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Summer Sailstice, the international sailing holiday for sailors held on June 21, is on the launching pad once again. Now in its third running, this 'new' holiday is exploding in popularity in sailing venues all over the globe. And this year, as they say, it's going to be bigger and better than ever.
The goal and purpose of Summer Sailstice is simple — get as many people out sailing as possible on the Solstice, the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer.
Launched in 2001, the event has enjoyed growing support from sailors and sailing businesses. The latter get involved by offering prizes to sailors, and donations to worthy causes.
All you have to do to take part in the Sailstice is to go sailing. Enjoy the wind, water, and whatever friends or family you invite along and, well, mission accomplished. If you want to be more involved, log onto the event's website at www. summersailstice.com and check out your options. If you choose to do so, each person who registers is eligible to win some nifty prizes. The site also has provisions for people to find crew, a boat to crew on, announce their individual participation, or offer to host a gathering or raft up.
Prizes this year range from a Hunter Liberty sailing dinghy, to a $500 shopping spree at West Marine, to clothing, equipment, boat rides, fine wines and much more.
The growing list of official supporters of Sailstice this year include: Hunter Marine, Gill, West Marine, SAIL magazine, North Sails, Yachting World, Harken, Dubarry, UK Sails, DeWitt Galleries, 48 North, Titan, Galleymate Stove, Boat-blender, Ronstan, Ocean Navigator, Dry Creek Winery, Sailing Magazine, ASA, US Sailing, Spin Sheet, the Chapin Company, Doyle Sails, OCSC Sailing, the Sailing Company, Good Old Boat and -— oh yeah — those rascals over at Latitude 38.
Also new this year, Summer Sailstice has formed an affiliation with Seacology (www.seacology.org), a global non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of island ecosystems and cultures. Seacology will receive $1 for every sailor who registers for Summer Sailstice, supported by donations from West Marine, private individuals, Summer Sailstice and Seacology board members.
Local Sailstice events include:
The new Blue Chip regatta, hosted by the San Francisco Yacht Club.
Daysails on Hawaiian Chieftain, with part of the fare going to support tallship scholarships. And an evening sail as part of OCSC's Summer Sailstice party.
Automatic participation of anyone chartering aboard the local charter boats Yukon Jack, Rendezvous, Sea Raven and Bay Lady.
Club Nautique plans a Summer Sailstice raft up at Treasure Island. If you charter a boat from any of their three Bay Area locations to participate, 5% of the proceeds go to support Seacology.
Five East Bay restaurants — Skate’s in Berkeley, Kincaid’s at Jack London Square, Pasta Pelican in Alameda, Island Lighthouse in Ballena Isle, and Horatio's in San Leandro — are offering special discounts to sail-in patrons (they all have docks) on any day of Summer Sailstice weekend.
There's bound to be more as the day approaches, so check in regularly at the website (www.summersailstice.com) and plan to 'make your mark.' Tell your friends. See you out there!
