posted 02-22-2007 06:49 PM ET (US)        

They will be holding a block of 15 rooms for us until April 4, 2007. To make a reservation at this rate, call 1-888-627-8458 and ask for the NorCal Boston Whaler Rendezvous. Cancellation policy is 24 hours in advance. Starwood Preferred Guest members will earn points for their stay.

The web site for the resort is located at: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index. html?propertyID=1138 .

Please send me an email if you are going to attend. I will need to get a list of berths needed to the Petaluma Marina. Mooring fees are $10/night with a launch fee of $2 for the trailer folk among us. The marina is secured, and one of us would be responsible for the gate key.

Again, please let me know if you will be coming and how many people (and Whalers) will be in your party. I look forward to seeing everyone again.

posted 02-23-2007 01:54 PM ET (US)            

It was unclear from the other thread whether a cruise around the bay is planned or not--lots of discussion about tides, etc., but a bay cruise was not clear to me.

If the plans have not yet been finalized, I vote a big YES for a bay cruise--that would definately be a highlight.

posted 02-23-2007 03:50 PM ET (US)            

--The trip down the Petaluma River to Port Sonoma on San Pablo Bay (the northern/northwestern arm of San Francisco Bay) is a very easy one in a Boston Whaler, no matter the state of the tide. The only very slightly challenging part of the trip is an approximately 30 or 40 yard stretch leaving the Petaluma marina and joining the upper reaches of the river, and this is only a 'problem' (not really) at very low tide. It's maybe twelve miles or so down the river to San Pablo Bay. There are two brief--half mile at the most--No Wake zones, and there are occasional skulling crews, fishermen, wakeboarders and waterski'ers which can slow things down some in places, but for the most part one is able to blast away down the river. Think in terms of 45 minutes or one hour, depending on whether we stop and fish, take photos of the abundant avian wildlife, or just want to drift for a while in some of the beautiful grassy wilderness.

--The only reason to stop at Port Sonoma is to fuel up and/or buy bait. From there to San Rafael/the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, sticking for the most part to the main channel, is maybe another forty-five minutes, cruising at 20 mph or so. The city of San Rafael has canals running through it, which would make a nice cruise itself if the weather is kicking up at this point and we don't want to go further. Loch Lomond Marina, at the east end of San Rafael, offers a pleasant stopping off point as well, for fuel and/or food at a very nice, inexpensive and casual marina restaurant. There are usually several Whalers stored on the hard at Loch Lomond for our viewing pleasure.

--Once under the San Rafael Bridge, it's not very far at all around the corner to Angel Island, Tiburon (Sam's Restaurant--classic yachting dining right on the water with good food), Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. We're all going to want to go out under the Bridge if the weather's nice...very lovely and dramatic for those who've never done it.

--Back along the San Francisco side; you know, Pier 39, the Embarcadero, the great skyline, etc, and out behind Alcatraz...all this sounds more time-consuming than it is. Bring your cameras!

--Finally a sorta straight NW shot back up the Bay to Port Sonoma, up the Petaluma River, and Bob's your uncle.

I've taken this and similar Bay trips dozens of times in my Whalers, and it's my favorite treat for out-of-town guests and visitors. I'm leaving out lots of interesting and attractive spots we'll pass along the way (Red Rock, the Brothers and Sisters, Marin Island, the great views of the Bay Bridge, Berkeley, Oakland & Alameda, etc). This whole loop (again, depending on the weather) can be easily done in five+ hours, even allowing time for a food stop along the way. And we can modify the cruise at any point if the weather kicks up or the damn fog rolls in.

Please post any questions, misgivings, special requests (like for a little salmon fishing out of Bodega Bay--25 miles from Petaluma--after the rendezvous). It will work, guys and gals, and if it doesn't, well, there are worse places in the world to hang out than the Sheraton Hotel in beautiful Sonoma County ;-)

posted 02-23-2007 09:26 PM ET (US)            

What is the smallest boat that a sane person would take on this little excursion?

In other words, how about a 13' Sport?

posted 02-25-2007 02:47 AM ET (US)            

Thx Paul...I will make my own reservations near the reserved block to avoid a conflict with someone who can confirm. I might end up staying on a Brusco Tug near Alameda.

