posted 01-08-2009 06:45 PM ET (US)        

Where: Snug Harbor? Petaluma? Any other ideas?

When?

posted 01-13-2009 04:58 PM ET (US)            

I vote Petaluma Sheraton and I'll bring the scotch again.

Warren

posted 01-15-2009 01:43 AM ET (US)            

I'd try Petaluma to Napa.

posted 01-16-2009 05:36 PM ET (US)            

May 9th and 10th is Mother's Day weekend and the May 23rd - 25th is Memorial Day weekend. June is usually pretty busy due to finals and graduations.

But I'm game for any new ideas or places.

Warren

posted 01-16-2009 08:32 PM ET (US)            

And here's the tides:

Upper drawbridge, Petaluma River, San Pablo Bay, California
San Francisco, California + Corrections: High(+2:10 *1.15) Low(+3:10 *0.81)
Units are feet

2009-05-16
1.45 17:00 PDT
1.69 17:15 PDT
1.95 17:30 PDT
2.23 17:45 PDT
2.52 18:00 PDT
2.81 18:15 PDT
3.11 18:30 PDT
3.40 18:45 PDT
3.69 19:00 PDT
3.96 19:15 PDT
4.22 19:30 PDT
4.45 19:45 PDT
4.65 20:00 PDT
4.83 20:15 PDT
4.96 20:30 PDT
5.06 20:45 PDT
5.11 21:00 PDT
5.13 21:15 PDT
5.11 21:30 PDT
5.06 21:45 PDT
4.99 22:00 PDT
4.90 22:15 PDT
4.78 22:30 PDT
4.65 22:45 PDT
4.50 23:00 PDT
4.34 23:15 PDT
4.17 23:30 PDT
3.99 23:45 PDT

posted 01-17-2009 12:34 AM ET (US)            

So please count me in. That is a perfect weekend, Petaluma to Napa would be super.

Bob

posted 01-22-2009 12:23 PM ET (US)            

Mid-May looks fine for me, and hope to see you at this one, Jim. The 15 you brought to one of the Rio Vista rendezvous several years back was one of the inspirations for my current personal Whaler.

posted 02-04-2009 10:03 AM ET (US)            

I can't believe those hotel prices. Maybe there's some kind of group rate. There are other hotels/motels in Petaluma which are much less costly, but you wouldn't be right at the marina. Or, as Chuck suggests, perhaps there are various discounts available at the Sheraton.

C'mon spring!

posted 02-05-2009 02:07 PM ET (US)            

Seriously?

posted 02-05-2009 03:52 PM ET (US)            

Want to stop and fish along the way? Good striped bass fishing from top to bottom, and great sturgeon fishing at its southern end--we're talking world record fish here...not that I've ever caught one ;-)

If you're in a hurry, the ride down the "river" only takes about 45 minutes, counting the time you have to slow down for two brief No Wake zones. Sometimes--when the weather is wrong for the Bay itself--I spend up to four hours poking on down, checking out the critters, trolling for stripers, and enjoying the views and the silent solitude.

You guys who bought one of Jeff's calendars can check out the December page to see a nice shot, taken by CW member Warren/WT, of the river in the early morning. See if you think it's merely a "muddy ditch."

posted 02-05-2009 05:00 PM ET (US)            

2007 Rendezvous

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/2007%20Rendezvous/ ?albumview=slideshow

Petaluma to San Francisco dry run. (It was pretty muddy that day!!!)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ Petaluma%20to%20San%20Francisco%202007/?albumview=slideshow

Petaluma to San Francisco with Hans, Denise and Tony

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ Hans%20Denise%20Tony%202008/?albumview=slideshow

It is a very nice run if the weather cooperates.

Warren

posted 02-09-2009 10:36 PM ET (US)            

Full disclousre: Linda and I can't make May 15-17. The
underwater photo contest that we've dodged almost every
year colides. This would be the first NorCal Rendezvous
we've missed.

posted 02-20-2009 02:49 PM ET (US)            

Tony

posted 02-20-2009 08:40 PM ET (US)            

How about a destination? one person suggested Napa. Did I miss it or has a destination not been agreed on?

