I happily report a felicitous, enjoyable passage, in contrast to the passage around Cape Mendocino.

Sunshine and bright stars replaced rain and clouds. No boarding seas sloshed around the cockpit. No rain. No constant spray pounding the dodger. The crew aboard S/V Ubiquity felt dry, not soggy. The enjoyment of fast sailing in moderate conditions and constant north winds replaced the strain, exhaustion, and yes even fear of coping with rough conditions and dramatic wind shifts.

Compare the photo above to the photo in the "Mendacious Mendocino" post. That juxtaposition helps convey the difference.

Northerly winds drove S/V Ubiquity at hull speed south from Bodega Bay. At first I intended to pass the Farallon Islands on the west, to use the stronger winds predicted further offshore, but with the winds increasing to the mid-20's or higher by afternoon, and with my crew expressing concern about the building conditions, we agreed to pass the Farallons on our starboard side, leaving them to the west. That proved wise, as the strengthening winds easily drove S/V Ubiquity, with but a reefed headsail, quickly past the Farallons.

The moon set early but the stars entertained us through the long night, doing their best to replace the missing sun, the celestial body we secretly coveted but would not tell the stars lest they felt jilted.

Late in the night, when my crew took over the boat and I finally rested, the winds finally diminished, and after sunrise we motored the remaining short distance to Monterey.

(Above photo courtesy of my crew, Leslie Sawyer.)