I am inspired also. I will try to hold off on selling the 17 til the 18 restoration is at least somewhat presentable and completely reliable.

California girls beware, this NW redneck is coming alone at this time. Or maybe that worthless Tom Clark or another CW vet wants to hitch a ride or go down in pairs...I dont care.

I have enough buoy balls and fenders to fill the boat and the back of my pickup to the rails if needed to anchor a large floatilla if we run outa dock space.

I wonder if we shouldnt choreograph a BW dance in front of the City? I can hear the City dinner with a view patrons asking the waiters...who are those guys? hehe.

Seems to me, one of the most important aspects of the R would be fuel stops & restroom locations in relationship to a ballpark plan. Ive never attended a R but I know that most Tug jobs, the more rules you make the more things can go wrong.

posted 02-27-2007 10:53 AM ET (US)            

I may be the wrong person to ask as I used to make the trip from Boca Raton to Bimini in my 13 in my "yout". A 13 should be fine for the river, and the Bay is amenable to 13's as long as we don't have any big afternoon winds. The winds can rais a 2-3 foot chop which would make for a wetter ride in the 13. If that happens, you can always hitch a ride with one of the bigger boats. We usually have a couple of 23-25 ft Whalers at this event.

posted 03-06-2007 04:12 PM ET (US)            

Warren

posted 03-07-2007 10:04 AM ET (US)            

Oh well, our cups runneth over...we've got ten weeks to finalize this stuff, and there are a lot of fine possibilities.

posted 03-07-2007 04:43 PM ET (US)            

...Tuco's boots proves the waitress has no sense of humor & obviously doesnt recognize class when she see's it.

posted 03-11-2007 02:05 PM ET (US)            

I'd like to get a count of how many boats we will have so I can arrange for the marina berths near the hotel, so please let me know by April 18th.

posted 03-12-2007 12:28 PM ET (US)            

Also, I am confirming the need for dock space for my 22 foot Outrage, which I will trailer to the event.

posted 03-16-2007 12:11 PM ET (US)            

Group Code is NBE02A.

posted 03-30-2007 07:15 PM ET (US)            

Anyone want to split the room with me? Warning! I snore. :-)

posted 03-31-2007 10:37 AM ET (US)            

For a nice, quick lunch, try Ayala Cove on Angel Island. They have burgers, hot dogs, deli sans, etc. BYOB.

If you hit the Carquinez Straits, the Nantucket is OK. Lots of food in San Rafael behind the Canals.

Sams had a kitchen fire, but will be open by then. There is also a great pizza place and pub near Sams.

Bring your fishing rod and license. There will be striped bass and halibut everywhere in the Bay by then! If I am not working, I will join you on the Bay for a day of fun and fishing. Depending on my fishing buddies, I will bring the 25' or the 17'.

As with Paul, Rob & Tony, I have grown up on SF Bay and have boated there for 30 years and worked there for over 15 years. So feel free to contact me with any questions.

posted 04-05-2007 10:32 PM ET (US)            

I plan on attending. I will be bringing my 2003 16' Dauntless. I would like dock space if it is available. I plan on coming Friday afternoon and staying until Sunday.

Thanks for all of your hard work!

Doug

posted 04-10-2007 08:11 PM ET (US)            

Since we don't have the ability to host a barbecue at this rendezvous, we should consider the following:

Fri night: Dinner at the hotel restaurant or Dinner at Petaluma restaurant (some sharing of cars would be needed).

Sat: Cruise and lunch. Possible locations are Oakland Estuary, Crockett, or Tiburon.

Sat Night: Dinner as per Friday.

posted 04-11-2007 02:25 AM ET (US)            

I'll bring a couple of bottles of scotch and red wine along with a couple of boxes of assorted cigars. :-)

posted 04-13-2007 07:18 PM ET (US)            

I spoke to the Petaluma harbormaster this week and she knows nothing about the event. She seemed very interested and accomodating though. I tried to give her as many detiails as I know. The hotel issues the marina keys, but the slips belong to the city harbor. I'm sure it's all good and there won't be any issues provided all the boats are under 30 feet. If memory serves, whaler doesn't build boats over 30 feet.

