Anyone with any experience watching the Hilton Fireworks on the 4th?

[iliohale]

Nancy and I sailed up to Napa last weekend and ran into a fellow sailor who has been a member of the Stockton YC for 25 years and has gone to the Hilton fireworks for like everyone of those years. First, everyone should be happy to know that the Stockton YC is planning to put on a great BBQ for us on Friday the 3rd. Second, he said that there are about 5000 boats, most of which are manned by mad power boaters, who watch the show on the 4th. He said that you need to know where to go to see the fireworks and be out "out of the way" of the mad dash following the show. Having been on the bay many times for fire works shows, including the Kaboom show a few weeks ago, I really do not want to be anchored at night in the path of 5000 boats trying like hell to get home as fast as they can.

So does anyone know where would be a good spot, out of the way, to anchor for the night where you can still get a good view of the show? Thanks

Gary & Nancy
iliohale

[admin]

Just to clarify, although there is a Stockton YC, it's the Stockton Sailing Club that is hosting our barbecue and sleepover on Friday the 3rd. More details on that will be posted on our Web site on Monday...
Personally, I have yet to attend the fireworks, so will defer to those who have.

[KJensen]

Nancy and I sailed up to Napa last weekend and ran into a fellow sailor who has been a member of the Stockton YC for 25 years and has gone to the Hilton fireworks for like everyone of those years. First, everyone should be happy to know that the Stockton YC is planning to put on a great BBQ for us on Friday the 3rd. Second, he said that there are about 5000 boats, most of which are manned by mad power boaters, who watch the show on the 4th. He said that you need to know where to go to see the fireworks and be out "out of the way" of the mad dash following the show. Having been on the bay many times for fire works shows, including the Kaboom show a few weeks ago, I really do not want to be anchored at night in the path of 5000 boats trying like hell to get home as fast as they can.

So does anyone know where would be a good spot, out of the way, to anchor for the night where you can still get a good view of the show? Thanks

Gary & Nancy
iliohale

[KJensen]

I have to agree with the person you talked to in Napa.  We have never gone near Mandeville during the 4th because of the issues we have heard of.  Lots of alcohol related stupidness after the show is over ad boats are screaming to get home.  We have gone to "Mildred Tract" and anchored there and had a great view of the fireworks.  Three River reach is another anchorage just east of Mandeville but it is also very busy and is shallow if you draw 6 feet or more.  The last time we were at Mildred, we had a 360 degree view of firework shows from the cities aroun the delta....it was pretty cool.   

[iliohale]

So is Mildred far enough out of the way to be clear of the crazies? And will it be hard to find a spot there late on Saturday? Sorry, we just don't know much about the area. Thanks

[KJensen]

Mildred is far enough away but there are sloughs that go around it.  After the fireworks, you will hear boats at high speed for about an hour but they are on the other side of the tule berms from Mildred.

[LaDonna]

Just so everyone knows, there will be a flotilla from Stockton SC to the viewing location for the fireworks. They're planning to leave around noon and are welcoming all the Doo Dah'ers (after the omelette breakfast they're providing for donations)!

[admin]

Although we'd like to experience the fireworks at Mandeville, we need to get a little further along toward home since Jonathan has to be at work in SF on Monday. So, we've already put in a reservation for a slip at Antioch Marina. Antioch will also have fireworks, plus they will have a classic car show and a parade.

Laser 28 Stink Eye