These are not happy pictures. I have a huge sense of gratitude toward the J/24 fleet and CYC race committee, not just for their willingness to help, but for their presence of mind and skill in plucking us out of the water under the same conditions that put Quicksilver down. Colin, Elizabeth, Steve and Tom on Beagle not only pulled me out of the Sound, but also gave me a ride doing foredeck for Sunday. They put up with all my mistakes learning the boat without ever an unkind word and still placed second. What class. You'd think having a boat sink out from under you would be a confidence-busting experience. It's so, so sad, but, because of the people involved, my confidence is fully intact and my appreciation is tremendous. The next time I need to explain to someone in motorcycle leathers why racing sailboats at 8mph can be so addictive, this would be an experience I would describe.

Rich, man, I'm sorry we couldn't figure out a way to stand your boat back up. I wish we could have a second shot at it. We've learned so much sailing with you this season, and this one lesson is so costly and painful. Thank you for the opportunities, the teamwork and the concern for your crew. I look forward to seeing you back out on the water soon.

About 13 minutes elapsed between the last picture I took before the knockdown and the first picture I took after I was aboard Beagle and we had verification that all five crew were picked up. Quicksilver's masthead disappeared below the water about 17-20 minutes after that.

Any boat can take a knockdown if the conditions are right. I hope some of the discussions that followed this incident, including issues of flotation in J/24s, righting techniques, and the great auto-inflate debate contribute to safer sailing for everyone.

Onward