Writing and Projects
Our sailor sets out for a Santa Barbara trip, but high seas and a beginner wife call for a Monterey detour. They putter along, dodging grumpy harbor masters and perilous breakwaters. Wife falls ill, boat logs excessive speed, they make a jelly-rubbing stop in Monterey, and the sailor makes a solo, gusty finale back home. …
Between storms and strong winds, my father and I found a window of mild weather to sail from Berkeley to Santa Cruz. We motored from Berkeley to just past Alcatraz, at which point the winds quickly picked up. I had chosen the genoa due to the light wind conditions, but we were quickly overpowered. As we headed to a more sheltered position near the San Francisco shoreline, I swapped out the genoa for the class jib. With just two tacks, we had cleared Lands End and were sailing comfortably along the coast on an upwind tack. We stayed on the same tack until Half Moon Bay. Around Montara, the already mild winds died down even further. I put back the genoa, which we probably could have been using for most of the day after clearing Lands End. As we got closer to Half Moon Bay, the winds shifted and we were sailing downwind between the buoys marking the approach to the harbor. After clearing the last of the marker buoys, we found ourselves sailing upwind to a nice breeze leading up to the sea wall. We sailed in the lagoon behind the sea wall and dropped anchor for the night. …
The vessel Grace underwent crucial modifications this year, including completing major repairs, improving routine maintenance, and certain enhancements. The primary changes involved outboard services, deck hardware bedding, winch servicing, and brightwork. Bottom paint application, boom repair, and sail replacements were critical improvements implemented. These modifications brought significant efficiency and durability, crucial for extended coastal cruising. …
In a succession of daily seaborne misadventures, our valiant mariners stage unsuccessful campaigns against unforgiving winds, mercilessly soaked cots, and defiant navigational lights. Despite their travails, they end up amidst friendly neighbors celebrating a birthday party. …
On a foggy sail full of unexpected seaweed encounters and marine life collisions, our sailor switched between genoas and jibs, dealt with misbehaving winds, navigated nocturnally, and made new friends. Despite some equipment troubles, grilled sardines kept spirits high. …
On an amusingly windswept voyage, our sailor saunters from Santa Cruz to Año Nuevo, battling gusty winds and gulls’ curiosity. Plans for 5-day trip change due to a home robbery, because even sailors can’t escape landlubber problems! …
Our daring sailor embarked on a rollicking sea journey marked by chaotic boat gatherings, waterborne balloon rescues, fire dancers, friendly boat compliments, interesting whale-watchers, a few indecisive wind directions, and a singular brave kite surfer. …
In 2021, extensive repairs were completed that began in 2020. The renovations included interior sanding, painting, shelf installations, exterior hardware modifications, rigorous gel-coating, hull and foredeck repair, and reassembling the internal electrical systems. The majority of the repair work was executed independently with professional guidance.
…
The author spent 2020 amidst the pandemic restoring his sailboat, Grace, while teaching online. He tackled various pressing issues systematically, conducting repairs with both professional help and hands-on efforts, including fiberglass work, interior revamping, winch maintenance, and comprehensive upgrades to the rigging and outdoor equipment. …
In October 2019, the author broke their arm and subsequently bought a sailboat named Grace. Despite the boat’s need for extensive renovation, they proceeded with necessary repairs and modifications for safe, coastal cruising. …