We don't have to tell lies. So much weird shite has happened over the years we can just tell the truth.

Let's start with Steve:

Steve won the Barton "Crash and Burn" trophy back in 1999 for having his rudders ripped off his Dart 20 eight miles away at the Spider Buoy. He still finished.

Steve capsized on "Fisherkeller Shoal" the next summer and BROKE HIS LEG when he fell into 6 inches of water. We named the shoal after him.

Steve's Dart was nearly destroyed back about 1994 when a tornado ripped down Dunedin Causeway on race day before the start, wiping out most of the fleet. That was before my time. Who can replay that one for us?

Steve's Dart got carried 3 miles offshore by a waterspout. The boat was recovered and he sails it today. A Storm Stories segment on Discovery Channel was made about that one. True! The photo below is that exact waterspout as it passed over Clearwater Sailing Center, about 3 minutes before it ate Steve up on Caladesi.

Wherever, whenever, I'll buy the third round! Andrew's got a job, he can buy the rest.
And I raise my glass to Rocco and Smitty, RIP.