SFYC Cruise to Petaluma

Coco Channel has been quoted as saying “A lot of serious work goes into successful frivolity". Very true! The months of planning, by Larry and myself, for our SFYC cruise to Petaluma was well worth it, as it looked like (and sounded like) all in attendance had a great time. Larry arranged the float plan, complete with tidal information, including expected depths at crucial channel markers, bridge openings and docking details. Beyond that, we arranged for the very successful docktails with our Jimmy Buffet Margarita Maker (4 liters of Tequila consumed!) followed by dinner at the Petaluma Yacht Club with a sold out attendance of 56 and a second sold out dinner (with a waiting list) at Central Market for 45 persons. The weather cooperated with temperatures in the 80’s and very little wind. The party cruised home at varied times on Sunday morning and most attendees were back at their slips at the SFYC before late afternoon.

Wyman and Gay Harris’ ‘Safari’ cruises under the San Rafael Bridge on their way to Petaluma

Larry meeting an unresponsive Tug and Barge on the Petaluma River…not like the Tug Captains on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tenntom Rivers

The tug swings wide and we hug the rocks…

He forced Safari to the sidelines as well, all without any communication

The ‘Haystack’ bridge tender was more than helpful to give a lift for boats; Beautiful, Sucha, Blue Tango, Independence and Safari

Now we are all waiting for a lift from the “D’ Street bridge tender for entry to the Petaluma Turning Basin

Thursday night on the cruise is an unscheduled night allowing for us to visit with local friends Merrill, Thomas and Rosa

Back to work on Friday afternoon, as the 1:00PM ‘D’ Street Bridge lift brought in a scheduled 15 boats. All boats had to be stern/med-tied according to size. Thanks to Larry and his handheld VHF he handled the docking details with finesse. Photo courtesy of Merrill Walker

A sweet surprise gift of yummy home made cake and sweet pea flowers from the sweetest - Kappy Reed. Photo courtesy of Merrill Walker

Elliot James’ boat Tortuga with his mom Roxanne and girlfriend Morgan (and pup Poppy). Happy to be docked and ready to enjoy Petaluma

Steve and Mimi’s boat Duet docked and ready to have some fun with family

SFYC Cruise Committee Chair Paul Mourani (AKA ‘our fearless leader’) on his Swan sailboat. Showered and fishing and getting primed for docktails

Looking like a great turn out with 18 SFYC boats in attendance (foreground boat ‘SeaScouts’)

Time for Docktails! The Jimmy Buffet Margaritas are flowing and Leland Fishman (BBQ brisket chef and voluntee at PYC) gets a cold one.

Party is on with Michael, Mimi and Kathy (all SFYC cruise volunteers)

Thank yous’ are owed to our SFYC Matt Frymier for his expertise at the Margarita Machine serving up awesome blended margaritas to the thirsty crowd. Photo courtesy of Merrill Walker

A great turn out for docktails at the Petaluma Turning Basin

Dinner was amazing and then this.…not one, but two ice cream cakes to welcome SFYC members to Petaluma Yacht Club

PYC members Houston and Sal. Petaluma Yacht Club is run by its’ volunteers. They are the most dedicated and friendly yacht club I have ever visited. We are so very thankful for all they did for us and our club. Thank you PYC!!! (SFYC visitor burgee in the place of honor under PYC’s)

Back at PYC for Saturday cocktails. We were lucky to have our SFYC Commodore, Madelyn Morey, join us for the evening.

Central Market was a hit. Great food and wine were enjoyed with Michelle Mourani, John and Paul Mourani

All good things come to an end. The 8 Sunday 8:00AM ‘D’ Street bridge opening allowed most boats to depart down river for the three and half hour run back home to SFYC

Last view from the Petaluma River….you come up with your own tag line...Larry’s was “they’re here!”