For 25 participants, CYC had a great cruise to Kingston the last weekend in April. We had nothing but sunshine with a moderate breeze all day Saturday. Then on Sunday the breeze was perfect for sailing, we had plenty of sun in the morning and afternoon, but around 1:00 pm it rained for perhaps 20 minutes before clearing again. Just long enough for this writer to put his foulies on, and then catch the rainbow. 

We had nine boats make the rendezvous including Scott and Linda Seefeldt’s brand new Targa 37 motor vessel Apex. Ron and Peggy Watt on Solstice, and David and Gyung Huntsman on Lolo arrived a day early, and Friday evening at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club house we enjoyed meeting members of the Emerald Rose Yacht Club that was also having their April rendezvous at the Kingston marina.

Saturday, the marina staff grilled hot dogs, onions, and buns for us as their way of saying thanks to the visiting two yacht clubs. Many of our boats got in early Saturday, and all commented on their nice sail. We had Karen Arndt and Erik Noonberg arrive by Washington State Ferry, plus Hans Reinhardt on Eté was able to get outside crew support both Saturday and Sunday by taking advantage of the alternative transportation available via the Kingston ferry. By midafternoon Saturday all our boats had arrived, and we had pre-dinner snacks and drinks on the dock in the gazebo adjacent to our slips. We were inspired by the neighboring Rose Yacht Club’s Annual Margarita Challenge.  A tradition I think we may adopt during a future CYC cruise.

Our club’s Saturday dinner was at the Kingston Ale House where 19 of us met. Later that evening, most of the adults met on the dock’s gazebo where we enjoyed drinks, more snacks, and witty conversation until at least 10:00 pm. Sunday morning many enjoyed having breakfast in the gazebo, and probably an equal number also visited the local creperie for breakfast.

The boats not already mentioned in attendance with crews include Altair, Sea Elegans, Whale Shadow, Wind Dancer, and Outlaw. On their return cruise, crew on at least three of the boats were blessed with orca sightings. With beautiful weather, a star-filled evening, lots of social interaction, and orca sightings, this April Kingston cruise proved to be a wonderful event for many. 

- David & Gyung Huntsman
S/V Lolo