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At the bottom of this update are listings for sailing events, motorcycle events, and adventure travel
Update #1 - February 22, 2024
Sent from beautiful downtown Berry Creek! Contact Bob: bob@seafaring.com
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This is a free newsletter for all. If you'd like to help support this newsletter, please see our Patreon page here!
(For those who want to help Bitchin poison even more minds!)
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Don't dream your life, live your dream - Bob Bitchin | |
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Well, I gotta tell ya, I was BLOWN AWAY by the over 73% response to my very first Newsletter! The highest response I'd ever had before was 54%! And thanks to those who went into Patreon & joined the support group. It's appreciated.
One thing I learned, I am upping the size of the type (I used 11 & 12 pica in the newsletter, now going to 13pt type to make it easier to read.)
Okay, so for this update I'll see if I can't get us to a better attitude! More fun stuff from the World Of Bitchin!
If you have any suggestions, please email me at: bob@seafaring.com, and let me know how I can improve your newsletter! Our objective? Fun, Facts & How To Keep A Starboard Attitude! Oh Yeah, and join us on Patreon if you get a chance!
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This newsletter update is to help keep boaters, bikers and people into adventure travel find some fun stuff to do. Read on. If you like it tell your friends. If you don't, tell me! bob@seafaring.com | |
The Saddest Day In A Sailors Life? Maybe not! | |
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Above - Yacht Attitude after the dismasting.
Below left - On our last sail on Lake Oroville, or is it?
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So as you may remember from our last newsletter, our 1979 San Juan 28 was dismasted in 90 mph winds on February 4th. It took 5 of us to get the mast and sails out of the water and onto a dock. Oh, yeah, we did it while it was dumping biblical amounts of rain on us, just to make it a little more fun, right?
Once it was all on deck, I came to a realization. I am not able to fix it. Oh, yeah, if I was a bit younger, maybe, but as I am about to turn 80 (agh!) I realized I've finally worked myself into a state of incompetence!
And IF (big word) there were a boat yard or even a boat repair facility on the lake, MAYBE I could do it. But, alas, there are none.
So after less than a year, and after I repainted her, repaired her and launched her, I was able to take her out on New years Day, and twice more since then.
But, alas, I am afraid I have given the boat away. The GOOD NEWS! It's now being set-up as a "CYC" (Chico Yacht Club) Training Ship, to help teach newbies the joy of sailing! And we may get to use it too!! Life is good!
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A 50 year old novel may be a movie!? | |
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Above:Robert Ritchson, star of "Reacher"
Right: Steve McQueen riding his Harley
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So, back in the 80's I was at an antique motorcycle meet in Visalia, California when I met Steve McQueen. He was riding a '41 Indian Chief, and I was riding my 1949 Indian Chief. He'd read my book "Brotherhood of Outlaws" and we started to work on casting it for his "Solar Productions." We had Dan Haggerty, star of the TV series "Grizzly Adams" as the star, and Charles Bronson as the side-kick. Steve didn't make it thru the production, and when he passed away on Nov. 7th, 1980, the plans were dropped.
But wait! When I saw the first Reacher, staring Robert Ritchson I thought I was looking at "Treb Lincoln" from my book.
A few people have said they might back it, so we are working on finding a "crew" to create this project! Know anyone?
The Book is available in Audio, digital, Soft Cover at booksellers world-wide, and Hard-cover (signed by the author!) from BobBitchin.com
| Steve McQueen on his 1941 Indian Chief at the antique rally in the 80's. | |
A little humor never hurts! | | |
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The companies below believe in our lifestyle and support this newsletter. Please visit their sites to see what they have to offer! | |
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Bad Craziness In Europe!
After forming ABATE (A legislative organization for outlaw motorcyclists) in the US in the 70's, helping create a similar organization in Europe was way too much fun! I flew into Germany (Thanks to Harley-Davidson in Frankfurt!) and rode to Nontron, France, where I met with bikers from all over Europe to help form a legislative organization similar to ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments, or as we liked to call it, A Bunch Of Assholes Totally Enebriated- and yes, I know Inebriated is with an I, but that didn't fit! LOL)
by Bob Bitchin
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(originally written in 1980-0ver 40 years ago!)
“This is your captain speaking. We will be touching down at Frankfurt-Main in two minutes. Please extinguish all cigarettes and put your seat in the upright position.”
I looked at the joint I had been frantically smoking and dabbed it out in the ashtray. Wouldn’t want to break any rules, you know.
