is this a launch??

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

The southern end of Seawall Drive is HS Lordships Restaurant, and people do launch there. I launch there on a NW wind when the docks are in a huge wind shadow. Also, sometimes when it's really windy, it's easier to launch there w/ a super-sinker instead of trying to slog one out from the docks. Sometimes, the wind dies or goes North near the docks, and so it's easier to land at the restaurant and walk back to the docks (with or w/o your gear).

There's a little cove to launch in. Walk down the rocks, swim your gear out to the wind line.. about 25 ft away.

kev

... picture's worth a thousand words:

http://www.muegenburg.com/berkeley/berkeley-aerials/berkeley-aerial.html

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Hi kev,

I've always wondered about the launch at the resaurant. Your link provides the perfect information about the scene. Very well done.

However, I'm curious about the relative security leaving your vehicle unattended. From my past recollection, the jetty parking along the west seemed a bit risky, as opposed to the dock area.

madspaniard · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 380

jse · Joined: 17 Apr 1995 Posts: 1460 Location: Maui

I tend to launch there more than at the docks just because I hate the slog. Plus I like to go places - like Brooks Island or out by the bridge. Looking for swell or better wind. It's easier to get a jump on that from Lordships. I never felt concerned about my stuff, there's always a lot of people going in and out of the restaurant. However if you park just inside of the berm where the trees shade your car... bird shit galore.

I have no problem launching barefoot. Usually, as is the case at Berkeley, I end up quitting not because it's too windy or I'm tire, but because the wind died. When that happens, it's pretty easy carrying your gear up to the lot in one trip.

Steve

kevinpurdy · Joined: 05 May 2002 Posts: 19

There have been a few thefts there over the years, but it's relatively safe. It's best for exits if the wind dies or switches. Or as Kevin also mentioned, a good launch for NW winds.

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

I know a couple people who have had their vehicles broken into Hs. Lordships. I think on a busy day, it's not much of a concern, because there will be plenty of sailors coming in and out of the water and to and from their cars. If it's a really marginal day, and there really isn't anyone else there... well, that may be different.

kev

mikecole · Joined: 21 Sep 2000 Posts: 164

Hey Kev,

That's a sweet looking bottom turn photo you're using for your avatar... Is that your last trip to PSC? Can you post a bigger one or perhaps it's on your club site?

Mike

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

Hey Mike,

Yeah, that pic is from September... fun trip as always. Some more pics here:

http://www.kan.org/kevin/Sites/rathokan/San%20Carlos%202007.html

mikecole · Joined: 21 Sep 2000 Posts: 164

Thanks Kev,

Awsome shots. Clark is good behind the lens for sure. Your OTL arials look great.... Wish I could crack them off like that. Thanks for sharing!

Mike

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Thanks for all the good information about the restaurant launch. I'll have to investigate some more on my next trip up to the bay area.

I have to agree with Mike about the PSC shots. Very nice! Thanks for sharing.