Photo: Krista had joined us for a big beach party in the Bahamas, shown above. At this party, sailboats and powerboats get along. Cats and dogs make friends. And everyone generally has a blast until next day's hangover...
From the new book, SAIL WITH ME:
My sister, Krista, was an instant hit at the sailor's parties, a cloud of men always orbiting around her where ever she went. During the second day of racing, Krista formulated some of her own race tactics.
"That cruiser's getting closer," Bill said, peering around
Sea Swan's full headsail. This day's race was intense and vessels were close. "We've gotta block their wind."
"Okay, I see it," Bronwen said as she helmed her boat.
"The main sail's getting slack," Bob observed. Krista jumped into action and helped, her and Bob tailing and cranking on a winch in a flurry of pointy elbows and hands.
"They're coming up behind us!" Krista said. "I'm on it." She dashed toward
Sea Swan's stern, stood up and reached for the back of her string bikini.
"Whaaaa...?" Said Bronwen, her intent expression shifting to a sly, knowing grin. Bob tittered. Bill's brows flew upward.
Krista's bikini popped off like the snapping release of a taut rubber band.
"Oops!" She said.
Body parts that were once snugly confined bounced into their natural posture. The rival vessel twitched to one side, her sails loosing their grip on the wind and luffing. All heads were turned toward Krista. Ropes that required attention were no longer receiving it. There was some commotion on deck as the vessel fell away. Bronwen, still wearing a sly grin, focused on the mark ahead. Bob cheered. Bill's jaw dropped.
Sea Swan gracefully rounded the mark well ahead of her flustered rival.
***