Chris,

I'm filling out my PHRF rating application today. I'll send it in tomorrow. The rating is supposed to come back within 30 days.

The SSYC registration for the race needs to be in by June 15th to avoid a $100.00 penalty. We should have plenty of time after getting the rating.

Deb and I will be returning from Florida the first week in May. We'll have to get everyone together a few times to get used to the boat again. I'm thinking we should talk about crew roles and stuff. Remember, I've never done this before. I have no problem having you or someone else be the helmsman and or strategic planner, etc..

I'm in this to enjoy the ride, learn, and have some fun. I don't have any ego (in this realm anyway) to hurt so I'm very open to any suggestions. I will draw the line on stuff that I feel is unsafe however.

For those needing to get back quickly after the race, I could have my son fly across and make a pickup at Muskegon's airport. It's only about an hour and a half or so round trip flight.

Al,
Hope you're enjoying your time in sunny Florida. It's crappy and cold here. I appreciate your take on the ego thing. I'm going into this without one as well. I've only done this race once and there's much I have yet to learn. I think with the length of the race, we'll need to have shifts. I'm sure everyone will want to get some time at the helm. hopefully we'll get a favorable wind and we can sail a straight line. I don't think an easterly wind is common so chances are we'll be in good shape provided there's wind at all. We'll have to get everyone familiar with trimming, telltales and all the controls of your boat. I'm planning on trying a wide variety of seasickness remedies for this trip as I fall victim to sickness while nighttime sailing and spending time below decks in heavy seas. Shame it's so rare to find calm seas and stiff winds. I'm looking forward to this very much and I think we're going to have a great run.

Let me know if there's anything I can help out with at all Al. I'll scrub decks, cetol teak, run rigging, blow up a dinghy or anything you might need no matter how menial.