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August 4, 2010

Dawdling on the Delta

Peter Yates shoehorned 47 boats into Boyd’s Harbor on Bethel Island Monday afternoon. Locals dropped by all day just to see what the heck was going on with all those masts.

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© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

When last we checked in with the Delta Doo Dah fleet, they were departing Pittsburg Marina en masse, bound for Boyd’s Harbor on Bethel Island. With a nice breeze in the mid-teens, the fleet enjoyed a lovely run up to False River, then Piper Slough to Boyd’s, where Peter Yates was waiting to fit boats into the tiny marina like sardines into a can.

Yates organized another fantastic beach day across Franks Tract, complete with stand-up paddle boards, Jet Skis, a Hobie cat, as well as food and drink!

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©2010 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Was’SUP! A group of Doo Dah delinquents battle it out over who dominated the stand-up paddle board.

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©2010 Latitude 38 Media, LLC

In addition to marshalling everyone into the raft-up, Peter also had organized a beach party across Franks Tract, where Doo Dah’ers enjoyed Jet Skis, stand-up paddle boards, a Hobie cat and sundry water toys. Peter’s fiancee Catherine played hostess duties, providing everyone with refreshments and snacks.

Kim and Rob Brunham, owners of the Rusty Porthole, flank Peter and fiancee Catherine. The quartet hosted the fleet in true Delta style, leading a number of boats to stick around for another day.

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© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

Somewhat reluctantly, everyone returned to Boyd’s where they were happily greeted by a fantastic buffet laid out by The Rusty Porthole crew. While the musicians aboard Ardea serenaded the fleet from their cockpit, Doo Dah’ers enjoyed the hospitality shown by Bethel Island residents, eventually joining in a karaoke session on The Rusty Porthole’s deck.

Tino and Valencio Grygier wasted no time in cooling off once their boat Neener3 was settled in Potato Slough’s Bedroom 3.

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© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Sundowner time aboard Goose.

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© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

The fleet broke up yesterday morning after the morning net with different groups of boats heading to Mildred Island, Walnut Grove and Potato Slough for their three ‘free’ days. Some boats plan to move daily, others are content to simply sit in one spot till Friday, when everyone will converge on Stockton Sailing Club for the final Doo Dah Hooplah Party. Considering the Bay’s current weather report — foggy and drizzly — everyone seems pretty happy to be dawdling in the Delta.

Pretty Penny was pretty indeed early this morning. Today’s forecast is for more of the same: sun, sun and more sun.

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© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

What Are You Doing in October?

We’ve been accused of ‘Ha-Ha’ing our readership to death in the past. But with the Baja Ha-Ha‘s September 10 entry deadline just over a month away, it’s high time for an update.

After months – if not years – of anticipation, it’s a wonderful feeling to finally be heading south to the Cape.

latitude/Andy
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The entry roster for the San Diego-to-Cabo San Lucas rally now stands at 141 boats, ranging in size from 27 to 65 feet. If you’re still thinking about signing up for this year’s event, let us remind you that our new online sign-up system is simple to use and takes only about 10 minutes to complete — a bit longer for two-finger typists. You can access it via the “Register” button on the website. (The entry fee is still $350, or $300 if your age or your boat length is less than 35.) If you need general info about the rally, see “About the Ha-Ha” on the site, and if you’re new to Mexico cruising be sure to check out our newly updated First Timer’s Guide to Mexico. It’s on the site and downloadable for free.

We don’t know who coined the phrase, “The more the merrier,” but it captures our attitude toward taking additional crew on such an event. Why? because you’ll have more eyes to stand watch, more hands to pull lines and do boat chores, and more strong backs to do the heavy lifting. As a result of having an extra watch-stander or two, you’ll get more sleep, and thereby will arrive at each stop ready to hike, swim, and explore rather than collapse in a near coma as soon as the anchor’s down.

At play in the 82-degree Cabo surf. Once the fleet arrives, a common refrain is, “That wasn’t so hard. I can’t believe I waited so long to do it!”

latitude/Andy
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

That said, finding appropriate crew can be tricky. That’s why we created our online, easy to access, constantly updated Crew List. Whether you’re a captain in need of crew, or an adventure-hungry sailor in search of a ride, it’s a system that’s worked for hundreds of sailors over the years — and it’s free. The best idea for making face-to-face assessments and sealing the deal, is to attend our September 8 Mexico-Only Crew List Party at Alameda’s Encinal YC (6-9 p.m.; $7 at the door). A variety of sponsors and Mexico cruising experts will be on hand, so we’d urge you to attend, even if you’re only halfway interested in heading south this year.

