I realize that I may have hijacked the Naughty or Nice list thread, so lets hear what everyone got this year! I already posted that I was surprised with a new hotstick and another butt bucket, so what did you guys get?

I got a nice shiny trampoline so I don't fall thru the existing one. Very thoughtfull of Santa huh! Safety first. I'm gathering the tools now <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

A new sail! Gotta love that!!

Three adjustable wrenches and three flashlights -- and I don't want to hear any suggestions for potential uses. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

A Tilley hat.

The BEST present of all!!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> A visit with daughter and grand kids. After 5 weeks on the road, I REALLY missed them. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Doug

Bi Focal Maui Jim's! They are awesome!" from my Awesome wife!)

A bottle of Bailey's and two glasses to pour it into.

I know Maui Jim. His real name is Walt.

Bourke sailing suit. Ronstan splash shirt, Ronstan race booties, two Harken ratchamatics and sundry Harken bits.
: )
Thank you Santa.

Enough cash to order a new spin from the Glasers!

Dave

A Windtronic 2 so I can tell Rick "I told you so" when I think the wind speed is 25 and he says it is only 15. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Nice, very nice Mary!

I can't speak for Rick, but I've worked with guys who are SCARY-accurate with their "guesses" of wind speed, without meters. I think I may have become too dependent on the gadgets myself. Then I go and do something idiotic like get the string in the impeller. Not good...

On the gadget note, Santa did bring a GPS for the car/RV. One wrong turn and an unplanned lap around a lake, I guess some people just have no sense of humor/adventure... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Mike

I always try to call the windspeed before I put the meter up. I'm pretty good on open water, lakes can be tricky because the limited fetch doesn't build up waves.

The Windtronic is the shiz - especially since you don't have to point it into the wind to get an accurate reading.

Santa didn't bring me anything since I already bought myself some hefty presents this year (a new Hobie 16 and a new Hobie 17), but he did bring a very nice, lightly used Laser for the 15 year old sailor in my household - she even paid for half of it (but didn't know it was coming for Christmas <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />).

New Nacra Infusion, heheh, now for a name, and to learn how to race, heheh

I've gotten better at guessing, and can impress "some of the people some of the time." But I've worked with folks who don't have a meter, and are within a half-knot with their guess, over and over again. Freaky...

Windtronic is way cooler than the Kestrel and similar, for the reason you mentioned Matt, but even the Windtronic isn't string-proof. I tend to multi-task when I'm reading the wind, and often find myself with the string and meter in one hand, and the compass in the other. That works just fine until someone distracts me, then the string starts to wander... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Mike

Hey Matt

you gave her a Laser... for use in Detroit??? ... in January??? ....

Hmmm... don't they call that child abuse!

BRRRRR

I guess kids are tougher these days.... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

What string? Mine doesn't have one. Is it because it is a Windtronic 2?

While at Charleston for a small family gathering this past fall, it was pretty darn windy all weekend. On Sunday, my dad and brother estimated that the wind was blowing 25 to 30. I said, nah, it's about 17 sustained with gusts to about 22-23. A bet was placed and one noaa buoy report later, I was drinking my fresh beer on the back porch. The report said 17 sustained with gusts to 22.5.

Hobie 16 Worlds D.V.D.from Fiji .Great production.Lots of good sailing scenes,interviews,scenery and an awsome sound track.

Kind of - Mike was using a tell-tale (a piece of Angora wool on a stick), when the tail of the string got wound around the impeller of the meter. Scratch one wind meter.

Mike - put the stick in your pocket next time.