Can a picture say a thousand words? Above, you see Kris Henderson and Allan Johnson out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean outside Kaneohe Bay, HI in our little International 14 on our way to winning the Hawaii State Championship Race. This picture was taken from my little point and shoot camera by Kris's fiance' Kim. Just prior to the photo we had capsized in the "great white shark breeding ground" when Kris's trapeze wire broke and he went splashing into the ocean. I don't know if it was the sharks or the adrenaline of the race, but Kris got right back on the boat, we set the spinnaker and almost "pearled" down some of those big waves out there. A fantastic distance race in a spectacular venue, Kris and I enjoyed every moment and particularly this one, where we have the boat back together, we are leading the race, waving to our short support team and making about 18 knots in full control. Thanks to Kris for excellent navigation down the channel where I got very disoriented. Note the "Sailing Angles" lycra supersuits that made their first debut for us at the 2000 Olympic 49er trials. They are quite astonishing on land, and my wife/stylist has forbidden me from wearing such a thing, but honey: form follows function, and these suits are perfectly suited for conditions where you will get wet, and the water is over 80 degrees and the air temperature is over 90 degrees.
While I probably should have been skiing, shopping, parenting or partying, I was lucky enough to have a sailing demonstration planned with some great guys on New Year's Eve. I have spent way too many New Year's Eves in Seattle in the rain, so it was wonderful that today dawned glorius, bright and frosty. Indeed the temperature was about 27 degrees when we reached the dock, but we are hearty up here in the Pacific Northwest and we are blessed with beautiful mountains. All of the crew were upbeat, and there was no question that we were going out on Puget Sound to check out this cool 1982 Cal 39. Unfortunately, there was little wind but check out the views of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Baker off the bow. The docks were pretty busy at Shilshole Bay Marina and I was reminded again what a day in a sailboat can do for your temperment. Even in the cold of winter on the last day of the year, what a treat it is to commune with nature. Stop making excuses, go for a sail! A wonderful 2011 to all of you sailors!
