OK, so maybe your boat is on the hard for the winter. Even if you're still in the water, the oven on your Princess stove probably isn't big enough for a turkey. So how does a sailor celebrate Thanksgiving? Maybe it's a good time to say thanks to those who have helped make it a good year on the water. Perhaps someone gave you a tow when you needed it. Did a friend give you a hand with a repair or project you couldn't manage yourself? Did someone teach you a new skill? How about your crew who put up with all of your captainly demands this year? Maybe your friends on this site who gave you answers to questions, or moral support when you needed it? Or maybe it's time to simply give thanks for a sailing year that ended safely. Share your stories and notes of thanks here, then vote in the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Thankful
I'm thankful for my father, who instilled in me a passion for sailing, and gave me the skill and confidence to make my own repairs. I'm thankful to my wife, who loves sailing, but moreso, understands that to me it is a passion. I'm thankful to whoever invented the inflatable dinghy that can get myself, my wife, two kids, a dog, and enough supplies for a weekend to the mooring in one trip. I am very thankful for the guy four years ago who got me off the waiting list for a mooring by giving up the best spot in the whole darned harbor. Most of all, I'm thankful that I'm healthy enough to keep my 10 ton girlfriend in the water!
I'm thankful for my father, who instilled in me a passion for sailing, and gave me the skill and confidence to make my own repairs. I'm thankful to my wife, who loves sailing, but moreso, understands that to me it is a passion. I'm thankful to whoever invented the inflatable dinghy that can get myself, my wife, two kids, a dog, and enough supplies for a weekend to the mooring in one trip. I am very thankful for the guy four years ago who got me off the waiting list for a mooring by giving up the best spot in the whole darned harbor. Most of all, I'm thankful that I'm healthy enough to keep my 10 ton girlfriend in the water!
Thankful for my wife
I'm thankful for my wife, who encouraged me to take sailing lessons in 1983, encouraged me to buy a boat about ten years ago then encouraged me to replace it with one ten feet longer five years ago. She's been understanding through the whole process, including fits of "I'm the Captain" from me, "The anchor's not set right" from me, and "It's not blowin' that hard", again from me. Needless to say, I count my blessings starting with her.
I'm thankful for my wife, who encouraged me to take sailing lessons in 1983, encouraged me to buy a boat about ten years ago then encouraged me to replace it with one ten feet longer five years ago. She's been understanding through the whole process, including fits of "I'm the Captain" from me, "The anchor's not set right" from me, and "It's not blowin' that hard", again from me. Needless to say, I count my blessings starting with her.
A Tow when needed
Thankful for the motor boat skipper hearing my distress call on Lake Mead when the outboard motor "found" an unmarked shoal due to the lake's low water level. He gave me a tow to the nearest to the marina where my trailer was to allow the recovery my MacGregor 26X and would not accept any remuniration. Thankful for my dear wife that accepts my only other "mistress" to spend time away from her for single handed sailing with my "second love". Thankful for the remote coves on Lake Mead where the only visitors are boaters and the wild life that come down for a drink of water.
Thankful for the motor boat skipper hearing my distress call on Lake Mead when the outboard motor "found" an unmarked shoal due to the lake's low water level. He gave me a tow to the nearest to the marina where my trailer was to allow the recovery my MacGregor 26X and would not accept any remuniration. Thankful for my dear wife that accepts my only other "mistress" to spend time away from her for single handed sailing with my "second love". Thankful for the remote coves on Lake Mead where the only visitors are boaters and the wild life that come down for a drink of water.
A friend in need is a friend indeed
I'm thankful for discovering the children's books by Arthur Ransome -'Swallows and Amazons' - nearly 60 years ago, which gave me a love of sailing. I'm thankful I have a friend who also has a 22ft because a problem shared is (usually) a problem solved and there is also someone to help with the physically demanding tasks. I'm thankful I can still sail solo.
I'm thankful for discovering the children's books by Arthur Ransome -'Swallows and Amazons' - nearly 60 years ago, which gave me a love of sailing. I'm thankful I have a friend who also has a 22ft because a problem shared is (usually) a problem solved and there is also someone to help with the physically demanding tasks. I'm thankful I can still sail solo.