Here's a link on cruising the Napa river: On May 9 there's a minus tide about 8 AM with a decent high in Napa about 3 PM. But the Napa sounds a little dicey up around the city.

http://www.boatingsf.com/region_topic.php?topic=visiting®ion=napa

does anyone know if the City of Napa has completed its guest docks?

Last year some folks were interested in not repeating Angel Island.

There's always Benicia as an alternative

posted 02-20-2009 08:58 PM ET (US)            

It says "the time for cancellation without a penalty has passed. If you cancel there will be a 100% penalty......"

this is a surprise for a reservation nearly 3 months in the future. I suspect a glitch.

Has anyone else noticed this?

posted 02-21-2009 11:33 AM ET (US)            

Vallejo/Mare Island is another possible destination. I've never done that one in a Whaler, but that ex-major Navy shipbuilding and transshipment location is very interesting, and there are a couple of nice marinas there as well. Long pull timewise from Petaluma and back, however.

posted 02-22-2009 12:51 PM ET (US)            

Here's how the Sheraton describes the $129 rate: "Reserve & Relax - Advance Purchase Rate Is Fully Prepaid, Non Changeable, Non Refundable."

Bernadette and I went ahead and made our reservations anyway. Worst case, we can't boat and will have to find something else to do. We're from Carson City; northern California's always a nice getaway.

posted 03-06-2009 07:08 PM ET (US)            

Sigh.

posted 03-06-2009 11:39 PM ET (US)            

Tony

posted 03-07-2009 02:01 AM ET (US)            

Jock's a Newport Beach lawyer, famous for his skiv'vy swim two years ago thru the icy water and slimy mud in San Pablo Bay to bring a towline to grounded Chuck and Linda during that year's NorCal rendezvous.

Jeff Chamberlain is the surfer guy/harbor master with the very cool converted BW 15 surfwagon--he is one of the founders of the Point Arguello Yacht Club, of which I'm a proud member (though I don't know why I should be proud...like Groucho, I'd never really want to be a member of a club which would allow someone like me to be a member). Check out Jeff's great website sometime for amazing Central California surfing and small boat photos and stories.

posted 03-07-2009 09:20 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for making us feel missed and for the offer of seats on your 15. It's about 7 hours, so a day trip would be a looooooong day trip for us. The 8th of May is my daughter's birthday. And I need/want to be close to my children and grandchildren this Mother's Day (first one without my mom).

posted 03-07-2009 07:24 PM ET (US)            

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ CapeDoryandPtArguelloYC015.jpg

Tuco

posted 03-29-2009 12:30 PM ET (US)            

I'm going over to Petaluma Wednesday and will stop by the marina and will report back to this thread

posted 03-31-2009 10:20 PM ET (US)            

And the other Jim--high sierra--has a great idea as well. I don't know about contacting Chuck Bennett, but our Bay Area BW dealer, the Outboard Motor Shop in Alameda, bounced for some nice hats, a banner, and some other stuff for the first two rendezvous I attended, beginning five or six years back. I think they even picked up the Rio Vista lunch tab for all of us one year. Does anyone have a good relationship with this dealership (like you, Warren...hint) and would be willing to contact them about sponsorship? I'd do it myself, but I've had a couple of unpleasant run-ins with the shop, and if they remember my name I wouldn't do any of us any good.

posted 04-01-2009 05:25 PM ET (US)            

I went to the Petaluma Harbormaster's office this morning and waited a few minutes for the 10 AM opening. Up drives a faded red 1952 Chevvy pickup. Out hops a wiry denim clad lady with straw hat. She leaves the passenger door open revealing a couple of decades of farm looking stuff on the floorboard.

