Spirits were running high last night for Stop Three at our "home port" in San Francisco, Golden Gate Yacht Club. So much so that the auction proceeds, benefitting the GGYC Youth Sailing Foundation, topped the large amount raised at Annapolis YC the night before. We were very warmly received by everyone from Commodore and Mrs David Haskins to the GGYC high school sailing team who volunteered for KP -- kitchen patrol -- to help serve the four-course dinner.

As you might expect, each of the Tour Stops has had a different flavor. New York was more about the history and tradition of the Cup, and "What's New for Thirty-Two" (AC 32). Annapolis being the home of Farr Yacht Design and with so many design team members present was, of course, focused on AC research, design and technology.

Last night was about sailing. Not only was Stop Three the first and only time we will have two sailing team members with us on the stage, but GGYC's community-based high school sailing team were present in force. They had a number of very good questions for Eric Doyle (USA) and Rodney Daniel (AUS).

Being a Friday, and our home yacht club, last evening had more of a gala feeling. A newly painted clubhouse, valet parking, plenty of Moet, fancy hors d'oeuvres, immaculate table settings, four-course meal, lively jazz trio, and the many Bay-area friends, colleagues and former colleagues who were present made it a special evening.

It was nice to be "home," and wouldn't GGYC and San Francisco be a nice home for the America's Cup?

Next stop is Wednesday night (2 Nov) at St. Francis YC.


Staff Commodore and AC Liaison Norbert Bajurin welcoming the
130 guests to GGYC with a brief history of the Club, which was
founded in 1939 as the Club Puerto del Oro. No wonder we feel so
at home in Valencia.


Rodney Daniel (left) and Eric Doyle (center) were peppered with
questions, especially from the GGYC high school sailing team. Rodney
and Eric have been sailing since they were pre-teens, and they
emphasized the value of school and college sailing.


Another SRO audience. A number of Bay-area media were also
present, including Jim Doyle of the SF Chronicle. Above on the
right adjusting his camera is Chuck Lantz of the popular
2007AC Forums. Lining the back wall is the GGYC high school sailing
team.

Ingrid Sommer (AUT) and LV's Monica Savini (FRA) admire the new,
limited-edition Girrard-Perregaux watch being produced in honor
of Golden Gate YC as the AC 32 Challenger of Record. We appreci-
ate GP's Stefano Macaluso (SUI) making the long cross-country flight
from Annapolis to be with us again last evening.


Mirko with the auction winners. As at Annapolis YC Thursday
evening, the benefit auction was a huge success. Check out Jane's
story on our main team website for the details. Staff Comm. Ned
Barrett (second from left) looks particularly happy after winning
the 18th man ride.


GGYC Commodore David Haskins kept a close eye on the
proceedings. He was elated with the $13,750 raised for the
Club's junior sailing program -- nearly twice the program's
annual budget.