Santa Cruz to ‘under the gate’
08 August 2015
We clear the lines and head out the narrow Santa Cruz harbor entrance at 5:45am, maintaining our early departures so that we make our next stopover port, by mid-afternoon. A short sail to clear the coastline and set our course for Anna Nuevo, our turning way-point up the coast, past San Gregoria to Half Moon Bay or Pillar Point, an easy 8 hours’ sail of 52 nm. This being our first sail into Half Moon Bay we chose to stay outside the Southeast reef before making our final turn through the reef pass and on into the narrow Pillar Point harbor entrance. The breakwater-protected marina nestled in east corner of the bay is home to the local fishing fleet along with the pleasure and cruising boat community. Sharon, having already cleared our entrance passage with the dock master who allocated our overnight dock…an early rum perhaps!
Maneuvering a 44-foot catamaran into small tight spaces has become an ‘art form’ for us but on this occasion discretion was the better part of valor! Our assigned dock was at one end of a long and narrow canal way lined with docked boats and afforded a few feet clearance for us. After slowly entering it quickly became apparent…”no way Jose’ I thought...back out whilst you can”. We returned to open space and Josh hopped into the dingy to check things out…mmm... not only were our fears correct but also we had been assigned a dock half the size required. A potential nasty outcome averted...phew! Some local fisherman, recognizing our dilemma signaled us into one of their docks that was going to be open for the night. As it transpired the young office boy who assigned our dock didn’t understand the size and requirements of a 44-foot catamaran.
Next morning, we were awakened by the pelicans on the breakwater singing their version of the “Hallelujah chorus.” The weather report indicated that the SFO bay was fog bound however would clear late afternoon…we hoped so too! We stowed lines and fenders and headed out of Pillar Point Harbor on a course heading for the south SFO entrance buoy.
Sharon’s notes best illustrate our emotions as we start our final day’s sail:
At last! On the final leg to reach San Francisco Bay and see the kids! A misty gray morn dawns in Half Moon Bay, an eerie stillness and light fog envelopes the harbor, silent except for the chatter of the pelicans standing their sentry watch along the top of the breakwater. We have a hearty sailor's breakfast in the historic old Harbor Bar, lined with old-fashioned wood paneling, mounted driftwood, and faded wall art of seascapes, filled with enticing aromas of bacon and fresh brewed coffee. We head back to make ready the boat for the 3 ½ hour journey to the Golden Gate Bridge. The sky and the sea are coordinating shades of dull gray, and we immediately encounter rolling swells as we round the point, the shoreline a vague shadow in the fog. It is 62 degrees, damp and cool, and we put on wool socks and warm fleece jackets, marveling with a Texan's amazement at the August weather. We look forward with great anticipation to crossing under the Golden Gate bridge by sea for the first time, as we ponder the strong tides and confused currents that await us there.
It was a nostalgic sail under the GG bridge for the very first time under a fine grey mist. Having previously secured a dock at the City Marina close by the GG bridge [St Francis and the Golden Gate Yacht clubs nearby] we were quickly entering the marina… our passage north from San Diego safely completed.
Our customary rums followed as we reflected on our amazing sail north - a journey that commenced from San Diego nearly 3 weeks ago, memories that reinforced our decision to embark on our magical sailing journey, the excitement, intrigue, magic and challenge of the Pacific Ocean. To share this 3-week sector with our Alaskan family, made this passage extra special. Thanks in particular to Josh, who came right through with us to San Francisco, loading us up with fresh Alaskan salmon for the trip, and providing us with his experience, knowledge and comradery.