Well. at least in name she will. It all started with our trip to the Toronto International Boat Show. We did the usual things that we do every year - schmooze a little with acquaintances and friends (and pick up the latest on who's bought a new boat), shop a little, eat a little, walk a lot.
One of the main attractions at this and other boat shows has been a man named Derek Hatfield who both captain and crew of the Spirit of Canada.
In September 2002 (ending in May 2003), this fellow built his own 40 foot sailboat and sailed around the world in a solo race called Around Alone, encountering some obstacles, but completing the race, the only Canadian to do so.
Derek has since been working on a new boat, 60 feet long, which was supposed to take part in another around the globe race, the Five Oceans in 2006, but it appears that he will now be taking part in the November 9th, 2008 solo race, the Vendée Globe.
What does all of this have to do with my SIL? Well, about 2 years ago, My Sweetie and I went with her and her son to the Toronto In-Water Boat Show, and she got to meet Derek Hatfield for the first time. she learned about this venture, and has been following his story ever since.
We donated a little cash to Derek's endeavour and as a result we get to put our name on the hull of the boat. However, seeing as my SIL has such an interest in his planned trip, we decided to have my SIL's name put on the hull in place of ours. She has been having a bit of a rough time lately, and we thought that this might cheer her up.
There you go T, you're going around the world next year! Have a nice trip! (Take lots of pictures, and don't forget to write...) :-))
7 comments:
I sit here, with my hand over my mouth reading that, and tears started streaming down my face.
I dreamed of putting my name on his boat.... after watching a BBC recap of his 2002 Around Alone race... seeing all those names on his boat... and how he felt that each person was there with him!
This is an IMMENSE honour. UNBELIEVABLE.
Thank you, dear M & B.
I will call you tomorrow when my voice stops shaking :)
I sit here, with my hand over my mouth reading that, and tears started streaming down my face.
I dreamed of putting my name on his boat.... after watching a BBC recap of his 2002 Around Alone race... seeing all those names on his boat... and how he felt that each person was there with him!
This is an IMMENSE honour. UNBELIEVABLE.
Thank you, dear M & B.
I will call you tomorrow when my voice stops shaking :)
BIG :-)
This just seemed like the right thing to do, and I am so glad that we did it and that it obviously made you quite happy!
I think you should be nominated for the "Very nice gesture of the year to cheer someone up" award! That is a really awesome thing to do - quite an honor to be able to participate in something like that, even if it is vicariously! Sounds too like it is something that will be well-received and highly appreciated.
What an adventure something like this must be. It was nice of you to put your SIL's name on the boat. I hope he does well.
That was so very nice of you to do. I can see by her comments how much it meant to her!
mas, you're a real sweetheart.
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