Strickly Sails

[Limpet]

I'm going to the Strickly Sails event in Oakland CA this Month. I have never been before. Any suggestions on things I should plan to see or do or those I should avoid? (I'm new to sailing)

Yes. My wife and I make this our annual anniversary celebration. We go for the whole 5 days. If you drive, there is a parking garage right accross from Jack London. The rates are good, and you can walk to the event. The organizers sometimes work a deal with this garage, so rates are good. If not, the yhave parking set up at other locations. (it varies every year), with free shuttle buses. Wed-friday are the least crowded, and the most fun. Bring water. This year will probably be cold, and the tents are not heated. If you can deal with it, wear sandals. Most of the demo boats require you take your shoes off, and the docks are concrete, so you will be taking your shoes off and on allot. PM me, and I will meet you there at some point.
Oh, and the multi day passes are a great deal.

[Jentine]

Kai,
"Wear sandals"........."This year will probably be cold". Have I missed something. What is your definition of cold? I could really handle the "cold" in that neighborhood.
Jim

[Limpet]

Originally Posted by Kai Nui

Oh, and the multi day passes are a great deal.

I already bought my ticket. I just got the Saturday ticket. Since I have never been, I figured one day would be enough.

Jentine, I realized that would sound a bit strange after I wrote it, but comparitvely speaking, cold is low 60's as opposed to other years, where it is in the high 70's. My point being, bring a jacket, but low 60's is fine for boat sandals IMHO.
Limpet, one day is never enough. Saturday is the big day of this event, so if you are limited to one day, that is a good choice. We have made many friends at this event, and every year, we spend as much time as we can visiting with vendors (many of whome are cruisers) we only see once a year.

[Will Burton]

Yes, the event is held in beautiful, sunny North California. Oakland is on the bay, with blue skies, warm sun and 55 dgree water. You get lovely sailing with frequent 15-20 knot winds across that water that function as a great air conditioner. The joke is that you can always tell who the tourists are on the SF waterfront because they are wearing shorts and tee shirts in the summer. Local vendors do a great business in sweat shirts. After 20 years there, moved to Florida for warm water sailing, Gulf cruising. (What's with these hurricanes?)

Will Burton
s/v Far Niente