Nick, Here were my first and second choices. I have deleted names to
protect the quilty. Please share.
No issue with the 2.5 low water.
Considering a westerly wind. (All depends on the wind
direction/strength at start)
1 - Going east at the start - If I could get through the Fruitvale
Bridge at the start, before the ebb, with westerly wind, I would
think the sail with the ebb current along full island length (the
beach) and across the west end into the estuary would be desirable.
Then the eastbound leg to the finish would be basically a downwind
against the ebb.
2 - Going west at the start - means tacking all the way out of the
estuary, but with the early ebb also sounds good. Then staying close
to the shore across the west end of the island and up the beach (on a
reach?) to minimize the current until the Bay Farm Bridge entryway.
Through San Leandro Bay channel to the High St Bridge should be easy.
When this transit heads west the wind should come from ahead, but the
current should still be ebbing to get you through the Fruitvale
Bridge, on your side.
Be sure to see chart 18649 for transiting San Leandro Channel west of
Bay Farm Island Bridge
Good Luck - Hope this helps you think. Couldn't get Drake to Sail,
John Jensen
I had made a first / second choice recommendation of which way to
cirumnavigate based on my research of the conditions, to one of the
sailors the night before the race. I was wondering if Kurt had won by
very much or very little. I will inquire from my secret sailor as to
if they considered or took any of my advice on current strategies,
other than which was my first choice of circumnavigation. I will
produce my first choice recommendation and reasons later if it does
not conflict.
Thanks,
John Jensen
