Deliberating
On the Podium
Wonder if the subway was under thrown?
Happy New Year 2012 Everyone! May it be healthy and prosperous! Thanks for all of yours support, without it, Team Paradise would not be possible. We fell short of a year-end fundraising campaign, but donations were made and volunteers stepped up to the plate.
Sailing in Miami is fantastic. This is where the serious sailors come to train and race during winter. As evidence, the recent Orange Bowl Junior Regatta, hosted by CRYC (Coral Reef Yacht Club) had 559 sailors competing in Laser, 420 and the Optimist Dinghy. Team Paradise signed up as volunteers with a safety boat. The winds were mostly mellow, so we assumed the lunch boat assignment. Team Paradise volunteers passed the test and got the job done, a bit different from what we usually do, but a great experience that made everyone involved better at what they do and also created a true sense of team building. The volunteer party following the awards ceremony at CRYC was an award in itself and as generous and fun as promised.
The Sportsmanship Award bearing my name is like a dream to me. I'm very appreciative of it and very thankful to my friends who keep promoting it every year. I would like to preserve it for ever, if only possible. Last year I was stuck in a snow blizzard and could not attend, but the trophy was still awarded. This year I was back reading the 41 nominations submitted by the young athletes and others who witnessed various acts of sportsmanship. All the nominations where carefully considered by a panel of respectable individuals and we ended up with a short list of 3 teams. I finally decided on a team from California who sailed brilliantly all week while being respectful of the racing rules and other competitors. They were helpful to their fellow sailors in many ways. They also stood out when they were disqualified by a Black environment Flag (over the line early) and came back by the Race Committee Signal Boat to apologize for possibly leading others over the line early. They winners were 420 sailors Chris Villicich and Nikki Obel from Marina del Rey, CA. The first time the trophy was awarded to a team of two.
Thanks to All of You and My Best for 2012!