Well I’m the crazy guy who took his family on the inaugural Texas-200 in an overloaded Dolphin 17, had one son go overboard in redfish bay, then capsized and was unable to self rescue in the land cut where my other son got sun poisoning. I stuck my tail between my legs at PIYC, put a For Sale sign on the boat and headed out of Texas.

I wasn’t able to sell that boat fast enough…well I just wasn’t able to sell it…okay I didn’t try very hard.

My stubbornness took over and I ended up fixing the boat, covered up my son Thomas (the one who had gotten sun poisoning) grabbed a friend and the family dog and was back in Port Mansfield for the ‘09 Texas-200. We did well. Thomas -11 at the time- had a blast and is insisting on going back. I decided to build a Michalak’s Laguna for the 2010 TX-200 and sold the Dolphin. My wife and I are planning on doing the 2010 TX-200 with both boys in the Laguna. I love to sail. Right now I have a 14’ canoe and a 14’ Super Porpoise. I don’t know if I’ll get the Laguna ready for the OBX-130 or if I’ll even be able to make the event but I sure hope that I can be there.

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John Miller

TX-200 '08 - Busted
TX-200 '09 - Completed
TX-200 '10 - Planning
OBX-130 '10- Not gonna make it

Welcome John and family!

I read your accounts with interest and sympathy. There but for the grace....

I was so glad to see your redemption in 2009! And I hope to see you in Texas in 2010. I may even be sailing a Laguna, though nor one of my own.

I do hope you can make it to the OBX130 as the area is very different from Texas and also a true delight.

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Un Abrazo.
Bill - s/v Embers Watch

That's what we up here in the (COLD) Northeast call a true success story. As always, you have to wait till the last chapter is written before deciding.

Congrats to you on your courage - especially your family for joining with you.

Your 'sig' should be inspiration for many who come after,