Sail Season 2004 - Republican or Democrats? Yes, it was another voting year. Should I buy a new vessel or wait? That seems to be the thought of a lot of my clients. This past season I've found myself on older boats. Some in good condition, others well....I suggested another survey. Walking some of my client's boats I found things that had to be corrected before the day of instructional sail and after a quick trip to West Marine... off we would go. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see the classic plastics still afloat.

Once again I found myself off the coast of Belize. Two trips in two years, I really suggest one to take that trip. Fly or sail, it has a lot to offer. It reminds me of the Bahamas 20 years ago. A place where one can still live the pirate life!

I assisted on several yacht deliveries with delivery captains in '04. Now there's an adventure. The motto was go, go, go! I'm a firm believer not to adventure out in 30 + knots, 6-8 foot seas. But if you're already there one has to know what to do. Go, go, go! A piece of advice; choose your delivery skipper with caution.

Sailor for Hire will be in Sail and Chesapeake Bay magazines May- Oct. 2005. There will be new flyers, cards, hats and shirts with a new logo and new outlook for 2005 - Building confidence.

A special thanks all my clients in 2004. Have fun on your vessels and remember be safe, have fun and keep in Contact.

- Richard