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Memorial Day

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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/27/2008 : 02:57:35

Moron was originally an English scientific term, coined in 1910 by psychologist Henry H. Goddard from the Greek word moros, which meant "dull" (as opposed to "sharp"), and used to describe a person with a mental age located between 8 and 12 on the Binet scale. It was once applied to people with an IQ of 51-70, being superior in one degree to "imbecile" (IQ of 26-50) and superior in two degrees to "idiot" (IQ of 0-25). The word moron, along with others including "retarded", "idiotic", "imbecilic", "stupid", and "feeble-minded", was formerly considered a valid descriptor in the psychological community, though these words have all now passed into common slang use, exclusively in a derogatory context.

With all due respect for our servicemen and women, and those who gave their life serving our country, I would like to rename Memorial Day, Memoron Day. I am totally convinced that every person that uses their boat only twice a year bring it out on Memorial Day and on the 4th of July. I'm certain I witnessed enough acts of ignorance and disregard today to last all year long. The first moron pulled his 28' Sea Ray up next to us on the way out of our winding channel and asked "do I have to go all the way around, or can I just cut across there?" I responded, "no it's very shallow over there, follow the channel." BTW you could visually see the bottom. Sure enough 5 seconds later Mr. Sea Ray is cutting across the shallows. Fifty feet from the channel, bang, he stops dead in his tracks. Does this idiot turn around and come back to the channel, NO, he trims his drives up and continues on, bouncing across the bottom all the way to the other side. In addition, a few minutes later, I'm forced to switch off the VHF because some imbecile, by accident or on purpose, is keying the mike every two minutes and creating a horrible noise. And, probably the most feeble-minded act of the day, as we approach a very crowded island in the bay, there were probably 150-200 boats anchored and another 30-40 boats circling under motor, a woman and a man in a small dink stop, he jumps overboard with only a noodle and she speeds off, leaving him bobbing in the traffic. Later on, after we set the anchor, my wife and I had a good time and a few chuckles watching the twice a year boaters do all manner of stupid stunts. All-in-all it was a great day, but maybe next year I'll find a memorial service to attend.

Sorry about the rant, it's 3:00 am and I've had a few glasses of wine.

Davy J

2005 Gemini 105Mc
PO 1987 C25 #5509 SR/SK
Tampa Bay

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 07:13:05

Of the boats that were out this weekend, everyone seemed to be doing their thing and no one as far as I can tell had problems with anyone else or did something stupid.

The whole weekend was beautiful weather. I went out all day on Sunday with my wife and I went out Monday morning before then heading over to my sister's house for a barbecue.

On Sunday, we wnet south of the Wilson Bridge that spans the Potomac. That's about 5 miles from my dock. Just north of the bridge is "Old Town" part of Alexandria, VA which is a nice area to visit with lot's of little shops and restaurants. Just south of the new Wilson Bridge (They finally tore the old bridge down and the new one - each of the two spans are equal to the old bridge and about 5-10 feet higher than the old bridge, the second span to open just about any day now maybe it is already opened) there is a new anchorage/marina on the Maryland side along with a major deverlopment including a new convention center, hotels, shops, etc. It is called "National Harbor" and the marina just opened up this month. So, we sailed over to National Harbor and motored along with a bunch of other boats thru the channel leading to it and then scoped it out. I yelled over to one of the staff and he directed me to where the transient slips were - Memorial Day it was a minimum cost of $20 but then you could stay 2-3 hrs or longer (normally $10/hr or...$2.25/ft plus electric overnight stays). So we toured the new facility and the ongoing development, had ice cream and then sailed back to our area.

After the sailing, we then were able to find parking close to the Mall in DC and catch the Memorial Day Comemoration and Concert. Colin Powell was one of the guest speakers along with a number of vets stories that were retold. They had about 4-5 performers including Kenny Atkins, Gladys Night (w/no Pips), Sarah brightman, etc.

