Extras

Departing shot . San Francisco, California

Brookings to Portland

After leaving Brookings, the weather went very mild, would have been perfect for heading South. We saw one meter swells and insignificant wind waves most of the way to Astoria. Wind never exceeded 12 knots and was 8 most of the way.

I was concerned about timing the approach to the Columbia River Bar but with the tide in our favor and mild atmospheric conditions we saw one meter and I had to guess exactly when we crossed. Entering the mighty Columbia we averaged about 8 knots for the 18 miles to Astoria.

So after 5000 miles this year from Guatemala , Caribbean side we were finally in a river where weather takes a back seat!

 We encountered a bit of on the nose blow for about  after leaving Brookings. Just before nightfall the wind went to 20 knots gusting 30 when we were 5 miles from Port Orford. We pulled under the Rock for the night and as we anchored it calmed down. A good nights sleep and the 8 hours gave us a fair approach time to the Columbia River Bar.

 Calm off Oregon in the Fall.

 Astoria Bridge

Sunset at the winter home on Hayden Island in Portland.

Brookings ,Oregon

We went non stop from the Gate to Brookings, a quaint town on the California  Oregon border. The sail was a motor boat ride as we only sailed for 5 hours. Going North along this coast is always tough so I am not complaining about motoring. Usually one gets beat to pieces.

 The harbor at Brookings is full of long liners ,trollers ,  trawlers and crab boats.

 Crab pots being readied for the December 1 opening of crab season.

 Beach

 Brave lads. The water temperature at 62 and the boys catching a surf.

Le Chat Beaute tucked in the transient dock.

AC Again

 Queenie, Wayne and Ellie at the Cup Village at pier 27 with the airplanes in the back.

 One of the luxury tax dodges seen around the Bay for the Regatta.

 Unlike past AC events , San Francisco was a paradise for those wanting to see the races up close. Shore side was actually the best place to witness the drama. We walked with Debby and Jeff of Sailors Run from Sausalito over the bridge and watched one race from the Presidio. I think the best venue of all.

 This view from Presidio gave a 100% view of the action.

 A rare and beautiful 6 mile walk back to Sausalito.

Fort Point

More AC stuff

 Old school AC 76 was a constant site on the Bay during the races.

 The Challenger for the Cup. They sailed a great regatta but in the words of Kiwi Grant Dalton " in a regatta the faster boat will win"

 Wayne and Ellie Smith joined us for a week to watch the races. We had a great time catching up. They now live in Roatan on Zeppelin and do dive /sail vacations. We did a lot of diving with them last year.

Another beauty on the Bay

Through the Golden Gate

Well we finally left the Bay area. I t has been a wonderful 3 months watching the Americas Cup and hosting friends aboard so they could see the races as well.. We are now headed North to leave the boat in fresh water in Portland, Oregon. I know .....we should be going south! Next summer up towards Alaska!

Martinez

 We were in Martinez, CA to catch the Amtrak and while waiting there was a car show /get together in the downtown. Martinez is a bay area city with a huge refinery and it was nice to see a quaint and vibrant downtown area.

 The paint on this goat was fabulous.

A Riviera with another very deep paint.