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by Fred McMillin
Let's start thinking about putting extra pizzaz in the meals and gifts coming up.
First, at the end of the feast—
"I heartily recommend California ports."
—The University Wine Course by Dr. Marian Baldy
Golden State ports are made from various varietals including Zinfandel, Barbera, and imported native Portuguese varieties. Here are five fine producers, in alphabetical order.
So, at the end of the meal I serve one of these with a blue-veined cheese on a plain water cracker—OR—I ladle three tablespoons on French vanilla ice cream accompanied with crisp butter cookies. Why not try both to learn your preference?
Here is a fine read for wine lovers. Corks & Forks: Thirty Years of Wine and Food, by Robert Finigan, $23
One of Robert's Corks on ROBERT MONDAVI, mid-1960s—
"I was curious about the construction of the first major winery in Napa since Prohibition. While walking the site, I ran into Bob who was doing the same thing. He couldn't have been more gracious, interested in my interest, though at that point I had yet to write a word about wine. Right away he began to expound on the kinds of wine he intended to make, often using the words 'finesse' and 'innovation.' He felt too many of the Napa Cabernets lacked finesse, and the alcohol and tannin levels were way too high on these 'monsters' being made to impress critics and wine tasting groups."
One of Robert's Forks on JULIA CHILD—
"Julia, as she insisted from the outset that I call her, had invited me to dinner. Paul Child, ever dapper and witty, was making drinks as I think most of us were wondering where Julia was. Just then she burst through the kitchen door, bearing a huge pan with an especially ugly fish. 'This is a cusk!' she exclaimed. 'What do you think you do with a cusk?' Everyone thought, if she didn't know, none of us was going to be much help. An hour later we sat down to the most delicious fleshy white fish."
China's new middle class is starting to learn about fine wine. For example, the New York Times says 12 bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild at $200 each were delivered to a group of businessmen dining in Shanghai. They opened the bottles, poured the wine into 12 pitchers, tossed in watermelon slices and then mixed it with Sprite!
Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He was voted one of the U.S.A's 22 Best wine writers by the Academy of Wine Communications. For information about the wine courses he teaches every month at San Francisco City College (Fort Mason Division), please fax him at (415) 567-4468.
Copyright © 2007, Fred McMillin. All rights reserved.
This page created November 2007
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This boat has been really well maintained and has all maintenance records.
It shows like a much newer boat. For a 2004 she is in great shape with less than 350 hours and worth having a look.
Now! Ready to GO!!! Don't waste another minute!
Call for more information
Please feel free to contact me on the cell phone 410-310-3476, text, or by e-mail if you have any questions or there is anything else I can do for you.
David M. Cox, CPYB
Certified Professional Yacht Broker
The Cobalt 282 is as responsive to the captain as it is to her guests. For all its size and spaciousness, the 282 handles with the agility, and nimbleness of a far smaller craft. Even so, sheer volume remains a principle 282 virtue: large storage opportunities include dedicated fender lockers, a gigantic head compartment, a motor box ready to accept twin-power options (choices that will make the 282 something of a rocket), a big swim platform, a double-wide helm seat, and an artful design for an imposing hull that delivers a splendid ride in rough water. Standard equipment includes a sound system, a galley unit with sink, wrap-around seating, and a private head..
Twin 5.0 GXi DuroProps on Volvo 5.0 engines rated at 270 hp each.
cruise speed 28 kts. and WOT 45 kts.
Less than 350 hours
The 282 is a Euro-looking bowrider with classic lines, tons of seating, and many features only found on larger boats.
Here with the 282 bowrider Cobalt has achieved both European style with classic American lines. Sitting in the vessel's spacious interior with all its curved seats and elegant layout I felt like I was in some Italian creation. But looking at the vessel from the side she's all-American, with tail fins and her classic lines. I'm not one for fins on boats but I must admit here they truly extend her lines and fit in well.
I first boarded the vessel from the stern and was immediately taken by the generously wide-open large swim platform covered in rich teak, an option. The cockpit featured two sunning decks with wet lockers below, giving the area a wide-open feel.
When I took the 282 for a ride I was quite surprised at her handling characteristics. First off, the boat didn't pond once, even when going through a good size wake. She didn't roll or dance around, but stayed fairly level even when passengers moved around. When it was time to come up to speed she came up on plane fast and straight. There were no trim tabs or fins on the outdrive to explain this kind of behavior so under a trailered Cobalt I went. First I notice the large reverse chines and the absence of the inner planing strake from about the windshield aft. These factors explained the level, dry ride, kind of like a dihedral on an airplane, or training wheels on a bicycle. After a little research I learned that she had a 22-degree deadrise, which accounts for the vessel's ability to glide through seas without pounding.
