Pearl had a rendezvous at Angel Island on Saturday, with two other boats showing up for a potluck picnic. There were five aboard Pearl, we had a great time, especially Lee, who spotted a whalespout near Angel Island. Unfortunately, the local news had a story about a dead baby whale found inside the bay yesterday. I'm glad I missed seeing it, whales don't come into the bay that often, and it was likely the same animal.
Ten of us were at Angel Island to picnic, and the usual entertainment was available: boats having a difficult time with the current. When the current is running at any speed at all through Raccoon Straits, it causes back eddying within Ayala Cove, and makes for scenarios that rival anything available in a movie theatre. As one sailing friend advised: aim two slips up from the one you actually want, and just go for it. I almost always check the tide book before heading for Ayala Cove, I'd rather sail than be the entertainment for everyone picnicing in the cove!
Doug and Catherine bought a beautiful Whitehall, hand built in the Fort Bragg area. It's the same size as yellowboat, completely wood, and it has a sail rig! The new boat is called "Resolute" to reflect their resolution to row it frequently. The boat will stay in their yard on a trailer, and will keep company with yellowboat on the waterways of northern California. Resolute and yellowboat are an impressive pair of traditional boats and maritime history!