That's our harbormaster all right! You gotta like a lady like this. Welcome to Petaluma! She couldn't have been more cheerful or helpful and she remembered we only had 7 boats last year.

Our group is now officially signed up with the Marina for May 8 and May 9

When you launch go to the office and pay for how may nights you will be tied up. the nightly fee in the past has been very reasonable-something like $10 I think

I have to fill out and fax in a registration form like last year.

Here's what I need for each boat:

Name of Capt.

Name of boat

LOA of boat

Arrival and departure date

Please post your info here or email me at: boatdriver@mac.com

for those of you who haven't been to the Petaluma Marina, there is a fine paved ramp ($2.00 fee- yes that's no typo) with a long port side dock,plenty of trailer parking, a wash down hose, commonly with no threaded end on it, and the launching activity is usually quite low. At the guest dock, expect all side ties and not enough shore power stations for every boat.

JimL

posted 04-01-2009 06:55 PM ET (US)            

I live just about 25 minutes up the road, so I won't be overnighting. Here's my info anyway if you need it:

Tony Wilde
Cetus/Sport 15 Center Console/CF 4816 JR
15'3"
both days

See ya down there, and thanks!

posted 04-04-2009 09:26 AM ET (US)            

Myself, Jim Tuohy, Ron Powley and Andy Gere

I'd like to hear back from Warren Tom, Bill Lassaline, Chuck Tribolet, rbulwa, lizard, Doug Burton, and anyone else planning to leave their boat in the water at Petaluma.

I'll be gone after April 28 and be back the day before the rendezvous.

By the way, I just recently got a room at the Sheraton for $119 + tax (non refundable)= about $145 total for friday night

JimL

posted 04-04-2009 09:56 AM ET (US)            

Note the full moon on Friday. we'll have a mild minus tide on departure Saturday morning with an incoming tide till mid afternoon.

Upper drawbridge, Petaluma River, San Pablo Bay, California
38.2283° N, 122.6133° W

posted 04-04-2009 10:58 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for taking care of the marina reservations.

Name of capt. - Bill Lassaline
Name of boat - Once More to the Lake
LOA of boat - 19'
Arrival and departure dates - May 8, May 10

posted 04-05-2009 09:30 PM ET (US)            

Doug

posted 04-07-2009 10:46 PM ET (US)            

I would count us out and if we pull it together, we will have to fend for ourselves last minute.

I would give anything to be there.

posted 04-08-2009 12:43 AM ET (US)            

Here's my problem:

I'm sitting here in Sacramento minding my own business when I get a call from 3 college buddies that have been drinking heavily. They called to say our 3 day Las Vegas get away has been canceled. Said our new destination is now Oahu and by the way, it's for 10 days, stag.

The trip is from April 21st to May 1. I haven't asked my dear wife of 29 years if she'll let me go for 3 day boating trip the weekend after I get home from a 10 day Waikiki stag party. I'm scared to ask. :-O

Anyway, at the very least, I'll be there Saturday. :-)

Name of captain: Warren Tom
Name of boat: MegaBite (170 Montauk)
LOA: 17 feet
MMSI number: 338031141

I want to make sure I test out my DSC call/mapping capabilities of my ICOM 504 this year!

posted 04-09-2009 01:15 PM ET (US)            

It sounds much more complicated than it is. Bottom line, no real worry about the tide at the river entrance. See you at the rendezvous!

posted 04-09-2009 07:22 PM ET (US)            

Fishmore is coming up the river from the Bay to join us, so he's on his own...but it's really much more easy to do than to describe.

posted 04-09-2009 07:53 PM ET (US)            

Even though you have a lot of experience in the bay. let me be a little presumptive and suggest that you have a chart with you if you don't have a plotter.

At this moment I don't have a chart to refer to but here's the idea:

As you come up between the daymarks toward the bridge, all is very straightforward until a great many poles, sticks, private daymarks, whatever you want to call them, appear on the port side just as the real Petaluma river daymarks end. These have to do with the private channel to the Bel Marin Keys development. that's where the flats are.

