Conference unifix::sailing

    Dave,
    
    You have my deep and sincerest sympathies. At least you know she
    had a great season and left you while being in her own element.
    
    Again, sorry for your loss.
    
    JC
    

    Dave,
    
    I'm real sorry to hear this news.  Having sailed on FAT TUESDAY, I know
    what a fine boat it was and what a fine season you guys had with her.
    Although you can wax philosophical and say, "it's only a boat", or "at
    least it was insured", this was a boat worthy of the pride felt by it's
    crew.  Hopefully you'll be able to replace her with something just as
    nice.
    
    I think the severity of this storm caught everybody by surprise.
    Dean and I were sailing down in Narragansett Bay yesterday, and saw
    some of the storm damage down there.  The devastation in Wickford
    wasn't a pretty sight to behold.  There were at least a dozen boats up
    on the rocks or beached in front of the seawall.
    
    Closer to home, there were several casualties over at Jubilee.
    
    Hope this isn't an indication of the kind of winter we're in for.
    
    ... Bob

    Dave,
    	Also very sorry to hear this -- they are not just boats; but,
    an extension of ourselves & a tough loss to bear.
                                                                
    =====================================================================
    
    	Perhaps you could help others benefit from the expriance if
    you could document the follow-up with the insurance company, any
    salvage of materials, etc, as you get yourself back on the seas
    for next year.  Give it some thought.
    
                              All the best,
                                             Lou

    Sorry to learn of your loss.  It was quite a storm, even inland.
    When the picture of Serendipity on the rocks at Fort Sewall appeared
    in Sunday's paper, Fat Tuesday's name immediately came to mind because
    of it's outlying mooring location.  
    
    Unfortunately, once the Northeast rollers start pounding the harbor
    there's little one can do to further secure his boat without jeopardizing
    his own safety.   Sometimes, despite doing the right things, the
    right things just don't work.  It's a tough loss but I hope you
    and your crew are back next year with another boat.

    From personal experience (see note 185 and others related to Gloria)
    I know that this is not a fun time for you. However, unless your
    insurance company is REALLY sub-standard, you should come out of
    this OK. The most negative side to my experience was reading all
    the stories later (magazines - not NOTES) about how 'much' of the
    damage was due to flagrant disregard for proper seamanship
    techniques or deliberate attempts at collecting insurance.    
    
    On the lighter side; that is if you've still got a sense of humor,
    it sure gives new meaning to your comments in 1013.1 about that
    boat fire.

    J_R

Dave,

I'm very sorry to hear you lost Fat Tuesday.  
Both pennants sawed through?!  This storm's severity
crept up on everyone.  I never imagined it would wreak 
such havoc.  On Narragansett Bay, we saw some 30 boats 
cast up on the rocks around Wickford and E.Greenwich -- there 
weren't nearly that many when the hurricane hit.

Fat Tuesday was a fine boat and you sailed her well.
Whatever you replace her with, I look forward to compteting
with you next season.  

Yours,
Dean

    Thanks for the condolences etc.  Yes, I will document the
    insurance/salvage process here in notes.  What appears to have happened
    is this:  The extremely high tides pulled the mooring chains to
    about their limit, leaving little or no catenary to absorb the shock.
    The nylon pennant was left to absorb the entire shock and was not
    up to it apparently.  The steel cable then snapped, and away she
    goes.
    
    Does anyone know the limit of our responsibility as to removing
    what is left on shore or under water?  We tried to take away many
    of the fragments on shore, but a lot is still left.
    
    And you can be quite sure we'll be back.  As early as Saturday night
    we were looking through Seahorse magazine at some European One Tonners.
    The boat is gone, but the program lives on.
    
    Dave

    Knowing it was such a disaster for an experienced and conscientious
    DECsailor makes the quote I heard yesterday attributed to the
    Marblehead Harbormaster seem especially ill-timed. 
    
    The WJIB news cast I heard on Sunday morning quoted the harbormaster as
    laying the blame for "over $1 million in damage to boats in Marblehead
    harbor" to the fact that their owners were so "late in taking them out
    for the winter."  Someone else mentioned on the van this morning that
    the Boston Globe quote included *Labor Day* as his suggested end of the
    season haul date! 
    
    Is he being misquoted here?  Could he possibly have such feelings?
                      
    

    re -.1  No, the quote was right.  It was from a Marblehead cop,
    of all things.  A real expert.
    
    I do feel a little stupid but we always leave the boat in until
    late October.
    
    Dave

    
    As another Marbleheader, I can readily appreciate your feelings.
    We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your boat.  It just
    re-emphasizes my belief that it is not possible to moor in Marblehead
    in storms/hurricanes, which has forced me to keep a file of hurricane
    holes I must retreat to, in such cases. Hope you can get back on
    the water for next season.  Meanwhile, you are welcome aboard
    "Sunshine" anytime.  Just call me ahead on DTN or home (in the book)
    in Weston.    

