Wow! The Greatest Sail of My Life!!

Looking back on 10 years of H2uh0...

Feb. 2011
Sunday was the best sail of my life! There was danger, pure speed, elation, beauty, and gratitude. Here is a recap: I made it up to the boat with my trusty golden Kona about 10am. Went to start the engine and after three tries it's a no go. I pull the cover and begin the bleeding process. Try again and she starts right up! We head to the channel and the wind is from the south east and 6-8. I rig the spinnaker and as we hit the last maker I pop the chute. Perfect. Now I just need to head up enough to miss the 2 mile long Berkeley Pier. I clear it and now it's a nice run to Angel. The sun is bright and the temps are in the 50's. The Golden Gate beckons me! I got around the south side of Angel and the wind direction changes. It's blowing into the island and pushing me towards the beach. I head towards the island knowing I have to get the spinnaker down. She comes down quickly and I bag her and turn the boat away from the island. That was only the second time in 10 years I have raised the spinnaker on a solo run. Awesome! I raise the main and jib and reef the jib as it is 15 knots at this point. I hove to for a few as I need a break to reduce the adrenaline rush. After a few, I head towards SF to give Kona a break. We head over to Gas House Cove, empty the holding tank and take K for walk. Back on the water the wind contunies to build. So much for the forecasted 5-10. I head towards the Gate and I can see my first big fog bank of the year. That's why the wind is so strong! I get under the bridge and it is always special to sail out towards the Pacific. The waves build, the view is stunning and its only 2ooo miles to Hawaii! Opps, not enough wine on board to make it that far! I tack a few times and realize that I have not seen any ships moving today. Not a one! That's unusual. I head to the west side of Baker Beach enjoying the sea motion. It's getting late so I head back. Once under the Gate, I throw up the chute once more. It wasn't a perfect hoist and had a wrap or two but she goes up. By now it's almost 5pm and there are very few boats on the water. I am blasting across the water at 7.5 knots and it's a perfect run to the barn. I drop the chute as I approach our channel and I am exhausted with a huge smile on my face. The sun is getting ready to set just as I head in. Two spinnaker runs, 20 knots of breeze and the most amazing sail of my life! Our Newport 30 has been such an amazing platform for fun and good times on the bay. I love this boat and sailing my home waters of the San Francisco Bay!!!