The UPDATE
So. "Hello Gorgeous" participated in the local Leukemia Cup Regatta this weekend. Crew came from craigslist as well as from Sailnet.
Can't say how pleased, I was with the crew. This was the first ever time meeting complete strangers and having everything work like clockwork. I even knew that Marty was tentative, and that 11 was the cut off - and thus we shoved to. (Marty as you will tell - probably good you had some issues to deal with, because your obnoxiously polite kids would of gotten smartened with even more do-goodiness
).
Everyone, showed up before the time requested. Which gave me plenty of time to gradually get into who knew what and what not, and not having slept or coffee - a good thing. Reed was the first to show and what enthusiasm - I almost had to tell him to walk home because he needed to slow down abit. I won't hold it against him either that he was one of the posters on SA that insisted I show my breasts when I posted on there last (I bet now he is like - thank gawd that chick named poster is a dude
)...
Seriouslythough, Brian and Steve came next and it wasn't long that they started doing what I wished I would of had time to do before. They all yanked all 14 sails out, pulled them out and analyzed what each was etc and then properly (did I mention properly) stowed them in the corresponding bags for future easy deployment. Without me having to say a word or having a concern.
You probably asking - why would they? Simple, things I do not know - if someone says they have the experience I let them run with it unless it is obvious BS. We had the forecast of possible wind for flying a asym and honestly, me not knowing the sails or what does what on that end - its best to let those whom have done it do it. Thats how you learn, and by observation and hands on you discover what you think works best etc...Empowerment comes from not limiting those to just your level of expertise afterall.
Then Mark and Max showed, along with Jo Ann and David, and Kristin..I did my safety lecture and introduction to the boat, then headed off to the skipper meeting. By the time I came back - we were ready to go and we did. First thing I did was turn the helm to Kristin as she was the least experienced. I do that because it is the ultimate test of crew and it immediately gets someone that is somewhat novice - a quick hands on introduction. It also immediately says - you are part of the crew, we got your back...
We had some wind for the count up to the start. Not much but we were the fifth at start, and actually scooted a bit keeping pace with Icon. Then .023 knots of wind of sudden calm settled over us and we all had to pretend hike to make it seem we were heeling. And that was the day - no wind - zippa nadda although I thing a gust in form of a friendly fart may have gotten us to .75 knots...
About an hour into the race - the race was reduced to one lap and suggested "under power". It was interesting seeing the various methods everyone was trying to get whatever wind to sail by. Discover motored backwards the whole course with a spin up - but it had two pointy ends..
Thus the life of sailing in Seattle. Wonderful place and why would you move? To go where there is wind of course.
It was a wash... but I think good time had by all. We did a DNF as personally - no point in motoring to the finish even if it is allowed... its a sailing event - so sail although a few times we did fire up the diesel to make sure that we could charge the batteries to listen to the stereo that was not installed.
It was just a no wind day though at 5:30 as I left for the after party - 10 knots of wind.... go figure.
But, the boat came in better shape than she left out. David even brought her in - albiet a tad fast and he got caught in the typical wide beam scenario, but we had the hands on board to pull in via boat hooks and get her tidied up for mooring. It was probably a good real experience for him, and its not easy to dock a boat you never have done before, so kudos there.
The After party we hooked up with Theresa and her boat crew. Mark and his wife, Jo Ann and David and myself I think were the only crew that showed for the after party. We ended up as a boat crew raising some $3,000 for the Leukemia Society when all things are considered between the auction items and boat/crew registration - party "passes".
I probably left out alot more I would like to say but I am need to catch up on threads and some sleep as I stayed up till 4 am last night getting the last bits of the electrical system installed and doing a midnight shopping run for drinks, lunch etc...
But, for those that crewed - thanks for the wonderful experience and being a easy going crew. Each and everyone are welcome as I stated for the Thursday night races and / or just for a sail if available for the day. Was my pleasure to have had you on board. Perhaps next time there will be at least a breeze
Some pictures:
See, no wind - those boats didn't move for a good 20 minutes
One of Sailnet's own there
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