We had a great time in Poulsbo for July 3.  We started with four boats on Friday, staking out space right on the front line thanks to Jerry and Ronda on DOROTHY.
Saturday we had the four boats anchored in position, MANGO and ISLAND MIST for one raft and ALTAIR and DOROTHY for the second. As boats arrived throughout the day on Saturday they rafted outside one raft and filled the space between ALTAIR and DOROTHY. By Saturday evening, we ended up with three rafts as we had not connected the ALTAIR/DOROTHY raft in the middle.  We finally connected the two halves of the raft shortly before the Fireworks on Sunday with the arrival of the Andrews 53 ARTEMIS and the 57 foot ketch KETCH ME.  We had quite the range of boats from these two largest boats down to a J-29, J-30 and Ross 930.  We ended up with 27 boats and over 70 people on the two rafts.  Paul and kids on the J-29 PLAN R joined us after cruising up north and even had patriotic bunting with them to make our raft look very festive.  Saturday and Sunday everyone enjoyed the many activities and restaurants ashore, took walks, sailed or cruised around the anchorage by dinghy visiting friends or just checking out the sights. Our rafts held thankfully with no drama except a minor anchor up issue.

Big thanks to everyone who helped make the 2016 Poulsbo Fireworks Cruise such a success.  All of those who helped with anchoring and rafting boats together; hanging out on the raft to keep her safe; hosting meals on their boats; fixing outboards; offering tows ashore; etc. And to those who gave the Stink Eye to anyone who thought of anchoring too close.  Thanks to Bret & Joyce on JOYRIDE and new members Phil & Deb on DORA BELLA for each hosting part of the group for Saturday evening appetizers.  Huge thanks to Tom and Cary on ISLAND MIST for offering to host everyone for joint significant appetizers Sunday evening. No small feat with the large group; we counted almost 40 people at one point but many were coming and going. As usually we had fantastic food that disappeared quickly with prizes going to Bret and Joyce Philips, Jerry and Ronda Andrews, and Suzanne Diess. Phil and crew on DORA BELLA had the fastest speed under the Agate Pass Bridge at 10.6 knots with Ron and Peggy on SOLSTICE a close second at 10.5 knots. It was a great weekend of CYC community and friendship with new and old members.