What I like to do inbound is avoid the port side of the channel at this point and aim for the landmark Tony is talking about and not get seduced over to the West. that is where people have gone aground.

If you have a Plotter there won't be a problem, and the tide may be so low when you come that those whaler-eating flats to the west will be exposed.

the saving grace is that the tide will be rising after 9:35 AM.

the group usually departs the Petaluma marina about 9 AM. I think it is about 13 n.m. up to Petaluma from the drawbridge. I think you'll enjoy the winding trip upstream.

Hope this helps

posted 04-11-2009 09:46 PM ET (US)            

Craig's phone number is 510-533-9290. Email:
craig@outboardmotorshop.com

posted 04-14-2009 03:12 PM ET (US)            

Name of Capt.: Bob Bulwa

Name of boat: none

LOA of boat: 17' classic Montauk

Arrival and departure date: N/A

posted 04-21-2009 10:20 AM ET (US)            

I'll be gone till May 7. See you Friday May 8 in Petaluma. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and sampling Warren's Scotch after dinner.

At some point the group needs to decide on a destination for the cruise on Saturday.

posted 04-25-2009 11:22 AM ET (US)            

this confirms that Napa is out for this year.

Remaining options are Angel Island, Berkeley Marriot, Marin Yacht club near Loch Lomond (there is said to be a restaurant next door), and Benicia.

SF yacht club, just across Raccoon from Angel Island, is an outside chance. Let me know if you'd like me to make an inquiry through my friend who is a member there.

I'm a member of the tiny Inverness Yacht Club (zero yachts, just dinghy sailboats on trailers) which has recip privileges with some but not all clubs

posted 04-25-2009 07:19 PM ET (US)            

That Loch Lomond marina restaurant burned down two years ago and hasn't been re-opened as of several months ago, unfortunately (very unfortunately indeed because it was good, had a great view if one dined outside, and was relatively inexpensive). I think there's another restaurant in the Loch Lomond Yacht Club, but I've never tried it and don't know if it's any good or if non-members are welcome. The San Rafael/Loch Lomond destination is still a viable one, with the canals leading up into town interesting and full of nice boats tied up at private docks in front of enviable homes. There is a very small dealership marina up there next to nearby stores and modest restaurants, but I'm not sure it's the way to go for a whole lot of us.

I vote for cruising down into the Bay proper, then heading over to either Berkeley or Tiburon/Sausalito/Richardson Bay. On the way we can again stop for casual food at Angel Island or tie up at Sam's in Tiburon for a good-but-costly feed. I know that some of the folks who haven't done it before will want to make the run out under the Golden Gate bridge--weather permitting--and back along Gas House Cove, Fisherman's Wharf, over to Alcatraz, back down the Embarcadero to the Bay Bridge, etc. This is a can't-miss opportunity for first-timers, with an incredible view of San Francisco and lifetime memories, and always gives me a thrill one way or the other, depending upon fog, high winds across occasionally brutal tidal currents under the Golden Gate, crowded sailboat races, tourist vessels, container ships and 30-knot ferrys ;-)

Actually, once in the Bay itself, there's so much to do that in the past we've sorta branched out in different directions with groups or single boats heading for different destinations, and regrouped later to either make the run back up to Petaluma in a bunch, or to find our own way back for the evening festivities.

See y'all soon!

posted 04-27-2009 06:21 PM ET (US)            

I recently moved back to the Bay Area from the East Coast and purchased my dream boat and first whaler, a classic 18 Outrage. I would love to you join you all and meet some of the local members but unfortunately, my boat is still in barn storage in Minnesota so I am land locked. Would it be possible to hitch a boat ride with someone? I could meet up with you at Sam's, Loch Lomond, Petaluma, etc and of course would pitch in for gas, etc.

