The cancelation of the last of the CanAm Series Regatta Races was irritating but little did I know that the rest of the year was going to get
wiped out. Our family trip planned for the Philippines was canceled and most of our outside the house movements got cut to a minimum. After only a few weeks this started to feel more like
being trapped than anything. Our new house is on a lake so we bought some items from Harbor Freight and managed to get a Jib Boom Crane assembled so that we could pull out the 2.4mR and put
it on our dock. That meant it was time to ramp it into the lake using a long extension to get the trailer deep enough. We successfully managed to get the boat into the lake and found a few
issues with our crane that we worked through. Had to beef up the cable that came with the electric winch and put a topping lift on it helping distribute the load better. Being able to sail
whenever there were good conditions was nice, however, not being on the coast the daily breezes are not here to take advantage of. Most of my sailing has been in light and shifty winds but
still sailing nonetheless.
The Marblehead area recently started sailing and I have plans to join them to get more time on the water and better hone my skills in the 2.4mR.
Sadly, to do this my wife and I now have to be Covid Tested and get a negative result to tow into Massachusetts to participate.
Luckily I received my Clagett 2.4mR and had the honor of sailing it prior to Covid. I have cherished the time on the water and meeting the fine
people, both on the water and supporting the crews on shore or committee boats, all who have been fabulous.
I have found the competition high and demanding of both knowledge and skills. My observations are that this is highly needed within the United States within the disabled community. I see a few places that get the disabled out into boats regularly to
explore a new freedom that they need. The Clagett group does a great job of helping move some from a beginner sailor into one of the highest level competitive classes currently. For that I
cannot thank you and others who are helping enough. Not much can be done till Covid stops affecting movement of boats and people to gather and compete in an honest way.
I have added a masthead fly, looking at adjustable forestay, better ways to rig controls and reduce friction, as well as a better way to support
and stabilize the seat. The boat being new needs much of this refining and adjusting. It is my hope that as I move through these refinements that I am doing more good than harm and the
resulting effect is better performance in future competitions. I am reading and studying sailing rules and tactics, with a huge assistance through Clagett by having classes online with Dave
Perry and Dave Dellenbaugh, which will aid in my improvements. These classes were needed and fantastic.
Finally, I just wanted to thank you again for all Clagett has done for me personally and then for all the others like me. I am still quite
humbled and honored to be one who this year received a 2.4mR. My only disappointment is in not being able to sail more, compete more, and participate under the Clagett Seal in the World's at
Davis Island which I was so dearly looking towards.
