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FROM THE NAV STATION
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You know... Today around 8:31 AM, I noticed that the day was EXACTLY as long as the night. So I decided - what the heck - time for another Rode Show. And it is perfect timing, too. This will be your last e-mail notice of our upcoming GLSS Spring Open House!
Let me tell you about my first GLSS Open house. The year was 1990. (I was the same age that I am right now.) The place was Jefferson Yacht Club. A good friend from the Doublehand Sailing Association, Bill Webb, encouraged me to attend. I came along with my wife, Kathy. We were both anxious to absorb any information that we could. There were several prepared presentations - I can still remember a couple of them. Take a sip of grog, mates. Read on...
A shy dark-haired man by the name of G. David Evans appeared to be running the show. He had some kind of British accent. He explained that he named his boat "Ratso" which is "O-Star" spelled backwards. I worked up the nerve to ask him what an "O-Star" is, and he politely explained that it is the race from Plymouth to Newport. All of a sudden, I assumed that this British-accent guy sailed his boat from Plymouth, England to be in the Mac solo. Mr. Evans had to say no more. As far as I was concerned the man walked on water. It took me several years to finally learn that Dave Evans lives in Canada! But to this day, I know that he still walks on water - a couple of years after that meeting, Dave DID indeed sail the O-Star!!! He walks on water.
Soon we listened to the godfather of solo sailing. A guy by the name of Phil Rubright described his recent experience in the St. Clair Solo. He was leading his fleet (but just barely) and he was desperately looking for even a tenth of a knot to keep him in the lead. He remembered that he did not align his folding prop. After he climbed into his aft locker to set the prop, a powerboat wave rocked the boat, the locker hatch shut, AND the hasp fell closed to lock him in. Phil quickly (ahem!) took us through his phases of bewilderment, humor, analysis and finally outright fear as he tried to punch his way through the locker-top resulting in a broken hand. (Phil drew a few belly laughs as he then acknowledged that a broken hand truly qualified him as a singlehanded sailor!!) Phil continued by explaining that a sore hand yielded a more calm thought process where he finally "vibrated" the hasp loose and then climbed out. He described his first topside observation as fearful since there was not a single boat in sight. After checking his Loran (uh, GPS not invented yet) he verified he was indeed on course for the mark. Phil explained that he was relieved not to be beached, yet discouraged that he had clearly lost the race since he was not within eyeshot of his competition. It doesn't end yet. Phil explained that he crossed the finish line and was cheered as the winner. Again, he was spilt with two emotions: Elated that he won the race, yet discouraged as he learned that his boat & autopilot sail better without him - the rest of the fleet was way behind him. With that introduction, Phil, qualified himself as the godfather of solo sailing. And to this day, Phil remains my hero!
The most important statement from my first GLSS Open House came from my wife Kathy as we were driving home. She said, "I'm so glad that I went. I feel much better about this 'solo thing' that you are getting into." So there you go, mates! How much do you think things have changed since 1990? Bring your spouse, bring a friend, and bring your spouse's friend. Come to the GLSS Open House at NSSC on March 28 and check it out for yourself!
TOP TEN REASONS - Mike Garcia
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One year ago at the GLSS Open House, Mike Garcia offered some tough competition with Dave Letterman with his very own top ten reasons to do the Mac Solo. Checkem out:
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10. |
You can jettison your "Honey Do List" just before the starting signal. |
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9. |
You will win all tactical decisions because it's only you vs. your alter ego. |
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8. |
You will luxuriate in spaciousness without 8 gorilla crew members on board. |
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7. |
You can't imagine the fun of trying to lower sail in a storm at night off a lee shore only to find your autopilot quit and the halyard is fouled. |
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6. |
The hallucinations from lack of sleep are better than those of LSD. |
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5. |
The medallion awarded for successful completion will so impress your friends and family that you will be regarded as an old SALT (Sailor Always Looking for Trouble). |
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4. |
You will save on Viagra because it is likely you will be UP for the duration. |
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3. |
You can pass gas all day and night without being offensive. |
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2. |
You will save precious energy not having to scream and shout if you are swept overboard. |
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And the #1 reason to do the Mac Solo is... |
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1. |
At Mackinac you will be hugged by the beautiful GLSS race committee ladies, a welcome of such delight that you will quickly forget the agony of getting there. |
NEXT RODE SHOW
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Stay tuned for the results of the "Bottom Paint Poll." I've received 18 responses so far. In case you forgot: Tell me the name of the bottom paint that you use. I will tally the results and post them. How 'bout a sneak preview?? You guessed it VC-17 leads the pack.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Annual GLSS Open House
March 28 -- Wednesday
North Star Sail Club
Time: 7:00 PM
Bring a friend to introduce to the GLSS.
Annual Mackinaw Solo Challenge
Starting from Chicago & Port Huron
June 23 -- Saturday
Respectfully yours,
Patrick Nugent