Anyway, maybe it's just a thing of the hotel not contacting the marina but I thought someone directly related to the planning of the event might contact the harbormaster.

posted 04-13-2007 09:03 PM ET (US)            

I saw the hotel and marina from the freeway today on my way
to Bodega Bay. It looked nice.

posted 04-17-2007 03:56 PM ET (US)            

Still waiting to hear a consensus about lunch on Saturday. Choices are:

Tiburon area
Sausalito area
Crockett/Carquinez Straits
Oakland/Alameda Estuary

posted 04-18-2007 12:39 AM ET (US)            

Organize Saturday Lunch
Organize Saturday Cruise

Obviously, these two fine whalers are going to have to work
together, but the two jobs are sepearable.

Me, since I have ZERO local knowledge, I'll volunteer to do
tail-end-charlie (or, rather, tail-end-chuck) to make sure
nobody gets left behind or lost.

posted 04-20-2007 05:41 PM ET (US)            

-Your full name
-Boat model and length (I also need beam and draft, but I can usually work that out).
-Boat name (if any)
-Arrival date
-Departure date

Some of you have already RSVP'd to me I know, but I could use the info a second time.

I'd like to get them the info by next Monday to firm things up.

Cheers,

posted 04-22-2007 03:18 PM ET (US)            

High Sierra, Jim Tuohy - 2
dwyt, Des Wytmans - 1
Chuck Tribolet - 2
warrent, Warren Tom - 1
jmarlo, Jock Marlo - 4
taypow1, Jock ? (need your last name) - 2
andygere - Andy Gere - 4
elaelap, Tony Wilde - 1
dburton, Doug Burton - 2
prm1177, Paul Matwiy - 1
ratherwhaling (Day tripping)

Sheila, just to confirm you're coming up with one guest, but no boat.

17bodega, I see a post that you'd spoken with Binky at the marina, but I can't find a confirming email that you'll be attending for sure. Please let me know.

I'd like to send the berthing info to the marina by tomorrow or Tuesday.

posted 04-23-2007 01:18 AM ET (US)            

Angel Island has a boat dock and concessions that have been considerably re-vamped for your cash spending pleasure...

here is their website. The Island is a state park but this concession company has contracted with them I believe...

The owner of this establishment was on KGO's "on the go" Saturday morning and talked extensively about the improved amenities on the island.

posted 04-24-2007 09:56 AM ET (US)            

There were so many of you that I was hoping to meet in person. Hopefully, this will be an annual event.

I hope that everyone has a great time and that we are offered photos of the weekend.

posted 04-26-2007 01:34 AM ET (US)            

I'm going to bring a bottle of Heintz and Stags Leap cabernet sauvignon for you to sample. I guess I'll have to find someone else to help me drink them. :- )

Raincheck for your cigars is good until May 2008.

I'm ready to romp in San Francisco Bay!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted 04-26-2007 02:41 PM ET (US)            

For Saturday night, downtown Petaluma on the river looks inviting. We can either set up a banquet room at one of the restaurants (est cost approx $30 per person), or just make a large reservation to cover all of us. Restaurant choices are Pub/Brewery, Pizza place, Italian, or California cuisine.

Let me know what style you might be interested in.

posted 04-26-2007 08:41 PM ET (US)            

BTW, is there anyone besides Linda and me that has been to
all of the first six? Who's done five (I know Hoop has).

posted 04-26-2007 08:43 PM ET (US)            

I'll eat anything, though I tend to avoid Wolfgang Puck stuff
(all presentation and no substance).

posted 04-30-2007 01:11 PM ET (US)            

I don't think the eastbound 580 to Northbound 80 connector is affected, but it may be too early to tell, and I would like to have a backup route.

And I don't particularly like the idea of trailering through downtown SF (if I were to go up the pennisula and over the Golden Gate).

posted 04-30-2007 04:29 PM ET (US)            

Since you're coming from way south, avoiding the area in question is no problem. If you're coming through San Jose, take 680 North rather than 880. Or if you're coming up 5, take 580W from 5 and then the 680N exit. Take 680N across the Benicia Bridge, then 780N to 80N and Vallejo. From Vallejo, take CA 37W towards Novato and San Rafael (you actually cross the mouth of the Petaluma River). When you hit Novato, it's north up US 101 until you hit Petaluma (you'll see the Sheraton on the right).

posted 04-30-2007 08:27 PM ET (US)            

As you come into Golden Gate park (REALLY EXPENSIVE Shell
station on the right), don't be in the left lane. The left
lane is left turn only into the park. You don't want that.

