Most Awsome Race Yet!

[Tom Root]

Well, the other half has finally graduated to Sailboat Racing! After nearly 5 years of sailboats behind her, she was comfortable with just cruising, but her scream-O-meter sounded loud and clear at 15 degrees, and I knew it would be tough to make a racer out of her! I was satisfied to just crew on other boats, or have others crew with me.

So, my fix was a few weeks ago, I let'er rip! I put the gunwhale in the water and let her scream, sorta the sink or swim method of sailing baptismal. I got called names I have never heard come from such a lady in my life, but it paid dividends! I had to proove to her that this boat is almost impossible to capsize, and in about 3 hours of her getting used to it she said.....Maybe I can crew when you race!

Well, I now own a grin from ear to ear, she did absolutely wonderful, I set the pole & did foredeck duty, but she did an awsome job of tacking and jibing all day long! I feel that I have not only the best person to share my life with, but the best crew I think I'd ever been with in racing...no lie, she said several times....go faster, lean this boat over and slap this puppy into overdrive!

We were still dead last, but talk about fun, we both had our fun meters pegged today....just wanted to share!

[Rolf]

Tom, You give me hope!
Rolf

[Newell]

Tom,

I really enjoyed the races also. The wife is more than courageous to put up with my antics. Since she is at the wheel sometimes there are 2 captains. If she wants to try it again we will but I am changing my boat to be better able to race singlehanded if she wants to do something else on race day.

Newell 96 Fast Sunday

[Idle Time]

It's funny..but when my husband is at the wheel I am always watching the angle of heel and grabbing the mainsheet....but....when Iam at the wheel...LOOK OUT....it's not at all scary. I usually manage to get my best heel when Jim is in the head..LOL..he's seen more water through the little window than he likes.

[Frank C]

I've always let "her" do the driving, since I really prefer handling the sails myself. Besides, it never seemed fair to delegate the heavy lifting! Even when steering, she always kept one hand on the mainsheet in heavy winds, even when I objected. Small price for the companionship (and the help when retrieval and wash down).

[Mark Prouty]

My wife is still at the scream-O-meter sounds loud and clear at 15 degrees stage. I'll have to show her this thread.

[Idle Time]

show her the thread ....then give her the wheel. Personally...I prefer it when my husband goes below and stays there for a nap. Then I can fiddle with the sails all I want to.