In the pictures, every boat looks fabulous. The sun was so bright, the air clear, the wind strong. The photos from the day have a crispness. All the varnish looks clear and hard like glass. The paint creamy and rich. Sails were stretched taught and straining, not billowing gently, but pushing and pulling like a team of fit oxen. The flood tide brought in green water from the Pacific, and it’s surface sparkled like a tub of cut diamonds. Waves broke into clean white foam, like snow balls shattering on lake ice.

The fleet was full, and rich in history. Boats with stories and souls. Boats that live a life of luxury, and boats that earn their keep. Boats that have sailed the world, and boats that have never left the Bay. Some big and famous. Some small and demure. Yet all share a few things in common, they are craft. Well designed, properly constructed, well maintained, classic and traditional, sailing craft. Craft because their existence an vibrancy is an activity involving skill, doing things by hand and exercising these in making something to be enjoyed.

For 149 years, the Master Mariner’s Regatta has been a unique craft of San Francisco Bay sailors.

While not run every one of those 149 years, it is perhaps one of the oldest sports competitions in the world. Technically older than the America’s Cup. But unlike it, it was born from the spirited competition of working craft, not the yachts of the rich and famous.

It was first run in 1867 by the Boatmen’s Protective Association who staged a 4th of July race between the large coastal schooners and sailing scows of the San Francisco Bay. The race was really a show, for spectator enjoyment, and a chance for the working sailors and captains to display pride in their country, their boats, their companies, and to exhibit their skills as seamen.

It’s a history and tradition we all carry aboard when we set out to sail in the regatta. And in doing so, we rejuvenate a comradery and spirit bound and fueled by sun, wind, water and wood.

You’re encouraged to view the excellent photography of the day at the links found here:

http://www.mastermariners.org/MMBA/calendar/regatta/

Some of the better photos of Nirvana from the day:

My favorite: https://h2oshots.smugmug.com/2016-Sailing/2016-Master-Mariners/i-d3KKNhx/A

Standing at the helm: http://www.rockskipper.com/Sailing-Galleries/2016-Master-Mariners-Regatta/Master-Mariners-Regatta/i-hrHDqkG/A

Before the Race – we should have left the reef in ! http://www.crayivp.com/Master-Mariners-15/i-S4XgD7p/A

Sneaking by a struggling competitor : http://www.rockskipper.com/Sailing-Galleries/2016-Master-Mariners-Regatta/Master-Mariners-Regatta/i-dLC2Nm4/A