And a bit later, you need to be in the right lane and have
a lot of respect for the 270 degree cloverleaf to head you
for the Golden Gate Bridge.

Other than that, no sweat.

However, if you are coming up I5, take Paul's advice, It's
a better route even without burning gas tankers.

posted 05-02-2007 05:09 PM ET (US)            

1)We're looking to have between 12-14 boats total. 3 ea 22-23ft, 3 ea between 18-20ft, 6 ea 16-17ft.

2) Distance, one-way, to the proposed feeding grounds from the Petaluma Marina are respectiveley: a) Angel Island/Tiburon 35 miles; b) Crockett and Mothball Fleet 36 miles; c) Vallejo Marina on the Napa River 30 miles

The distance from the marina to the mouth of the Petaluma river is 12 1/2 miles.

The distance travelled in total, the past couple of years, around Ryer Island and to the Point was around 35 miles.

The question is, do we wish to attempt a 70+ mile round trip cruise this year, understanding that the central Bay will be 20+ miles of open water.

posted 05-10-2007 10:16 PM ET (US)            

I'd also be open to a trip to some place that sells food.

posted 05-11-2007 08:21 AM ET (US)            

Finally, it looks like my schedule is cleared so that I can attend the rendesvous all day on Saturday, which I'm really looking forward to. However, I'm still trying to decide whether to tow the boat to Petaluma and launch or launch in Vallejo and meet everyone at the mouth of the Petaluma river. I guess it depends on how much parking is available at the Petaluma Marina and what time everyone is planning on leaving. If I launch in Vallejo, it is a shorter drive to the launch ramp and it will only take me ~ 20-25 minutes to get to the mouth of the Petaluma river in the Outrage. Looking forward to a great day,

posted 05-11-2007 11:27 AM ET (US)            

2007-05-19 9:57 AM PDT 0.00 knots Slack, Flood Begins
2007-05-19 1:33 PM PDT 1.63 knots Max Flood
2007-05-19 4:37 PM PDT -0.01 knots Slack, Ebb Begins
2007-05-19 6:47 PM PDT -1.17 knots Max Ebb

posted 05-11-2007 12:17 PM ET (US)            

2007-05-19 5:56 AM PDT Sunrise
2007-05-19 7:13 AM PDT -3.33 knots Max Ebb
2007-05-19 11:48 AM PDT 0.00 knots Slack, Flood Begins
2007-05-19 3:18 PM PDT 1.68 knots Max Flood
2007-05-19 6:41 PM PDT -0.00 knots Slack, Ebb Begins
2007-05-19 8:16 PM PDT Sunset

posted 05-11-2007 06:02 PM ET (US)            

There are a bunch of slips at Angel Island. If we get there
reasonably early, no problem. Like I said, the last time we
went to Angel Island, we were about the first boats to get
there. 35 nm one way means 2+ hours one way (based on past
experience with this bunch).

It is a bit of a walk to the picnic grounds.

35 nm one way does mean I'm going to bring my reserve gas
tank. Either that, or we need to line up a fuel dock in
Tiburon or thereabouts.

Currents look good -- with the current both directions. Cool.

Chuck

posted 05-11-2007 08:05 PM ET (US)            

http://www.boatingsf.com/catpage.php?category=fuel

There is a fee for the use of the docks or mooring buoys ($10) and are payable to the Ranger.

http://www.angelisland.org/faq2.htm#Boating

Angel Island sounds like fun, then. We should discuss the departure time for those of us who wish to meet at either the mouth of the river or at the Island. My recollection is that the docks fill up depending on the quality of the weather (much like Sam's). I suspect after 11 AM things get tight.

I'll post the options for the Saturday night dinner this weekend.

posted 05-12-2007 10:12 AM ET (US)            

Shallow San Pablo Bay can be a real mess for the smaller boats on a day like this from the Sisters to the Petaluma River entrance.

