Welcome to Seabacs' Past Cruises


Past cruise reports for 2007 and 2008 to-date can be found in the newsletter. Here's a sampling of reports from previous years.


September 23 - 24, 2005
Bell Harbor Cruise
Cruise Lieutenants:
Bill and Lea Hickman206-878-2771
Paul and Birgit Hunter253-838-9171


Seven boats and two drive-ins attended a beautiful sunny weekend in the heart of Seattle's waterfront.
Alongside our flotilla moored three major cruise ships and a paddle wheeler, "Empress of the North," for our viewing pleasure.
Friday nights' Pyazz Poker was once again won by Larry Lavagetto.
On Saturday several couples walked up to the Pike Place Market for breakfast and a view of Elliott Bay. Major shopping was enjoyed afterwards.
Several attendees participated in the book exchange and most participated in the trivia quiz. Winners were the Waffles, Allgeirs, and Lavagettos.
We feasted on a delicious spaghetti dinner potluck. The evening was completed by a Mexican Train game. The "Sandman" won!
A Sunday morning breakfast of buttermilk pancakes and fresh blackberry sauce was served to the cruise attendees. Members made their way home during the Coast Guard Homeland Security exercise. Individual "Tall Tales" to be related later!


June 24 - 26, 2005
Blakely Bay Anchor Out
Cruise Lieutenants: Mike and Bonnie Kelley (360) 829-1541

A small turnout of 3 boats had a wonderful time at Blakely Bay.
Each boat was given a gift of a childs sand pail with shovel filled with snacks and a wine cooler and a bottle of beer.
This was their survival kit should they get stranded on Blakely Rock during the dingy flotilla to that location.
The theme of the cruise was "Remember Gilligans Island".
All had fun playing Mexican Train, and Piass Poker (won by Bill Hickman), enjoyed their BBq'd steaks and the tasking of the wines.

Now THE REST OF THE STORY!
The boats attending were Mary Ann, Lady Lea, and Kertaljos.
You will note that the cruise lts. boat Tsitika was not listed.
Well, repairs to the hull were made and the boat floats.
Unfortunately, after getting it loaded for the weekend, she refused to run. Luckily we were able to send all of the cruise party stuff with Hickmans. Thank you so much for handling this cruise for us.
Mike worked all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on our boat.
Thanks to Will Lebahn, Mike Haverly and some members of the Des Moines Yacht Club and Larry Lavagetto by phone for all of their help. Wiring has been traced, overworked batteries replaced and or recharged, starters replaced or rebuilt, and things are looking up. We will soon be out on the water.


June 17 - 19, 2005
NBC Picnic
Brownsville
Cruise Lieutenants: Bill an Mary Ann Balyeat (360) 895-8415

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EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT, EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT
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SEABACS WENT FOR THE GOLD ON THE BASKET AND WON! SEABACS HAD THE MOST BOATS IN THE MARINA! SEABAC'S COMMODORE AND FIRST MATE CAME IN SECOND IN THE BLINDFOLDED DINGY RACE! SEABACS!!

Cruise Report on Brownsville Cruise to Northwest Boating Council (NBC) Picnic.
A great time was had by all. The weather got better each day and by Sunday, was spectacular. It was so nice that Hickmans even stayed until Monday.

The cruise to Brownsville was a great cruise. Everyone who participated either by donating a gift to the raffle basket or by attending or by doing both, made it happen.

THANK YOU!! EVERYONE! SEABACS (YOU) DID IT!
Thursday and Friday, boats arrived and just enjoyed the peace and serenity of the beautiful marina as well as getting to know other boaters from the Clubs that were represented. Saturday the fun began! Bocce Ball, Horse Shoes, Croquet competition had participants from Seabacs. Our teams didn't win first prize, but Hey, we had to leave something for the other Clubs to win.

