Saturday, June 27, 2009

SAILING SIX METERS


Sailing 6 meter "Madcap" designed by Frederick Hoyt in 1924. Perhaps the smallest 6 meter ever, which entitles her to more sail area than she can handle except in light air.
Today was an odd day the wind never filled from the southwest despite the sun. A southeast breeze pushed the fog into the bay and over the land.
The starting line had been set for SW and when the wind shifted we could not cross the line on starboard tack.
The boat proved to be quick.


BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEK 2009

Sailing on "Laura-Ann" belonging to Rich duMoulin for Block Island Race Week, re-united me with many old friends and classmates. My first race week since 1967 when I raced with Halsey Herreshoff on "Alerion" built to his design.
The Island was overrun with sailors seeking Mount Gay Rum and wind. Conditions were varied and shifty which kept the race committee and competitors on their toes.
We ended the week in second place in class easily beaten by a sistership "Troubador", only beating her in the first and last races of the week. I will keep a fond memory of this race week largely as a result of the warm welcome from Rich and his wife Ann.






Friday, June 19, 2009

return from LA

Returning home not to be greeted by Tucou was a very strange feeling; a sense of a missing piece of our lives. Even after a few days we both keep thinking of him and the small ordinary everyday things of which he was part.
Los Angeles is so much fun. The good weather surely contributes to this. Eccentric people can still be part of the landscape.
Our purpose was to see our children. But the sideshow of humanity certainly made it even more fun.



Wednesday, June 10, 2009

TUCOU




Today was a difficult day for our family. Tucou, our dog, part of our lives for 23 years. a loyal friend and companion through all the events during every moment of that time had to be put down. Like any blow such as this, it is hard to imagine that we will recover, that time will soften the harsh reality of life.