Tuesday, March 14, 2006

It was a year ago this month that “Dock Lines …,” the journal, was conceived.  I did not actually start the journal until April because I was much too busy in March to implement my ideas for my journal and get it all set up and working.  It was not just a case of procrastination, I now realize.  March is a busy month for me.  However, here we are once again and, busy as I’ve been, I feel it’s time to pause and catch this journal up with what’s been going on in my life.

 

Trenton has moved to Oregon to rejoin his mother and father.  In the last post that I talked of Trenton, I made a huge error when I typed that he would leave March 22.  I should have typed February 22.  I did not go back and correct it as I did not realize the mistake until days later.

 

We have heard from Trenton several times since the move and he is fine and enjoying new friends and his new home.  His mom and dad are doing well, he assures us, and he is happy.  He is well ahead of the other children in his new class I am told, so his new school is not too hard of an adjustment.

 

His departure took quite an emotional toll on our household.  It took a few weeks to get used to a routine that did not revolve around a seven year old.  We have adjusted now and are doing fine.  I am sure Trenton will let us know if he needs us in the future and all any of us can do now is pray that the little guy has a good life ahead of him.  But, yes!  We miss him dearly!

 

A new season approaches at the marina and there has been much doings getting ready for it.  We are in the process of dredging out the marina to make it deeper.  I’ll fill you in on that project in an upcoming post.  This week I want to share with you the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Deep South Regatta that was held at our marina this past weekend.

 

This regatta is for Lightning sailboats only.  They are nineteen feet long and are manned by a crew of three persons during a race.  It is called a one-design race meaning every boat entered is of the same design.  This is the first stop on the annual Lightning race circuit each year and we try and kick off their racing season in a big way for them.  We are told continually that we are the best stop for them each year offering the finest facility and friendliest staff on the entire circuit.

 

Just to give you some idea of the circuit, the teams are from all over the United States, and one team even comes each year fromChile.  After Savannah, they drive down to Miami for a series of races the following weekend.  They travel up and down the East Coast each weekend for the remainder of the series each year stopping in places like St. Petersburg, Fl, Daytona, Fl, Charleston, SC, and Wilmington, NC.

 

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the event and we were expecting a larger than normal fleet of boats.  We were not disappointed.  A typical year will see thirty to thirty-five boats entered.  This year fifty-two boats crossed the starting line and our facilities were pushed to the max.  We handled it in stride, though, and the event went off flawlessly.  We were also blessed with some of the best sailing weather this event has ever seen.  Here is what the parking lot looked like as I arrived at work on Saturday morning.

 

 

Here is another shot taken from the docks looking back up at the staging area and flag pole.

 

 

By the way, if you go to the Lightning 19 Racing Association web site, you may see some of the same pictures on there.  The director of the association saw a CD of all of my pictures lying on a desk in the office and took it without asking.  I had transferred my pictures to a CD as a favor for the racing committee so that they could play them back on a big screen like a slide show during the cocktail party in the evening after the races.  The next day I was told no one could locate the CD I had left and I had to make another copy for them.  We later found out that the president of the racing association had seen it in the office and took it for the purpose of using the pictures on their web site. He commented that he had wondered why no pictures had been shown the evening before.   Grrrr…….

 

There is always a good hearted rivalry at the marina between the maintenance department and the docks department. Each year the maintenance personnel chip in along with our director of security to man one of the sailboat hoists at the marina.  We have two hoists, one is a one-ton hoist out on the end of a pier, and the other is a two-ton hoist at the edge of the sea-wall.  The maintenance folks do a great job each year and enjoy doing it.  Here is a picture of them in action.  Now, remember, this is the smaller hoist.

 

 

Notice how many maintenance people are required to man this station.

 

 

My crew is tied up at our power boat hoist and the fuel docks.  Look who mans the huge two-ton hoist each year by himself.

 

 

 

Yes, that is yours truly in much need of a diet running that giant hoist all by himself.  He, he, he…  I think I just got the last word in on that rivalry thing, LOL!

 

I put together this collage showing some of the teams prepping their boats.

 

 

 

I took way too many pictures to show here, but I want you to get a feel for the event.  After we launched all the boats, I hopped on a power boat and went out to join up with the fleet during the racing to get more shots.  I’m just going to end this entry by posting several of the shots I’ve chosen to share with you.  I hope you enjoy these.  I’ll be back soon to tell you all about the dredging project at the marina. In the meantime, take care!

