Pacifier Is Cute on Two Sticks
Pacifier is not just cute on a stick, she’s cute on two sticks, as the above photo will testify. That’s because, though just 15 feet long overall — and a mere 10 feet on deck — Pacifier is a bona fide schooner.
"The little schooner was designed and built of fiberglass by legendary schoonerman Paul Mitchell," writes Brad Brown. "Two others are known to survive: one in Port Townsend, WA, and the other in Australia. Mitchell says the boats are attractive to those who want ‘strings and things —something more than just one sail, so that not only do you have more to do, but you have more sails to do them with.’"
In the hands of brothers John and Chris Frost, Pacifier won Class B in 1979’s Memorial Day Ancient Mariners race, 15 miles from Mission Bay to Shelter Island, competing against boats as long as 54 feet.
In the America’s Schooner Cup on April 1, Pacifier sailed alone in class D, skippered by Olivia Springfield and crewed by Jimmy McManus. The Schooner Cup, hosted by Silver Gate Yacht Club and sponsored by Star Clippers, is a fundraiser for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. We’ll have a report and more photos in Racing Sheet in the May issue of Latitude 38.
Happy Anniversary
While adjusting the dials on the ‘wayback’ machine as we dug into the archives for stories and anecdotes for Latitude 38’s 40th-anniversary features, we discovered we’re sharing our decade anniversary with a good number of other businesses and organizations that also started in years ending in the lucky number ‘7’.
©Latitude 38 Media, LLC
We’re sure there are many more, but here’s a list of organizations that are also celebrating decade anniversaries in 2017:
- MMBA – 150th anniversary
- Bainbridge International – 100th
- PICYA – 100th Opening Day on the Bay
- St. Francis Yacht Club – 90th
- Lake Merritt Sailing Club – 90th
- North Sails – 60th
- LIdo 14 Class Association – 60th
- Harken – 50th
- Ullman Sails – 50th
- New England Ropes – 50th
- Antigua Sailing Week – 50th
- San Francisco’s Summer of Love – 50th
- Latitude 38 – 40th
StFYC and the Lake Merritt Sailing Club in Oakland started in the same year and both still host great sailing. Given the above list, Latitude 38 feels 40 years young!
Happy Anniversary and happy sailing to all.
It’s Beer Can Season in Vallejo
The Vallejo Summer Beer Cans are in full swing!
Last Wednesday, about 10 boats slugged it out under steady breeze and ominous skies that threatened rain (but never delivered). The course started immediately outside Vallejo Yacht Club and went all the way down the Napa River and into a bumpy San Pablo Bay.
©2017Latitude 38 Media, LLC
"We have a nice fleet that goes anywhere between 10 and 18 boats," said Matthew Ceryes, the general manager of VYC. "Our sailing program is healthy enough where we attract people from other yacht clubs."
©Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Call time for the Vallejo beer cans is between 5:15 and 5:30 every Wednesday evening. The course is generally 7-12 miles long, and a race usually goes until sunset — VYC hosts dinner and drinks thereafter.
For those looking for a ride, drop-ins are accepted, but not guaranteed. For best results, give Matthew a call in advance at (707) 643-1254.
©2017Latitude 38 Media, LLC
We’d like to thank Bruce and Gail Sinclair for having us onboard the Pretty Penny last week.