A Love 4 Sailing

The latest update, the team had a wonderful training session with Scott Whitman and Julia Dorsett who were just back from the test event in

China May 3-12.  They gave useful information on the conditions and logistics.  We hope to complete one more training session in early August with the Team Paradise boat.

We have been testing a new steering system which Scott has been using.  The steering now gimbals with the seat as before it did not.  We are currently in the process of packing the container which departs July 10^th.  One thing is that there are no marine shops in China so we must bring any spare gear that we may need such as tape, switches, wiring, blocks and shackles.

This has been one heck of a journey.  The sailing community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Our friends and family have endured the hardships of ever changing circumstances.  Maureen and I have kept a positive attitude and we all are just one regatta away from becoming Olympic medalist.  May we sail our best and enjoy the ride. Thank You.

Check out this latest update from China— http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/vp/25497720#25497720�

NBC News recently did a story regarding Nick’s journey to the Paralympic Games in China.  To see the video click here  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24987042#24987042 �

Thank you for visiting my website.  Here’s the latest update from Maureen and I.  We are now in the month of May and training has been going well.  We have had 3 week-long training sessions in the last couple of months.  Some of our training has been against able bodied local sailors such as Mark Gaudio, John Pinckney, Jamie Malm and Peter Wells.  Mike Pinckney has been updating the boat with some new rigging, and making sure all moving parts are working well.  With only a hundred days or so left until the Paralympic games.  We have been concentrating on boat speed and boat handling.  Maureen is to travel out to

Newport Beach for some more training in late May.  We may be looking for some assistance during Memorial Day weekend.  Please give me a call if you may be available.

Currently, there is a Paralympic test event going on in

Qingdao, China.  We decided not to attend due to a multiple of reasons.  A couple at main reasons were Maureen’s son is still going through chemo and two trips to China and a three-month period may have been physically overwhelming.  We will be ready for

China.

Below is a recent scuttlebutt article:

TEST EVENT FOR PARALYMPIC GAMES
(May 7, 2008) - Ten members of the US Disabled Sailing Team AlphaGraphics
have landed in Qingdao, China, and are preparing for five days of racing at
the International Association For Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Qingdao
International Regatta. The U.S. has sent five of its top-ranked teams to
this May 11-15 event: in the Sonar, the Paralympic team of Rick Doerr
(Clifton, N.J.), Tim Angle (Marblehead, Mass.), and Bill Donohue (Brick,
N.J.) will race, as well as the second-ranked team led by Paul Callahan
(Providence, R.I.) with Mike Hersey (Hyannis, Mass.) and Roger Cleworth
(Lithia, Fla.) as crew. In the SKUD 18, Scott Whitman (Brick, N.J.) and
Julia Dorsett (Westchester, Penn.) will represent the United States, as the
Paralympic team of Nick Scandone (Newport Beach, Calif.) and Maureen
McKinnon-Tucker (

Marblehead, Mass.) will not attend due to scheduling
conflicts. Competing in the 2.4mR are John Ruf (Pewaukee, Wis.) and Mark
LeBlanc (

New Orleans, La.), ranked first and second respectively. US
Disabled Sailing Team AlphaGraphics members who sit first in the rankings
have qualified to compete in the Paralympic Games in September, also in

Qingdao, China.

Although it is not an official test event, the IFDS Qingdao International
Regatta will serve as the most realistic training the teams and the
organizers will see before the Paralympic Games in the fall. Head Coach
Betsy Alison (Newport, R.I.) says in an email from

China, “There is no
substitute for practicing at the venue in preparation for the big show.”
Alison continues with an analysis of the competition: “The field of
competitors in each of the three classes will be nearly identical to the
Paralympic fleet in September. All of the top teams in each fleet are here.
Racing does not officially start until May 11, but all teams will be taking
to the water for some serious training sessions with a practice race on May
10.” — Read on:
http://www.ussailing.org/pressreleases/2008/qingdao_disabled.asp

=> Curmudgeon’s Comment: Among the US medal favorites are Nick Scandone
(2005 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year winner) and Maureen McKinnon-Tucker.
Scandone battles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s
disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in
the brain and the spinal cord. Each month Scandone gets weaker, and it is
believed that his absence from this event is also to minimize stress on his
body to insure that he is as healthy as possible for the Palalympic Games in
September.

I want to thank everyone for their support, and I look forward to seeing all of you very soon.  More to come next month.

The following was written by Jim Wentz who not only helped Maureen and I but also assisted the race committee for this event in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Disabled Midwinter regatta was held 2-28-07 through 3-2-08 at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida. Nick Scandone again won top honors in the Skud 18 class with 12 points in 6 races.

