Off site

For those of you who don't know, an off site is the name used in the USAF for getting a unit (or in this case a directorate) off base to work through some issues or engage in some kind of bonding process. In this case it was mainly to welcome our new boss, Dan Wyman, farewell our old, Mark Hamilton and also farewell the emotional core of SGP, Robin Taylor. It was also Robin and Roy's anniversary that day and her birthday the next.

We ate lunch at the famous "Bubba's" at Poquoson Marina and then headed down to Roy and Robin's boat, the Contessa. This is the same vessel that took Roy (and selected hangers on) to Bermuda and back with hardly a problem. This afternoon was entirely another kettle of fish!

So sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a tiny ship that left port at 1400, and was due back at around 1600 in order to prepare for a BBQ at Roy and Robin's at 1800 that night.

It started off ok, as we prepared to set sail from this tropic port	Roy got to try out his spinnaker for the first time	Mel enjoyed being surrounded by men...well Ron and Dan anyway ;-)	And Robin was as tense as usual on board.
Ron, Mel and Dan learn what "heeling" means	Mark takes at turn at the helm with advice from James and John	The jibe may have been a little rough but it sure did look pretty!	Well folks the engine has overheated. And, oh by the way, we have no steering!
Robin and Mel take the news well	Oar overboard - Dan to the rescue	Robin rescues Dan	Dan after his heroic swim has to be helped by a WOMAN!
Now its Boat US to the rescue	But the crew remain calm	Even though John is doghouse material	Hitching the tow rope
Mark oversees the proceedings	Robin looks a tad concerned...	...but Mr. Boat US is an experienced campaigner	...which puts the smile back on Robin's dial
...and reassures everyone (even John).		Well everyone except the embarrassed Skipper	However Roy did help get us home by utilising the pole between his legs
While Robin assists Mr Boat US	Who nudged us back towards Poquoson	We eventually made it back to port shortly after 2100. Despite all of these hardships, everyone remained calm and in good spirits, clearly demonstrating the intestinal fortitude and sense of adventure which is an integral part of ACC/SGP! What their wives said when they got home is still to be determined!

SGP Off Site