To Be Bly Or Not To Be

by Joe Carobene

1989

Racing is exciting and I have always enjoyed the competition. In fact, racing our 1-30 has always been a fulfilling time for me. I can't say that Theresa really enjoyed this period in our boating fives since she refused to rejoin us after her first few outings. Something she said about racing bringing about changes in personality.

"This is Captain Bly speaking. Today’s our day. You have been specially selected for your will to win. Conditions are just right for our J-30.The diver has been contacted and the bottom cleaned again, this time with a sponge so our hard work fairing the keel and spraying the bottom with VC- 17M won't be wasted.

"Owing to someone's carelessness we're running late, but this time we will not charge up to the starting line without planning a race strategy or overall tactics. Mister Christian, I will call him Chris, will be first on board in order to secure, correct, and rectify things you probably have already managed to goof up. My good woman, Lady Theresa, who deigns not to accompany us, has prepared lunch fixings and drinks, including rum, but only if we win.

"Commence prowling the starting line.

"We're finally under way. The main is up and drawing weft. Our headsail choice is yet to be determined, owing to someone's indecisiveness. A vast there. Whose turn is it to band the prop? We'll not have any mutinous comments about the Captain's job to keep it banded. Wasn't it he who either jumped or was thrown overboard the last time? OK, have the towel ready, a dip will keep me cooler. Bottom checks are worthwhile and will set a good example.

"Run line, check wind. Let's have the tide table report. Keep a eye for course signals. As leaders we must sail the correct course.

"Check time. Watch that starboard boat. No relaxing. Trim jib. Bear away. Make for the pin end; it looks right for the first leg. Mark that scurvy Glory heading up. Keep an eye on Windhover ... 45 seconds ... jibe and harden up ... 20 seconds… go for the line ... 4 ... 3..2..BANG. Belay this' Come up, Dad, you're falling off, watch the tapes' stuff. Stow this Too high Dad, fall off. Watch the tapes', stuff Of course, I'll keep you on course. No, we won't tack yet. We'll go higher and then tack for the mark. Let's go for it and catch that cat's paw to port. Cancel that, let's stay here. Look at Margaret E, she's found a strong puff. Stay on course and get that air, too. Damn the strategy. Full speed ahead. Remember what Ulysses said in Tennyson's poem:  

       ................ and though

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Well, yield a little bit. Considering how great it was crossing that line with Chris, Steve R, Dino 0, John C, Sharon M, Matt S and all the others who joined us. It was an opportunity to be with my son and our friends for periods of time my schedule wouldn't otherwise let happen. But as time passed and school terms sped by in almost geometric progression, the crew began to head in different directions. Suzanne stayed ashore and got better and better at gymnastics. Chris, now a cadet, abandoned my ship for the one at Fort Schuyler and entered the collegiate sailing circuit. So there it was- Theresa and I were not getting as wet as we used to. We were closing fast on another line: full time cruising on a MOTOR SAILER, a Cape Dory. And the more we sail this Rx the more convinced we are that it was the right decision. Another thing about this new tack is that whenever any other J-30 like the Windhover is under manned I can re-cross that line.