Home	July 4th Benicia Cruise 2016

(If you like, you can skip down through the prose and go straight to the pictures below!)

The Cruise In was off to a slow start when several members had to bow out due to personal or mechanical reasons!

The faithful 3, Bella Luna, Freedom Won, and Secret Weapon all started but only 2 made it all the way!

The sail up on Saturday was a joy of sun and sails with genoa and main full out and overheated engine off!

That was a concern when we needed to dock and the winds died at the entrance to BYC! Plan G worked with Genoa and rudder motion to slip 100!

Sunday involved a drive in for those hearty party souls who drove from parts far (Mountain View) and near (Fairfield.) A list of your participating Patriotic Islanders is posted below.

As usual, Ruby and Rob Blenderman put on a spread at their house on Sunday afternoon. Their open house included neighbors and involved parties on the roof garden and 3 other locations throughout the patios and gazebo! Check out the pictures below of the incredible house that Ruby & Rob built. They have opend up the front apartment as a BnB.

Monday was a quiet day before the fireworks and the stern / cockpit proved to be a front row seat for both Benicia and Martinez light shows!

Tuesday and low tide proved trying as the B dock was not dredged last year so the crew enjoyed a 3 hour breakfast in town-a short 2 block walk!

As the last photos will attest, the motor sail home against the flood and winds at 20 plus created a few challenges to an otherwise nice vacation sail! The seven hours from port to homeport at Emery Cove proved that a worthy crew and strong boat can cope with Mother Nature!

P.S. I want to nominate our efforts and boat for a seamanship award at the Fall meeting!

P.S.S. We have reservations for next year!

Bob DaPrato,
Cruise Chair

Pictures by Bob DaPrato and Rick Van Mell. Click on images to enlarge, click "Back" to return.

Park at Benicia ...	and houses line up ...	around B Dock ...	with a full harbor ...	and Guest dock.
Bella Luna with ...	spinnaker burgee, ...	Giants flag ...	neat cockpit, and ...	cool Skipper.
Nice shirt.	Welcome below ...	Sandy & Maria ...	Nanci & John ...	Bob mixes for ...
Judy and ...	Dennis.	Nautical curtains ...	fit the day.	Clean electrical panel ...
Nav seat ...	spacious fridge.	Rick's there too!	Sandy & Judy	Dennis & Bob
Clear sailing.	Relaxing afternoon ...	way to go!	Rob & Ruby's BnB ...	porch from old doors ...
classic armoire ...	cozy fireplace ...	inviting kitchen ...	comfortable dining ...	Main house ...
Ruby welcomes Bob & Maria	Says it all.	Cats don't care ...	What, me worry?	Nap time.
Bacon delights ...	got some paprika?	Lots of goodies ...	desserts too.	Libation time ...
Heaing upstairs ...	endless delights ...	master bedroom ...	on to the roof ...	Mt. Diablo, and ...
car carrier.	More friends ...	Bob & Harry ...	Roof top fun.	Down below ...
patio chat ...	Man cave.	July 4th relaxing	Show is about to start ...	It's quite ...
chllly!	But Glorious ...	dashing, and ...	Beautiful!	Tuesday morning ...
Bye bye Benicia ...	a little rocky ...	fun at first ...	getting rougher ...	San Pablo Bay blast!

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