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It seems the older they are, the smarter they get. Back in December of last year, I rec'd an E-mail from a guy in Indialantic Florida that had found what was left of a Sea Spray in someone's back yard after the four, count 'em, four hurricanes hit that "Sunshine" state.

As a retired fire fighter, I can only assume he received smoke damage one time too many because he picked it up and dragged it home. After enduring, what must have been a good deal of kidding by his neighbors about that "Thing", He started to plan its revival.

Now to be fair with Wayne, he owned a Sea Spray many years ago. (Wayne is now in his mid 50's) So, he has been around these boats. After years of fighting fires and helping the wounded at accident scenes, I can understand how this project held little fear for this long haired, ear pierced, beach bum.

Like most of us who have found these SLB's, he went to work, first by pulling the tops off, repairing the holes in the hulls, removing the "extra" stuff left in those hulls, replacing the stiffeners, the backing for the rudder mounts, the trampoline, (made for him by Dave Hagen) and finding a set of sails.

After several EM's and land-line calls, he was ready to put it the water. I wasn't about to miss that, so I loaded "Paxil" and drove 800 miles to meet this piece of work I had been communicating with. What I found was a great guy and a wonderful host.

I also found a damned good sailor when we hit the water !

Wayne has yet to place a name on his "Black" SLB, but knowing him as I now do, it should be interesting.

BTW, Wayne plans on driving from Florida to BC for the '05 North American's. You'll want to meet this sailor.

Bob on "Paxil" US 257