Onalinda's crew
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Jun 5, 2009, 3:47 PM
Post #1 of 1
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Author seeking crew spot
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A friend introduced me to this site a year ago, and I finally have a reason to join.
I have been racing actively for a year after a long hiatus away from the ocean (grew up on Long Island Sound and didn't know lake sailing in upstate NY could be as fun and challenging as I have found... and that we would place second in our fleet for our year end awards last year). Had lots of experience in Sunfish, Lasers, small sloops, Alberg 30s, and E-scows back in my L.I Sound days - way back in the mid 70s, then on the lakes up here I added more Alberg 30s, Beneteau 323s and now Ensign racing to my repetoire. I currently have two wonderful mentors -one campaigned a Soling nationally back in his day, and our helmsman has been great and supportive as well aboard the current boat I sail on.
I am researching a book (a long, slow process since the sailors I need stories from have super busy lives - I am 4 years into the research - almost five) on a certain class of boats and have been trying to keep myself sharp on what is happening on the water currently. I am published in other fields but sailing has always been a passion of mine and this book was inspired from a wonderful experience I had back in 2004 - almost a religious experience for me taking the helm of a famous yacht, repeated several times that made me realize the historical significance and importance of the class in a place where people would recognize it. The stories I have unearthed so far are significant.
Other authors said the passion is apparent in my description of my research...and my current chapters that they have proofed and sailors I have spoke with understand what I am talking about. My mentors are developing my skills on the foredeck of the Ensign I sail on as I do not feel I have the experience I want just yet flying the spinnaker. On the other hand, they know I can work miracles with a jib in light air... when we were short crew in a spinnaker fleet and opted not to fly it, we made ground on the upwind legs and actually finished with the rest of the fleet (and those with spinnakers were way ahead).
How do I find a crew spot to expand on what I know and what I need to know about the class I am researching? In the location I am researching I have my own housing and transportation (thanks to family and friends and a supportive hubby)... I am not looking for a free ride at all. I am not having much luck and am finding it frustrating but much like the doldrums...sitting still currently but I know at some point, somewhere, the wind will blow...and hopefully - someone will want their passion highlighted and promoted as part of my research.
Thanks for listening...
Dee
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