I should start by saying:
- we’re awesome
- Mark has mad engine skills
- I remain amazingly calm during stress
- we work great together
- we’re sorry for what we said during anchoring and engine trouble
On Tuesday, June 1, we hopped in SV Mach 5 and headed out for Benicia. The San Joaquin River was flowing out to sea and helping her motor at about 9.5kts. As we approached the bays, the wind picked up and was against the currents. A hatch cover flew off for a swim. We used this as an opportunity to practice our MOB (man-overboard) drill. After more attempts than we’d like to admit, success–the cover survived!
As the river turns into Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay, and on to San Francisco Bay, all the conditions change, change again, and then go back to yet another set. I have decided that I don’t enjoy Suisun Bay. San Pablo has more waves, but conditions are more agreeable.
In Suisun Bay, we had air in the fuel line, requiring us to anchor, shut off the engine, and for Mark to bled the lines while I stay at the helm to keep us safe. Then currents and wind went against each other and us to make our anchor rode and chain–mostly rode (line/rope). It became a bowl of underwater spaghetti. The rode (think rope) wasn’t coming back up with windlass and into the locker because physics.
Yada, yada, yada, long story short…we made our first Towboat US call. WONDERFUL service, like AAA for marine. They advised us to ditch the anchor there by cutting the rode. So Mark did. He tied a ball fender to it. Captain Wade (our new hero) retrieved the anchor and delivered it to Benicia Marina, our stop for the night.
In Benicia, which is an adorable little town, it was now almost 9 pm and everything that served food within a mile was closed or closing. We found an Italian restaurant, Lucca Bar & Grill. They still had customers sitting outside. Our next hero of the day, the waiter offered to make us a Caesar salad and pepperoni pizza to go. Then he said, ah just sit. OMG! This was the BEST. Just what we needed. Not all heroes wear capes! We tipped at 100%. Worth.it.
On June 2, we headed out for the final few hours to Pt Richmond and the yard. We stopped three times, I think, to bled air from the lines. San Pablo Bay has bigger waves and more traffic but it more consistent. I appreciate consistency.
Conditions during trip were winds 10-15kts with gusts to 20kts with following seas and waves about 2-4ft.
Mark says
We made it to the yard. I again understand why sailors drink when they get to port. It’s exhausting right now because we’re new and rusty. We will get there but DANG, I miss the calm of a good day in the Sea of Cortez.
We’re still in Pt Richmond in an AirBnb with Mach 5 in the yard. More on that next time.
Sounds like an adventure. I don’t understand a lot of the sailing lingo but look forward to following you in your travels. Sending prayers and love for your journey .
Thank you! I’m still learning the lingo myself.
Yes to all this. I get the “did it suck? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes.” Vibe here. And hell yes to the 100% tip. Hang in there friends; it’s hard to be a bad ass!
WOOT!
WHOA, that’s quite the adventure! I’m glad you’re learning lots.
Wow, this is a great start to this journey and story. I really like the mental images of sailing on spaghetti fighting with Physics, that jerk! Captain Wade coming to the rescue. [Who looks suspiciously like Captain Carl of the Peewee Herman show. https://images.app.goo.gl/HodXc7ffGhAJwFas7 ]. I can’t believe that you were in the mood for more Italian food, after all that spaghetti.. That was nice tip for your waiter, Benicio del Toro.
So glad that you are finding the skills and helpers to overcome all obstacles.
May the wind be at your backside!
LOL Paul, thanks!
What an amazing adventure! Physics…. such a pest.