It’s Been a Lovely Cruise…Out
As a new member of the Vallejo YC, it was this reporter and her husband’s delight to take part in our first cruise-out as members this weekend. This year’s annual Sweetheart’s Cruise sent the fleet of 15-or-so boats the nine miles to Martinez Marina, where the Martinez YC hosted two very fattening meals on Friday and Saturday, and a rockin’ Valentine Party on Saturday night. And considering today’s misery in the weather department, this weekend’s cruise couldn’t have been better timed.
Whether you belong to a yacht club or not, cruise outs are an outstanding way to set a date to get your boat out of the slip. In today’s hectic world, it’s easy to say, "Oh, we’ll go out next weekend." Then six months goes by without stepping on your boat. But if you’ve committed to an outing with friends, it’s much harder to blow it off. So do your stress level a favor and either join your club’s next cruise out or organize one with some boat buddies — you won’t regret it!
Hats Off!
"My boat partner snapped this shot while crossing the slot on our Islander 36 Shooter on the way to Sam’s for lunch," writes Norman Pearce. "But one of the boat’s rules is that we only retrieve hats if the head is still attached!"
While hats don’t make the most realistic ‘human substitutes’ for crew overboard drills, a lost hat is a really good excuse to practice your boat handling skills. But we can certainly understand that, after a hard day’s sail, a burger at Sam’s might occasionally beat out skill honing.
Speaking of which, we still want to hear about your favorite boat-in dining spot on the Bay or Delta. Send your suggestions, stories and photos to LaDonna.