ws lirakis – Page 23 – stephenlirakis.com

BURIED; AGAIN

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We made it to the end of January with no snow. Then everything changed. I had also made it to this same date without my fingers splitting; which happens every winter. Somehow I thought that I had made it through the winter without this happening; just like I thought it might be a snowless winter.

LISTENING TO THE SNOW ON THE BAMBOO

It has been snowing virtually every day the last 10 days and it looks like that pattern will continue at least through washington’s birthday.

Today, it has snowed all day long. there was very little traffic or any activity of any kind. While shoveling I could hear the snow falling on the leaves of the bamboo.

SIGNS NOT OF THE TIMES

these are signs in Germany and the Alsace/Lorraine region of France. For me, reminiscent of those in Austria. Of course, this region was annexed back and forth throughout history, so it should be no surprise of the influences of each culture.

MATT MITCHELL INTERVIEW

THE VIDEO OF THE INTERVIEW WITH MATT MITCHELL REVEALS THE PROBLEMS WITH THE AMERICA’S CUP. CLICK: HERE

THE ENTIRE STORY OF THE PENALTY AGAINST ORACLE AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE SAILORS HAS NEVER MADE ANY SENSE. THE BREACH OCCURRED IN AN EVENT THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AMERICA’S CUP OR THE BOATS SAILED IN THE EVENT.

I HAVE REAL TROUBLE BELIEVING THAT CREW WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE INITIATIVE WITHOUT SOMEONE OF GREATER AUTHORITY HAVING GIVEN APPROVAL.

I AM NOT EVEN CERTAIN THAT ORACLE HAD APPROVAL FOR THE CHANGES MADE TO THE BOAT DURING THE EVENT ITSELF THAT LED TO THEIR VICTORY. HOWEVER THAT IS ANOTHER ISSUE.

I REALIZE IT IS OLD NEWS AND PERHAPS WE NO LONGER CARE.

RAINBOW II, ONE TON WORLD CHAMPION

The custodians of the one ton cup would like to put the cup back in activity; and are looking for an appropriate class or venue.

from sailing scuttlebutt:

Rainbow II Back In Waitemata Harbour
Chris Bouzaid already prowling the decks as Rainbow II slips back into the Waitemata Harbour. Click on image to enlarge.

Rainbow II went back into the waters of the Waitemata Harbour today, nearly 45 years since she was lifted aboard a freighter bound from Auckland to Germany where she would challenge for yachting’s One Ton Cup.

Rainbow clinched victory off Heligoland on 20 July, 1969 – the same day that Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and in so-doing, the 36ft S&S design, built by Max Carter for young sailmaker Chris Bouzaid, ignited a rocket of her own, launching New Zealand into a blitz on every major offshore racing event in the world until Kiwis ruled ocean racing – on and off the water.

She emerged from the Vos Shed over the weekend and today was re-christened at Pier 21 by John Street’s wife, Lorraine, in front of a gathering that included Bruce Marler, who was commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and a driving force behind Rainbow’s campaigns for the Cup, current RNZYS commodore Andy Anderson, and Rainbow II crew stalwarts Roy Dickson, Alan Warwick and Peter Shaw.

One more than interested observer was Bouzaid’s son Richard who, as a four-year-old, first tasted “stardom” when the Auckland Star newspaper photographed him sitting in the trophy that his father et al had just won in Germany. Richard is most definitely a chip off the old block, an international sailmaker of repute and a well-regarded offshore racer in his own right.

Rainbow is now on a berth outside the RNZYS where the final bits of her restoration will be completed, including the anti-skidding of the deck and cabin top. She will then start her sailing build up for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s five-race One Ton Revisited regatta scheduled to start on 28 February. — Alan Sefton

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S COLD

DOORS IN BELGIUM

Doors set the style of the architecture of each country. And are in fact portals of the culture of that country.

“DEUCE” IF IT’S COLD

HISTORIC BLIZZARD FOR THE EAST COAST

IT HAS BEEN ALL OVER THE NEWS. THE EAST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES; ESPECIALLY NEW ENGLAND WILL BE HIT HARD. VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING WILL COME TO A HALT. NO TRAVEL FOR CERTAIN.

R. LALIQUE

The house of Rene Lalique in Paris is one of those hidden treasures. His legacy is grand and long; deservedly so. Sometimes I wonder if this house and the door are even considered important; as no particular protection seems to be in effect.