     >    Does anyone know the limit of our responsibility as to removing
     >    what is left on shore or under water?  We tried to take away many
     >    of the fragments on shore, but a lot is still left.
    
    Yes, you are responsible, but this is also something that is covered
    by your insurance. If other boats are involved it probably means
    that a consortium of insurers will join together and contract with
    a salvage firm to handle the effort.
    
    You are also responsible to take whatever means necessary to protect
    the remains from looters and/or unofficial 'salvagers' although
    in this case it sounds academic.

    J_R

    .10 is probably very right about the suitability of M'hd as a mooring
    area during a storm.  It's pretty bad.  About two years ago I think
    the mooring regs were upgraded to provide more space between boats
    and heavier moorings for those boats closer to the harbor entrance.
    In addition, a permanent storm pennant, usually SS cable, was mandated.
    
    Last season was a light one for storms.  Last Saturday was the first
    real test.  I'm not sure I'd evaluate the results as confidently
    as the harbormaster who was quoted as saying something along the
    lines of "we have a competant mooring system here - we lost only
    5 boats".  Looking at them, those steel cables look bullet proof.
    But obviously they weren't up to the job.  I wonder what kind of
    mooring equipment changes would better the chances of riding out
    those big rollers?

    Dave-
    
    I lost a 36' Cheoy Lee Sloop in Hurricane Gloria (also a total
    loss) I can appreciate what you must be going through both emotionally
    and also in dealing with the insurance morass.  Some things that
    may be helpful...
    
    o You are probably lucky that you have an obvious total loss.  The
      insurance company has no choice but to pay you the full amount
      of your insured value.  You do not want to know some of the stories
      I've heard from people who had serious but not total losses in
      Gloria.
    
    o You are not to blame. This storm came up suddenly and was more
      severe than expected.  Your boat was well moored with proper tackle.
      In fact there may be some likelihood that the stainless cable
      mandated by the mooring regs may have been responsible for the
      parting of your nylon pennant.  I am convinced that the 3/8" chain
      which we used as a backup for our 1" nylon bridle whipped around
      and chafed the nylon to the point where it parted.  In my case
      the chain (with no shock protection) then ripped the windlass
      and bow cleat (with backing plate) out of the 1.5" thick fiberglass
      foredeck.  BTW, I was in Mattapoisett (on Buzzard's Bay) on Saturday
      ---there were 8 boats on the rocks there and the wind in Mattapoisett
      only had the width of the harbor for fetch.  
    
    o You are responsible for restoring the shoreline to its previous
      condition.  Your insurance company may attempt to get you to deduct
      your costs for clean-up from the face value of the policy.  Don't
      let them.  There is a separate 'pot' that this expense is paid
      from...as it is considered to by property damage and thus liability.
    
    o Make sure to photograph everything where it came to rest and ask
      permission from the insurance company before you incur any 'salvage'
      costs.  They have the right to either direct you to take care
      of disposal at their expense or to take the remains as their property
      on an as is/where is basis.
    
    o If there were personal effects and/or documentable value which
      is not coverable with you marine policy, your homeowner's policy
      may cover some amounts and you can deduct losses from your income
      tax.                                       
    
    o Make sure that you inform the town of Marblehead of your loss
      so you don't get an excise tax bill this year.  It's far easier
      to get it killed now than after the bill goes out.
    
    o Look on the bright side---it is the best buyer's boat market in
      years. 
    
    
    Again, sorry to hear of your loss;
    
    
    Geoff

    Regarding your excise tax bill:
    
    I think this is handled on a July - June fiscal year. Don't think you
    can stop next next year's bill from being issued but will have to apply
    for an abatement then. It should be reduced by 2/3 since you only had
    the use for 4 months. 

    
    	My regrets..
    
    	My brother lost his 35' whatever down in Mattapoiset(sp). Chafed
    thru 2 lines, landed on a breakwater with a 4' hole below water
    line and keel deeply imbedded in muck. 
    
    	Always a sad occasion!!
    
    					bs

Dave,

As one who often thought of "seamanlike racer" as an oxymoron (contradiction 
in terms), I've come to respect your thoughtful comments in these notes.  So 
it's sad to hear of Fat Tuesday's loss, even if we've never met face to face. 

I look forward to your getting another great boat -- and keeping these notes
updated with your exploits!

J.

    Once again, thank you all for your comments.  The shock is over
    and we are down to business.  Called the insurance company (Reliance)
    and learned that Ralph Kershaw is to be our claims adjuster.  I
    consider that good news in that he knows our boat and we have dealt
    with him before.  The company asked if the wreck included any part
    with the boat's name on it.  It happens that we haven't seen that
    section of the hull.  We do have the transom and that is very
    "distinctive".  They volunteered that the cleanup was covered and
    not to be deducted from the hull insurance.  Also that there is
    no deductible.  Good news!  
    
    Just got back the roll of film of the wreck last night and it really
    is incredible.  As it turns out, I also got the roll back of pictures
    taken during her last race (at least we won that).  Quite a different
    mood between the two rolls of film!
    
