(For more photos check here!)
Hard work to get ready.
Out of the gate and back!
Weather was beautiful in the bay and weather reports seemed favorable, but as soon as we got out of the gate we were right in the middle of big waves and the big ocean feeling! It was great to be out in big rolling seas, but the conditions were really tough, with tall, short period waves making for a queasy feeling among much of the group. However, the Libertatia herself was undaunted, and performed great with lots of new rigging and a crew of new and experienced sailors.
It was amazing to feel the wind die down and swell retreat as we entered the protection of the bay and we had a wonderful time anchoring off the NE tip of Angel Island. Most of the crew slipped off to sleep while some stayed up late in to the night enjoying the beautiful skies and good company of our friends. The next day found many exploring angel island and lots of rowing through swirling eddies and currents. Our afternoon took us on a brisk downwind sail back to Berkeley Marina. On the way, we spotted a good friend, Louie Richard at the helm of another classic wooden boat, the Vectis. Built in 1929, Vectis looked fast and beautiful in the fair wind and light swell.
Sailing out of the gate
Big seas
Back to Angel Island
Getting ready for a big send off party this weekend!
Hello readers! We've been working hard to refit and tune our boat's systems to get ready for our trip south! Everyone's been working hard on our rig, splicing Spectra running backstays, triatic line, Kevlar running forestays, and changing many of the lines and blocks for easier sailing. (Thanks to everyone (richard!)who's donated blocks and lines!) Additionally, we've improved our boat with new shelves, drawers, new oars, mizzen mastboot, cockpit seats, classic deck bucket, new VHF antenna, fixed the oven and stove, rebuilt the starter and raw water pump on the engine, painted and tuned the engine, new head (thanks again papa Steve), rebuilt our awesome windlass!, new manual bilge pump, and much more! Phew! we've been busy!
 |
| Big Waves and Bright Sunshine! |
To celebrate, we planned a shakedown with some friends to the Farallon Islands last Saturday to test our many new fixes and improvements.
 |
| Crystal's first day sailing out of the gate |
With brilliant sunshine in our face, but rough waves under our keel, we decided to return back to the bay. We were lucky to see some friends in the "Clipper Around the world race" reaching south to panama! Good Luck to Uncle Terry, Captain Richard and the rest of the Gold Coast crew! We are rooting for you!
Back to Angel Island
 |
| Louie and the Vectis |
 |
| Our Friend Bob and Angel Island |
It was amazing to feel the wind die down and swell retreat as we entered the protection of the bay and we had a wonderful time anchoring off the NE tip of Angel Island. Most of the crew slipped off to sleep while some stayed up late in to the night enjoying the beautiful skies and good company of our friends. The next day found many exploring angel island and lots of rowing through swirling eddies and currents. Our afternoon took us on a brisk downwind sail back to Berkeley Marina. On the way, we spotted a good friend, Louie Richard at the helm of another classic wooden boat, the Vectis. Built in 1929, Vectis looked fast and beautiful in the fair wind and light swell.
Now, back at our home base in the bay at Berkely Marine Center, continuing to tune things up and dig in to the last big stretch of work. We are planning our departure at the end of April south to LA, Mexico and beyond. To celebrate, we are having a Bon Voyage party Saturday Evening April 21 at Berkeley Marina! To all our friends; please come!
(For more photos check here!)
(For more photos check here!)
