DSPS Annual Ox Bow Cruise and Rendezvous

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to brush the leaves off the deck, polish the brightwork, and make everything Bristol fashion. That's right. The annual DSPS cruise to the Ox Bow Marina is only weeks away. This is our traditional cruise to open our boating season. We pack a lot into a weekend of boating so early in the season. Mark your calendars for Saturday 5/3 and Sunday, 5/4. Reservations are due soon.

The cruise officially starts on Saturday, but many of us gather on Friday. In years past we've gone to the Hotel Del Rio in Isleton, but ths year we are doing a potluck on the patio instead. Contact Melissa if you want more information about this potluck.

Costs and Reservations

Reservations and all fees are due April 24th. For reservations, see the form in the March issue of the Meridian. Dock space at Ox Bow is limited, so get your reservations in early so you don't miss out on the fun.

Friday, May 2nd

As stated above, the cruise officially starts on Saturday, but Friday arrivals are fine. For the Friday cruisers, there's no formal fleet maneuvers planned. However, you may want to connect up with other Friday cruisers to see if you can arrange some informal cruising groups from your home marina area. You'll want to plan to arrive in time to get your boat secured before dinner.

Also remember that the Mokelumne River Bridge is still on Winter hours until May 1st, so plan on being past the bridge prior to 1700.

Dinner usually starts around 1900, but this schedule may be different this year with the potluck. More details on this soon.

Saturday, May 3rd

For those people who came up Friday night, the Ox Bow Marina and Yacht Club put out a continental breakfast spread over at the Clubhouse. The banquet includes pastries, fruit, juice, and champagne, and many other tasty tidbits for your breakfast. The cost can't be beat: FREE! The buffet is open from 0700 to 0900, so get up early and enjoy breakfast at the club.

Fleet Rendezvous

Location: Q R "46" (N38º 05' 47", W121º 34' 53") (Chart 18661), near the mouth of the Mokelumne River, across from Korth's Pirate Lair.

Time: 1030

VHF Channel: 71 (Low Power)

One of the DSPS Flag Officers will lead the fleet up the Mokelumne River and Georgiana Slough, to the Ox Bow Marina.

You can also plan your arrival on your own if you choose, but cruising with the fleet is part of the experience. Regardless if you are traveling with the fleet or not, all boats should be at the marina and tied up by 1200.

There is no formal lunch planned, so you are on your own for lunch. The marina has a general store and a lunch counter, but the grill will not be open until later in May. There are no restaurant facilities an easy distance from the marina. You need to plan accordingly.

Those of you "Land cruising," and joining us by car, should plan to arrive before 1300, because...

Yes, the annual, and even World-famous, DSPS Ox Bow Horseshoe tournament is back again. Do your stretching exercises and be ready to start pitching at 1300. Helmets and shin guards are optional, but based on past experience, may be desirable. Even for the spectators. (Just kidding.)

The Ox Bow Cruise/Rendezvous is also a DSPS Dinner meeting, so all members are encouraged to join us for dinner, even if you come by car. The dinner and meeting will be held at the Ox Bow Yacht Club. Social hour begins at 1700. David Anderson will have the DSPS bar set up and open for business. Dinner is at 1830, and the menu will be:

Coffee will also be served. The cost for dinner is $18.00 per person, which includes everything. After dinner, we will have our DSPS meeting.

Sunday, May 5th

Another DSPS tradition, the "Breakfast Potluck on the Dock" is also included in this year's Ox Bow adventure. Everyone should bring (or make) a breakfast dish to share. Breakfast is at 0930. "Fizzes" will be served at 0900.

After breakfast, the much-coveted (Hmmm) Ox Bow Trophy will be awarded. Last year's award winner will be more than happy to pass the trophy along to this year's "Lucky" recipient.

After the festivities, it doesn't usually take long before the gear is stowed, the lines are cast off, and the fleet heads for home. Plan on a departure around 1100. You are welcome to leave a bit later if you prefer; but remember the Mokelumne River Bridge is still on Winter Hours, so you will need to be through before 1700. After that, you either need to find another way around, or plan to stay an extra night.

The USPS Ensign (Flag Design), "Wheel-and-Flag Design", "Officer Trident Design","United States Power Squadrons", "USPS", "The Ensign", "the Squadron" with flag graphic, "Boat Smart", "Jet Smart", and "America's Boating Club" are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons.

*Fleet Rendezvous*
	Location:	Q R "46" (N38º 05' 47", W121º 34' 53") (Chart 18661), near the mouth of the Mokelumne River, across from Korth's Pirate Lair.
	Time:	1030
	VHF Channel:	71 (Low Power)
	One of the DSPS Flag Officers will lead the fleet up the Mokelumne River and Georgiana Slough, to the Ox Bow Marina.