View from the Helm: Between the Seasons

The rain stops and the winds subside. Deep blue fills the sky and we search for our misplaced sunglasses so that we can look upon the brightness of the mirror-like Bay.

By Pam & Ed McGrath
Published: February, 2006

The rain stops and the winds subside. Deep blue fills the sky and we search for our misplaced sunglasses so that we can look upon the brightness of the mirror-like Bay.

The Golden Gate, with its enigmatic water surrounded by lush hillsides, capped by the most beautiful bridge in the world, is a glorious treat for the eyes and the spirit. It is a beautiful sight of which we never tire. Each time we look at these gorgeous vistas, we are taken aback with awe, not quite believing our good fortune to be living here.

Passing under the expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge, we find more splendor ahead, as we gaze out toward the Farallon Islands, a remarkable wilderness area full of Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals… whales pass by on their spring migration; even the occasional shark might make its presence known.

The San Francisco Bay is never more beautiful than in between the storms of winter. We recall one winter day; we arose very early, started our 220 Cummins diesel engine, untied our lines and backed out of our slip. Heading down Richardson Bay toward San Francisco, we were approaching the slot, the section of the Bay where the weather - fair or treacherous - comes in through the Golden Gate and intrudes on the East Bay hills. It is widely acknowledged that this area, in between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, is the roughest part of the San Francisco Bay. However, on this particular day, while skippering our boat from our wide-open flybridge, we were shedding our hats and heavy coats. Soon we were down to our shirtsleeves, enjoying the warmth of the sun. The slot was quiescent. Instead of the stuff nightmares are made of, this day, our cruise was deliciously dreamy — a grand Bay adventure. We have enjoyed many cruises like this. We’ve experienced glorious, clear calm conditions, as well as harsh weather and rough waters. All of our time on the Bay aboard our 36’ trawler has been a great adventure and a great blessing.

February on the Bay offers opportunities for all kinds of activities. Take advantage of crab season by indulging in a crab feed somewhere, anywhere. We have already tasted the offerings of this season — Yum! Take a Bay cruise or a brunch or dinner charter. Explore the working waterfronts in San Francisco or Sausalito. Watch or participate in one of the many sailboat races coming up. Attend the Boat Show at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Come to the Bay Model in Sausalito to see their exquisite exhibits. A special one named Mysteries of Earth & Mars runs through Feb. 11. If you miss it, the Bay Model always has interesting things going on, so come out anyway. One of the activities we will enjoy is the Tour of California bicycle race on Feb. 20. We just might anchor out in the Bay to watch Sausalito’s streets filled with world-class bicyclists as they begin their 10-day race from Northern to Southern California.

Old salts, just getting sea-legs or landlubbers, all are offered fantastic opportunities because we are here in this most beautiful place.

After Ed decided that a pirate’s life was not for him, he indulged his love for boating by becoming a yacht broker. He has been selling boats in the Bay Area for over 12 years. He is proud to be born and raised in the Bay Area, and his family has been working on the Bay since 1865. He started McGrath Pacific Yacht Sales 3 years ago with his wife, Pam.

Pam grew up in the Midwest where she enjoyed water skiing and power boating activities during the summers on the lakes. With a background in business management, she joined Ed 3-years ago in the boat business. Together, they opened McGrath Pacific Yacht Sales. Being at the helm of their 36’ trawler is one of Pam’s favorite activities.