Get out on the Bay!

It’s that time of year, when San Francisco Bay officially opens for the summer season of sailing fun, and landlubbers are welcome! You don’t have to be to the manor born, either: our correspondent Mary Swift provides details on how to hitch a sailing ride for free. See our complete “Beer Can” racing schedule and also don’t miss a peek behind the curtain at Stone Boatyard, where world-class wooden boats are back in production.

By Mary Swift 
Published: April, 2002

A new season of sailboat racing season starts in April on San Francisco Bay, with a packed schedule full of opportunities. It is possible, be you willing, to race every weeknight and weekend day April through September. Long distance sailing options abound with great ways to use up vacation for a 3 days to 2 weeks.

Racing represents the social side of sailing. Depending on your goals – or your mood – the experience can be intense or simply laid back. Whatever you choose – to be boat #1, or just the boat having the most fun, it’s a great way to unwind from the day and connect with nature amidst the overwhelming beauty of San Francisco Bay.

Many say if you learn to sail San Francisco Bay, you can sail anywhere. There’s no doubting that becoming a skilled sailor in these waters commands well-deserved respect world wide. Many places have tides. A few places have strong wind. San Francisco is one of the very few that has both – and in abundance. We have one rowdy and unpredictable bit of water hereabouts.

Most sailing is easy and fun, particularly when the winds die down in the evening. It’s an active sport that keeps you in shape too. So how do you get a ride? Go where they are racing and ask a race coordinator of the sponsoring club to help you catch a ride. It’s common in Benicia for new comers to show with refreshments, soft non-black soled shoes a windbreaker and some kind of gloves and stand on the fuel dock. All the boats pass on their way to the starting line and try to take on all who show. If you know how to sail your chances of being asked back greatly increase (there are top schools all around the Bay Area). It’s serious fun – no – really it is. If racing is new or you’re an old salt, here is the San Francisco Bay Area week-day race schedule.

Beer Can Races 2002

Monday Night

Tuesday Night

Wednesday Night

Thursday Night

Friday Night

Many weekend events are scheduled: contact a club near you for more information.

You want to get to know someone a bit before getting on a boat with them. An annual mixer happens on April 11th at the Golden Gate Yacht Club in San Francisco Marina district. GGYC is host this year to the Latitude 38 magazine’s Crew List party. Want to sail locally, or maybe even someday head out the Gate, turn left till the butter melts? This event is designed to hook up people looking for sailing partners. The event is from 6-9 pm, expect a small host fee, all are welcome.

There are at least 98 registered clubs in the Bay Area and we have not heard from New York/New Jersey yet. If we missed a weeknight fun race in your area, drop a line to Mary Swift swiftswan@aol.com.