small occasion for general rejoicing, at least to us

[jim rosenthal]

Those of you who know me also know that I have three godchildren who I prize more than anything. They describe me as their PLO, or "parent-like object"

The middle one, age 23, teaches mathematics in FL and is an avid sailor and racer (and damn good at it, too- she is crewing in the Newport-Bermuda race next month) She has a boyfriend, as young women do, a Marine pilot who gets his wings today in Meridian, MS. Like her, he is from the Tidewater VA area. We found out yesterday that he got his first choice of aircraft, which was Hornets, and, even better, he is going to be in Virginia Beach for the next year. That's closer than Florida, so (as one vintage GT40 article put it) joy is, in fact, unconfined.

Maybe I'll get a ride in one of those planes. Now THAT would be something.

 

[Diver Down]

Very good news Jim. Would rather ride the Hornet than an Osprey.

 

[Avenger]

Well congratulations to all. I'd probably be willing to give up a body part for ride in an F-18 too.

My father sailed on a couple of Newport to Bermuda races. There were some interesting stories to tell.

He was also involved in the development of the F-14.

Interesting parallels.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Yes, I am damn glad he isn't in an Osprey. Death traps, from what I read. The second choice was Harriers, which look like fun, but I think he went into Naval aviation with the whole idea of flying a Hornet, if he could get the job, and he has.

 

[Robby]

Yes, I am damn glad he isn't in an Osprey. Death traps, from what I read. The second choice was Harriers, which look like fun, but I think he went into Naval aviation with the whole idea of flying a Hornet, if he could get the job, and he has.

Pilots especially Fighter pilots are a dieing breed.As a crewchief of 20 years when we saw the first RCV like older fighters F-100 and on up and saw that unlike the pilots we would always have work.I dont know what it would be like to crew a plane without a pilot.Then The higest acidement pilots got first choose of type. Now I hear from friends that the A-10 is a higher pick over other airplanes cause the jobs are there.Congrats on the Hornet pick.May the wind always be to his back and the sun behind him,God Speed!!!!!

 

[OBXTucker]

Congrats to your goddaughters boy friend. She's a wonderful young lady and deserves the best! I can tell that you're rightfully very proud!

 

[lumina]

Hi All,

Jim,

Awsome accomplishment !!!!

Please thank him for his service !!

From the proud son of a SeaBee Chief PO, 21 years of service.

 

[labrador]

Jim, what boat is he racing on. As a veteran of 12 Newport to Bermuda races I know almost all of the boats competing. In 08 we took 1st in class and 8th in fleet, 10 was 1st in class and somewhere around 30th fleet. Nothing compares to 86 where we got 1st in class and 1st overall!

 

[jim rosenthal]

She is racing on Jackal, which (I think- don't hold me to this!) is a 41 Beneteau First. I don't think she's been on this particular boat before, but she knows the owner and crew, from what I gather.

 

[labrador]

That's one I don't know. They call them beach balls for some reason that I'm not aware of. Tell her good luck! Have her stop by Vamp which is the boat I used to race on J-44. Looks like I'm sitting this one out due to business or lack there of. Lots of fun in the stream going downwind in 30kts with the kite up! Short seas even get that heavy beast airborne at times. I held the record of 16.8kts at the helm for several years until one of my crewmates got 17.2 surfing down a big wave.
Skip

 

[jim rosenthal]

From what I know, this boat has finished in the top three in its class several times in this race. They are still assembling the crew for this. It sounds like they are going to have a good time.

Seventeen knots? Jesus. In a SAILBOAT?

 

[Avenger]

The new America's Cup boats are expected to do 40 kts. Ridiculous technology, they're really not even sailboats anymore.

 

[labrador]

I have a friend racing a 68' custom in the vinyard race a few years ago. Coming back thru the race from Block island sound into Long Island sound, they were close reaching with a #4 genoa and double reefed main in 60kts. The speedo hit 29.6kts. Try doing that with a sportfish!!! This is no bull either. He owned Banks sails and sold to North. This WAS a monohull named Blue Yankee and Steve used to sail all over the world on her.