Do any of you San Pablo fishermen think the flotilla should have an alternate destination in mind in case May 20 is windy this early in the morning?

posted 05-13-2007 02:49 PM ET (US)            

Here is a site for projected wind patterns on the Bay (real-time).

http://sfports.wr.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/wind/windbin.cgi

Petaluma River mouth projects 1 knot. We can look at these in realtime prior to the departure.

On another note, Saturday night's dinner is proving difficult. It seems there is the Sonoma State Graduation that day and most restaurants are not accepting big party reservations. There is a Brewpub in town that will accomodate us all but we have to book between 5-5:30.

http://www.dempseys.com/index.html

posted 05-13-2007 04:44 PM ET (US)            

Count me in for a vessel check. I have EMT finals on Sunday, so I'd probably be a Saturday. Thanks for the service.

posted 05-13-2007 05:18 PM ET (US)            

http://www.petalumayachtclub.com/visit/visit_pics/index.html

posted 05-13-2007 08:43 PM ET (US)            

Petaluma River entrance, San Pablo Bay, California
38.1117° N, 122.4983° W

posted 05-14-2007 10:39 PM ET (US)            

I'm off at 2, so I'll be an early arriver. I think a good
option would be: meet in the bar some time between 6 and 8,
we'll eat at 8. (numbers are negotiable).

posted 05-15-2007 12:46 PM ET (US)            

My cell phone number is 916-952-3333.

My boat is at the dealer for service in Alameda. I hope to pick her up Friday, but the mechanic hasn't been able to isolate an electrical problem the last 2 tries. I'm also adding a 24-30 gallon fuel tank to my 24 gallon Pate for long distance cruising. :-) (As in San Francisco to Los Angeles)

I had hoped to be at the Sheraton early Friday to get out for a cruise but will have to play it by ear.

posted 05-15-2007 03:21 PM ET (US)            

Paul suggested an early dinner at Dempsy's Brew Pub in Petaluma on Saturday evening. I have suggested that we could cruise in, and have researched it a bit more.

If we want to boat into dinner in downtown Petaluma on Saturday Night (a very short trip from Petaluma Marina) we need to pass under the D Street draw bridge. Clearance under the bridge is 12 feet at low tide, according to the public works department. The woman I spoke to did not know if this meant a 0 foot tide, but I will assume that it does. Water depths are 5-8 feet at mean low water in the vicinity of the bridge. High tide in downtown Petaluma on Saturday is at 5:57 p.m. @ 5.5 feet. This means clearance is 6.5 feet, and we will need the bridge opened to get in for an early dinner, say 5:30. I am happy to set this up, but we need to arrange for a drawbridge raising 24 hours in advance. This means we need to estimate our arrival and departure time to the turning basin.

I suggest that we plan to pass under the bridge at 5:00 p.m. if we decide to go this route. A second opening would need to be scheduled for our return trip, and I need an estimate of the time we would like to do that.

I have a call in to the Petaluma Yacht Club, who handles harbormaster duties in town. There seems to be quite a bit of dock space, so I think we should be able to bring at least a few Whalers into town for dinner and have room to tie up. As always, bring extra lines and fenders in the event that we need to raft up. The cruise-in schedule for the Turning Basin shows 10 C-Dorys on 5/17-5/18 and 5-6 large sailboats on 5/19, so there should be plenty of room for our little Whalers.

I have navigation information for the river, and a sketch of the turning basin and facilities, and will bring extra copies to the event.

posted 05-15-2007 05:21 PM ET (US)            

Binky Thorson is the Marina manager. The phone number is 707-778-4489. Marina hours on Friday are 8AM-5PM. When you arrive there will be a $30 deposit required for the marina key. You'll need to fill out and sign the Short Term Berthing form. Transient/Guest Berthing is $10/night. Marina hours on Sunday's checkout are the same as Friday's; 8AM-5PM.

I'll be leaving work in Marin early and motoring from San Rafael to Petaluma. My hope is to arrive there at 4:30 (I expect about a 2 hour transit time).