Too much money
I am thankful for Catalina Direct,West Marine and other purveyors of sailboat stuff. If they weren't around I would have way too much money and would probably turn to gambling and loose women. With the help of these good people I have no spare money and spend all my time adding things to my boat.
I am thankful for Catalina Direct,West Marine and other purveyors of sailboat stuff. If they weren't around I would have way too much money and would probably turn to gambling and loose women. With the help of these good people I have no spare money and spend all my time adding things to my boat.
Thanks in advance...
Since I only get to get down to my boat about once a month during the winter, I'd like to say thanks in advance to anyone who happens to notice (and do something about it!) when my cockpit drains have clogged up with fall leaves and my cockpit has turned into a bathtub. Although I haven't had many "good samaritans" in the last year or two (the neighborhood is goin to hell I tell ya!!), I'm hoping this year will be better. Thanks!!!!!!!
Since I only get to get down to my boat about once a month during the winter, I'd like to say thanks in advance to anyone who happens to notice (and do something about it!) when my cockpit drains have clogged up with fall leaves and my cockpit has turned into a bathtub. Although I haven't had many "good samaritans" in the last year or two (the neighborhood is goin to hell I tell ya!!), I'm hoping this year will be better. Thanks!!!!!!!
Thanks to my brother-in-law
I am thankful to my brother-in-law who, when my mast went through the foamcore hull of my Wildflower a few years back, searched in Massachusetts for my O'Day Javelin, found a perfect one in Bourne, MA, bought it, modified the trailer, and delivered both to me at Lake Delta in upstate New York. This is the same brother who, a year later, encouraged me when I found my mast lying at a rakish angle into the water after the locknut had worked loose from a shroud fitting, and when the delivery of a new mast stub was a few days more than his liking, engineered a temporary fix with angle irons and screws... and we sailed successfully with it in heavy winds. And the same guy assured me that we would get my Johnson 4 outboard working after I had dumped for the first time and submerged it for a half hour... and succeeded in rescuing it (and it works well to this day). I don't have a biological brother, but if I did, he couldn't be any more of a friend than Wayne, my favorite sailing partner and friend.
I am thankful to my brother-in-law who, when my mast went through the foamcore hull of my Wildflower a few years back, searched in Massachusetts for my O'Day Javelin, found a perfect one in Bourne, MA, bought it, modified the trailer, and delivered both to me at Lake Delta in upstate New York. This is the same brother who, a year later, encouraged me when I found my mast lying at a rakish angle into the water after the locknut had worked loose from a shroud fitting, and when the delivery of a new mast stub was a few days more than his liking, engineered a temporary fix with angle irons and screws... and we sailed successfully with it in heavy winds. And the same guy assured me that we would get my Johnson 4 outboard working after I had dumped for the first time and submerged it for a half hour... and succeeded in rescuing it (and it works well to this day). I don't have a biological brother, but if I did, he couldn't be any more of a friend than Wayne, my favorite sailing partner and friend.
David - keep him close
David, your brother-in-law sounds like a great guy......and it sounds like you need him!
David, your brother-in-law sounds like a great guy......and it sounds like you need him!
Thank you, USSCMC
Thanks to the staff at the US Sailing Center of Martin County. They make it look easy but I know there's a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes. Susan, Zach, Samantha, Jerry and the crew, thank you very much for all you do. Bryan
Thanks to the staff at the US Sailing Center of Martin County. They make it look easy but I know there's a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes. Susan, Zach, Samantha, Jerry and the crew, thank you very much for all you do. Bryan
Free gas
My special thanks goes to a sailor living near the north mouth of Elk River, Md. After my 2nd all-nighter in Sept.- soloing my "new" 1970 28' sailboat from New York to Va.- ~4:30AM I ran completely out of gas exiting the south end of C
My special thanks goes to a sailor living near the north mouth of Elk River, Md. After my 2nd all-nighter in Sept.- soloing my "new" 1970 28' sailboat from New York to Va.- ~4:30AM I ran completely out of gas exiting the south end of C
My best friend "Capt. Spiffy"
I first and foremost am thankful for Capt. Spiffy who first took me sailing on Lake Lizzy. He and his wife and in-laws who got such joy out of watching us go back and forth and only come into eat everytime we were at the lake. It only took that first ride to awaken my love of sailing. I also thankful for the guys at Shipwreck who help me when I need it boat repairs. I thank Tom Lux & Ann Larson for my sailing classes who have given me the tip of the ice berg of sailing knowedge. I especially thankful for everyone who has said yes to going sailing with me. Finally, I am thankful to Mark and Donna Walsh for buying my '56 Chevy so I could buy my 22'Edel 665 and Trevor who sold me the boat. It was a great Summer and I loved every minute of sailing time and every minute of being on the boat whether tinkering or enjoying the view, whatever. Life is good!
