In 2012 gale alley was in full operation as I approached from north of the Oregon border. I hung out for a day then opted to put a storm jib up and triple reef in the main, thinking like Sleddog that I would foot off. Just as conditions started getting brisk a passing ship out of LA reported to me that conditions were force 7/8 heading south. I had a pretty uncomfortable 24 hours with indicated apparent winds in the mid 30's at times. I pointed towards Santa Barbara and hid beneath the birth in a fetal position. At about 200 miles offshore it all lightened up, the boat once again was pointing at SF, and the ride into the Farallon was pleasant. As I recall the Buffalo was ahead of me three or four days and glided into the Bay area unmolested.