THANKSGIVING is this coming Thursday, November 22^nd!

Heap high the board of plenteous cheer, and gather to the feast,

And toast the sturdy Pilgrim band whose courage never ceased.

From The First Thanksgiving Day, by Alice Brotherton

Winter Warnings:  Sure, every racer knows that sailing in cold weather on cold water requires special gear and extra care.  There is one other thing to check – your insurance policies. No joke – some companies require special riders for coverage of winter sailing and/or racing.  Check yours before you go.

FROSTBITE SUNDAY #4.  It was cold, but there was wind (gusts in the 20s), and 10 boats made it around the course in Hampton Roads.  This was the second race of the series that has been sailed, making the next and last race this coming Sunday, all the more important.  RESULTS:  PHRF A (4 boats): 1.Phil Briggs, Feather; 2.Glenn Doncaster, Nanuq.  PHRF B (5 boats): 1.Ben Cuker, Callinectes; 2.Rusty Burshell, Cool Change; 3.Graham Field, Independence.  Only one boat was on the course from both the PHRF C Fleet (Tom Connors, Fins Up) and the Non-Spinnaker Fleet (John Wandling, Eclipse). Principal Race Officer – Brian Deibler.  The final race of the 2012 Frostbite Series is this coming Sunday, November 25^th.  Same time, same station.  First signal is at 1200. Valid current PHRF certificate is required, Equip Cat 5P is allowed. PHRF crew limitations do not apply – bring your friends! For info and to enter please contact Brian Deibler, 757-715-8977 or 757-224-4272.

To Fiddler’s Green -  Armie Armstrong (Lorraine F. Armstrong, Jr.), passed away at the age of 93 on November 13, 2012, from complications of pneumonia. He is one of the Greatest Generation leaving behind his legacy. It is truly a sad day for family and friends. A decades long member of Langley Yacht Club, Armie was still sailing (and placing) in the Veterans Cup Regatta at the age of 90. He was a true mentor and friend to many in the sailing community. Armie Armstrong was an amazing person, a gentle, kind, caring man, and a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and friend. He contributed so much in life with his many talents; he loved to fly and loved to sail, whether on the sea or in the air. His strong and determined spirit will always be with his family and loved ones, as he embarked on his last sail to the heavens. (in part from the Daily Press, Newport News, VA)

RACE FOR THE GABOON SPITTOON.  Sunday, December 2^nd, pursuit  race (staggered start), organized by Hampton Yacht Club, OPEN TO ALL.  Valid PHRF rating is required; Equipment Category 5P  is allowed in addition to 4P. Staggered start times begin at 1300;  start times will be posted for each entry at the registration table in the HYC Lounge on race day. Entries will be accepted until 1230 on race day.  Entry fee: $25 for US Sailing members ($30 for non-USSA members).  Submit entries to: Race Committee – Gaboon Race, Hampton Yacht Club, 4707 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, VA 23669.  For info please contact Phil Briggs at 757-723-5477.   This is the 35^th year of the Gaboon Race.  As always for this annual event, PHRF crew number limitations do NOT apply.   So, “Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies…” – this is THE GABOON!

MURPHY'S LAW:  The Pilgrims get all the credit for having the very first official Thanksgiving.  But Yrs Truly, the Racing Beagle, knows that there really was an earlier Thanksgiving, in the southern Bay, in Virginia, before the Pilgrims even left England.  Racing Beagle family records include a reference to Noah Wythe Murphy, who is credited with catching the squirrel for the gravy.  So, there.   /S/  Murphy the Racing Beagle, the sailing spirit in us all.

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SOUTHERN BAY RACING NEWS YOU CAN USE,  Lin McCarthy, Editor