Seven P19’s and one P15 showed up: Lisa and Eric Ziebert and kids in P19 #621 Riptide, Carol and Jerry Barrilleaux in HMS #48 Sunshine, Sharon and Bard Johnson in P19 #997 (Passing Wind?), Gary Zimmer and Jeri Ward in P19 #1064 (Current Affair?), Burce and Kathryn Hood in P15 Mk II #1246 Aillte, Greg and Steven Yu in HMS #63 Sampan, Larry Steffen in HMS #35 Yukki, and Judy and Dave Blumhorst in P19 #266 Redwing. Jeff Westfall (sans boat) crewed for Larry and Judy.
In such steady benign conditions, we sailed Redwing under full main and lapper (occassionally furled a little on the CDI). Others sailed their P19’s under full main and storm jib, while Bard amazed us all by sailing with full (or almost full) genny and first reef with great speed and control. Bruce and Kathryn sailed their P15 with one reef in the main, and it was poetry to watch Bruce handle Aillte under sail. The P15 is a such a pretty boat in a fresh breeze!!
Jerry had his new mainsail out for the first time, and it is bee-yu-tee-ful! He had it custom made for the higher wind conditions around SF Bay by the original sailmaker for the early HMS’s. It’s got a shallow draft, large curved roach that extends past the backstay at least 6 inches, and, according to Jerry, it’s faster, points higher and is easier to manage than his old sail.
We watched Gary Zimmer in his new P19, and, boy, is he getting good! As usual, the adventuresome Zieberts sailed Riptide further out and for much longer than any other Potter-ers.
Larry Steffen not only kept up with everybody else in Yukki when it came to sailing, but also acted as our host for the weekend, organizing a hammock boarding contest (everybody got a mast-to-pulpit hammock kit) and a farewell luncheon at his house on Monday. What a stunning homestead, with a breathtaking view of the Bay, and a wonderful barn for all his boats, RV’s, cars and junk!
We all owe Larry many heartfelt thanks for hosting and organizing the weekend. He was invariably cheerful and playful, helped everyone with launching, retrieving, drew maps, made dining recommendations, and smuggled us into the Monterey Yacht club for a drink. He charmed us with his hospitality, geniality and energy. The one word that best describes Larry is “Fun!”
A description of our weekend wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the variety of things to do around Monterey. A huge selection of restaurants (try Rappas for delicious fresh fish with harbor views, and that pink shack on Commercial Wharf for breakfast or sandwiches) and bars (the British pub for beers on the patio at the marina). The Maritime museum is three minutes on foot from the Marina and the famous Monterey Aquarium is just down the road.
I wish I were a better writer so I could communicate how wonderful and magical sailing on Monterey Harbor is. This trip is destined to become an annual event for the Potter’s Yachters.