Weekend Sailing, Dining, and Relaxation on the SF Bay
Welcome to Zosca Sailing! If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the beauty of San Francisco Bay, our Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449, Zosca, is the perfect vessel for you. Here’s a glimpse into our latest weekend adventure on the Bay.
Setting Sail
This weekend marked our first proper sailing trip with Zosca in the Bay Area. Think of it as a test run to ensure Zosca is not only great for sailing but also for enjoying good food and relaxation. Our crew consisted of four experienced sailors and two pre-teen kids, making it a safe and enjoyable outing. We started with a comprehensive safety briefing—life vests were mandatory on deck, and all safety rules were strictly followed.
Saturday Morning: A Culinary Kickoff
We began our adventure on Saturday morning with a hearty breakfast on the boat. Our galley was buzzing with activity as we prepared a delicious frittata paired with a toasted baguette. With the Bay’s calm morning winds, we motored from Redwood City towards San Francisco. As we approached the Bay Bridge, the winds picked up, and we set our sails.
Sailing Through Varied Conditions
Sailing in the Bay Area offers a unique mix of conditions. One moment you’re gliding on glassy waters, and the next, you’re battling gusts up to 30 knots. We navigated through this dynamic environment, reefing our mainsail as needed to ensure a comfortable and safe sail. Our route took us around Alcatraz, through “The Slot,” where we encountered stronger winds and larger waves—an exciting challenge for our crew.
Lunch Break: Calm Waters and Snacks
We found refuge behind Angel Island, where the waters were calmer. Here, we enjoyed some snacks and relaxed before continuing our journey. The contrast between the choppy waves and the serene cove was remarkable, showcasing the Bay’s diverse sailing conditions.
Evening at Ayala Cove: Barbecue and Relaxation
Our destination for the night was Ayala Cove on Angel Island. We moored securely and took the dinghy ashore, where we paid the mooring fee of $30—a small price for such a beautiful spot. Onshore, we set up for a barbecue, with the kids playing on the beach and grass while one of our crew member went for a run, as he is training for the upcoming SF Marathon.
We grilled a Brazilian-style feast: picanha and iron steak with chimichurri sauce, grilled artichoke hearts, and plantain. As the sun set, we returned to Zosca for a peaceful evening, feeling as if we were in the Caribbean rather than the Bay Area.
Sunday Morning: A Perfect Start
Waking up to a stunning morning in Ayala Cove was magical. The calm waters and warm sunshine made it feel like a tropical paradise. Some of us took a refreshing morning swim while others prepared breakfast—bagels topped with fondue cheese and gravlax. It was a serene start to our day, just an hour’s sail from San Francisco.
Sailing Back: More Adventures
After breakfast, we set sail back to Redwood City. The winds picked up as we navigated toward the bay bridge from the Raccoon Strait, providing a fantastic beam-reach sail. On our sail back to Redwood City Marina, we experienced everything from light breezes to gusts of 28 knots again. The variety of conditions is what makes sailing in the Bay Area so thrilling.
Culinary Delights on Board
Our weekend was not just about sailing; it was also a culinary adventure. Our crew included a passionate cook who transformed fresh ingredients into gourmet meals. Saturday’s lunch was a delectable risotto topped with salmon and fish eggs, paired with white wine. Before mooring, we enjoyed ricotta cheese bites with a magical topping. Sunday’s lunch featured a fusion of tacos and burritos filled with grilled shrimp, cucumber, and a delightful peanut sauce. Great food, like great sailing, requires passion, preparation, and knowing the right ingredients—all of which we had embodied into one of our crew member, lucky us.
Experience SF Bay with Zosca Sailing
Sailing from Redwood City to San Francisco and back is one of the best routes to experience the Bay’s diverse conditions. From light winds in the morning to strong gusts in the afternoon, every trip offers something new. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, Zosca Sailing provides the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and gourmet dining.
Remember to dress in layers, as the Bay’s weather can change rapidly. From foul weather gear to shorts and a t-shirt, be prepared for all conditions.
We recommend anyone to take one weekend to explore the beauty of the SF Bay and create unforgettable memories on the water. And it does not hurt to have a person passionate about cooking as part of your crew.
Happy sailing!