Kip, good to hear from you. I'm not sure I met you, but I'm pretty familiar with SISA. About 2-3 years ago I crewed fairly often at the regattas, usually with John Nielson's Catalina 22. I found the group very friendly and helpful to a raw novice like myself. I quit attending last year only because I had gotten my Venture Cat and wanted time to learn it without the pressure of trying to make the marks and avoiding running into anyone. This year I think I could have raced, and at least finished without any death or injury, but to be honest, I'm short on funds and time. I didn't feel I could help with the regatta fees, and I've been pretty busy, at least on the days a regatta's been held.

But I really enjoyed the group and the racing. So far my schedule's open for CJ Strike. The last time I was there, a terrific storm struck. We had just barely gotten off the water when winds of 30-40 knots (at least that's what I remember) and hail and lightning slammed down on us. I remember one sailboat was caught out in it. I don't know if her shrouds broke, or they lost a mast or what, but it seems like they limped in after the storm.

Thanks for the invite, and I'll try to make it!