Tales of the Delta, Part 1

Delta Doo Dah boats participated in two organized events this past Saturday. Jillian Cripps of the Ranger 23 Evenstar reports on the first, Owl Harbor Marina’s fifth annual Dinghy Poker Run: "Devery Stockon and the Owl Harbor crew put on a fun-filled event. Sixteen craft were entered, with quite the variety of propulsion by paddle, pedal, row and motor."

Delta Doo Dah sailors participating included Greg Towers of Evenstar, Jillian herself with her mom, and Dave Cowell from the Islander 30 Mas Tiempo, a permanent tenant of Owl Harbor’s J Dock.

"The day was sunny and warm, with a light westerly breeze, making an upwind run for the participants," writes Jillian. "The dinghy run started at J Dock and stopped at every other dock, finishing at B Dock with a five-card hand."

"Enthusiasm was high, and everyone wore a smile. Owl Harbor generously offered a $100 cash prize for the winning hand and $50 cash prize for the worst hand. The winning hand was a pair of queens and a pair of threes held by Gregory Towers and his crew member Dolores Shotton. They competed in a 35-year-old red rubber inflatable dinghy that thankfully held air for the entire event. The worst hand was a nine high held by Kevin Cavender, who sped through the event in his kayak."

The poker run was followed by a BBQ and potluck lunch where everyone got a chance to socialize. We noticed that no sailing dinghies participated this year, but we know of one El Toro that might give it a go next time. Owl Harbor is located on Isleton’s Delta Loop up Sevenmile Slough from the San Joaquin River.