Pt. Richmond Scores!   by Bill Lewis

As expected, the Point Richmond cruise-in was a great start to the cruising season. Three E-27’s cruised in and several member drove in to make the party a hit from 1300 to 2000 hours. The Southwest  winds were slowly building as Ericka left Ballena Bay. There were no whitecaps and we glided along for a while when the wind died for about 15 minutes. Not wanting to wait for the wind to come to us, we motored to the wind and picked it up again around the mouth of the estuary. It slowly built up again and, as we passed Treasure Island, started to blow about 15 knots from the West in the traditional pattern. We reached towards Point Richmond quite rapidly and I decided to furl the jib as I had a 17-month old granddaughter on board. My 4-year-old granddaughter was quite comfortable, however. 

We wore around the breakwater and dropped the main. Glided in through the harbor entrance and over to Al’s dock with ease. Force Majeure was just tying up and Al and Lecia were setting  up the BBQ and the food table with snacks and an “opening day” cake. There was ample wine and the guests gravitated to the front of the house where the sun was warm and the BBQ gave off additional heat. The afternoon drifted by at a leisurely pace and there was ample time for everyone to visit, shoot some pool, take a walk-whatever. We discovered that Force Majeure is now up for sale, so we were glad she made it to this cruise. Like a true open house, people dropped in and left. We cooked flank steaks and chicken had salads and veggie dip. Just before eating commenced, Bonnie Breeze tied up at the dock. 

Our attendees included: Hugh and Joann Linn, Steve and Linda Wilson and their friends Burt and Nancy. Melissa Gates and Robert, Dimitri and Radka Demushkin, Karrie Allen, Brian Lewis and Marlene Benke, Bill and Chris Lewis and guests Melinda, John, Sarah and Jessica Geiger and canines Frieda and Phaedra.

Ericka was the only overnighter. We slept well and warm, thanks to the shore power provided by Al. It was quiet at the dock and the morning sun was warm and inviting. Chris took Phaedra for a long walk before we cranked the outboard over and motored home with lots of time to enjoy our beautiful Bay scenery. Many thanks to Al Gates and Lecia for hosting us yet again. Most members stayed on until sunset-signalling that it was a splendid time had by all.

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Tides and Currents...

Welcome to new member James Joseph of Corona, CA. His boat is listed at the Brisbane Marina, so, maybe he is moving up here. Stay tuned, James can be emailed at jjoseph@direcpc.com.

Apologies to Terry Owen/Shari Balassa. I erroneously left them off the members-in-good standing list. They are current. 

Sadly, Steve Wilson has put Force Majeure up for sale. His inboard is totally rebuilt and the boat is in very good shape. Steve says whoever buys her will also get a great slip at Bewrkeley Marina. Contact Steve at force-m@worldnet.att.net 

A bit of trivia from your editor-I have had Ericka for 20 years and I have no intention of selling her in the foreseeable future. She's beatup, but we love her. 

 - Bill Lewis

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Presidio YC May 11-12

This will be our third year at the Presidio Yacht Club in May. You sail in ­ the views are spectacular-just under the North Tower of the GG Bridge. The City front is just across the way. There are Eucalyptus groves-and historical buildings. The Yacht club has a magnificent view you could watch for hours. The Discovery museum is 500 feet away ­ great for children. You can hike over the hill to Sausalito ­ about 25 minutes. Last year, we spotted whales near the shore. You can sail in or drive in and spend all day or just the evening. It’s peaceful, but glorious Bayside area. You may remember that there is only a limited time that this marina and Yacht Club will be in operation. Take the opportunity
to see it up close and personal. Come early and stay late. Last year we ate in Sausalito, but this year we will be eating at the club again. If you are joining us for cruise-in and or dinner, please notify the Linns at (415) 239-8803.

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