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sam, so glad to see you back! I'm glad your grandson is doing well. :)  I loved the pictures and I have a fun two part sailing entry I did last week.  I was sailing a 16ft Hobie in a regatta type race.  Do you sail?  I send you peaceful thoughts in your family transition.

Peace
Tammy http://mylifeasawarrior.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Happy one year anniversary Sam!  As usual, your entries never disappoint and always make me wish I were you or at least on the dock lines if not manning hoists at least enjoying the excitement of it all.
I am happy that Trenton is doing well and I pray for his continued happiness.
God Bless!
Sam2

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam ,I'm so pleased Trenton has settled down again with his Mum and Dad and is happy ,that is all we can wish for ,I'm sure he knows you and his Gran are there for him if ever he needs you ,as for not entering lately can see why ,busy as ever ,great pictures ,Istill play your horizon game on the long trip to town ,....Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam, welcome back!  Fantastic pictures, it makes me wish I could be there, I love the sea.  I can only imagine how much you and your wife miss having Trenton around, I`m sure it`s feels empty after having a 7 yr old around.  I`m glad to hear though that`s he`s settled down well now that he`s back with his Mum and Dad.  :o)


Sandra xx

Anonymous said...

Hi, Sam, I've been thinking of you and wondering how things were going with Trenton's move.  I commented in a recent journal post that you hadn't updated in awhile but figured it had to do with the 22nd fast approaching...  yes, I was thinking you had another week with Trenton.  Glad to hear things are going well for him, and glad you had some fun work stuff going on to keep you occupied as everyone adjusts.  The pictures are wonderful.   Wish I had been there to see it for myself.
Dawn

Anonymous said...

Sam those pictures are great ~ Gives a real feel of being there ~ had been thinking about you and Trenton's departure date nearing ~ but I am glad he has contacted you and is happy ~ and at least you know he can contact you if he needs to.  and happy he is getting on at school ~ that must make you feel a little better ~ but you must him so much ~  at least he knows you are always there for him ~ Ally
http://journals.aol.co.uk/ally123130585918/Lifewithally

Anonymous said...

wonderful pictures, Sam. Sounds like a very interesting event. Would love to see it some day. Glad that Trenton seems to be doing ok! Glad to have you back!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sam
HUge Hugs! What a great entry!
I hope that you two can get used to missing that cute guy!HE was defiantely wonderful to have around the house!
And I wish the best regatta ever for you!It looks verye xciting! And You look terrific! I can see what you mean about the competition hugs,
natalie

Anonymous said...

the regatta sounds incredible ... part of that is owing to your evocative writing.

my bro goofs around on a J/24

Anonymous said...

First Happy Anniversary!  I am so glad I found your journal, it is awesome.  I love every entry, and you know I love the pictures :)~   I am glad Trenton is settled in, and I know that you and Paulette have taught him so much - I have no doubt that he would tell you if he needed anything.  I can only imagine the transition of your household.  Hugs to all of you.  Can't wait to see the next entry!
d
http://journals.aol.com/nightmaremom/Thisandthatandhockey/

Anonymous said...

Hello there! Looks like you were busy but had fun.  The guy who took your pics without your permission could be in big trouble.  You didn't say whether or not you gave him permission to use your photos.  Either way, they are very nice!  

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear Trenton is doing well.
Ummm, A dredging project at the marina?  People wearing cement shoes or something?  I'm reminded of a few entries you did awhile ago about some of the stuff that finds it's way to your marina.  Something about large pieces of debris being mysteriously pulled from the water and onto your dock in the middle of the night.  I dunno...  Weird man, really weird!
Judith

Anonymous said...

I know you were just heartbroken when Trenton
went back home.  I wish nothing but the best
for the little guy.  
Love ya!
Connie

Anonymous said...

A great entry as usual. I'm out of town and on dial up at the moment so all the pictures did not load but I will check it out when I get home. I've long been fascinated with sailing even though I've never had the opportunity to do it. That may change in May. We're going on a cruise and one of the shore excursions my wife is planning to set up is some deal where you get to said on an actual America's Cup boat. I've watched it when I could for years and will be awesome if a bit scary to get to actually be ON one. Any helpful tips? lol Thanks again for another great entry.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that Trenton and his parents are doing well. I am sure that he is greatly missed!