Our beautiful raffle basket that was entered by Seabac's took the first prize. It was a beautiful basket containing outstanding items donated by Seabac Club members. The artistic crew put the details together, with Susan Williams and Eileen Edel maneuvering the cellophanewrap, Mary Ann, Ardis Lavagetto, Susan Kincaid, and Leslie Waffle holding ends of the cellophane wrap as Susan secured it. We had a wonderful mobile of seagulls hanging from the beautiful white ribbon & bow. A ribbon surrounded the basket with
“Seabac's Sentimental Journey Through Washington”

written on it with red glitter. Everyone in the Club contributed something, ideas, hands on, donated items, it was a great group effort! THANK YOU.

There was a lot of competition. WSU boat club had an all WSU basket, there was a South Seas's basket, very artistic plaid wrapped basket; etc., etc. The judges really checked the baskets out and said we had authentically included “made in Washington” items as advertised and stayed with the theme, plus, it was pretty and loaded with quality items. NCB collected a record amount of funds for their yearly fund raising event and were quite pleased with all of our efforts. Two of the raffle prizes were certificates for gasoline, a real hit with everyone.

Seabacs also served lunch of hot dogs, brats, chips and soda pop. For $2.50, that's a real deal lunch. Saturday morning breakfast by Viking YC was outstanding with ham, Chuck Martin's secret recipe scrambled eggs, hot cakes, and all the trimmings, plus coffee, tea and juice. What a feed for $3.00. To top things off, we gathered on the dock for a pot luck dinner after all the activities and just ate, then talked until darkness sent us home to our own boats.

We declare the NBC Picnic a great success.
Submitted by Cruise Lts. Commodore Bill and First Mate Mary Ann Balyeat


May 27 - 30, 2005
Swantown Memorial Day Cruise
Olympia
Cruise Lieutenants: Bob and Ginny Jackson (253) 735-2441
  Mark and Terri Allgeier (253) 813-1909

The 2005 Memorial Day Cruise to Swantown started with early arrivals being all who came by boat. Early, early arrivals included:
Bob & Ginny Wetli on Olive 'R Twist II,
Denny & Sharron Horn in D'Baitable
Bill and Lea Hickman on Lady Lea.
Wave Rider with Will LeBahn and Susan Kincaid
Mark and Terri Allgeier on Terramar II,
Bill and Mary Ann Ballyeats on the Mary Ann,
Craig and Leslie Waffle on Otter Be
The 3 of us on Pacifier
rounded out the crew.
Given the tide situation, “early” was the order of the day on Friday for those who wanted to get through the Narrows in this lifetime. Pacifier left Tyee Marina at 6:15 AM and tied up in Olympia around 9:30 AM. Those who came later contributed lots of bucks to the petroleum industry and got a long, long look at the new Narrows Bridge section.

Backing up a bit, we must talk about the amazing adventures of the Otter Be. Following their many tries at fixing her mechanical problems, Craig and Leslie bravely launched her there at Swantown. Alas, the motor died en route to the A dock. A flotilla of 2 wannabe tugs (operated by B. Hickman and B. Jackson) maneuvered the larger disabled craft to its slip where it served as lodging for its crew that night. On Saturday, a gaggle of pseudo boat mechanics huddled around the stricken vessel. As things developed, it was discovered that it wasn't so much a mechanical problem as a mechanic problem. Will LeBahn emerged victorious, a real mechanic, solving the puzzle and apparently fixing the boat. To the best of his ability, Mike Kelley supervised Will from the comfort of a director's chair. Good job, Mike! You Otter Be a supervisor in your next life.

Although the Swantown Marina management leaves something to be desired, it is a very nice facility, and Olympia is such a great destination. The Farmers' Market offers everything from beautiful flowers to emu oil. The landmark Spar Café is not to be missed. Percival Landing has been very nicely done and is so great for a stroll.
Temperatures in the 80-90s greeted us on Friday. As evening approached, Bill and Lea treated us to a wonderful smoked fish appetizer (probably not farm raised Atlantic salmon) and then we trooped over to Percival Landing. Dinner at Anthony's Homeport was well attended. It might not have been fast food, but it was certainly good food and great company. Free steamer clams and calamari appetizers enhanced our ability to be patient.

