Poulsbo Cruise Summary September 11-13, 2015
As Ruth and I tacked our way north to Poulsbo on Friday September 11, the winds were 10 kts and dying. They only perked up again as we docked. Go figure.
A huge thanks to our hosts Ben and Em Stewart and Dave and Susie Garland. The 17 boats festooned with a breathtaking display of flags and banners certainly enlivened the Poulsbo docks. The weather Friday and Saturday was wonderful with 80+ degrees despite a brisk afternoon breeze each day.
On Saturday, a number of us visited each other’s boats, and in the spirit of HAPS, helped each other out. Five of us boarded sv Beverly Jane, and helped Larry to extract his mainsail from the furling device, service the furling gear, and ensure that it ran in and out well. Later, Larry boarded sv Endless Options to help Dave Garland re-cut a transom seat. Steve Stark showed the captains of sv Orion his HF antenna arrangement, and later demonstrated his innovative stern tie arrangement.
Saturday night’s main dish of pulled pork sandwiches and the great side dishes, salads and desserts was wonderful. The pictures contributed from the members and placed on digital display was a great visual reminder of the year’s good times with this terrific Hunter Association.
The winner of the flag contest were new members Doug and Lynn Hopper Thompson of sv Orion, aided by their superb 10 year old crewman, Grant. Carol Jones, her son Chris and friend Sunni, of sv Brigadoon, were able to join us for Saturday and Sunday. It was great to have Orion and Brigadoon join us for the second time this year. The costume theme was won by Stuart Scadron-Wattles of sv Selah.
After dinner, the conversations continued. A couple of boats down from us, sv Orion hosted a hootenanny, for those of you who are old enough to remember the term. There was a lot of singing going on, accompanied by Lynne Thompson’s ukulele and guitar work from John Hilton and Ben Stewart.
Sunday’s departure in the overcast and light rain was somewhat sad. I always find it difficult to say goodbye to our HAPS boat buddies. Our next scheduled event is November 28th again so graciously offered by Brian and Mary Scott. The night combines the silent auction, dinner, cruise planning and election of officers.
Two days later, we were guests of Specialty Yachts along with a dozen other HAPS members at the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show VIP night. I thought the MH 31 the biggest and prettiest 31’ sailboat I had ever seen. The 37 and 50 were equally gorgeous. Ruth and I looked at the other new sailboats that were all definitely heavily influenced by European designers. The other boats, while light and airy struck me as stark, Spartan and almost sterile. Discussing that look with one of the brokers he said that look is preferred by the millennial generation. Designers certainly want to please the customer as there is no percentage in doing otherwise. Thanks to Lawrence Fronczek of Specialty Yachts for providing the tickets.
Mike & Ruth Murray, Fleet Co-Captains