Join us as we explore what is good in the world
Join us as we explore what is good in the world
By Larry Hall — Aboard SV FrancescaDate: September 20, 2025Location: Between the Farallon Islands and Drakes Bay, CaliforniaEstimated Reading Time: 6 minutes An unexpected companion off the coast of Point Reyes “The sea is never empty. It holds stories, watchers, companions we will never fully know.” On a calm September afternoon, while sailing close-hauled toward Drakes Bay, I shared […]
A Whale Named BRIGITTE Read More »
After a peaceful layover in Monterey, we slipped the docklines at 9:45 AM and motored out into a glassy sea under soft gray skies. The wind was barely a whisper for most of the day—just enough to rustle the telltales but not enough to fill the sails. So, the hum of the engine carried us
We pushed off from Half Moon Bay at 8:15 this morning under soft gray skies. The wind was light and the sea, glassy and still. Pelicans crowded the harbor, plunging and gliding in their usual chaotic ballet—it’s always a sight. Once clear of the breakwater, we settled in for the journey south to Monterey. The
Leg 2: Tales from the Tail: A Whale of a Day to Monterey Read More »
Day 1 – San Francisco to Half Moon Bay Chris Kelly and I spent the morning prepping Francesca for the voyage. After final checks and stowing the last of our gear, we cast off the dock lines at 9:00am under calm, overcast skies. The bay was glassy and still—no wind to speak of—as we motored
Leg 1: San Francisco to Half Moon Bay – A Quiet Start and a Meaningful Day Read More »
People who haven’t sailed much may not have a clear idea what sailing is like. And very little about San Francisco Bay Area life prepares you for life aboard a boat! So it can be hard to know what’s expected of you when you join a sail. Below is a thoughtful (okay, long) description of
TIPS ON BEING GOOD CREW ABOARD FRANCESCA Read More »
By Larry Hall · June 2025 · Aboard SV Francesca Same Hour, New Mission 5:30 a.m. — like clockwork. It’s the familiar start to every Farallon Patrol: early light, heavy duffels, and the quiet sense of shared purpose. For our fifth run, the crew consisted of myself as skipper, joined by John, Wyatt, and Dave—steady hands, all.
Farallon Patrol No. 5 — Work With the Weather Read More »
Waiting Out the Gale ⛵ Gale Delay and Midweek Departure Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025Vessel: FrancescaSkipper: LarryCrew: Aaron, Augustine, Dave, KikiPassengers: June & Danny, Point Blue Conservation Science ⛵️Gale Delay and Midweek Departure “You don’t pick your weather. You wait for it to give you permission.” Our third Farallon Patrol was originally scheduled for Saturday,
Fourth farallon patrol run aboard sv francesca Read More »
By Larry Hall | SV Francesca Sailing up and down the California coast offers more than just scenic anchorages and steady wind—it brings me face-to-face with the people who live and work on the ocean. Last week, I spent time talking with crabbers at Half Moon Bay and visiting a local fish hatchery inland. I
What I Learned About Sustainable Fishing Last Week: Notes from the Water Read More »
Life aboard SV Francesca By Larry Hall I’ve met a lot of sailors over the years—some in distant anchorages, some over shared meals and card games aboard Francesca, and others just passing by with a wave and a story. They come from every walk of life, but many fall into a few familiar patterns. I
7 Types of Sailors (and which am I) Read More »
Early on the morning of January 18, 2025, the sailing vessel Francesca slipped away from Marina Village in Alameda, heading for the remote Farallon Islands. It wasn’t just any trip—this was a mission with purpose. Skipper Larry Hall, joined by co-skipper Harmon Shragge, led a capable crew that included Arzen Joy, John Daughters, Katie Blaesing,