MAX EBB Gift monsters, and almost as fast, and the racing will be very close. And no engines allowed for sail trim! I think we’re on exactly the right track, especially with a more-or-less independent RC this time around. I'd hate to see it all go back to legal catfighting.” “There’s still room for some mutual agreements on basic things like engine power, even with a rogue challenge.” Lee assured me. “That’s, like, the only thing that came out wrong in '10, and I think a judge with more sailing background would have ruled that sailboats are not supposed to trim or hoist sails or foils with engine power, despite the issue being omitted from the Deed for obvious reasons having mostly to do with the fact that it was written in 1887.” The unseen sailor in the waiting room must have responded with another comment that was negative about rogue challenges and the Deed of Gift. “It really shouldn’t be called a rogue challenge,” Lee explained, “if it’s exactly in accordance with the Deed of Gift. I’m totally a strict constructionist on this one. Our Founding Father, George
Schuyler, knew what would make a good match. The A-Cup is a contest to see who can build the fastest boat. It’s not about the sports heroes.” This reminded me of a lecture at my yacht club by some America’s Cup muckety-muck a couple of months ago.
"Boom-bust cycles are never good in the long run," said Lee. His claim was that we need to emphasize the high-profile personalities, the sports heroes of sailing, if we expect to get more of the public at large to pay attention to sailboat racing. The hygienist could tell I was bursting to say something to the people in the hall, so she reluctantly shut off the excavator and removed it from my mouth for a few seconds. “But every sport needs its heroes,” I shouted.
“If it ever gets to be about the stars instead of the sailing,” Lee responded as she walked back towards the door to the treatment room, “then we non-pro participants are out of luck. Even now, the sponsors would rather have us sitting in front of our TVs watching the pros and the beer commercials instead of out on the Bay doing it ourselves.” “Tell you what, Lee,” I said. “I dare you to stay away from the Cityfront when it’s Coutts vs. Cayard sailing AC 72 wing sail cats in the finals.” “Is that a double-dog dare?” she asked menacingly. “Yes,” I said with confidence, not having any idea what a 'double-dog dare' might be. She’ll probably make it up as she goes along. “You’re on!” “I might want to watch with you, Lee,” said the dentist as he walked down the hall to see his next patient in a different room. Then the hygienist closed the door to the hallway. “Open wide.” — max ebb
Point Richmond Art Collective Bring color and beauty into the New Year. Painting
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Commission a new DeWitt. 'Arunga'
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121 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA 94801 (510) 236-1401 • (800) 758-4291 www.jimdewitt.com • www.dewittgalleryandframing.com Wednesday-Saturday 11:00-7:00 • Sunday 9:30-5:30 Page 116 •
Latitude 38
• January, 2011