Hi, Circe-ites!

Herewith, this week's installment (no, don't expect this to become a habit) in the motivational series, "Inspiration for my pals on Circe." Only 3 snaps this time, as time for more is not permitting.

These first two are a series in themselves. A diptych. No, not a dipstick:

Below is a snapshot of Ian, skipper of the famous yacht Stormvogel, as he sees himself. (No, Audrey, you can't have his number.) Hugely talented, calm under pressure with tiller firmly in hand, calculating, focussed, surrounded by a youthful but highly competent and strongly self-motivated crew. Ian in this photo reminds Skipper Ron of....Skipper Ron. (Sans the tattoo, but Susan has one of those so, close enough.)

And now, below, is Ian once again, as the crew of Stormvogel sees him. Hugely talented and calculating when it comes to replacing iPhones without incurring personal expense, calm with a rum drink firmly in hand, okay yeh well certainly focussed on what everyone else should be doing and probably already is, surrounded by a youthful but highly competent and strongly self-motivated crew who probably doesn't entirely need all the additional encouragement he's currently providing. Ian in this photo reminds the crew of Circe of....Skipper Ron.

Next, examine the photo of the yacht Ticonderoga, below, also racing at the Antigua Classic. Demonstrated here is a simple knot-tying exercise that can done anytime, but can also be continued during the race, and is especially successful when the breeze is in excess of 25 knots, gusting higher. I am reminded of Kathleen and Pam placidly practicing their bowlines on the foredeck. How dull. Note how one can not only practice one's bowline, but also make sure the sheet is fairly led through the clew (as opposed to Cunningham's eye, Nansi, which requires an entirely different skillset), AND get a vigorous aerobic workout at the same time. For those of you who are feeling clueless, or who want to study all the moves, just ask. I'll send you the series.

Have a great race, you guys!