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the sailing vessel Tiamat, a 33' sloop, as she travels south from Long Beach,
CA to destinations unknown. To those of you who already know John, my condolences
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My Very Best Friend
When I began preparing for this voyage
a number of years ago now, I'd tell people about it, and they'd always think
me brave (and crazy,) and nod along... I've never been anything like typical,
so those who know me weren't particularly shocked. Now that it's coming
to fruition, friends, acquaintances, and people I've never even heard of
are writing to wish me well, sending their blessings and the like. I'm grateful
for their sentiments, and moved by their concern and interest.
Earlier today, I informed the listserver
that I was a couple days from heading out from Oklahoma to go to the Tiamat,
prepare her and depart. For some reason, this trip I'd been talking about
for so long suddenly became real to friends and family. It's as though they
never really thought I'd do it, and now they're shocked by that it's only
a few days away from commencement.
The most touching letter, though, came
from the most beautiful, wonderful woman in the entire world. I've not asked
her permission, because she'd probably blush and forbid it, but here's the
letter:
- You will always be my #1 Son, my first
born, my only son. Yes, I will have son-in-laws that I will love alot,
but no one can take the place of my firstborn #1 son. We have something
special, that no one else has, or can take away.
-
- For me, this new venture of yours
is moving too fast.
-
- There is a song that I wanted to send
you, but you wouldn't get it in time. It's by the Wilkinsons, called $.26
(26 Cents). Have you heard it yet? A mother gave her daughter (son) an
envelope, and in it was a note, she didn't have much to give her daughter
(son) but 26 cents: 1 penny for your thougths, a quarter for a call, and
all of your mother's love.
-
- Go out and break a leg. Take the bull
by the horns. Get it out of your system and come home safe.
-
- Love,
-
- Mom
-
- I don't think I need to tell any of you
about the tears that streamed down my cheeks as I read this, or about the
powerful sense of pride in her, nor the love that filled my heart. But
I WILL tell you that this awesome woman, this lady who took me to the first
tryouts in my life when I was 9 years old, then to all the rehearsals,
who was there for me throughout my life, the perfect stage mother (always
supportive, never overprotective or embarassing,) and whos love and confidence
have always been at the very core of my existence, SHE is the single strongest
force behind everything I am or have been able to become. Any bad I've
done, any failings or falling short of my potentials has been in spite
of her, not because of her. I love her with all of my heart.
-
- With the strength and courage she raised
me to have using the intellect she promoted in me, I will sing this song,
this journey. Carrying her love in my heart, if the seas should rise up,
I will sing out strongly and sweetly, cause them to part or subside, so
I'm able to see her smile again.
-
- Mom, you have all of my love and respect
always, and my utmost appreciation for all you've been for me, and for
the courage you display yourself when you wish me well, sending your encouragement
for a journey that I know you'd rather I didn't take, but
that you'll bless for my sake. Who could ever hope for more from any friend?
Thanks, Mom! See you again soon! -- JATY 1-25-99
ABOUT THE s/v TIAMAT:
Pictures will be put up as
I can... so check back here!
SPECS
1970 Custom-built, flush-deck, full-keel
sloop. Hull made of 3/4" marine plywood, encased in polyester resin
and fiberglass. Designed and built by Ray Baggarly, an aerospace engineer.
- Draft:
5 feet
- Beam:
12 feet
- LOD/LOA
33' (at present. May add a 4' bowsprit)
- Headroom: 6'3" throughout.
- Ballast: 7000 lbs of lead poured into keel, which is bolted on every foot
- Displacement: 15000 lbs net, 18,500 lbs gross/design
- Engine: Atomic-4 gas
- Fuel:
80 gallons in SS tanks
- Water: 80
gallons (will be adding 40 gallons more soon)
- Features: Edson wheel steering, 3-burner gimballed propane stove and oven,
on-demand hot water heater, pressure water, wood planking throughout belowdecks.
V-berth divided into one large double and storage cabinets to port, CD
player, Marine VHF. Hope to have Marine SSB and ham capabilities soon.
- Sleeps: 5 ( 2 in double-berth forward, 2 in double-berth in main salon,
1 in single berth in main salon, 1 or 2 more in the cockpit during pleasant
weather.
- Documentation: USCG Registered, coastwise endorsement.
-
The Tiamat is in NEED
of:
- Marine SSB radio or ham unit, GPS with
interface, Autohelm 5000 or comparable for wheel steering, inflatable and
outboard, extra sails, new bottom paint, charts (paper or CD-rom)
-
WANT LIST includes:
- Kam+ TNC (radio modem) and an IBM or
clone laptop w/ CD-ROM player and Windows 95, a diesel conversion
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