Kicking-off the 5th Annual Southern Chesapeake Volvo Leukemia Cup Regatta season, about twenty FBYC members came by chartered bus and car last Friday night, March 21st, to hear Gary Jobson—himself a honorary member of Fishing Bay—at the Mariner's Museum in Newport News. Gary's talk was fast-paced and included several videos of competitive sailing which he narrated with wit and insight.Gary left little doubt about his support for a different approach to manning an America's Cup Race Committee. And he treated the audience to some wry humor about a Committee which wouldn't permit a race in conditions, he noted, would delight most Fishing Bay racers.

Highlights of the evening, however, came during the question and answer period. Gary fielded questions such as "can Couts win without Butterworth," (answer: not as often) why did Coutts defect from his New Zealand team," (answer: go $8 million in debt or take $10 million now?) "what was all the fuss about the hula" and "how did Team NZ get in the position of having their boat break apart twice?" Gary was discreet in his comments on NZ's design flaws but noted enthusiastically that Alinghi was heavily equipped with American spars, instruments, and gear. And he pointed out with pride that U.S. sailors had a strong part in the sail-making and boat design." "They knew where to go to get the best," he said.

Gary told the group that Turner and Hood will sail two of the America's Cup 12 meters at the Annapolis NOOD Regatta in early May and these will be the first start each day. Gary will be sailing with Turner. He also spoke about the inside story on the difficulties of competitive broadcasting with no idea when the broadcast was to happen and ultimately managing a ten-day wait. Gary paid high tribute to ESPN for sticking with the program despite wrenching costs. Finally, Gary provided a moving tribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, its staff, its efficiency (an extraordinarily high percentage of the contributed dollar goes to programs), and its high impact on finding cures for this virulent form of cancer.

At the conclusion of the program, Judy Buis, sporting an impressive cast on her left arm, presented Gary with a gift and warm thank you, seconded by all, for his presentation. Gary promised that we would see him again at Fishing Bay soon. The bus ride was delightful and thanks go to Willard Strickland for arranging it. Thanks also to Randy Alley for on-the-road videos of extraordinary racing scenes down under. With great foresight, Jere Denison boarded with a new bottle of Mount Gay and Gil Miles contributed the mixers. The comment was heard that a chartered bus might be the best way to rendezvous for future social events in Deltaville.

Photo Credits: Steve Gillispie