The 7th Annual Breakdown Cruise was was a roaring success. The weather, the boats, the food and especially the people make this memorable event. For the record participated - 49 people, 10 boats - 6 power, 4 sail and 1 RV participated. Folks that participated are contained in the Breakdown Attendees List.
The Admiral's weather forecast of a west/northwest wind at 6-8 knots, seas 2-6 inches and clear skies was almost right. Saturday proved to be a beautiful breezy day with winds of 13-16 knots out of the northwest. Depending on location, seas ran mostly 1 foot with a couple of 2's thrown in for interest out in the middle of the lake. On the northern lee shore it was mostly less than foot. Gene and Flo Appleton on Hot Sauce phoned in wind and wave reports starting around 7 am Saturday. Their reports made it possible for the fleet to head east bound to Oak Harbor.
Bob and Beverly Warren ready to lead the Fleet
The powerboat fleet lead by Bob and Beverly Warren on Miss Tee along with Miss Tee and their deckhand Leo Cailleteau successfully led the fleet from Mandeville to Oak Harbor. Some of the powerboats took the northern lee shore route and the others headed across the middle of the lake.
Tortuga is ready to go!
The sailors had a great day of the water - favorable wind and smooth seas. Sailors truly have a different perspective about sea state than power boaters. In fact, two of the sailboats were captained by single handers - great job; Joyce Tracey on Last Herrah and Chip Correjolles on Lady Mac. Roelof Bosma and Stella Beard on Spring Fever from Bayou Castine and John and Ann Moores on Silent Wayfarer from the mouth of the Tchefuncta River set a speed records to Oak Harbor. The sailors had no complaints about the breezy conditions and really enjoyed the ride.
Since the boats cruised at different speeds, arrival at Oak Harbor dock was spread out. Surprisingly, they were no docking tricks observed or reported.
Once the fleet was in port, the Welcoming Committee led by the Admiral visited around and swapped stories.
Almost promptly at 5:30 PM or maybe a little bit later, the entire NCC bunch made their way up to the Tammany Yacht Club for the Cocktail Hour.
As has become the tradition, the TYC Chefs Jeff Hebert, Dick Almos and Jim Ilgenfritz prepared a feast worthy of the NCC as usual. The steaks were prepared to perfection and the deserts were great. Needless to say no one went away hungry.
After dinner, the Admiral gave his Annual State of the Club Address. He reported that the NCC is doing well financially; it continues to have no money and any funds that become available will be dedicated to the Admiral's Retirement Fund. (There is a rumor that there is $40 floating around relating to a possible duplicate payment for Steak Nite, but that has been unproven at this time. The Admiral is going to ask the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Accounting Department to investigate the matter.) As planned, the NCC will hold no meetings in 2005/2006 and there no plans to have any after that either.
The Admiral reminded everyone that he had re-elected himself Admiral for another year at the ReScheduled Lake Emfred Cruise. He also noted that he agreed to serve. There was loud applause supporting his re-election.
He then publicly recognized guests and new NotSure members. Since the Admiral was NotSure about their names, he used those that he thought were nice. He also noted that for the first time ever in the history of the NCC, there were returning guests.
The Admiral announced that no dates have been set for additional Cruises during 2005 but planning is underway for several. He is waiting for someone else to do all the work before he takes credit.
And finally, the Admiral announced that there would be no new member initiated into the Royal Order of the Fork . While there are a number of potential nominees, herein after known as "Beamies", none had been thoroughly vetted. Consequently, all will have to wait for future initiations.
Upon the conclusion of his talk, the NCC members fanned out to their respective boats and homes to digest the gigantic meal and to prepare for the Potluck Breakfast in the Morning.
However as is becoming the tradition for the 3rd or 4th year, many folks, including the TYC Chefs, wandered over to the "Captain of the Port" Skip Booth's boat to enjoyed some of his fine port wine. No one went away thirsty and there were no injuries.
Sunday morning, most the NCC bunch that were undamaged by the port wine woke up ravenous and ready to eat. About 9 AM or so the food started arriving and the feast was on. After about an hour and a half of eating, talking, drinking coffee and for some moaning, the NCC bunch started making their way back to their boats for the voyage home.
The trip home was wonderful, the weather was perfect. There were no breakdowns reported only one slightly clogged fuel filter.
Poor Warren, he feels real bad!
As some had noted, the Official NCC Photographer, Warren Wood was unable to attend the Cruise. However he was sorely missed by one and all. The truth is now out. He was sick at home with a fever. His primary care giver, who shall remain nameless to protect her guilt, sent in the evidence to absolve him of all blame.
In spite of his absence, the story of this great weekend is contained in these pictures.
| - - - - 7th Annual Breakdown Slide Shows - - - - | |||
Underway & At Dock |
The Cocktail Hour |
Dinner & Breakfast |
Going Home |