Cool Heads and Cooperation Keep Us Racing On Puget Sound
When 48° North hosted its annual meeting of race organizers and the Coast Guard, most of the audience was startled by the Coast Guard’s demand for safety/response boats in a ratio of 1 boat for every 25 competitors.
The initial response was alarm and concern for the future of sailboat racing in Puget Sound. We all started adding up the costs and considerations of liability that the requirements would bring. LCDR Wickman told us that it was all a work in progress and that she was willing to listen and discuss it. Like most in attendance, I was skeptical. Like most, I was too quick to judge. When I posted the news on a popular sailing website, I stirred up a hornet’s nest. Many were willing to believe the worst. Luckily someone stepped up and went to the source.
Jamie Reese of the NW SingleHanded sailing group, took LCDR Wickman at her word and pushed for another meeting. The commander proved to be as good as her word. When we met again, she had revamped the proposal to recognize the responsibility that all racing sailors accept that they are their brother’s keepers. For those who have a dim view of government and its tendency to grow, it was a refreshing lesson in what happens when people with good intentions come together. The Coast Guard learned about the passion that racers have for being on the water and the serious nature of their dedication to safety. Racers learned that the Coast Guard wants them to be safe and values the racer’s commitment to safety.
No downside to that exchange. It was a lesson in cooperation that will stay with me. It seems most problems can be overcome by trusting others to do the right thing. Thanks to all who kept their cool.”
Thanks to LCDR Wickman and Jamie Reese for putting it together.
Regards,
Bruce Campbell
Seattle Yacht Club
It is truly gratifying to see this potentially huge stumbling block overcome with shared knowledge and cooperation. Of course the Coast Guard’s first issue is safety. Likewise, safety has always been a top priority for race committees. It is superb that the racers and the Coast Guard both realized and respected each others concerns and reached this agreement. More in the editorial.
Preparing People for Cruising
On behalf of the members of the Puget Sound Cruising Club, I’d like to thank you for your generous donation of the sweatshirt, mug and cap to our annual fundraising party. Everyone had a great time with both the raffle and the auction. There was some intense but good-natured competition in the bidding for the great auction items. Thanks to you, our event was a huge success. Club members were given a handout listing the donors who contributed to the silent auction and encouraged to patronize the businesses that made contributions. We will be adding the names of organizations that supported the event to the club web page and encourage patronization at meetings.
The resources from the fund raiser will be used to help pay for the space and selected speakers for monthly programs on the technical aspects of Northwest and blue water cruising, product presentations, and travel shows. Since 1973, the Puget Sound Cruising Club has fulfilled its goal of helping members prepare for cruising. Many of our club members have realized their dream of blue water cruising and Puget Sound Cruising Club burgees can be found throughout the world. Countless others have gained valuable knowledge to enhance their Northwest cruising. We appreciate your support.
Best Regards,
Lee Youngblood and Kathleen Davis
Puget Sound Cruising Club Commodores.
PSCC is a unique and valuable organization to cruisers near and far, a terrific place for “oral history,” and information based on experience to be passed on.
Wrong Furler on J/122
Great article on the new J/122, but I think if you check it has a Furlex, not a Profurl, furler. I think it’s because it’s in Ballard and they are generally Swedish not French. Great mag. Keep up the good work
Andy Schwenk-Northwest Rigging Inc.
Anacortes, WA
Nice catch Andy. Ya sure you betcha, it’s a Selen. We sailed hull #27 and J/Boats used Selden Furlex on hulls up to #46. For hulls #47 and up they are equipped with Harken furlers.
“The More Wind the Better!”
Just wanted to tell you what a great job you guys do!!! Just read “The More Wind the Better” story (March ‘08). I laughed SO HARD!! KEEP IT UP!!
Phil Stapp
Thanks Phil. Yes, we appreciate Allen Goldstein’s willingness to share his “humorous” experiences with us. Embarrassing sure, but we’ve all had our moments. I have a feeling you’re going to love the “Rendezvous” story this month.
NMTA and RBAW Help Save funding for Boating
Dear NMTA Northwest Marine Trade Assoc. Members,
Good news! Thanks to your calls and emails, the 2008 Legislature did not cut any funding to boating programs.
The draft Senate budget had not included $1 million of the funding we achieved last year with House Bill 1651. This was regardless of the fact that the money had been mostly spent, on marine law enforcement, a boater needs study, and a new grant program. We asked our members to call and write, asking to preserve this funding.
According to our contacts in Olympia, the work of NMTA and RBAW (Recreational Boating Association of Washington) members had an impact on the decision to keep this funding. Great job everyone.
Sincerely,
Marina Hench
Director of Government Affairs, NMTA
Thanks for the warnings and then the good news. In this day and age when there are lots of requests for government funding, it’s important to protect that which is already in place. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the NMTA and RBAW, not only for their watchdog efforts, but also their active participation in keeping us all afloat.
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