjorne Lynne

Photography by Sandra Cannon

Produced by SF BAY IMAGES, SFBAYIMAGES.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Thank you.

Gitana 13" Makes Sailing History

A French crew of ten made sailing history traveling 14,500 miles from New York to San Francisco on February 28th, 2008. The boat was captained by Lionel Lemonchois and went by way of Cape Horn. The weather was rough at Cape Horn and the vessel had to take shelter for 5 days.

"Gitana 13" is a 110 foot Catamaran whose speed can reach up to 43 knots. They hit light winds on the last leg entering the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. Even in light winds they passed under the Golden Gate Bridge at 10 to 14 knots.

The finish line is between Alcatraz Lighthouse and Coit Tower. The oldest record of this route was the famous passage of the "Flying Cloud" in 1989 with the time of 89 days and 8 hours. The passage was dubbed "Route D'Or" for the California Gold Rush. In 1998 "Aquitainne Innovations", another French vessel, broke that record making the time of 57 days and 3 hours.

The "Gitana 13" will makes its next stop in Tokyo on its way around the world.

Photoboat provided by Captain Paul Dines SF BAY ADVENTURES

Music by Bjorne Lynne

Photography by Sandra Cannon

Produced by SF BAY IMAGES, SFBAYIMAGES.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Thank you.

2008-03-11T22:23:00.001-07:00

"Gitana 13" Makes Sailing History

A French crew of ten made sailing history traveling 14,500 miles from New York to San Francisco on February 28th, 2008. The boat was captained by Lionel Lemonchois and went by way of Cape Horn. The weather was rough at Cape Horn and the vessel had to take shelter for 5 days.

"Gitana 13" is a 110 foot Catamaran whose speed can reach up to 43 knots. They hit light winds on the last leg entering the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. Even in light winds they passed under the Golden Gate Bridge at 10 to 14 knots.

The finish line is between Alcatraz Lighthouse and Coit Tower. The oldest record of this route was the famous passage of the "Flying Cloud" in 1989 with the time of 89 days and 8 hours. The passage was dubbed "Route D'Or" for the California Gold Rush. In 1998 "Aquitainne Innovations", another French vessel, broke that record making the time of 57 days and 3 hours.

The "Gitana 13" will makes its next stop in Tokyo on its way around the world.

Photoboat provided by Captain Paul Dines SF BAY ADVENTURES

Music by Bjorne Lynne

Photography by Sandra Cannon

Produced by SF BAY IMAGES, SFBAYIMAGES.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Thank you.

2008-02-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Gitana

Bay Adventures staff left the dock at 07:00 to meet the great Cat in the ocean. At 07:45 we were tucked into the lee of Point Bonita, calling ashore to get her latest position. When we heard she was six miles out, we left the protection of Point Bonita and proceeded west to R-#6 at the edge of the Potato Patch. The swells were powerful 6-8 footers at a 12 second interval with light winds from the NNW. It was big for a 22' Rib. We went all the way out to #8 before we spotted her huge rig in the early mist and light. Even from 1.5 miles, her great size and power were apparent. We met her there and in the cold silence of the Ocean the tension of light winds so close to the voyages end was a feeling most sailors have had to sit with. Constant trimming, the solent getting furled, and the huge genoa getting raised and finnally sheeted in. She moved through the water with a startling efficiency given the light winds.....10 knots over the bottom, against the ebb in around 10 kts of wind. Very Impressive!

Congratulations on an amazing passage!

2008-02-27T12:58:00.001-08:00

2008-02-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

AMGEN TOUR DE CALIFORNIA
SAUSALITO START
SANTA ROSA FINISH
J.J. Haedo wins.

2008-02-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 4th, the San Francisco Bay a... (more)
Added: February 17, 2008
On Friday, January 4th, the San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas experienced a hurricane like storm with wind speeds of over 75 mph recorded around and record rainfall. It knocked the power out to approxiametely 1.9 million utility customers. About 357,000 customers remained without power for the weekend. I was one of them, Sandra Cannon), which is why it took me so long to edit the video. The second half of the video shows most of the same locations on an average Sausalito morning. Excuse the handheld shake in the storm section, but it was RAINING AND WINDY outside.