Friday September 20, Napa, CA

With Pam at America's Base, San Francisco

What a day it has been, and still no result with the America’s Cup, even thought we were there along with hundreds of other kiwis yelling our support.

We had an early start leaving camp before seven, arriving at Pam’s by 8.30. It was such a pretty morning, fog was lying in the valleys and the sun was trying to shine through, took photos as we were driving as no time to stop and do it properly. Dairy farms filled the valleys and lots and lots of vineyards on the hillsides.

It was so good to catch up with Pam, parked the van outside her house in a really nice quiet cul de sac, then we were off to catch the 10 o’clock ferry from Vallejo to the city…along with a number of Kiwi and Oracle supporters. As you can imagine there was so much light-hearted rivalry, everyone was in good spirits. Really enjoyed the 50 minute trip as we cruised up the harbour, seeing so many places that we have only read about.  Had a 15 minute walk from the terminal to the America’s Cup base in time to see the yachts before they left. Just an amazing atmosphere, big crowds and kiwi flags everywhere, I am sure we outnumbered the Oracle supporters. I only took my small Canon G10 as didn’t want the weight of carrying the big camera all day, so just tried to capture the atmosphere of the crowds at the base.

It was a Bloody Mary on the ferry, to start the day off right!

It was great to be there when the teams came out, although with the crowds it was quite hard to see. Then we found a place to sit in front of one of the big screens, got some food and wine and settled in to wait for the start.

The excitement in the first race when we just steamed ahead soon turned to concern when there was talk of not enough wind to complete in the 40 minute time allowance…and then it was all over, such disappointment. But we waited for Race 2 and there were cheers all around from the kiwi supporters as we got the lead, but everyone soon quietened down as Oracle took the lead and the gap increased. What a huge let down, just couldn’t believe it, and as we walked back to the ferry terminal we walked with many others all feeling the same. I really felt we were going to see a win for us today…but there will be another chance tomorrow. We are not going back to the city, but will watch it on the TV.

Pam barbecued a side of King Salmon for dinner tonight, it was superb. We were all rather weary tonight so happy to have an early night.

Good luck to Dean on his way out to the boat.

No champagne today...a cold beer before the ferry home.