Thanks,
IrishCreamer

posted 04-29-2009 01:28 AM ET (US)            

littleblue - Message received and much appreciated. Was tighed up the past two weeks but back on track now. You've got mail.

posted 05-04-2009 02:13 PM ET (US)            

For those coming up the Petaluma River for the first time, just follow the main shipping channel and remember Jim/boatdryver's admonition about not wandering off to the west as you approach the river entrance. You can see some of the seductive personal daymarks to the left in this photo, as well as the twin high power pylons on either side of the entrance:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/Faretheewell050.jpg

As you get closer you'll notice several balls or weights on the high power lines hanging over the river entrance. Once you pass the last main channel markers, aim for the white center (or lowest-hanging) ball:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/Faretheewell059.jpg

When under the center ball, head directly for the railway bridge, fudging--if necessary--a little to starboard/east rather than drifting over to the shallow west side:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/Faretheewell060.jpg

You can pass the railway bridge on either side if you wish, as long as there's no traffic (if there is, stay to the right). I've never seen the bridge closed, BTW:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/Faretheewell066.jpg

There's a no wake zone for a quarter of a mile or so between the railway bridge and the highway overpass, but I usually interpret "no wake" very generously in this area unless there's a lot of traffic coming out of the Port Sonoma estuary (to the east)...which there almost never is. Once past the highway overpass, Bob's yer uncle and let 'er rip! I guarantee you'll see a lot of critters like these on your way up and down the river:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/Faretheewell073.jpg

Four daze!

Tony

posted 05-04-2009 03:35 PM ET (US)            

I guess we'll decide on a destination for Saturday's cruise at dinner Friday night.

I'm in Brooklyn visiting our daughter and 3 grandbabies, having a great time, looking down on the East River from her window, usually seeing big tugs and barges or tourist sightseeing boats.

A couple of days ago on a walk I saw a real nice Classic Montauk with a Classic Johnson 70 2 stroke and 4 big people exploring the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge.It would be so great if I could fax my Whaler to the East Coast for a couple of weeks. There's so much to see here from the water.

Now I'm really ready for the Rendezvous!

posted 05-04-2009 07:08 PM ET (US)            

Also, just to confirm, everyone is departing from the marina under US101 on the Petaluma?

Thanks,
IrishCreamer

posted 05-04-2009 08:07 PM ET (US)            

Fishmore, I will be coming down the Napa River and into the bay. Since I've never been up the Petaluma River either, I thought I might meet up with you on the water and cruise up the river in tandem to meet the rest of the gang.

Tony, thanks for posting the photos of the river entrance.

posted 05-04-2009 09:19 PM ET (US)            

Irish Creamer--I think I'll be attending the Friday dinner meeting at the Sheraton where the next day's trip will be decided. I'll have my cell phone--707-292-0778--and I'll be monitoring channel 9 on Sat morning. I don't suppose the raggedy gang will get started too early, especially if the Fri dinner is a success ;-)

posted 05-04-2009 11:32 PM ET (US)            

The plan last year was Captain's meeting at 8:30 am, underway
at 9:00 am.

And the run on the river is, IMHO, REALLY COOL. Lots of bird
life.

In spite of what Tony said, there are several no-wake zones
on the river. Please respect them.

Saturday Bay forecast is out:

> SAT
> W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT.

And we need to settle on where we are going. We've done
Angel Island a couple of times, I'd be in favor of somewhere
else. Up into Suisun Bay to check out the mothball
fleet (including battleship USS Iowa) would be OK with me
(anybody know a restaurant up there?). Or a nice restaurant
somewhere. Or whatever.

