Airborne Boating
We received a telephone call in response
to the "Airborne Boating Lessons" item in the December issue.
The call was from an airline pilot, who wishes to remain anonymous.
The gentleman flies for an airline that was not mentioned in the December
editorial. "I think I know exactly what happened," he said.
"We had a similar episode on an MD80 in our fleet, and as a result
of that incident my employer replaced a main power transfer relay switch
on every plane. I'm surprised to hear that some airlines may still be
using the old switch."
Apparently, we can add another item to
our list of boating related lessons: "The importance of replacing
questionable equipment before it fails."
After
the Storm
Editor: Thanks very much for your review of After the Storm by Rousmaniere.
I bought a copy and have thoroughly appreciated it. His sense of spirituality
from storms is what intrigues me. It was good to note this sense also
was noticed and described by heroes like Joshua Slocum and Eric Newby,
too. I am a Unitarian-agnostic who cares little for so-called "organized
religion" (and is somewhat embarrassed to try to discuss it), but
I do feel a sense of spiritual kinship with the sea and its nature,
especially when I am at sea on my boat. Even when I am tied to a dock
messing about on the boat, I feel better. I call it "communing
with nature," and find it relaxing, refreshing, liberating and
energizing. Perhaps it's just getting away from shoreside civilization
and all its trappings-traffic, noise, pollution, crowds, etc.
But I think it's more than that. There
is something about a good boat, I mean a real seagoing one, not a plastic
toy, which attracts me. A vessel built strong enough to withstand anything
the ocean can deliver, designed to continue floating even if hit with
a breaker and temporarily drowned. A vessel that will shuck off the
sea and survive. Well ballasted, such that it will stay right side up
in all seas and heavy enough to protect its occupants from being thrown
around. An island of strength, security and pleasure unto itself, offering
better views than the millionaires enjoy from their shoreside mansions.
As Rousmaniere says, living through storms on a boat is a purifying
experience. A boat is therefore a kind of cathedral. Fortunately, we
don't have to go around Cape Horn to enjoy the experience. Even Puget
Sound on a windy day can be thrilling, and very worthwhile.
Jeff Douthwaite,
Seattle
Skipper of Luard, a 38-foot ex-salmon troller
Kudos
Editor: Just a brief note of sincere appreciation
for all you do and have done for the Liveaboard Association of Puget
Sound. It has been quite a battle, but we would do it again in a flash.
It seems we never get all we wanted, but as one battles the government,
I guess we have to be thankful for them handing back not only our head,
but a few arms and legs with it…and we stay where we were all along.
At least we do not have [Jennifer] Belcher to deal with anymore.
Please accept my personal thanks for your
kindness and good words about Joanne and I in the November edition of
Nor'westing, ("Profiles"). It was indeed a pleasure to visit
with Marilyn Michael. You are fortunate to have someone who works for
you with this quality of understanding, ability and personality. If
I could, I would hire her in a minute. She is pleasant, well voiced,
and does a great job of composition…plus she's fun to be around.
Best wishes for a continued great publication.
May you have more advertising than you can handle, and be blessed with
a healthy and happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Don R. Stonehill, Chairman
Liveaboard Association of Puget Sound
