First. many thanks to Peter Dodenhoff., who arranged the whole thing again, along with Mike Colucci, and who would believe that Raritan YC would comp ALL the moorings for the participants. For those of you who thought about it and forgot about it, "Nyahh!" Actually, we missed those who couldn't come and mourned one of our own and raised a toast to Nick, Dee's late companion. They were with us from the beginning and we hope Dee will join us again next year. The RYC were great hosts, dinner at "The Barge" was a blast and the party afterwards on Kukulcán made it perfect. Let's see; there were a FEW glitches along the way, like the wind, lightning, thunder and hail storm we encountered while looking for the entrance to Norwalk Cove on Tueday afternoon; the thunder, lightning, and wrap-around winds while on the mooring at City Island on Wednesday night, Pete D's narrow escape while trying to meet his daughter at night on the shores of Horseshoe Cove at Sandy Hook; trying to leave Sandy Hook but finding it difficult to raise
anchor because there was less depth than boat (how did THAT happen?!), Pete's busted water
pump at the moment of departure on Monday morning; Kukulcan's flaoting bilge boards while on a day sail at City Island (dual casualty, both causes currenty under investigation); waiting an additional day at City Island waiting for Pete's
dinghy repairs to cure; rub rail damage to Kukulcán and stanchion damage to Emmie Lou while rafted at RYC (much calmer at Horseshoe Cove), Kukulcán's very close encounter with a barge just off CI; inclement weather here and there, large headwinds and waves on the nose on the trip from CI to Milford on Thursday and almost no wind (but no waves) on the trip from Milford to New London. What a great time, meeting old friends, making new friends, and the to-do list has grown by leaps and bounds. The Admiral has hinted that there may be an electric windless and a bimini and a new dodger next year, and that would be wonderful. The Admiral (Pat) and I were tickled that our boat could accommodate all fourteen of us after dinner, and although there wasn't exactly dancing on the foredeck, there were three guitars, singing, dark'nstormies, and wonderful conversation. Any suggestions for next year should be sent to Pete or Mike. We will be there! Thanks to everyone who came and to everyone who donated raffle items. What a hoot playing out in Raritan Bay with Emmie Lou and Sharon Marie like
dinghy sailors while Rich Hansen directed the photo shoot. I could go on, and may well do so, but lastly, it was a privilege to travel in company with Pete as far as we could before our different priorities took us apart. That, and a common appreciation for Tom Lehrer...
Bill and Pat, O28 (More available than ever/O40, New London, CT
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