March 17, 2007
Spring Meeting
San Francisco Yacht Club

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

We heeled 15-20 degrees with just a jib. The speedo clocked 7.4 through the water, and the GPS was rock solid at 10.4 knots over the bottom. Bright sun highlighted Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate as the 4.7 knot ebb swept us across "the slot". Without touching a sheet we reached first north, then northwest as the wind fan through the Gate steadily backed and we raced past Angel Island and eased off inside of the Knox buoy to make for San Francisco Yacht Club and the I-36 Spring Meeting.

Indeed a great way to start another Islander season on the water. Ten boats arrived Friday afternoon and evening. And, it turned out, only one more boat arrived, and that on Sunday morning in time for breakfast! Dockside boats included Snowflower, Ophira, Evanescence, Woodbine, Natural High, Luna Sea, Freedom Won, Vanishing Animal, Diana, and Lean Times, with Miss Kryptonite arriving Sunday. But land yachts ferried another 27 boats' worth of skippers and crews until we had gathered a total representing 38 boats with 72 people for a grand time. Here's the list.

Boat Owners Crew/Guests
     
Arete Butch & Sandra Nelson  
Blockbuster Jim & Bill Higdon Niece & Brother
Blue Streak Don Schumacher  
Brigid Corky Stewart  
Captain Hooke Tom Newton 2 crew
Cassiopeia Kit Wiegman & Naomi Wortis Yvonne (2 months)
Diana Lou & Steve Zevanov  
Evanescense Smokey & Laurie Stover  
Falcon Bruce & Donna Hallberg  
Fantasy Reggie & Nita Stone  
Free Time Noel O'Brian  
Freedom Won John & Nanci Melton  
Kindred Spirits Don & Barbara Henderson  
Laughing Matter Michael Daley  
Lean Times Tim, Rhonda & Ian Shea  
Luna Sea Dan Knox & Myphi Alloy Bonnie Aiello
Mai Pen Rai Noble Brown  
Mischief Kathryn Munn  
Miss Kryptonite Steve Kent Dad
Mustang Joseph & Cate Krensavage (Baxter)
Natural High Dennis & Judy Bush  
Nimbus Mike & Daphne Dickson  
Ophira Gary & Pat Salvo  
Pacific High Harry Farrell, Carol & Michele Williams  
Pegasus Robert Aston & Mary Gleim  
Snowflower Skipper & Nancy Wall  
Sprint Bill & Jana Knopf  
Tacoma Blue Richard Watters  
Tenacious Kris & Christine Youngberg  
Tom Cat Barry Stompe  
Tranquility Ralph Greenwood 1 crew
True North Neil Lefmann  
( US Judge ) Tom Roberts  
Vanishing Animal Rick & Sandy Van Mell (Teak)
Windwalker Rich Shoenhair  
Woden Bob Knickerbocker & Maureen Drotleff (Bosun)
Woodbine Ron & Karen Damsen  
Zenith Art & Betsy Fowler  
( Boat in Spain ) Eli Bottrell  


Since this was the first ever Spring Meeting in Daylight Savings time, Friday evening seemed to slip by at least an hour faster. Vanishing Animal had invited the gang aboard for hors de oeuvres at 1730, but with ten boat fulls, and some of the gang already ensconced within Woodbine's cozy dodger/bimini enclosure, the fleet split between the two. As usual, and planned this time, the nibbles easily substituted for dinner. What with tri-tip bites from Pat Salvo, shrimp from Betsy Fowler, more goodies from Barb Henderson (walking quite nicely with a new knee), corned beef from Sandy Van Mell, and a variety of chips, dips and even potato salad and coleslaw, dinner was not an issue. Why, by the time it started to get dark, we realized it was pushing on toward 8 pm anyway.

Maybe the wine helped too. Conversations rolled on into the dark, and when it got too cool, moved below. San Francisco YC's latest security bit was a pair of halogen construction lights on a stand that at first were directed at the boats, but then thankfully raised to illuminate the rigging - quite a nice effect. Leaning back in the cockpit, beyond the reflecting Windex arrows atop the masts, Orion, Pleiades and a host of stars graced the sky. It was delightful; it was peacful; but even the strongest party people were tucked in their bunks by 2200.

San Francisco YC is just completing a major renovation with everything from exterior shingles to a lounge skylight and exquisite mahogany varnish work throughout. Though the little adjacent Cove House, where we hold the lunch meeting, has not yet been upgraded, it was already set on Saturday morning with big round tables dressed in fine linen and silverware ready for us. Michele Williams arrived by 0840 with a car-load of goodies and equipment for both the Rules Clinic and the luncheon. With a little help (or hindrance!) from Lou Zevanov and Rick Van Mell, all was set and ready to go shortly after 0900.

Though relatively mild and calm at the SFYC docks, what the locals call fog and the weather pros call low stratus streamed through the Golden Gate clear to the Berkeley shore with plenty of cold ocean wind pushing it. That probably was a deciding factor to keep other boats from sailing over on Saturday morning. Besides, it would be really hard to get your boat to SFYC in time for the morning event - the Rules Clinic at 0930 featuring senior US Sailing Judge Tom Roberts.

