Some of you were aware that at Key West Race Week, the bowman of the Farr 40 Barking Mad fell overboard at the leeward mark on day one.  Here is the back story: 

Keith was new to the team.  He had previously worked with some of the Ran crew.  They were coming into the leeward mark.  The jib was up and he was behind it.  The pole swung in, hit the lifelines and bounced off.  Keith lunged to grab it as a wave hit the boat and he  flipped over the lifelines, hitting his head on a stanchion and tumbled into the water. 

Initially those on board did not know he had fallen over as they were already in "mark-rounding mode". Another problem was that NO-ONE on board knew that Keith had just learned to swim last summer and still was not a good swimmer. 

Luckily for him, not only was the Ran tender in the area,  but the very friend who had made  Keith take swim lessons the summer before was on board - that particular tender.  He immediately dived into the water and pulled Keith to safety.  But this was not before there was some serious damage.  Keith had swallowed and inhaled a significant amount of water and was transported to the hospital for observation and later released. 

Lessons Learned:  ALWAYS err on the side of safety!  If anyone on board is not a strong swimmer it is inconceivable that you would not tell the whole crew and especially when you are on the bow in 25knots of wind, that you would not wear a PFD.   

Be forewarned,  if you are sailing with Oakcliff and I find out after the fact that you are not a strong swimmer I am going to hit you over the head and duct tape a life jacket to you.

Here is the link to  another story that is even more frightening. Man overboard in the Southern Ocean... on a double handed boat.  Lesson do NOT - EVER - think that you are invincible and the rules don't apply to you.   Please listen, read, learn and remember.

The seminars have been super well attended.  Last weekend it was especially heart warming for me to see 24 people listening intently to Hunt's Financial Seminar and concurrently 36 people working towards Club Race Officer certification.  The sun was out, Luigi was in town.  All was great!

This weekend we have the two-day Judges seminar and there is still room if anyone would like to get this important accreditation.This Thursday we will be doing a Match Racing Intro in the city but it was almost instantly filled up.  We'll offer another one on March 5th. Also in March will be the Gill What to Wear Seminar where world class sailor Jerry Richards will give you tips and tricks to staying warm, dry and comfortable in all conditions.

Finally Richard Gladstone will be back at Oakcliff with North U - Trim seminar.  Learn how to find the gas pedal on your boat, trim your sails for speed and all of that.

Finally, do you know what happens the week after the Trim seminar?  Oakcliff's boats start going back in the water!   Have we kept you talkin' about racing this winter?  I think so!