Chuck

posted 05-05-2009 12:18 PM ET (US)            

The area between buoys 13 and 5 is what worries me. Click here and scroll down to the small picture of the chart and click on it for a large interactive version: http://www.oceangrafix.com/o.g/Charts/Pacific/ NOAA-Nautical-Chart-San-Pablo-Bay.html

posted 05-05-2009 01:20 PM ET (US)            

Andy, do you mean "between #13 and #15"? I see the "2" there on the NOAA chart. I seem to remember that Tony had an opinion on that a couple of years ago when there was a notice to Mariners published. Maybe he will have an opinion.

posted 05-05-2009 01:20 PM ET (US)            

Andy, do you mean "between #13 and #15"? I see the "2" there on the NOAA chart. I seem to remember that Tony had an opinion on that a couple of years ago when there was a notice to Mariners published. Maybe he will have an opinion.

posted 05-05-2009 05:45 PM ET (US)            

I was especially interested to see how your boat ran w/ that sweet F150 Ron, as that is what I'm looking to re-power with one day.

posted 05-05-2009 08:01 PM ET (US)            

Check this out, guys: The S.F. Nordic Tug Owners Association is having its rendezvous in the Petaluma turning basin the weekend after our get-together:
http://www.sfbanta.org/

Three daze and counting!

posted 05-05-2009 10:08 PM ET (US)            

2009-05-09 1:00 AM PDT 6.32 feet High Tide
2009-05-09 6:04 AM PDT Sunrise
2009-05-09 8:36 AM PDT -0.85 feet Low Tide
2009-05-09 2:59 PM PDT 4.65 feet High Tide
2009-05-09 8:08 PM PDT Sunset
2009-05-09 8:16 PM PDT 2.25 feet Low Tide

I believe that the channel between markers 11/12 and 13/14 can be pretty shallow and captains should be especially careful at 8:30 AM this Saturday during the -.85 feet low tide.

The distance from the mouth of the Petaluma River to the Sheraton is approximately 13 miles (per Google Earth). So figure from the mouth of the river it will take about 30 minutes to get to the Sheraton Hotel/Marina.

Captains piloting from San Pablo Bay to attend the captain's meeting at 8:30 am should be careful as you approach markers 11/12 and 13/14 because you will be near the low tide.

I recommend staying near the center of the Petaluma River too, some areas near the banks are very shallow especially so at low tide.

I hope you guys have a blast. I won't be able to attend this year. My son has my 170 Montauk this weekend for a bass fishing tournament at Clear Lake.

Warren

posted 05-05-2009 11:01 PM ET (US)            

LittleBlue, sorry you can't make it out with us. I was at Lake Berryessa two weeks ago trolling for the kokanee. From 8am- 2pm we managed to catch three fish. Maybe it is a little better now but you will catch them if you keep at it. See you all on Saturday,

Ron

PS have we decided on a VHF channel yet?

Boat: Outrage 18: Horsetrader

posted 05-05-2009 11:05 PM ET (US)            

California Harbors and Navigation Code

655.2. Speed limit for vessels in certain areas. (a) Every owner, operator, or
person in command of any vessel propelled by machinery is guilty of a misdemeanor
who uses it, or permits it to be used, at a speed in excess of five miles per hour in any
portion of the following areas not otherwise regulated by local rules and regulations:
(1) Within 100 feet of any person who is engaged in the act of bathing. A person
engaged in the sport of water skiing shall not be considered as engaged in the act of
bathing for the purposes of this section.
(2) Within 200 feet of any of the following:
(A) A beach frequented by bathers.
(B) A swimming float, diving platform, or lifeline.
(C) A way or landing float to which boats are made fast or which is being used for
the embarkation or discharge of passengers.
(b) This section does not apply to vessels engaged in direct law enforcement
activities which are displaying the lights prescribed by Section 652.5. Those vessels are
also exempt from any locally imposed speed regulation adopted pursuant to Section
660.

C could apply there, if their boat is tied up. Google
Earth shows the river about 280 feet wide there.

BTW, it looks like they have a private waterski lake on
behind the levee.

I'll start putting together a roster tonight.