On Saturday, with temps again in the 80s, it felt downright Mediterranean, so just perfect for our antipasti and Italian dinner. Susan and Ray Williams, Mike and Bonnie Kelley and Sharon and Harvey Hicks drove in. The presence of Joan and Dave DiRito and company, and Karen Hickman added to our enjoyment. Jackson doesn't sound like an Italian name, but Roberto sure cookda the good red sauce with sausage anda spicy meatballs. We were worried about the logistics of serving hot pasta to 20 some people on a dock, but given the weather, no problemo. Accompaniments were wonderful, and a good time was had by all. The Wetlis should be required to bring their fab asparagus and proscuitto appetizer to all events, and Sharron Horn deserves some kind of award for the wonderful rhubarb pie she made on the boat! Commodore Bill Balyeat broke out a prize magnum of champagne and lead off several toasts to our fine club, as well at to those whose memory we honor on Memorial Day. That night we enjoyed the reflection on the water from Terramar II's festive lights. Mark decked her out in lovely multi-colored orbs. Not to be outdone, Terri threw together a beautiful fruit bowl with every fresh fruit imaginable for breakfast the next morning. Martha Stewart would say those were good things.

Although Seabacs joined Tyee, Quartermaster, Carling and Fircrest Yacht Clubs at Swantown, we managed to carve out space for a spirited game of bocce ball on the lawn above the marina on Sunday. The Triple H Team, comprised of B. Hickman, S. Horn and S. & H. Hicks emerged victorious. That evening, we had an appetizer dinner followed by socializing on the dock.

Monday morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we all motored off; some to homeports, others to further adventures.


May 14, 2005
South Sound Opening Day
Des Moines Yacht Club

Seabacs participated in the South Sound Opening Day at Des Moines Yacht Club on May 14 and May 15.
The day started with a display of vintage cars to view followed by a delicious luncheon put on by the Des Moines Yacht Club members.
Commodore Bill Balyeat and First Mate, Mary Ann represented Seabacs.
At 4 p.m. the Cannon blast announced the beginning of the Flag Ceremony. Many Seabac members were in attendance. The weather held and the outdoor ceremony went on without a hitch. Invocation was given, appropriate speeches were heard and the United States Flag was raised as the National Anthem was played. Each Commodore stood at attention and saluted as the Commodore was introduced and the burgee for the Commodore's club was raised. Bag Pipes, another cannon blast and Boating Season was officially opened for South Puget Sound.

Following the ceremony was socializing, an excellent buffet dinner and dancing to the music of the group called the Edsels. Seabacs filled two tables at the dinner and dance. Our own Bill Hickman joined the Edsels for “Louie, Louie,” as he skillfully played the drums with the band.
On May 15, Des Moines put on a breakfast for everyone. That ended the weekend's celebration. It was well-attended and a fun event for all


May 6 - 8, 2005
Puget Sound Opening Day
Puget Sound Yacht Club
Cruise Lieutenants: Bill and Mary Ann Balyeat (360)895-8415
  Rick and Eileen Edel (206)277-0925

We thank the Puget Sound Yacht Club For their hospitality towards Seabacs. We were well represented at this event. Four couples participated, representing Seabacs. In addition to Seabacs, IOBG was represented by a Seabacs boat, carrying another four couples.
Friday evening there was a pot-luck on the PSYC dock.
Saturday morning our Commodore Bill and his First Mate Mary Ann attended the Seattle Opening Ceremonies, while us lesser folks attended the PSYC opening ceremonies, where we got a lesson about the Washington State Flag, which had noting to do with the opening ceremony.
After the ceremonies, it was off to the parade through the Montlake cut. Some 300+ boats participated in the parade.
After this, it was off to Maydenbauer Bay YC for hamburgers, drinks and the Husky band and cheerleaders. We were concerned that this might be a little to much for our Commodore, who had a front row center seat. But he survived, and it was back to PSYC., where we received an excellent dinner, prepared by the PSYC membership.
Sunday morning, some of the members went to Queen City YC for brunch, but most went home early, to beat the crowds through the locks.


