Steve's right, but... some good news too
... it is consistent and you can plan on it. Early mornings are pretty quiet and then it will build into late afternoon. It is not at all unusual to have 30 kt gusts in the slot at 2 or 3 p.m. in July. Depending on the tides, Latitude 38 runs an annual "sail around the Bay" story about an ideal route. Start on an outgoing tide and run through Racoon Straits toward the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning while it is still fairly quiet (motor if you must), then make the turn and do a downwind run along the cityfront, wave at the tourists on Pier 39 as you fly by, and then turn for home. But unless you like wet and cold, you probably want to avoid the slot between Angel Island and Treasure Island in mid-afternoon in July. If the forecast calls for 100 degrees over the hill in the valley, it will blow in the Bay. And you'll be cold and wet. You can duplicate the experience of sailing in San Francisco in the summer by standing in an ice cold shower and tearing up thousand dollar bills (picture those sails ripping)... Have fun, see you on the Bay. When it is good, it is absolutely stunning. S. Good News
