After a couple of in Bay races earlier this year, last weekend marked the first time Hokulani has been out in the ocean since last year's PacCup race. This was a singlehanded race out the SE Farallones Island and back (about 56 nm). Thankfully the early morning start was on a strong ebb since there wasn't much wind (~5-8 kts). I was seeing a good 3-4 kts push out the Gate from the ebb. Unfortunately, the further offshore we got the lighter the wind got - mostly mid-single digits. Against the other J120, who had switched to a genoa, I really paid the price for only having a #3 headsail. It took about 6.5 hours to get to and around the island. A very calm sea state made it a comfortable trip. Then I used the new A4 spinnaker all the way back to the finish line in front of Golden Gate YC. Given the light winds I had to sail a fairly high course back (110AWA) so I wasn't able to clear Pt. Bonita on the return. So a jibe at Pt. Bonita, a jibe back over near mile rock, and then another jibe just east of center span of the Golden Gate bridge. As is typical, the wind built as we approached the Gate, mid-teens outside and then low to mid-20's once under the bridge. Fortunately, all three jibes went off without a hitch. The last leg was a blast at about 12 kts of boat speed all the way to the finish. Dropped the kite and then sailed home to Brisbane Marina. A long 14 hour day by the time I got back. A really nice day out on the ocean. You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD7AICtxLYY