The Regatta looks like loads of fun. For some reason I never realized that you were in Savannah. We used to play there with the circus every other year, and we could walk from the Civic Center downtown. I would go to this great candy place that made fresh candy.... Pralines! My mouth waters just thinking about them!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind
http://adventuresofaneclecticmind.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Great photos, Sam! I just love watching sail boats in the water. There is something very calming about them and a nice breezy spring day.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you gave us an update on Trenton.  I have thought about him a lot this Month.  I have been through the household transition so I know the feelings that you and Paulette had to deal with.  I hope that everything continues to be positive and happy for him.  I love the pictures ... not only the boats BUT the weather too.  Absolutely beautiful, Pennie

Anonymous said...

Wishing the best for Trenton and his parents.  I know you guys miss him!

I loved all the pictures... would love to catch a race like this live one day :)

Congrats on making it a year!  Time flies, huh?!

Take care, try not to keep too busy... and you don't look like you need a diet to me! ;)

Good to read you again...

Cat

Anonymous said...

(((((((Sam))))))))  I can safely say I know what you went through having to let Trenton go...  Wonderful pics as usual.  what an undertaking!  Do you know that one of my daydreams is to have my own kyak, and sailboat (Catamaran).  I've  had opportunity to do both...love it. ;)  C.  http://journals.aol.com/gdireneoe/thedailies

Anonymous said...

Wonderful pictures Sam. Good to hear Trenton is doing well and that you are getting readjusted.  Keeps thoses posts coming!   Anne

Anonymous said...

Great entry Sam!  I know you folks miss Trenton but it is good to know he is doing well and liking where he is just now!

Now that's a race I could enjoy -- watching or sailing!  Looks like a lot of work and also a lot of fun!

Anonymous said...

I'm happy for Trenton. Kids have a way of snapping back much more so that adults.

Anonymous said...

Wow!  I'm impressed. No wonder you've been quiet lately.  Can't wait to hear about the dredging -- that has to be a nasty job.  Mrs. L

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam. SO sorry I'm behind on all your entries. Have been in some pretty stormy waters, but am a bit more steady now. Love your journal so much. It's such a pleasure to visit. I always learn something new while reading it. The pics are great, the next best thing to being there. Will keep precious Trenton in prayers and you and your wife too.
Huge hugs, and love too.
Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/THERESTOFTHESTORY

Anonymous said...

I love the shots of all the sailboats "lined up" in the water - and also the one with the guys' legs!

Thanks for the good news on Trenton, Sam.  So far, so good!

Karen

Anonymous said...

    Hey, Sam .... I was glad to see that you posted an entry ... and really happy to see that you included pictures of the Regatta.  Looks like things went  well during the event.  Glad to hear that.
    I'm happy to know that all is well with Trenton.  I'm sure you miss him, and I'm sure he misses you, too , but it does sound like things are going well for him, which must really make you feel good.  This is good news.
    So glad that you made that decision last March to join the J-land community.  It's great to have you here, my friend.   Tina

Anonymous said...

Sounds great. Looking forward to your next entry!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam :)

I enjoyed this entry very much. I am so happy to hear Trenton is happy and doing well with his mom and dad. I will continue to think good thoughts your way and his as well. Loved the photographs by the way. I like boats. :)

Always, Carly

Anonymous said...

The news about Trenton is terrific. I do hope his happiness continues. I am sure there was quite an empty place in your home and hearts without a little one there to keep things amusing and cuddly. Glad to know you and your wife have adjusted to the change.

Loved seeing all the photographs. You have some beauties posted. So much work involved to stage a successful regatta. In high school, my son was in a crew club. I loved attending the regattas. Many were out of state, but one was on the river just minutes from our home. I know crew is very different from your type of regatta, but the work and determination of the participants and those making it possible is highly admirable.

Good seeing you post and update us on your world. ::smile::

Anonymous said...

Had to recreate my screen name for some reason so now I am Coloneljan--a variation.  Glad to have you back!  Missed you!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that Trenton seems happy in his new home, I hope it continues for him. I love the photos of your marina, I'm just going to have to visit one day!! Jeannette.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam~That is some great entry! My most favorite shots are when the colorful sails are all up and boats on the water toward the end. Great job on the collage too. Too many photos of boats? Nah--impossible! ;-) I'm glad you are adjusting to Trenton's new digs and I feel for how you must miss the little guy! Blessings, Sassy ;-) PS. Do you know that Enya song "Sail Away"; I want to--bad! ;-)

http://journals.aol.com/SassyDee50/SassysEYE