If anyone is on the fence about doing this race and is looking for
some motivation, I'll put in my 2 cents. This is one of my favorite
races because you get so many different "views" of Bay area sailing.
The race starts in the slot in the morning and we usually have
moderate breeze for the beat out to the Gate. Once outside the Gate,
the wind can be anything for the beat to Bonita and the run back to
the Gate. Once under the Gate, the wind in the slot has usually
picked up into the 20's for a great ride down to the Bay Bridge. Once
past the bridge, it is warm, flat water, and light to moderate wind.
Now is the time to drop the foulies and pick up a beer. The ride down
the Estuary can also be light to moderate, but the tactics are fun.
The key here is to keep your air clear and not worry about current.
Also, stay away from the house boats across from Jack London Square
as there often is a hole there. Hope to see you out there.
Dan