This blog is best read and viewed starting at the bottom and working up.

I was part of the crew of High Noon, a turbo-charged Tripp ILC 40 owned by Steve & Heidi Benjamin. We raced in the second annual Jamie Boeckel Memorial Regatta the weekend of May 20 & 21, 2006. The regatta is organized by the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club to keep alive Jamie's spirit and memory.

Jamie was a professional sailor who grew up on Long Island. He was lost overboard while performing bow man duties on Blue Yankee in the 2002 Block Island Race. I was competing in the same race and was five miles downwind at the time that a 30-knot front came through. We accelerated to 13 knots of boatspeed and managed not to shred our sails. Then we heard the distress calls on the radio (Man Over Board) and determined that we could not possibly get to the scene in time to be of any assistance. But it was harrowing to listen to those radio calls, much less be more closely involved. It was even worse finding out the next day when we finished the race that Jamie had not been recovered.

I only met him once. By all accounts he was an able, enthusiastic, loving, and talented young man. I wish his family courage and strength. I wish Jamie peace and fair winds.

Above: I put the new silver to good use. :)

Jamie's mother (center) congratulates the winning crew from Hell Hound. Well done, folks.



This is where I collect High Noon's second place overall trophy. Nice picture, thanks, Claude. :)





This is where I collected High Noon's second-place-for-the-day award.




Jamie's mother said a few inspirational words to us. She's happy that this event keeps his memory alive and reminds us all of his love for this sport.




My (sometimes) teammates from Peregrine: Corey, Scott, Carter and Jeanne. Great seeing you folks.


The crew of Avra toasting themselves.


On day one of the regatta we (High Noon) had gotten a pair of second place finishes behind Hell Hound, the ID-35 skippered by Brendan Brownyard. Today (Sunday) we earned a slender one second victory in the first race but then came in second in the last race by about 30 seconds. The regatta ended with us second overall and Hell Hound first (in our division). I drove over to the awards ceremonies.

















I snap photos when I can during brief quiet spots in the competition (and before & after). These are my property and may not be used without my permission. I blog them because I am happy to share them with teammates, friends and family.

The pictures I post are generally reduced in resolution. I retain the originals (ten times larger, with better color and detail). If you would like the originals please send me an email.

Fair winds,

Rando _/)