Auld Lang Syne

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Bill B

2004 was a great year!

We bought our first boat this year - a Catalina 25 - for cruising the SF Bay. Turns out it's a great bay boat - handles the strong winds and chop on the bay extremely well. It didn't need a lot of work so we were able to sail it far more than work on it (even though it's an '84). We were out >50 times (we keep a an informal log), even though we bought her June 1. Great fun! We are planning for more overnight trips in 2005 and will rig her better for single-handing. Other possible upgrades this next year include replacing the standing rigging, new main sail, or install a furling jib.
 
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Bill B

2004 was a great year!

We bought our first boat this year - a Catalina 25 - for cruising the SF Bay. Turns out it's a great bay boat - handles the strong winds and chop on the bay extremely well. It didn't need a lot of work so we were able to sail it far more than work on it (even though it's an '84). We were out >50 times (we keep a an informal log), even though we bought her June 1. Great fun! We are planning for more overnight trips in 2005 and will rig her better for single-handing. Other possible upgrades this next year include replacing the standing rigging, new main sail, or install a furling jib.
 
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Bill S.

2004 was an above average sailing year for us

2004 was an interesting and transitional year for me. Because I lost my "IT" job to Off-Shoring (and I'll save that discussion for another group) I was unemployed for the summer. Part of my severance was a re-education stipend of approx. $2500. I used that $ for a USCG license exam prep course (via www.BoatWise.com) and also for a MacBooring 3 day hands-on Diesel engine course. I received my USCG 50 GT license in Aug. I really didn't like my employer/job very well and was lucky to be paid for most of the summer among other perks. I started a new job Nov. 1. Back to sailing; The 1st 1/2 of the 2004 summer in New England was disappointing, weather wise, but the 2nd 1/2 of Aug. and all of September were ideal. So the 1st half I worked on my 30 "Ruby" and the 2nd ½ I cruised, from about mid August through mid September. My wife joined me for most of the Sept. leg. We sailed along the Mass. Coast making stops in ports such as Scituate, P-Town, Onset, Martha’s Vineyard (Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven) and several other port stops. As they say "every cloud has a silver lining". I plan to seek some commercial boat captain experience and dovetail it and my "IT" profession in alternating seasons. Bill
 
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Bill S.

2004 was an above average sailing year for us

2004 was an interesting and transitional year for me. Because I lost my "IT" job to Off-Shoring (and I'll save that discussion for another group) I was unemployed for the summer. Part of my severance was a re-education stipend of approx. $2500. I used that $ for a USCG license exam prep course (via www.BoatWise.com) and also for a MacBooring 3 day hands-on Diesel engine course. I received my USCG 50 GT license in Aug. I really didn't like my employer/job very well and was lucky to be paid for most of the summer among other perks. I started a new job Nov. 1. Back to sailing; The 1st 1/2 of the 2004 summer in New England was disappointing, weather wise, but the 2nd 1/2 of Aug. and all of September were ideal. So the 1st half I worked on my 30 "Ruby" and the 2nd ½ I cruised, from about mid August through mid September. My wife joined me for most of the Sept. leg. We sailed along the Mass. Coast making stops in ports such as Scituate, P-Town, Onset, Martha’s Vineyard (Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven) and several other port stops. As they say "every cloud has a silver lining". I plan to seek some commercial boat captain experience and dovetail it and my "IT" profession in alternating seasons. Bill
 
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James Williams

Always room for improvement

The older I get the more grateful I am for sailing and sailors. My wife and I had a great year. We sailed our Islander Bahama 28 in our first serious race series, loved it and have lots of room for improvement. We modified the chain locker and added a windlass and put in new head plumbing and a new holding tank on our Cal 39 II -- gradually preparing for some cruising. We did several cruise-outs with our Encinal Yacht Club crusing group, and spent many lovely hours at the club. Good friends and good times makes for a rich life.
 
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James Williams

Always room for improvement

The older I get the more grateful I am for sailing and sailors. My wife and I had a great year. We sailed our Islander Bahama 28 in our first serious race series, loved it and have lots of room for improvement. We modified the chain locker and added a windlass and put in new head plumbing and a new holding tank on our Cal 39 II -- gradually preparing for some cruising. We did several cruise-outs with our Encinal Yacht Club crusing group, and spent many lovely hours at the club. Good friends and good times makes for a rich life.
 