April 15 - 17, 2005
Daffodil Parade
Tacoma Yacht Club
Cruise Lieutenants: Bill and Mary Ann Balyeat (360)895-8415
  Paul and Birgit Hunter (253)838-9171

The Pirates

Seabacs were well represented at the Tacoma Daffodil Regatta. Four boats and one RV were in attendance, with numerous drive-ins. Two boats had to cancel. The weather was sometimes a fright but cleared up for every event that needed outdoor participation; decorating the boat, the opening ceremonies and the parade. The Daffodil weekend is a fun event. We took the meal deal and found it to be a good investment.
Friday night included a Mexican food feast and dancing.
Saturday morning was a great breakfast followed by boat decorating, lunch and the ever-famous Marine Trivia Game. Seabacs were pirates of the Caribbean with great costumes, great spirit and a slogan and cheer of “Yo ho, Yo ho, it's the Seabac's Life for Me”. Other clubs knew we were there! Ray Williams was our token to answer trivia questions doing a great job, but we got low points on the point wheel thus leaving our score too low to place. We did have a lot of fun.
Saturday night was a Baron of Beef and chicken dinner followed by the Las Vegas Revue. The stand-up comedian had us laughing, Elvis was a charmer (did Terri get a souvenir?), and Marilyn Monroe was her usual, sexy self. (Just ask Commodore Bill)! The evening ended with dancing for those who are night owls.
Sunday Morning brought an extensive brunch, the Opening and Flag Ceremony, our club being represented by Commodore Bill Balyeat, followed by the Daffodil Boat Parade. Commodore Bill and first-mate Mary Ann, Fleet Captain Mark Allgeier, Secretary Craig Waffle, and Past Commodore, Pieter Rooker in their dress whites on the front of the boat and Captain of the Wave Rider and his first mate, Susan, skillfully piloting our Fleet Boat in the Parade.
Paul Hunter worked the Tacoma Yacht Club's computer and line-ups of boats, as well as being co-cruise Lt. of this event for Seabacs. Paul took good care of us and many thanks to Paul and Birgit for all they did. Many thanks to all the Seabacs who were there and made our boat such a stunning entry and the trivia game so lively. Yo Ho Matey!


April 2 - 3, 2005
Dock Street Marina
Tacoma
Cruise Lieutenants: Craig and Leslie Waffle (253)631-3020

The cruise to the Dock Street Marina began with quite an adventure for me in the Otter Be. March 2005 came in like a lamb but it went out like a lion and it still hadn't calmed a bit on Friday April 1st. After waiting for several hours in the Des Moines Yacht Club dock for the winds and rain to calm, I convinced myself that the water wasn't really that bad. Well, maybe it wasn't, but it was definitely and “E Ticket” ride from Des Moines to Brown's Point. Waves were coming at the Otter Be from every direction, often breaking over the bow bringing the visibility to zero. It was an adventure, but by the time I entered Commencement Bay the water was beginning to calm. The ride across the bay and up the Thea Foss Waterway was very nice in spite of the driving rain.

The Dock Street Marina is almost exactly in the middle of the two bridges which cross the Thea Foss Waterway. It's on the Tacoma side of the water way across from Johnny's Dock Restaurant. In spite of what you may have read in several local marine publications, the marina is not really open for business yet. We were able to make a reservation because they happened to have some empty slips and we only expected a few boats from our club. The east side of the waterway still needs to be dredged and the city is behind in the completion of permanent moorage. The City of Tacoma is using the Dock Street Marina to hold boats as new slips are being completed in other parts of the waterway. One gets the impression that the marina management doesn't know how many open slips it will have from day to day. When all the work is completed this will be one of the best destination marinas in the south sound.

It's a bit pricey to tie up as they ask $1.00 per foot of boat length. They will soon have all the amenities to include water, electricity and cable TV hook up at each slip. The Marina itself is right in front of the Museum of Glass. If glass isn't your thing, you have only to walk across the Sky Bridge to the Tacoma Museum of Art. On your way to the Museum of Art you pass the free electric trolley called “Link”. This trolley takes you from the Tacoma Dome to Down Town Tacoma where you can shop, eat or take in a movie. Tacoma is far more accessible from the Dock Street Marina than Seattle is from either the Elliott Bay or the Bell Harbor Marina.

