TELL TALES 15 (Feb. 1, 2008)

• With this issue, we are going to recognize our sailors' birthdays. Unfortunately, we missed Stephan VerHulst's which was Jan. 7. Upcoming are Cara Patete. Feb 13, and Alicia Muscato, Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day). Happy birthday and many happy returns to you three. We would be happy to place Samuel Dolby and Garrett Lawlor on the list, but we don't have their birthdates.

• Schedule: Tomorrow (Saturday) is regular sailing for everyone, including series race 7, and a boat load for those going to the Valentine's Day Regatta in St. Petersburg on Feb. 9-10. Nine have signed up to go. As of today, we are not sure how many, if any, will be going to USODA's team racing championships in Clearwater on Feb. 16-18. So, plan on having regular sailing in Venice on Feb. 16. Since Friday, Feb. 15 is a school holiday, we will have optional sailing from 1000 to 1500 if enough sailors (at least six) sign up. A list is posted on the TV cabinet.

• By the way, six is our minimum for most activities such as going to regattas or having optional sailing. It's usually eight, but since we have fewer sailors this year, we have reduced the number.

• Results: VYBA's teams finished fifth and seventh in the Silver Division of the Southeastern Team Racing Regatta in St. Petersburg on Jan. 19-20. That was very good, especially since some of our sailors had never participated in an official team racing regatta. But the highlight for our gang was when Ed Baird, 2007 Rolex male sailor of the year and helmsman of the America's Cup winner, talked with the VYBA sailors. Thanks to John Thomas for arranging that session.

• Some of our 420 sailors are still leaving the whisker poles in the boats. Please don't.

• We had one skipper show up for sailing on a very cold and windy day in only a T-shirt. That was bad enough, but then he proceeded to capsize. Guess what? He missed the next week's sailing because he had a cold. Lesson learned, we hope. Come prepared and bring a set of dry clothes.