It's the time of year when many of us are focused on picking up a last gift or two down at the mall. And yet many times the best gifts are gifts of ourselves and acts of kindness we do for others. This seems particularly easy and meaningful when we're out sailing. Perhaps it's something as simple as taking a line from a sailor docking in a crosswind, or sharing a needed tool or spare part. Maybe it's sharing your knowledge on a sailing issue or mechanical problem. Perhaps it's something found on the water and returned to its owner. Did you give or receive a gift this year? Share your stories then be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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Always take a line/share advice
At our marina, you can always count on someone taking a line. Sometimes there are 4-5 people waiting to assist, especially so when the weather is inclement. The dock hands are always there, but we just make their job easier. Need a tool - or advice? How about someone to do the work? No problem. There seems to never be a short supply of this either. They biggest cost? A couple of beers. It's like one, big, happy family here at Brewer's in Portsmouth, RI. www.byy.com
At our marina, you can always count on someone taking a line. Sometimes there are 4-5 people waiting to assist, especially so when the weather is inclement. The dock hands are always there, but we just make their job easier. Need a tool - or advice? How about someone to do the work? No problem. There seems to never be a short supply of this either. They biggest cost? A couple of beers. It's like one, big, happy family here at Brewer's in Portsmouth, RI. www.byy.com
All of the Above
My first time out with my new (to me) boat on Cave Run Lake in eastern Ky in June, I happened upon a family calling for help from a sinking small open-cockpit boat. Dad had forgotten to put the drain plug in prior to launching. Boat was going down stern first. Mom was not happy. Bubba and Sis were terrified. Dog was wet. Called for help on radio, and took them all on board my Mac 25 until a larger boat arrived to take the family back to the ramp, getting the crippled vessel under tow just in time. Everyone always helps each other with lines, tools, parts etc. on Cave Run. It's got to be one of the friendliest boating communities anywhere, in spite of the rich mixture of sailboats, BIG houseboats, and smokers sharing somewhat limited space. Every day on the water there is a holiday.
My first time out with my new (to me) boat on Cave Run Lake in eastern Ky in June, I happened upon a family calling for help from a sinking small open-cockpit boat. Dad had forgotten to put the drain plug in prior to launching. Boat was going down stern first. Mom was not happy. Bubba and Sis were terrified. Dog was wet. Called for help on radio, and took them all on board my Mac 25 until a larger boat arrived to take the family back to the ramp, getting the crippled vessel under tow just in time. Everyone always helps each other with lines, tools, parts etc. on Cave Run. It's got to be one of the friendliest boating communities anywhere, in spite of the rich mixture of sailboats, BIG houseboats, and smokers sharing somewhat limited space. Every day on the water there is a holiday.
Don Boren loaned me his handheld
Don was tied to the dock beside me. I had just bought our boat and there were questions about the batteries and charger. We bought the boat in Niceville and were moving it to Dog River in Mobile bay. The weather was unsettled. Don was worried that we might have trouble with the batteries and get stuck unable to start the motor or radio for help. Even though he barely knew us he insisted that we take his very nice waterproof handheld as a back-up. He then used his GPS-chartplotter to help us find some good places to anchor. He even supplied the beer while we studied the charts!!!! Many thanks to Don!!! We didn't need the back-up radio but we felt better knowing that it was on board. So much better that we bought one.
Don was tied to the dock beside me. I had just bought our boat and there were questions about the batteries and charger. We bought the boat in Niceville and were moving it to Dog River in Mobile bay. The weather was unsettled. Don was worried that we might have trouble with the batteries and get stuck unable to start the motor or radio for help. Even though he barely knew us he insisted that we take his very nice waterproof handheld as a back-up. He then used his GPS-chartplotter to help us find some good places to anchor. He even supplied the beer while we studied the charts!!!! Many thanks to Don!!! We didn't need the back-up radio but we felt better knowing that it was on board. So much better that we bought one.
thanks to Jim & Peggy
Otis aboard the MV Ramputt, while down in Appalicola we had to make an unexpected trip to Panama City. we had just pulled into the slip next to them at Miller's Marina the night before. we tried to rent a car but, there are no car rentals in Appalicola! (I knew it was a small town but not that small) anyway the Otis' let us borrow their brand new car for the day. some of the nicest folks we have ever meet! SPECIAL THANKS TO JIM, PEGGY, AND THEIR CRUISING BASSETT HOUND RALPH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Otis aboard the MV Ramputt, while down in Appalicola we had to make an unexpected trip to Panama City. we had just pulled into the slip next to them at Miller's Marina the night before. we tried to rent a car but, there are no car rentals in Appalicola! (I knew it was a small town but not that small) anyway the Otis' let us borrow their brand new car for the day. some of the nicest folks we have ever meet! SPECIAL THANKS TO JIM, PEGGY, AND THEIR CRUISING BASSETT HOUND RALPH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
*5 Thanks to Pete & Teri
Thanks to Pete & Teri... Your gift left on the boat was so appreciated... You're not only wonderful co-members of JYC, but dear friends!
