Bob
I wasn't trying to needle you...just adding some memory to the discussion. Even after the shafts were sealed, I tried to sail
out. Of course, the positioning in the Corinthian dock area sometimes made that too time consuming. I do remember getting
stuck in the mud, nearby and required the busy tug to pull me off (but not toward the finish!). I really see no point in it, being
as we are all "corinthian" in this endeavor. And you were absolutely correct in pointing out the "friendship" aspects of the race.
And even when most entries had SSB, the check ins were voluntary and added greatly to the participants' enjoyment. The
addition of the "race ruining" penalty for non-check in almost got me to quit! IT ADDS NOTHING TO SAFETY!!! That's what the
requiered EPIRB and LIFERAFT and ROCKETS are for. In my old wooden sloop, I went to Fr Polynesia and back via HI without
those things...safely too...I think. And 3 more passages to HI and back, to boot. Just another story. The only really safe thing
to do is: STAY HOME. After reading the latest list of "hoops" for 2014, I'm likely to do just that....