: Nick! This boat design kicks butt for me every day! But when you really need
: to squeeze ever last bit of performance from it, she has plenty of
: performance in reserve! Nick, I remember 2 years ago looking at your boats
: bottoms out in the snow behind your barn; looking at the shapes and trying
: to intuit their performance. Nick, I got a heck of a lot more boat then I
: bargained for. I know you designed this GE beast as a touring boat
: but....Wow she does a whole lot more. The more I work her, and I am
: working her very hard, the more I am impressed by her! A huge Thankyou for
: this very incredible design!

I would love to take full credit for the boats performance in such nasty conditions, but next time you see the captain of the vessel give him a congratulatory slap on the back (being careful not to hurt yourself). The best kayak in the world isn't worth a damn if the person paddling it isn't up to the challenge. Sounds like you did some great paddling.

Your story should serve as a warning to people that a lazy summer day isn't always as benign as it first appears. I am glad for whatever small contribution my design had in getting you out of a life threatening situation with your head on the correct side of the air-sea interface.