2006 Schedule by Bill Lewis

Thanks to our determined members, we have a partial schedule for 2006. We appear to have May. June, July and August pinned down. We would like to hear from you for suggestions regarding April, September and October.

Here are the particulars at this writing: May 13-14 is tentatively scheuled for a cruise-in to the San Rafael Yacht Club. Last year a few of us attended this cruise-in which coincided with a Lobster Feed. It was really nice. This season, we have requested the Lobster Feed date and have received firm approval. Even if you don't like Lobster, there are other decent restaurants within walking distance, so-save the date. Currently, we have reserved 8 lobster dinners, so if you want to insure your place, you wll need to notify your editor. Best guess at dinner price is $20-25.

Also on May 13, the Ballena Bay "Round the Rock" race will occur. If you are interested in this race, contact Bill Lewis and he will give you the particulars. I know Josh Dvorson of our Fleet is very interested in getting a few more Ericsons involved. One could actually race and then drive to the SRYC for a dinner.

June 10-11 has been chosen as the Angel Island potluck and picnic. We generally meet on the green at Ayala Cove around 17:00 (after the last ferry leaves) and start BBQ-ing our dinner. This year we should have ample daylight to stay on the island until later.July 29-30 will be the annual regatta at Ballena Bay. The course usually stay in the South Bay . A GPS is handy since the marks can be hard to see if you don't know where they are. Cocktails and dinner at BBYC usually follows the race. Breakfast or brunch at Tillie's tempting foods - a nice walk - is standard morning-after activities.Be sure not to miss the August 19-20 cruise-in to Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. This event will be hosted by BJ and Amy Blackburn. Last year was out first cruise to Corinthian and it was spectacular. There are lots of places to visit and just walk around the shore.

Well-that leaves April, September and October as available. Typical other places to cruise to include Coyote Point, Oakland Yacht Club, Berkeley Marina and South Beach.

From the Way-Back Machine: Scenes from the 1988 Regatta

Have you Renewed?

Last issue we mentioned that 2006 dues were due. Thank you to those who sent theirs in. If you intend to renew for 2006, we would appreciate receiving your dues in the next few weeks. Please use the form sent to you in your hard-copy newsletter and renew today!

Cruise Opportunities by Bill Lewis

As mentioned, we have cruise opportunities in April, September and October. We are soliciting inputs for day cruises and overnights for these months. It's fine for me to pick dates and places, but without inputs, chances of a good cruise.

Enclosed in your hard-coipy newsletter is a form where you can pick choices of dates and places. Mark all you would be interested in attending with an X. You can email me (mxbag@comcast.net) the results or mail them. You can also write in your own thoughts. Send them as soon as you can. Ether by scanning and sending a PDF or just giving me the dates and places. Thanks.

Tides and Currents

Several new members have joined recently. Michael Kurty of Santa Rosa and his 1978 Ericson 34T Dream Catcher joined in January. He keeps his yacht in the Marine Bay Yacht Harbor and also belongs to the Single Sailors Association. Michael's email is mkarch@ap.net and he sounds quite interested in attending our outings.

Sue Goss has also joined the Fleet this year with Sting Ray - an Ericson 29. Sue lives in Cameron Park and keeps her Yacht at Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. Her email is susangoss1@hotmail.com.

We are pleased at the response to our website. Thanks to BJ and Amy Blackburn who are maintaining it. The last 6 new members have been owners of larger Ericsons. Plus, several of our existing members have up-sized. Only a few of the 27's left.

Anyone heard from Terry and Shari? hope you folks are back from France and have some news and pictures for the newsletter.

Josh want racers. Josh Dvorson got thrown a curve last July when the annual Regatta turned out not to be the traditional "Round the Rock" race, but a race around South Bay Markers. Last year, the RTR was held in September and Josh participated with Homus. I asked Josh about the results:

Thanks for the reply. We did indeed do the '05 RtR and finished 3rd in non-spin division. It just wasn't the same without the other Ericsons though. I'll do what I can to rally Ericsons for a good turn-out in '06. Josh Dvorson.

Actually, it has really surprised me how competitive our 30-year-old boat designs are. We are consistently in the top 3 and, at last year's regatta, we "cleaned out the trophy cabinet" ! So try and attend our regatta on July 29 as well as the Round the Rock race on May 13.

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