Two names, two boats, two worlds.

The Loch Long. Twenty one feet of pure one design racing keelboat.

My dear old dad had two Loch Longs, Thalia #4 bought in 1949 and Whisper #63 bought in the early '60's.

We found Thalia and Whisper on the hard together here in Newport, but in a different sphere, a different world. Somewhere between 150 and 200 feet these superyachts dominated the yard but I'll bet dad had as much fun, if not more in his twenty one feet.

It's busy here. Not only is the International Boat Show in full swing, but the New York Yacht Club is hosting its invitation only Swan 42 regatta. The moorings are full and the anchorage chock full. We are s ten minute dinghy ride from the dock and spent a good extra five minutes in the pitch black last night puttering around trying to find Time Bandit in the midst of dozens of anchor lights.

We had been out for dinner with Bill and Laurie from Toodle-oo, recently fried courtesy of a stray lightning bolt and Mike and Jane of Jammin', both from the summer Ocean Cruising Club New England cruise.

Today we met up with friends from our Wayland days, Carol and Steve.

It's a mad social whirl here!