Benicia MARINA or GRITTY Vallejo? | 14 Night Winter Shakedown CRUISE

Описание: The crew embarks on a 14-night "winter shakedown" cruise through the upper reaches of the San Francisco Bay. The journey focuses on testing boat systems in colder weather while comparing two distinct destinations: the quaint town of Benicia and the more industrial city of Vallejo.


The video follows the crew as they navigate the Carquinez Strait during the off-season. A "shakedown cruise" is essential for any yachtsmen to identify mechanical or structural issues before a major voyage, and doing so in the winter adds the extra challenge of managing heat, moisture, and short daylight hours.

The Comparison: Benicia vs. Vallejo

The heart of the video lies in the contrast between the two stops:

Benicia Marina: The crew highlights Benicia as the "charming" option. It features a highly walkable downtown, boutique shops, and a well-protected marina. It represents the more polished, suburban side of Bay Area cruising.

Vallejo: Labeled known as "Gritty,” Vallejo offers a different vibe.

Winter Sailing Tactics: Great footage of sailing in the brisk, grey conditions of the Northern California winter.

Boat Systems: The crew discusses the realities of living aboard in the cold, including power management and keeping the cabin dry.

Local Exploration: Beyond the docks, the video provides a "boots on the ground" look at the restaurants and streets of both towns, giving viewers a sense of what it’s actually like to visit.

Review

Tone: The video is atmospheric and honest. It doesn't sugarcoat the "grittiness" of Vallejo, nor does it ignore the logistical headaches of winter cruising.

Cinematography: As is standard for this channel, the drone shots of the Carquinez Strait and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge are excellent, providing great perspective on the scale of the shipping lanes.

Conclusion: This is a must-watch for Bay Area sailors or anyone interested in the "real" side of boat life. It moves away from the tropical "blue water" cliché and shows the beauty (and challenges) of local coastal cruising in the Pacific Northwest/Northern California climate.

Final Verdict: An informative and visually engaging travelogue that helps sailors decide where to point their bow when heading upriver from San Francisco.