The Perfect Bowline - October 2, 2005

Racing started an hour later than usual on this Sunday Lightning race day as LSC volunteers were providing management for the MSU Cedarfest Regatta.

"Unidentified Flying Pigasus" got restless - or so it appeared, because it was discovered heading to the race course on its own.

Doug Carlson had just put the Safety Boat on the lift and had keys in hand when the call for help came. Blaine and Doug took off immediately.

Excitement was in the air and the Safety Boat got up on a plane and gave chase.

Getting closer - speed coming down.

"I'll bring us alongside with 'UFP' to starboard," says Doug.

"OK, I"ll grab the bowline," says Blaine.

"UFP" in tow. Doesn't look like there is any damage.

Back to the dock. We wonder how this happened.

"UFP"'s spot is still open at the dock.

Let's swing her bow toward the dock.

"Hey Doug," says Blaine, "check this out".

"It's a perfect bowline."

"Yes," says Doug, "but tell your crew they should loop the line around the dock before tying the knot."

"Hey! They only told me to pull the boat out to the end of the dock and tie a bowline."

"No problem," says the boat, "Climb aboard and let's just go racing."