In 1986 I received a request from The La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, for material for an exhibit they were producing on the subject of sailing. I stumbled upon this letter searching for something else. I doubt the curator had any idea of exactly what or why he was requesting these items. In fact, my harnesses changed the way racing boats were handled. No bowman, today would not be wearing his harness all the time. Sail changes evolved as a result, closing the gap between closed course racing and offshore racing.
Month: December 2008
last snow of 2008
It is snowing. I am waiting to shovel, burning off the calories of the holidays.
Hobnail Boots
After arriving in Ireland at the finish of the Trans-atlantic race; I was informed that I was included on the list of invited to all the events in Cowes; which meant that I would need a dinner jacket and other appropriate clothes.
"My Life" Ed du Moulin
I unexpectedly received at Christmas a copy of Ed du Moulin’s book “My Life”. During the Jubilee in 2001 at Cowes Ed came aboard “Columbia” the 12 meter along with Jim Hardy and presented me with a copy of his book ” The America’s Cup and Me”.
The Morning After
It snowed all day long today adding at least another inch the the total. We received about 9 inches as of this morning. The wind never materialized, amazing considering the weather map. I shoveled a total of about 12 hours, certainly burns calories, although I can think of more amusing ways to do it.
First Real Snow
This afternoon the snow started as predicted. Several inches an hour, no wind yet. Not particularly cold. Tomorrow morning will tell the whole story.
"Norrie The Story"
I wrote yesterday about Norry Hoyt and my fond memories of him. I should add that he sailed across the Atlantic at least 28 times, never mind all the other sailing he did. His stories captured my imagination.
Norris D. Hoyt
Norrie Hoyt, teacher, shipmate, mentor. A wonderful intelligent, engaging, kind man with a tireless curious mind. My English teacher at St. George’s School, with whom I sailed my first Bermuda Race. He was probably responsible for my enduring interest in photography. He forced me into an orderly mind.
World Yacht Racing Forum
December 10-11 of this year was the first attempt to bring together Professionals in the Yachting Industry; held in Monaco. I will emphasize the word Professional; as that seems to be the true essence of the meeting. It was not about bringing more people into sailing, or how to build sailing as a sport but really about how to get the most bang for your buck in sailing.
November 2008
I’m back. I have not made a posting since the beginning of November. I have been out of contact, so to speak, without a computer. I was in France; in the Pyrenees Mountains. I had not been there in perhaps 15 years. I was married there, my first child was born there. I am American, born and bred, however my ties to this part of the world are deep and strong. The sounds, smells and sights were all very familiar to me.