And what a fun time the Rules Clinic was. Tom does an excellent job of starting with the fundamentals of rules 10 - 13, and then expanding as everyone gets comfortable with the basics. He has a great sense of humor too, as when introducing Rule 14 by reminding people that sailing is not a contact sport. So, you're wondering, just who the heck remembers just what Rule 10, etc, is anyway? Most everyone already knows Rule 10 - Starboard has right of way over Port, and Rule 11 too - Windward Boat keep clear. Rule 12 is like US Coast Guard rules - a yacht clear astern shall keep clear of a yacht clear ahead. Those three take care of most situations, and Rule 13 simply adds that a boat changing course shall keep clear of a boat on a course (plus a few things). Then there's that Rule 14 - thou shalt avoid a collision. See all the attentive faces in the pictures below and you'll know that at least 30 people are smarter and safer out there thanks to Tom Roberts and Michele Williams who organized the Clinic. If you'd like to read a little more, here's an easy-read version of the rules: http://www.ussailing.org/rules/RulesInBrief.htm.

Bright sun was already washing the docks and deck as the Rules Clinic crowd spilled out to get ready for lunch. Conversations along the docks lingered in the warmth and we had to encourage everyone to mosey over to the Cove House. Nanci Melton, Laurie Stover and Karen Damsen held down the registration table, while Betsy Fowler handed out wine glasses to those imbibing wine with lunch. Laurie & Nanci provided appropriate St. Pattie's Day green decorations for the tables, and as folks got seated, Rick worked the room handing out copies of the Islander Blueprints CD to each boat.

Once again San Francisco YC and their friendly staff served a delicious lunch. Whether you chose London Broil, perfectly done like a magazine print, or the moist and tender chicken, you still got the crisp asparagus and white sauce, a leafy green salad, and, of course, the chocolate petit four, chocolate mousse and sherbet desert plate. Couldn't ask for more - nicely done.

Then Commodore Fowler had to break the spell by starting a meeting - of all things!!! Art welcomed our newest members, including Corky Stewart (Brigid), Bill & Jana Knopf (Sprint), Butch Nelson & Sandra Slate (who live aboard Arete), and Reggie & Nina Stone - members for 9 years but first time at a meeting (Fantasy). The Committee Reports were quickly (and nicely) presented, leaving some time to discuss the cruising season and the racing season. Michele Williams picked up where Joseph Krensavage had started using a PowerPoint presentation to describe the two racing options this year - the regular Season's Championship, and the new Casual Classic series. She also invited cruisers and racers alike to attend the Sail Trim Clinic on April 14th at GGYC, and expanded that to include an opportunity for racers to sign up mentors for a race or two during the season. Michele did a fine job and there is plenty of enthusiasm for the coming season. Kathryn Munn invited all interested to hear Gary Jobson talk at Encinal YC on the evening of April 4th.

Kit Wiegman was our featured speaker with his artful presentation of Cassiopeia's race to Hawaii and the sail back. Kit showed how the boat had been reinforced and set up for the ocean passage. Attention was given to crew safety with things like extra water, life raft, ditch bag and and EPIRB for emergency, and lee cloths for sleeping on an angle. His pictures showed both the agony of the first heavy weather heeled over days and the ecstasy of broad reaching with a spinnaker set under sunny skies. Of course the trip back is somewhat notorious too - with the worst weather usually reserved for the end! But it was a great show and even prompted Dan Knox to suggest we ought to get a fleet of Islanders into the race! Kit even brought his newest crew member along - 2 month old Yvonne with mom Naomi Wortis.

Warm afternoon sun drew many back to the docks following the meeting. Boat inspections were the rule, particularly for newer members. Robert Aston, our US Coast Guard Auxiliary certified Vessel Examiner, completed inspections on 8 of the 10 Islanders present and all passed inspection and got their 2007 Vessel Safety Inspection decals on their windows. These can be a big help if the Coast Guard comes along side to ask about inspections! If you'd like one, and they are quite straight forward, check out this link which is also on our Home Page: Get A Free Coast Guard Inspection.

Sunday evening was almost a carbon copy of Saturday night. Woodbine and Evanescence did the hosting honors and all piled aboard and still found goodies to contribute from their galleys and food lockers. Why there was even some more wine around! But once again, this wild crowd hit their bunks early.

Sunday morning most gathered for a fine breakfast inside SFYC where the fare ranged from juicy omelettes through pancakes and Belgian waffles! With great effort we arose from the tables to bid each other farewell and cast off to catch the flood tide back to our home ports as the sun chased the little fog away. What a great way to start the season!

Pictures by Lou Zevanov, Judy Bush, and Sandy & Rick Van Mell. Plus, there's a bonus section of pictures taken by Dan Knox on Sunday morning as boats were leaving Belvedere. You could call it, "Islanders at Play," featuring Snowflower, Evanescence & Diana. Click on images to enlarge, click "Back" to return.

