A couple of NSA women asked if we could have an exercise where NSA women could learn the essentials of running the boat, just in case something happened. I talked to a few people, and together we came up with the NSA Women's Save-Your-Neck Exercise. On March 20, 2004, NSA women will have an opportunity to learn how to take control of a sailing vessel, should the skipper be incapacitated. This is not a sailing school. We will teach the minimum skills required to save your neck, including use of the radio, engine, sails and anchor. Meet at 0900 Saturday morning at The Harbor Club in Oriental with a bag lunch. Shore Captains will have a social at the Harbor Club during the exercises. Several boat owners have volunteered to bring their vessels, and act as mate (second in command) for this exercise. A relatively experienced female sailor will be assigned to each vessel to act as skipper and teacher (first in command). The skipper and mate will work together to help a crew of NSA women learn to control the boat and bring it home. Each boat will teach the same specific set of tasks to every member of the crew. The goal is to have everyone aboard each boat actually practice the specified tasks required to 'save your neck', by controlling the boat and bringing it home. Before the event, the specific tasks will be distributed to the NSA membership. This will be a structured, fast paced, hands-on exercise. Participants who feel they are already prepared to go beyond 'save your neck', and wish to learn how to 'save your brother', will be assigned to an advanced crew that will practice MOBJack recoveries in addition to the rest of the skills. Some women want to do this exercise on their own boat. Some women want to make sure their spouse is not aboard. Some men actually can teach some women. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. For instance, Kuheli and Windward are going to swap men, so our wives can go on their own boat, but without their spouses. Jim and Judy are going to stay aboard Kittewake together. Sherri is going to hijack Spirit, take the advanced crew aboard, and give George an open tab at the Harbor Club. Let Mac Allen know your preference. You must sign up in advance! We need skippers who can teach, boat owners who can help teach, and women who want to learn. Contact Mac Allen, by phone (336) 841-2050 or e-mail Mac@MRIBiotech.com.