High winds in the Estuary

This was my first weekend of teaching this season for Oakland. I had to cut back on the amount of classes I can teach this season because of the new job with Alameda Marina. This was the first of the season and I arranged to keep this one, of the one a month I can do.

My students for this weekend were two guys and a woman. On Friday is the lecture, it was a fairly easy going class with nothing to make it stand out. After several years now of doing this, I am at ease when teaching and I can speak with authority and a certain calm, sort of the same when I teach my Martial Art classes. A  lack of pressure, yet a sense of being centered.

Sat. the weather was good, however windy. Seriously windy. It started with 13 knots and went up from there. I read it topped off about 18 – 20 knots. Not un-doable, having sailed the Bay teaching for the big O in Berkeley and sailing in more than that on my boat. However the boats there at the Big O are newer and seemed more stable. However that is not really based on fact, just some speculation, because the older boats are heavier. Anyway, I took the group out on Sat under heavy winds. I was feeling uncertain about the boat it seemed top heavy. However it performed well.

I took them out with the outboard running and only the main up. It was tough going but we did ok. I was concerned about docking so I did not have them practice that, I put it into the slip and it was fortunate that the wind was basically blowing on our head. We finished the day without incident.

Sunday was calmer, thankfully less wind. I was able to resume the standard format of the class. I had planned on sailing early then doing the written test if the wind was up. However I had them start their test first.

Whilst they did the written test, I did Tai Chi, then did  some meditation.

In the mist of this it came to me I really enjoy teaching for Oakland more than the big O. Even though they have nicer boats, and free lunch. However it is really nice to have free quiet time for myself while teaching. Lunch without being “on”, these moments of peace by the water while they are doing their test are nice. The peace is quite enjoyable while working. Also even though it is a small amount, the retirement fund with the city is a good thing.

The winds picked as the time moved on…

I went through a review of knots with the group. The woman was…hmmm… unique. I showed everyone how to tie a bowline knots two ways, One simple , one hard. She insisted on doing it the hard way…wrong! over and over…and over!  Unbelievable. I do not get it!

And the winds continued to build. By the time we went out, it was about 15 knots and building…

I reefed the main and the jib we had a reasonable sail and the boat handled ok. It is a name brand yacht an old Ericson. I would not want to take it out in heavier winds without a second reef in the main. However for the group handled things well. At least the guys, the woman not so much… but still ok.

While out sailing I a spotted a small Catamaran. It turned out to be the one I have been checking out in my Marina.

We waved as he sailed by us. I yelled out to him was he Nick?  I had just received a email from him about his Cat for sale. He replied Rick not Nick! He ended up anchoring with his friends or family there in the lagoon where the city boats are keep. I did not get a chance to visit with him there. But I spoke with him via phone that evening I will visit the boat on Monday. It is kind of a waste. since LZ thinks the boat is too expensive and for just the two of us we do not need it as well it will be a problem slipping in  Japan. I will however take a look see, because things happen for a reason.

It was an interesting day…