Moving further aft under the trailered boat I found what Cobalt calls their extended running surface. In essence what they've done is extend the hull beyond the transom on either side of the outdrive and out to the hulls sides, no bolts here. This creates a kind of huge stationary trim tab that really helps the boat to ride up on the water, level and firm even at lower speeds. To add to the hulls rigidity, Kevlar is added to the chines, one of the points of highest stress in a hull. Let's not forget the large all-fiberglass box shaped longitudinal stringers attached to the hull with Plexus, a high-strength adhesive Cobalt uses. All this makes for really cool and effective hydrodynamics and solid ride. Confidence in their boat is how the people over at Cobalt can give a 10-year hull and deck warranty and sleep well at night.
All the deck hardware is solid stainless steel having what Peter, a representative from Cobalt called, taping plates made of heavy aluminum and built into place with fiberglass. A taping plate has screw threads tapped into the plate to accept the mounting bolts from the cleat or whatever other hardware, no nuts or washers here. Some backing plates are used under the pedestal chairs and for the arches. The aft cleats were retractable so as to create a smooth surface for ski lines and an even sleeker look. All the Cobalts are equipped with a through bolt stainless steel bow tow eye. A stainless steel scuffing plate bent to fit the bow is installed under the tow eye to protect against gel coat damage during trailering. On a Cobalt it's either solid stainless steel or aluminum. Docking lights were installed on our test boat, but are usually an option.
Talk about quality, all the graphics are painted into the mold, no tape or decals here. When you touch a color line or strip you feel nothing. Even the gel coat is special. A product called Armorflex 952 gelcoat is clamed to have better repairability, good buff back, high blister resistance, and best of all greater flexibility to reduce cracking. Sounds too good to be true. Add to that Xycon barrier coat used between the fiberglass and gelcoat to reduce blistering due to water intrusion as well as Cobalt stands behind this with a comprehensive two-year guarantee against crazing, stress cracks, air voids, and blisters.
The surface of the vessel is mostly formed from a single fiberglass section. At the peck of the bow is a rubber lined rope locker with a gas cylinder assisted hatch having adequate room for the vessel's needs. The gas cylinder assist is used on all the hatches throughout the vessel regardless of size. The cylinders not only help lift the hatches but also, maybe more importantly, hold them open very securely. A large bow seat area follows with its own speakers system. No opportunity for storage room is lost with Cobalt. Storage is found under both bow seats as well as behind the starboard bow seat backrest just forward of the console. The entire seat back lifts up to reveal a truly cavernous storage area large enough to easily sit in and close the hatch behind you. The tabletop and base is stored here. In the deck between the bow seats is a traditional ski storage area that is two plus feet deep.
Located at both outer corners of the windshield were two small hatches that open up to deep fender storage wells, one per side, no more clutter from lose fenders rolling around. The windshield is nicely racked back and complements the overall lines of the boat. The windshield on the test vessel had a stainless steel frame, about a $2500.00 option. The stock unit is a Taylor creation having aluminum extruded frame and lightly tinted safety glass. Aside from the mirror shine and weight of the centerpane when opening, both are the same shape, and size. The dashboard is covered in a double stitched, which is hard to tell it's not real leather, vinyl.
On the starboard side is a glove box with a Sony detachable face systems. Also there is a light, 12-volt receptacle (one of three), and a heavy gauge aluminum drop down door that can be used for writing, eating or whatever you need it for at the time. But hang on, behind this innocent but functional looking glove box lays a complete head with toilet, sink with running water, and mirror. Don't fear there is plenty of room to move around and be comfortable. There is even a bench seat with storage compartment below. On the opposite side is the helm and console. As with the glove box the console was covered with real wood and made and finished in house at Cobalt. The wood dash and trim package is standard on the 282. The gauges have a touch of gold with large numbers, easy to read at speed, adding to the class of the glass finished wood console.
Incorporated into the console were depth, water and air temperture gauges as well as the Sony remote control unit mounted in the corner. The actual helm wheel was adjustable and went nicely with the Cobalt Flip-lip Seat. For those of you who don't know what a Flip-lip Seat is I'll try to do it justice. The bottom part of the seat is in two sections. The forward section is hinged is such a way as to allow it to be lifted up and on to the aft section creating a bolster seat. Having the seat in the up position I could see over the windshield, and in the down position I was well out of the wind. This is a very nice arrangement and is stock on all the seats on all the models. The helm and passenger seats were not bucket but roomy bench seats that adjusted up and back. The passenger seat had the Flip-lip Seat system as well, with a stainless steel handle. There were handles everywhere you could possibly need one on the boat. On the starboard side against the back of the helm seat was a molded fiberglass cabinet concealing a wet bar. The wet bar had a sink with a cold water faucet, trash bin, and storage below.
Entering the cockpit area from the aft I had to decent two steps, with deck lights down into the vessel from the walk through. So this area is truly down in the boat. The built-in seats were arranged in a semi circle, which focused the attention of a conversation to a central point leaving no one out. Abundant storage was found under the seats with the battery selector switch and ski pylons in the port seat storage compartment.
