"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."


Saturday, August 10, 2013

Racing on the Bay

San Francisco is hosting this year's America's Cup next month - but this month, the Louis Vuitton Cup is being held as sort of a *warm-up* for these fantastic, sleek boats.  Last year, the boats were here and I happened to be down at the Bay when they raced......I fell in love.

 This year, I made a point to go again and take some photo and videos to share with you.
There were only two competitors for this particular race.....

Artemis, the Swedish Boat, races past Alcatraz



Luna Rossa (Red Moon), the Italian Boat




San Francisco Bay, though stunningly beautiful, can also be very dangerous.  All that fog and wind throughout the year can bring deadly results.  Last December, the American Boat, Oracle, was smashed right under the Golden Gate Bridge - totally destroyed...but thankfully, no one was injured.

 In June, the Swedes were not so fortunate. Artemis was capsized due to the heavy waves....and one of her crew was killed.   The boat was repaired and the team decided to go ahead, in honour of their lost teammate, and compete.






Luna Rossa sails past the Golden Gate




Here comes Artemis!



Artemis closing in....

The boats go unbelievably fast...and when they turn, they do so on one rudder, the other completely out of the water...like a motorcycle doing *wheelies*... it's scary - but thrilling!

 Here are a few videos I took so you get a feel of what it looks and sounds like...












Yes.....you CAN see blue sky and sunshine...the fog disappeared for a few hours....  since then, back to Greyness.....
  
Love,

♥ Robin ♥
Posted by Robin at 11:33 AM
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9 comments:

  1. SnowbrushAugust 11, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    I enjoyed your post. I suppose one gets used to seeing a prison in the backyard, as it were, but I think it must bother a lot of people--I know it would me.

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    1. RobinAugust 11, 2013 at 2:42 PM

      Snow, to be honest, I don't think too much about Alcatraz as a prison these days.... BUT, last year, I visited it with friends from Norway - it was my first time *on the Rock*...and it was a most depressing experience.. suffocating, frightening.... still, it is now a nesting sanctuary for birds and there are also beautiful flower gardens there....I did blog about it a year ago...

      Glad you liked the sailing part though... it really was quite wonderful!

      Love,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  2. TeriAugust 11, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    Wow, what beautiful boats!!!! Thanks for the ride.
    Hugs

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    1. RobinAugust 11, 2013 at 2:43 PM

      Teri, so happy you sailed along with me!

      Love,

      ♥ Robin ♥

      Delete
  3. soulbrushAugust 11, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    How can it be possible that I remember you posting about this- was it really a year ago? Man oh man what has happened to the past year?

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    1. RobinAugust 11, 2013 at 2:46 PM

      Jossie...wow...I AM impressed you remembered my post form last year.... (but then, that's one of the gazillion things that makes you - YOU)!

      Those years keep on zooming by..makes us understand how important it is to savour time - even via blogs - with ones we love!

      Love,

      ♥ Robin ♥

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  4. studio loloAugust 11, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    It really is breathtaking! One thing I love about living in Rhode island is the water is always nearby and there are always big sailboats!

    xo
    Lo♥♥

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    Replies
    1. RobinAugust 11, 2013 at 2:48 PM

      Yes....that's one of the reasons I fell in love with Rhode Island at first sight!

      Saturday, after a most gallant effort, the Swedes were eliminated...so we go forward with the Italians and the *Kiwis*.... will keep you posted - as I am really loving it!

      Love you too...

      ♥ R ♥

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  5. Marilyn MillerAugust 13, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    Robin,
    I didn't know you had a blog. Must have missed that one. Thanks for leaving a comment today on mine. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete

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