If this issue isn't up to our excellent standards, it's because Marianne is off for the next two weeks conducting primary research cruising the Chesapeake. The things we have to do around here are just over the top sometimes!

Wow! Could we have had any better weather for the Independence Day weekend? Hope you found time to get out on the water and enjoy it to the max! Some Alameda staff and members raced Eureka! in the BBYC Friday Griller Race on the 1st and were treated to a rare shirtsleeve evening on the bay. Unfortunately, that meant the winds were too light to drive Eureka!'s 30,000+ displacement to a winning position, but we had fun (really the whole point) and got a chance to practice with the chute in light air.

If you miss Marianne's friendly face around the club while she's away, we have a full immersion program at the ready. She's the chief organizer of the Petaluma River Cruise, which is just one month away, August 5-7. If you've already been to Petaluma, you know what a great destination it is. If you haven't, get your crew together and reserve your boat. It's a terrific long weekend cruise and well within the capabilities of anyone with a Basic Cruising certification or better, especially going with a group. Check out the feature block below and get signed up today!