From China Basin to China Cove then Chinese Food

I took Epic to Angel Island for the weekend; deciding to take full advantage of the incoming two day heat wave. My crew was Chris, who is quickly racking up to be decent sailor. Chris drinks a bit much but I suppose that's all in the best of sailing traditions, besides he just had his Gall Bladder removed after spending a month in the hospital because... I don't know... he had a philcus in his connectakazoinc or something. Chris was in perfect condition to go sailing

On Saturday we left from the new launch ramp at China Basin around 1230pm and beat against the currents the whole way. After passing Alcatraz, we entered the zone known as "the slot" - in which wind passes under the Golden Gate Bridge between the land masses and builds up enormous pressure. Note the red area in the image below. This is a map from 3pm.

Shortly after passing Alcatraz, Epic began to heel over too frequently and too much for our comfort. It wouldn't be long before the sails were overpowered and I wasn't about to risk a capsize. Chris pulled them in about half way across the slot and Epic motored the remaining distance to Angel Island. After my near capsize in the slot a month ago and the article in "SCA", I just don't feel like taking any risks in that part of the Bay. I look at the big boats and they seem to handle the 20+ winds with confidence. It must be all the ballast I don't seem to have.

Don't think too metaphorically about that last line.

Here's where I was grateful to have a West Wight Potter: We docked in Ayala cove and inquired about a mooring but all were booked for the night. Rejected, we remained a little while, took advantage of some refreshing spigots of cool fresh water, then departed for an alternate spot for the night. Epic and crew motored around East to China Cove. We sailed Epic right up onto the beach and tied her to some old posts. Stepping off the bow with a dock line in hand onto a warm beach with cool water washing over my feet was priceless. We opened some Scotch and played the sunny afternoon away on the sand.

A man came up to us on the beach and said "Is that a West Wight Potter?". Funny how that happens to me wherever I take Epic. The guy went on to say that he has always wanted a Potter and was considering getting one. We talked about the particulars of Potters and I of course reminded him that it's a totally different boating experience compared to his high-speed sport fishing boat which can fit the 10 member family. We offered the man a nip from our Cask -to which he was grateful and they left shortly thereafter.

At sunset, we broke out the portable gas grill and made a feast. We ate an assortment of grilled meats and vegetables across Epics little hatch table while watching the golden sunset.

The entire beach was all to ourselves except for a couple of other "bigger" boaters who anchored off a couple hundred feet but never came ashore. We slept fine throughout the warm night in Epics surprisingly comfortable cabin -all of our junk moved into the cockpit for the night.* (see notes on future logistical reforms) The early morning (like 6am) cup of coffee next to Epic on a private Beach staring at the gorgeous waking Bay was a magical moment.

Since the tide had really gone down, Epic was resting on the beach high and dry. We couldn't push her off the beach but were able to find a suitable log and use it as a lever, which worked fine.

Once underway, we returned to Ayala cove before the Park opened at 8am. We cooked breakfast on a picnic table under a shady tree and watched as the cove began to fill up with big yachts and ferries full of tourists. One yacht, a long and pretty ketch pulled in to the slip too quickly and crashed. Her bow went right up and onto the dock, then slid down. No damage to the docks or any other boat but it was amusing to watch from the shore. Epic sat happily in her slip, the smallest of all the yachts there, all yellow and orange, standing out with pride.

We had a leisurely few hours on the island, took nap on the grass, had lunch and finally decided to take one of those tram tours of the island. I am not normally into the touristy things but it was too hot to hike and I really wanted to see the historical sites and amazing views. Amazing is an inadequate word to describe the views from atop Angel Island in this hot, perfectly clear Spring weather. Just mouth dropping beauty. The taped spiel from the Tram talked of the Spaniards and what they thought of the place when they found it -I can't quite remember what it was but they were really inspired to name everything after all those saints and whatnot.

We had been killing time till 2pm so we could ride the flood tide home. This may have been a mistake as the winds across the slot picked up to 30knts. I'm not exaggerating, I checked the records on SailFlow.com when I got home. There were white caps, and the swells were crashing into us repeatedly. We just motored across, fighting howling winds and waves. I had the cabin locked, life jackets on and everything as secure as possible so we could ride out the bad SCA conditions. All the other boats quickly cleared off the Bay.

