San Francisco sailors - Sailing to the Farallons tomorrow

[Bumberg]

Looking to sail around the Farallons tomorrow on a 46' Beneteau. The forecast seems like it's going to be pretty bumpy but has anyone been out there with a similar forecast (Saturday: NW wind 16 to 20 kt. Sunny. Mixed swell...NW 6 ft at 8 seconds and SSW 1 ft at 15 seconds. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft.)? Any tips on what the conditions would look like would be helpful.

Thanks for replying!

[Charlie]

Hi Bumberg:

Yes I have been out there in those conditions and worse. I have raced around the farallons a half dozen times or so. It can be pretty nasty but the chances of you finding a day with good weather and that day falling on a weekend is pretty slim. Just be glad it wasn't two or three days ago it was really honking then. YOU need to make a decision when you get out there what you want to do. On a typical day at this time of the year the wind will be much lighter in the morning. Sometimes you can get halfway to the Farallons prior to the wind kicking into high gear. From there it was a progression of shortening sail. (This was on a race boat) If it were me on a cruising boat I would use a #3 (100%) jib and be ready to put in one or two reefs. If you need more then that you might want to consider turning around. Also when the waves get big be sure to stay in the channel as sometimes there are "sneaker" waves that have sunk boats. Make sure that you keep the hatchboard in and secured because if you do get pooped you don't want to fill the cabin. Bring warm clothes and be prepared for people to get seasick.