Jim Rushing

Jim Rushing

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Mar 1, 2004
351
Catalina 387 Cedar Mills-Lake Texhoma
Not a Good Year

Slipped last May while getting on the boat and fell on the main wench. Drove it into my left shoulder. Shattered the top of the arm bone where it goes into the shoulder socket. Seven months later and with lots of therapy, I can reach my back pockets with my left arm. I am still working on being able to reach over my head.
 
Jim Rushing

Jim Rushing

.
Mar 1, 2004
351
Catalina 387 Cedar Mills-Lake Texhoma
Not a Good Year

Slipped last May while getting on the boat and fell on the main wench. Drove it into my left shoulder. Shattered the top of the arm bone where it goes into the shoulder socket. Seven months later and with lots of therapy, I can reach my back pockets with my left arm. I am still working on being able to reach over my head.
 
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David Reilly

First year and a great year!

I'd been longing to sail most of my adult life. My opportunity finally came this year. I purchased an ODay 23. Didn't take ownership until late June and bad weather here until late July but I sure enjoyed the time I did have. Now I can't wait for May 2005 and to launch. More wonderful times on the water await.
 
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David Reilly

First year and a great year!

I'd been longing to sail most of my adult life. My opportunity finally came this year. I purchased an ODay 23. Didn't take ownership until late June and bad weather here until late July but I sure enjoyed the time I did have. Now I can't wait for May 2005 and to launch. More wonderful times on the water await.
 
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Bob

A Very Good Year

We spent most every weekend on our boat from April through October. Arrivded on Friday night and left for home on Monday morning. This year we met our goal of saling from Stamford, Ct to Nantucket. I had been to Nantucket on many ocassions over the last 30 years or so but only via the "big boat" from Woods Hole or Hyannis. It was so exciting sailing into Nantucket Harbor and then relaxing a few days. On our way we made stops in Branford, Mystic, Cuttyhunk (can't wait to go back there) and the Vinyard. On the return spent 40 hours on the hook behind the breakwater at Point Judith waiting out a storm. This year we also met and have become friends with many that we at the marina and along the ways of our travels. Just another few months and we'll have back in the water again. Happy sailing to all. Bob and Camille sv Kathryn, h356, Stamford, Ct
 
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Bob

A Very Good Year

We spent most every weekend on our boat from April through October. Arrivded on Friday night and left for home on Monday morning. This year we met our goal of saling from Stamford, Ct to Nantucket. I had been to Nantucket on many ocassions over the last 30 years or so but only via the "big boat" from Woods Hole or Hyannis. It was so exciting sailing into Nantucket Harbor and then relaxing a few days. On our way we made stops in Branford, Mystic, Cuttyhunk (can't wait to go back there) and the Vinyard. On the return spent 40 hours on the hook behind the breakwater at Point Judith waiting out a storm. This year we also met and have become friends with many that we at the marina and along the ways of our travels. Just another few months and we'll have back in the water again. Happy sailing to all. Bob and Camille sv Kathryn, h356, Stamford, Ct
 
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John

More good than bad

After 40+ years of dinghy sailing (off and on) I finally decided to get a small cruiser - the very eye-catching Catalina Capri 18 (vintage 1998). Very pleased this craft moves so well in light winds and feels so stable compared to my little Sur Nomad 14. I got the C18 in June but lost much time (6 weeks) waiting for new trailer to be built and then going on a 4-week car trip visiting friends and family "back East." Even though I won't waste much time looking back, I have to admit there are plenty of trade-offs in convenience when you move from dinghy to keelboat. Most frustrating is that I can't trailer-sail single-handed because the mast is so heavy can't raise it alone. (Would appreciate any suggestions from other members of our esteemed group)! Finally got the boat in the water late August and decided to rent a slip so I could sail whenever, but found I'd rather trailer all around for variety. Hope to get a friend to go camping/sailing with me this January down to Lake Mead (Hoover Dam near Las Vegas) where it's far warmer than here. I am very lucky to be retired before I even hit 60 and I want to squeeze as much fun into my life as I can before it's all over. I've seen plenty of people who have had to sell their boat(s) due to economic reversals and I know the same could happen to me, so better get on with some good sailing for as long as I still can. Thanks to those you who have mentioned keeping a log, what a great idea! Every sailing day is a new adventure to be savored! Avast me hearties and shivver me timbers - see you on the water!
 
