2025 Bay and Delta extravaganza: Sign Up

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johnrmarshall22

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21st Annual Delta and Bay Extravaganza

The historic 21st Annual Delta and Bay Extravaganza will be taking place Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. This event has been held every year straight since 2003 except for years 2020 and 2021 which were canceled due to Covid.

One of the reasons this trip is so unique is the visit to Wheeler Island. Hosted by John and Robbin Eudy our stop at the Black Mallard Duck Club is a rare opportunity to see several types of birds in their natural habitat. We have been fortunate in the past to take part in excellent fishing conditions!

If you were interested in being part of this extravaganza, please reserve your place now by indicating on this thread that you will be going. Just a reminder, you are signing up for a full seven day journey. Please do not sign up unless you can commit to showing up to this extravaganza and you can attend the entire event.

You might look at the last 20 years of threads if you want some idea of what the gathering is like. There is also extensive video documentation on this event by Floyd Stewart on this site to help you visualize this journey.

This year our venues will be similar to previous years, but the overall trip is now seven days. This allows us to spend two days at a couple of our very favorite locations. The first being Wheeler Island and the second being San Francisco’s South Beach Harbor. We are adding two additional stops. Sausalito’s Schoonmaker Marina is reserved for Tuesday night. Many of you may remember the group stopped here in the past. On the rebound from San Francisco approximately midway to Rio Vista we will stop in Benicia.

Our itinerary begins on Sunday, May 4 where we will leave from Rio Vista at 12 PM heading to Wheeler Island. We will then spend two nights at Wheeler Island. Tuesday we journey from Wheeler Island to Sausalito. Wednesday to South Beach, San Francisco where we spend two nights. Bright and early Friday we leave from San Francisco to Benicia and on Saturday we finish our journey in Rio Vista.

There is a strict ten (10) boat maximum for the extravaganza. This maximum is because of the duck club and San Francisco Marina space limitations.

Five (5) vessels are already signed up:

Slack Time - John and Laurie
Pounder -Jim and Kathy
Dinner Belle II -John and Robbin
Dora Jean - Steve, et al
Olsurfdog - Michael, et al

These five boats are veterans of many extravaganzas. They basically signed up in advance of this announcement.

Right now there are five spaces left. The next five boats signed up will be able to go. Please be aware that this event fills up quickly and the maximum is 10 boats. Those indicating they want to attend after the 10 boat limit is reached will be put on a waiting list. They will be added to the list if someone else drops out before the event takes place.

If you make the commitment to go on this trip, you will likely enjoy the journey. There are many repeat folks at this event year after year. We love to have new folks with us, so please do not hesitate as we truly welcome all C-Brats, both the new and old timers!

This extravaganza is about 2 1/2 months away. The required deposit amount and various slip fees will be posted later, but please reserve your place NOW if you intend to go.

Sincerely,
John and Laurie
 
While I'm sadly unable to attend this year's event, which holds so many cherished memories, I'm thrilled that John is continuing the tradition. This gives me hope of participating again in the future. I encourage everyone to experience San Francisco and the river delta from this unique and unforgettable perspective.
 
Karl Konecny":3pzzytdj said:
I'm glad you are keeping the tradition going. I really enjoyed last year but can't make it this year. I'll be back another time, though.
Karl
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We too thank you for keeping this tradition going. I grew up in the SF Bay Area and would love to spend time there again, especially with so many nice C-Brats folks. Hope it works out for us to be there next year. Gary and Colleen
 
I too wish I could make it, but Friday Harbor was on the calendar for this year. Wish I could be in two places at once. :) Perhaps it'll work out next year. This is definitely one of the fun cruises! And the Duck Club is a great experience! Colby
 
Hello all
Jim and Cindi we look forward to having you join the Group! It is our pleasure and honor to be able to carry the tradition of the Delta and Bay Extravaganza that Jim Gibson started so many years ago. We will, of course miss some dear friends that can’t make it this year, we understand obligations and conflicts. We did our best to try to accommodate various schedules, but there’s a lot of wheels in motion.

So far that leaves just four (4)more spaces open and then we will begin a waiting list. As mentioned before, we will have more specific details with regard to itinerary, responsibilities, and fees. This trip is one of the highlights of our boating experiences, and we hope that others join up!!

