Saturday was sailing with Captain Dennis and friends on a Cal 30 called Clio. Dennis is 61, and a real character. He is a nudist, and quite excited about it. A great guy with a lot of stories to share.

We sailed to Racoon Strait and got there right as the America’s Cup boats were rounding their mark. It was spectacular to see those old racing boats in friendly competition here on the bay. They are so damn fast. We were less than 50 yards from them! I was geeking out over those boats! Ellison’s luxury motoryacht was cruising menacingly nearby as well.

We passed the old museum scow schooner “Alma” under full sail. What a treat to see her out there.

Then we ducked under the Golden Gate. I was at the helm tacking out and then reaching back in. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve sailed under the Gate, but it’s always quite an experience.

We hot-rodded through Aquatic Park, and up the face of Alcatraz before heading home. All the folks on board were great company, and it was just a hell of a day.

Today I took Ralph, Becky, my cousin Robert, and his girlfriend Daphne sailing. It was blowing like crazy and we were fighting the wind even with a reefed main. The upwind sail out was hardcore — the beam reach back was much more pleasant. We just rocketed home, even with the main still reefed.

Sun, Jun. 22nd, 2003, 11:57 pm