To Stars & Stripes, I came to San Diego for business, but had the great luck of a wonderful stay at Humphrey's Half Moon Inn, which included a sail on Stars & Stripes. The sail was easily the best part of my trip. I appreciated how open and warm the the crew was with me and the other visitors. We were allowed to get a feel of how the boat handled, if we wanted to be more involved. It was glorious to be under sail in the bay and to see San Diego city and harbor from the perspective of the water. It didn't hurt that the day was crystal clear with a steady, gentle breeze. I have already recommended the Inn and the sail to my friends and colleagues who have plans to visit San Diego. I am grateful for having had the experience of such a memorable sail. Thank you, Pat L.

  To the USA11 crew: Susan & Don S. sailed with you on January 8 this year; we brought along our San Diego Friends, John B. (JB) and Susan V. and we all took our turn at the wheel. I have had a lot of fun bragging that I drove an America’s Cup boat to my local YC, the Wayzata Yacht Club on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. We have a very active club, often having 120 boats on the starting line during our rather short season, but darned few of the skippers can say that they have been at the helm of an AC boat. The picture below is the “wallpaper” on both Susans’ and my computer screens and whenever anyone sees it on either of them, we get a chance to tell the story again. I am glad that you accommodated us on Stars & Stripes, the day before the big Chargers game after New Years, even though you were short of crew and all thoughts were on the game the following day. I recommend the experience to anyone who will listen. Fair winds, Don S. Minnetonka, Minnesota  

My son and I was on the road from Boston last week and arrange for a sail on USA 11. Growing up in the Boston area I always had an interest in the America's Cup races while they were held in Newport. I frankly had lost interest until we read about USA 11/Stars and Stripes and the possibility sailing an afternoon on a REAL world class racing craft. My uncle Jack wrote and lived life to the extreem, he was a Merchant Marine during WW II so there is the lust for the sea and need for adventure in my heart. Sailing on Stars and Stripes once done, never leaves you! you don't want to dock only set sail and travel with the wind. I wish you were located in Boston Harbor but we look forward to our next sail. Joey K., Lowell, MA

 

What a blast! I've spent a lot of time sailing on San Diego Bay and I've seen Star & Stripes (USA-11) speeding by many times. I finally signed up and got my chance to sail a real America's Cup racing yacht. Can't wait to do it again. John B.

 

You guys are awesome. I sailed with my wife last weekend and it was just incredible. The boat was fast in the big wind we had offshore. The feeling of power and ease of handling were remarkable. Thanks again for the great time. Scott V.

 

Dear Lynn, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Our day of sailing was a day to remember. My boys and I really enjoyed the time spent with you and your crew. It was a fun filled 2 and a half hours of sailing around the harbour. The interaction with your crew and my boys was great. I couldn't of asked for a better way to spend my day or money it was well worth it. Thank you again for making our visit to San Diego a delight. Amy M.

 

Lynn and the USA-11 crew:My recent experience on the USA-11 was one of the best birthday presents I've ever had - an experience I'll never forget and am still talking about! (In fact, it inspired me to start fulfilling a long-time dream, to start sailing myself. So I joined a local sailing club - another great birthday gift- got my ASA certification and have been out there a number of times since with friends, always pointing the boat out whenever we see it on the water. I start looking for you around 1:30 or so after your departure off of Shelter Island and sometimes we're up close enough to see all of the crew and passengers as we pass each other on the water.) The USA 11 sail was an exhilerating experience and included a lot of time on the grinders and a hand at the helm actually tacking a number of times as we made our way back to home port. You and the crew were awesome - friendly and welcoming, knowledgable and very helpful. Even though I was aware of the Stars and Stripes boats I just didn't know how exciting and memorable an experience it could be until doing it. I only wish I had known that before visiting friends (and sailors as well) came out last spring. I've raved about and recommended the experience many times since and no visitor will be allowed to get away again without the USA-11 experience! Meg S.