CRUISING DAVE’S PIECE III
By Casper
Fall is here and the breezes shall pick up again, making our river one of the best places in the country for cruising, be it a daysail, or a leisurely multi-day affair. An affair coming up is the Women’s Regatta (see Racing Dave’s column for when, where, etc...). While it’s a great day for the ladies to show the men how to handle boats, it’s a great time for the men to show the ladies just how good cooking can be.
That’s right guys, while the women are out there grunting, groaning and sweating over grinding winches, we get the opportunity to relax around a grill, flip the occasional entree, and enjoy the leisure time while watching the white dots criss-cross the river. I’m looking for some singularly talented gentlemen to man the tongs and spatulas so we can provide the ladies a repast of renown following their efforts on the race course. We’ll also need some folks willing to police the grounds following our fellowship, so Navy Jax will invite us back again. Navy Jax will be providing the grills, and the bar. Remember the policy, if it’s yours, keep it on your boat, otherwise, obtain it from the licence holders, we don’t want to wear out our welcome by causing our hosts problem with legal authorities.
If you’re coming by car, come to the main gate, and tell the guard you’re headed for the yacht club, it’s not hard to find, especially if you follow the directions you’ll be given. If you’re coming by water, and you don’t know where Navy Jax is, go to where all the planes take off and land, head a little further south and go west around the corner. There you’ll find the anchorage and docks of one of the nicest places on the river. Whether you’re sailing in the event, or participating in the shore-side activity, it doesn’t matter. It promises to be a great time for all, and we can look forward to some heated competition followed by the sounds of an almost catered meal being devoured.
Now, I gotta talk about weather. Sure, the deities of wind have been relatively benevolent for the races, but this summer has presented us with some REAL challenges as far as cruising environment is concerned. Sure, it’s nice to get out there and relax in the sunshine and a light breeze, just like the old Bacardi commercials, but let’s face facts. Weather is a constantly changing entity. We can’t always expect to find the post-card picture out there when we venture out, and since we’ve chosen cruising as our avocation, we must commit ourselves to being the best possible cruisers. That means we have to be ready for whatever is thrown at us, regardless of if it’s weather-borne, crew-borne, or skipper-created. Remember, the Bubba is still alive and well, and we’re all under the magnifying glass.
In the meantime, remember the Women’s Regatta, and show your support, either on the water, or by the grill. Come on guys, let’s show those women that grilling a few chickens, steaks, hot dogs, or burgers can be done in a dignified and relaxing manner. Just like in the Budweiser commercials........