Tip a Few at Boats and Tricia

I won't any more list who was there. It will be easier and much shorter to mention who could not make it.
As far as this Tip a Few is concerned, including engages and pasajero, there was no one missing ! We are used to that.
Brother Boats and Tricia had prepared a wonderful barbecue. Actually, at this level, I wonder if it can still be called a barbecue. But english is not my mother tongue (who would have guessed ?), I am not sure I can properly describe what this was between a banquet and a picnic.
The surprise of the evening was the announcement that brother Limey and Holly had tied the knot in a very private event including themselves (it was required) and the justice of the peace. We were not going to miss this opportunity for a good toast.
A good part of the evening was devoted to get an update of where we stand as far as the upcoming National Zaf is concerned. Captain Blue Stache has everything under control and we already know that it is going to be a hell of a party.
Having so many occasions to celebrate, we also tried our hand at singing (not me, I was the photograph :-) ) with Country Boy as the lead singer and Upwind at the mixing board, or whatever this thing is called. To me it looks like a computer, but it is a lot more than that. In any case, this was a fun experiment even if we don't make it to the top of the charts.
Then it was time for the wedding cake and a few more drinks before the designated drivers would take us home.
Until next time. And as always, there are more pictures on the photo album of the table.

Orza !

Happy Hour at the Sun Coast table

Ventre Jaune (Yellow Belly), captain of the Normandy table in France, was visiting brother Goofy and Marge in Sarasota and they went to the Keys Zaf aboard Charrette with brother Gimbal and Bonnie. Since Charrette was staying in Marathon after the Zaf, I drove them back to Sarasota on Monday. I stayed on so that I could attend the Happy Hour of the Sun Coast table on Tuesday night at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. It is a very relaxed and informal place and an ideal location for a Happy Hour.
During that night, Ventre Jaune was presented with a Florida Brotherhood flag.
Being there gave me the opportunity to meet with brothers I had not seen for a long time and I always cherish those occasions. This is exactly like meeting members of your family that you have missed for so long . . . .
My return journey to Norfolk was as eventful as was the way down to Florida, but that's another story.

President Day Week End Zaf in Marathon

It's never too late to post an entry.
The President Day Week-End Zaf in Marathon lived up to its reputation, with a little challenge weather-wise.
It started in great fashion with dinner at brother Sparky and Lori. Unfortunately (although fortune has nothing to do with it, maybe old age. . . . ) I had again forgotten my camera, so I have no pictures for that memorable evening, memorable not only for the induction of brother White water, but for the incredible quality of the food served. And this is coming from a frenchman !
The Chesapeake Bay table was there "en force" and we probably had the largest delegation, short of the host table, which has grown tremendously since Larry Jones en myself co-founded it back in the 90s. From the Chesapeake, in attendance were brother El Maestro and A.J., brother Piper and Maria, brother Upwind and June, brother Boats and Tricia, brother Cruz and Ann, and brother Brise-Galets and his bike. Brother Brumby and Susan, who are close neighbor from the Potomac table were there too.
On Saturday morning, it was golf, first in short sleeves and shorts, but I had to admit that a sweater was not superfluous. I won't tell you my score. I can only say that I did not slow down my playing companions too much and that I came back to the club house with one more ball than when I left.
Saturday night was the big event at the Cub House of the Golf Club, and again, food, drinks and entertainment (provided by Bobby Holloway) were great. Everybody had a great time and almost everyone paid at least one visit to the dance floor. Cecile, daughter of brother Ventre Jaune (Yellow Belly), captain of the Normandy table in France, took part in the production of the music as a drummer.
Sunday morning was even windier than Saturday and we had more than 35 mph wind, with storms to go with it. This was the time chosen for a bicycle ride with brother Backlash. Interesting ride, but we did not prolong it too much.
This was followed by brunch, with the now traditional Bloody Mary's and the buffet. Although we were by the entrance of the harbor, everybody stayed inside.
In the afternoon, brother Brillo took time to give Cecile her first golf lesson ! Enjoyable and instructive for those present.
That evening, we got back to Lori and Steve to finish all the food that they had prepared for the first night. And believe me, it certainly did not feel like left overs.
Finally, after I had a chance to be on the water on Charrette for a long sail around the corner of the canal, this was a final continental breakfast at Bubbles and Claudia, before departing for Sarasota where Ventre Jaune, Evelyne and daughter Cecile were staying with brother Goofy and Marge.
All in all, a full week-end, lots of fun, and certainly a great Zaf. As always, more pictures can be viewed in my photo album. Looking forward for next year . . .