Never thought I’d care. It’s not like I’m a big Larry Ellison fan (Oracle), nor do I much appreciate an American boat that lacks Americans. The token American, the tactician, was canned after Oracle lost a race to the Kiwi’s.
Nevertheless! Jake and I had been watching the practice races from an amazing vantage point up on the Marin Headlands. It’s on the way to and from the beach and the benches were empty so… It was pretty interesting, especially because that particular setting above the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay is fantastic.
Marin Headlands.
I happened to mention the races we’d watched to my husband, who is actually a sailor and has been following the America’s Cup despite the lack of Americans involved. He just didn’t want to pay an outrageous amount to watch the only two competitive boats race on a big screen television at the America’s Cup Pavilion in San Francisco.
We made a plan! We took Jake for a long hike because we wanted to get him settled down for the drive and an afternoon of watching. He’s not the most patient dog…
We headed up into Marin Headlands, headed down the backside and hit the beach so Jake could run free for half an hour. Then we drove back up to find a parking place, not an easy thing to do on a Saturday- Many tourists taking photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. We managed to snag the last spot at the very top of the hill and hiked down the trail alongside the road.
We were amazed so few people even realized the races were taking place. The benches at the overlook were completely empty. We tried out all three and picked the best one. The experience was just so cool.
As it turned out there was only one race that day. The rest were canceled because of wind rules. But what an exciting race it was! My husband loved it. He was in his element- announcing an enthusiastic play-by-play. You should have heard the whoop he let out when the New Zealand boat almost capsized. Hey, I could see it with my naked little eyes. It was crazy! Before we knew it, a big crowd had gathered about my husband, asking him all sorts of questions about sailing and the America’s Cup. What a fantastic day!
This is what we saw through our binoculars-
If the Oracle boat can pull off a few more wins we’ll head back to the Marin Headlands next Saturday. If not, so sad, the race goes to New Zealand next year and all you Kiwis get to watch.
If you’d only sold tickets!
You describe it so well that I felt we’d been there, too, watching and cheering, regaled by the race.
What a marvelous idea and perfect day.
It really was a great day, Sandra. I knew when I saw the racers practicing my husband would appreciate the view.
It was perfect, Marylin, and free!
That would be so cool if you knew what was happening which you and your husband obviously did.
Actually Steph I learned sailing stuff from him. He knows lots. Besides the view was so beautiful.
I like Marilyn’s entrepreneur spirit. What a view no matter what was going on in the bay. And how exciting. I can’t believe that the locals did not know about this place and were not there by the hundreds. Great day.
Yes, Roberta, what a view! Most of the locals were up there biking. Oh, and there was some distance race going on. All of which is why we were lucky to get a parking space within a couple miles of the overlook!
The view looks amazing…you sure make it sound like fun.
I love sailing ships. There’s something about the way the sails puff out with the wind. It’s bound to be a lovely day for you!
You have a marvelous harbor in Baltimore as well, Anny. The water isn’t as rough, but still it’s beautiful!
It was fun, Amber. Might go back again on Saturday.