While I was out and about and offline in early March, Laser sailor Michael Blackburn (ranked #1 in the world last year) pulled off a great Wetass stunt: he sailed his Laser across the notorious Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania (he sailed the 115 miles in 13.5 hours). Since I missed it, I figured I would just leave it alone. But Alden Bugly (which is an anagram for Bald And Ugly), who is an Annapolis institution, has posted such a great summary of Blackburn’s feat on his website, I can’t resist, umm, blatantly pirating it. Bugly’s website, which has tons of great sailing pictures and stories, is worth a visit alone (Wetass Tip: get on his mailing list for updates). But you can find his insightful analysis of Blackburn’s Bass Strait adventure here. Plus, there are links to photographer West Ashton’s complete Blackburn gallery, and even some nice Ashton vids (love that Laser hum) of Blackburn training, Blackburn reaching, and Blackburn drinking (probably not a beer). If you are impressed, and sail a Laser, perhaps you should check out Blackburn’s book. What’s next: the Atlantic?…
“Dum-Dee-Dum. Damn. I shouldn’t have chugged all that coffee…”
“5,4,3,2,1…Blast Off!”
(Photos: West Ashton)
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The Earthist Chronicles 