Sioux Mac Lauchlin-Strebin writes in to describe a successul sail on the Bay. Others weren't so lucky battling the blustery Bay breeze. But it was good preparation for their July 5th start of the Pacific Cup.
Sailstice Fever was pronounced as the Trial Run was readied to make her trial run before the final inspection and her departure to Oahu on July 5th in the Pacific Cup Race. Skipper, Kathy Pickup, and her crew appreciated the tails of the high cirrus clouds for sending wind/weather messages through the sun-filled sky. As we motored out of the Berkley Marina the San Francisco Bay called to us "Let's have some fun!" and we did! Sails set, we made a streamline toward Angel Island tacking once deep into Hospital Cove.
Heeling slightly in front of Alcatraz Island we tacked just in time to witness one of the most unwanted occurrences of any day sail, a dismasted vessel. We powered down, sailed alongside, offered assistance and fortunately received an 'All Okay' from the crew. They were busy hauling the mainsail aboard- no doubt they were bummed, but thank Neptune they were all safe.
Continuing on the shakedown sail the crew worked over every system on the boat and tested spars, rigging tensions and electronics. A cheer went up when the crew's newly licensed General Ham radio operator made his first single side band contact with a land locked Ham-mer! Obviously it was a highlight of the day as he chatted and the crew members listened. With the late afternoon upon us we peacefully sailed back to the marina wing on wing; discussing thoughts of all the sail configurations to soon be used and teasing one another about the challenges of the race in our near future.
Good luck to all Pac Cup participants and congratulations to all those who were blessed to be out on the water sharing this year's world-wide acclaimed Sailstice.
Sioux Mac Lauchlin-Strebin
