What a beautiful day and a great event!

For those of you who weren't able to make it down to the Sailing

Center, today, you missed a fabulous opportunity to observe the

Corinthian Spirit in action as the HSA volunteers and racers combined

to put on the best LSO Regatta in years.

Although the weather looked like trouble, the radar was clear and we

had all three races racing three different teams of five HSA sailors

against five LSO sailors.

All the action was captured by a camera team from

DaytonaBeachLive.com. We'll be seeing LSO 2007 on the Internet in a

few days and then the rest of the world can watch it, too. We'll also

have DVDs for distribution to those who missed it or want an

incredible souvenir. Jim Needham and Bob Duffus took an email I

received a couple weeks ago and working with the LSO brass [not the

horn section] got the project approved and operational. We're really

looking forward to the results.

Most of all, I want to thank all the HSA sailors and families who

came out and cleaned up the Center, worked on the boats, prepared and

brought side dishes for lunch, and then cleaned up the place in

record time. The LSO folks had to leave an hour earlier [1330] than

we previously thought so everything was adapted to make it happen on

time and without a hitch. It was a beautiful thing to behold.

When the races were completed, we had a wonderful lunch. Afterward, I

read the Proclamation from the Mayor of Daytona Beach proclaiming

July 29, 2007 as Halifax Sailing Association/London Symphony

Orchestra Sunfish Regatta Day in Daytona Beach. We dedicated this

year's event to the memory of the late Tippen Davidson who brought

the LSO and many other cultural groups to Daytona Beach.

Then Commodore Field announced the race results. The HSA won this time.

Noel Bradshaw along with Tim, Fred, Rebecca, and Robert thanked us

for inviting them into our sailing family and making them feel right

at home from day one. There was much cheering and good sportsmanship

in the air. It was a incredible day.

Many thanks, to Craig Oulton for Captaining the LSO Regatta and to

his team of racers and his race committee, Pete Haley, Steve Caron,

and Dan Meddis. Thanks, to Bunny & Art Poole for hosting our

Hospitality Committee and providing the breakfast goods and coffee.

Thanks, to the kitchen crew who sliced up stuff left and right. Even

Jim Reilly was in there dicing the Vidalias. We had Carolyn's baked

beans with pineapple, Carol's potato salad, Jane's coleslaw, Patty's

macaroni salad, Traci's pasta salad, Carol's tossed salad, somebody's

pigeon peas and rice [I didn't catch who brought that one], devilled

eggs, and Linda Baker's two flag cakes - one of Old Glory and one of

the British flag. They all jazzed up our central fare of hot dogs and

hamburgers.

All the racers and volunteers received this year's LSO t-shirt in

Channel Marker Green. Those of you who weren't there but would like a

souvenir LSO shirt may contact me and pick one up for $10. The sizes

left are Extra Large and 2XL. First come, first served until they're all gone.

Dr. Herb Kerman, founder of the HSA, was there for the entire day. He

brought us a lot of pictures from past LSOs and other historical

events. We'll be using these to get ready for our 50th Anniversary on

September 15th.

Speaking of our Golden Anniversary, you still have four days to send

in your HSA 50th Anniversary logo contest entry. If you need more

information, let me know.

If I haven't mentioned your name, it's not because we don't

appreciate your efforts, I just don't have a complete list and the

old memory isn't always complete. This salute is to everyone who made

today a day to remember.

Thanks, for making sailing memories.

IRBS!

Christopher