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Rick & Teak...
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on watch...
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Sandy & Teak ...
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sailing north
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Approaching San Francisco
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AT&T Park & Transamerica
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Bay Bridge
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High rent district
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Says It All
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Dockside
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SFYC RC Boat
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Evening fun on ...
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Woodbine.
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Friday sparkles above...
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fun and ...
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games below.
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Saturday starter...
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Outside looks cool...
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and quiet ...
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good time for pics...
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Walk time ...
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"You bet!"
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Walking jacket
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Tim's asleep
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quiet here too...
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0845 Michele sets up...
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Cove House for show & tell
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Just about ready...
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"Let me get that lint."
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Diana looks...
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good.
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John looks for power.
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First watch...
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sees Gate fog...
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but calm and clear ...
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for the fleet.
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Evanescence & Luna Sea
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Woodbine & Natural High
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Freedom Won
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"Now where is everyone..."
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Snowflower & Ophira
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"that's nice!"
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Dock watchers
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Rules Clinic, Michele Williams
Tom Roberts, Art Fowler
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Art kicks it off...
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Michele introduces Tom...
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Tom lays down the rules...
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everyone is ...
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paying attention.
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Dockside activity...
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Tim hard at work
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Good conversations
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Senior member Bill Higdon.
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Bill's Niece & Brother
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Hey, time for lunch!
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Nita & Reggie Stone
Fantasy
Carol Williams
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Sandra Slate & Butch Nelson
Arete
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Nanci, Laurie & Karen run check-in
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Art keeps watch
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Baxter & Teak hang out...
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with Bosun
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Baxter Poses
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Betsy vends wine glasses
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Kathryn makes point
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Cate & Joseph check in
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Bob Knickerbocker &
Maureen Drotleff
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Nancy & Skipper Wall
Snowflower
Don Henderson
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Neil Lefmann, Donna & Bruce
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Art, MIchele & Kit Wiegman
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Last year's prizes
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Sandra & Butch
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Pat & Gary are ready
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Kathryn Munn, Mary Gleim,
Robert Aston, Michael Daley
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Corky Stewart
Brigid
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Jana & Bill Knopf
Sprint
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Donna & Bruce Hallberg
Falcon
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Reggie & Nita with Harry Farrell
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Nita, Carol & Harry
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Neil Lefmann
True North
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Rich shoenhair & don Schumacher
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Cate Krensavage (preggers) & Christine
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Kris & Barry Stompe
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Christine & Cate frame
Mike Dickson & Joseph Krensavage
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Michele
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John Melton & crew
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Pat & Gary Salvo & Noel O'Brien
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Jim & Bill Higdon
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Harry Farrell & ?
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Table talk ...
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goes round the ...
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room with all...
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smiles and ...
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good times...
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from corner ...
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to corner.
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Kit & Naomi's new Yvonne
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Commodore Fowler starts ...
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Secretary Judy Bush ...
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Treasurer Dan Knox ...
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Newsletter Kathryn Munn...
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Rick's swingin' report...
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& Sandy's chest
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Cruise chair John Melton ...
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Race chair MIchele Williams ...
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Lou Zevanov gets flags
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Rich Shoenhair gets prizes
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so does John Melton.
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"Where's mine?"
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Michele presents the ...
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racing season & ....
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Mentor program.
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Plus the Casual Classics
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Eli Bottrell tells of boat in Spain
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Neil found great gadgets
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Kit's presentation
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Great show!
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Dockside chats follow...
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Nice umbrella ...
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Bimini shelter ...
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Laurie's got wine ...
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Evanescence shade ...
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Snowflower cozy ...
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good time talk.
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Tirubron still has sun...
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Angel Island too...
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Corinthian YC.
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Checking Damsen's drawings
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Nancy Wall & John Melton
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Laurie, Smokey & Skipper
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Rick says Hi
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Why is this crowd...
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gathering around ...
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Pat Salvo?
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Happy Birthday!
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Good girl!
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Tastes great ...
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All agree ...
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"Where's mine?"
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Corky's relaxed
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John, Dan & Bonnie smile
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Judy & Lou fun
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Big rub feels...
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sooooo good.
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Sunday morning...
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looks OK ...
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Let's have breakfast
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Pat, Dennis, Judy & Gary
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Rick's stil working ...
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Sandy, Skipper, Nancy & Laurie
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Karen & Ron
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Lou, Dan & Bonnie
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Steve Kent & Dad
Miss Kryptonite
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Tim cleans up!
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Flag time.
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Time to get ...
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going...
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break up the raft...
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under way...
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Freedom Won heads home.

Islanders At Play
Sunday, March 18, 2007

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Tiburon astern
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Snowflower
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Evanescence
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Looks Great
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Looks even better
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Better?
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Picture postcard
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Diana
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Come play here!
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Luna Sea
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Evanexcence
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