If you are planning on joining me aboard Festina Lente, this page may prove useful.

Location

Festina Lente is berthed in the Berkeley Marina Dock H, slip 34. Parking for Dock H is accessed via Marina Blvd.

When you reach the roundabout on University as you enter the marina complex, take the first right onto Marina Blvd, then take the first (legal) left into the parking lot. Turn left and park once you pass the restrooms. The H & I Dock gate will be locked. Call or text me when you arrive and I will come get you and provide a parking pass for your vehicle. I will need this pass back!

Comfort

There is a head aboard Festina Lente, but I encourage visitors to use the marina restroom prior to coming aboard.

Bring layers of clothing. The San Francisco Bay can have dramatic temperature swings. It is also a good idea to bring a waterproof outer layer in case conditions get wet.

Remember to wear sunscreen! It’s easy to forget that you are soaking up UV while enjoying a day on the water, even if you are sitting under canvas.

Read my list of things to keep in mind if you are new to sailing.

Familiarize yourself with safety information. I will conduct a safety briefing before each sail, but it can help to have read this information beforehand.

If you are prone to seasickness, take medication well before our departure time. It tends not to help if you are already feeling ill.

Facilities

While folks tend to congregate in the cockpit, Festina Lente has much more to offer!

There is a comfortable salon and aft cabin, both with optional privacy.

The galley (kitchen) features an over-active refrigerator, stove, oven, and a full complement of utensils and cookware.

The navigation table is one of my favorite spots to tuck into, great for more than just looking at charts. It’s a nice game table, too! Yes, we have games aboard. Just ask.

While anchored, the dinghy is available for faster-pace exploration or getting ashore. (Conditions allowing)

Don’t dread the head! The bathrooms aboard boats get a bad reputation for smelling terrible. This is largely due to most being flushed with sea water. We have a strict freshwater-only policy for our head, and we treat it regularly to avoid foul odors. It’s spacious, too. We do ask that no paper be flushed. Please use the trash under the head sink instead.