Late March, Early April

Not too much going on… We both endured and enjoyed the Georgetown Cruiser’s Regatta, 30th Annual. We focused on the volleyball, poker and sail racing. Two blue flags, by the way. First place in class for the around-the-bouys race in the harbor, and first in the 20-mile around Stocking Island race. Captain Mike with mate Carol on board Kanaloa did a fine job. First time sailboat racer Wayne from My Sharona did the grinding, Dennis was responsible for jib trim, and Carol managed the mainsail. This Tartan 37 with center board almost beat out the big boats, losing on corrected time to a Beneteau 50 for first overall.

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DAS BMS Poker A

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On the 22nd, Bettye traveled home to St Augustine to spend a week with Mom, and take care of some business and personal items. Dennis spent the time doing minor upkeep on the boat, played poker and going to a rake ‘n scrape and a final cruiser’s dance at Chat n Chill. Bettye came back LOADED down with spare parts for cruising friends, including engine controls, head gaskets and valve springs. Also spares and replacement parts for Son of a Sailor.

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Irish friend Chris from Dublin and Beaufort, SC

Then it was on to Long Island, trying to get away from the crowds of the George Town area. We would spend Easter weekend there. Easter holiday is four days in the Bahamas, sort a. Good Friday and Sunday are national holidays, and so is the following Monday. And the Long Island Mini-Regatta would take place on Monday. What a great time!

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Met 41 years ago in Nashville…

Four local Class C boats raced three heats for the crowds at Regatta Site, including one brand new boat called “It ‘int Right.” These small boats are so light and so tender and the sail is so large, it is a gymnastic event for the sailors, constantly moving and adjusting weight distribution to keep the boats upright. Long boards calle “pries” are used to hike out over the weather side of the boat, providing movable ballast. Winds were in the 15-19 knot range and gusty.

The dj kept the music going, then a rake n scrape band came in. Crowds enjoyed the races, music, food, drink and “sky juice.” Sky Juice is coconut milk, condensed milk and gin. Wow! Late, another band came in and we heard the bass out on Son of a Sailor, a half mile off shore.