THANKSGIVING is this coming Thursday, November 28th.  Gobble! Gobble!
 
36th Annual GABOON RACE – Sunday, December 1st.   GABOON FOR THE SPITTOON!  Entry fee is $30 ($25 for US Sailing members) and must be submitted by 1230 on race day.  This is a pursuit race (slower rated boats start first) and the course is pre-set in the Harbor.  The start/finish line is in front of Hampton Yacht Club.  Staggered starting times begin at 1300. Participants must have a current valid PHRF certificate. Safety and Equipment Category 5P is allowed.  PHRF crew number limitations are waived.  There is a 1630 time limit.  The GABOON SPITTOON goes to the first boat to finish; there will be awards for PHRF A, B, and C classes as well.  All awards will be presented at the HYC Annual Awards Night on December 3rd.  For information, please contact race organizer and founder Phil Briggs at (757)723-5477.
 
LASER RACERS.  ADVANCED LASER FROSTBITE CLINIC coming Sunday, December 8th (10am – 4pm) at Old Dominion University Sailing Center.  Clinic cost is $70. This is a one-day BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) on-the-water clinic.  There will be limited charters available for $25 per day.  Age limit is 14 and older. The clinic director is Mitch Brindley, head sailing coach of Old Dominion University.  All participants are expected to have the skills and ability to safely operate a Laser sailboat (standard or radial rig) in the normally expected weather conditions with minimal assistance. Additionally, participants should have the appropriate winter sailing apparel including lifejacket, and wetsuit or dry-suit.  Topics will include boat set up, rigging and sail trim, advanced boat handling, and upwind and downwind technique.  Hands-on demonstration, interactive discussion, sailing drills, video, and group debriefing. Sailors should bring own lunch and water bottle – snacks and hot drinks will be provided at the debriefing.  To register go to: BigBlueSailingAcademy.com  For info contact Mitch Brindley at 757-287-1201.
 
Get your skipper, crew, and/or racing mates “IN THE PICTURE”.  The HOLIDAY GIFT season is just around the corner. PHOTOBOAT has a 15% Off Holiday Sale going until December 1st. Check out the SBRW photo gallery a  http://www.photoboatgallery.net   GREATGIFT is the code to use when ordering to get the 15% off.       And,  BAXTER PHOTO (Cape Charles Cup) pictures are available for purchase -  find CCC images at www.dbaxterphotography.com  Who would not want a picture of his or her boat racing?  And, Mike Hollsten of Old Point Comfort YC says there are pics of the 2013 Round the Lights Race available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/106786815@N07/sets/72157637761536943/   
 
 
MURPHY'S LAW:  Yrs Truly, the Racing Beagle, wishes one and all a  HAPPY, HAPPY THANKSGIVING –  AHooooooooooooo ! !   /S/  Murphy the Racing Beagle, the sailing spirit in us all.