'Bash Bunks Aboard Kelly IV, May 27 – June 1, 2014

Colin is a Wabash College student who is spending the summer in Annapolis as an intern for the professional lacrosse club Chesapeake Bayhawks. Wabash began a program a few years ago that enabled students and recent grads who needed a place to stay for a few days to find alumni who had space available. Although I provided significant detail so prospective “bunkers” would understand what they are getting into, Colin chose to stay with me aboard Kelly IV for a few days while he made his living arrangements for the summer. As a result, I got to know a modern day Wabash student and Colin learned about living aboard a small sailboat.

Colin's sail aboard Kelly IV on May 31

It was a terrific experience for me and, apparently, was a good deal for Colin, as well. Colin is a terrific young man who is intelligent company, works hard, learns quickly and is open to new and different ways of getting things done. As Kelly IV was anchored in Whitehall Creek and Don and Donna Hekler's seawall was our dinghy dock, Colin met and impressed the Hekler's with his manners and intelligence, as well.

Colin at the helm

Tom Lynch joined us for a sail and some fishing on Saturday, May 31. It was race day for the Leukemia Cup, so Kelly IV had a terrific view of the bay filled with racing sailboats battling for prestige and working hard to raise funds for a good cause. The breeze was wonderful, blowing about 12-15 knots so the sailing was great as Tom and I literally showed Colin “the ropes.” OK, for you sailors, we showed Colin “how to work the lines.” (Sailors know that rope is merely a commodity. Once in use on a boat, it becomes a “line.”)

Tom and Colin

Sunday was my last day hosting Colin aboard Kelly IV so we made the most of it sailing in the light breeze out in the Chesapeake Bay, then visiting the Saga 48, Altair, that ocean cruiser, Joe Reed, just bought for his planned cruise around the world.

Colin's sail aboard Kelly IV on June 1

It was great fun to have Colin aboard. Assuming he is representative of the current crop of Wabash men, the college has nothing to worry about and can be proud of this generation of students.