Sat Jul 24 2021
Years ago at a business class the lecturer made a point that has always stuck with me. He asked what people wanted more than anything else? Money? Authority? Responsibility? The consensus was that people want to be appreciated. Acknowledged for their contribution. Valued.
The fat lady hasn’t sung yet, but we’re pretty sure we’re going to make landfall in one piece. We’ve got a hot date with a travel lift at Port Townsend 0800 Thursday morning and we’re planning to be on time. We’re going to get really busy and distracted and we may fail to do something very important. We may fail to say thank you to everyone who has emailed us with a note of support, provided us with critical information or physically assisted.
Michael of SV Peregrine Heart got word to RV Lady Amber about our situation. The captain and crew altered course and arrived the following morning, working hard for two days to help us. The crew of that vessel included Captains Ryan and Leesa Strothers along with crew members Louis Jones and former US Navy diver Kaden James Silvers. What they did for us was monumental and the bow bandaid they created and installed is still in place doing its job They may well have made the difference between us getting to shore under our own power or issuing a Mayday call.
Seawind Catamarans founder Richard Ward and Mike Rees who I believe is now production manager (or is that Shane Grover) and their support staff have had our back, doing an amazing job of responding to all our questions and concerns, greatly improving our confidence in the strength of this Seawind 1160 design. That collision bulkhead remains solid more than 2 weeks after our mishap, as does the fiberglass structure where the forward cross beam attaches.
US Coast Guard stations RCC Alameda and JRCC Juneau have been keeping an eye on us, responding to our questions about emergency declarations and protocols. Dan and Cub, old friends and work associates, both former USCG helicopter rescue pilots have helped us through this with information on emergency response times, types of assistance the USCG can render deep at sea, checklists of items to prepare should we be forced to abandon the boat, you name it. They’ve helped develop our confidence to manage the situation properly, not to delay a Mayday call if one is warranted, and to assure us the USCG will bust their asses to save ours.
Travis of Hawaii Yacht Club and dock mate Curt who assisted in the initial email hook up with the USCG. Bill and Mike and Brad who are like family to us and have gone to the end of the Earth for us over the years. Shaun who has watched over us with his excellent weather observations. Spike and Joe who helped me bring the port engine back to life. Evan the marine architect who offered guidance on speed control to ensure the collision bulkhead would maintain structural integrity. John and Pat and Joe, old flight test associates who have been cheering us on.
Jamie and Behan for their encouragement, thoughts about at-sea repairs and weather routing to minimize structural loads underway. Stephen and Debbie who made arrangements for our haul out and repairs at Port Townsend. Ann and John and Phil who have offered observations about navigating the tides in the Strait. Uncle Bill who has kept us laughing through this entire escapade. Kevin who stored and prepped our car for the road trip from hell, and Karin who’s driving it to us in Port Townsend. My brother Kirk and sister Lisa, Isabel’s dad Paul and uncle David, the crews of Beethoven, Sea Rose, Taipan, Ari B, Sugar Shack, Avalon, Liward, Grace, Fly Aweigh, Halcyon, Ultegra, Bella Marina, Champagne, Flyin’ Sideways, Aldabra, Maple, Cake, Katie Kat, Nomad, Amarylis, Omaha, Wight Dog, St. Leger, Wheytogo, Catharsis, Wyspa, Sparkle, Tsaritsa, Snapdragon and Nine Lives, PacSeaNet manager Jane and her relay helpers and all the other folks who have held us in their thoughts and prayers.
You have kept us going. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment