April 2, 2009
Attention on deck! Daily photos are no longer being updated on The Dinghy Dock...

Visit my other blog,
"ORIENTAL DAILY PHOTO"
for my almost daily photos of Oriental/Pamlico County/ Local Waterways
...

Thanks for coming aboard!
-Capt. Ben

Thursday, January 1, 2009

01.01- An auspicious beginning...

The annual "Better than Football" New Year's Regatta fleet heads downwind towards the Adams Creek Marker, as seen under the genoa sail of the "Hirondelle"

Happy New Year!

Sailing is the best way to start any year, of course... I took today's photos from the deck of the Hirondelle, my parents' Pearson 390, during the annual Oriental "Better than Football" regatta.

You might not believe it from the photos showing so many boats in front of us, but the Hirondelle and crew took FIRST PLACE IN THE RACE!!! I will explain about our winning techniques below. Secrets all sailors should learn.

BUT FIRST, some more pics from the race:

(Click on image or here for full size)
Captain Dave (on left) and two thirds of the crew... First Mate Liz at the helm, well-covered against the fresh breeze, and Cabin Boy Fred (my brother) waiting for orders, while yours truly
Boatswain Ben snaps the pic after dropping and securing the main


Here are a couple of shots of the fleet on the down-wind leg towards Adams Creek:

(Click on images for full size)

(Click on images for full size)

(Click on images for full size)
OK, ready for the secret of how to win when almost the entire fleet is ahead of you??

THE SECRET IS:
Pick a race where the winners are drawn by lots at the post-race meeting!

Best when its cold outside, and hot soup and drinks at M&M's Restaurant accompany the judging:








-30-

1 comment:

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Capt. Ben: Out on the water in freezing weather is not a choice in NE Ohio. You were right my boat is still keeping the water out. LOL