This is a bit of a feedback loop, but upon discovering their generous words, I raised their colors. Sampaguita sits at anchor in a windy and choppy La Paz anchorage. Her Mexican flag is showing the tatters of time, prone to flogging on the stays, part of being a small boat. The lowest flag is a Flicka flag displaying the filigree which helps define the breed.

I appreciate PTSA’s consideration and support. The article they reference is about my learning experience racing Port Townsend’s one-design fleet of Thunderbirds. It is a reflection on what a cruiser can learn from racing boats.

There is often a disconnect between cruisers and racers. Racers can be annoyed by cruisers’ laid-back approach to sailing. Cruisers can be annoyed by racers’ overzealous approaches. As a cruiser myself who was still invited to race, I recognized that some lessons can be typical, while some more abstract.

A special thanks to Steve, Corvo’s owner, Jeff, a gentle, yet aggressive racing skipper, and Roland, a steadfast champion of mine, who is both a fellow cruiser and racer.

Check out the Port Townsend Sailing Association:

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