John and Laurie
Slack Time
 
I am bringing this site back to the top for John and Laurie. They are currently traveling in Indonesia as part of an extended trip to Oceania. We would hope to get some more attendance for this great gathering.
 
The Delta and Bay Extravaganza has room for 4 more boats. Stop dreaming of the Delta and Bay Extravaganza and sign up today!

Check out Floyd’s excellent video on his various adventures including this 2017 video of the Delta and Bay Extravaganza. He does some nice work here and really gives you some insight as to what to expect.

https://youtu.be/zfK0Rkv7F0o?si=oVGOe9Yf4k6ZIugF

The best part of this event is the route we travel and the many locations we visit while getting to know our fellow CBrats. While traveling on the water we
are treated to many unique picturesque sights. We pass under five bridges and around several islands. Laurie and I as well as others have traveled these waters for years and can often provide insight to what you're looking at.

Six boats are confirmed:

1. Slack Time - John and Laurie
2. Pounder - Jim and Kathy
3. Dinner Belle II - John and Robbin
4. Dora Jean - Steve, etal
5. Olsurfdog - Michael, etal
6. Morning Star - Jim and Cindi

All marinas have confirmed and are ready for us to arrive.

May 4, Sunday Delta Marina, Rio Vista - Depart at noon
Room for 7 vehicles and trailers; overnight parking $20 first night, then $5 for additional nights
Launch fee is $20
Overnight stay before/after cruise is $1.50 per foot

May 4, Sunday Overnight at Wheeler Island - no fees
May 5, Monday Overnight at Wheeler Island - no fees

May 6, Tuesday Overnight at Schoonmaker Point Marina, Sausalito
Overnight fee is $2.50 per foot; $10 per key; $3 Electric

May 7, Wednesday Overnight at South Beach Harbor, San Francisco
May 8, Thursday Overnight at South Beach Harbor, San Francisco
Bring current registration and proof of insurance
Fees $35 per night; $10 deposit = $80

May 9, Friday Overnight at Benicia Marina, Benicia
Fee $1.50 per foot

May 10, Saturday Return to Rio Vista

We always look forward to this trip. It's one of our boating highlights of each year truly it's the people that make this voyage so much fun!
 
Hi Guys,

We have been dealing with Mom's medical issues but I think it's looking like we will be able to attend. Please add us to the list and I will update you if anything changes.

Thanks,
Steve and Karen
 
I'm so Jealous. It won't be for a few years until I can do this trip but this was my sales territory for 25 yrs and all I could do was look down from bridges...Can't wait.
Don & Kim
 
Don and Kim we look forward to having you along in the future!

We now have seven (7) boats confirmed for our 2025 Delta and Bay Extravaganza, that leaves 3 more spaces available. We would like to fill all spots as this is truly a great sampling of the our northern California waters and should not be missed.

As we approach our launch date of May 4 Laurie and I will be providing a few more cruise details and assignments for our famous pot luck!

Hope to see you on the water!

John and Laurie
Slack Time
 
Just a friendly reminder to everyone boating on California waters and are a resident of the State, as of January 1, 2025 everyone (all ages) are now required to have a California Boater Card.

Go to www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com. You are required to take about a 7 hour boating safety course and then pass a 60 question test, with a minimum of an 80% pass rate.

I just received my Card in the mail. If you are stopped while boating in California without the Card there is a minimum initial fine of $100.00.

I hate to break this news to those who do not know.
 
Wow Jim. Sucks that California did that. I have both a USCG boaters card and another private boating safety class card. Crazy that California wants their own stuff....probably a way for them to make money off of boaters. It's time we just have a federal card for those of us that boat in different states, that covers us for all. Including all the crazy AIS certificates and stickers. Colby
 
Colby, take a look at the FAQs on the site Jim linked. As long as you meet the requirements of your home state you do not need the CA card for less than 60 days of temporary boating. Jim mentioned the resident part of the CA rule in his post.