I was really scared actually, we were being tossed all about and swells higher than the gunnels kept crashing into the cockpit. The strong currents and waves pushed Epic all the way East to Treasure Island. Afraid of hitting the rocks, I would steer south in between big waves to compensate for out lateral movement. When it came time for the refuel of the motor, I once again lost the gas cap to my Honda 2hp. This is the second time I have lost the cap while fueling. I apparently did not learn from the first time that the little plastic lanyard inside the gas tank is really weak and can come out with the slightest pressure. I would have been more careful but the boat was being tossed ala Maytag and there wasn't much I could do. All of this just minutes after leaving what was a sunny paradise.

It was about time for Chris and I to have a stress reaction. I did my usual and started gushing my anxieties and fears. Chris did his usual and pulled out the last of the Scotch. Chris took a hearty swig then gave me a pep talk. "Nate, stop saying we might not make it. You have to say we will make it, we will. That's the only way we can get through this without breaking down." Then I began reminding myself that I am the Captain and I can't show fear to the crew otherwise they will experience fear which can spell doom for sure. Well, it sounds nice to say anyway.

So there we were being pushed closer to the rocks on Treasure Island with no gas cap. I just ran the motor at full throttle anyway, gas sputtering all over the place. We made an attempt to fit a plastic bag over the opening but it quickly blew off. Seeing as there was nothing I could do about it, we just accepted and kept motoring towards the Bay Bridge. With no motor we would have landed on the rocks for sure. I am just glad the thing ran fine with no cap and I don't think any water went inside the tank. Once we made it under the Bay Bridge the air turned warm again and the seas were calm. Moving from the North to the South Bay really is like night and day. We got back to the dock, hauled Epic in, and then got invited to drink at the Bay View Boat Club where I shared my sea stories with the other salts in classic fashion. The final destination was for a big greasy feast of Chinese food. It really hit the spot after two days of grill.

All in all It was... an Epic Adventure.

*Logistical Reforms for the future:

If I must go to Angel Island, always cross the Slot before noon. If I must cross in the afternoon, go Eastward to the Oakland side, then south to Chicken Bay. Avoid the high winds and rough seas whenever possible. I may be able to survive them, and Epic is a tough boat, but it's not fun at all. I would rather sail pleasantly than motor violently.

Bring way less stuff. The cabin was full and we were constantly digging around for things we need. Next time only one pack per person.

Make something to cover up the keel slot, water and sand splashed in -rather unpleasant. Bring lots of extra dry towels and rags to dry off stuff.

When beaching, tie the boat to sit farther out so it isn't fully dry when low tide hits.

Buy extra gas caps for the motor. Apparently they are expendable. Rig better lanyard for gas caps.

Put Sunscreen on my knees. They are now fully burned.

A Slow Boat to China Basin

O' the shame! Something I never imagined happening to me in such a small craft as Epic, becoming stuck in dangerous waters and having to be towed to safety by the Coast Guard.

It all began with a dare. Are we awesome enough to go sailing without a motor? The whisky made us brave. I rationalized, Epic is only 15 feet long, a dinghy basically, and we can row if need be. Yeah -why not! Why are we waisting great sailing weather in hope of finding the $$ for a new outboard (ours was stolen at the Alameda Marina)?

And so it was. I took the boat out last Friday. Initial problem, the crew (Erik) didn't feel up to sailing. So I called everyone I knew looking for available crew. The only response was from my lady friend Landra who has never been sailing before. I was grateful for the company.

So we rigged and launched about 3pm at the public boat ramp at China Basin. Erik showed up on his bike to see us off. Before departure an old salt showed up to offer his two cents on what we were doing. Together we strategized on the best way to depart the dock, round the old pier, and sail out onto the bay under wind-power alone.

The departure went perfect with plenty of wind. With winds blowing East we set off on a Port reach, then came about to Starboard for a downwind run out to the bay. The winds were so great we sped right along. It was almost as if the Epic was excited to be free again and let her sails fly after being laid up for so long.

In no time at all we came upon the bay bridge. I decided to come about and head South as I preferred the emptiness of the Southbay waters to the more traffic laden central bay. Just as we came about, the wind completely died. We sat there becalmed between the Bay Bridge pylons and Yerba Buena Island. I tried different things to get going again, different directions, everything. The telltales were as limp as... they could be. We drifted for as long as my patience could handle it, then I started rowing with the emergency oars. I rowed as long as I could until I needed a break -only to odiscover that we hadn't moved at all. In fact, we were actually farther back than before and heading for one of the Bay Bridge Pylons -unable to control the boat. Landra and I rowed furiously trying to to get us away from the pylon. Just then, an enormous cargo ship passed within meters of us -we are in a shipping lane, this is very dangerous.