Separating the cockpit from the swim platform were two large raised padded seating areas straddling the through transom walkway. This entire area is the fiberglass molded engine room hatch that extends full beam for max access, and I mean maximum. As with all hatches throughout the vessel gas assist cylinders made opening these large units child's play.
The engine room hatch had a power assist motor and a hinged base to allow lifting manually. Below each platform I found large wet storage areas with drains. The port compartment had a 12-volt DC compressor for all your water toys. How many times have you had to blow up the kids toys the hard way? You know what I mean. Also attached under the port lid was a handy tool kit. You won't be rebuilding the engine with this but it will get you home.
The swim platform as mentioned before was covered with gorgeous optional teak and had several storage compartments and a boarding ladder. In the center of the swim platform is a stainless steel fitting for the ski tow post. The three rung boarding ladder is a stainless steel arrangement that folds out and telescopes down. I found it easily accessible from the deck and it had its own storage compartment on the starboard side and another shallow rope locker inboard of it. A waterproof Sony remote controller was also installed back here making it easy to work the radio without leaving the action.
All in all we had a boat that really looked good, had loads of room, full of creature comforts, and performed like a sportboat at its best. No wonder J.D. Powers and Associates recognized Cobalt for two years running. The tag is steep but you definitely get what you pay for.
By Capt. Manny Rebelo
Test Captain
• Maxwell automatic anchor windlass with stainless steel plow style anchor w/on-deck and helm controls
• Optional stainless steel arch with Navy blue Sunbrella bimini top
• Pro Tournament battery charger
• (2) 12 volt batteries (2012) with dual selector switches
• 12 volt accessory power plug
• Electric head (2012) with macerator and holding tank
• Uniden Oceanus VHF with dedicated distress button
• Compass
• Premium Sound System CD/stereo/sat radio with (5) Sony speakers
• Sony Accent Technologies transom and helm station stereo controls
• Docking, navigation and interior lights
• Navy blue Sunbrella bow and cockpit tonneau covers
• Transom shower
• Galley unit with 18 gallon water capacity
• Fresh water pump (2013
• Bilge pump with automatic float switch (2013)
• Trim tabs
• Filler cushions
• Electric/hydraulic power assist engine cover
• Tuned stainless steel DuoProps (2013)
• Wood dash/trim package
• Ensign and flag staff
• Boat hook
• Life jackets
From Cobalt:
Compromise Nothing
It is a relationship like no other - owners and their boats. It is that first grip at the helm that releases a sense of assurance down the spine. At that very moment...a promise is made. With each ride, with each cruise comes conversation, laughter, and pure enjoyment afloat. At that very moment, a bond is formed on trust, but not just that, a type of trust that feels like family. And with that trust arises a certain lifestyle, an opportunity for families to come togetherand enjoy what life is all about. It is a type of confidence that only a Cobalt can instill in its owner.
7330 Edgewood Road Suite 1
Annapolis, MD 21403
United States


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Cheap Tablecloths For Weddings
The use of a tablecloth is mainly functional as used place is the dining table. Here also due importance is given to the color as well as quality. But the most important part is that it should be washable and last long. If it is a color table cloth with designs then it should not fade due to frequent washing. Cheap tablecloths are good options when it comes to the dining table. For weddings, it is not necessary that one should go only for the costly varieties. If the wedding is well planned, with arrangements and purchase being made in advance from the wedding one can get excellent table cloths from discount sales.
For weddings tablecloths are for decorative purpose and also for dining and parties. White is the formal color to match the bridal dress and symbolic of the occasion. The practice of using white has undergone a change over a period of time with tastes and perceptions of people undergoing a change. Now, more importance is given to the material, color and designs and also the price. Cheap tablecloths are not taboo at wedding dinners and receptions. Since tablecloths can be obtained in materials like cotton, PVC coated material, blends of different materials, linen and silk there is a wide choice for selection.
Online stores are the best places for cheap table cloths. One can get tablecloth of excellent material with designs to one's liking, all with substantial discounts. Planners of wedding receptions and dinners will do well to browse through the internet to get discount table linens for weddings. Quality is always an issue but it can be always checked. For weddings organza is the most popular material and adds glamour to the occasion. Because wedding reception or dinner is a very formal occasion giving importance to the material, color and design is essential.
Silk is a material for tablecloth which gives a not only a classic look but also suitable for formal occasion like weddings. Not only the designs on the cloth, but also the hems have attractiveness to tablecloth. Adding a lace or similar decorations to the hem enhance the beauty of tablecloth. It is possible to get such cloths from all stores. When one opts for cheap table cloths you can chose from a collection of decorative pieces that are always made because of the demand. As far as material is concerned the quality is concerned material and designs are more important than durability.