A full day of activity and no problems, mishaps, morons, or whatever.

Edited by - OLarryR on 05/27/2008 07:16:10

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 07:21:52

Congrats to you all on a great memorial day weekend (you weather was way better than we had on our long weekend), and thanks to all your service people making the world a better place.

Edited by - on

Even Chance
Captain

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USA
393 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 08:47:25

I don't want to chase the renaming Memorial Day rabbit, but I certainly relate to the nautical sentiments. Saturday I worked on the boat (power washing, replacing dead battery, bending sails, etc.) so I could sail Sunday. The boat owners on either side of me, neither of whom I had seen for two years (and not because I haven't been sailing) showed up. The Hunter 23 owner on the south side appeared with new girlfriend, and told me at great length about the Hunter 34 on ebay he was thinking about buying, because then he could really do some serious cruising. With every ounce of restraint I managed to avoid asking him "If you don't take care of or sail the boat you have, why in the world do you think you're going to take better care of or sail more with a bigger boat?" Watching him maneuver out of the slip was . . . interesting.

The O'Day 25 family on the other side showed up, with three ADHD children, wife who talks like Mira Sorvino in "Mighty Aphrodite," and another equally-sized family. After spreading their lawn chairs, folding picnic tables, and four kayaks across the grass between the parking lot and our (including MY) slips, they discovered, to their astonishment, that their boat, to use their words, was "filthy." I tried to work on my boat and not stare at the goings on, but overheard "Mira" complaining to the marina owner about some damage from the bulkhead to their boat, which had stayed in the water all winter. "When's the last time you were down here to check on your boat?" he asked. "We were here for Oyster Festival (first weekend in November)," she replied. "Well, we've had some forty and fifty mile per hour winds this winter. It's not the marina's responsibility to maintain your boat," he told her.

After just enough cleaning to make the boat tolerable (for them, not for me), about ten of them loaded onto the boat and headed out -- again, a truly scary sight. I stopped working and "rested" in the cockpit for a few minutes, prepared to fend off if they looked like they were going to hit my stern. They managed to miss me (and people say there is no God!). As they were preparing to leave the slip, Mira's husband said to me, "You know, docking is the thing that scares me the most." Yeah, I thought, your docking scares me, too. Graciously, I answered, "Well, it's all a matter of practice." "That's my problem," he replied. "I need more practice." DUH!

But we had a great sail Sunday. Both of my neighbors were nowhere to be found, and their boats were back in their slips where they'll rest undisturbed for the rest of the year. Monday there were small craft warnings, so we worked on the varnish, visited other yards, and went antiquing. It was a good weekend.

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 08:54:30

We had a great weekend in the San Juans. I ferried the boat to friday Harbor and Mom & kids brought the car over via ferry so we could get a round. The biggest blunder we saw was a 14 foot ski boat being towed in. It was 60's vintage with about 12 inches of freeboard. The Sailboat that rescued the idiots found them adrift between San juan Island and Victoria CA. No radio, life jackets, water, or.....gas! It was about 7pm and I am sure the sailboaters saved thier lives.
We spotted plenty of Orcas, seals and other wildlife. Great weekend except for the jib halyard parting and having to wrestle the jib in a rainstorm.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 08:55:55

Friends, wind, and my boat; it was a wonderful weekend.

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 09:15:54

No sailing for me, took the Admiral to Savannah, GA. on Friday, returned on Monday. What history! What a party! What wonderful food!! You've got to try a Smoked Salmon BLT!!

Edited by - on

Merrick
Navigator

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USA
192 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2008 : 09:32:05

We got to do our first sail with our "new" 81 Cat 25. Our first try was Sunday with too much wind, we half unfurled the genoa, went straight out, turned around and went straight back in . Monday however was beautiful with 10-15 knots we got to close reach for an hour or so out of St. Helena sound (Beaufort,SC)and race an O'day 25 back in on a glorious broad reach riding the swells. Even the very reluctant "admiral" enjoyed it. Can't wait to get back and learn this boat more. Thought she really sailed well.

