FBG in 2012!

Fat Bottom Girl raced for the Gaboon spittoon four years and a day from hauling her out on December 1st 2008. It was an amazing 60 degree day with light air but for me, more statement than boat race. This, the 35th running, was the last chance to keep my word and race in 2012. We did it!

First, big thanks to my amazing wife who sent me off to play boat while she was feeling poorly. The most significant of many hurtles to getting on the race course, I really appreciate her support. She's a champ and what a lucky man I am.

Friday was Pole-up! Getting the rig from the house to the boat yard presented it's own share of challenges but by noon the stick was in and I  was getting to work rigging the boat. It took a little bit of head scratching but I figured it out as I went through my mental checklist again and again. There was alway this one thing that I needed but managed to find and make work. By Friday evening I was ready to commit. I send out crew requests and dropped my registration in the entry box. Here we go.

Saturday was the typical back and forth of who could make it, a few maybes and some most likely nots. There are no crew limits for this race but we were limited by lifejackets. We seemed a little fat but thats always good because your going to loose a couple.

Libbie and I watched the lighted boat parade as I brought down more boat gear. The transition from workshop to fine tuned racing machine was nearly complete. Likewise the crew list was coming together. Wow this might really happen.

Sunday morning was action packed. Char was feeling rough but encouraged me to go. It was crazy but the to-do list was manageable; this might happen.

Ty and the Pterodactyl crew were a big help getting us ready. Also congrats to them on their win (2nd year in a row). Being competitive today was 2nd to getting out and having fun which we did. I will say the boat feels faster and I was very pleased with her overall performance. Alas, we did fire up the Filthy when it became apparent we were not going to make it back in time to be scored. Besides, sailing victory is my 2013 goal. And anyone who wants to call me a quitter I invite to read this blog...FBG in 2012! Done. Sailing Victory in 2013!