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The Breeze by Marcia Taylor
A periodic compendium of regatta notes |
Monday, September 2, 2002
Enthusiastic doer Anna Fricker is our on-site morale booster. As well as being a Vice Commodore at the RHYC, Anna acts as the lunch police and is often seen clearing tables in the dining room. And so she has been dubbed Ann of Clean Tables.
The last race of each day is to the computer terminals at the Internet Café, where sailors pound out messages to family and friends. This mode of communication is quick and painless compared to the olden days when people spent time figuring out postage rates or lining up at the pay phone. And, all this messaging is free of charge.
Tom Woodhead who maintains our excellent website www.europeworlds2002.com is on site daily thanks to AcSys Biometrics who are also providing the computer terminals for the Internet Café. Tom will be happy to demonstrate the AcSys Face Recognition System for you.
The Internet Café serves about 200 people per day. The favourites are smoothies, cappuccinos and the pastries, but don't ignore the salmon and the eggplant sandwiches. . How does Irena Germann produce such interesting fare with only a refrigerator and a blender? Apparently she cruises the food shops by day and spends her nights flipping crepes and crimping flans over a hot stove in her home.
Apparently some competitors graciously declined an invitation to sign up for the cannonball competition in the club pool. It seems they have been warned off swimming in public facilities. The water in Lake Ontario is not at issue however.
The Europe Worlds 2002 Arts Committee has commissioned sculptor Ludzer Vandermollen to create medals to be presented at the Closing Ceremonies. The medals are of sterling silver and depict a killer whale done in the style of the Haida Indians of British Columbia. Mr. Vandermollen will be observing from the Press Boat during Monday?s races.
Unfortunately we could not appreciate the full effect of the stilt walking fire dancer, Naomi Singer, as she greeted the incoming boats on race day three. The Princess of Wind and Fire was impressive enough striding around out there in the full sun however she could not give us the full performance where she ignites all 10 fingers and brandishes flaming torches. It has to be dark for that - and not so windy.
No freebies for the Mayor of Hamilton Bob Wade. He too must ante up his $65 for admission to the Closing Ceremonies. Helen Freeland will be dropping by City Hall to pick up the mayor's cheque and discourage him from long speeches.
Bob Stilwell and his power boat (informally named The Bad Hair Day) are contributing greatly to the media success of this event. By the fourth day of racing Bob had logged 71 miles, rocketing various journalists and photographers from mark to mark to pit stop. Of course everyone jumps ship when he heads for the gas pumps.
The Leander Rowing Club greatly enjoyed hosting the Sport Medicine Clinic. It seems their lounge remained open to the members while the massage tables, also located in the lounge, were in operation. In a similar gesture of friendship we have assigned the nude sun bathing to the front dock.
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