I first and foremost am thankful for Capt. Spiffy who first took me sailing on Lake Lizzy. He and his wife and in-laws who got such joy out of watching us go back and forth and only come into eat everytime we were at the lake. It only took that first ride to awaken my love of sailing. I also thankful for the guys at Shipwreck who help me when I need it boat repairs. I thank Tom Lux & Ann Larson for my sailing classes who have given me the tip of the ice berg of sailing knowedge. I especially thankful for everyone who has said yes to going sailing with me. Finally, I am thankful to Mark and Donna Walsh for buying my '56 Chevy so I could buy my 22'Edel 665 and Trevor who sold me the boat. It was a great Summer and I loved every minute of sailing time and every minute of being on the boat whether tinkering or enjoying the view, whatever. Life is good!
Thanks for all the good advice
I want to thank all those from this forum and the Watkins owners listserv for all the advice over this past year. I have asked many questions and never been made to feel like a fool for asking anything. Someone always answers me and the advice is always good. Although I have never met any of y'all in person I feel like we are mates. God bless and may your sails stay full.
I want to thank all those from this forum and the Watkins owners listserv for all the advice over this past year. I have asked many questions and never been made to feel like a fool for asking anything. Someone always answers me and the advice is always good. Although I have never met any of y'all in person I feel like we are mates. God bless and may your sails stay full.
My Family
Most recently I am thankful for the speedy and professional response of Coast Guard Station 'Golden Gate'. They were on scene less than 30 minutes after my initial radio call and delt with me (and the fellow sailor that bashed into my boat) in a proffessional and curtious fassion. I am also grateful for my Furuno chart plotter, that recorded my course and speed during the event. Mostly I am grateful to my Dad, who got me started and continues to support as crew and handyman, and my wife, who manages to still show the same excitement over seeing seals and dolphins as she did the first time out.
Most recently I am thankful for the speedy and professional response of Coast Guard Station 'Golden Gate'. They were on scene less than 30 minutes after my initial radio call and delt with me (and the fellow sailor that bashed into my boat) in a proffessional and curtious fassion. I am also grateful for my Furuno chart plotter, that recorded my course and speed during the event. Mostly I am grateful to my Dad, who got me started and continues to support as crew and handyman, and my wife, who manages to still show the same excitement over seeing seals and dolphins as she did the first time out.
More Like A Brother Than Brother-In-Law
David and I do enjoy the time we get to sail one week a year in upstate New York. My wife Barbara (David's sister)and I owned a nice O'Day Osprey Sailboat for about 14 years. We sold it :-( when we moved to our present location, but it was a great family boat and served a s a platform for many vacations while our children were young. I am now sailing above the water - see attached photo.
David and I do enjoy the time we get to sail one week a year in upstate New York. My wife Barbara (David's sister)and I owned a nice O'Day Osprey Sailboat for about 14 years. We sold it :-( when we moved to our present location, but it was a great family boat and served a s a platform for many vacations while our children were young. I am now sailing above the water - see attached photo.
