Dear MSSF,
Thank you once again for the generous support for my crew, Sammy Pickell, and me to
attend the C420 Nationals in Falmouth, MA. Unfortunately this event did not go as
planned. The weekend prior to our departure Sammy and I sailed in the Jr. Olympics
regatta at California Yacht Club. We had to withdraw from this event due to a bad cut on
Sammy’s ankle requiring stitches because of an unfortunate accident in the crowded ramp
area. We were disappointed that we had to withdraw from JO’s, but were looking
forward to sailing at C420 Nationals the following weekend. Prior to our departure two
doctors assured us that Sammy’s wound was healing fine and she would be able to sail by
week’s end. Unfortunately, that was not the case as Sammy’s ankle swelled on the flight
and it was clear that there was something more serious than a cut going on with her
injury. Despite the situation, I was still optimistic about my chances of sailing. That night
I packed my sailing bag for the following day and set up my boot dryer in the corner of
the room. I was ready to sail. The next day we went down to the yacht club with the wind
already at a steady 15 knots at noon. When we arrived I was overwhelmed with the vision
of 150 boats, 300 sailors, and a venue only miles from Buzzards Bay. I was directed from
one person to the next in order to find the sailor from Wianno Bay who could get me a
replacement crew. I was handed phone call after phone call and got nothing but
answering machines. Those that did return calls were busy or inexperienced or out of
town. As I weighed my options the clock was ticking and I had to make a decision fast.
With no crew offered over 110 pounds, with more than a year of experience, and the
ability to come for the practice day I found my efforts to procure a crew fruitless. Sammy
and I packed back into the rental car and headed back to our lodging. The first day of
racing was cancelled because of 23+ knots conditions. For a smaller regatta, such as the
Perry at Cabrillo Yacht Club, this forecast is sailable conditions, but the risk of a 150-boat
fleet with a limited amount of coaches was not one the Race Committee was willing to
take. Every day we followed the race results online looking for familiar names and
tracking the top ten. As we packed to head home I unplugged my boot dryer and repacked
my spray gear into my suitcase. Although we did not get to sail, we met some
exceptional people and appreciate all the help we received from the race organizers and
our fellow competitors.
Thank You,
Kerri Luttrell