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John

More good than bad

After 40+ years of dinghy sailing (off and on) I finally decided to get a small cruiser - the very eye-catching Catalina Capri 18 (vintage 1998). Very pleased this craft moves so well in light winds and feels so stable compared to my little Sur Nomad 14. I got the C18 in June but lost much time (6 weeks) waiting for new trailer to be built and then going on a 4-week car trip visiting friends and family "back East." Even though I won't waste much time looking back, I have to admit there are plenty of trade-offs in convenience when you move from dinghy to keelboat. Most frustrating is that I can't trailer-sail single-handed because the mast is so heavy can't raise it alone. (Would appreciate any suggestions from other members of our esteemed group)! Finally got the boat in the water late August and decided to rent a slip so I could sail whenever, but found I'd rather trailer all around for variety. Hope to get a friend to go camping/sailing with me this January down to Lake Mead (Hoover Dam near Las Vegas) where it's far warmer than here. I am very lucky to be retired before I even hit 60 and I want to squeeze as much fun into my life as I can before it's all over. I've seen plenty of people who have had to sell their boat(s) due to economic reversals and I know the same could happen to me, so better get on with some good sailing for as long as I still can. Thanks to those you who have mentioned keeping a log, what a great idea! Every sailing day is a new adventure to be savored! Avast me hearties and shivver me timbers - see you on the water!
 
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BJV

Bettter than last year, but not good enough

Certainly did much more than 2003, but still not near enough. That evil work think kept impinging on sailing time. Hope for much more in 2005, boat launching earlier, new dingy and looking at dedicating a solid 2 week block to gunkholing on the Chesapeake.
 
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BJV

Bettter than last year, but not good enough

Certainly did much more than 2003, but still not near enough. That evil work think kept impinging on sailing time. Hope for much more in 2005, boat launching earlier, new dingy and looking at dedicating a solid 2 week block to gunkholing on the Chesapeake.
 
BarryL

BarryL

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May 21, 2004
1,116
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 Mt. Sinai, NY
04 was a great year

Hello, I had a great year in '04. We started by launching the Catalina 22 on May 1. This year we moored it in My. Sinai harbor instead of trailer sailing it. By June I was able to convince my better half we needed a bigger boat. Sold the Catalina in 2 days and bought a 1986 Newport 28. Sailed that until November, when it was hauled and stored. In all, we sailed over 40 times. I sailed at night for the first time (that was fun), did an overnight trip, and learned a lot. Next year I hope to do some weekend trips. Barry
 
BarryL

BarryL

.
May 21, 2004
1,116
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 Mt. Sinai, NY
04 was a great year

Hello, I had a great year in '04. We started by launching the Catalina 22 on May 1. This year we moored it in My. Sinai harbor instead of trailer sailing it. By June I was able to convince my better half we needed a bigger boat. Sold the Catalina in 2 days and bought a 1986 Newport 28. Sailed that until November, when it was hauled and stored. In all, we sailed over 40 times. I sailed at night for the first time (that was fun), did an overnight trip, and learned a lot. Next year I hope to do some weekend trips. Barry
 
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David D.

A year

Not a great year, but a year. Lost my best friend and "big brother", 25 year sailing friendship as well as confidant and partner in crazy schemes. Did get a new boat, but will have to wait until spring to really get out & find out what she can do. (I look forward to it with great anticipation.) Still have my wife & sailing partner, which is a blessing. Also lost our boat dog, gone before her time. It is amazing how much hurt a heart can take & keep going. Best regards to you all for 2005.
 
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David D.

A year

Not a great year, but a year. Lost my best friend and "big brother", 25 year sailing friendship as well as confidant and partner in crazy schemes. Did get a new boat, but will have to wait until spring to really get out & find out what she can do. (I look forward to it with great anticipation.) Still have my wife & sailing partner, which is a blessing. Also lost our boat dog, gone before her time. It is amazing how much hurt a heart can take & keep going. Best regards to you all for 2005.
 
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