Coming Home

you,” navigator Pete Damaris said, handing the phone up the hatch to Andy.

“Look over your shoulder.” It was his father Grady’s familiar voice. Andy looked. Grady’s rib was almost alongside. It was flying the syndicate flag of an All American tender. “Got you covered. We’ll fix that troublesome engine.” and put the tube in place. Andy felt sick.

Andy hung up and dove below, went to his bunk, lifted the thin mattress and checked the small line disappearing into the bulkhead. The line had not been pulled out to a red sector as Andy had been instructed to do in Miami, causing an air intake problem for the diesel engine, the problem that had brought Grady and Martin on board to remove the tube of jewels while they “fixed” the engine.

“Glad to see you.” It was Sargent. “Bloody engine’s acting up again.”

“Glad to see you.” It was Sargent. “Bloody engine’s acting up again.”

“Hey, buddy.” Grady came at Andy. “Damned if you didn’t win it.” Grady grabbed his hand, then gave him a hug. Andy managed a smile. This was not the time. Martin was next. No hug, just a crushing handshake and a gruff “well done.” “We’ll have it smoothed out in no time,” Martin said, and he disappeared below with his small bag of tools. Soon the companionway steps were raised to allow for engine access, blocking the view below. Grady was in conversation with Sargent. Less than ten minutes later, the engine smoothed out, the steps were lowered and Grady and Martin were in their rib ready to cast off.

There was confusion on deck as the boys celebrated and stuffed the spinnaker below at the same time. Andy stuck his head up the hatch to see his crew taking lines and welcoming aboard Grady and his imposing sidekick, Martin. Martin, who had strung Andy up by the wrists and “tested” him before Grady had revealed his plan to have All American carry the tube of illicit jewels to Miami. Martin, who had drilled out two keel bolts

“Catch you tomorrow,” Grady said to Andy as Martin pulled away. *

The awards were two days later, after all six boats had finished. The normally exclusive RYS was packed to the gills for this special occasion with the sailors and shore crews of six boats, friends, the press and RYS members who could be recognized by the squadron patches on their blue blazers and their RYS neckties. There were