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 Waving the Flag Last month our 48° North crew was "above the line" waving the flag at the Vancouver, B.C. Boat Show. No, not a country's flag but the "Sailing Flag" - a flag that doesn't really know any boundaries, representing a group of people who, in this age of ultra high speed instant everything, have chosen to continue the ancient method of using the wind to propel people in boats over the water. Sure, there's space age materials in sails and hulls but that's just the latest variation on a theme that hasn't changed much at its core. Sail Fest has become kind of a generic term to promote sailing to the uniniated. There was Sail Fest at the Lake Union Boat Show and a sailing section of the Seahawk shortened Seattle Boat Show. This past month we were asked to help promote sailing at the Sail Fest section of Vancouver Boat Show. There was a drawing for a free sailing trip, Harken provided their Harken Grinder Competition to add to the fun, and lots of 48° North North magazines, of course. But I think the most impressive thing was the committment that the Vancouver Show put into promoting their Sail Fest. The show program had a couple announcements with pictures touting the Harken display and the Sail Fest section. The map showing where all the exhibits were located featured a large arrow showing exactly how to get to the Sail Fest area, in case you missed the big signs on the main floor. Of course there were many sailing related businesses on the upper ring (think Kingdome with aisles twice as wide), but for those who had questions on sails, boats, insurance, charters, schools and equipment, it was an easy place to spot and get started. Thanks to show-folks Jennifer and Enza for the extra effort. Running the grinder was a blast, especially when the Penticton hockey team showed up. Young guns full of competitive spirit made for some entertaining moments and some pretty fast times. Promoting sailing, whether it's a big boat show or simply a club event, helps everyone, racer and cruiser alike. It's necessary economically, not to mention introducing a different mindset and lifestyle to adults and kids that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. |
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 Sailors young and old enjoyed testing their skill on the Harken grinder. |
 A variety of dinghies line up in the Shilshole parking lot to promote one design racing. | |
ATTENTION TOP 25 BOATS
Awards for the 48° North/Harken Top 25 Boats (plus The Boss) will be handed out at CYC Seattle after the Blakely Rocks Race, March 4, around 4:30 PM. |