Oregon has had a boater safety card requirement for several years and it has never been a problem for anyone I know of. I believe Washington has one, too. California likes their own stuff, alright, but they are behind a lot of other states on this one.
 
colbysmith":3n0q0ivt said:
Wow Jim. Sucks that California did that. I have both a USCG boaters card and another private boating safety class card. Crazy that California wants their own stuff....probably a way for them to make money off of boaters. It's time we just have a federal card for those of us that boat in different states, that covers us for all. Including all the crazy AIS certificates and stickers. Colby
Click to expand...

Colby your Wisconsin Boater card should be reciprocated with Calif.

Sometimes it pays to let your fingers do the walking (Yellow pages,),... or Google California boating Card Web site:

Boating safety courses must be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and DBW. The courses may be classroom, home study or online. A Spanish language course, Curso de Navegación, is offered by the U.S. Power Squadrons. The current list of approved courses can be found online at www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com.[/quote

Florida is one of many states which allow reciprocity with any other state which has the (NASBLA) requirement. We don't need another federal government agency or test. It works that way with driver's licenses.

48 STATES, PR, GUAM, VI, AMERICAN SOMOA, AND MARSHAL ISLANDS have reciprocity with California. The exception is Louisiana, and CT, which have some specific requirements for Boating, PWC and Towing Waterskier.

Next you know there will be required insurance! Don't give the other states this idea please! Hi, Utah, and Arkansas do have this requirement! I have never heard of Utah DNR checking boats on Lake Powell for insurance...but they can.
Click to expand...
 
Bob, you are correct. I jumped the gun a bit. While the main page on California's new boating card law makes it sound like even non-residents need the card, which is BS if the case, I did look a little farther. Once you get to their Q&A page: https://californiaboatercard.com/faqs-2/
It has one caveat that states: A person who is a resident of a state other than California who is temporarily operating a vessel in California for less than 60 days and meets the boating requirements, if any, of his/her state. (In my own defense, I read all this last night, and misread one of the Q&A... I've got to stop doing stuff on the computer after a long day. lol)
So in essence their law really hasn't changed much in regards to out of state residents. The exemption is pretty much true with all states, and doesn't look like it has changed in regards to California's new law. Thanks for posting that info! Colby
 
And Tyboo, you are correct as well. I could have sworn when I read the information I googled last night, it said even non-residents....But I should have known better. Thanks again to both of you for pointing it out. Saved my $10 as I was ready to just get the California card!
 
Here is the final itinerary for the 21st Annual Delta and Bay Extravaganza! Our 7 day trip will start in Rio Vista on May 4th. We will head to the Black Mallard Duck Club on Wheeler Island for 2 days then proceed to Sausalito for 1 day. From Sausalito we will traverse the SF Bay to South Beach Harbor (next to the Giants Stadium) for 2 days. Benicia will be our last stop on Friday, May 9th before we head back to Rio Vista to conclude the trip on Saturday, May 10th. This itinerary covers approximately 200 NM cruising under several bridges including an optional cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge. Gas is available in Rio Vista, Sausalito and Benicia. Bring proof of your boat’s registration and insurance paperwork.

Seven boats are signed up and confirmed. We have room for three more boats! Clear your schedule and sign up for fun!

1. John and Laurie (Slack Time)
2. Jim and Kath (Pounder)
3. John and Robbin (Dinner Belle II)
4. Steve, et al (Dora Jean)
5. Michael, et al (Olsurfdog)
6. Jim and Cindi (Morning Star)
7. Steve and Karen (Sea Spray)

South Beach Harbor, Schoonmaker Point Marina and the Benicia Marina all require payment in advance. See fees below.

South Beach Marina $35 per night (x2), $10 non-refundable deposit $80

Schoonmaker Point $2.50 per foot: $55 for a 22’ boat OR $62.50 for a 25’ boat
Optional: $10 deposit for card key
Optional: $ 3 for electric hookup

Benicia Marina $1.50 per foot: $33 for 22’ boat OR $37.50 for 25’ boat

22’ boat: $80+55+33=$168
25’ boat: $80+62.50+37.50=$180
Optional fees are paid upon arrival
Please forward a check made payable to John Marshall at 766 S. Regatta Drive, Vallejo CA 94591. Also, include first and last name for yourself and all crew, boat name and CF number for marina reservations. In case you do not have my cell phone number, it is 707-246-9322.

