America's Cup

We sailed away one day from Sausalito to Treasure Island which is in the center of San Francisco Bay.  Our view was of the new Bay Bridge that opened the day after Labor Day.  This bridge has been under consideration and construction since the earthquake in 1989.  The old bridge in the foreground is now being torn down and removed.  What a big job!  

 Another view of the new bridge while driving over it.

This summer we have enjoyed being able to take friends out on Le Chat Beaute to watch the races.  Our friends Wayne and Elly who we met in Feb. 2012 in Roatan came to visit for a week.  Here's Elly, Connie, and Linda all bundled up.  It was a chilly day.......brrrrrrr!

 Here's Doug, Connie, and Linda.  Doug and Linda live on the Napa River and have been nice enough to let us dock our boat there.

One day we went to the America's Cup Park on Pier 23 to view the pre-race events.  Here are the competitors: Team USA Oracle and Fly Emirates New Zealand. 

America's Cup Park.  There are numerous huge beanbags spread out on the artificial turf where you can relax and watch the race on the BIG screen.  Also you can buy all the souvenirs you ever wanted, including a pair of Louis Vuitton flip flops for $535.00............can you imagine? 

The Le Chat Beaute'-ers! 

This is just one of the many decadent yachts that are docked at the pier.  This ship/boat/yacht had not only a helicopter, but 3 tenders, 4 wave runners, kayaks, and paddle boards.  

 Team New Zealand is boarding their tender and then were motored to their AC72.

If you ever want to feel short and squatty, have your picture taken with 2 Fly Emirates Flight attendants!

The park serves all kinds of food and adult beverages - Wayne and Elly are enjoying Mumm Napa champagne.  Actually we were all enjoying the champagne!

 These two beauties are soaring by us!  Max speed is @ 40-45 kts.  Now that's FAST!

 Yesterday we went with friends Debbie and Jeff, on s/v Sailor's Run, to watch the race on land.  We walked from Sausalito over the Golden Gate Bridge.........about  2 hour (6 miles) walk.  Where's a bench???

View of the bridge from the San Francisco side.

Today is Tuesday, and even though the races were scheduled to be over last Saturday, Mother Nature comes into play to create delays, like too much wind or not enough, or from the wrong direction!  You know, you just can't have everything!  Oracle needs 4 more wins to take the coveted CUP, and New Zealand needs only one.  The winning team is then entitled to take the next race in 3 years to their home country.  Today could be the last day, but we have been saying that for a week!   If NZ wins, we have 3 years to get there!  Start saving your money and come join us!