I have had the pleasure of attending two C brat functions in the last week, 500 miles apart. It brought home the commonality of the type of people who are "C Brats"--and why we as a group choose this perticular boat. It is pretty tough to find a finer group of people. They have respect for their fellow man, for the sea, for the environment, and have all had a number of common experiences. I would like to say that all of us have at one time owned a VW van--or something equivilant. We all seem to love to hike, or Kayak, and just be on the water.
I have boated in flat calm water up to 4 plus seas in this time. Each time the C Dory was up to the task in relitative comfort. The successful C Dory owner understands what the boat can do, and when to slow it down. There are so few boats which can run at 6 knots (displacement speed), then 8 to 12 knots (semi displacement speeds) and finally on a plane when appropiate (up to 30 knots in some cases). When the boat is trimmed for the conditions it is comfortable. Even more so because of the enclosed (virtually) water tight cabin. This morning I had the Wallas on for Breakfast, but turned it off as I started to run to Sequim. When I got out of the boat at the ramp, it was cold--but not so inside the cabin. In Florida, the heat of the sun can be a detriment, but the C Dory with open windows gives excellent respite.
At the Trawler Fest, as I looked at all of these expensive boats, crawled into back spaces and engine rooms, it dawned on me. I never want to go back. There are too many and too complex systems. You spend all of your time and money maintaining (or trying to keep the boat even running), rather than enjoying the water, as we do in our C Dories.
There are a large number of some very special people in the C Dory group. Those who organize the events are fantastic. On Saturday night, I watched in amazement as the C Brats put Anacortes Yacht Club back in spic and span shape in minutes (the Fastest vacuumer in the West was there).
It was so much fun, to put to gether the names, faces and personalities of each of the members I met.
A special thanks to the crew of Pounder for the Delta cruise, to the Crew of Doryman for the Anacortes gathering.
Of course I cannot let go unrecognized the graciousness of Pat and Patty on Daydream, who shared with me their "fresh caught" local shrimp. They sacrificed their own "Quota" to be sure that I was well fed! What great fun, great converstation, great drinks and great people!
A special thanks to you all! This is the essence of C Dory life and C brats--lets hope that the new owners of C Dory (the company) become true C brats and share in our passion for these wonderful boats and the people who own them.
I have boated in flat calm water up to 4 plus seas in this time. Each time the C Dory was up to the task in relitative comfort. The successful C Dory owner understands what the boat can do, and when to slow it down. There are so few boats which can run at 6 knots (displacement speed), then 8 to 12 knots (semi displacement speeds) and finally on a plane when appropiate (up to 30 knots in some cases). When the boat is trimmed for the conditions it is comfortable. Even more so because of the enclosed (virtually) water tight cabin. This morning I had the Wallas on for Breakfast, but turned it off as I started to run to Sequim. When I got out of the boat at the ramp, it was cold--but not so inside the cabin. In Florida, the heat of the sun can be a detriment, but the C Dory with open windows gives excellent respite.
At the Trawler Fest, as I looked at all of these expensive boats, crawled into back spaces and engine rooms, it dawned on me. I never want to go back. There are too many and too complex systems. You spend all of your time and money maintaining (or trying to keep the boat even running), rather than enjoying the water, as we do in our C Dories.
There are a large number of some very special people in the C Dory group. Those who organize the events are fantastic. On Saturday night, I watched in amazement as the C Brats put Anacortes Yacht Club back in spic and span shape in minutes (the Fastest vacuumer in the West was there).
It was so much fun, to put to gether the names, faces and personalities of each of the members I met.
A special thanks to the crew of Pounder for the Delta cruise, to the Crew of Doryman for the Anacortes gathering.
Of course I cannot let go unrecognized the graciousness of Pat and Patty on Daydream, who shared with me their "fresh caught" local shrimp. They sacrificed their own "Quota" to be sure that I was well fed! What great fun, great converstation, great drinks and great people!
A special thanks to you all! This is the essence of C Dory life and C brats--lets hope that the new owners of C Dory (the company) become true C brats and share in our passion for these wonderful boats and the people who own them.
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