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NotPony
 
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Default learning by numbers - Thank You

When I started this post, it wasn't with the
though of fundraising. We had already surpassed
our goal of $1000.
I was shocked when I looked at the site this
evening.
http://www.active.com/donate/leukemiacupmd/BCSC
I was already moved today when two of the girls
I've been teaching brought my a huge gift basket
and thanked me for making them sailors.
Now this. Thanks to those who helped out. You
know who you are. I know the family I'm doing
this for really appreciates it.
S.

"NotPony" wrote in message
news:q4c5f.4536$t12.347@trnddc03...
: This past season, I spent my Wednesday evenings
: racing on an old (1977) Bristol 34. Seems like
an
: oxymoron, racing an old cruising boat that rates
: 192.
: This boat has no fancy electronics or high tech
: sails. Electronics consist of a knot log and
: depth meter.
: When I started with this boat, I called it the
: geriatric boat. The owners are both in their mid
: 60's. One crew member is in her late 70's. At
: 40, I was the youngest on the boat.
: We sailed by the compass. Checking the wind and
: line bearings at the start, checking heading for
: lifts and headers.
: Mid-season I was allowed to take over as
skipper.
: Dinghy racing has given me the confidence to put
: the boat where I want it without the concern of
: being too close to the other boats. An inch
from
: another boat in dinghies isn't a big deal.
: Knowing the rules helps out a lot too.
: Math not being my strong suit, I made a little
: compass rose with rotating cross hairs. I
simply
: turn the dial to the bearing of the line and see
: where the wind is for the favored end.
: I learned so much from these old timers on an
old
: boat, I was able to steer us to two firsts in
the
: last couple races. This is not just correcting
: over faster boats, but actually crossing the
line
: in front of boats with ratings in the 170's.
: The owners have given me use of the boat to
enter
: in the Baltimore Harbor Cup to benefit leukemia.
: I thought it would be a good thing to do as a
: friend of mine has a son that was recently
: diagnosed with
:
leukemia.http://www.active.com/donate/leukemiacupm
: d/BCSC
: It is so much fun to push this old boat and come
: out ahead.
: It's also speaks volumes that the crew on this
: boat has been together for years. A spot
doesn't
: open up unless someone dies.
: I've also been able to pass on a load of info
and
: experience to my son. It gives so much pleasure
: having him take interest in something I'm
: interested in. But I've got to watch him. He's
: starting to give his old man a run for his
money.
: As much as I dread it in one sense, I can't wait
: for the day he beats me in every race.
: So, between racing the Bristol, racing dinghies,
: sailing my boat and running the sailing center,
I
: don't see how life could get much better.
: S.
: