The crew is safe on shore. JAMMIN' a C-42 is being towed off the Chesapeake by CG(I think) to be picked up by commercial tow boat. The others, a dismasting(I think a Hans Christian 38) and another rudder problem(an Alden 54 I think) are out there coping I guess.

I've been enjoying the DooDah radio program the SDR records and streams. It's mostly the boats checking and and getting weather advice from "Chris" who is doing a great job giving his opinion on best tracks, etc. The big concern is approaching gales from the west and north(they'll be hitting us in Rockport this week, I'm still in the water). Most boats will be easily south and clear but a few may be stuck.

Knowing a few faces out there, it's been very interesting, and dramatic in fact, following the rally through the blogs and the streaming daily hour + radio transmissions between boats and SDR.

They'll have to sort things out at the end and decide what was good and what was bad with the 2013 SDR. I've been following rescues at sea for decades(as most sailors do). Most have been single boats over the years, and for all intents and purposes, I see the same thing going on even during these rallies. Everybody is alone in the end and has to fend for themselves if they have problems.

Is the "herd" mentallity enhanced by rallies? If so, is it better to add safety programs, socializing with more experienced crews, or best to just go alone? I don't see any answers to opinions either way. The big question to me is, do we rescue boats in trouble at sea? I say yes. Other than that, everybody is on their own. I want to go where I want when, I want on my boat.

Unfortunately, that means rescuing boats like this, several times.