Chuck

posted 05-05-2009 11:44 PM ET (US)            

Please check to see that I have your information.

posted 05-05-2009 11:56 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for the roster. Bernadette and I will both be there. Look forward to seeing everyone again.

posted 05-06-2009 09:53 AM ET (US)            

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.86509663749013&lon=-122. 44400024414062&site=mtr&smap=1&marine=1&unit=0&lg=en
is in Raccoon Strait just off the Island. "Saturday: W wind
6 to 11 kt increasing to 12 to 17 kt in the afternoon. Sunny."
which is better than the general SF Bay forecast.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Petaluma&state=CA& site=MTR&textField1=38.2325&textField2=-122.636&e=0
is the Petaluma forecast: "Sunny, with a high near 73."

posted 05-06-2009 11:05 PM ET (US)            

Dear Jim,

With this little storm we have been having since the weekend, looks like
you will have nice weather for you upcoming cruise in.

The plan at this point is to have your group stern tie on C Dock spaces
67 - 79. We are not sure if you have cruised in since Barry removed the
fingers from the south side of C Dock, but we think you will find it
easier to secure yourselves for your stay.

Of course we still need all Skippers/Captains to come into the Harbor
Master's Office and fill out the appropriate paperwork and do their key
deposits. The keys are still a $30 deposit and an easier exchange when
placed on a Visa/Master Card or check. (cash just means we need to be
in the office when someone returns the key to get their deposit handed
to them.) It will be $10 per night.

We still have... Laws Tuohy
Powlay Gere
Lassaline Tribolet
Burton Warren

On our list of who's coming. (Tony stuck his head in the door a few
weeks ago and said hello, so I don't know if you wanted to include him
or not?)

A few things going on in our great little town; (we know you have your
own agenda, but)
5/9 - Chili Cook - Off @ Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds -
greatchilicookoff.com
Petaluma Museum's Walking Tours - (707) 778 - 4398
History Day @ Petaluma Adobe State Park -
petalumaadobe.com

(Salute to American Graffiti May 14 - 16 just in case your wanted to
know?)

See you next weekend, Barry and Binky Thorsson

posted 05-07-2009 12:30 AM ET (US)            

I don't see Rob Bulwa on the harbormaster's list.

I'm missing off my roster "Warren", unless that's Warren Tom
whose boat got borrowed for a fresh-water fishing tournment.

I have Powley, they have Powlay, what's right?

MMM, stern ties. I'll bring all my extra docklines and
fenders, including the fender that must be off a megayacht.
(I keep finding fenders floating off Monterey).

Chuck

posted 05-07-2009 12:33 AM ET (US)            

:look farward to meeting everyone.

posted 05-07-2009 02:52 AM ET (US)            

That's funny, because the Petaluma marina harbormaster, a great gal whose name ("Binkie"...yep, but not our own Floridian Binks) I never knew 'til a month or so ago, acknowledged my greeting at the office, but then seriously busted my chops as I sped past her boat heading UP towards the turning basin a couple of days later. It was some sort of festival time in Petaluma proper and a bunch of boats had gathered at the turning basin up there (the opposite direction I usually head when I'm on the river), and I was playing Charon to some out-of-town friends, one of whom was signing children's books in a Petaluma bookstore as part of the festival. Yikes! I felt like an idiot (Chuck!!) for speeding (actually going about 6 or 7 kts) upriver into the turning basin but tossing up a little tiny wake in my 15 passing the sweet harbormaster.

Anyway...long boring embarrassing comment. Harbormaster Ms. Binkie I-Again-Forget-Her-Last-Name will treat us right, and was very friendly when I stuck my head in her little office and formally introduced myself. Of course, that's a day or two before I broke the rules...

Two daze!

posted 05-07-2009 08:15 AM ET (US)            

Yes, Warren Tom is on the Harbormaster list

I was surprised to see Binkie call for stern ties. doesn't sound good for outboards. Last year we all side tied. I'd rather side tie and raft up than stern tie.