Frank Buttler
Thanks to Frank and all the Folks at Catalina for a boat that was strong enough to sustain very little damage while destroying and SINKING my 8,000 lb concrete dock during Hurricane Charley here in Punta Gorda. Long story Short, My Catalina 34 wedged itself under my 15 x 8 foot concrete dock and as the eye of Hurricane Charlie came over the house and the winds changed 180 degrees, the boat flipped the dock off it's pilings and it sank under the boat. One heck of a strong boat in my oppinion. Jim of "ohana"
Thanks to Frank and all the Folks at Catalina for a boat that was strong enough to sustain very little damage while destroying and SINKING my 8,000 lb concrete dock during Hurricane Charley here in Punta Gorda. Long story Short, My Catalina 34 wedged itself under my 15 x 8 foot concrete dock and as the eye of Hurricane Charlie came over the house and the winds changed 180 degrees, the boat flipped the dock off it's pilings and it sank under the boat. One heck of a strong boat in my oppinion. Jim of "ohana"
Thanx
I would like to add my thanks to my son Jimmy for all he has done and for all he will do in the future. He sailed with me from June 20th until July 29th. Wew moved Shannon, my Morgan 323, from Wickford RI to Ft Myers, Fl. Jim not only stood watches but insisted on doing all the cooking. It was a long trip, 1650 miles, but we had a time. We are already planning our next trip. This one will be to Key West in December.
I would like to add my thanks to my son Jimmy for all he has done and for all he will do in the future. He sailed with me from June 20th until July 29th. Wew moved Shannon, my Morgan 323, from Wickford RI to Ft Myers, Fl. Jim not only stood watches but insisted on doing all the cooking. It was a long trip, 1650 miles, but we had a time. We are already planning our next trip. This one will be to Key West in December.
To my crew
I am thankful for all of those who have made my sailing enjoyable. To my wife who always is ready to go sailing with me and is even willing to give up the opportunity to go with me if someone else desire to go sailing with me on any particular day. To various men in my congregation that have aided me in the preparation of my boat for the sailing season as well as taking turns being a part of the crew. For a church family that allows their pastor to have a sailboat and encourages him to take time to use it. Thank you God for these people.
I am thankful for all of those who have made my sailing enjoyable. To my wife who always is ready to go sailing with me and is even willing to give up the opportunity to go with me if someone else desire to go sailing with me on any particular day. To various men in my congregation that have aided me in the preparation of my boat for the sailing season as well as taking turns being a part of the crew. For a church family that allows their pastor to have a sailboat and encourages him to take time to use it. Thank you God for these people.
Thanks to All the Courteous Thoughtfull Sailors
I'd like to thank all of the many courteous and kind sailors I have encountered here in the Pacific Northwest and on this website. A special thanks to the guy who helped me dislodge a stubborn anchor this last summer. Without your help I would have lost a $1,000 worth of gear and my stobborn pride. Thanks to all of the people who contribute to the forums and chats on this site. In a nation so divided politically at the moment, this site was like a safe refuge where we could all share a common love and common ground. Thanks for all of the well thought out advice, encouragement and the sense of mutual self respect 99.9% of the people contributing to this forum exhibit. I love checking the daily posts and look forward to the new year's activity. I have learned more from the people that respond to questions posted here than in most books devoted to sailing!
I'd like to thank all of the many courteous and kind sailors I have encountered here in the Pacific Northwest and on this website. A special thanks to the guy who helped me dislodge a stubborn anchor this last summer. Without your help I would have lost a $1,000 worth of gear and my stobborn pride. Thanks to all of the people who contribute to the forums and chats on this site. In a nation so divided politically at the moment, this site was like a safe refuge where we could all share a common love and common ground. Thanks for all of the well thought out advice, encouragement and the sense of mutual self respect 99.9% of the people contributing to this forum exhibit. I love checking the daily posts and look forward to the new year's activity. I have learned more from the people that respond to questions posted here than in most books devoted to sailing!
Final results
Final results for the quick quiz ending November 28, 2004: This year, my thanks goes to... 44% My crew, for supporting and putting up with me 25% Friends who helped me with a project or new skill 17% Friends on this (or another) web site 14% Someone who helped me out on the water
Final results for the quick quiz ending November 28, 2004: This year, my thanks goes to... 44% My crew, for supporting and putting up with me 25% Friends who helped me with a project or new skill 17% Friends on this (or another) web site 14% Someone who helped me out on the water
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