As I sit in our den writing this, I can’t help but feel both excited and apprehensive at the same time.
It’s been a relatively quiet weekend, surprisingly. Tropical Storm Ophelia, or what was left of it, passed by our area yesterday and overnight. On Thursday the forecast sounded ominous. We were looking at the “almost” perfect storm. Ok, maybe not that severe, but we did have a nor’easter with a tropical system right on it’s heels. Late in the week this past week it looked like we might have two days of sustained storm force winds with a lot of rain and the eye passing right over Gloucester County. Hasty preparations were made. My super amazing wife went down to the club and helped double up lines on the moorings and take down all the canvas on both boats. We prepared as usual for the coming storm; batteries in lanterns, fuel for the propane grill, snacks to eat around the scrabble board under light of lantern, etc. Well, TS Ophelia came and went with thankfully little drama. We had some wind and a super high tide, but we came through relatively unscathed and we’re obviously very thankful for that. During preparations and awaiting the arrival of the storm I had plenty of time to think about the next podcast episode and plan its production.
From the beginning this podcast was intended to feature stories from sailors around the Chesapeake Bay. The idea started after a conversation a couple of years ago with a gentleman that I’m honored to consider a friend, Mr. Harvey Morgan. Harvey is a charter member of the Ware River Yacht Club. That particular day, I believe it was in 2021, we were gathered at the club for a lunch time social. My wife and I were at the table with three other couples; Jim and Jean Garrett, Joe and Holly Morgan, and Harvey and Mary Helen Morgan. I’ll let Harvey introduce himself on the podcast but as a glimpse, 40 years my senior, Harvey had a distinguished career as a pharmacist and then a delegate to the House of Delegates in Richmond for many years. Harvey is an absolute joy to talk with and his stories are fantastic. As we talked at lunch that summer afternoon down at the club, I thought, I should really get with Harvey and capture some of his stories about sailing. Well, I did that and the thought progressed to: I really need to share these stories. Thus, the Splice the Main Brace Podcast was born. I’ve been looking forward to this interview since the idea for the podcast formed.
As I stated up front, I’m both excited and apprehensive about this venture. I’m headed to Harvey’s house in a couple of hours. I wrote a rough outline of questions. I’m sure Harvey’s storytelling will weave together a story without much input from me. I’m excited mostly for the opportunity to share his stories with you. I’m apprehensive because the only thing resembling an interview I’ve conducted so far was the impromptu recording with Kevin and Chris during the 2023 Cape Charles Cup. But, alas, I’ll get over the apprehension and press on. As with many new podcasters, I believe, I suffer from imposter syndrome. Who am I to interview sailors and post those interviews up on the web for others to listen to? I’m not a journalist, for sure. I’m not a world-renowned accomplished sailor. Oh well, I don’t think there are many journalists (not to discount Jeffrey Wettig and his Shooting the Breeze Sailing Podcast) or world-renowned sailors beating down the doors of local Chesapeake Bay sailors like Harvey, so I will.
Today will be the first day with the new microphone setup. Not that you can tell from the audio quality of my previous episodes, but I really am working at improving sound quality. We’ll see how today goes. For now, I’m going to sign off, I’ve rambled enough. This was intended to be a teaser for the upcoming episode with Harvey, which should be up in a couple of days. I hope you enjoy it. Listen in soon!
splice the main brace 