The Seabacs only had four boats at this cruise (the Otter Be, Wave Rider, Tsitika and Terrimar II) but we were also joined by the DiRitos, the Edels and MaryAnn Balyeat. On Saturday, we visited the Glass Museum and watched as artisans molded glass goblets. We also got to see the many displays of glass from all over the world. Saturday evening we had dinner at Harmon's Brewing Company where we were treated to some great micro brews and good food. Mike Kelley won the Piazz Poker game that night on the Wave Rider. Sunday morning we had our traditional breakfast on the dock served by Leslie and I.

On Sunday morning the water was flat and the rain was steady. Threats of afternoon small craft warnings and thunder storms encouraged me to take the Otter Be home to Des Moines early. I wasn't up for another adventurous ride. As usual we all had a great time together. I hope to see you all next cruise.


February 18 - 20, 2005
Valentine's cruise
Arabella's Landing, Gig Harbor
Cruise Lieutenants: Mark and Terri Allgeier (253) 813-1909

Mark and Terry did an excellent job of arranging a last minute cruise to Arabella's landing in Gig Harbor.
We had the Pacifier with Bob and Ginny Jackson, Headhunter with Pieter and Angelica Rooker, Otter Be with Craig and Leslie Waffle, Terramar with Mark and Terri Allgeier, and Sea Spirit with Rick and Eileen Edel and two friends.
As drive inns we had our newly elected Commodore Bill and his First Mate Mary Ann Balyeat.
On Saturday we lucked out, right next door there was an estate sale, and the women could not get enough of all the good sales available. Also, West Marine opened a new store in Gig Harbor, and some major shopping was performed at that place. As you can see at the pictures at www.seabacs.org, there was no shortage of food for dinner. The theme was Mexican food, and people were amazed about the variety of Mexican food available. Yes, mexicans eat more than just tacos. If you want to know, ask the expert Angelica.
Sunday morning Mark made excellent pancakes for breakfast. After that it was returning back home, but the wind was blowing 25 to 35 mph.
All the unfortunate souls that had to work next day had to rough it. I stayed in the marina, and next day I returned with my buddy Commodore to Port Orchard.
This was another succesful Seabacs cruise, and if you want to see the pictures, go to www.seabacs.org, and see the pictures of the 2005 Sweetheart cruise.


January 28, 2005
Poulsbo cruise
Cruise Lieutenants: Will Lebahn and Susan Kincaid (206) 242-7345
Cell (206)419-5683
  Angelica and Pieter Rooker (253) 265-8022
Cell (253) 686-2723

The first cruise in 2005 was a great success!

On Friday, the weather was beautiful, and the early arrivals were:
Will and Susan, Bill and Mary Ann, Mike and Bonnie, Pieter and Angelica, Mark and Terri, and Jan and George.
Later on Craig and Leslie joined us. We all went to a local Poulsbo restaurant and had dinner.
Saturday arrivals were Steve and Linda. They are new members who joined Seabacs at the New Years eve cruise to Blake Island.
Saturday was shopping day. And shopping we did. Pieter and Angelica discovered a small 2nd hand store, and Angelica went wild about all the good deals.
Upon return to the marina, Bonnie got wind of all these good deals, and nobody has ever seen her go faster than at that moment. This store must have had record sales.
Later on Larry and Ardis arrived by car with Ardis' mother. Wow!, does that lady look good for her age!
Other drive ins were Craig and Leslie, Scot and Kathy, Harvey and Sharon, and Ray and Susan with two neighbor children Conner and Isabella.
The final tally was that we had 24 people for dinner that night.
But as always, there was plenty of food. If Seabacs ever needs a motto, it could be:
The club where nobody ever goes hungry
Considering that past January cruises got at most 3 or 4 boats, we can consider this turn out a great success!
After Dinner we had a game of Pi Azz poker, which was won by Bonnie.
On Sunday Will and Susan provided an array of goodies to tie us over for the trip back home.
If you are sorry that you missed this trip, you have another chance for the upcoming trip to Arabella in Gig Harbor.
Look for upcoming announcements for this cruise.
Hope to see you there!

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First posted: Nov 17, 2004