Sailors Helping Sailors in Distress from COVID-19
In a gesture outside the usual boundaries of our amped-up world, Memo Gidley, owner of the Elliott 1050 Basic Instinct, wrote us to let us know he was willing to offer his help to sailors ‘in distress’. Specifically, he wrote, “I definitely feel bad for all the more easily affected coronavirus people and those who are currently affected and in isolation.
“I am strong and not worried about being affected and would like to help those (boaters) who are not.
“My mom is staying at home but very capable of taking care of herself even if I was not around. But, if my dad was alive and in the condition he was in when in his 80s, he would need help, and he would have been on his boat alone if he did not have family.
“Latitude 38 brings great joy to all sailors. Any thoughts on doing something to help shop/deliver food, run errands, etc., for those boaters at risk or infected?
“I am interested in helping boaters either living on their boats or living in their houses. I have a couple of days a week. I can do anything for fellow sailors: run errands, shop, wash their boat, run their boat — whatever. Thinking back a few years when I was recovering from a crash, all this I needed.
“Let me know what you think.”
What do we think? First, we thought, what a fantastic offer. Second, we thought, we should contact Memo to ask if we could publish this and include his contact information. He said sure. So, if you or someone you know needs help you can contact Memo via email or call (209) 327-1016.
This reminds us of the long tradition of coming to the aid of other mariners. While this is outside the normal bounds of the SOLAS Convention, we thought we’d share its provision here:
” . . . The master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving a signal from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so.”
Memo’s offer is another testament to why sailing and the sailing community are so awesome. If you have other ideas on how we can all contribute to getting through this moment in time email us here.
John- great news that Cass Gidley’s son Memo wants to help. ‘Memo’ is short for Guillermo as he and his sister ‘Lupe’ (aka Guadeloupe) were born in Mexico after Cass and Mary sailed down to La Paz. I wrote the memorial in Latitude 38 for his father Cass. There was a nice ceremony at Dunphy Park, right next to Galilee Harbor where Cass had his boat “Yo Ho Ho” for many years and also were he had his Cass’s Marina. I tried to help Cass’s other son David sell the Yo Ho Ho after Cass passed away and David was on it at Galilee Harbor. Cass was quite a character. I think its great that his son Memo wants to help those affected or who can’t get around. His father Cass would have done something like that as well.
John- I saw your post from Memo Gidley. So great of him to offer that to others. Memo did not mention it but he is Cass Gidley and Mary Gidley’s son. ‘Memo’ is short for Guillermo as he and his sister ‘Lupe’ (aka Guadeloupe) were born in Mexico after Cass and Mary sailed down to La Paz . I wrote the memorial in Latitude 38 for his father Cass. There was a nice ceremony at Dunphy Park, right next to Galilee Harbor where Cass had his boat “Yo Ho Ho” for many years and also were he had his Cass’s Marina. Cass was quite a character and a good friend.
I think its great that his son Memo wants to help those affected or who can’t get around. His father Cass would have done something like that as well.
Woody
I value the water and those on it. As a kid in the 70’s and 80’s, I was raised amongst the anchor outs, liveaboards and just so many sailors who were all very unique and interesting folks that had a passion for the water. And the one thing they all shared, if someone needed help, it happened right now! Before I was born, my Mom and Dad opened Cass’s Marina in Sausalito in the 60’s to get people out sailing. And now I am hoping to help get people back out sailing after what is happening with Covid-19. Please just ask me.
Way to go Memo! You are an awesome skipper and this is next level. Keep up the good work!
I’ve sailed on Basic Instinct & did a couple of races on Basic Instinct with Capt Memo & Crew. I think I’m on the “alternate Crew’ List for Basic instinct.? I’ve done a lot of Motor Racing over many years with Memo. He is the best Team guy I’ve ever raced with. Rock solid character, helpful & selfless. This is exactly what I would expect from Memo. When the going gets ‘tough’ he would be the first guy to stand up, step forward and volunteer to help others. A Champion..!