To blame Herb for the failure of the NARC folks is the ultimate cover your ass act. I was listening to Herb through much of the time frame in question and can affirm his side of the story.

On Saturday October 22nd I left Newport, RI singlehanding Lucia south to my home port in Miami. I had listened to Herb for a few days prior to my departure. Leaving Montauk to stbd, I lay for a point about a day's sail out of Norfolk as my decision point to either go in at Norfolk or continue around Hatteras and Lookout. I listened to Herb each afternoon and could hear the boats in Newport talking to him about how anxious they were to leave. He was counseling caution even then. I did round Hatteras and Lookout without stopping in Norfolk, but ended up in Beaufort, NC when the winds went SW. After a few days of waiting and with Herb's counsel, I departed Beaufort on a strong northerly for my non-stop trip to Miami. I listened to Herb daily for the remaining 5 days of my trip and could hear him tell folks that unless they had a really fast boat, there was trouble brewing. For those who did not follow his counsel, there was either a very hard trip or worse. For those who did, there was cold beer at a bar in the harbor either early or after a delayed departure.

I have never met Hank Schmitt, but if I ever do I will take great pleasure in telling him what a lyer he is. He is trying to cover his own failings by blaming Herb.