A happy close of the 4th to all. I hope you everyone had a good 4th of July. LZ and I went for our first 4th of July sail that I can recall. Usually we send the day at the marina, sipping wine, napping, grilling, float and kicking it. This year, I invited a couple of the Chan group family over for a sail. It was their first time on a sail boat. I thought with a Boat named Zen, the Chan ( Zen) group getting their first sail would be appropriate. We were an interesting group, representing, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and America.

It is nice sailing our of the estuary. It was not crowded as I thought it would be. We had an easy sail up to Jack London sq. It of course took several tacks, but it was really nothing. The wind was good, not too much not to little. A good day  to be out for a casual sail with first timers. The estuary is my teaching grounds for the city of Oakland, for me the day was a practice in single handling even though I had a boat load of people. LZ was injured from playing tennis so I did not want her moving around much. I handled everything at docking and cast off, it is all in the planning, skill , going slow and help from the Force. She did help steer a couple of time when I need to do something.

Everyone was excited to be out and it was a perfect day for it. We docked at JLS easily. I docked on the far side for a change, since there was already a boat in my usual spot. Which was ok, because the wind pushed me next to the dock this way.

We docked and took a walk to a Korean BBQ, I had some spicy tofu, rice and veggies. Yum, The others had misc stuff. I spotted something I will try next time, the spicy Tofu and some soba noodles and veggies. Oshiso. We shared a huge dessert, one of which was peaches with flaming brandy, hmmmmm good. Not as sweet as I thought it would be, so it was good!

The trip back was smooth fast and easy, which was good because LZ and I had more to do later. Everyone ( but me) was surprised at how short a time it took. We came back in with another  islander, a  I-30 we saw as we were leaving. There seems to be quite a number of Islander around this area. I meet the owners of another in my marina yesterday, and there are at least three of 4 others that I have spotted.

I digress. The day sail Part I, was fun and good practice. LZ kept remarking how she is ready for a longer trip, she wants to practice for Japan. Big change from when she first started. We have another sail next weekend with some friends. It will again be a short sail, but there is a longer one coming with the I-36 group in Aug. Banzaii!