One of my favorite Publisher’s Notes (it wasn’t called Gunk’holing yet) from the early days appeared in Indian Summer ’81. “I’ll be down in a minute,” one of Brian’s sailing stories, describes a harrowing adventure off the coast of Maine. It stood out for its humor. Enjoy. ~Kevin Shortsleeve

(Brian’s brother, and editor of a work in progress, The Best of Gunk’holing).

“I’ll be down in a minute”

Indian Summer ‘81

Sailing has given me awesome respect for Mother Nature and when safely home, a fond recollection of some very close calls.

After winning a sailfish race as a kid, I was convinced I was a sea captain. Sophomore year of college I answered a classified ad: “30’ Sloop for Charter, Cape & Islands, Experienced Skippers Only.” Outfitting myself for an interview with the owner I decided to play it cool. I wore topsiders, a nautical flag belt and tucked a cruising guide under my arm. I figured the blue blazer and white pants would be overkill. I just wanted them to rent me the boat, not give it to me.

Each summer the cruises became more complex and yet, for the most part, included fewer potential fatalities. One of my most vivid recollections is the seventh day of a week long cruise to Maine in 1973. Twelve close friends chipped in on a 34’ Tartan, a 35’ Pilot, 400 dollars of Hostess Twinkies and Heineken, and a week of pea-soup fog. We had such fun, some of the 12 haven’t spoken since.