Sharing a laugh with Wolf and Corrine during our final open house before the Double X departs for the South Seas. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Three generations of cutie pies! Francesca’s dear friend Deidre with her daughter Erin at her side, is all smiles as she takes time out to feed her grandson at an open house on the Double X. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Mona and Francesca, friends since high school, share a warm hug on the Double X during a pre-launch open house. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Erika and Lisa, members of the Land Crew, sit on the dock in front of the Double X, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Sausalito, Calif. July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Pat enjoys some time in the Double X salon in front of a photo of Francesca and me from years ago. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

I smile while Captain Bob mugs for the camera. The Double X journey is the second long adventure for us since we sailed around the world on the Firebird over 40 years ago. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Sharing good conversation with Colin, my son-in-law’s buddy from school, and his girlfriend at the pre-launch open house. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Crew member Els on the Double X looking very much like the expert sailor she is. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Francesca on board the Double X excited to greet well-wishers arriving at the open house, including many lifelong friends from her school days. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Crew member Paul is the picture of hanging loose as he stands on the deck of the Double X in sunglasses, buff and crisp white shirt complete with the ship’s name. Sausalito, Calif., July 14, 2016. Photo: L. Williams

Toasting to a successful crossing at the farewell dinner the night before the big sail across the Pacific. Sausalito, Calif., July 15, 2016. Photo: The nice waiter