But, it was the last drugs I had brought with me, and I hated to see it go out.
I was about to touch down in Germany and I had never been to Europe, so a few minor sacrifices just might be worth it.
After making like a bunch of cattle, being prodded through baggage claim, then making like sheep as we waited for the Gestapo to check the luggage for massive shipments of goodies, I finally struggled out the front door of the quarantine area and was greeted by Hans, Verkaufsrepasentant for Harley-Davidson at the Tyrolia Division. It was he who would guide me through the pitfalls of Frankfurt’s big airport and get me to where my 1980 Fat Bob was waiting for me.
First Observations of Europe: The drivers over there are berserkoid. Nuts. Out of their flippin’ gourds. They drive on the bumper of the car in front of them at 100 miles an hour, and that’s in the friggin’ parking lot. By the time we got to the old hotel where I had a room waiting I was a wreck, and no drugs to alter my ego.
See the full story with photos here!
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I'M A PIRATE
by Captain Ray Thackeray of International Rescue
Sometimes I sing, at the top of my voice:
"Oh, better far to live and die
Under the brave black flag I fly
Than to play a sanctimonious part
With a pirate head and a pirate heart!"
(Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan.)
What is a pirate? The Greek root of pirate is pirates, "one who attacks." The Wikipedia definitions of pirate is: "Someone who robs at sea or plunders the land from the sea without having a commission from any sovereign nation." Synonyms: buccaneer, sea robber, sea rover.
A second definition is "Uses or reproduces (another's work) for profit without permission, usually in contravention of patent or copyright." Oh well, perhaps I'm not a pirate then, but another definition is "Someone who behaves in an immoral or illegal way." Well, I try to avoid plagiarism, but I've been known to be naughty!
Perhaps a smuggler can be regarded as a pirate? That's "...someone who takes goods or people into or out of a country illegally" Well, sometimes in disaster area operations like in Haiti there are no authorities at all to clear donated cargo and in fact if the mainland gangs get involved, it could become very dangerous, most NGOs have been forced to abandon Haiti because of the kidnappings and ransom demands.
For the full story click here!
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Feeling Techie?
Hart Tank Tender System
By Bob Bitchin
Designed by Ron Hart for his own vessel as the end solution to the essential measurement of all tank fluid levels. The knowledge of exactly how much fluid remains in each tank can be critical. Tank Tender is a simple pneumatic system of gauging the liquid level in water, diesel and holding tanks. Only one instrument measures from one to ten tanks.
just select which tank you wish to measure, depress the pushbutton
Click Here For The Full Article
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Photos From Cruiser's And Other Weird Folks!
Okay, so ya got a great cruising pic, but don't know what to do with it! Simple, send it to me at bob@seafaring.com, and I'll see when I can get it into the next newsletter! Ya don't get paid, and ya won't get a free donut, but you'll be famous! Kewl, huh?
Send photos in full size as .jpeg or .GIF.
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Sundown Marigot St.Lucia (Glenn Patron) | |
Roy Boy getting fuel after Bitchin foot-pushed him to the gas station outside of Gary, IN. | Buncha weirdo's sitting on the dock in The Bahamas | Katie the office Kitty relaxin' while we all work! It's don't seem right!! | |
By Bob Bitchin, of "Distant Star" while sailing in Maine! | Jody & Debbie cleaning fresh caught mussels in Maine | Sailing in Croatia on the Share the sail | |
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Engel MT17 - Should Be On Every Boat!
Top Opening 12/24V DC - 110/120V AC Fridge-Freezer
I gotta tell ya, when we were sailing the world, our Engel was one of the best "things" we had aboard. We'd keep it on-deck, plugged into a 12 volt outlet, and we'd keep beer and soft drinks in it. BUT when our freezer went out halfway across the Pacific, we just turned the Engel to "freeze" and put our perishables in it until we got to land and fixed the freezer. Then it was back to keeping the drinks cool!
All Engel fridge-freezers feature the Engel "Swing Motor" compressor. Highly efficient, it typically draws around 1 to 2 Amps per hour (check the specs for each individual model), about 40% less than a traditional compressor. Engel fridge-freezers run on battery power, 12V/24V DC, or 110/120V AC. So whether you're on the road, on the water, or safe at home, you can use your Engel to make life a little easier.
Click here for more info: bobbitchin store.com
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Looking Back At A Great Friend!!