I should be there by 3 on Friday so I'll talk to Binkie about the tie up arrangement

posted 05-09-2009 12:23 AM ET (US)            

Chuck

posted 05-09-2009 02:10 AM ET (US)            

PZZ530-091045-
SAN FRANCISCO SAN PABLO SUISUN BAY AND THE WEST DELTA-
832 PM PDT FRI MAY 8 2009

TONIGHT
W WINDS 10 TO 20 KT...DECREASING TO 5 TO 15 KT AFTER
MIDNIGHT.

SAT
W WINDS 5 TO 15 KT...INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 KT IN THE AFTERNOON.

SAT NIGHT
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT...DECREASING TO 5 TO 15 KT OVERNIGHT.

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

SUN NIGHT
W WINDS 15 TO 25 KT...DECREASING TO 5 TO 15 KT OVERNIGHT.
______________________________

Looks better than it might have, at least for the morning hours. Gales forcast outside, BTW, up and down the coast, from Pt Arena all the way down to Pidgeon Point.

Tony

posted 05-10-2009 09:27 AM ET (US)            

Last night we ran three boats into downtown Petaluma for
dinner.

This morning, Adm. Linda and I are going to go take bird
pictures on the river.

posted 05-10-2009 10:05 AM ET (US)            

Fogdog and the Menemsha buddy boated to Alcatraz after the Golden Gate and then straight back to Petaluma with only one minor problem (main engine on the Menemsha quit 2 miles from home which Ron quickly diagnosed and corrected by discovering a loose battery cable).

I'll post some photos via photobucket later today. got a great one of Black Dog at speed.

posted 05-10-2009 03:08 PM ET (US)            

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ RendezvousAliciaandKatie186.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ RendezvousAliciaandKatie166.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ RendezvousAliciaandKatie137.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/ RendezvousAliciaandKatie122.jpg

A great time with some fine folks and sweet boats. I'm looking forward to some much better photographs. Thanks to all!

posted 05-10-2009 07:06 PM ET (US)            

http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver.Norcal%20Whalers%2009/ ?albumview=slideshow

posted 05-10-2009 07:18 PM ET (US)            

Looks like a great time. Sorry I missed out this year!

posted 05-10-2009 08:27 PM ET (US)            

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=496916016/a=13921274_13921274/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=comcast2

Thanks to everyone for making it a great day on the water and for sharing your photos.

posted 05-10-2009 10:46 PM ET (US)            

Just type [url] without any space immediately in front of your link and [/url] without any space immediately at the end of your link. That's all there is to it.

bracket (no space) url (no space) close bracket at the beginning and bracket (no space) slash (no space) url (no space) close bracket

Good cruising with you yesterday, Ron, and thanks for the nice pix.

posted 05-11-2009 02:08 PM ET (US)            

Thanks to all for all the good times we had a great time and plan to be back to where ever it is next time.

I am not sure if I got the photobucket stuff to work but tried to put up some pictures from my camera.

posted 05-11-2009 05:45 PM ET (US)            

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/burtondw/ 2009%20Petaluma%20Rendezvous/

posted 05-11-2009 11:06 PM ET (US)            

s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll199/BillLassaline/2009%20Rendezvous/ ?albumview=slideshow

posted 05-13-2009 01:17 AM ET (US)            

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/2009%20Rendezvous/ ?action=view¤t=a66de5fa.pbw

For those who really want to study the photos, copy them, whatever, here is the old-school album link.

posted 05-15-2009 10:05 PM ET (US)            

Jim "high sierra" - Special thanks to you for letting me ride around with you all day. I truly enjoyed your company and from our voyage I am confident that choosing the OR18 over the Montauk was the right call for me. However, now I have a case of Outboard Envy over your F150 and my Optimax will never look the same to me. Thank you also for the kind words.

All - I meant to print photos of rig but in the rush to meet up with you I forgot. For those curious, please follow the below link. She'll be out here this summer and at the rendezvous next year. I am building a list of upgrades and optimizations so please feel free to suggest projects.

http://s357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/donnydisco/Whaler/