> So was a good time had by all?
>
> Tod
>
Tod,
A very good time was had by all. In the morning, folks sailed in the Oakland
Estuary in sunny warm weather, with pleasant light winds.
During the morning the magazine folks from SCA magazine were on the guest
dock, looking at all the boats and chatting with the skippers as they arrived
to register. The took pictures of old and recent model boats and collected
information for their February (?) article.
The pre-race skippers meeting at 1:00 gave everyone a chance to gather and
chat. WOW! You should have seen all 25 boats rafted up together in the
guest dock area -- quite an impressive site! There were more than 50 people!
The race started at about 2:15 and was over by 3:30. The magazine people
took photos from the start/finish line, while the professional photographer
zoomed around getting close ups. We're all expecting to receive proofs in
the mail in a week or so.
After the race, we all sailed in the stuary in building winds for an hour or
two before the daysailers headed for the launch ramp and the weekenders
headed for the guest dock at the marina. The Marina was beautiful, in a
park-like setting with very nice facilities. We rafted 18 boats up for the
night in the guest dock area. (Next year, we're hoping to pack the place --
we could probably fit about 10 more boats in!)
Before dinner, we had the awarding of the race prizes and raffle prizes in
the bar at the Meridian Restaurant.. First prize in both fleets was a VHF
radio. More than half of the attendees took home something from the raffle:
SCA donated a pile of T-shirts, there were complimentary subscriptions to
"Small craft Advisor" and "Good Old Boat", Potter T-shirts and hats, sailing
books donated by Potter Yachter members, and a 1-year subscription to Sea Tow
(the AAA of the ocean). Dinner was delicious, although the service was slow.
We just plain overwhelmed them with our crowd of 41 folks.
The guest dock was a great place to sleep, The sheltered waters of the
estuary were still and quiet all night, with no surge or waves to disturb any
of the tuckered-out sailors.
The next morning, we all went next door to the Oakland Yacht Club, where we
had a leisurely brunch which was a feast. The dining room overlooks the
water, and we watched the boats sailing in the estuary.
A few folks went out sailing early. By 11 am, after breakfast, the wind
started to build to about 25 knots and the skies started to turn black along
the western horizon. We all raced to get back to the launch and get unrigged
before the rains came.
All in all, it was a wonderful event, with lots of new friends made and old
friends reaquainted.
Fair winds,
Judy B
PS Potter folks -- you'll be amused to know that I found another rock with my
keel this weekend. No damage done thought. What is it with my keel????