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2008 : 17:43:28

Davy J...You have obviously had too many glasses of wine to be talking about Memorial Day. I, for one, am offended you would make such a totally ridiculous and assinine suggestion. Sure there are a bunch of fools and idiots on the water, and not just on holidays...but please leave Memorial Day alone.

Take a little walk through Arlington National Cemetary...then come back and talk about Memorial Day in a 'humorous' way.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 06:36:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">At Ease Posted - 05/30/2008 : 17:43:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Davy J...You have obviously had too many glasses of wine to be talking about Memorial Day. I, for one, am offended you would make such a totally ridiculous and assinine suggestion. Sure there are a bunch of fools and idiots on the water, and not just on holidays...but please leave Memorial Day alone.

Take a little walk through Arlington National Cemetary...then come back and talk about Memorial Day in a 'humorous' way. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Apparently you did not read and retain the entire post:
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">With all due respect for our servicemen and women, and those who gave their life serving our country<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">but maybe next year I'll find a memorial service to attend.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
BTW, I've been to Arlington National Cemetary. I've also been to the Florida National Cemetary, My father is buried there. Thank you very much.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 07:00:35

Okay...now that we have got that out of the way......How's the boaters normally for the next Holiday. If you had issues with them on Memorial Day...can't wait to hear your spin on "Independence Day". ... Hmmm !

Then again....maybe it would be nice to just hear all the positive expereinces you enjoyed...maybe some photos as well.

Happy Holidays !

Edited by - OLarryR on 05/31/2008 07:01:03

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 16:24:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Davy J
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">At Ease Posted - 05/30/2008 : 17:43:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apparently you did not read and retain the entire post:
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">With all due respect for our servicemen and women, and those who gave their life serving our country<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
[quote]but maybe next year I'll find a memorial service to attend.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
BTW, I've been to Arlington National Cemetary. I've also been to the Florida National Cemetary, My father is buried there. Thank you very much.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I did read your disclaimer...that does not cut it.

My thanks to your Dad for his service. If I was in his place...I'd be 'turning over' at my son's irreverence.

Edited by - on

SCnewbie
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 16:33:41

I wasn't bothered at all. I served 12 years and lost many relatives and friends in the service. I don't see the issue. I think he meant it as a joke. Regarding boaters on the holidays, he is right, I don't go near the water on holidays. Memorial day is the worst as it is the first warm one, so there are more idiots out there.

Edited by - SCnewbie on 05/31/2008 16:58:03

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 17:50:04

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I think he meant it as a joke. Regarding boaters on the holidays<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The original post was all about boaters and these two holidays. And since "at ease" is surely at a memorial service and not boating on Memorial Day, then he has no idea what it is like.

And since "at ease" thinks I would really like to rename Memorial Day, I'm sure Henry H. Goddard would like to come up with a new description for him.

I'm done with this guy.

Edited by - on

suttergold
1st Mate

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USA
49 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 18:46:29

I am not offended. My father was a veteran, I am a veteran and I have a son serving in the United States Coast Guard. Some people really need to lighten up and stand at ease!

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 20:21:55

OK, I'll weigh in here, I wanted to be offended by the OP, but after reading through it, I don't really think any offense was intended. I too am a veteran, as was my father (buried at sea), and my brother. I intentionally don't go out on Memorial day, specifically for the reasons stated, which I think was the intent of the post. Too many unskilled people take their boat out for their one and possibly only trip for the year.

One of my oldest memories is my dad taking us to Arlington to see the eternal flame.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2008 : 22:26:30

My thanks to all of you vets and our fathers and other relatives who served in the Armed Forces. Their really is a price for freedom and we should honor those who paid the price. While I was not offended by the original post I would suggest we realize that emotions can run high on a topic like this and cut everyone some slack on both sides of the coin. Again, thank you to all who have served!

Edited by - on

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