Dawdling on the Delta

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.

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.

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.

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.