Alex Carter was first introduced to sailing on Picos in Bordeaux, France. He said he had a wonderful time; however the instruction and the atmosphere were a little unsettling. When he arrived at SEA's Youth Camp, he was just out of our harbor and his sailing partner freaked out when the boat started to heel. His partner dropped the main sheet and started screaming to be let off, and Alex had to single hand the Pico back to the safety boat. According to him, while scary, that was also extremely exhilarating, and made him wanted to do it more and more. Just the feel and the knowledge that he could maneuver a boat completely by himself was astonishing and made him want to sail again and again.
For Alex, the most enjoyable part of sailing is, without a doubt, when you are in high winds and hiking out all the way, hearing the water rush under the boat is awesome. He first got on a Pico in 2009. So this makes his third year of sailing. Just like the others, his favourite place to sail is around the Marin Islands and out towards the Richmond bridge.
SEA has always been at the forefront of encouraging sailors to mind heads. You might recall instructors shouting “watch your head” during those near accidental jibes in your early sailing career. There’s also the other maxim: “Keep your head out of the boat,” meaning don’t get too caught up with what's inside the boat - ensure you keep a vigilant watch about you.
We are proud to say SEA has continued to evolve. And now it’s time to adopt a new maxim: "Keep the head clear!" Because if this simple habit is not developed well and practiced with intent, even the most merited sailor risks soiling his/her reputation. And, that stinks.
What are three words to describe this ASA 101 class? Persistent, dedicated and upbeat.
I’m so proud of everyone for waking up early and making time to learn about sailing. After understanding the basics of tacking and jibing, you were ready to master figure eight, crew overboard, heaving-to drills and much more! And, the best part, you all had a smile on your face from the first to the last day.
What’s something to remember as you take your skills to the next level? “Bees (yes, bees!) remind us that the rewards of diligence and communal effort are sweet.” So true. Throughout the whole class, you were all humming about and working as a team! Nice job, everyone.
Looking forward to seeing everyone back out on the water for an open sail!
Our 27th year of summer camp sailing is in full swing at the Marin Yacht Club in San Rafael. And, registrations continues to grow. This week we have a full house of 25 eager sailing campers, and we regretted having to turn some families away.
News spreads fast about our camp - families are referring others and making our SEA Youth Camp community strong and fun.
Camp runs through the week of August 22nd, and this year we think the program will be even more successful than last year!
If you know families who might enjoy the water and sailing fun, please tell them to visit www.sfsailing.org/camps
And, be sure to calendar August 6 for the annual SailFest BBQ.
Joyce Jones, Mark Miglio, JP Watts, Leah PepeSome of SEA's many unsung heroes were just featured in the July Issue of the Latitude 38! We're so happy to see some recognition for the huge efforts our members put into the sailing community. 2010 member Matthew Davidchuck kindly submitted text and photo to L38, highlighting the things that make SEA's mentoring environment so special. Matthew heads up SEA's Grants Committee, and recently completed ASA 201 Instructor Certification. Thank you Matthew! And a big thank you to mentors John Paul Watts (currently sailing a catamaran from Saipan to Vancouver) and Leah Pepe, who recruited, mentored and inspired our current Director Mark Miglio!
“A wet and wild ride” define’s SEA’s Transbay Race last Sunday, when four Catalina Capris took to The SF Bay racing against one another while cutting through summertime chop and gusts. Chase Boat/Committee Boat Skipper Eric Batalden, along with crew Marcy Niebres, zipped and cruised across The Bay ensuring safety and race protocol.
The two hour course (#2 Channel Marker of Richardson Bay - Coast Guard Buoy - Pt Knox –Presidio Yacht Club) challenged the teams’ endurance, strategy and surely some members’ foul weather gear, but SEA sailors had a goal – to reach host, Presidio Yacht Club at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, to share good cheer, brew and stories and gloat in glories, of course.
Last June 18, we had our second Maintenance Party of the year at SEA Docks and we would like say Thank You to: Anne, Christian, Dolph, Frank, Helena and Sandor.
These folks pitched in and helped out making the boats a little bit better. We now have solid sails, new sheets, new lines for reefing and in the process of fixing the motor mount for Shockwave. So when you see these folks, say "thank you" to them for helping out.
There is still one more scheduled Maintenance Party which we will announce soon, so I hope to see you all there.
Lunch/Awards: 14:00 Presidio Yacht Club (Google Map)
It's that time of the year again where the best skippers in SEA race across The Bay in our fleet of Catalinas. Will the mouthy upstarts best the sea dogs? Is it really about being the better skipper, or does equipment matter?
This year, skippers will raise money in order to "purchase" the best boats and sails for the race. SEA members will be able to wager on the results, with the winner getting a piece of the pie. In the end, however, the real winner will be SEA.
This year's race will start in Richardson Bay and end at the Presidio Yacht Club. Celebrate with the race teams at Mike's Place at the Yacht Club!
What better way to end the Spring racing series than on Summer Solstice. And, as if someone had planned it, the weather was brilliant.
Karen, Anne, Chris, and I (Helena) were back on the water again. Having sailed together for 3 out of the 5 races, we were in a good groove – knew our positions and communicated well. Tonight, we had an amazing start (one of the first boats over the line) and sailed through choppy waters through the slot. There are some interesting stories (and learning experiences) that came out of tonight, but you’ll have to get the full details from one of us!
Also, thanks to Adam and Bill for coming out for the other 2 races of the season. And, how could I forget? We’re proud of our little Santana, "Shockwave” – the boat that could (and did!). Watch out, “Tactful”, we’ll catch up one of these days!
If you are interested in honing your racing skill please check out our upcoming Racing 101 Workshop
And, that is a Spring series wrap. Here’s to looking forward to the Summer series, starting on July 26th!
News
Alex Carter was first introduced to sailing on 
SEA has always been at the forefront of encouraging sailors to mind heads. You might recall instructors shouting “watch your head” during those near accidental jibes in your early sailing career. There’s also the other maxim: “Keep your head out of the boat,” meaning don’t get too caught up with what's inside the boat - ensure you keep a vigilant watch about you. 
What are three words to describe this ASA 101 class? Persistent, dedicated and upbeat.
What’s something to remember as you take your skills to the next level? “Bees (yes, bees!) remind us that the rewards of diligence and communal effort are sweet.” So true. Throughout the whole class, you were all humming about and working as a team! Nice job, everyone.
Our 27th year of summer camp sailing is in full swing at the Marin Yacht Club in San Rafael. And, registrations continues to grow. This week we have a full house of 25 eager sailing campers, and we regretted having to turn some families away.
“A wet and wild ride” define’s SEA’s Transbay Race last Sunday, when four Catalina Capris took to The SF Bay racing against one another while cutting through summertime chop and gusts. Chase Boat/Committee Boat Skipper Eric Batalden, along with crew Marcy Niebres, zipped and cruised across The Bay ensuring safety and race protocol.
Last June 18, we had our second Maintenance Party of the year at SEA Docks and we would like say Thank You to: Anne, Christian, Dolph, Frank, Helena and Sandor.
These folks pitched in and helped out making the boats a little bit better. We now have solid sails, new sheets, new lines for reefing and in the process of fixing the motor mount for Shockwave. So when you see these folks, say "thank you" to them for helping out.
Where: Horseshoe Cove
What better way to end the Spring racing series than on Summer Solstice. And, as if someone had planned it, the weather was brilliant.