Wally to Build M&M Design
©2009 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Although typically associated with large, sleek, maxi-daysailers, Italian yard Wally and its 300-by-40-meter shed in Ancona, Italy, has signed on as the builder for the Aeroyacht 110 — a cruising maxi cat designed by the Huntington Beach firm of Morelli and Melvin. Expected to reach speeds of 35-knots under sail, the boat will be neither the fastest nor biggest designed by the Southern California firm that is responsible for everything from the late Steve Fossett’s record-breaking PlayStation to breakthrough A-Class catamaran designs. However, it will be the first to be built of the Aeroyacht range — which also includes a 95-footer and a 125-footer — and getting something like this off the ground in these times is pretty freakin’ cool.
Should Marine Forecasts Improve?
"Is it time we did something about the shoddy marine forecasts for San Francisco Bay?" asks reader Iain Woolward. "On the afternoon of November 28 — the day of the big blow here on the Bay — the forecast called for 15 knots, dropping to 12 knots. Reality: 44 knots! It’s not as if this surprised folks who know anything about weather systems; the local media and Weather.com correctly predicted the big blow.
"I wouldn’t be complaining but for the fact that my class (Finns) had a regatta that weekend on the Berkeley Circle. One competitor based his decision to sail to Berkeley from Alameda on the benign and completely misleading marine forecast. He didn’t hit the worst of it until north of the Bay Bridge, by which time it was a toss-up whether to sail on or go back. It’s downright dangerous in a singlehanded dinghy in Force 8 winds with nobody else around. Three other Finns set out to the course from Belvedere; one actually made it to Berkeley Marina and two fetched up on Treasure Island for the night.
©2009 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
"I’m curious how many of your readers’ safety has been impaired by negligent marine forecasts?" Send your comments to Richard.
Meet Solo TransPac’ers at EYC
If you’re on the fence about entering next summer’s Singlehanded TransPac, you’ll have a chance to meet with some race veterans, check out their boats and even have your boat ‘pre-inspected’ this Sunday, December 13, at Encinal YC. This very informal get-together will run from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is a great opportunity to pick the brains of those who’ve gone before. For more on the race, go to www.sfbaysss.org, and more specifcally the forum dedicated to the race.
Give Us Your Input on NW Chartering
©2009 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Here at Latitude 38, we like to think we know a thing or two about sailing, cruising and chartering. But every time we ask for reader input on a particular subject, we’re reminded of how much we still have to learn.
With that in mind, we’d like to ask for your input on taking yacht charter vacations in the Pacific Northwest, as we’ll be featuring that area in the World of Chartering section of our January issue — with the relatively short sailing season there, it’s important to book far in advance. Specifically, what are your three favorite places or favorite things to do (and why) in the area from the San Juan and Gulf Islands north to Desolation Sound.
©2009 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
We also invite you to share your tips on aspects of chartering and cruising that are specific to the Northwest, such as crabbing and fishing, strong currents, extreme tides, and inland touring — including hiking, sightseeing, shopping and dining out. Naturally, we’d love to receive some tantilizing photos too.
Thanks in advance for your input. Three contributors will be chosen randomly to receive some Latitude swag as a thank you. Please email your thoughts and photos.