Our NASA Connection

Our cosmic entanglement with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) goes far beyond
our reverse sponsorship ploy. My sailing history and current reality has an interesting connection with this amazing organization. Every time I see this logo, well it makes me smile. The story starts a couple of years back..,  and I hope continues far into the future.  

In 1981 my uncle Buddy, a NASA engineer, took me on my first sailing trip delivering his CAL 27 Shamrock to Annapolis for the Down the Bay Race. It was an absolute adventure in true 80's fashion with plenty of partying. One of the boats sailing with us lost her rudder and we watched another boat round her and scoop up a tow under sail. We stayed with our friends boat several days. I got to enjoy watching my cousin strike out with the waitress at the marina restaurant. It's one of my favorite memories from that summer full of on the water antics. 

The seed was planted and sailing became one of my top 3 passions in life. I am forever grateful. Coincidentally, Fat Bottom Girl was made in 1981 - Hull #78. There are no accidents! 

The NASA crew-up started in 2018 with the Pauls'. Referred by Charmain, they asked the question "how can we get into sailing" and the door of competitive sailing was opened to them. The Pauls' got up to speed quickly and brought friends. Soon we had Mel, Zach and several others from that group. A great rotation of raw talent that Evan taught the moves that they all picked up quickly. Transferrable skills have long been a hiring strategy I promoted professionally and turns out, when building Rockstars, well engineers are not a far stretch. And you get amazing conversations on going to the Mars, aliens, quantum physics and well, all things space. We had a blast racing to Cape Charles in 2019.

Fast forward to our current roster we have Chris, Olivia and Bow Kat. All exceptional Rockstars who have learned advanced sailing skills and are critical players on our team. NASA is a great place to find crew and we look forward to teaching many more the life skill of competitive sailing. Thanks NASA for getting me started and the continued funnel of great talent! 

Give it all you got! 

Fat Bottom Girl 

USA 30812

Chek out these sailing tunes

The Daytona 500 shouldn't have come on such a beautiful day.

Congratulation to Jimmie Johnson for winning the 2013 Daytona 500. I knew that I could blow off the race and still get all of the highlights at 11. Actually, it was much later as the academy awards ran over. Movie people and their acceptance speeches. Loved the Jaws theme. 

Instead I went for a solo-sail and it was epic. My first time solo with sails up on FBG. She's not rigged for solo stuff so it was a good workout. Fortunately, the breeze kept light so the boat's big main sail was easily managed. It was a great day on the water; quiet, tranquil and relaxing moments interrupted by segments of hard work. And totally worth it.   

My excuse was sea trials for the new depth and speed gauges recently mounted on the mast. I was concerned the depth gauge was a little small but I could read it from the helm just fine. The Standard Horizon, that I picked up for under $50 when Boaters World went under, worked great. It has water temp, a countdown timer and logs the trip's time and milage (great keeping up with the adjusted finishes).  

Yesterday was great break from the snow, rain, cold and otherwise gloomy conditions. The Ground Hog has promised a short winter and I am holding Pete to it. Spring and warmer weather can't get here soon enough. Yesterday's boat ride was a great tease of weather to come and I loved it. Victory at Sea in 2013!   

Splash - no bubbles

Last Thursday September 20th, FBG successfully occupied her new berthing, (D-5) at HYC. Like eating an elephant, the trip was broken down into sizable mini-accomplishments connected together and spanning just under 24 hrs. Moving day went especially smooth considering the great opportunity for disaster; none arrived. All the while I kept hearing that childhood story, The Little Engine that Could.

I think I can: We headed out from the yard around 930 Wednesday night. The trailer made minimal noise and FBG was well strapped in. Nothing like having a Navy SeaBee on the team. Not only a great diesel engineer, but also a master shipper. FBG was snug as could be on our less than perfect trailer. We arrived without incident at Marina Cove Boat Basin just after 11:00.

I think I can: Thursday mid-morning the Marina Cove team got to it making easy work of lifting FBG from her 3.8 year home on the trailer and easing her into the basin just off Harris Creek. She didn't resist, as if she was eager to get back in the water. Waiting for high tide, to clear the basin and hit the natural deep channel of the Creek, we loaded the supplies and gear we would need for the ride from Back River to Hampton River. I was pretty ecstatic to see FBG back in the water. A quick inspection of the hull extrusions provided no bubble bubble. It was a great day indeed. She floats!

I think I can: At about 1:30 we fired up the filthy whore and she ran like a champ. Leaving the basin and heading out on the Langley Channel of Back River, we found the channel a little tricky but well marked. Remembering to take a right at green 17 as advised, kept us from making the turn early and hitting bottom. It had been some time since I last traveled Back River. I noticed some subtle changes in the channel, but the day was clear, the breeze was light and visibility strong as we headed out into the Chesapeake Bay.

I know I can: Last Christmas my Brother gave me a bottle of Sailor Jerry's and I told him I would save it for the day the boat hit the water. Well this was the day and once we cleared the channel and made deep water we popped the top and commenced drinking. I'm not sure how much diesel fuel the trip takes, but against 2 knots of current and speed over ground averaging 5 knots, we made it to Hampton River in (1) Fifth of rum. What a great Day!


So now onto the rigging! With the assistance of Performance Rigging of Hampton, the big stick should be back on FBG in a couple of weeks transforming her from a motor boat, back to a sail boat. I can't wait. FBG in 2012!