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In the spirit of the holidays, we want to spotlight boaters who contribute to the ambiance of love for our boating community in Dana Point Harbor. Join us on an adventurous ride with a nonagenarioan and octogenarian couple who kindly offered to share one of their seafaring adventures.
Meet Doug and Lois, a remarkable couple who previously devoted 15 years to sailing around the globe in their trusty sailboat. This seafaring duo actively engages in the weekly sailboat race hosted by the Dana West Yacht Club, where their seasoned expertise shines beyond the adage of age.
One particularly riveting tale harks back to 1990. Amidst the Atlantic Ocean's vastness, Doug and Lois found themselves 150 miles from the Florida coast, entangled in a tempest that snapped their main mast. The towering mast dramatically landed perpendicularly to their boat, presenting a formidable challenge.
Confronting the formidable challenge of depleting fuel reserves and an irreparably damaged mast, they unfurled a distress signal. They reached out to a passing tanker ship named Overseas Alice. In an unexpected yet heartening twist, the tanker offered to deliver a 55-gallon fuel tank to their beleaguered sailboat.
In no apparent danger of sinking, however, the logistics posed an unprecedented challenge. Doug and Lois's 45' sailboat offered no capacity to utilize such a large fuel drum. Undeterred, the resourceful couple skillfully severed the ties to their fallen mast, allowing it to drift away.
With newfound freedom, they navigated their way on fumes and currents to the welcoming shores of Ft. Myers, Florida. Their resilience and ingenuity continued to shine as they anchored in Ft. Myers for three months, patiently awaiting the meticulous repair of their beloved sailboat.
This captivating saga showcases courage in the face of adversity and underscores the profound bond between these seasoned sailors and the vast, unpredictable sea they call home. Now, as we navigate the waters of Dana Point Harbor, let's celebrate the strength of our boating community. Through camaraderie and kindness, we ride the tides that lift our boats and elevate our spirits. May this holiday season fill your sails with joy and anticipation for the adventures that await in the coming year.
Here's a word about slip fees to keep you informed and involved in advocacy for boaters. Doug and Lois can stay in the harbor and continue racing. We all know other retired boaters on fixed incomes who moved or sold their boats because of the massive slip fee increase in 2021. Dana Point Boaters Association knows the Harbor Partners anxiously want to do another slip fee increase in the already excessive fees in Dana Point Marina. The Class Action Lawsuit, pending before the California Court of Appeals, provides the only leverage boaters have to protect against the Harbor Partners' impunity. We extend heartfelt thanks to those who continue to contribute; your generosity ensures the strength and vitality of our boating community. Please join them in making a generous contribution today.
May this holiday season reinforce the strength of our boating community, where camaraderie and kindness prevail. Wishing you fair winds, the joy of shared stories, and the promise of exciting voyages.
Happy holidays!
#dpboaters
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