In another thread Tom explained, that for a very low observers hight "waves would obscure the sunset".
This type of phenomenon is normally explained by you having changed and broadened your perspective lines at higher altitudes to restore the sun, but this particular case is explained by the existence of waves.
Why then a far away beach would not be obscured by the waves?
... laying down on the stomach at the edge of the shore on the Lovers Point beach 20 inches above the sea level it is possible to see people at the waters edge on the adjacent beach 23 miles away ...
and
Whenever I have doubts about the shape of the earth I simply walk outside my home, down to the beach, and perform this simple test. The same result comes up over and over throughout the year under a plethora of different atmospheric conditions.
Monterey Bay is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Due to its size there's quite a potential, that a moderate breeze will generate 20 inch waves in the bay, or even more likely: Due to its wide opening to the Pacific, a swell, long waves generated far away from the coast, easily exceeding 20 inch, will enter the bay.