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OFF 2013 at Tavares Florida is in the history books and, thanks to Bill John and his wonderful CRA volunteers, the event shows great promise for years to come. For the first time we were able to merge a truly safe flyby course with the parties, iconic characters and conviviality that is the true hallmark of OFF (Old Farts Forever). Founded by a combination of Offshore legends and Mercury racing "survivors" from decades past, the group has converged in mid autumn for each of the past 5 years...and plans are afoot for many more. Folks like 1000 race winner Bill Seebold (compare that to any other racer on earth and you come up well short), Alan Brown, George Linder, Cadillac McDaniels, Sammy James, Bob Idoni, Bert Serra, Mark Rotharmel, Steve Sirois, Beale Tilton, Bill Click, Bill Edwards, The La Pierre brothers, Steve Larkin, Rayner Blair, and Sweden's Formula 1 ace, Lars Strom, mingled with other ex boat racers and historic race boat collectors in a series of celebrations based on the sport we all love. At the same time historic Kiekhaefer Mercury racers Odell Lewis, and John Bakos (both men bigger than life heros back in my teen age years) chatted up a storm with South Florida racers, Charlie Wolf, Fred Darwick, and Raveau builder Bob Walwork. Into this eclectic mix came the beloved, irrascible Jackie Wilson who journeyed from England and regaled us with his stories of beating both Mercury and OMC with a unique Cosworth powered tunnel hull that somehow qualified as an "outboard". Jackie also sponsored the Golf Outing and created an incredible trophy as well. Unlimited Hydro legend Tom D'eath was also in attendance to round out the field as were many others who came and went throughout the entire weekend.

There were also dozens of vintage race boats gathered for all to watch and enjoy and the course was compact, well patrolled and civilized. At the end all of this yielded another wonderful gathering based opn a mutual love and respect for boat racing, laughter and each other. The years melt away and old stories resurface as if time was reversed and that's the whole point, to stay connected even as our remaining years may dwindle. Next year we will schedule to avoid conflict with the KW worlds and that will bring back many of our absent members including the Geico folks, Ken Warby, the rest of the Wilson family, Ben Robertson and maybe even "RF" Fountain (who have been regular attendees in years past). In adfdition we also look forward to inducting new Old Fart, Steve David who was feted in Madison, Indiana on Friday evening as part of his retirement from Unlimited Hydro racing.

For me, it was and is the highlight of my year and a chance to stretch the legs of one of our 2 Switzer Wings, Miss Diablo 3. I was fortunate enough to contribute to this gathering in other ways as well and look forward to next Autumn..at Tavares. Until then may God Bless all of the OFF brethren.