Photo courtesy of the Northwest Maritime Center
Twenty five boats came out for the kickoff of the PTSA 2014 sailing season and were treated to a great day on the water. Yes, there was a little rain, and even the occasional snow flurry. But the wind was light and steady, the course was fun and the company delightful. There’s something about being on the water and working together to make the boat go that lingers with you long after the dock lines are once again tied. They’re the little memories of the day that bring a smile to a sailor’s face.
On LADYBUG, the Peterson Half Tonner, it was sneaking around the windward mark We probably should have just tacked as the current swept us below the layline, but we went for it, put the bow down to gain speed and shot up almost head to wind to reach the mark. As the boat slowed down, John kicked the stern around and we squeezed past with “no more room than a dime standing on end.” A laugh, then ease the sails and head down to the gybe mark. Just one memory, on one boat, on an afternoon full of memories and smiles. It was especially good to see all the new boats and all the new people that crowded into the Northwest Maritime Center for the awards ceremony. One estimate was at least 75 people in attendance. The beer was cold, the coffee hot and emcee Ted Pike’s presentation presentation warm and gracious as always.
It’s going to be a fun year.