Day one was perfect breeze although at the end of a cold front so everyone was cold. Nick started well in 8.5 kts of wind and easily won races one and two. Prior to the start of race three, a broken batten was discovered which needed to be replaced. Clarence Yoshikane was on deck as Nick’s rigger and physical assistant and Jim & Jan Wentz were on the course as spectators and Race Committee assistants. Jim & Jan were able to return to the sailing center and retrieve a spare batten from back up sails and get it back to Clarence prior to the start which was delayed by the race committee to allow Nick to continue racing. Unfortunately Nick was 2.5 min. late for the start and finished 6th. which was his throw-out.

Day two was much warmer although the weather was very light. After 60 min. in the first race, the course was shortened and it was decided to abandon the remaining races for the day. Nick was in first place approaching the final mark when he was overtaken by the Sonar fleet and thoroughly blanketed. The other Skuds saw what was happening and went wide which allowed them to pass Nick and Maureen. At the finish they had managed to catch half of the fleet, but had to settle for a 4th.

Day 3 was undoubtedly the best day of racing for the fleet. Wind was at 7.5 kts with flat seas and Nick & Maureen were unbeatable. Easy aces in race 1 & 2. As they rounded the final weather mark and popped the ‘chute, a tear developed in the center of the #1 spin but did not worsen and they were able to win by over 30 sec. Jim and Jan again made a high speed run to the sailing center with MaryKate Scandone (thanks to lots of hp.) and made it back to the course in time for Clarence to rig the spare spin and sail the 3rd race. Unfortunately a 4th place was all they could muster, but a win overall is still a WIN.

Clarence, Jim and Jan were the ones who probably learned the most from this regatta. Being the first time for all of us, we had to learn the Skud 18 quickly, but more importantly, we learned about disabled sailing. The desire of these sailors who came from 8 different countries gave all of us a new insight into what it takes to be champions. Even though they had many different levels of experience and disabilities there was never a single complaint from any of them. And they did more for themselves than many sailors that have full capabilities–everything from launching and retrieving the boats to rigging and launching themselves into VERY small and light boats. You don’t appreciate what it’s like to share a floating dock with 20 wheelchairs until you have done it!

St. Petersburg Yacht Club held a fantastic regatta. I thank them very much for asking me to help out on the Race Committee and for giving me the opportunity to excuse myself when needed to race ashore to help out Nick & Maureen. First class operation an all respects.

Nick will be returning this week to So. Cal and bringing two Skud 18’s along to train in prior to the Olympics in Sept. When you see one at the club, be sure to check it out. They are truly amazing boats, and if you’re lucky enough, Nick may even take you for a ride.

Jim Wentz

 A special thanks to Jim & Jan Wentz, Clarence Yoshikane, Glen & Donna, Dana McKinnon Tucker, Stephen Hahn, and Mary Kate for all their support.  Maureen and I could not have won this event without all of you.  Click below for results.  http://www.spyc.org/club/scripts/view/view_clubannouncement.asp?pg=PR&GRP=5564&AID=39974&NS=PR&APP=58 

Update – Maureen’s son Trent is out of the hospital and starting on the road to recovery.  The spinal fluid showed no cancer but he is still scheduled for months of chemo.  Maureen’s schedule is undetermined at this time.  Please send all your prayers and good thoughts to Maureen and her family during this difficult time.

As far as the Miami OCR, we went out the last day and won the first race.  We decided to forgo the last race and get in early after a grueling week.  We ended up winning the regatta by seven points and received our gold medal at the closing ceremonies.  I want thank Team Paradise.org for the use of their SKUD.  (For complete results, click on the Miami OCR link to the right)

Next up is the Disabled/Open Midwinters in St Pete Florida at the end of February.  After that a boat will be shipped to China for the Olympic test event in May.  We will transport 2 SKUD’s to California for further training after the St Pete event.  We will be conducting on and off training in California in March, April, June and July.  Look for us either in Newport Beach or

Long Beach.     

I want to thank Mike Pinckney and Mary Kate for all their help.  Also thank you to everyone who sent their comments and e-mails to Maureen/Dan and I regarding their son Trent.

Here is the latest.  Maureen’s son Trent is out of the ICU but still in the hospital.  He will still have to go thru chemo therapy but things are looking good.  Maureen decided to fly back to Miami for the regatta and we came out the first three days on fire.  We started with five first places and one second and built a nice lead going into the final two days.  Yesterday we finished with a 3, 1, 2, which gives us an overall lead of around 10 points.  With three races scheduled today and our worst race being a third, we only need to finish in the top five in two races to secure our win. 

We are very happy at how we are doing considering all the adverse happenings these past weeks; Trent’s condition, Mary Kate’s dad passed away last Friday, Nick and Mary Kate having the flu bug and a few other minor set backs.  Amongst all these setbacks we continue to triumph as a team.

