wow....you guys are something! Most people shouldn't expect something like this until they've died and I feel privileged. I haven't helped any of you out as much as much as you help me - but at least I've given out some great stories! I'm absolutely fortunate to be part of such a great fraternity of friends who compete against each other in some of the most aggressive conditions possible - but end each and every day with a hand shake, a hug, or at the very least a great story.
Now...my responses.
JW - you're awesome and you put all of us to shame with your selfless dedication to this sport and all of the things you have made better on and off the water...and your math skills regarding age are mind blowing. I remember that moment at Spring Fever but I admit to being slightly distracted because I had just realized I was within one person each of Sam Evans in front of me and Wouter behind me. I was concerned about getting caught in the nuclear cross fire when some tall fuzzy headed pickle-toed guy butted in and said Jake! Jake! ...but what a great long weekend and the beginning of another great friendship. I look forward to the day we race together again - I've found some stuff since last time.
Karl - what did you expect? Not only were my pajamas wet but I was becoming increasingly concerned that the Lake Hartwell dam was the only thing between me and the General, and the Atlantic ocean. Of course I forgot the drain plugs! And by the way, that photo taken of us after I handed you the helm intent to relieve myself with
SPECIFIC instructions regarding which side of the photo boat to sail by is still on the screen saver at my sailing club.
Chris, you had a habit of going down with the ship and we had a hell of a comeback to stage (and did)! I wanted to make sure you were intact...because we sure as hell weren't going to save that and I saw you trimming the spinnaker all the way down the mine as I was flying by you. I do still feel bad that there is an expensive Sperry in the muck approaching Anne's beach from that day. That being our first Steeplechase, I recall getting anxious about beating that 6.0 back to the Day 1 finish as we started to scrub the grass and sand about 100 yards shy of the line at Anne's beach. You jumped in to pull the boat while I tried to sail and steer what I could. Looking up at the sails and hardly shifting focus on that 6.0, I remember asking you to go faster (not so nicely)! The response I got? The boat stops and you asked me "How tall am I?". I definitely remember thinking, "that was a strange response"...The boat was still scrubbing bottom but you were chest level with the deck (and you are not short!)..what a weekend!
Lee, well...that was probably one of my biggest "slap me" moments (I've had a few!) and I'm astonished that I walked away from that with neither a black eye or a nasty nick-name. In my defense, I didn't know it was a fresh repair and I distinctly remember thinking to myself; "wow! someone really did a tidy job fairing that with what appears to be epoxy and chopped glass...how smooth is that?". The look on Jamie's face looking at me as I looked perplexed at the wet epoxy on my finger as he was walking back after having just thrown away all of the repair kit he used was PRICELESS. I'll never forget that one either...and I still think I owe you more rum for that.
Todd, - pussy.
Tad, just keep sailing and smiling. It's just fiberglass. Thanks for the compliments.
Kris, the 5.2 is a great boat and will always have a soft spot in my sailing heart. I would like to sail one again someday...it's been quite a while.
David, this one is for you and from my "private collection" of Red Man photos. Red Man began life on a mini Tommy Hilfiger Volvo X40 display and "~somehow~" ended up at one of our regattas after having traveled a bit around the world. Red Man partied big with us that night and I have the photographic evidence to prove it.
PS -thank goodness Wick Smith doesn't frequent this forum to tell the story about a nasty hangover, a half-eaten poptart, a life jacket, and fireants. How do I get myself into these things?
What great friends. Thanks for one of the best birthday presents ever.