    We obtained Fat Tuesday from the Southern Yacht Club Olympic Committee
    in New Orleans.  Hence the name which is English for Mardi Gras
    in case you haven't figured it out.  It used to be Detente when
    built for the 1984 SORC and raced by Tom Blackaller to class victory.
    It was then donated to the Olympic Committe and we bought it from
    them.  Well... I am going back to New Orleans tonight to visit my
    brother and race in a regatta this weekend and he has a list of
    vessels to look at.  The market down there is even worse than up
    here and if someone in these file is looking for a good used boat
    at very reduced prices, he can steer you in the right direction.
    
    Odds are, we will be looking for a 2-3 year old One Tonner.  Open
    transom, pipe berths, bendy rig.  All the things that make Alan
    cringe ;^).  Will keep all informed on the progress.
    
    Dave

>>>  Open transom, pipe berths, bendy rig.  All the things that make 
>>>  Alan cringe .....
    
but only when I contemplate cruising with them! Such features are fine
and even desireable on a boat designed and used for around the buoys
racing and the odd overnight race. 

I am sorry to hear about the loss of Fat Tuesday. I was looking forward 
to a sail aboard her someday. Perhaps on the next boat.

Alan

    Just a joke, Alan!  Ofcourse we'll have you on whatever we end up
    with.  I never really cruised on F. T.  I am in agreement that when
    you cruise, you should cruise in comfort.  My parents had an Endeavor
    37 ketch that was the ultimate cruising sow.  Oriental rug and all.
    But what a drinking platform!
    
    Dave

    Just a suggestion for you Dave. If you have time you might make
    a side trip to Houston and look at that depressed market. A lot
    of grand old vessels whose owners have fell on hard times in the
    'awl patch'. I think the boat market is beginning to improve since
    I was there last, but it still has a long way to go. The more poular
    ports are Galveston, Port Allen, and Orange.
    
    Good luck in your search,
    
    Bob

    Well, the shock is hardly over and already we're receiving calls
    from brokers trying to sell us something!  Sensitive guys.
    
    Went to New Orleans last weekend and found the similar situation
    to Houston.  Lots of boats for sale.  One in particular amazed me.
    It is not our style but thought I'd share it and interested parties
    could call me.  It is a C&C 40 (not 41)  with custom deep, 7', keel
    and tall rig for light air racing or cruising.  Virtually new inventory
    of North racing and cruising sails.  This boat is absolutely gorgeous!
    Red hull with a black rig and canvases.  Can be had for $60k or
    there abouts.  A lot of boat for the money!
    
    Also saw a "project" boat that could be very hot with a little TLC.
    Too early to get serious yet.
    
    Was down there for the first weekend of the Lake Ponchartrain Racing
    Circuit.  Those boys take their racing pretty seriously, but not
    nearly as seriously as their drinking!
                                  
    Dave

    As of this afternoon, my partner and I officially are back in the
    boat owning business.  We closed on the Farr 40 (design #143) in
    Annapolis.  Going to name her "Wildside" and paint her go-to-hell
    red.  Can't wait to get back on the water with our new platform!
    
    There is a picture of a near sistership named Exador in February
    Sailing World magazine in an article about Farr One Tonners.
    
    Dave

    Congratulations, I look forward to reading about your exploits in
    Wildside via this media as we did with Fat Tuesday last season.
    Have an enjoyable and sucessful season.
    
    Pete

    RE .22
    
    Congratulations Dave, and best of luck this season.  What's she rate?
    
    ... Bob

    Bob, the indications from the rating committee on rating One Tonners
    are as follows:
    
    Top five in the world-- 63
    
    Top twenty in the world-- 66
    
    All others-- 69
    
    Sooooo...we figure on being 69.  Unless they find some way to weasel
    out of those numbers and give us a 66.  Better not.  BTW this boat
    rates even with the J35s in Annapolis, so we argue for a 72, but
    that would be futile.
    
    Dave
    
    P.S.  Almost time to put away the skis, Bob!

    You hear that Dean??  He wants an even rating with 'Bo.
    
    Dave, I have no doubt we'll be looking way off into the horizon
    to see where you guys went again this season.  69 sounds like
    a reasonable rating to me.  I saw that picture of Exador yesterday.
    Looks like a hot boat.  I'd be happy to come out for a ride when
    she arrives (hint, hint).
    
    Put away the skis ???  Surely you jest.  I'm leaving for Colorado
    in 51 hours and 11 minutes (but who's counting, right?).  Anyway,
    that's a topic for another conference.
    
    ... Bob
    

    As some of you were aware, even after I bought into a partnership on
    WAGS, she remained in the listings for sale.  Well, someone made us a
    great offer and we've accepted ... so WAGS has been sold.  She'll be
    sailing out of Padanarum next season.
    
    I'm gonna miss that boat, but we're already making plans to go partners
    on something newer and smaller in a year or so.  Alan, feel free to
    remove my name from the "Who's Who" list ... for now.
    
    ... Bob