  I apologize for the late post as I have been having internet connection problems.  Miami weather has been great, but we all look forward to coming home soon.  We want to thank  TeamParadise.org for their support and use of additional SKUD’s for future training.  Mike Pinckney and Mary Kate have done an excellent job taking care of me during these challenging weeks.  A special kudo’s goes to Maureen and her performance during these most difficult times for her and her family.  Thanks to her, everything came together.  Her committment  is extraordinary.

Hi everyone,

Trent has become a priority on our minds and thought we should first share with you his update. His tumor has been removed but unfortunately it shows cancer.  Our prayers are with this adorable little boy.   Below is a report from Dan Tucker:

It’s about time we pass on some less than good news about Trent… Maureen & I flew back from Miami on Monday, 2 hours after hearing that our little guy was being med-flighted from Salem Children’s Hospital to Mass General.

He had very successful surgery on Tuesday, to remove a 3cm x3cm x4 cm tumor from his brain. The nuerosurgons came out of the OR smiling, convinced that they successfully removed all of the visible tumor. We received preliminary pathology on the tumor last night & learned that he’s going to likely have 6-8 months of chemotherapy and radiation. We’ve tried to move quickly from the shock & grief to a more positive outlook.

He will be in the pediatric ICU at Mass General for 4-6 more days. We don’t yet know when we’ll be able to take him home. It will likely be several weeks after that before we begin the cancer treatments.

Please go ahead and forward this around. We can use all of the
positive thoughts, energy & prayer we can get, now and in the coming months.

Tell everyone you see to go and hug their kids.

with love,

Dan

 

On a side note, we have been having some internet issues and apologize for the delayed posts.  Mike Pinckney and I have been working on trying to prepare a second boat (compliments of Magnus and Team Paradise)  for training purposes.  Unsure if Maureen will return for OCR.  We will know more on Saturday.  Stay tuned.

Temperatures around 80 degrees with 7 – 10 knots of breeze. 

 

Race three:  Started in the middle line, went about 100 yards and tacked off to the right.  Played the middle right covering the fleet.  Rounded in first with two boats close behind. With good crew work by Maureen we were able to pull away on the run and protected the right side up the next beat.  This allowed us to maintain our lead as we crossed the finish line first. 

 

Race four:  We had a poor start near the center of the line we held our lane for a short period of time before we were forced to tack.  After ducking a few boats from the right we found ourselves battling for third at the weather mark.  On the downwind leg we moved into second and set our sites on the first place boat.  Up the next beat we seemed to have picked up kelp along the way as the first place boat extended their lead as we battled for second.  We ended up in second place for the race as the other

U.S.A. boat finished first.

 

Race five:  We started in the center of the line and used our boat speed as we headed left.  Tacked and crossed the fleet.  Sailed a conservative but smart race and took a 20 boat length lead across the finish line. 

 

DAY THREE:  Races were cancelled due to heavy wind warning 25 plus knots with gusts even higher.  We ended up winning the regatta with four first places and one second.  Want to thank everyone for your interest and support.

 

On another note, Maureen and Dan have had to make an emergency trip home to

Boston.  Their little boy Trent,  2 ½ years old, was ill with what they thought was a bad case of the flu.   When rushed to the hospital he turned for the worse and they discovered a brain tumor and at this moment are awaiting an MRI to determine if it is cancer. 

Trent is currently scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning.  Mary Kate and I ask that you send good thoughts and prayers for Trent, and his parents at this most difficult time. 

Hello Everyone from sunny south Florida (

Miami).

Today, partly cloudy, temps were in the low to mid 80’s.  Due to the light winds (5 knots) there was a postponement on shore for an hour.  For this tune up event, the Canadians, British, and Australian competitors are participating.  British and Canadians are preparing for their trial selection for the

China games in the upcoming OCR races here next week.  Nice part is that my teammate, Maureen and I can relax and watch them sweat.

 

We had two races today.  Race one course was a double windward leeward.  We started near the weather end.  Headed left early, had good pace with most of the boats.  We sailed conservatively upwind and rounded second.   By conservatively, I mean I ignored the elements of the direction of the wind and positioned my boat in between my competitors and the next mark. Making it difficult to make a passing lane.  Leading the parade and not taking any chances.  Jibed inside the first boat on the leeward leg, took over first at the leeward mark.  Played the right middle of the second beat.  Sailed conservatively downwind, finishing in first.

 

Race two, started near the committee boat.  Course was a windward-finish downwind.     Stayed on starboard tack for most of the first beat come in from the left side with a three boat length lead.  Rounded first and did a bear away set.  Held position all the way down wind and finished first. 

 

Look forward to racing the next few days.  I love this weather down here.  Just living a dream……