Come Early Morning

Sunrise over Pacific Shores Center as viewed from Westpoint Harbor Marina.

Another Westpoint Harbor Sunset

Westpoint Harbor Marina at Sunset, January 14, 2014

Westpoint Harbor Winter

The harbor is getting full, including many new boats wintering in the mild Redwood City climate.

SF Bay Status Granted

Event Horizon's crew is very happy and honored to be granted official live-aboard status at Westpoint Harbor Marina in Redwood City!

Westpoint Harbor is located in South San Francisco Bay, and surrounded by Greco Island to the north and east (part of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge), Cargill salt-farming operations to the south, and Pacific Shores office park to the west.

California Live A-Boards

Unlike most of the world, California does not freely allow people to live on their boats. In fact, many marinas don't allow liveaboards and the facilities that offer residency generally have a long waiting list. Last year--before we committed to moving to CA--we paid a considerable sum just to get on an estimated 10-year waiting list, hoping the poor economy might help our position.

Typically live-a-board status is limited to 10% of berths. And that number is split between the different sized boats. Upon visiting many popular CA live-aboard marinas, we were convinced the percentage was higher. Apparently these unofficial liveaboards are known as "sneak a-boards”, a situation tolerated by some dockmasters. Sneakaboards aren't all trying to dodge the surcharge for living aboard; they prefer a floating lifestyle.

Word on the dock is that government marinas (common in CA) by law can only allow 10%, while private marinas can allow slightly more yet we have always been quoted the same percentage. The limited full-time status is due to the requirements for water and sewer as defined by California environmental laws. Overall, liveaboard status is strictly monitored and must be approved by the harbormaster.

New to San Francisco Bay, S/V Event Horizon and crew are considered transients. Transient status, at our current marina, will allow us to live afloat for the next 3-months. In the meantime we are on multiple marina waiting lists requesting official live-a-board status, and exploring our surrounding housing options.

Porto Santo

Porto Santo is a small (11km by 6km) island of volcanic origin surrounded by gold sandy beaches and turquoise water (one is immediately reminded of the Caribbean). Large palm trees and colorful hibiscus and bougainvillea flowers decorate her interior which has only about 5,000 inhabitants and one town, Vila Baleira, where Christopher Columbus lived for many years. The town feels wonderfully Portuguese – old world charm yet modern – and offers most important amenities including several pastelarias and a bench filled square with free WiFi, which is where my captain has spent most of his time. The town is a 15 minute walk along a beach rimmed shore line from the marina. The marina offers basic necessities but overall it pales, especially the dock, compared to the last three marinas we’ve visited. We are the only sailboat in the harbor, another sign that we are late to head south.

Next stop is the larger island and namesake of the archipelago, Madeira.

Dun Laoghaire

I am living on a real dock (not tied to a mooring, between two poles or at anchor) for the first time in the history of Event Horizon being my home sweet home. I will call slip T55 at Dun Laoghaire Marina home through August and you can be sure I will enjoy every moment while I temporarily live the high life.

Dun Laoghaire Marina is nestled within two breakwaters built by the government specifically to accommodate the marina which opened in 2001. The marina was expanded earlier this year resulting in over 700 berths and top-notch dock facilities, including a new barge with four private cabins each with a shower, toilet, sink and seating. Thankfully this barge is located near the visitor berths (and my home) because it is a hike to the other end of the dock where the main facilities (including laundry) are located and you exit to shore.


The marina is a short stroll from the town centre with all amenities and things to do. The town of Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Leary) is located on the south shores of Dublin Bay and is a stop along the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit railway) route, which is convenient for getting around. Now if I can get caught up on communications and work, there is much to explore.