Angel Island Cruise by Eric Quamen

Your editor is extremely grateful to Eric and Ann Quamen for providing the writeup and all the pictures from this cruise.

Postponed from an earlier date, this year’s Ericson Fleet One cruise to Angel Island turned out to be quite the success. The weather was unbeatable, we all had space to tie up, the food was great, and the Painkillers flowed.

Ann and I brought the Josephine II over on Friday afternoon. Worried I’d get aced out of a mooring, we bee-lined it from Alameda to find only a few open mooring pairs. Using our patented Hook-Drive-Grab technique (don’t try that at home), we tied up in a great spot, pointed right at Red Rock like you’re supposed to. As the afternoon wore on, we acclimated by inflating the Avon and rowing ashore for a hike. Upon returning, we were joined by single-hander Terry Owen aboard Tango II. Terry rafted up, we had dinner aboard, and all was well for the night.

Saturday morning brought us a beautiful day, so we enjoyed the typical antics of the fellow Ayala Cove visitors while Terry wrestled with his Avon. Eventually, we headed to the docks to pay up when we saw the Bonnie Breeze heading for one of the dwindling number of open slips. Aboard were Hugh and Joanne Linn, their relative Eric, as well as fellow Fleet One’ers Jim and Donna Earhart. They brought ice! Alas, they also brought a deadline which demanded of them to leave early before any BBQ fires were lit. Nevertheless, we met on the lawn and began the festivities, or at least, the first shift of the party.

While sipping wine and slurping Red Stripes, we spotted Stingray, Sue and Rick Fears’ 29 picking up what had to be the last open pair of buoys. Sue and Rick brought along another couple to join the dinner. As we were rowing back to the boats for the BBQ stuff and coordinating with them, Bonnie Breeze ran out of time. No problem, we just had a shift change. With a wave, Hugh and crew headed back to the City.

Landing the Avons on the beach, we set up dinner in the sun across the lawn. We lit the fire, and proceeded with the proper Painkillers (Makita-mixed with a paint stirrer) and Jerk chicken. Then I noticed the kids on the beach bouncing around on the Avons. Arg! Sand everywhere! After fending them off, I ate a steak. We all had steaks, salads, and all the trimmings. It was great. After dinner, we took a walk up the hill to enjoy the view, leaving the island just as it got dark.

The raft-up spent a quiet night aboard, surrounded by lots of mooring field partying that calmed down soon enough. The rollers came through at 0500, and I am very happy to report the point-at-Red-Rock trick works great, and the two 27’s rode the rollers perfectly. Later, Tango II and Josephine II dropped their moorings and headed for the docks, which were filling fast with boats staging for Opening Day festivities. After some more Avon wrestling, Terry, Ann, and I hiked around the island. Upon return, we saw Stingray drop her mooring and motor off. After lunch, with boats circling for our slips, Ann and I left Terry at the dock. We had a fine passage back to Alameda, sunny and warm all the way back.

Terry said that three boats make a successful cruise, so four boats with five crews must qualify for a blowout! I’ll agree to that. The Fleet One sailing season is officially open, we had a great time, and it was good to see everyone. We are already looking forward to the next cruise.

Tides and Currents

Upcoming Events...

May 10-11
Join us at the Presidio Yacht Club for Saturday
dinner hosted by PYC and Sunday brunch hosted by James and Donna Earhart. You can hike into Sausalito in an hour or just relax at the club. Be sure to let James know at jwearhart@yahoo.com

Racing July 26
We will join the Ballena Bay YC race "around the block" that is around the large center pier of the Bay Bridge. Post-race dinner at the club. To sign up-email Bill Lewis mxbag@comcast.net. You will receive race instructions by email.

Corinthian Aug 9-10
Join the Fleet at the Corinthian YC for a superb dinner and wonderful locale (downtown Tiburon). There's room for 4 boats to cruise in and no limit on drive-ins. If you intend to cruise in or drive in for dinner, contact Amy Blackburn amyblack2000@gmail.com

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