Double J and The Dude, Oysterville Regatta 2015

The wind blew fair, there was no waiting for the stragglers, and the regatta was over in record time – or so it seemed me us. In fact, we missed it entirely! We left town at 2:15 to attend a wedding, left the reception early hoping to get home for the last heat, but… not a sail in sight even though it was not yet 4:30! Wow!

The traditional Regatta Banquet began just as daylight was fading. Lina and Dave’s front yard was the setting – has been for several years –their wonderful broad porch and steps providing the perfect ‘stage’ for the Awards Ceremony and Entertainment. Last night for the first time ever a professional group was on deck (Ahem!). Double J and the Boys, were there in full nautical regalia (well, “in blue and white with touches of yellow,” said Judy) to regale us with their special brand (Ahem again!) of Maritime Cowboy Music. Fabulous!

Tucker, The Singing Skipper

But, the star of the show as far as I was concerned was Tucker who moved seamlessly through the evening as Host, Head Skipper, and, most memorably, as Singer Sailor Extraordinaire. Last year he sang one song, this year two – both with casual ease and complete delight. Yes! It will be hard not to think of him as the ‘Singing Skipper of Oysterville’ from now on.

Just last week Tucker said to me (and not for the first time) that he envied my ability to get up and talk to a group “with absolute ease.” IS HE KIDDING? There he was in front of the crowd singing acapella, looking relaxed and apparently thoroughly enjoying himself. Now that was impressive! And a little later he and his German cousins Hans-Martin and Lars did an impromptu sing-along with the band. So fun!

Judy and the Singing Sailors

It was the best Regatta Entertainment ever! And did I say that the food was to die for? We may have missed the race but we certainly were there for the perfect ending to yet another Oysterville Regatta Extravaganza. Thanks Carol and Tucker and Lina and Dave – and all the other Wachsmuth family members and friends who made the 2015 Oysterville Regatta the most memorable one yet!