Jeff,

I've said this before but I guess at my age I'm allowed to repeat a
story; " When I was still racing with my Female crew, I use to supply
Bakery Cookie on the downwind leg. I would really strain to hold my gas
until the final tack was completed, then I'd go below to get the bag of
cookies. While in the Cabin I would let go with a real, ripper. I mean
a Fart that only age can manufacture. Then I would return to the cockpit
with the bag of cookies and thermos's of coffee and tea and take over
the helm for the downwind leg.

You have to have a female crew to get the full effect of as well
"Passed Gas" The aroma drifting up from the cabin created enough visual
response over enough time to create laughter in this old man.

I was the main sail trimmer on the upwind legs. The Girls had double
duty. They had to figure the tack to carry the mark and to keep "Ole
Dad" from dropping into the cabin. I was put on the helm to turn the
windward mark.

Even without the Aid of the cabin and the wind going downwind, I could
cut loose and the smell would linger in the cockpit long enough to get
the crew to have to free one hand from cookie eating to fan their faces.
(They use to make a special tell-tale out of duct tape and yarn and
stick it on the seat of my pants)

Ah, the joys of Cruising Class racing with a all girl crew; they sure
did teach me to not take myself to serious!

Never had a fire and I'll drink to that!!

Ole Thom