Baja Ha-Ha XVII Entries To Date:
Thee Amazing Grace / Vector 39 / David Bloom & Karin McGinley / Long Beach
Piko / Wauquiez Pretorien 35  / Lauren Buchholz  / Seattle, WA
Day Dream  / J/122  / Robert Day  / San Francisco
Cat’s Meow  / Catalina 36  / Nancy DeMauro  / Richmond
Noho ‘ana  / Jeanneau 37  / Heather McKnight & Peter Lewis  / Marina del Rey
Last Resort  / Catalina 470  / Dick & Sharon Drechsler  / Marina del Rey
Di’s Dream  / Catalina 470  / Roger & Diana Frizzelle  / San Francisco
WindChime  / Hunter 430  / Neal Albrektsen  / San Diego
Dolfin  / Crealock 37  / Bill Meanley  / San Diego
El Tiburon  / Tayana 47  / Sarah Powell & Darrell Erickson  / San Francisco
Braveheart  / MacGregor 65  / Bob Callaway  / Pleasant Harbor, WA
Andiamo III  / Hans Christian 43 T  / Eugene & Tami Reynolds  / Olympia, WA
Arione  / Mason 44  / Art Stiers & Jaye Eldridge  / Anacortes, WA
Norwegian Steam  / Jason 35  / Alan Westhagen  / Seattle, WA
Robon III  / Columbia 50  / Dale Walter  / San Francisco
Cygnus  / Sabre 402  / Gerald Kitchen  / Sausalito
Independence  / J/32  / Joel & Danielle Wells  / San Francisco
Loose Pointer  / Kelly-Peterson 44  / D Best & K Sieck  / San Francisco
Finarrow  / Swan 38  / JIm & Cathy Revard  / Sitka, AK
Sweet Cherri  / Columbia 36  / Joshua & Julia Siudyla  / Alameda
Althea  / O’Day 28  / Shawn Passeri & Cindy Spangler  / Antioch
Blade  / Valiant Esprit Nordic 37  / Ed & Karen Lare  / San Diego
MissTeak  / Morgan 45  / Chip & Katie Prather  / Dana Point
Venti  / Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36  / Lori & Ken Styles  / Berkeley
Pua’ena  / Outbound 44  / Mark & Dorothy Hazlett  / Waikiki YC, HI
Hotel California  / Hunter 376  / Rick Rheingans & Pam Coite  / Alameda
Serendipity  / Kelly-Peterson 44  / Barritt Neal  / San Diego
Liberty  / C&C 37  / Russell Cooper  / San Francisco
Dancer  / Hylas 44  / Charles & Patricia Skerry  / Marina del Rey
Charisma  / Tayana 37  / Bob Johnson  / Berkeley
Another Girl  / Santa Cruz 50  / Jim Bewley  / Richmond
Tribute  / Beneteau 473  / Bruce Crockard & Ed York  / Long Beach
Mind Magic  / Newport 41 MkII  / Dennis & Pamela Young  / Long Beach
Camelot  / Catalina 470  / Thomas & Lori Jeremiason  / Alameda
Salt Shaker  / Cape Dory Cutter 36  / Richard & Mardi Brayton  / Sausalito
Fullshell  / Catalina/Morgan 440  / Eric & Marilyn Anderson  / San Francisco
Balquhidder  / Hunter Passage 450  / Don & Stella Patterson  / Tacoma, WA
Hotel California  / Catalina 375  / Michael & Linda Stafford  / San Francisco
Voyager  / Cooper 42  / Ronald Nieman  / Homer, AK
Toucan  / Tanton 43 cat ketch  / Kevin Belcastro  / San Francisco
Sans Souci  / Gulf 32  / Gary Kunz & Julie Demaree  / Portland, OR
Feliz  / O’Day 37  / Victor Gumper & Hanna Malm  / Berkeley
Valparaiso  / Irwin 52 CC ketch  / Joe & Susan Arnold  / Portland, OR
Rambler  / Ericson 32  / Tom Bradley & Linda Hackett  / Corona del Mar
Procyon  / Gozzard 44 MkII  / Randy & Sheri Schneider  / Sunriver, OR
Sundancer  / Bluewater Vagabond 47  / Heather Reimer  / Vancouver, BC
Rose of Erin  / Hughes 40  / Damon & Erin Cruz  / Juneau, AK
Bravo  / Wauquiez 35  / Aaron Wangenheim  / San Francisco
Taya  / Island Packet 45  / Clifford & Lynne Quesnel  / Montreal, QC
At Last  / Skye 51  / Scott Neal  / San Diego
Misty Blue  / Cascade 44  / Kenneth & Mary Ruth Frazee  / Friday Harbor, WA
Jasdip  / Passport 40  / Crit Dowler  / Alameda
Shemya  / Hunter 41  / Thomas McCarten  / St. Augustine, FL
Slow Dance  / Hunter Legend 37  / William Sumner  / Channel Islands
Rainbow  / Crowther 10m 36-ft cat  / Clifford Shaw  / Emery Cove
Intrepid  / Swan 44 MkII  / Carl Bertelsen  / Marina del Rey
Flibbertigibbet  / O’Day 34  / Jim & Betty Adams  / Discovery Bay
Caprice  / Seawind 1160 38-ft cat  / Dan & Carol Seifers  / Point Richmond
R3  / Beneteau First 42  / Randy & Ramona Garrett  / Coos Bay, OR
Apeiron  / Com-Pac 27/2  / David Vecera & Linda Cramer  / San Diego
Diamond Girl  / Beneteau 393  / Larry & Nelda Read  / Bellingham, WA
Varuna  / Pearson 367  / Mitchell & Elizabeth West  / Portland, OR
Sarah Jean II  / Saga 43  / Norm & Beth Cooper  / Vancouver, BC
Rocinante  / Beneteau First 42  / Bob Lesnett  / Pt. Richmond
Santosha  / Catana 471  / Patrick & Tammy Finnerty  / Ventura
Tropicana  / Gulfstar 60  / David Perry  / Alameda
Duct Tape  / Cal 29  / Sig & Phyllis Horneman  / Berkeley
Sundance  / Beneteau M38  / Richard Donker & David Remp  / San Francisco
Red Sky  / Moody 54  / Jack & Leanne Hembrow  / Brisbane, AUS
Content  / Perry/Litton 47  / William Holmes & Paula Collins  / Homer, AK
Windfall  / Maple Leaf 42  / Sam & Nancy Cockrell  / Portland, OR
Sudden Stops Necessary  / Beneteau 38s5  / Chet Chauhan  / San Francisco
I’O  / Davidson 44  / Robert & Bobbie Kuschel  / Redwood City
Sulaco  / Swan 371  / Glenn Brake  / Marina del Rey
Symphony  / Fuji 32  / Joel Tuttle  / San Francisco
Mazu  / Outbound 46  / Mel & Elaine Bryson  / Rainier, OR
Double Dharma  / Hunter 466  / Dale & Dena Snearly  / San Leandro
Coppertop  / Bayfield 32  / Paul Moran  / Brookings, OR
Wind Rose  / Cabo Rico 40  / Walter & Patricia Simmons  / Los Angeles
Sonrisa  / Baba 40  / Scott Bowen  / Green Cover Springs, FL
Rosebud  / Cal 36  / Greg Rodgers  / San Pedro
Dodger Too  / Tartan 37  / Leif & Jackie Watson  / Edmonton, AB
C’est La Vie  / Amel Mango 52  / Bob Bohn  / Anacortes, WA
Otter  / Westsail 32  / Greg & Joyce Parfitt  / Scappose, OR
La Condedssa del Mar  / Herrshoff 65 schooner  / Bill & Karen Gates  / Sausalito
Island Time  / Seawind 1000  / Larry & Nancy Robertson  / Dana Point
Barramundi  / Seawind 1000  / Steve & Pam Ellsworth  / Newport Beach
Santorini  / Mariner 48  / Dawn Fleming & Thomas Clifford  / Wilmington
Seasilk  / Hylas 46  / Craig Blasingame & Sue Steven  / Coronado
Bonnie Lass  / Catalina/Morgan 440  / Bill & Lorell Alexander  / Tiburon
Setting Sun  / Pearson 323  / George Johnstone  / San Rafael
Gratitude  / Island Packet 485  / Mike Irwin  / Alamitos Bay
Abagwit  / Niagara 35  / Werner Landry & Allison Sherwood  / San Diego
Taverna  / Catalina 470  / Sal & Debbie Vitale  / San Francisco
Fixin’ To  / Hylas 44  / Jim & Sharon MacIntosh  / San Francisco
Phambili  / Given 45  / Tommy Lorenzo & Fiona Coleman  / Victoria, BC
Seabird  / Swan 51  / Lou Freeman  / Ventura
Intuition  / C&C 37XL  / Ron & Connie Holbrook  / Tacoma, WA
Ticket  / Beneteau 47.3  / Rick Niello  / Sausalito
Wyspa  / Baltic 55 DP  / Roger Waterman  / Del Mar
