Hello Again Friends,
After a brief period on land after the Bermuda 1/2, I am returning to the high seas aboard Gryphon Solo to compete in the Marblehead to Halifax Race, which begins today. After many days of rain, it looks like it is going to be a beautiful day for the start, with sunshine and fair breezes forecast. Approximately 125 boats are entered in the race, which is a very strong turn-out for the races's centennial anniversary. This race is co-managed by the Boston Yacht Club of Marblehead, MA and the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron of Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the Captain's Meeting yesterday, they began the proceedings with the playing of the Canadian national anthem, "Oh Canada" and then the "Star Spangled Banner". "Oh Canada" is a glorious song with inspiring lyrics of national pride that always brings a tear to my eye and then makes me think of NHL hockey and the Montreal Canadians. Our cousins to the North always provide great hospitality at the finish of this tough race.Joe