| |
25 Years of Sailing Together "Lately it occurs to me. What a long, strange trip it's been." –Grateful Dead This month we're celebrating the 25th Anniversary of 48° North. Yes, I know it was actually in August, but we moved it back a month to celebrate with everyone at the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show where we could shake hands with everyone and swap lies about the past 25 years. It's like when your kid's birthday falls on a Wednesday but you have the party on Saturday so more kids can come. We look forward to seeing many of you at the Boat Show, shaking your hand and then busting your butt on the Lewmar grinder. Is that tough love! We've got the whole anniversary story later on in the magazine but this spot lets me make a few personal comments. This anniversary is bittersweet as Charles "Chuck" Streatch isn't with us to celebrate. As you read last month, he passed on, but he did see the actual 25th year of the magazine completed. He wasn't one to miss a deadline. We miss him but he'd be the first to say "pooh, let's party." Being editor of 48° North has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people on and off the water—sailors whose gifts aren't limited just to sailing a boat, but in sailing through life as well. They are the world class cruisers and racers who have taken that extra step and made sailing their lives; the cruisers whose quiet confidence belies their intimate knowledge of the sea; the racers who sail on the edge to harness the power of the wind. These people are a breed apart and to have the opportunity to share some time with them is a privilege indeed. But these headliners make up only a minute part of the sailing scene. I've also had the joy of meeting many more people right here in our own backyard, whose accomplishments and experiences are no less exceptional. Everyday folks who hoist the sails after work, on weekends, and over the summers; exploring the beautiful Northwest, or racing on its waters. It's you great folks that pick up the magazine every month and chose to share your stories with us that are the heart and soul of 48° North, and to you we owe the biggest thanks. And, of course, the thank yous would not be complete without a salute to our advertisers who've allowed us to bring you 48° North for 25 years. Their continuing support keeps us in paper and ink, and we're grateful every time they place an ad. We greatly appreciate it when you tell them you saw their ads in 48° North. With 25 years now in our wake, we're enjoying the voyage more than ever and look forward to sailing with our readers into whatever waters lie ahead. Let's keep the party going! |
|