You never forget your first time

 The summer of 1981 was when it all began. It was a crazy summer filled with character
building, sinning and repenting. I was fifteen going on sixteen and it was when I first...went sailing.  
We were delivering my uncle Buddy's boat Shamrock up the Chesapeake Bay for the Annapolis to Hampton Down the Bay Race. Buddy, Dariene, my cousin Pat and I enjoyed a leisurely and uneventful sail most of the way up. We were sailing with two other boats, one was skippered by Harry with his then girlfriend Andria and I do not recall the others but at the end of our 1st day we all had a fun time anchored near Stingray Point.
As we were departing I somehow ended-up on Harry's boat where after a couple of vodka tonics I felt

the need to take a nap. There was no wind so we were motor-sailing. I was called topside to ensure the engine's fumes weren't adding to my drowsiness. And yes at fifteen in 1981 many of us occasionally had a drink or two in the company of adults. Typically a few more when not in the company of adults. A great time to come of age. 

On or around the next couple of days, back on Shamrock, as we were crossing the Potomac River we encounter a summer squall. The wind whipped up quickly and the water got angry. As we made adjustments to get the new conditions under control, Harry reported rudder failure. He was sails down with no control. This is when I really whish I could remember the other boat because they looped around and took Harry in toe, all while under sail. It was impressive. 

We spent the next few days at a boatyard where Harry's rudder received repairs. Pat and I discovered a

cool breakfast spot with a hot waitress where we took turns striking-out. She was well compensated for enduring our lines. 

Buddy holds a special place in my heart. He was a man I always wanted to impress but more often, I did something stupid like break his refrigerator door getting ice for my cousin. I think he loved me anyway. I didn't mind being known as that damn nephew Bob. I kind of miss hearing it

So in 2022, when Fat Bottom Girl won CCVR's Moonlight Triangle Race and made Southern Bay's News You Can Use I received an email from Buddy. He forwarded the message and added a congratulatory note that tears me up to this day. I'll keep those words to myself. 

Buddy and Dariene both sailed-on on in 2023. So sad to see them go but I know they are watching us sail from above. My cousins have been extremely kind. There are a few new items in my sailing room. Thank you for sharing your Dad/ Grandad and Mom/ Grandma with me. Done but never forgotten.