Latitude 38 - February 2019-2020

LETTERS

⇑⇓ GETTING CERTIFIED

My wife Michele and I sold our beloved Catalina 400 Kailani a couple of years ago and are in need of a sailing fix. We doublehanded her from Los Angeles to Manzanillo, Mexico, and up into the Sea of Cortez and back in 2010 (seven months of bliss). We also participated twice in the SoCal Ta-Ta (great fun!). Years ago, we also bareboat-chartered in Belize and through the BVI.

We are looking into bareboating in the Med, but they require either a NauticEd International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC), an American Sailing Association International Proficiency certificate, or a US Sailing International Proficiency certificate. I would really like to avoid having to pay for and take three basic sailing courses to obtain the necessary credentials. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful!

Cary and Michele Hansen ex-Kailani, Catalina 400 Nawiliwili, HI

Cary and Michele — We have been looking into this, but if any readers out there have suggestions, please let us know at editorial@latitude38.com.

⇑⇓ AN ACTUAL LETTER . . . ABOUT TAHITI

Twenty years ago, from May 26 to June 4, about 30 readers, organized by Latitude's current owner John Arndt, went by air to Papeete and points beyond, and then chartered sailing vessels beginning at Raiatea. The only names I can remember are: John Arndt and his wife, Pete Boyce, and myself. Some were from California; others from Oklahoma and Florida.

I am tempted to write because I found about 150 photos [actual prints] that I'm hoping some of you might recognize and identify. Then we could verify some of the memorable events — or hide the evidence!

Paul Poirier Alameda

Paul — Thanks for your letter, and thanks for sending an actual letter with actual photos. What a rare treat! Unfortunately, we did not recognize very many faces in the pics. It's true, John Arndt was there, and noticed a few familiar faces, but the years, sun and rum all weigh too heavily on our memories.

Beyond knowing that we were there, we only know that we want to go back, as soon as possible. We are going to post a PDF of the story at www.latitude38.com/resources. Thanks again for the analog correspondence.

⇑⇓ THE TABLES HAVE TURNED. LITERALLY.

Paul Poirier, Tahiti, circa 1995.

PAUL POIRIER