1. Sunday, May 4th, Delta Marina, Rio Vista
Marina contact number: 707-374-2315
Depart at Noon for arrival at Black Mallard Duck Club mid-afternoon

• Launch fee of $15 to be paid individually on check-in
• Vehicle and trailer parking in the area near the marina office
• Parking $5 per day paid at check-in.
• Pay total $50 ($15 + $35) in cash upon check-in

If you want to arrive a day or more earlier, the guest docking is $1.25 per foot per night. Reservations may be necessary if you arrive more than one day in advance.

2. Sunday, May 4th and Monday, April 5th, Black Mallard Duck Club, Wheeler Island

• Boats rafted double, boat-to-boat at Club dock, 25’ boats in first
• Bring enough boat fenders to raft up to the dock and for other boats to raft to you
• No shore power or water hook-ups
• Restrooms and showers in the clubhouse
• Fishing at Wheeler Island can be very good, consider bringing gear and a license
• No marina fees!

John and Robbin Eudy are hosting a gourmet BBQ dinner for everyone on Sunday night. Laurie and I are hosting breakfast for everyone on Monday morning.

Monday evening we are having a BBQ hamburger and striped bass pot luck. Laurie and I will prepare the striped bass. Please sign up to bring one of the items listed below:

• Hamburgers, buns and condiments
• Green salad with dressing on the side
• Potato or Macaroni salad or something similar
• Vegetable side dish
• Chips and dip
• Desert of your choice

Please plan to bring enough food for 17 people. Please BYOB – bring your own beverage for dinner.

3. Tuesday, May 6th, Schoonmaker Point Marina, Sausalito
Marina contact number: 415-331-5550

First option for docking is inside the marina entrance, 2nd option Row F on outside. TBD
Bathrooms and showers are located nearby.
Several restaurants as well as the SF Bay Model are within walking distance.

4. Wednesday, May 7th and Thursday, May 8th, South Beach Harbor, San Francisco
Marina contact number: 415-495-4911
*Bring proof of boat insurance and registration to office when picking up gate key*

All boaters can depart Sausalito at their leisure before noon. Our dock spaces in San Francisco are available at noon.

San Francisco has many places to visit and sites to see! One of our favorite places to visit is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It has been making custom Fortune Cookies by hand since 1962. Their factory at 56 Ross Alley can be reached by train or Uber. An interesting site to see is the Pied Piper Bar and Restaurant inside the Palace Hotel. There is a huge piece of artwork by Maxfield Parrish above the bar. The address is 555 California Street and can be reached by walking approx. 1.5 miles or by Uber.

5. Friday, May 9th, Benicia Marina, Benicia
Marina contact number: 707-745-2628
Depart South Beach Harbor early am – time TBD upon conditions

Our group will be double rafted at the municipal dock. Restroom and shower access is by code. A short distance away is the Benicia Yacht Club. Lunch is available at the club. Many other restaurants are within walking distance. The Benicia Capital State Historic Park which was the location of the third State Capital is nearby. There is a display depicting the 1853-1854 Senate Chamber. Open 10-5 pm.

6. Saturday, May 10th, Delta Marina, Rio Vista
Depart Benicia Marina early am

We will continue Jim and Kathy’s tradition of hosting breakfast at the Striper Restaurant after all boats are on their trailers.

Just a quick reminder that this trip is truly an adventure and as such has both inherent risks and possible changes to the itinerary. The San Francisco Bay can be a challenging place for boaters as winds, tides and boat traffic can cause some havoc. We will be carefully monitoring sea conditions especially as we venture to cross the San Pablo Bay. Most years we have crossed San Pablo with ease… some years have been rough and some we decided to simply wait it out.

To quote Jim Gibson “As always, each boat captain is solely responsible for his/her own boat’s and passenger’s ultimate safety and well being. Each Skipper is not to rely on the judgement (or lack thereof) of the Pack Commodore.” In short, you are responsible for making sure that both you and your boat are properly prepared for this journey. This has always been a fun adventure and I am confident the 2025 Delta and Bay Extravaganza will be as well.
 
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