I launched the boat Saturday from Alameda's Encinal ramp before noon and
headed out alone in the general direction of the Bay Bridge. This is Fleet
Week and the Blue Angels were scheduled to perform at 3:00 and so there were
a number of boats. Only a light wind but I was able to move along pretty
well. As I got close to the bridge the water became choppy and I decided
that since I am a real novice it was time to head back. Unfortunately the
current was running toward the bridge and I was not able to make any
progress; in fact I started to get pulled toward the bridge and decided that
I might as well enjoy the show. Unfortunately I was very close to the center
anchorage and have a black mark on the rub rail at the transom where I bumped
it. Now I was in the middle of the action - boats everywhere and the Blue
Angels overhead. One jet went by directly overhead about 100' above the
water. I was definitely distracted and when I got back to paying attention
to my surroundings I found I was on a course that would take my directly
across the bow of an approaching freighter. I came about and headed away but
still I was uncomfortably close to the ship. The wake from a fully loaded
container ship is really impressive and I saw a swell of more than six feet
rapidly approaching directly astern. Too late to do anything but watch it
come and hope for the best. Actually nothing happened; the potter went up
the swell like a cork and down the other side without any problem.
And then the air show was over and most of the boats started heading for
home. I joined them and passed back under the bridge making sure I was far
away from any of the towers. The wind was failing and I was making almost no
progress. Other boats weren't doing any better until they started there
motors. I have been following the recent discussion of the merits of various
outboards with interest because I need to get a motor for my boat. That's
right, I was out on the bay without auxiliary power. Hours passed and I was
not getting anywhere. Finally I was close to the Alameda Naval Air Station as
the sun went down and the wind died completely.
One of the fun things about boats is all the gadgets you can get for them. I
thought I might have gone overboard equipping my little boat, but now I was
glad I had a new VHF radio. My first call on it was to the SF Coast Guard to
ask for help. After they asked for my status they told me to anchor and
standby. In about 20 minutes they came back and asked for my status again
and then asked why I was anchored! After they were sure that no one was in
any danger they advised that it is not Coast Guard policy to assist unless
there is imminent danger. They did however offer to put out a call to other
mariners requesting they contact me to offer assistance. After another 20
minutes I heard the Coast Guard call followed by silence. I checked another
of my new toys, a GPS receiver, and found I was only about 2.5 miles away
from the launch ramp. I got out the oars (yes, my potter came with oars and
oarlocks) and started to row. A potter rows somewhat like a bathtub but I
was able to make over 2 knots on a somewhat zigzag course while keeping an
eye on the GPS (what a great gadget).
Finally got back to the ramp at about 10:00 p.m. and called my brother-in-law
on my cell phone (had forgotten to take it with me) to cancel today's sail.
During the day I had found a need for and used
A VHF radio,
A hand held depth sounder (another new toy),
An anchor,
Battery operated running lights,
Oars,
GPS receiver
I won't leave the dock again without all of them, along with my next purchase
- an outboard motor.
I got a lot of experience yesterday and learned a valuable lesson - never
count on the wind, even on San Francisco Bay. I also found the potter to be
a great boat; it performed flawlessly and I have more confidence in it than
ever. Look forward to seeing some of you on the Bay.
Pat Brennan, P-15 #621 (No name yet, but I am considering "Tyro")