Thanks to Pete & Teri... Your gift left on the boat was so appreciated... You're not only wonderful co-members of JYC, but dear friends!
Thanks to the anonymous power-boater
A bad cable and a faulty switch had left us with dead starter AND house batteries after a long weekend. It ALMOST had enough to start, but not quite. Sailing off anchor would have been no big deal, but the wind direction would have made it impossible to sail through the narrow inlet to get to our mooring. Sea tow estimated $700 for a tow home. I had just about decided to sail just outside our homeport channel, anchor, take the tender in, and drive home to get the %^$# jumpstarter we recharged and forgot to bring, when a guy in an inflatable nearly cut into my anchor rode. He apologized, so rather than letting my mood get to me, I asked: "have you got a jumpstarter?" He replied; "Just so happens I do, be right back." For the price of a beer, I got home without the hassel. I got my beer back the next weekend by saving a runaway tender.
A bad cable and a faulty switch had left us with dead starter AND house batteries after a long weekend. It ALMOST had enough to start, but not quite. Sailing off anchor would have been no big deal, but the wind direction would have made it impossible to sail through the narrow inlet to get to our mooring. Sea tow estimated $700 for a tow home. I had just about decided to sail just outside our homeport channel, anchor, take the tender in, and drive home to get the %^$# jumpstarter we recharged and forgot to bring, when a guy in an inflatable nearly cut into my anchor rode. He apologized, so rather than letting my mood get to me, I asked: "have you got a jumpstarter?" He replied; "Just so happens I do, be right back." For the price of a beer, I got home without the hassel. I got my beer back the next weekend by saving a runaway tender.
A welcome gift
I received a very welcome cold beer from another sailor for me and my crew - a cruiser that had room for an ice chest. It was a hot day and really hit the spot.
I received a very welcome cold beer from another sailor for me and my crew - a cruiser that had room for an ice chest. It was a hot day and really hit the spot.
Wunderground.com
Well, I towed three boats back into the marina this year (hey sometime it will be me stranded). A friend of my Dads did the San Francisco to Hawaii, and back, voyage this summer. We sent weather information to him most of the trip via high frequency e-mail, but the most fun was sailing out to meet them on their return. We got them on the VHF when we were about 5 miles off shore and kept them company comming through the "Gate" and back through Racoon Straights. Sometimes just a friendly voice saying "welcome home" can be a gift
Well, I towed three boats back into the marina this year (hey sometime it will be me stranded). A friend of my Dads did the San Francisco to Hawaii, and back, voyage this summer. We sent weather information to him most of the trip via high frequency e-mail, but the most fun was sailing out to meet them on their return. We got them on the VHF when we were about 5 miles off shore and kept them company comming through the "Gate" and back through Racoon Straights. Sometimes just a friendly voice saying "welcome home" can be a gift
Watch That Jam Cleat
...If you are talking about the O'Day Wedgeon, don't use the main sheet jam cleat on gusty days...sure to capsize again...But I love the boat, my first was a Wedgeon many years ago...
...If you are talking about the O'Day Wedgeon, don't use the main sheet jam cleat on gusty days...sure to capsize again...But I love the boat, my first was a Wedgeon many years ago...
Daily Gifts
In addition to the "being saved," and "saving someone else" stories here. I think this website and the wonderful folks who keep it running are one of the very best gifts we all get, and on a daily basis. To all of the great folks who help us share information: THANKS AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. Stu
In addition to the "being saved," and "saving someone else" stories here. I think this website and the wonderful folks who keep it running are one of the very best gifts we all get, and on a daily basis. To all of the great folks who help us share information: THANKS AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. Stu
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending December 28, 2003: I gave or received sailing gifts this year related to: 32% Shared tools or spare parts 31% Shared knowledge on sailing or mechanical issues 24% Help with docking or anchoring 13% Serious help out on the water such as rescues or tows
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending December 28, 2003: I gave or received sailing gifts this year related to: 32% Shared tools or spare parts 31% Shared knowledge on sailing or mechanical issues 24% Help with docking or anchoring 13% Serious help out on the water such as rescues or tows
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