Touchrain  / Ericson 38  / Michael & Jan Wilson  / Olympia, WA
Dragon’s Toy  / Island Packet 37  / Tom Kohrs & Cary Purvis  / Freeport
Bright Angel  / Mason 44  / Bob & Linda Hargreaves  / Olympia, WA
Hand Full  / Islander 34  / Tiffin & Neil Rife  / Half Moon Bay
Moonbeam  / Siedlemann 299  / Scott Dobias  / Long Beach
Ohana  / Beneteau 45f5  / Steve Hocking & Marika Edler  / Eagle Point, OR
Serendipity  / Gozzard 36  / Hugh & Anne Jenings  / Port Ludlow, WA
Kanga  / Valiant 40  / Jim Hassberger & Jeanne Harvey  / Coos Bay, OR
Rocinante  / Beneteau 473  / Cooper & Phil Patterson  / San Diego
Sound Effect  / Dufour 385  / Jim & Connie Merritt  / Tacoma, WA
Sterling  / Catalina 34  / Byron Cleary  / Sausalito
Music / Nordic 44 / Gail & John Lapetina / Bellingham, WA
Enchantress  / Liberty 49  / Melinda & Steve Morgan/ Port Ludlow, WA
Tara  / Caliber 28  / Jonathon Neely & Shannon Walker  / San Francisco
Moonbow  / Crowther 38  / Richard McCredle  / Dana Point
JaneO  / Privilege 39  / Scott & Christine Emmons  / Redwood City
Peregrine Spirit  / Ericson 380  / Tony & Kathleen Van Houweling  / San Diego
Exit Strategy  / Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 46.5  / Steve Ginder  / Dana Point
Magda Jean  / Valiant 40  / Michael & Katharine Bird  / San Diego
Legacy  / C&C 34  / Lewis & Willa Keizer  / San Francisco
Equinox  / Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40  / Whittington & Roemer / Santa Cruz
Dilligaf  / Jeanneau DS49  / William Teasdale  / Bellevue, WA
Kamekazi  / Columbia 41  / Patrick Scroggin  / Anacortes, WA
Black Pearl  / Cal 1-30  / Garrett Jolly  / Port San Luis
Tumbleweed  / Corsair F-31  / Matt Daniel & Paul Boyd  / Seattle, WA
C’est La Vie  / Catalina 470  / Keith & Susan Levy  / Richmond
Jubilee II  / Islander 36  / Barry & Joyce Ivers  / Sausalito
Princess Anna  / Mainship 390  / Michael McGuire  / Channel Islands Harbor
Bateau Frowe  / Jeanneau DS 43  / S French & T Rowe  / Marina del Rey
La Brisa  / Morgan 45  / Gene Brown  / San Diego
Pacific Destination  / Catalina 30  / Greg Buur  / King Harbor
Firefly  / Catalina 470  / Ted Silvas & Brenda Jewell  / San Francisco
El Tiburon  / Passport 42  / John Stanec & Luke Ashcroft  / Emery Cove
Notre Reve  / Island Packet 40  / Howard & Christine Ward  / Chandler, AZ
Kokomo  / Sabre 425  / Becky & Denny Flannigan  / Tacoma, WA
Sea Chaser  / Cal 2-27  / George Dorius  / Coos Bay, OR
SEAduction  / Catalina 42 MkII  / Dan Lawler  / Salt Lake City, UT
Neener3  / Catalina 42  / Jan Grygier & Patti Boucher  / Richmond
Mamabird  / Island Packet 380  / Colin Honess & Sharon Squire  / Sausalito
Tapestry  / 34′ Farrier Command-10  / Richard Pearsall  / Ventura
Marquesas / Islander 34 / Victor Niebylski / Emery Cove

As the fleet sailed out of Richmond, they could see what they were in for just past the bridge: blue skies!
Thanks to unusually light winds, the top three spots in last weekend’s 81-mile Santa Barbara to King Harbor (Redondo Beach) Race — our favorite in Southern California — were Class A Ultra Lights.
Much of our South Pacific coverage lately has been dedicated to French Polynesia, where newly arrived westbound cruisers get their first introduction to life in the tropics below the equator.