1. I am announcing a race to be held New Year's Day. At the December race, I received several requests to have a race on New Year's Day. At first I was skeptical, but the idea has grown on me. There are lots of positives about the idea.
a. There shouldn't be any crowds.
b. Almost everyone should have the day off, except for critical services professionals such as the Coast Guard, fire fighters, police, and roofers, of course (I certainly hope they are working 365 days a year).
c. It is a great way to get the year started by sailing.
d. If you have out of town guests, it will be a good way to get out of the house and away from all that visiting for a few hours. Better yet, bring them to the beach for a sail.
e. The good college bowl games do not start until Jan. 2.
d. It will be a good way to clear the head in case you enjoyed too much of your favorite adult beverage the night before.
f. It will be a good warm-up for the Tradewinds regatta January 14 and 15. You are coming to the Tradewinds, aren't you?
g. You will still be home in time for that big turkey dinner.
So, with so many good reasons, why not have a race. We will get started a little later than usual to accommodate those of you who are planning on celebrating the night before. The crew meeting will be at high noon. Please have your boat set up and be ready to sail at 12:00. We will do a distance race that is commensurate with the winds, more wind, further distance, less wind, shorter distance. Don't forget the foul weather gear, if a cold front comes through, it could be invigorating. I recommend bringing more than you think you will need. I hope to see you January 1.
2. The annual Millennium Cup Distance race was held Sunday, December 18. Well, we attempted to hold it. There was a distinct lack of wind at the time we wanted to sail. The forecast was for 5 to 10 but we only had about 5 knots at the start and that dropped to 1 knot or so. We got about a half mile down the bay and the wind just pooped out. One by one the competitors pushed the rudders over and headed back to the beach. In 26 years of sailing here, I can only remember one other time that everyone abandoned the race for lack of wind. And, in that race and this one also, the winds filled in nicely after everyone was back on the beach and had dismantled their boats. Ah, timing is everything.
The most distance traveled award for this race goes to Chris Jurasek. He traveled all the way from Racine, Wisconsin for the race. Well, there was something about visiting some relatives down here also. But, I think Chris came down here to sail. He was ably assisted by his wife, Jeanne, and their daughters Allie, Courtney,
and Hailey. The Juraseks sail an Inter 20. They are planning on keeping their boat at the Miami Yacht Club this winter and coming down on some weekends for sailing. Now, you may be asking yourself, where the heck is Racine, Wisconsin. Well, I think it is up near the North Pole or someplace. Or at least it feels like the North Pole there this time of year. We look forward to the Juraseks participating in future CABB events.
Those who participated in the Millennium Cup are as follows:
John McKnight Hobie 20
Oriol Cruzeta
Jay Sonnenklar Inter 20
Shawn Greene
Jared Sonnenklar Inter 20
Evan Greene
Chris Jurasek Inter 20
Jeanne Jurasek
Jeanne
Courtney
Hailey
Rafael Quesada Hobie 20
Oscar Garcia
Ivan Loya also attempted to race his Tornado, but he couldn't even make it over from the Olympic Training Center because of little wind. After an hour and a half, he gave up and went back. There will be better days for races.
3. I just received the following email about mast up storage on Hollywood Beach. Such a deal!
Subj: Beach Space Available for Hobie Cats
Date: 12/21/05 1:39:10 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Larry.Nissman@westin.com
To: JMcKnight76@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hi, I manage the beach at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood. We are thinking about making space available for those interested in leaving their Catamarans on the beach. We are thinking about space for 12 cats. We would provide such services as storage of sails, block and tackle, etc…access to restaurant, restrooms, beach lounge chairs, tractor service to move catamarans. I was wondering if you think there might be interest among a select few sailors that might find this service of interest. Thanks for any input that you may have.
Sincerely, Larry Nissman
Atlantic Beach Clubs
4. I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Happy New Year, and a partridge in a pear tree this holiday season.
John McKnight
(305) 251-7600
CABB Forum:
http://www.catsailor.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=CABB 
