Last week Jane and I took another trip to Port Townsend. I was again taken by
what a great place for sailing and sailors. The long, sandy beach at Fort
Warden when combined with camping near the beach and the restored officerâs
quarters from WW1 make this a magical place. The wind seems to be always out
of the west and mostly at 5 to 12 knots. This small town is the home of
sailing heritage on the West Coast and the new Wooden Boat headquarters is well
along and looks like it will take wooden boat building and history to a new
level. I am excited about the prospect of holding a Swift NA Championship at
this great location.
That reminds meâwe really need to twist the arms of our fellow Swift sailors
in Canada to help support our Championship this year at Huntington Lake. It
is aÂgreat place with moderate winds in a venue that isÂperfect for
learning. Mike, Roger, Keith, Dave and others with boats about complete, let
us know your plans and if what we can do to help you make this event. We
really need your help. Â
With spring just around the corner, itâs time to get a sail order together
for those who need sails this year. Iâll post any price changes as soon as
I get the info from Dale at Banks and begin taking orders (late this week).Â
As you likely know, prices drop with the size of the order.
Regarding new production boats:Â With the economy in âuncertain modeâ, it
is not likely that anyone is going into the Swift production business very
soon.ÂÂ It is, however, a good time to get any boats that are not currently
being sailed in the hands of people who will sail them. Sailing season is
just around the corner and we need to work on trying to hook up sellers and
buyers. The first few warm spring days get sailors thinking about buying boats
and sailing. ÂLet me know if youâd like assistance in hooking up with
either a seller or a buyer.
Some great newsâJordon Spencer is coming with his Swift this summer to the
505 Worldâs. I think he plans on hanging around after that regatta and
Iâll post more info as I get it. ÂI look forward to meeting and spending
some time with him. ÂÂÂ
Iâll be seeing you all at Huntington.
Best regards
Bram
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