M_Boats: NorCal sailing locations

Hello Ken and other norcal sailors, Saw your reference to sailing the sf bay, tomales bay, etc. Cat and I are first year sailors and so far have only sailed at our local foothill lake but are now ready, we hope, to try some bigger water. Could you tell us where you like to launch, things to watch out for, cost, overnight parking, etc. Also, does anyone have any favorite locations in the delta? We are thinking about launching at Herman and Helen's and sailing around Venice Island...comments/advice please. We would enjoy a cruise with others who have experience in some of these more challenging waters. Thanks, Ron and Cathryn Goodspeed M17 "hula pie" #025