Maltese Faclon enters San Francisco Bay

Today we decided to head out and see the Maltese Falcon enter the San Francisco Bay for the first time. This is a 289 foot sailboat that literally has no rival. The bay was absolutely picturesque in the morning. In fact, I can't remember ever seeing it this calm. We were definitely not the only boaters that decided to see the Maltese Falcon and take advantage of the great weather.

I took a ton of pictures because I've literally not seen the bay this calm on a warm day - ever.

I saw more large powerboats out on the bay today than ever before. I'm not sure if it was the weather or the Maltese Falcon that brought people out but it's always good to see people out on the bay taking advantage of a gorgeous afternoon.

We passed through the Golden Gate on our way to find the Maltese Falcon. It was slightly bumpier than inside the bay and a tad bit cooler on account of the ever-present fog but still a great day to head outside the gate.

We had to stop for a photo since the fog was starting to head back out to sea. Not to mention we rarely go outside the gate on account of the weather rarely cooperating.

We decided to cruise up the Marin coastline a little ways to see what we could discover. It's an absolutely beautiful coastline. Specifically, due to the fact that there are no houses dotting the coastline.

After cruising for a while my wife spotted the Maltese Falcon offshore. We had expected it to come from Drakes Bay along the coast which was just north of us but it looks like they decided to head out to sea a ways before the grand entrance.

Needless to say this yacht is quite a site to see at 289 feet long. We were absolutely awe-struck at its size. The owner is said to have spent between $150 and $300 million to construct this beauty.

We had no idea how many people would be out for the reception. It was literally the most boats I've seen out on the bay next to Fleet Week. I got pretty hectic coming into the gate with so may boats around. The ocean, of course, wasn't cooperating which made it very difficult to navigate with so many other vessels around.

I couldn't tell if it was so rough because of the weather (which was much nicer 5 miles further out where we intercepted the Falcon) or, from all the wakes created by so many boats in close proximity.





We were a little worried whether the Falcon would fit under the bridge!






It turned in to quite a circus as you can see. I'm glad we made the trip as we'll never forget seeing such an incredible boat up so close. Riding along side of it on the way into the gate was awesome.

4th of July in McCovey Cove

Long time no blog! I wanted to post some photos of our July 4th on the boat in McCovey Cove. What an incredible place... There's no other ballpark in the country that you can motor (or sail) your boat to and see a jumbo-tron screen and actually hear the roar of the crowd.



We had 10 people on the boat and, believe it or not, it didn't feel all that crowded. This basically reaffirms my belief that the 28' Uniflite Mega is one of the best boats in terms of layout for the price. The ladies took over the stern while the guys posted up on the bridge.



There were definitely some patriots out on the bay. In fact, this sailboat came into the cove and I've never seen a bigger American flag (especially hung on a mast) in my life! This was definitely one of the cooler things I've seen on the bay.



After the game we headed back to South Beach Harbor (where we were staying) and waited till dark to go watch the fireworks. It was the first time I've taken the boat out on the bay at night. Fortunately the weather was nice and the wind was cooperating with us.





Once night came we motored out to Pier 39 to watch the fireworks. Of course the San Francisco fog was there to greet us in the channel but that's to be expected.




All in all it was a great day. Everyone had a blast and although we could just barely see the fireworks with all the fog it was a very unique experience being out on the bay at night with hundreds of other boats watching. More boating to come!

Sinking Boat in Berkeley Marina

There is something wrong with the picture above. If you look dead center in the middle of the photo you'll see something that no boater would wish on his worst enemy. Coincidentally, I was taking my 1979 28' Uniflite Mega to the ship yard at Berkeley Marine (www.berkeleymarine.com) this weekend to have a potential leak inspected when I spotted a sinking boat in the marina. I can't say I didn't get a little choked up when I saw it as this is a reminder to all boaters who keep their vessels in the water to be vigilant about the proper functioning off all bilge pumps, float switches, batteries, battery chargers and shore power connection.


With all the recent rain lately in the Bay Area it is critical to check on your boat regularly and very shortly after any heavy rain. I was fortunate to have caught the broken float switch in my boat after a trip to Sausalito. Had I not caught the problem, and my aft float switch went out as well, my boat could have ended up just like this one. I tried imagining what I would do if I came upon my boat in this condition and could not even fathom what my reaction would be.



Some people will look at this photo and just see a sunken boat. Boat owners look at this and see a whole lot more. Time, money, life experiences and even a home, for some of us, slowly making its way to the bottom of the harbor. Other people will say that he should have done this, or should have done that, but any boat owner knows that this could just as easily happen them.



I just hope that anyone who happens to read this makes that extra trip down to their boat to check their bilges, float switches and shore power connection. That little bit of extra time will save you thousands of dollars not to mention all the heartache that no doubt follows an incident like this.


The cost of repairing any of the aforementioned items is minor in comparison to the cost of having your boat raised from the bottom and then hauled off to the junkyard. If you can't do the work yourself or afford to take it to the ship yard hire a local contractor. I've had a lot off success with finding good, affordable contractors under the Services section on Craigslist (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/bbb/) or on the bulletin boards at the harbor master's office.

Weekend in Sausalito

My wife and I spent the three-day weekend on our 28' Uniflite Mega at Schoonmaker Point Marina in Sausalito: http://www.boatingsf.com/copage.php?co=3

We left the Berkeley Marina at 1:30PM on Saturday and arrived just before 3:00PM. It's only 9 miles to Sausalito but it was a nice day and we were in no rush. The Schoonmaker Point Marina is at, and on the immediate left of, Channel Marker #6 in Richardson bay.



The facilities were excellent and the Harbor Master very nice and accommodating. The cost was $1/foot + $3/night for electric. The only downside was that the bathroom/shower facilities were a bit of a hike from the guest slips but very nice. The only other thing that bothered us was that the gate to the guest dock is not locked at any time. I don't think security is an issue in Sausalito, especially when you're coming from Oakland! FYI - Larry Ellison's yacht (http://www.boatingsf.com/photopage.php?photo=1232) Ronin is no longer berthed at Schoonmaker. According the Harbor Master he's moved the yacht down to San Diego where he's selling it for a measly $98 million dollars!

We made reservations for Saturday night at Sushi Ran (http://www.sushiran.com/) which had some of the most incredible (but pricey) sushi we've ever had. Oddly enough, the appetizers were really what made the meal. If you're ever there try the Ahi Poki and the Vege Sampler (incredible).


We spent most of Sunday wandering around downtown looking around and browsing some of the local artist studios. I tried, in vain, to find a decent sports bar to try and catch the New England / San Diego playoff game but apparently no such thing exists in Sausalito. Apparently the closest thing available is the local dive bar Smitty's (http://www.smittysbar.com/) but the wife wasn't sold on it so we settled for a touristy looking restaurant called Horizons (http://www.horizonssausalito.com/) which had an incredible view and probably the largest calamari appetizer we've ever had in our lives. The bartender was very nice and filled us in on some local knowledge and gossip. Too bad the Chargers lost!



Sunday afternoon the beginnings of a storm showed up with cold air and colder winds. We spend the rest of the day and night hunkered down in the cabin with the heater on full blast watching movies. The trip back on Monday morning was a little wet but at 9:00AM there was nobody on the Bay celebrating MLK day - at least not yet.


Sausalito is an incredible place and I highly recommend anyone with a boat to take advantage of the guest slips available at the many marinas there. There are plenty of restaurants and bars, shopping and even a West Marine at the Clipper Yacht Marina. We will definitely be going back once the weather warms up.