A week of getting to know our sailboats again:

First there was the complete refit of the Cal 20. Paint (naturally), electrical wire, all safety gear, and somewhere to put the engine - ah, yes, an engine mount. She was launched the week before the cruise to Port Sonoma.

We had not cruised our boats for a long time, so we assembled at the Petaluma Marina so we could outfit our Santanna 22 and the Cal 20 for a week on the waters of the Petaluma River and northern San Pablo Bay. The Merrit accompanied as chase boat. That was the grand plan.

We had food, gear, and Scouts all assembled when we discovered that we did not have all the Santanna's running rigging at the bottom of the mast where we could use it. Some of it was at the top of the mast. Now, there are two choices when something is at the top of the mast: 1) take the mast off the boat (Oh, NO!), or 2) send some poor volunteer up the mast to retrieve it. Justin, the Boatswain, who often says that he would never ask someone to do something he wouldn't do, volunteered.

Then off went the advance guard - past Gilardhi's, down the river, under the bridge, and arrived successfully at Port Sonoma, where the third boat, the Chinook waited. Sunday was spent in organization and anticipation. Monday the Scouts worked on rank advancements and decided to sail in the afternoon. There was, however, one minor complication: at low tide the fixed keel sail boats could not leave the marina. Hmmmmmmmmm!

The revised plan included rank advancement and skills building in the mornings, and sailing the river in the afternoons. We even managed to arrange a night cruise, returning just before the tide again made navigation in the marina impossible. Although we were frustrated by the mud, we cruised daily, and the boat crews learned to act as a unit, quickly, and efficiently. They also learned how to get a boat off the mud when they ran her aground. It proved a useful skill.

Three of the Scouts even completed the United States Power Squadron basic boating class, taking the test in and on the Chinook. There is not a more picturesque spot for a test. Steven, Evan, and Loren passed their tests.

Fun came in the form of capture the flag, tag, lounging around, and trips to the neighboring bait shop. Scouts practiced boating skills, and reviewed many of the regatta skills that are used frequently. It was also an adventure to see who was going to appear in the evening to visit. Mr. Hart, Mr. Guilford, Mr. Hansen, Mr. Bowers, and Mr. Ehrenpfort chaperoned us in the evening, and Mrs. Strohecker and Mr. Sterling brought us extra supplies, including extra lights and a power cord because someone had stolen many necessary supplies from the Chinook.

Friday was homecoming. We cleaned and fitted the boats for storage. We discovered that the Cal 20 needed new shrouds, so this time we sent Nick up the mast. When all boats were clean and battened down, we gratefully welcomed parents and departed, eager for the next sail days.