While I was being born, my father was at the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded, and when he came home he had a big surprise for the family. He brought home Major, A German Shepard from the K-9 Corps who had also been wounded. He was "my dog" until I was about 4 years old, when he passed away from complications from his wounds. But I remember him running along-side our 1947 Packard, running at over 25 mph! I don't think anyone ever forgets their first dog! Mine was great! Can't wait to see him again! - Bob Bitchin
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If Sailboats Could Talk
As I gaze across the bay,
I am struck by the boats at play,
For the wind pushes them about,
If they could speak, they would shout.
Let me be free,
Free to roam the sea,
To feel the wind, when it fills my sails,
Free to ride the waves without fail.
For I am ready to go,
Captain, please make it so,
Let the stars be my guide,
Please don’t leave me here at dockside.
For I am not a floating house,
Please, Captain, provide me a course,
A course to follow, adventure,
For to be free, we must venture.
I can’t speak for others, this I know,
Even if the weather threatens a blow,
We aren’t made to be still,
But to experience life with a thrill.
If I could speak, I would demand,
Impatient, I await your command,
Your command must be,
Let’s go, it is time to be free.
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AVAILABLE! 1988 CS 36 Ready To Cruise
Located in Baja California!
This boat was purchased by the current owner in 2002 and in 2014 sailed from Canada to Mexico's Sea of Cortez where she awaits her next owner to carry on the adventure. SV Leap of Faith is a well-maintained, Canadian Seacraft known for is speed and comfort under sail. SV Leap of Faith can be easily seen by flying into Loreto, Baja California Sur (Airport Code LTO).
Contact Dave & Carol Faith directly at: dfaith@telus.net
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Boat Show Happenings!
February 28-March 3, 2024
Atlantic City Boat Show
Visit Site
February 29 – March 3, 2024
Bonita Springs Boat Show
Visit Site
Mar 14 - 17, 2024
Northwest Sportshow®
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis,
Visit Site
March 21-24, 2024
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Visit Site
April 5, 6 & 7, 2024
Orlando Boat Show
Visit Site
April 19-21, 2024
Suncoast Boat Show
Visit Site
April 26-28, 2024
Catawba Island Boat Show
Visit Site
April 26-28, 2024
Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
Visit Site
Mar 14 - 17, 2024
Northwest Sportshow®
Minneapolis Conv Center, Minneapolis, MN
Visit Site
August TBD, 2024
Sandusky Boat Show
Visit Site
September 12-15, 2024
Metro Boat Show
Visit Site
September 19-22, 2024
Norwalk Boat Show
Visit Site
September 27-29, 2024
Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo
Visit Site
October 10-14, 2024
Annapolis Sailboat Show
Visit Site
October 30-November 3, 2024
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Visit Site
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Sailboat Racing News
From The American Sailing Association.
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COWES WEEK
Cowes Week is an event that has something for everyone. And even if you’re not into sailing, the regatta is still a spectacle to behold Next Race Date: July 29 – Aug 4, 2023 Cowes Week Website
THE OCEAN RACE
The Ocean Race is a round-the-world yacht race that occurs every three years. It’s known as one of the most challenging sailing races globally, spanning over 45,000 nautical miles. Next Race Date: Currently in progress.! The Ocean Race Website
AMERICA’S CUP
The 37th America’s Cup Official Opening Ceremony will be held in Barcelona on 22 August 2024. The Final Preliminary Event and the Challenger Selection Series will follow, leading up to the America’s Cup Match that will start on 12 October 2024. Next Race Date: October 12, 2024 The America’s Cup Website
VENDÉE GLOBE
The Vendée Globe is a single-handed (solo) non-stop yacht race around the world without assistance. It takes place every four years and is an extreme form of sailing. Next Race Date: November 10, 2024
The Vendée Globe Website
HEINEKEN REGATTA
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is a massive sailing event that takes place on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. Next Race Date: Feb 29 – Mar 3, 2024 St. Maarten Regatta Website
TRANSPACIFIC YACHT RACE (TRANSPAC)
The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) is a biennial offshore yacht race held in odd-numbered years starting off the Pt. Fermin buoy in San Pedro, California, and ending off Diamond Head in Hawaii, a distance of around 2,225 nautical miles. Next Race Date: June 27, 2023
TransPac Website
SAILGP
SailGP is a newer series race held as a competition between nations on identical F50 catamarans. Currently the nations competing include Australia, New Zealand, Emirates Great Britain, France, Canada, Denmark, United States, Switzerland, and Spain. Season 4 Opening Race: June 16-17, 2023 Chicago Sail GP Website
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National Motorcycle Events | | | | |
