A little list

Here's what I get with a cross of my sailing "to do" list and sailing dreams... and maybe this also prefigures some New Year's resolution-like-wishful-thinkings.

* replace electrical harness on first doubled Sunfish trailer and mount replacement rear lights

* install inspection ports in rest of Sunfish fleet, do fiberglass repairs on Sunfish hulls and install replacement traveler bridles, get most of Sunfish fleet functional, perhaps order or make more rudder assemblies, possibly get more sails, get a second Sunfish trailer "doubled", look for a trailer that could be customized to transport four to six 'fish

* replace and re-locate through-deck turning blocks for Etchells traveler car and re-run traveler lines, replace Etchells upper shrouds, replace through-console vang turning block, replace port spinnaker cam cleat, other cleats as needed, apply Easypoxy to hull dings, install replacement manual bilge pump, install mast butt mover

* replace master switch and door hardware on MacGregor 26, fix hull dings, clean out junk, possibly search out and fix deck leak

* complete Safe Boating instructor hours and plan Safe Boating class for next summer at Heron Lake

* get in shape for swimming requirement for dinghy instructor class, complete first aid and CPR, get in a lot more dinghy time on the water

* organize dinghy class for NMSC member's daughter's troop

* propose Optimist Sailing Club trip to birthday regatta in Arizona, help sponsor Optimist sailing teams

* encourage RGSC to adopt and outfit support boats and train volunteers

* update regional race officer application and do more race committee gigs in new areas; help out on a race committee at one of the really huge regattas

* get Tillerman to show up for a regatta in the southwest US

* write "Cruising Guide to the Southwest"

* do a moderate-distance ocean race (Newport-Ensenada, Galveston-Corpus Christi, etc.)

* learn celestial navigation, be able to work sights to within 5-10 nm

* learn to do gelcoat repairs and color matching

* learn how to bleed a diesel engine and change impellers

* sail or do race committee in 4 new venues in 2009

* revive raft-ups at Rio Grande Sailing Club and establish dinghy racing fleet, get participation up in all events

* re-establish Olympic Circle at Heron Lake and host a regional event within New Mexico; possibly revive Buccaneer Rodeo or invite another class to do a mid-size regatta

* sail San Fran Bay, Tahoe, Pacific NW, Great Lakes, Long Island Sound, Miami/Key West, New England

* visit several Etchells fleets and collect more club burgees

* become more sensitive to the "feel" of proper trim and more instinctively able to anticipate conditions and make trim adjustments; learn to feel boatspeed better

* spend more time on the water in 2009 than in '08

* retire someday to cabin near Heron, sell house in Albuquerque, buy a 10-15 year old 40' to 45' cruising boat and keep it in an easily accessible place where year 'round sailing is possible (SoCal?)