[C38] Trans Pac Race

[david at dlrfilms.com]

I have been regaling my passengers with your and Steve's exploits both.
Needless to say, people are mighty impressed know they are aboard a boat
that can be raced from California to Hawaii!

Congrats to Larry and the crew of Hassle, and heart-felt commisseration to
Steve and his crew. My favorite quote from the late Harold "Dynamite"
Payson " You can't throw bull with the ocean, she won't listen."

Good on you for not trying!

-David


> Having completed our second Trans Pac Race I feel there are a few comments
> I would like to make to the members here.  First and foremost is our crew
> on Hasssle, what a great group of guys, everyone got along well, we sailed
> well, ate well and generally had a good time with minor problems.  Now to
> the serious stuff!
>
> As all of you know there were two Catalina 38's in the race, Periguine and
> Hassle.  Steve Smolinske broung Perigune all the way  from Seattle WA to
> Los Angeles to do this race, not a easy sail nor cheap.  I know the cost
> of outfitting a boat for the race, it's not cheap by any standard.  Of
> course our main objective was to beat Perigune and the heck with all the
> other boats in our Aloha Class.
>
> The race started out great, we were running neck and neck with Periguine
> for the first 6 days and then Periguine had a water maker problem.  As
> Steve related to me there was a discussion among his crew whether to keep
> going with what they had on board or to turn back and drop out of the
> race.  Short rations on water and they could make it!  This is not an easy
> decision to make given all the circumstance of the race, crew, cost etc.
>
> My compliments to Steve Smolinske for making the very tough decision to
> drop out of the race.  This took real internal fortituide and as we all
> know a great Skipper keeps the safety of his crew and vessel in the
> forefront at all times.  I know from talking to the crew members of
> Periguine that many of them wanted to keep going on a liter a day of water
> per person.
>
> Steve you have my utmost respect and regard as a Skipper/Captain; you made
> the right decision although probably the toughest one of your sailing
> career.  You kept telling us you would meet us on the docks when we got in
> to HI and there you were with Mai Tai's in hand, not the way you wanted to
> but I will say this, Team Hassle has the utmoste respect for you and your
> crew
>
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