Re: catalina27-talk: VOR Tragedy

[Chris Maddox]

Very sad indeed.  But reminds me of an experience many years ago.  I was planning an excursion up the Maine coast from Buzzards Bay with a friend of mine who had (at the time) a Pearson 26.  We would be heading straight for Mt. Desert Island from the Canal, which takes you about 40 miles offshore.  Another friend, who had limited sailing experience but was considering coming along, asked if the trip would be dangerous.  I'll paraphrase my cap'ns answer:

"This is a very good boat.  We are very good crew and we do things right.  We have excellent safety gear - what the CG requires and then some.  We watch the weather.  We don't take unnecessary chances with the boat or with our necks.  But... if the North Atlantic decides it's your turn, it's just your turn".

Fortunately, it hasn't been my turn yet.  Sadly, it seems it was his.  I'll tip some rum to him tonight.

p.s. After 25 years of sailing, sometimes in pretty lousy conditions, I've found the most dangerous part of it all is driving to the marina.  And our friend came along.

Chris

At 01:24 PM 5/18/2006, you wrote:

http://www.volvooceanrace.org/news/article/2006/may/mobupdate/index.aspx
 
Very Sad.
 
Chris D
toy box
eastport, md