The Sheraton Restaurant is holding a Friday night reservation for approximately 20 people at 7PM under my name (Paul Matwiy). As in previous years, I expect some unannounced attendees so we will cope as usual.

posted 05-15-2007 09:13 PM ET (US)            

I will not be able to attend friday enening but will meet everyone at the mouth of the Petaluma River Saturday morning. I will be fishing, as I probably will arrive early out there. For anyone who is interested, the scuttlebutt is that the Striper bite is hot right now in the Carquinez Strait, Trolling with a 1/2 oz rattle trap. A friend of mine was out there this past weekend and between two people they caught and released 18 Stripers in a couple of hours. Anyway my cell phone is 707-888-4737 and I'll be monitoring ch 19 on the VHF (horsetrader). Looking forward to seeing everyone,

posted 05-15-2007 11:00 PM ET (US)            

Is somebody generating a roster with people names, boat names
and types, MMSIs, cell phone numbers, arrival and departures?

Chuck

posted 05-16-2007 01:50 AM ET (US)            

Tony

posted 05-16-2007 04:30 PM ET (US)            

Now comes Nanny Tony, especially for you non-NorCal visitors. Dress warm! It's still in the mid-forties at night up here, and you can never, never tell about the S.F. Bay. It can start out shorts and tee-shirt weather early in the morning on the water (or in San Francisco itself), and within a matter of half an hour it can be foggy and nasty sweater plus jacket weather. By the way, I never wear shorts boating or fishing on the Bay or out of Bodega Bay...but then my old bones chill more easily than most.

See you in a couple of days, Whalers.

posted 05-16-2007 10:52 PM ET (US)            

Please check your information, and drop me an email or post
it here. I'm especially interested in the missing people and
boat names, and arrival times.

Chuck

posted 05-16-2007 11:33 PM ET (US)            

SAT
W WINDS 5 TO 15 KT...INCREASING TO 15 TO 30 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.
PATCHY NIGHT AND MORNING FOG.

SUN AND MON
W WINDS 5 TO 15 KT...INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KT IN THE
AFTERNOON.

Works for me. Sorta downhill with some protection from Marin
County on the way home.

BTW, there was, way back, some discussion of a quick trip out
the Golden Gate if conditions permitted. They might, but
we'll need an early start.

posted 05-17-2007 12:52 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for keeping the roster. I've just talked with my Revenge 19 partners and it doesn't look like we're going to run her around the long way from Bodega Bay, so I'll be hitch-hiking a ride Saturday. I'm less than half an hour away from the Petaluma Marina, so I'll be staying at home but plan to make the Friday night get-together at the Sheraton. Matt/placerville might be in the same boat--to coin a relevant phrase--and Warren/WT might bring his Montauk 170 if everything works out okay at the Outboard Motor Shop.

posted 05-17-2007 01:01 AM ET (US)            

I'm going to show up on Friday and Saturday, with a maybe on the Angel Island cruise. I have an intense final exam on Sunday morning at 9 AM that I need to study for. I may make a day of it at the Petaluma public docking facility and plant myself with a bimini and my books and try to help you guys/gals with any logistics at that end. I can be a gopher or help in any way. The vhf handle is Loolee 3 or just my CF numbers which are CF 1044KS.

There will probably be lots of big boats at the downtown dock so we may have to improvise or tie up to one another so bring lots of bumpers.

My boat is Loolee 3, Bodega Bay, my cell fone is 707-280-2128 and Steve Boyd is my name.

posted 05-17-2007 12:23 PM ET (US)            

I'd love to make a run outside of the Golden Gate Bridge to Point Reyes and back. We should leave the docks by 6 am.

I'm guessing that we'll have 20 boats on Saturday, many will be joining us along the way.

Come one, come all!

posted 05-17-2007 01:51 PM ET (US)            

My reasoning is as follows: I really enjoy looking over the other boats and meeting the other owners first thing saturday morning. Having to get up and leave promptly would defeat this opportunity. Plus, its tough to round up small kids very early a.m.

posted 05-17-2007 02:19 PM ET (US)            

It's about 13 nm from Petaluma to the shallow spot. It
typically takes us a half hour to actually get underway, and
I'd guess an hour to cover the 13nm with various false starts,
no wakes, and sightseeing. If we plan to start at 7, we'll
hit the shallow spot at 8:30 with 2.5' and be OK.

