Pillar Point to the left. I love the hills overlooking this harbor, they remind me of Eastern Washington with all of the seams and creases. Very sensuous landscape if you ask me.
Log Book
- Port of departure: Aquatic Park (San Francisco, CA)
- Departure time: 8:45am on Sunday, November 11
- Port of arrival: Pillar Point Harbor (El Granada, CA)
- Arrival time: 2:15pm on Sunday, November 11
- Total travel time: ~5.5 hours
- Nautical miles traveled: ~28.5
- Engine hours start – end – logged: 778 – 783 – 5
- Gallons of diesel start – end – used: 15.4 – 13.4 – 2
- Forecast: NE winds < 5 knots changing to SE winds in the
afternoon. Wind waves 3-5 feet. NW swell 2-4 feet at 13 seconds.
We decided to leave a couple hours before the
height of the flood so that we would avoid the ebb across the bar. We were
expecting there to be a 2 – 3 knot current working against us on our way out,
but we were hauling it! When we left Aquatic Park, before we reached the Golden
Gate Bridge, we were making 6.2 knots (which is relatively fast for us). Once
we got past the bridge we slowed a little, to 4 knots or so, but picked up
again to 7.5 knots when we cleared the bar. A very nice surprise indeed!
The seas were incredibly calm, the skies were clear and we
started to shed layers (gosh that feels good). At one point we tried to sail,
with a 5-7 knot wind from the east, but, as if on cue, the wind died as soon as we raised
our sails (tends to happen). We motored along with a semi-full main and finally
decided to lower it once it started flapping around. No wind for the rest of
the afternoon meant that we started getting hot (first time for everything).
Jeff spent a considerable amount of time trying to come to agreeable terms with the doctor. He was doing his job by the end of the day (after we cursed loudly at him, perhaps scaring him into submission). It’s nice to have our hands back.
Arrived at Pillar Point Harbor earlier than expected (about
an hour early). As we approached the turning point to the harbor the wind really
got going, but we were ready to call it a day (and were less than 20 minutes from the breakwater).
Navionics chart showing our course.
After a valiant rescue of my chip bag that floated into the harbor during our approach,
we fueled up. Gas was self-serve and nearly a dollar cheaper than San Francisco ($4.25 per gallon in El Granada if you pay with cash).
As we were pulling in to the fuel dock we saw the Lady Washington departing. Quite
a majestic sight to behold against the warm afternoon light. Small and
swift shadows crawled up the rope ladders to unfurl her many sails, straddling the booms and spreaders with a comfortable familiarity. The tourists
walking the docks appeared to be interested in our bright red boat until they caught sight
of the Lady exiting the harbor. A child whimpered to his mother, “I want to
ride the big ship, when do I get to ride the big ship?” To which she responded, “Maybe
they’ll be back tonight and we can take a ride.” Sorry kid, they’ll be in Moss Landing
(South of Santa Cruz) for the week giving tours. The Lady is touring the west coast.
We dropped anchor in the very well protected harbor (about 9 feet of water, mud). This
was a fantastic anchorage, very calm and lots of room. I was beat. While I was
napping Jeff tidied up the boat and prepared dinner. We listened to podcasts
while enjoying a pasta medley with lots of fresh veggies. Thanks, babe.