Landra became unable to do much more - she has a back condition and isn't one for a lot of physical work. Landra declared that she was just unable to row anymore. That left me with one oar in an effortless attempt to fight against the strong currents moving out to sea. We must have stayed in that windless space between the Island and the City under the Bay Bridge for an hour and a half. Landra tried to get me to relax but I could not. To be becalmed in an open expanse of sea is one thing, but to be among dangerous obstacles on both sides left me totally unnerved. The only way I could spend my anxiety was to paddle as hard and as fast as I could. I accomplished nothing. We'll just have to wait, I thought. Surely the winds will pick up when the sun sets and we'll just have to fend off the pylons with the oars, and stay clear from the container ships.

As the sun set, there was still no wind and Epic was being pulled farther out into the central bay by the currents. Landra then made a declaration. "It's about to get dark, there is no wind, we cannot stop drifting farther out, my back injury hurts, and I'm kinda scared at this point. I think you should call for help." Landra then began waving to a passenger ferry passing us by. "Forget that" I said, they can't help us. We'll try to signal a passing private boat or call on the VHF. No private boats passed us.

Calling for help became the only option to end this situation quickly and safely. I picked up the VHF, something I hoped I never would need to do. I called Vessel Assist, even thought I don't have a membership, I just felt is was more benign than calling the Coast Guard. Vessel Assist had me switch to another channel where we discussed the situation and eventually switched over to my cell phone. They quoted me almost $400 dollars to tow us back in. I had a feeling it would be this way but I suppose $400 was worth not going Cosco Busan on the Bay Bridge Pylon. Luckily the Vessel Assist man on the phone had some pull with the Coast Guard and had them call my cell phone. I explained the situation -out of control, no motor, person with bad back, getting dark, out of options... The Coast guard dispatched a rescue boat which arrived in five minutes.

Landra and I both felt relieved and assured that this was the best decision - even though I knew that had I one of my able bodied friends with me, we could have paddled like the dickens and made some headway. Oh well. Always too late for would have dones, should have dones.

The coast guard towed us back to the public dock at Pier 40 - the only place they were allowed to tow people to. We thanked the CG guys prfusely and they assured us there would be no charges. I then called Erik who has been spending the last couple hours getting waisted at a bar with our friend Chadwick. Erik and Chadwick take a cab to Pier 40 and meet us there. Landra had decided to go home having enough for one day.

A drunken Chadwick and Erik stumble from a cab to take charge of the situation. We get in the boat and sail out into the darkness with oars at the ready. The crew became excited when they discovered I still have a few beers on board and so it began. We sailed a little then rowed when winds died. We reached pier 6o in the darkness only to be blocked by a large black ominous tall ship. It looked a lot like this only all black and mean like. We tried to steer a course around it to get into out little dock area but the ship was oblivious to us. No one appeared on deck and we couldn't make contact. We just sat there and waited for the ship to move along.

A near mutiny occurred by way of one Seaman Erik who decided (the liquor making him brave) that he knew what was best against the wishes of his captain. The Captain (myself), was in no mood for this and explained to the novice in no uncertain terms -the proper order of things.

The ship did move and we eventually docked - Captain and crew were drunk. Mutiny was averted and after a tedious breakdown routine all were free of the boat until the next voyage.

The three of us then showed up at a friends birthday party looking like we had just been thought a harrowing sea adventure... which we had.

Best Sail of the Year.

Saturday was probably the best day of sailing the Epic has seen. I checked the SF Sailing website for conditions -Winds 10-20mph and tides high during daylight hours.

On our way to pick up the boat, Erik and I stopped in at West Marine Oakland to buy some new bungee cords. Upon entering, we were greeted by WM employees having a party. It was that store's 30th anniversary so they had snacks, drinks, and cake. We were then coerced into entering into a drawing for prizes. Both of us won a West Marine Logo tote bag - perfect for an old lady on a cruise ship. We also scored a couple bottle openers and a small West Marine Logo inflatable beach ball. One would think we could win something one could actually use on a boat but oh well, we can't complain.

We launched at the dock-less Encinal Ramp about 230pm. The tides were high and we had no trouble launching - except when Midshipman Erik accidently let go of the bow while I was starting the engine. Epic drifted over and hit the rocks. There was no damage so I just reminded Erik to NOT EVER LET GO OF THE BOAT WHEN YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HOLDING IT! We'll skip the court martial this time.

We headed out onto the bay. We had ample wind until about 4pm when it died except for intermittent gusts. We had hoped to go under the Bay Bridge but it didn't look likely to happen given the time of day and our rate of speed.

