Snow Bird in San Francisco

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Going to San Francisco for the winter and want to experience sailing on the Bay. What's the best way to get some sailing in? I could take some classes or even find someone on Craigslist for lessons? Also, what about day crewing just for the experience, how do I get connected?

[kwaltersmi]

I'm guessing you'll be able to catch a ride with a SailNetter or two from the Bay Area if you keep this thread going.

Also, you might find some interesting America's Cup action/events in the Bay Area this winter. The defending Team Oracle boat is suppose to go on display at some point and I imagine they'll be setting up a headquarters somewhere on the waterfront. Even if you're not into racing you should be able to find some aspect of the AC in SF interesting.

Lastly, check out Latitude 38 for SF sailing opportunities and information. Latitude 38 is a free sailing magazine and community focused on west coast sailing and I believe is published out of San Francisco.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

Thanks for the tips kwaltersmi. I did not know about America's Cup. I can also help out with engine and 12 volt electrical issues if I get to know someone in the Bay Area.

[FijiSomeDay]

There are a bunch of sailing schools in the Bay, if you are at all inclined so formal instruction. For reasonable fees they will allow access to their fleet according to your ability. Also many local yacht clubs that have fun races, so you might be able to hop on at one of those.

[Cherie320]

Cal Sailing Club is an inexpensive way to get instruction. Located at Berkeley Marina.

See if you can get a copy of the Latitude 38 issue which has the "owners looking for crew" listing and dial up a few likely sounding prospects. Latitude 38 does the crew list party each year at the start of the season. If you are here at that time you should attend. I believe they have two events. One at Corinthian YC and the other at Encinal YC.

Good Luck - Pat

[GeorgeB]

Geezer,
Can you give some more specifics about your plans? What are you looking to do and experience level etc? Can you write a little “introduction” here? (Or send a PM to me?) I have a Catalina 34 over in Alameda.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

GeorgeB, it would be nice to get together. Thirty years ago I lived in the San Francisco area and took about twenty lessons at the Cal Sailing Club. I thought the instruction was very good. I also bought a Flying Junior and did some sailing on local reservoirs and some in the Bay near Berkeley staying close to shore. After I retired, I bought an O’Day Day Sailor. My stepson has a cabin at a lake, and I have a lot of sailing with the grandkids. I also joined a yacht club on one of the local lakes in Wisconsin. I did a little on keel boats and learned a little more; I have been out maybe 50 times since I bought my boat. I find books for me are good teachers. I am in good health and have no disabilities so would like to try sailing on the Bay to learn keel boats. Not being active in retirement would be very difficult for me.

[paul323]

Roughly where is the bay will you be? It is a big area!

L38 is a good starting point, as mentioned.

There are multiple sailing clubs dotted all around the bay. Normally the winds at this time of year are variable and light - 10-15 knots (depending upon your location, as opposed to consistent 20-25+ all summer), and so there are generally no "beer cans" races, but many clubs do have some winter racing; many clubs also welcome friendly 'walk-ins' to come as crew. So I'd look at the websites of sailing clubs local to where you are staying.

There are dozens of sailing schools, many of which offer boat chartering, which can range from expensive upwards! But shared amongst a few friends, it can be reasonable.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

I am going to be in Pacifica just south of San Francisco on the coast. There is good bus service to BART and I will have my F350 diesel dually, but parking that thing might be a problem in some parts of San Francisco. Courses are more than twice as expensive than Wisconsin prices for the ASA courses. The Modern Sailing School & Club in Sausalito, Basic keel ASA 101 is $650. Craigslist has private lessons at $25/hour on a 22 foot keel boat which looks like a better deal for me.

[paul323]

Yeah, that is about the going rate for a 4-day class around here. You can also try Spinnaker Sailing in Redwood City - a lot closer (Welcome to Spinnaker Sailing of Redwood City). They also do private lessons. The South Bay is no as scenic, but hey, it's still the sea....

PM me.