So when 2011 ended, I came out with my hands on my head. 3 days of tooling around above 11 000ft and I had HAPE..... I didn't think this was even possible (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), although the Docs that treated me assured me it was very very possible and the reason they live in Telluride is they get to see it and treat it at an "too often rate" rate. Anyway, I've discovered that slowly drown in your own fluids is not fun, it gives you a headache you can only dream of in your post new years eve day after. Never felt anything so bad. To cut a bad story short, ended up in the local hospital where 4 hours on pure oxygen got rid of the worst. I think it was Ian Andrewes who I said I tended to go out big when sailing the Moth, this sets an all time record.Reflecting back on the 2011 season thought of some thoughts:
1) We got a pretty full seasons in with several great events, but generally poor turn out. That said, I think I attended all the regattas with the exception of HPDO, and each w=one was a blast for their own reason. Seems strange that it was less than 12 months ago we were pre Aus Worlds and embroiled in "Wing gate". Would love to know what Mothistas want as a regatta schedule.... you know how to hit reply.
2) Great to see new youngsters coming in like JP, especially as they challenge the "world order".
3) Awesome to have another Brit in the fold with Simon Propper arrival at ABYC. As the new West COast Mach 2 dealer and having a demo boat available, I'm really looking forward to 2012 as the year we take off and march down "Road to the Hawaii Worlds 2013.
4) Its been a breath of fresh air to have Anthony Kotoun and Matt Knowles driving the East Coast with the Miami Grand Prix Series. First series was done mid December with a very innovative series hosted in Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Beautiful place, great breeze and again a club that couldn't make us more welcome. Loved the innovative AC style course which had us reaching in to top mark, before usual up wind down wind. Had the effect of compressing the fleet, tighter racing and if your a weekend warrior like me, kept you with the big boys longer. Cant make the next event, but can't wait for the March event 16th and 17th so mark you calendars! Only disappointment was to see only 3 East Coast boats there.
We've a great 2012 race schedule built, take a look at the Class web site. The number of boats are growing slowly, some nice Mach 2s appearing on the second hand market allowing a cheap upgrade. But to make our Class thrive here in the USA, we need participation, especially from the working stiffs like me! Come on guys and girls, this is our class, if we want it to thrive, we need to turn up and participate. Its fun believe me and little effort to ship the boat around. Lets all commit to doing one more travel away regatta than we did in 2011 and it'll make a huge difference to numbers, participation and fun!
Over and out in 2012 and see you in Miami in March
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