Santa Cruz NAs ConditionsSanta Cruz local Bruce Edwards wrote this
description of Santa Cruz conditions in response to East Coaster Jesse Falsone's question.
Jessie wrote:
"Hey all you left coasters - can
someone summarize the Santa Cruz conditions (wind, current, waves), tactical
considerations, hazards, launching info, bars, etc. for the NA's this year? Mike Martin
did a nice job for the '97 NAs in Long Beach, and I'm looking for the same sort of thing.
Yeah, I know it blows stink most of the
time. I also know the water is pretty cold."
"Local conditions": Its pretty
much Utopia for 505 sailing....
OK, ok, here goes: Typically, August conditions are in the 12 to 18 knots of wind range in
the afternoons (not blows stink all the time). The "blow the dog off the chain"
winds usually subside a bit by August. The warm inland land mass of California's central
valley combined with the colder 58 degree water temperature creates a nice daily thermal
wind. As you might guess if the valley gets really hot, the wind can increase to higher
winds.
Typically the famous Northern California
fog sweeps into the Monteray Bay in the evening and then "burns off" in the
mornings. Sometimes the fog might not burn off which can create light to moderate breeze
conditions for several days straight (Last years PCCs had these conditions for the entire
regatta). It becomes very obvious which of the 2 conditions you will sail in by 11am. The
daily temperatures are typically 78 degrees in the daytime, and 60 degrees at night (so
bring a fleece jacket) when the fog rolls in. On the water its COLD due to the water
temps. SO bring your wetsuit and spray top. There is no appreciable current, although
drunk locals may tell you there is a "long shore" current. Regardless, if there
is, it is very slight and consistant across the course. If the prevailing breeze is filled
in the to shore, right is favored, always!! If the wind gets a bit light in shore, which
can happen later in the day, sometimes short tacks out to bigger velocity can give big
gains, but in general right is favored (very similar to Long Beach). It is not uncommon
that late in the day the westerly will back off and a light warm easterly wind will fill
in. This is due to an inversion layer caused by the warm land mass point that the city of
Santa Cruz sits upon. It starts at the shore and moves out slowly into the bay. Typically
this happens after racing about 5pm, but sometimes it can happen earlier and makes for
very interesting leeward mark situations. It is obvious if you just keep your eyes peeled
down the bay. You'll see sailboats sailing downwind toward you as you sail downwind toward
them (interesting).
HAZARDS: The only hazard is that the water
is COLD and not having a wetsuit on and being in it for a while is not fun. If you don't
turn around after racing its a LONG way to Hawaii.
Launching info: After about 20 years of
trying we now have a permanent dinghy ramp on the YC side of the harbor. It partially
submerges as you launch so its GREAT. We also will have the use of the hoist crane for
those of you who prefer that! The harbor is letting all the boats have a section of the
parking lot (its also where the container will be parked) Its about 100 feet to the hoist,
and about 300 feet to the ramp. This will be the first big regatta with the ramp and we
are excited about it.
Bars: Here is a list of the local bars
within easy stumbling distance of the dinghy park: The SCYC, we are providing 2 Beers a
day per boat in the entry so you can start there!! Seabright Brewery is a local brew
pub/eatery with outside dining. Bradys YC, is a "colorful" place across the
street. It was the Brit hangout during the '92 worlds ('Nuff said). Rosas, great Mexican
food and bar, right across the bridge, the Crows Nest: Fine dining and a great bar on the
opposite side of the harbor on the beach. I think thats all the bars within a 4 minute
walk!!
Other FUN stuff for the family: Man this
list could be MILES long: But I will do a quickie: SC Boardwalk, one of the classics in
the US with a 75 year old woodie roller coaster. 5 huge Redwood state parks. The Monterey
Bay Marine Sanctuary. UC Santa Cruz, probably one of the most spectacularly beautiful
Universities in the world. The "Mystery Spot", a must see for Team Spot.
(Especially the bumper stickers). Some the the West Coast best surf spots, Beautiful
beaches everywhere that are all ALL open to the public. A cool completely rebuilt downtown
section of town with lots of bars, great restaurants, cool music clubs, coffee shops etc.
Within a hour there is Silicon Valley (OK
what ever) but the other way you have Monterey/Carmel. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 mile
drive, Big Sur, Pebble beach and all the world famous golf courses...should I stop? SO
even if you come and don't sail you WILL have a great time!!
OK I probably left out something, so feel free to add to
this...HOPE YOU COME!! Its not too late!