Welcome aboard to ambassador Jennifer Gridley. A long-time Sailstice participant, Jennifer can be found sailing on San Francisco Bay with her husband on their Sabre 38 MKII, Aegea.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was introduced to sailing at a young age in a family of enthusiastic day sailors. We
did not belong to a yacht club or do any formal racing – just enjoyed sailing around the
waters of Cape Cod and the Vineyard in all kinds of boats including sunfish,
turnabouts, and sailing canoes. The biggest boat we had was a Shearwater Catamaran
that my father loved sailing in the shallow water around the Cape and Islands. Once I
had the basics down, I could be helpful on bigger boats and gained confidence. I
moved to the West Coast in my 20s and loved sailing in the warm relatively gentle
winds of Southern California for a few years before moving to San Francisco with my
husband 30 years ago. We have been lucky to sail with friends on the Bay over the
years and five years ago we took the plunge to become boat owners ourselves.
What is your favorite color?
Green
Preferred type of sailing:
Since we purchased Aegea we have primarily been cruising in and around the Bay. We
love exploring and finding new places to escape the cold fog in the summer or stay
overnight at a peaceful anchorage. Every time we go out on the Bay we are met with a
variety of challenges that keep us on our toes including SF Fog, ship traffic, strong
tides, and shifting winds. My husband loves the excitement of a 20-knot breeze and I
am always looking for a quiet place to have lunch and enjoy some sun. We have done
some racing over the years (always as crew) and enjoy the thrill of being part of a
competitive fleet on the Bay – even if it’s a Friday night beer can event.
Boat Make:
1990 Sabre 38 MKII
Boat Length:
38 Feet
Boat Name:
Aegea
Homeport:
Sausalito
Favorite Point of Sail:
Broad reach
How long have you been sailing?
On and off for 50+ years, I started with a big orange life jacket at age 5 or 6 with my
father at the tiller.
What do you love about sailing?
Escaping from the “noise” of work responsibilities and sitting at a desk to connect with
nature, feel the warmth of the sun, and be in a place where time is only about tides.
How long have you been participating in Summer Sailstice?
Many years but, this is the first as an Ambassador.
Are you a part of any sailing clubs, fleets or organizations?
No.
Who is your sailing hero?
Tania Aebi and Liz Clark.
What is your bucket list sailing trip?
Anywhere in the Caribbean.
Favorite Sailing Movie?
Maiden
Jennifer Gridley
Jennifer Gridley can be found sailing on San Francisco Bay with her husband on
their Sabre 38 MKII, Aegea.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was introduced to sailing at a young age in a family of enthusiastic day sailors. We
did not belong to a yacht club or do any formal racing – just enjoyed sailing around the
waters of Cape Cod and the Vineyard in all kinds of boats including sunfish,
turnabouts, and sailing canoes. The biggest boat we had was a Shearwater Catamaran
that my father loved sailing in the shallow water around the Cape and Islands. Once I
had the basics down, I could be helpful on bigger boats and gained confidence. I
moved to the West Coast in my 20s and loved sailing in the warm relatively gentle
winds of Southern California for a few years before moving to San Francisco with my
husband 30 years ago. We have been lucky to sail with friends on the Bay over the
years and five years ago we took the plunge to become boat owners ourselves.
What is your favorite color?
Green
Preferred type of sailing:
Since we purchased Aegea we have primarily been cruising in and around the Bay. We
love exploring and finding new places to escape the cold fog in the summer or stay
overnight at a peaceful anchorage. Every time we go out on the Bay we are met with a
variety of challenges that keep us on our toes including SF Fog, ship traffic, strong
tides, and shifting winds. My husband loves the excitement of a 20-knot breeze and I
am always looking for a quiet place to have lunch and enjoy some sun. We have done
some racing over the years (always as crew) and enjoy the thrill of being part of a
competitive fleet on the Bay – even if it’s a Friday night beer can event.
Boat Make:
1990 Sabre 38 MKII
Boat Length:
38 Feet
Boat Name:
Aegea
Homeport:
Sausalito
Favorite Point of Sail:
Broad reach
How long have you been sailing?
On and off for 50+ years, I started with a big orange life jacket at age 5 or 6 with my
father at the tiller.
What do you love about sailing?
Escaping from the “noise” of work responsibilities and sitting at a desk to connect with
nature, feel the warmth of the sun, and be in a place where time is only about tides.
How long have you been participating in Summer Sailstice?
Many years but, this is the first as an Ambassador.
Are you a part of any sailing clubs, fleets or organizations?
No.
Who is your sailing hero?
Tania Aebi and Liz Clark.
What is your bucket list sailing trip?
Anywhere in the Caribbean.
Favorite Sailing Movie?
Maiden
