Well, I have sailed on a Yankee, and I am most satisfied. Andy Stover took me sailing on his boat, Avocet, out of his place in Harpswell, ME. What a beautiful boat, and what a beautiful spot! Andy has restored a derelict house and outbuildings into a lovely waterfront oasis, and has restored Avocet to be essentially as good as new. Better, when you consider modern sails and electronics, really. She's just lovely, and sails fabulously, as none of you will be surprised to hear! I wasn't surprised also, but it sure is nice to be reassured tangibly that what you expect to be true is true - and now I can continue with my restoration in the full knowledge that I have chosen well and gotten a boat I will want to keep for years to come.

My weekend in Maine couldn't have been better, with sketchy weather to drive down on Friday turning into a gorgeous sunny day with a variety of wind strengths to sail in on Saturday, and followed up by a grey, cool day to drive home again on Sunday. And Andy took care of me regally, leaving no question that Maine hospitality stands up to the best anywhere. What a delight. Thanks!

And thanks for all of the other offers that weren't quite so handy to Nova Scotia, also - perhaps in other years I'll get out to see some of you, and perhaps I'll be able to take some of you sailing in Nova Scotia! I would love that.

Cheers,

Chris