We saw very few other craft out and were quite content sailing by ourselves in what I think is the quietest place in the whole bay area. We drank a couple beers and and entertained ourselves by quoting "The Life Aquatic" and "Hunt For Red October." We then got the genius idea to inflate our new West Marine Logo beach ball and hoist it aloft - in honor our good fortune at the West Marine Store earlier that day. This idea was abandoned however, as I did not want the hoisting of the ball aloft to be interpreted as some sort of distress signal. Instead we floated the ball aft of us on a dock line like a sea drogue. We thought it was really funny at the time. Future note: get portable speakers for an ipod so that we may have other entertainment besides Sean Connery impersonations.

We returned to the ramp about 5pm and there was still ample water. Retrieval of the boat went well. I think that maybe the trailer was a little too submerged as the boat floated around much and wouldn't center on the trailer. No matter, we just muscled it on and we were good to go. I would have preferred to not get my feet wet in the absolutely frigid water but oh well.

We warmed up in the car for a few minutes and headed for the boat yard. When we got there we were pleasantly surprised to see a parade of boats in the estuary all decorated with Christmas lights. It was so amazing and cool. I really wish we had known about this event as I would have jumped at the opportunity to participate in the parade. Maybe next year.

Midshipman Erik and I stopped for Mexican Food on the way home.

I'm am so glad the Potter 15 is my current boat. I have never had this much fun in my MacGregor 24 Just too much size and hassle sometimes.

Lets do the Encinal Mudslide!

Ensign Erik and I decided to take the Epic out for an afternoon float this Saturday. It was additionally decided that we were totally bored with the Oakland Estuary and that it was time to investigate the Encinal Boat Ramp on the opposite side of Alameda Island. This would allow us to bypass the Estuary Channel and be directly on the bay with less traffic.

Having not yet towed the boat legally on the road it took us some time to demast and rig for highway duty. During this process I somehow cut my right thumb. I think the souls of sailors lost were trying to tell me something, a warning perhaps. We drove across the island by way of major thoroughfares and arrived at the Encinal Boat Ramp around 330pm. The Encinal ramp really is an ideal place to launch except for a couple of minor issues we were unprepared for. Number one, there is no dock whatsoever; only three derelict pylons remain were there was once a dock. And two, the tide was very low.

Along the rocks near the ramp was a rather good sized Leopard Shark which had landed there and died. Another sign perhaps? Who was it who said, "Never launch a boat from a ramp with a dead Leopard Shark next to it." I can't remember.

Unsure as to whether or not this was our day to sail, we decided to crack open a couple of beers and think it over. We exchanged strategies over the best way to perform a dockless launch etc and came to the agreement that we should proceed. It would be a good learning experience and we like beer.

I drove the boat down the ramp as Ensign Erik walked her into the water. At the appropriate stopping point and much to our dismay, the trailer was still almost completely above the water. There was only about a foot of water or less to work with. Nonetheless we were determined to sail. Erik unhooked the boat and gave her a few good heaves until she slid off the trailer and into the water. The P15 has a nice shallow draft so the low tide wasn't a problem... yet.

Erik stood in the water holding the boat while I parked the car. When done, I climbed aboard and fired up the engine. Erik climbed aboard and off we went in full reverse. I somehow lost control of the motor while in reverse and unintentionally pulled the most bad-ass 360 degree whip around I have ever seen a small sailboat do. As were were now pointing towards the bay - off we went. We motored out a ways, raised the sails and basically nothing happened. No wind to speak of so we just sat there floating. We drank a couple more beers and talked as we watched the sunset over the SF Bay. It actually was a beautiful and peaceful experience.

Just before dark we motored back to the ramp. In anticipation of low tides we raised the keel and discussed our retrieval maneuvers. Then about 50 feet from the ramp we came to a halt in the mud. There was almost zero water to float us back to the ramp. This prompted some interesting discussion complete with many colorful metaphors. Erik proposed that we motor around the island to the Grand Street ramp then somehow retrieve the car. I vetoed this option as it was terribly unsafe to navigate in the dark. Then Erik suggested that we tie the boat up overnight and camp on it. I decided this was a last option as I don't fancy sleeping here in this smelly muck. And so, we disembarked and tried pushing the boat through the mud. It was nearly impossible. I then went to get the car and devised a new plan. I backed the trailer as far as I could without getting the car stuck. We then rigged a dockline to the trailer winch and let the winch strap all the way out. we proceeded to slowly winch the boat across the mud. It took about four or five total winch strap lengths to get the boat to the trailer. From there we employed the Dilly tilting trailer feature and winched to boat on with not too much hassle. We did it. I drove the rig off the ramp and we celebrated our genius.

