Hello, St. Bill. I have heard that you are a great sailor, as well as being a philosopher and (gasp) saint. I can appreciate the sainthood, having a mate who also needs to be a saint to put up with me <g>
First, some bragging. I just got back from our Tuesday night regatta, and we made a statement on the water tonight. Led every leg, start to finish, and crossed the finish line before the next boat had turned the last windward mark. I'm talking major bragging rights at the bar. I need to say that, because we always peak too early, and our bragging rights go downhill from here.
Second, about your sailing story. I am not nearly the life-long sailor you are, but I do have salt in my veins. Pride I went down very close to my original home, and I have sailed those treacherous waters, in which squalls can come up suddenly and the currents are tricky. My heart goes out to your friend, and to all who love the sight of those Clippers. That must have been some sight to behold, the schooner under full sail going down in the deep. As clear as that water is, I can believe that she would have been visible for a long way down. And you described it very well.
Never been in a 65 knot squall, just in a 40 knot squall on the Bay, just off Rock Hall, with the wind blowing into that rocky lee shore, and the Coast Guard pulling sailors out of capsized boats. No, thanks, that was enough for me. Fortunately, we made it into safe harbor. Also have had to be rescued in a hypothermic state from 20 minutes in 52 degree water in Annapolis, but that was due to sheer stupidity on my part.
Anyway, enough of these tales. Tonight was as good as it gets. 85 degrees, 10-15 knots out of the south, clear sky, beautiful spinnakers in the setting sun, and ... well... first place!
Off to LA in the morning, check in later. Great chatting about sailing, hope the rest of the thread doesn't mind these OT posts. |
