My choice

Yep, I edited this post. It was too long and boring. This space should be filled with race results and fun times on the boat. Basically, I am not racing any more to get my personal life under control. I think the migraine thing may be licked, but we'll see. I am still looking forward to working and sailing on Oriyo. I'm leaving in the section that thanks certain people, they deserve recognition.

There are specific people that deserve recognition for all they contributed to my sailing life. The first is my Dad for teaching me what a sheet was and to never use the word 'rope'. He was my original cockpit teacher on the cold waters of Lake Huron. His teaching saved me a lot of embarrassment when I started sailing down here. Next is Sherry (Beckett) McCampbell. It was the first time I sailed with her to deliver Fast Lane back home after a PCYC race that she let me take the helm for awhile. She hadn't even met me before, but trusted me with handling her boat. The knowledge I gained from racing with her is priceless. Jim Yates let us switch over to Bad Penny when Sherry left and supported us physically, spiritually, and logistically. His after-the-race-around-the-pool discussions were great learning experiences, and fun to boot. I will especially remember the on-the-job lesson on how to sail in 25-30 knots with gusts to 35 - fast! Gary Smith was a gem to let us sail Five Speed as we tried to resolve some crew issues. He spent as much time with us as we needed to familiarize us with the boat, and provided us with Mike the Angel in the Mermaid to help us out. The bottom is always clean, the gas tank is always full, and we always have the sails we need waiting for us on board. We've endured 3 CF's in as many races with Five Speed and he still seems to like us. Saving the best for last, Cheryl Schmitz was a strong support for me when I became worried about rebuilding the crew and all the issues that go along with being a green helmswoman. She has a big job ahead of her now to get a regular crew together and re-create the synergy that the old crew had.

I will miss interacting with everyone on a regular basis. I will miss the women and the downwind spinnaker runs most of all. My wish for everyone is that you have great happiness in life. Have fun, and put your ass in it!