Day 6 (Wednesday, June 18) by Mike

Sailing with Dummies (Hawaii to Alaska Edition)

Today we had a KOB (kite everboard) drill. Josh started to fly a kite, it hit the water, broke the string, and we retrieved it. Here is a list of things we do in a MOB (or KOB) drill:

1. Shout “Man Overboard” or something similar (“Bob is stupid and fell in again!”). Some crew member is designated to spot the imbecile, point at him, and never take his eyes off the half-wit.

2. Throw out floating things such as life rings, a lighted safety raft, cushions, etc. (when we practice we just fake throwing extra stuff in the water – in a real situation we would throw it all in so the dummy (i.e. Bob) could grab onto something. Also, the additional flotsam would be easier to spot in rough waves.

3. Turn the boat directly into the wind (this stops the boat quickly).

4. Press the MOB button on the GPS (this marks the spot on our moving map with and X which is where we look for the moron (for example, Bob).

5. Start the motors and drive toward the X.

6. Lower sails to make the boat more controllable.

7. Throw out the “Lifesling” (a floating horseshoe tied to the boat with a long rope).

8. Drive circles around the retard until the idiot grabs the Lifesling (just like bringing a rope to a water skier).

We have detailed MOB procedures posted around the boat.

One benefit to practicing is seeing how difficult it is to keep tabs on a cushion floating in the water. That should scare any sane person into not taking any chances of falling in.

Daily Cuisine:

Melinda made blueberry scones. I had mine buttered for tea.

Fishing Report:

Fishing is not allowed in this national monument.

Arts and Entertainment:

This morning I watched a movie called “Two if by Sea.” I liked it; it was funny.