Then we found a new problem. None of our trailer lights worked. The brakes and turn signals were fine but no running lights. It was after dark and there was no way I was going to risk getting pulled over. In my experience no matter what the cause, a run-in with Johnny Law is always very expensive and inconvenient. Fortunately Ensign Erik proved himself worthy and discovered a loose wire. Using duct tape, he fixed the problem and we were once again saved.

We towed the boat back to the yard at the Alameda Marina. We washed and scrubbed the mud off of Epic and finished the remainder of our beer. We drove home to the City where enroute I decided that Erik deserved a promotion for his genius with the electrical problem. He is now Midshipman Erik. Once home Midshipman Erik made us spaghetti.

Where's the crew?

At the bar of course!

Sail Date 9.29.07

The Epic finally got her first taste of the SF Bay proper this Saturday. All previous voyages have been in the Oakland Estuary only. Soon I will want to try for and overnighter at Angel Island with some hiking and camping. I would love to hear from any of you who have done this to learn more about the logistics of doing so. Feel free to read my log below.


We had ample winds and sunshine all day. I didn't think I would need to use the Iron Jenny until our close hauled tacking course was vexed by a giant mountain of something on a barge headed straight down the channel. This is not the sort of thing one expects to share a narrow channel with. In a moment of chaos we doused the jib and fired up the motor to safely clear the barge. We took safe harbor at Scott's Seafood where the captain (myself) ordered all crew members (Ensign Erik) to drink beer and wine in order to calm our nerves and ward off scurvy after the barge encounter. Future note: The routine of sailing to Jack London for drinks got a little old. I think I'll start off at Quinn's next time.

After getting underway with the motor, Epic cleared the channel and we set course for the South Bay. The captain decided this would be a good area to relax and sail with less traffic and obstructions. We took advantage to the North Westerley's and remained on a Southwest broad reach until the sun began to set. We then reversed course and headed back to the channel.

Upon nearing the entrance to the channel we encountered several cargo ships underway and bound for sea. Initially the captain became nervous as he did not recognize these particular ships on the way out. The captain then consulted the chart to be certain that we weren't heading into some other basin or shipping area. Ensign Erik insisted that we were on the correct course by reckoning us with two small trees onshore that we had passed previously. As it turns out Ensign Erik was correct and a court martial for his insubordination shall be waived.

Upon entering the channel winds died down and our run became too slow given the amount of time until dark. We again fired up the combustion drive and motored on. Darkness fell about one third the way home and Ensign Erik was ordered to equip the portable navigation lights. We continued home in darkness and safely docked at the Grand Street ramp.

Technical notes:
We seem to have lost one small batten off the mainsail. It is possible that the batten was left on the dock prior to departure or is lost in the cabin. If I am unable to find it, a replacement will be necessary either by factory order or fabricating one myself.

The plastic jib hanks performed poorly as they would detach themselves when the jib was down requiring the Ensign to go forward and reattach. I believe it will be necessary to prevent this from happening in the future. I am also considering the use of the early roller furler equipment I have. The jib seems to be of standard design but might possibly be modified to work on the roller furler.

The forward mounted mainsheet system is a problem for two man operation. I will consider an aft system in the future.

Ensign Erik accidently dumped the cooler's mostly melted ice in the cabin - partly on one berth and the rest into the bilge. I will now have the unpleasant task of trying to mop it up before it becomes a moisture problem.

Thus far I have been using two "BoatMates" suction cup mounted organizers for equipment in the cabin. I do not at all recommend these products as the suction cups are of inferior design and seldom hold their place for long. Also the nylon organizer bags hold a bad shape when loaded with gear. I must look into better ways to keep gear secured.

An Angel island overnighter is being planned so anyone who has done this is highly encouraged to help me plan. I certainly hope to get out the with the Potter Yachters as soon as my schedule is less unpredictable.

Thanks to anyone who bothered to read all this.

Log of "Epic" concluded.

Sorry, this is MY boat!

I visited the Epic this morning to be certain all was well, when upon entering the cabin found a rather complex spider web running across the aft end of the cabin before the lazarette area. Using one of the battens I cleared out the web then to discover the inhabitant, a thin legged creature about the size of a quarter resting behind the centerboard trunk. I poked at it with the batten but think I failed in catching the little bugger. So now I have to worry about this little stowaway biting me in the night. I'm not sure what I should do about it considering I hate pesticides. All I know is that this is not his boat and he should find someplace else to live!