22nd Annual Delta and Bay Extravaganza Trip Synopsis
This year’s Extravaganza had a record of eleven boats and twenty-three captains and crew! We are always so impressed with the quality of people who join this annual voyage, and this trip was no exception! It is a privilege to call this group of competent mariners our friends. All boats and skippers completed the trip without major mishap. Laurie and I “stand on the shoulders” of our dear friend and founder, Jim Gibson. Without Jim this event would have never happened.
Three new boats joined our trip: DayBreak, Cali Cat and Serenity. Colby and Rosanne traveled the farthest to participate in their second C-Dory, C-Traveler. NoWhere Fast and Morning Star were treated to their 2nd trip. More senior boats were Pounder, Dinner Belle II, Dora Jean, Sea Spray and Slack Time. There were a few trials and tribulations involving wiring and charging systems as well and an unforeseen gas closure at the Benicia Marina. We were able to work around these obstacles. With many, many years of boating experience between us we were able to help each other out with options to solve some technical problems as well as share ideas to make travel on the water easier.
First stop was the highly anticipated visit to Wheeler Island where John and Robbin hosted us with a wonderful BBQ dinner, lively conversation and provided gifts of their own wine and award-winning olive oil. Enough fish were caught by several people to allow for our annual Fish Fry. The potluck was fantastic with many thanks to all boats and crews.
All in all it was a great trip. Flat water from Wheeler Island to Vallejo was welcomed. A downpour strong enough to temporarily block vision provided excitement as we crossed
San Pablo Bay before entering the channel to Petaluma. Calmer waters welcomed our group into Petaluma to meet our scheduled bridge opening at the D Street Bridge. Four of our group had to wait patiently for the SMART Train to pass as the SMART Train Bridge was lowered for the commuter train to pass. It provided a great photo opportunity. Many of us enjoyed a nice meal at a local brewery Brewsters.
The water was quite rough after the San Rafael Bay Bridge. The boaters in the rear paid attention to folks in the lead and headed close to shore to avoid the pounding. Several boats added fuel in Sausalito. Any yet another lovely meal at a Sausalito Italian restaurant. Leaving in the morning we were treated to the sight of the huge blimp Pathfinder flying over Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge then down the SF waterfront on its way to the South Bay. It was quite a sight to see!
San Francisco’s South Beach Harbor was welcoming as always. The best weather was also during this day. A couple of folks managed to snag tickets to a Dodgers/Giants game! A few boats stopped at Angel Island to enjoy touring the island and enjoying the views. Leaving San Francisco we were treated to relatively flat water on the way to Benicia. At Benicia our group split into two groups at different docks. Dinner at Sailor Jacks Restaurant was enjoyed by all.
Our adventure concluded in Rio Vista. Four boats stayed an additional night at Rio Vista before heading home. All boats and tow vehicles arrived home safely! And, in our case, a few pounds heavier. Thanks to everyone for another great boat trip! New friends, old friends, great food and being on the water – we have such a great life! We are looking forward to the 23rd Annual Delta and Bay trip next year!
John and Laurie
Slack Time