Also, rather than all the way to Pt. Reyes, I suspect some folks
might want to just duck a mile or so out the Gate. The view
going under the bridge is pretty dramatic.

posted 05-17-2007 06:02 PM ET (US)            

I always carry 2 paddles anyway because of the crummy silted-in little marina I have to use. :)

posted 05-18-2007 11:11 AM ET (US)            

I've been updating the roster as I've gotten updates. Right
now we have 13 boats, 28 people, plus some "maybe's".

posted 05-18-2007 04:01 PM ET (US)            

It's been blowing like snot here at Pt Reyes for 3 days, and this morning here also it started out more encouraging.

posted 05-19-2007 01:12 AM ET (US)            

Most if not all of the boats are on the C finger. Call my
cell phone 408-398-7134 and we'll send someone come get you.
The complex consists of three groups of buildings. If
you are looking at the water, the hotel is the left-most
third. Access to C finger (and A, B, and maybe D) is though
a narrow passage between the hotel and the block to the
right of it.). Launch ramp is at the far right of the whole
complex.

posted 05-19-2007 01:30 PM ET (US)            

20-30 mph winds, DAMN IT, what a shame if you have to sit in the bar and wait it out.

posted 05-20-2007 10:28 AM ET (US)            

It was a great day on the water, and for some, a day on the mud.......

posted 05-20-2007 07:49 PM ET (US)            

Thanks to everyone who came. We had over 14 boats attend (three hooked up with us Saturday at Angel Island) and a great time was had by all. Even Chuck and Admiral Linda took their grounding in stride and made the best of the afternoon.

We had a great Friday night dinner (thanks to Warren for the wine and the single malt) and managed to make an early departure for San Pablo Bay at 8:15. The Petaluma River Channel maintains about an 8 ft dept even at low tide, so we were able to motor at speed for most of the way, barring a few now wake zones.

Unfortunately, the channel at the mouth of the Petaluma River branches into two sections; the one to port takes you into the Bay and the one to starboard takes you to the mud flats of Marin. In honor of his grounding, we have renamed this branch "Point Tribolet".

After a few valiant efforts to remove Black Dog from her morass, and the heroic "R-rated" attempt by Jock Marlo, we had to leave Chuck and Linda to their cookies and beers and the rest of the group took off for Angel Island.

San Pablo Bay was moderate (not the 2-3 foot chop I had encountered motoring up on Friday afternoon). The flotilla made good time to Angel Island and we all got there in time to get mooring slips.

Sheila and Rich were my guests aboard my Conquest 23, and after lunch and a rest on the island we ventured out under the Golden Gate Bridge. Again, moderate swell and favorable conditions were had.

We then passed back to the south and east of Angel Island, and headed back north to the Petaluma River at around 1:30 PM. By then Chuck and Linda had floated off their own personal mud flat, and were back at the hotel.

For our last night, those remaining boarded 4 boats (Jock's 22 Revenge, Andy's Outrage Cuddy 22, Warrens Montauk 170, and Chuck's Montauk 17 and we quietly motored the rest of the way up the river into Downtown Petaluma.

After a great lunch at a brew pub (Dempsey's), we walked through the downtown area as it was celebrating a classic hot rod parade in honor of "American Graffiti".

This was a memorable Rendezvous (my 5th), and G-rated pictures are viewable at http://new.photos.yahoo.com/pmatwiy/albums .

posted 05-20-2007 08:00 PM ET (US)            

Thanks again for all of your hard work getting this event to happen!

Best regards,

posted 05-20-2007 09:21 PM ET (US)            

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/2007%20Rendezvous/

posted 05-20-2007 11:57 PM ET (US)            

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ 2007%20Rendezvous%20Movies/

posted 05-21-2007 04:33 AM ET (US)            

Just a little note from the Ruxton family plus friend. We thoroughly enjoyed our maiden voyage with everyone. Thank you! When Scott purchased his Montauk 17' last year I never realized we would be a part of the BW group. Our children gained a new perspective of well visited areas. Having traveled the Golden Gate numerous times, one never realizes the sheer immense size of the bridge without viewing it from beneath! A priceless view indeed. We are going to make Angel Island an annual event.

