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T�l� M� � St�ry . . .
Don’t you love a good knot that holds ... You know, the fix and forget, sure-fire, always
holds type? Well, the subjects of this month’s story thought they had that knot down pat,
and therein hangs the tale. Let me tell you the story.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and the first day of the Fort Walton Yacht Club’s
annual Spring Fling. Our intrepid sailors, Mike Metruck and Scott Fenstermaker were
enjoying the week off from the cares of the world with happy blessings from their spouses,
Donna and Michelle. Their vessel, The Falcon’s Nest, was well-founded and provisioned.
Their plan for getting around once anchored was the trusty kayak gaily dancing at the end of its painter on the
water behind them. Or was it…. Yep, that handy-dandy knot had come undone and said kayak was off on her
own adventure. Our happy duo didn't notice it at first, but the other sailors in the Fling Fleet behind The
Falcon’s Nest noticed right away and started calling Mike or Scott to warn them of the wayward vessel. Of
course, being on vacation, phones are not a high priority and the calls went unanswered. Our would-be
"warners," Sam Weston and Mickey La Garde, next tried a more reliable route, Mike's wife, Donna. She
confirms that they do indeed own a 3-person ocean kayak and that the guys are not answering and would
someone please snag the kayak for them. Being good and friendly sailors, the
kayak was caught. By this time, our relaxing duo finally noticed their missing
equipment and turned around to gratefully reclaim the wandering little boat. With
it being only the first day of the week-long fling, things could only get better. If
that were only true. The fall overboard after a loose fender and the broken throttle
cable are stories in their own right. At least the fridge worked and the beer stayed
cold!
When Donna later told the tale, she let us in on the funnier side of the story. As
loving parents, Mike and Donna enjoy sharing their sailing adventures with their
children. It is a fun time and the teens enjoy being towed behind in the kayak by
the big boat. Many times the adults have joked about what would happen if the
kayak suddenly came loose from the boat and the kids floated away (I’m sure a
lot of parents of teens fantasize about that one on some days!). In future fun
outings, the crucial knot will now be thoroughly checked, at least by the kayak
riders!
The Falcon’s Nest, with kayak,
on the Spring Fling in 2013
I’m sure that someday Mike and Scott will also be able to laugh at the incident
along with their families and friends, but maybe not today.
If you are willing to share an on-or-about the water adventure, please let me know at [email protected].
Let’s tell a story! - Pat Tye
~ Fort Walton Yacht Club, Established in 1951 ~