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 A Necktie for the Boat? “I can’t believe they gave me this.” Contest for sailors. Okay, I was going to write about how, with the year’s end approaching, we need to start preparing for the next sailing season. Usually, there’s a turnover of Sailing Committee Chairmen and publicity folks at the yacht clubs, which means we need to start all over in making sure all the contacts are smooth so we can present accurate and timely announcements and results. But, let’s do that next month. category of practical. This month let’s have a little fun and talk about Christmas gifts, Chanuka gifts, or whatever your reason for the season gifts. It’s not easy picking out something for the sailor because most sailors want to pick out their own practical gear. After all, that means you have to compare notes with fellow sailors at the dock, check out other boats, and visit the marine stores to see what they have. And, of course, a lot of times it’s more a present for the boat. The trouble with that is it’s not usually something that would qualify as a “fun present.” Usually it gives us the excuse to spend the money we really didn’t think we should spend some other time of year on something we really want, like a new sailcover, or something exciting like that. Sure there’s fun stuff like stainless steel wine goblets, although that too may fall under the category of practical. So, this year, instead of us suggesting gifts to you, we want you to tell us about the best, worst, or most outrageous gift you ever got for yourself or the boat. The proverbial Christmas necktie if you will. And, if it’s too embarrassing to reveal, I’m sure your spouse and good friends would love to tell us. A couple gifts I’ve received over the years come to mind: a hooked shag rug for the wall, depicting (I think) a sailing scene in lovely oranges and black, and a three foot life ring for the boat, like those generally thrown in every disaster-at-sea movie. Of course they were given with the best of intentions, and after all it’s the thought that counts, right? But hark! Usually every goofy gift has a good story to go with it. Now you can turn that tale into a very nice gift for you, the crew, or the boat. Everyone that sends us a story will be eligible to win one of three (3) Lewmar Condor Winch handles. We will pull the names of the three lucky winners out of a hat at random so everyone will have a chance to win. In fact, we’ll even give away the hat! 
The deadline for us receiving the stories is Tuesday, November 14, 2006. That way we can not only select some stories for the December issue, but also let them serve as a last minute warning to those who may be contemplating giving those very items.
Thanks to Lewmar for generously providing these early presents, and good luck to all, and to all a good write.  Mail: 48° North/Sailor’s Gift Contest 6327 Seaview Ave. NW Seattle, WA. 98107 Email: richard@48north.com Deadline: Midnight, November 14, 2006 Entries will not be returned and become property of 48° North. |
