Happy Bucks and Sunshine

 

So far, these virtual meetings have been working out great. We've successfully held two virtual membership meetings and one board meeting with up to 30 members participating at a time, not unlike our regular meetings.

 

I am aware some of you have never done this before and want to participate,  but are unable to do so because you either don't know how or are having trouble installing the necessary software or app onto your computer or smartphone. 

 

I can help and it's easier than you think. I'd be delighted to personally walk you through the process over the phone and have a practice session with you to try it out.

 

If you're interested, shoot me an email or give me a call. It should take no more than 15 -20 minutes. Perhaps we can set a time over the weekend, to do this.

 

If you call and get my voice mail, please leave a message and I will return your call.

Yours in Rotary,

Glen Zibolis

401-595-0019

 

 

Martin Vincent introduced his daughter, Carolyn Vincent who was our speaker today.

Carolyn is spending time ashore due to Covid-19.  She spoke about her experiences at sea during her career and how she got involved with sailing in the first place.

Carolyn gave us 5 questions to ask someone in her field

 First question was “how did you get into sailing”?  She began in Newport as a deckhand on a 12 Meter tourist boat, from there she worked on a 114ft luxury sail boat, then flew to New Zeland to work on a 50’ charter boat and also on a lunch and dinner tourist boat.  While there she also steered a ferry boat, which led to other jobs.  This included working on a 180’ privately owned sail boat, and then  working on a sailboat which trains highschool and college students.  This was a traditional rig for all weather sailing which she has been captain of for the last 10 years.

Second question ”What is the weird way to land a job?”  This is done by walking down a dock, word of mouth or using employment agencies.

Third question “What was hard initially and then became common place?”  Carolyn said that when she was first on a 12 meter sailboat in Newport, when the boat was heeling over, she was uncomfortable, now this is normal and fun.

Fourth question “What was the strangest thing you heard yourself say?” On an 88ft boat she was the mate on, the forward compartment was flooding, and the students were worried.  After being questioned multiple times if the boat was going to sink, she replied that all boats sink, some slower than others. This may or may not have been what they wanted to hear.

The fifth question “What is the hardest thing to explain to someone who doesn’t work on a boat?”  That you spend a lot of time working in close quarters, in adverse conditions, with no personal space.  This is something you have to be comfortable with. 

Carolyn then answered several questions from club members on her course work, professional licenses for the US Coast Guard,and British license requirements. Thanks to Carolyn for a fascinating talk, and we wish her every success in her continued professional development.