OK, so it  a new (to me) boat.  I didn't like the old name, so I will follow the rituals of doing a name change.  Tomorrow is a boat work day. Remove the old name and open bottle of Champagne and pay homage to gods of winds and sea and offer drinks to them to allow us to change the name.  There are a few other tasks before the new name can be placed on her.  But the invitations have been made (see below), printed and mailed. Mostly to family and close friends. The official renaming party is set for May 5th.  And of course champagne all around.  I even have the breakaway bottle sitting here ready for slamming against the bow to do a proper christening.  Of course there will be food and plenty to drink.  Fun and games for the kids.  Lets hope the weather cooperates.  I wish I could take credit for the drawing, but a friend on the Cat 27 email list did the work and emailed it to me. 

So, assuming all goes well for the party next Saturday, May 5th 2007, the following weekend may see us back in the cockpit for a day of sailing, weather permitting.  And the same for the following weekend. But I am reserving Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, as our first "Cruise".  I am excited and already looking at the possible places we can venture off to.  A new boat is such fun.  Why didn’t I do this years ago?

Joe McCary

Aeolus II

West River, MD USA