[outrigger] Catalina Challenge Relay - postmortem!
oceanohanacanoes
Jeane and I would like to thank everyone who showed up to the DPYC on
Sunday! It was a great outpouring of support we were really floored by
the turnout! The caterer said he fed 200 meals and the bartenders
looked happy! Thanks to everyone who got the word out and made it
happen.
We still felt there was lingering doubt about cancelling the event and I
guess I would have too if I had done the Newport to Dana run or Cabrillo
on Sunday - it just looked so doable?? However Jeane and I got a boat
ride back on Sunday around noon...as we got off the coast of Avalon a
couple of miles we both knew we had made the right decision. There
would have been NO chance at dry changes and the water was 52-54
degrees. We were in a 34' boat and mid channel were taking some sets
over the cabin! It had moments where we looked toward Dana and it looked
SWEET - then we would get the gust and the set and duck and hang on!!
Crazy! I suppose that cancelling the Express for the whole day would
have convinced us but I was glad we got to see it in person instead of
just wonder!
I also wanted to thank the Canadian boys and Rhode Island boys for
making the trip! I heard some got to do some downhill runs thank
goodness!
I understand the stranded-on-Catalina-paddlers paddled back on Monday -
had fun got sunburnt and came back safe and sound!
Jill & Jeane
