Play or Work

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

Well, this week-end's distraction was special so other than wiping down the sleeping quarters I didn't get much work done. Afterall, I was invited to sail on Sam Bradfield's latest hydrofoil design. The boat is only 18 feet long and really light. Unfortunately, the breeze died off by the time we got out. Having Mike McGarry, Sam's #1 skipper and the infamous tri designer Jim Brown on board was just too compelling to pass up. The bonus for the week-end was when my tris designer, John Marples,  took the time (while visiting the hydrofoil) to come on board. Sure, the designer would have a bias toward his own creation, but I believe he gave me an honest assessment. One, he assurred me this 35 foot tri would take me anywhere in the world I wanted to go, especially in the middle lattitudes. I have no desire to go down to the roaring 40s. I want to be warm.

Two, he assurred me the intent of cruising was to take it easy. "There is no reason to continue on, when you are tired. When you are offshore, reef early, always underestimate your sail area. Sure, there will be times when it gets busy, always have a plan and enjoy the ride. Don't be in a hurry. With reasonable conditions, should I join Tania Aebi's rally to Bermuda I should easily be able to stay in the middle of the fleet."

My first mate, Maryanne, was on board to meet John, as well. I think this reassurred her, first hand that SPRAY can safely take us offshore. I want her to start spending nights on board during foul weather. It's easy when the sun is shining, the breeze a gentle 15 knots and the swell 3 feet or less. When you have to stay awake every 20 minutes for about 48 hours to fend off a piling on a leeward dock, then you begin to test your limits, your mood, and your desire to appreciate the calm, beautiful days at sea.

Anyway, here are some pix of the hydrofoil. I'm going to try to import a 5 second video of launching it, just to see if I can import it....as well as for your viewing pleasure. After 15 minutes the computer just quit uploading the little video. :-(