NotPony wrote:

This past season, I spent my Wednesday evenings
racing on an old (1977) Bristol 34.

C'mon, that's not OLD!!!

... Seems like an
oxymoron, racing an old cruising boat that rates
192.

Yeah, but the hot boats from that era don't rate much better, a Ranger
37 rates in the 170s.


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.

Good job! Nothing like using the fine-tuned basic sailing skills to
really drive a boat, the way it should be driven.

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

My wife & I would be happy & proud to sponsor you, Stve. Give me a call.

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.

Ummm... how did *you* get on board, or shouldn't I ask?!?

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.

You have a better attitude than the 'older generation' in my family did.
And as much as my neices and nephews have enjoyed sailing, they haven't
taken up racing.

I hope your son introduces a lot of his friends to the pleasures of
sailing and maybe even racing.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King