My older brother Jerome (RIP), his (now) ex wife and I were sailing a 15' Potter from Sausalito to San Francisco. He misread the tide/current table and we found ourselves in a strong ebb under the GG Bridge. Surfing wing on wind with center board retracted trying to make way back into the Bay. Jerry suddenly announced that he had no steering. Apparently the rudder kicked up, not having been secured before we took off. Next thing the boat pitchpoled and we all wound up in the very cold water. Everything turned out okay, but the Coast Guard took us into their station at Crissy Field. We stayed in the Galley with the oil stove blasting away. It took hours for the shivering to subside. The Coastys were great. I lived with fear in my gut for years driving over the GG Bridge. You were quite brave taking on the California coast in your 19. I made one trip from SF to San Diego, stopping along the way including Morrow Bay where we stayed for several days at the Yacht Club doing electrical repairs and having great meals onshore. Later that year I helped bring that vessel up the Baja Bash from La Paz back to SF. The worst weather was from the southern point of Carmel all the way to SF. I really loved both trips. Congratulations on your sail down the coast in your 19!
Wild story, George. Thanks for sharing. I had a similar challenge under the GG Bridge, with a lot of water moving out and very little control of my little boat. Fortunately I didn't end up in the water.
Great story! Those were my home waters for many years and it felt very real. Goes to show what a bit of preparation, determination and a dollop of chutzpa can do.
My older brother Jerome (RIP), his (now) ex wife and I were sailing a 15' Potter from Sausalito to San Francisco. He misread the tide/current table and we found ourselves in a strong ebb under the GG Bridge. Surfing wing on wind with center board retracted trying to make way back into the Bay. Jerry suddenly announced that he had no steering. Apparently the rudder kicked up, not having been secured before we took off. Next thing the boat pitchpoled and we all wound up in the very cold water. Everything turned out okay, but the Coast Guard took us into their station at Crissy Field. We stayed in the Galley with the oil stove blasting away. It took hours for the shivering to subside. The Coastys were great. I lived with fear in my gut for years driving over the GG Bridge. You were quite brave taking on the California coast in your 19. I made one trip from SF to San Diego, stopping along the way including Morrow Bay where we stayed for several days at the Yacht Club doing electrical repairs and having great meals onshore. Later that year I helped bring that vessel up the Baja Bash from La Paz back to SF. The worst weather was from the southern point of Carmel all the way to SF. I really loved both trips. Congratulations on your sail down the coast in your 19!
Wild story, George. Thanks for sharing. I had a similar challenge under the GG Bridge, with a lot of water moving out and very little control of my little boat. Fortunately I didn't end up in the water.
Great story! Those were my home waters for many years and it felt very real. Goes to show what a bit of preparation, determination and a dollop of chutzpa can do.