OceanPlanet News
April 14,
2006
Yikes! With my birthday upon me (April 15th), I was reminded
of the passage of time since my last update.
The bottom line is: it's
been very busy in the OceanPlanet world. The repairs of the Key West damage has
been going well, albiet a bit slower than predicted. Fortunately Dennis
Greenwood of Nautis, working with Bone Island Boat Works, has been doing top
quality work, and she will be as good as new. The actual structural
repairs are virtually finished, and next is the deck painting, radar tower and
radar electrical work, and then mounting of deck hardware, etc.
The radar dome itself took a saltwater dunking
and so will be replaced with an identical Nobeltec unit (which has been a great
radar). The titanium hardware that was mashed is being replaced by the
original fabricator, Metropolis Metal Works. Everything should turn out
fine...whew.
Thanks to all those who have contributed to the "repair
fund". We are almost half-way to covering the insurance deductible so if
you have been thinking about pitching in...it's easy to do online:
www.bruceschwab.com/individual_support.asp
On other fronts: My speaking gigs at Hugh B.
Bain School in Rhode Island (March 14), and then at Mystic Seaport (March 16)
were really fun, and great successes. The turnout at Mystic was actually
the best they've had a their series:
"Bruce, Thanks so very much for your great talks here at Mystic
Seaport. You not only pulled in the biggest crowd; you also received the highest
praise as members were leaving the River Room. One person wrote on the
evaluation form, 'This was perfect. Feels like I could go with him. Need more of
this type of program.' So you've set a new high standard for all upcoming
programs. Probably the solution is to get you back after your next Vendee Globe,
or whatever adventure you tackle. I hope so. Thanks again on behalf of Mystic
Seaport!"- Karin Soderberg, Program Director, Mystic Seaport
In fact, I now have a membership at Mystic Seaport and look forward to
visiting there more!
Another place worth visiting is our new home office, courtesy
of Portland Yacht Services. If you missed the annual Maine
Boatbuilder's Show...well, you'd better not next year, but come on by and
have a look around. Also, we have a new phone and fax number for the
OceanPlanet Foundation: 207-772-SAIL (7245). Be sure to drop me a note ( bruce@bruceschwab.com) before coming by
to make sure I'm in.
Our youth sailing program with Rippleffect (July 31-Aug 4, see: www.rippleffect.net/news/18/) is
really coming together. If you are interested let me know and we'll email
you a great little Powerpoint show about it, or snail mail you a brochure.
Also coming up is a hot new training program we'll be doing out of North
Cove Marina in Manhattan, NYC. This series (May 20-early June) will include day
training sails as well as overnight trip options from North Cove/NYC to
Portland, Maine, and back to North Cove. These should be great trips
between two great locations and ports. Contact me for our preliminary
schedule.
If all goes well, we'll be at North Cove Marina ( www.thenorthcove.com) in time for the
Volvo Race stopover on May 8-11. Come on by and visit, and we'll go ogle
the Volvo 70's together...;-)
Regarding OceanPlanet II, we are working behind the scenes on many
levels, keep your fingers crossed.
Once again, all contributions to the OceanPlanet "repair fund" and support
for our Foundation outreach are greatly needed and appreciated. Talk you
soon! |
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