Rowing is a new interest for me.... I bought Regan and Lori Fuller's Alden Ocean Shell and have never looked back. 

A couple years later I wanted a little more speed so I bought a Bay 21.  We named it White Knuckles cuz everytime I row it I'm terrified that I'm gonna tip over.  I learned that with speed comes some instability... folks at the rowing club tried to warn me about that before I bought the shell but would I listen?... sigh.  Little by little I'm getting better at rowing it though... but I'm still terrified.

Now that I have this speed, when the water is flat, I have a significantly extended range.  So that's why I've been venturing out a bit.  At this writing, I've been down to the Cement ship a few times (see pictures) and out as far as a buoy (that unfortunately was not set) which was about seven miles offshore.  I've also been out to each of the outer Santa Cruz buoys (SC4, SC5 and SC6).  I would like to do the Monterey Crossing... however I don't think I'm fast enough to finish in a time that wouldn't be embarrassing.  At this writing, I don't see how I can get across in less than 6 hours... but this last year everyone finished in under five.

In the attached pages... I put together a chart that shows the buoys off of Santa Cruz and their distances.  Also, in keeping with the tradition of this website, there is a rowing page with way too many pictures.  I keep being advised to be more selective... but clearly I just don't get it.