FOLLOW THE RACE

September 14, 2001

Hi Gale's friends, my Mom & family, et al

GALE'S TEAM TRYING TO GET TO LA ROCHELLE
RACING SCHEDULE--SEPTEMBER 22, 2001:
START OF THE TRANSAT 6.5 CHARENTE-MARITIME/BAHIA!

Fortunately, I called the airline for the 50th time today and didn't get a busy signal. Fifteen minutes before Deb was to pick me up to take me to the airport—Deb went to church but I elected to watch the services at the National Cathedral on TV—so moving and tears to eyes. All must salute the victims of the Tuesday attack and the citizens, firefighters, and police that gave their lives for their countrymen.

So my last call to Icelandair was about 1:26 on Friday. Uh oh, no busy signal but a message—flights cancelled for Friday. Tonite on the 'net was the following so I will try again tomorrow on standby:

I guess I'll be there at 3 for the 8:45; I'm on standby until Tuesday.

Not related to Gale, but my best friend across the street, Debbie Kupfer brought her son Ryan home today! He was supposed to be home on Monday but she went up to the Kennedy Kruiger Center in Baltimore today and they said "He can go home." Much stuff to do, but so good. I got home from EYC too late to visit my surrogate boy but will be there in AM to give the kid a big kiss. So good he's still with us but he's got a lot of work to do. Hey, everyone, include this child in your prayers and see his website, www.ryanupdate.homestead.com.

My original plans were to fly over on Wednesday, Sept. 12, but events prevented it. Rescheduled for Thursday but the airlines hadn't finalized certification with the new security procedures so international flights were cancelled Thursday & Friday. I have a confirmed reservation for Tuesday, but hope to get over there sooner by going standby.

Huge problem with the new solar panel—it got to US but Gale's in France... So I talked the freight agent into releasing it prior to payment but learned the package weighed 28 lbs. No way I could carry over so I called to see if it could be forwarded to France. No way—FAA has banned any cargo to be shipped on airplanes until further notice as of 10 AM today.

So I called Gale, who's in the boatyard getting the boat bottom painted—start of the safety checks—must be fluorescent orange with the boat number painted on the bottom. She's going to contact dealers in France to see if we can obtain the solar panel there.

Anyhow, the hotelkeepers at the little hotel across from the docks where I'm to stay, the Boynards at FastHotel La Rochelle, have been so kind, "Tuesday we were all Americans," and "don't worry about your reservation, you'll have a room." This during an event for which they expect over 100,000 sailing fans. When I get there I'll keep you posted. Their email is jn@boynard.com if you want to send any last minute messages.

Sailnet.com author, Dan Dickison, is going to do another feature about Gale with lots of details about the gear she's using. Check out Sailnet.com articles.

CBS was going to interview Gale but recent current events intervened.

I'll do my best to keep you all updated. Most of my luggage's weight is stuff for the booth at the Racer's Village and for the start—including the big American flag for the booth and the mini-cam Jobson Sailing loaned and with which I hope to film the boats at the start.

As of this date, there is no title sponsor so Gale's boat is named Hartoft Marine Survey, Inc., the marine surveyor company that has provided the most financial support. Thanks to all our supporters, our host clubs, Eastport Yacht Club and West River Sailing Club, and your generous hearts.

I have asked the race website, www.transat650.com, to provide an English version of the website but they're not sure it can be accomplished. But, they told me the race information will be available and easily understood. So type "free translation" into your browser and be entertained.

Hopefully the next update will be from France.

A bientot,