Nautical Mass — it’s whatever floats your boat

	Corey Young Boaters unload at the Petaluma River Turning Basin during last week's Nautical Mass event.

While Petalumans cracked their windows or powered up their fans after getting off work Friday night, down at the Petaluma marina a small group found another way to beat the heat.

For the third time this summer, a loose-knit collection of kayakers, rowers and other boaters boarded their human-powered craft for “Nautical Mass” — described as a laid-back, lazy excursion along the Petaluma River.

“It’s a freeform gathering of friends, acquaintances and strangers,” said David Yearsley, founder of Friends of the Petaluma River and a Nautical Mass organizer.

But organization implies an agenda, or an itinerary, and there are no such things on this trip.

Show up when you want, where you want. Paddle like the blazes or let the wind and current carry you. Stop off for dinner around the Turning Basin or just hang out and catch the jazz music at the Apple Box.

There’s only one goal, Yearsley said — spend some quality time out on the river.

“The river and marsh area is so underused,” he said.

“I think some people might be afraid of getting lost in the channels — but that’s why we made the map,” he noted, showing off a waterproof guide to the river and its backwaters.

On Friday night, however, the dozen participants agreed on a simple plan — make their way from the marina to the downtown, following the main river channel, and dock in the Turning Basin.

From there, it was anybody’s choice. Some met landlubber friends for a pre-arranged dinner date. Others sauntered over to hear the jazz music while the largest group took over three patio tables at the River House for dinner, mainly burgers and beer.

“It’s quite a flotilla we’ve got,” Yearsley said. “Best turnout yet.”

The brainchild of the newly formed “Friends of the Petaluma River,” the monthly river trips (modeled after the “Critical Mass” bicyclist gatherings) got off to an unusual start in May when the group headed south to Papas’ Taverna for Cajun Night.

A late-spring storm greeted the boaters after they began their journey.

“That was quite a different experience,” said Elizabeth Howland, a “Friends” board member and Yearsley’s wife. “But we had a hardy crew that day.”

The weather was considerably improved during Friday’s trip, with calm waters guiding the way into downtown. Over dinner at the River House, Yearsley explained his vision for the future of “Friends,” starting with a floating office and river heritage center.

Two anonymous donors have pledged up to $10,000 in matching grants to help make the idea reality. Yearsley is already at work on the proposal and on Friday said he was scheduled to check out a paddlewheeler in the Napa River the next day.

When the boaters headed back to the marina around 9 p.m., the weather had finally cooled and a clear, moonless night still providing plenty of light for navigation.

“I love rowing at night,” said Howland, who with Yearsley crewed the 19.5-foot “Betty Ann,” her namesake. “The sound of the water, the light on the water — this is the best part.”

Nautical Mass isn’t an official “Friends” activity, but it fits with the group’s motto of “celebrate and conserve,” Yearsley said.

“What that really means to me is, have fun and do good work,” he said.

The next Nautical Mass event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25. For more information, contact Yearsley at 763-7756 or e-mail friends@friendsofthepetalumariver.org.

He hopes to draw more and more boaters each time out.

“Every time I go out, there are new mysteries,” Yearsley said. “I never get tired because it’s never the same.”