The Blind Adventures in Newport Update 2

by Blind Sailing New Zealand on 23 Sep 2006 'Stand there' said Jen Lancaster and Dick Lancaster in his own independent way took one step back and fell into the Newport Harbour. Nothing but hurt pride and wet clothing.

This was Dick Lancaster's introduction to the Newport Boat show. The Team and supporters took advantage of free tickets to the show, held on the waterfront Of Newport. The Largest yacht? was a 300 foot 3 masted affair with an 80 foot main boom. Nobody was invited on board but all were impressed.

RNZFB Chairman and his wife Rosemary rejoined us today and they are off with the sailing group on the local Mansions tour, The Van Der Bilt shack and all that/ Tomorrow a tip by boat to Providence RI.

Tom Rogerson was to join us 18th but is delayed in Ukraine. coming to complete the group probably tomorrow.

Those poor sailors, out sailing in 10 knots of breeze with the distraction of two cruise ships moored in the channel. One is the Queen Elizabeth II.

The area is vaguely like a larger Devonport, St Heliers Bay Combined pop 85,000. and they all talk Yankee. Once your through the initial barrier grand people.

I left a bag of recently purchased gear on a seat in the registration office at NYYC I went back two hours later and it was still there. It was on the registration table waiting for they thought, a little Noo Zeeeeland Guy. Would this happen at home?

We found that the published rules precluded blind from operating the mainsheet and prior to meeting up with the regatta organiser the crews were training jib trimming. Don wrote a letter of complaint re unilateral decisions made by the sailing committe without prior discussion and Tony had to reach for his blood pressure pills.

Brian Trubovich was composing an oratory to sound forth at the first sailing meeting. The matter was settled amicably but after the dust settled Don was taken to one side by the regatta organiser and ever so nicely put in his place.

Every one now knows we are here now. The largest group, and when we move every one stands aside. I hope that applies out on the water later on.

The girls have shopped themselves silly. I don't think their spirit is broken yet. The team went today to an up market marine supplier and using discount cards given to us by NYYC did very well for the shop owner and In an hour I feel surpassed the ladies total spending todate.

Two Days of practice, official, and then they are into it. They have drawn their boats and will retain them until after the first day's racing.

Looking good, ready and confident but still wary of the old foxes lurking in the depths.
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