While salvaging Zonda in the Azores, Jean-Marie

(a fellow skipper in the race) asked if I had been able to recover my race flag from the boat. He said it would be an honor to sail back to Les Sables with my flag. Just before rushing off from Horta on my return to Frace, I found Jean-Marie and handed him my flag.

Two weeks later, back in Les Sables, I had forgotten all about my flag. After a couple of days welcoming all the skippers back into port, I joined everyone at the Awards Ceremony. After all the standings had been announced and all the prizes given, I was ready to head over to the open bar and buffet line, when Jean-Marie took the stage for a special announcement.

He then recounted the story of my flag to the 500+ person crowd, explaining that upon his arrival to Les Sables, he had managed to get almost all of the other skippers to sign my flag. He then called me up on stage to present it to me, saying that in this way, he was able to insure that at least some part of Zonda could complete the race and return safely to Les Sables.

That meant a great deal to me, but I didn't have the words to express my appreciation.

THANK YOU, JEAN-MARIE! and thanks to all the skippers who had the chance to sign the flag. The flag will no doubt be a permanent fixture in my next boat.