To Chuck, Paul and everyone involved in organizing this trip we would like to send a heartfelt "thank you!" We look forward to many more in the future and Scott is even mulling over WT's SF to LA "over the top, once in a lifetime" boating extravaganza! Warren you may have found a fellow thrill seeker in my hubby. To the shutterbugs, Warren & ?? thank you for immortalizing the entertainment value of a low tide, deep mud "the guardian" rescue. My children were thrilled to be a part of so much fun! To Jock, you are truly a force to be reckoned with. With those pictures your wife will never believe when you try to dodge those "honey do" chores.

We enjoyed meeting so many of you and look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Happy Cruising,

Noriko

posted 05-21-2007 09:36 AM ET (US)            

Rich and I were indeed fortunate enough to be Paul's guests aboard his terrific Conquest 23. If you ever have a chance to cruise with Paul, do not pass up the opportunity. His boat is a beauty and he handles her with aplomb. He knows the waters in the area and took the time and trouble to point out and provide information about many of the sights we saw along the way. He even made a little detour to show us the Two Sisters up close and personal. He also inquired as to our comfort several times along the way. It was a real treat to see the sights from the water, especially with such a knowledgeable and accommodating skipper to serve as our host. I'd never seen the bay by boat before and it truly is fabulous cruising.

For the trip to Dempsey's for dinner we rode along with Andy, Nancy, Jilly and Bobby, with Doug and Peggy along for the ride as well. That was a fun little jaunt: Andy and Nancy's little ones add a special dimension. Rich is still talking about Namequoit's beautiful condition.

After dinner we met Chuck and Linda in the hotel bar, where Chuck treated us not only to a beverage but also to a viewing of the slide show he's recently put together. Amazing underwater photography....simply amazing. The narrative that he and Linda provided added great information about the creatures that live beneath the surface.

Other little fun stuff: Chuck obliged some girls on a scavenger hunt by taking them aboard in Petaluma and pushing off from the dock. A friend of theirs photographed them in the bow of Black Dog as proof that they'd been aboard a boat.

Andy, I think, has become a real friend to Dennis the drawbridge keeper in Petaluma. They were on a first name basis by the time we returned from dinner.

Paul, Andy, Rich and I had the opportunity to chat with the owners of a San Juan 38 (we thought it was a Hinckley at first) at the dock in Angel Island. Andy had contemplated asking the owner what he does for a living, but I don't think he did ask.

Even better than the boating was the company. I'm not sure Rich understood before why I wanted to spend a weekend on the road for a day of boating. He gets it now.

In the spirit of "getting there is half the fun," we took a meandering route up the coast on Friday, walking through the mission at Lompoc, eating lunch in Morro Bay, and driving through Big Sur. A quick stop at my brother's house in Danville on Friday evening completed our outbound en route activities. By the time we arrived at the Sheraton the assemblage in the restaurant had dwindled and they'd already polished off one of the fine bottles of scotch that Warren provided. He obligingly opened a second bottle once we arrived.

When we left on Sunday we drove over to Bodega Bay, visiting the headlands, the park and the marina. Then we continued north for a stop at Goat Rock. At Jenner we stopped for coffee and a pastry, then headed inland on the 116. We cut over to Santa Rosa for a late breakfast, then headed down the 101. We managed to end up in the wrong lane (a buses only lane, no less!) and took the Bay Bridge as far as Treasure Island, where we exited and returned to Oakland. The 580/24 detour led us through surface streets but we made our way back to the freeway and enjoyed an uneventful drive home, arriving about 2130 last night.

posted 05-21-2007 11:45 AM ET (US)            

Truly a very nice group of people. I know the high brows on the San Juan (I had thought it was a Hinkley), despite being on one of the most beautiful boats I've seen, could not have had as nice a time as this great group of whaler owners did together at Angel Island.

posted 05-21-2007 11:55 AM ET (US)            

Thanks,

posted 05-21-2007 03:27 PM ET (US)            

I would also like to thank Shelia and Rich for their inspection of my 170 Montauk. I now have a 2007 Vessel Safety Check sticker on my port side windshield.

Shelia, I do carry a first aid kit in my waterproof case, I just didn't remember I had it in there.

I can't wait to do it again!!!

posted 05-21-2007 10:06 PM ET (US)            

Thanks Warren!