In one seminar, Gary Jobson did his usual great job of discussing current issues - including the America's Cup. Gary looks for Alingi to win this one - but the New Zealand "Hula" is an "X" factor and just might provide the additional boat speed necessary for the defender to retain the cup.

There were a number of other excellent seminars too. Pat Dolan attended Tami Oldham Ashcraft's presentation re-capping her gripping story of being capsized in a hurricane and losing her partner overboard. She survived 41 days and sailed herself under jury rig - 1500 miles to Hawaii. She provided excellent information on safety equipment. Pat came away with an autographed copy of her book.

Lou Carretero, of Colgate's Offshore Sailing School, gave excellent and humorous presentations on several topics. In his "Docking and Anchoring" seminar, he teaches by telling the story of trying to dock a boat with the wind coming at right angles to the pier. His plan was to come downwind straight at the dock, do a quick turn onto a reach and let the sails luff until the boat came to a stop. He neglected to appreciate the impact pilings on the edge of the dock would have as the boom came in contact with them. The pilings kept the boom from going all the way out and the sail therefore continued to be full of wind - pushing the boat rapidly along the dock toward another boat tied there. Fortunately, the mainsheet caught on a cleat and brought Lou's boat to an instant stop. Unfortunately, his sailing partner who was standing on the bow holding a mooring line didn't stop. He kept going - right into the water.