The Solitude of Solo Sailing

For Brett Suwyn, solo sailing offers an opportunity for adventure and a way to get away from the ruckus of city life. A relative newcomer to the sport, as he learns the ways of the sea his adventures are getting bigger and bigger, from a 77-day trip to Alaska last summer, to his first race this summer—the Single-Handed Transpac.

Read his story here

Wipe Outs of The Year

Tonight in Anaheim they will be presenting the awards for Biggest Wave, Worst Wipe Out, Best Paddle In and many more.  Check out all the nominees and their amazing waves, here.

Weekend Pics

Lucky Dude.  I was out on my daily mountain bike ride thru the hills the other day.  I was on a single track when a lizard appeared running below my bike.  I went right to avoid him and hit a rock that stopped me cold.  In less than a second, I went over the handle bars and face planted with all my body weight on my face.  I was stunned and in shock and bleeding from multiple cuts on my face.  I have a nice road rash under my nose that makes me look a bit like Hitler.  I got up and rode home slowly bleeding the whole way.  Today, my face is looking better but it will be a week or so before healing.  I realized I could have been killed or paralyzed very easily.  I am very grateful that it was not worse.  It's amazing to think how our lives can turn on a dime.  As I get older, I realize how cautious I have become.  Injuries can devastate and take so long to heal.  This accident made me think how lucky I am and that I need to be even more careful out there.  And you should too!

Sunset Soul Sail

Took off around 5pm the other day for a perfect sunset sail.  I hit the end of the Emeryville Channel and put up both sails for a leisurely sail in about 12-14 knots.  After two tacks, I was free of the Berkeley Pier and heading towards Sausalito.  The wind shifted to a south wind just past Treasure Island.  Nice and strong so I reduced the jib a good 35%.  Now we are comfy.  Kona is enjoying the cool breeze.  I grab my sweat shirt.  We head back around 6:30 and at one point I get in the lee of Treasure and the wind dies.  I gybe towards the pier and it slowly builds to push me back to the harbor.  I stop by Tex's boat for a quick glass of vino and then I am off to put away the boat.  We have successfully reconfigured our electric engine battery bank and are now ready to embark on a fantastic 2016 season!  Opening Day on the Bay is this Sunday.

Roku Streaming Stick

I recently received a Roku Streaming Stick.  I have an Apple TV, so who knew I also needed a Stick?  There is SO much more on the Stick!  I recently returned from a trip to the Sandwich Islands and plugged her into a huge TV in the room and had access to an amazing amount of content (not that I was there to watch TV!).  Making the connection to wifi is simple and straight forward.  One of the cool apps I have discovered is Radio Paradise.  This listener supported (and commercial free), online radio station became a massive hit when they were introduced in 2000, all the way from Paradise, CA, (hence the name).  The coolest part about the site on Roku is the pictures.  Fire her up and the gorgeous slide show they have put together is fantastic!   The music is an eclectic collection of pop and rock with a dose of jazz, classical and world music.  Their hook is setting a mood without regard to genre.  Recent artists played include Eric Clapton, Weezer, Tom McRae, Third World, The Dream Academy and Al Stewart.  I highly recommend a purchase of this compact, cool streamer.  $50 bucks at your favorite electronics supplier.  This would be a great addition to your flat panel on your boat.  A fast wifi connection is required.

The stick is a little bigger than a thumb drive but it's quad core makes it a powerful media tool.  On most TV's, you will need to plug her into power (adapter included).  There is one little quirk, the only way to turn it off is to unplug it.  I checked online and most folks just leave it on 24/7.  Power consumption is very low.  Kona says two paws up!

The Dreaded Chinese Gybe

Don't try this at home!

XXL Ride of the Year Nominies

The awards are handed out later this month.

Over in Maui and had a great sunset sail on a Santa Cruz 50 last night with my sis and her husband.  After, had dinner at the Lahina Yacht Club with the Commodore and his wife.   What fun!

Red Dot on The Ocean - Trailer

Full documentary available on Amazon.

In case you missed it!

Take the Quiz

Here is a fun quiz to brush you up on your sailing knowledge.  Go here.

Awesome Time Lapse

Weekend Pics

It's going to be a great weekend weather wise.  Get out there and make some waves.