Meet Jennie Aspinall

This was first published in the May 2010 Newsletter. by Christina Pandapas When Jennie Aspinall decided not to buy a Rhodes 19, the fates stepped in, or perhaps it was the Sirens. Jennie had been racing her Sonar for several years, but was interested in the Rhodes, so much so, that she crewed for Bob … Read more

The Measurer’s Spot

This was first published in the April 2010 Newsletter. by Jerry Blouin I’ve been bombarded with questions asking more or less, “So Jerry, what’s up with certificates?” Well, the intention is to measure boats for certificates before the mast goes in this spring. There are a few loose ends at the Technical Committee that need … Read more

Why Wait Until Race Day to Start Racing?

This was first published in the April 2010 Newsletter. by Charlie Pendleton Racing starts before you’re on the water. And sailing, like most sports, favors repetition. With repetition, things become second nature. You’re less prone to make a mistake or forget something critical and you’re more likely to make good decisions faster. With that in … Read more

Greeting from the Prez – March 2010

This was first published in the March 2010 Newsletter. Two years ago, Tom Despres and the Fleet 5 leadership made the inspired move of selecting BJ Mansfield as the winner of the 2008 Outstanding Crew Award. Their choice was motivated by her staunch and selfless support of her husband and skipper, Mike Carpenter, through their … Read more

Short Tacks – March 2010

This was first published in the March 2010 Newsletter. Who Dat? Rumors that the Marblehead police had to be called in to contain the enthusiasm of a New Orleans woman after her Saints beat the Colts in the Super Bowl were greatly exaggerated. Neighbors of the West Shore Drive couple seemed to take it all … Read more

Measurer’s Spot – All in the Same Boat

This was first published in the March 2010 Newsletter. by Jerry Blouin I’m old enough to have been educated at institutions that stressed discipline over learning. Although I spent far too many hours in what my catholo-military captors called “Penance Hall” and “Penance Drill” (attendance depending upon the particular context of the violation), I remain … Read more