A fast moving storm front’s wind and waves caused a 40-foot sailboat to break free of its moorings in the Capitola Bay Marina early in the morning, causing it to damage the east side of Capitola Wharf before running onto Capitola Beach.
“I shot these photos this morning in Capitola. The boat had drifted in the night and ended up with its keel stuck in the sand,” said Karen Nevis. “A tow boat came from Monterey and managed to finally free them up at high tide – 9:18 a.m. Not a pretty sight. It almost needs a caption … Having a BAD Day?”
According to Steve Jesberg of Capitola Public Works a section of railing on the Wharf was broken and a piling damaged. Repairs were made and the Wharf was reopened soon after. Ed Burrell of Capitola and Santa Cruz Boat Rentals at the Wharf said, “The boat was towed away to Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor to take it out of the water and evaluate the damage. Fortunately it was insured because from what I could see, the cement hull was cracked, and the keel and propellers were broken.”
Bad day indeed!