'Lectronic Index

Previous 'Lectronic Edition

Photo of the Day

December 9 - Niue

Photo Latitude/Nancy Tompkins

Today's Photo of the Day could be titled 'Hang In There, Baby!' Photographer Nancy Tompkins of Mill Valley explains: "Warwick 'Commodore' Tompkins, my husband, and I have been here in the far South Pacific island of Niue for the past five days with our Wylie 39+ Flashgirl, enjoying the crystal clear water, the island, her people, and the interesting makatea formations. But it's a bit of a challenge getting ashore, as there is no beach or lagoon on the 18-mile by 18-mile island, and the makatea rises straight up from the attached reef. There is a hoist, however, and Commodore has found that after I scamper off the dink and ashore to get to the hoist controls, he can hang onto the hook while the dinghy is being lifted out. I think perhaps he is Tarzan! Anyway, there's a good weather window, so we're off to New Zealand in a few hours."

Coast Guard Looking for the Newport 41 Petrel

December 9 - Alameda

The Coast Guard Pacific Area Command Center contacted us yesterday to say that Giles 'Doug' Findlayson and his San Diego-based Newport 41 Petrel, apparently in Mexico, have been reported overdue by a friend. We bet Eric Abarca of the SAR office a nickel that there isn't any problem, but it's his job to try to clear the case. If you have info, call (510) 437-3701.

Almost a Year after the Tsunami

December 9 - Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

Photo George Backhus

"The accompanying photo is of Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand, which as you remember was very badly damaged in last year's tsunami," reports George Backhus of the Sausalito-based Deerfoot 62 Moonshadow. "It's still not fully rebuilt, but definitely up and running, as beautiful as ever, and begging for more tourists. The diving at nearby Koh Phi Phi Le remains excellent despite the amount of diver impact."

BMW Oracle Murky About America's Cup Plans

December 9 - Valencia, Spain

There was a report by Jan Pehrson of the Marin Independent Journal that if - and it's a gigantic 'if' - BMW Oracle wins the America's Cup, they might defend the Cup in Germany rather than the United States.

The Public Relations Manager of BMW Oracle responded by saying " . . . standing room audiences saw and heard Larry Ellison state clearly on the opening video that San Francisco Bay would be a perfect venue." We're sure Ellison said that San Francisco Bay would be a perfect venue, but that's not the same as saying it would be the venue, is it?

Bonus question: The flag of what country flies from BMW Oracle?